Worksession
Work Session Minutes
March 18, 2024| 7:00 p.m.
Council Chambers
Call to Order
Mayor Jodie Kulpa-Eddy called the meeting to order at 7:03pm. Also 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 and Town Clerk Melanie Friesen. Also present were residents of the Town of Berwyn Heights.
Approval of the Agenda
MPT Brittan-Powell moved to approve the agenda. CM Menjivar seconded. With no discussion, the motion passed unanimously.
1. Mayor
a. Announcements
Mayor Kulpa-Eddy stated there was a closed session held from 6:32pm-6:56pm in the Council Chambers immediately prior to this meeting. She noted all Councilmembers were present and voted to close the meeting. TM Snyder was present for a portion of the meeting. The closed session was held under Maryland Code Annotated, General Provisions Article, §3-305 (b)(1) and (b)(3), to discuss personnel matters and real property acquisition. Council directed TM Snyder to explore a “Letter of Intent” on a property and also conducted a performance review of TM Snyder.
There were no other announcements.
b. Calendar
Mayor Kulpa-Eddy reviewed the upcoming calendar, highlighting the upcoming budget worksession on Saturday, March 23 from 9-3PM and the road safety listening session on Saturday, March 30th at 11AM.
c. BH Resident of the Year
Mayor Kulpa-Eddy noted that a Resident of the Year is selected annually for Berwyn Heights Day. It needs to be done in the next few weeks in order for the award to be prepared and the proclamation to be written. She asked Council to start considering who they might like to nominate. A decision will be made in closed session in early April. She noted that it should be a reflection on the actions of that resident over the last 12 months. MPT Brittan-Powell encouraged residents to make recommendations to Council.
d. Candidates Night Update
TC Friesen shared that Candidates Night will be held on Thursday, April 25th at 8PM in the Town Center. It is scheduled to be moderated by the League of Women Voters and she is working to ensure that the feedback from the previous Candidates Night is incorporated. The Town is still working on broadcast options as the broadcast equipment from that room is no longer functional.
e. Resident Comments
Resident Paul Kavanaugh was pleased to hear about the Town receiving a grant to address the tree canopy in Town. He stated that he sent a letter to Council and Staff several weeks ago and while TM Snyder responded to several issues, he did not get any replies from Council and would like to see Council respond to his questions.
2. Administration
MPT Brittan-Powell noted that administration is in good shape, working hard on the budget. The Grant Writer has been onboarded and TM Snyder reviewed that the Community Engagement (Outreach) Team will begin on April 1st.
3. Code Compliance
CM Hemby wanted to remind residents that Pops Park does not allow dogs to be on the premises, regardless of whether they are leashed or not. She encouraged residents to call either Code Compliance or the Police Department if they see someone with a dog in the park. She encouraged residents to call Code Compliance before beginning any kind of building project to determine if a permit is required.
4. Parks, Recreation, Education, and Civic Affairs
CM Papanikolas reviewed planning for Berwyn Heights Day and the Town receiving a grant to address the tree canopy. He also noted as March is Women’s History Month, that history is being made in the NCAA championship with Caitlin Clark making scoring history. Mayor Kulpa-Eddy noted the successful trivia night.
a. Education Grant Applications Review
TM Snyder reviewed the three grant applications that the Council has received, one from Parkdale High School, one from Berwyn Heights Elementary School and one from Holy Redeemer School. Council discussed the three grants and ultimately decided to ask for more information on all grant requests. The Council will review the updated requests at a future meeting.
5. Public Safety
Mayor Kulpa-Eddy reviewed two incidents that happened over the previous weekend. She reviewed a fire that temporarily closed the KFC on Greenbelt Road as well as noting that there was a police incident on Berwyn Road that is still under investigation and information will be shared just as soon as it is possible to do so. TM Snyder confirmed that it was an isolated incident.
a. Draft Automated Traffic Enforcement Ordinance Revision
TM Snyder reviewed the understanding that Council wanted to introduce an ordinance to amend the current speed and red-light camera ordinance. The ordinance before Council reflects changes to the law that have been made already, such as residential street speed cameras being made enforceable outside of school zone hours, as well as reflecting changes that might come out of the current legislative session at the State.
Council reviewed the new speed cameras being installed at the 5600 Block of Greenbelt Road. Mayor Kulpa-Eddy noted a few edits she would like to see made to the draft Ordinance. Council will look to introduce this at the April Town Meeting.
6. Public Works
CM Menjivar shared that Public Works is doing spring clean-up and is getting ahead of the game. Pepco tree trimming is still pending. He asked if it might be possible to post a few signs about the new pet waste fines. Council discussed briefly trash cans, new signs, and additional pet waste facilities. CM Menjivar asked about giving the Boys and Girls Club money now to help residents in need be able to afford sign-up fees. Council will discuss the possibility of additional ARPA spending at the upcoming Budget Worksession.
7. Adjournment
CM Hemby moved to adjourn. MPT Brittan-Powell seconded. With no discussion, the motion passed unanimously and the meeting adjourned at 7:54PM.