Town Meeting
own Meeting Minutes
Town Council Chambers
September 13, 2023| 7:00 p.m.
Call to Order
Mayor Jodie Kulpa-Eddy called the meeting to order at 7:00PM. Present were Mayor Pro Tem Chris Brittan-Powell, Councilmember Shinita Hemby, Councilmember Faustino Menjivar, and Councilmember Jason Papanikolas. Staff present were Town Manager Kyle Snyder, Town Treasurer Mike Lightfield, and Town Clerk Melanie Friesen. Also present were residents of the Town of Berwyn Heights.
Pledge of Allegiance
Mayor Kulpa-Eddy led the Pledge of Allegiance.
1. Announcements
Mayor Kulpa-Eddy read the Hispanic Heritage Month Proclamation. MPT Brittan-Powell asked for people to take care driving, as school is back in session.
2. Approval of Agenda
CM Hemby moved to approve the agenda. CM Menjivar requested to include a discussion on the drainage issue at 57th Ave/Osage St. After discussion, it was determined to add this item to the Worksession agenda for September 18, 2023 in order to have responsive documentation available. CM Menjivar emphasized his frustration at the delay. MPT Brittan-Powell seconded the motion to approve the agenda. In further discussion, MPT Brittan-Powell asked to include an agenda item to address public safety concerns including the sale of drugs at Sports Park and organized theft in the area. It was also determined to add this item to the September 18 Worksession so that Chief Antolik could be made available. CM Papanikolas moved to add the hardcopy Treasurer’s Report to the consent agenda on the website. MPT Brittan-Powell seconded the motion. With no further discussion, the motion to approve the agenda as written passed unanimously.
3. Consent
MPT Brittan-Powell moved to approve the consent agenda. CM Papanikolas seconded the motion. After no discussion the motion passed unanimously.
4. Mayor & Councilmember Reports
Mayor Kulpa-Eddy shared that the September 5, 2023, Worksession did not have a quorum present and as such was not convened, but the ARPA listening session that was scheduled did happen and thanked the residents who participated. In August, she attended a meeting with Congressman Ivey and other Mayors on ways municipalities can deal with gun violence. She shared that TM Snyder joined the Town on August 28th, with an official welcome to come in October. On September 8th, the Town said farewell to longtime staff member Yvonne Odoi who will be taking a new position with Park and Planning. Mayor Kulpa-Eddy and TM Snyder attended a meeting with the County’s Department of Health and Human Services and it was helpful to hear about the wide range of resources provided by the County, as the Town is too small to support its own social services department.
MPT Brittan-Powell noted the most significant events are the staffing changes. He added that TM Snyder has already begun working on stormwater issues for the Town.
CM Hemby also shared her thanks for Ms. Odoi and excitement to have TM Snyder on board. She requested residents to check their properties for standing water in order to help control mosquitos. She noted an incident of erratic driving she witnessed by the school and offered to be a witness as needed.
CM Menjivar also welcomed TM Snyder and gave his thanks to Ms. Odoi and wished her the best. He congratulated two Public Works employees Oscar Ramirez and Gary Stanton who received their CDL licenses. He added that the roof replacement at the Public Works yard is underway and should be completed by next week. The resurfacing on Edmonston Road is nearing completion with a few standing items. The new truck has been received. He added that there will be a tree inventory taking place by Save-a-Tree the last week of September and the first week of October.
CM Papanikolas also shared his welcome to TM Snyder and thanks to Ms. Odoi. He noted that school is in session and that the district is experiencing a continuing shortage of bus drivers and encouraged people to consider applying. He also reviewed non-capital Historic Grants available from the County and is willing to work with BHHC on those.
