Good Evening Takoma Park Ward 1,
I hope you are faring well through leaping into day light savings time. We don't have a particularly long agenda this week, but things are getting busy in our community. I hope to see you at one of the events below.
Best,
Shana
Go Solar-Tuesday 7pm-9pm March 12, 2024-Please join us for an information session lead by Takoma Park’s Sustainability Manager Dorothy Estrada. Registration is helpful but not necessary if you haven’t had time to do so.
Conquer Kids’ Cancer Fundraiser-Community member Jim Blau has organized an event at Takoma BevCo this Saturday from 2pm-4pm. Please join us in supporting the acceleration of cancer research. https://www.stbaldricks.org/events/takomapark24
Dance Exchange-This Saturday March 16, 2024 7:30-9:00 pm the Dance exchange will celebrate the work of Judith Bauer, who creates an inclusive dance space to be accessible as people age. https://www.danceexchange.org/spark
Community Crossroads CSA-As you are considering CSAs for this summer, please consider the Community Crossroads which helps support farmers that continue to show up for our community in many ways.
Police Chief’s Advisory Board-We currently have vacancies on this board. Please consider applying to join and also please spread the word to other Takoma Park residents. https://takomaparkmd.gov/government/boards-commissions-and-committees/police-chiefs-advisory-board/
Village of Takoma Park-Our local volunteer group which provides support to residents aging in place is seeking new volunteers. Please consider working with them.
City Council Meeting Agenda - Wednesday, March 13, 2024 7:30 PM
For The Record
Legislative Update
Public Comments On Voting Items & General Public Comments
Comment in person or via Zoom
VOTING SESSION
After weeks of public comment we find ourselves prepared to pass a resolution calling for a bilateral ceasefire in Gaza. I will vote in support of this resolution.
2. Second Reading Ordinance Amending the City Code to Ban Combustion Engine-Powered Leaf Blowers (PDF)
I will vote in favor of this resolution. Both DC and Montgomery County have made similar code changes. Montgomery County is developing a rebate program to “offset the potential financial burden of making the conversion from gas-powered leaf blowers to electric leaf blowers.” It will be helpful for our residents for us to follow a similar timeline to Montgomery County’s. The code change makes it the homeowner’s responsibility to be aware of the ban of gas powered leaf blowers. The City will have an education campaign to inform residents.
I will vote in favor of this resolution. Takoma Park sought and received a grant to tend to safety concerns with the Washington McLaughlin School site. City staff has been working with the owner of the McLaughlin School site for many years to explore new uses for the property. I appreciate our staff’s patience in working through this process and that the owner hasn’t yet found a project that feels right for them. It is important to secure the building while ideas are still being explored. I hope that the owner is able to find a project that is a shared benefit between the school site and the woods nearby, such as a nature oriented preschool.
PRESENTATION
Chief DeVaul will join us to report out about crime in Takoma Park. Crime has increased in Takoma Park over the past year, as it has throughout the DC region. I am currently working to schedule a community meeting for Ward 1 and the Takoma Park Police Department. If there is anything in particular you would like to talk about at that meeting, I would appreciate your help in planning by letting me know what is important to you to discuss.
WORK SESSION
5. Council Budget Working Group Update
The Working Group will provide the City Council with its recommendations and we will decide how to direct staff accordingly.