Police, Traffic & Public Safety Committee

Town of University Park Council Committee on Police, Traffic & Public Safety Thursday, October 27, 2016 Conference Room University Park Town Hall 6724 Baltimore Avenue Present Committee Members: James Gekas, Council Member, Ward 2; Roy Alvarez, Council Member, Ward 7 and Committee Chair Guests: Lisa Banks-Williams, Resident of University Park; David Caskey, Council Member, Ward 5; Michael Wynnyk, Chief of the University Park Police Excused: Linda Verrill, Council Member, Ward 4; Michael Cron, Council Member, Ward 6; Joe Thompson, Council Member, Ward 1 The meeting was called to order at 7:05 PM. Because there was no quorum present, the meeting was held to discuss information only. Agenda 1. Discussion of Town meetings Chief Wynnyk has attended and possible actions needed Chief Wynnyk discussed his contacts with a citizen’s group from Town and the men’s group from Word of God Baptist Church. The discussions centered on community policing, the role of the police officer in conflict situations and the need for residents to be vigilant and report suspicious behavior. 2. Discussion of crime deterrence strategy and an approach to community policing as requested by the Mayor and Town Council Ms. Lisa Banks-Williams reported her concerns about activities she and her neighbors have witnessed in the Town Park, particularly in the evening. She asked for more police patrols in the park, particularly after dark. Ms. Banks-Williams said that she and her neighbors will be more diligent about calling the police when they see inappropriate activity in the park. Chief Wynnyk noted that the Town Park closes at dark (Town Code, Chapter 5, PARKS AND RECREATION, Section 5-101 Hours, Parks are open for general use between the hours of 6:00 AM and two hours after dark. No person shall enter or use the parks between 11:30 PM and 5:30 AM. . . .) so no one should be there in the evening. He said the area is patrolled regularly and he will advise the Town officer on duty in the evening to be aware of the concerns. The Chief promised to park a police car in the area near the park to help discourage unlawful activity there. With reference to crime deterrence strategy and community policing, Chief Wynnyk cited his contact with the groups mentioned in agenda item 1. He also noted that the Town Police Department will be presenting a Public Safety Forum to be held on Saturday, November 5, 2016, from 3:30 to 6:30 at University Park Elementary School. Page 2, PT&PS Meeting 10/27/2016 3. Discussion of possible approach to pedestrian and bicyclist safety on Clagett-Pineway (Council Members Caskey and Alvarez) Council Members Caskey and Alvarez discussed a possible solution to the difficulty of pedestrians and bicyclists to move safely on Clagett-Pineway, particularly between Clagett Road and Pineway. It is a heavily traveled section of Town for pedestrians, bicyclists and motorists. There are no sidewalks on the street and there is parking on both sides of the road. Chief Wynnyk noted that the Town engineer, Mr. Sidhu, estimated putting in a sidewalk in that stretch of road would cost approximately $50,000. Mr. Caskey and Mr. Alvarez have been working on developing a cost effective way to increase safety for pedestrians and bicyclists in the area. The Council Members discussed the possibility of making the southern side of Clagett-Pineway a no parking zone. They expanded on an idea originally suggested by Chief Wynnyk that a “sidewalk” could be painted on the road in that area, with lane markers installed to discourage motorists from driving on the “sidewalk.” The painted “sidewalk” would connect the concrete sidewalk on Pineway to the concrete sidewalk on Clagett Road. (See attached “crude” drawing and pictures of lane markers and possible “sidewalk” paint schemes.) It was noted that many cars park on that section of road which may make it inconvenient for residents if parking is eliminated from that area. It was also noted that lane markers would make it difficult for the plow to clear the area after a snow storm. Those at the meeting encouraged Mr. Caskey and Mr. Alvarez to contact homeowners on that street by mail to get their input in the process and to discuss their concerns. 4. Old Business None 5. New Business None The meeting was adjourned at 8:20 PM.