5. Committee Reports
a. Education Advisory Committee: No Report. Council will discuss if this item should remain on the agenda at the September 18 Worksession.
b. Green Team: CM Papanikolas reviewed their next meeting and also that the pollinator garden cleanup at the school had several attendees from the Green Team, the school, and Council. It is the first phase of the garden cleanup with more to follow.
c. Historical Committee: Debby Steele-Snyder shared that they are still interested in a .gov email address and would like to review the reimbursement process, as delayed reimbursements have been affecting their budget with nearly a third of this year’s budget already being used for reimbursements that should have taken place in the previous fiscal year. She also reviewed the upcoming meetings, including the officer elections on September 27th. The Committee is working on updating the self-guided walking tour and Oral History Project. There will be another autumn guided walking tour on October 29th. Future meeting dates include November 15 and December 20, which have been moved to accommodate the holidays.
d. Neighborhood Watch/ Emergency Preparedness: Mayor Kulpa-Eddy reviewed that NW/EP is still trying to get the trailers cleared out and hopes to have that done by the end of the year. They assisted with traffic control on the first day of school and noted there are limited numbers of County crossing guards. She mentioned that they are working to reschedule the CPR/AED training that was cancelled during the summer.
e. Recreation Council: Susan Jones shared the Rec Council has held elections and filled the positions with Leslie Wolfinger as Secretary, David Wolfinger as Treasurer, Angie Wolfinger at Co-Chair and Susan Jones as Chair. She reviewed upcoming events including the ice cream social, Trunk-or-Treat, and a new “Day of the Dead” event (with an associated art project) to be held on November 2nd. The Police Department will be holding a multicultural event on October 14th. She added that there will also be a sensory-friendly Halloween event on October 27th.
6. Old Business
There was no old business.
7. New Business
a. Reappointment of BHHC Members:
CM Papanikolas reviewed that there are several members of the Historical Committee that need to be reappointed. CM Papanikolas moved to reappoint Richard Ahrens, Sharmila Bhatia, Lee Fuerst, Sierra Langford, and Debby Steele-Snyder. CM Hemby seconded. In discussion, CM Hemby encouraged new residents to consider becoming involved and gave appreciation to the long-standing volunteers. The motion passed unanimously.
b. IT Vendor Contract Resolution:
TM Snyder reviewed the process to-date and shared that after meeting with the two finalist companies, staff recommended Now Technologies, Inc. (NTI). MPT Brittan-Powell asked about TM Snyder’s experience with NTI at his previous organization. TM Snyder shared that he disclosed his experience with NTI to other vendors and that he had a positive experience with NTI. CM Menjivar asked if the fiber work being done in Town had to do with our vendor. TM Snyder stated that it is part of Crown Castle’s work and monitored by Code Compliance and Public Works. Mayor Kulpa-Eddy asked for a motion to accept NTI as the vendor of choice. MPT Brittan-Powell moved with CM Papanikolas seconding. TC Friesen read Resolution 09-2023 into record and CM Hemby moved to approve Resolution 09-2023. CM Menjivar seconded. With no further discussion the motion passed unanimously.
c. Introduce 18-month ARPA Budget Amendment
Mayor Kulpa-Eddy gave background information on the ARPA budget to-date. She shared that Budget Amendment 189A introduces funds for a number of projects including: an Aging-in-place program, an arborist, a contribution to the Volunteer Fire Department for a utility vehicle, playground equipment updates, an architectural/placemaking consultant, and smaller programs including the Cornerstone Partnership, the pollinator program, and non-profit support for food and housing security. MPT Brittan-Powell moved to introduce Ordinance 189A. CM Papanikolas seconded. During discussion, MPT Brittan-Powell asked for procedural clarification. Mayor Kulpa-Eddy shared that this introduction will mean a public hearing can be held at the next Town Meeting. There are two worksessions prior to that meeting where updates can be made, if desired. The motion passed unanimously.
.
8. Resident & Community Comments
Susan Jones on Pontiac St asked if the ARPA budget will include funds to replenish the tree canopy. Mayor Kulpa-Eddy stated that it did not. Ms. Jones requested that funds for replenishment be considered as part of the ARPA budget. MPT Brittan-Powell asked if the tree inventory would cover private property. TM Snyder stated that it does not, but with more funding, that is something the Town could consider.
9. Adjournment
CM Papanikolas moved to adjourn the meeting. CM Hemby seconded. With no discussion the motion passed unanimously, and the meeting adjourned at 8:06PM.