Meeting Minutes: April 2018

Date: April 21, 2018

 Officers in Attendance: President Marguerite Mickens-Mosley, Treasurer Anika Halota, and Secretary, Michelle V. Rowley.

Also in attendance: Taylor E. Brown (Program Manager Transforming Neighborhoods Initiative (TNI)), Michael Harris (Constituent Services Director, Deni Taveras), Ari Kapner (Tesla Solar Energy), D. Michael Lyles, Esq., (Executive Director, PG County Human Relations Commission), Norberto Martinez (Langley Park Civic Association), Deni Taveras (County Council Representative – District 2), Senator Victor Ramirez (Candidate for State’s Attorney),

Members in Attendance: Approximately 32

1. Welcome/Gathering
   • The meeting was called to order at 11:09 a.m. with President Mickens-Mosley presiding and introduced the meeting’s speakers and adjustments to the agenda.
2. Announcements and Officers’ Reports:
   • Treasurer Halota provided an update on the Association’s account, which presently stands at $1632.00.
   • The minutes from February 2018 were read and approved.
3. Announcements/Reminders Candidate Forum and “Clean Up, Green Up.”
   • President Mickens-Mosley updated the membership on plans for the upcoming Election Forum. The forum’s planning committee has been working to host a meet-the-candidate forum for candidates running for county council, as well as the three delegate seats for the District. The goal is to ensure that it is held before the primaries. The Forum has been confirmed for Saturday, May 19^th from 2-4 pm at the Christ Scientist Church, 8300 Adelphi Road.  Member Carol Hurwitch volunteered to help with the planning.
   • Clean Up/Green Up: Member Kim Crews invited members to support and participate in the upcoming Clean Up/Green Up event, which is to be held on April 28.  Last year, those who turned out were only able to cover Cool Spring Road.  Greater participation needed if we are going to cover the entire community.
4. Agenda Item V: Norberto Martinez (Langley Park Civic Association)
   • We were joined by Mr. Martinez, who brought greetings from the Langley Park Civic Association. He introduced his organization and provided an overview of their programming and upcoming events. These included:
     • Candidate Forum
     • Clean Up Green Up
     • Family Walk
     • Langley Park Day
     • Health Fairs
     • Back to School Jam (school supplies for elementary/middle and high school students)
     • Soccer Team (there is a need for soccer fields)
   • Mr. Martinez noted that the Association has plans to become a 501C3 as well as expressing an interest in maintaining an on-going relationship with the CSTCA assisting each other with various projects and events.
5. Agenda Item VI: Ari Kapner (Tesla Solar Energy)
   • Kapner gave an overview of some of the company’s accomplishments by noting that the company’s Tesla Power Wall was the first product to go off grid, it is presently back ordered.
   • Tesla’s goal is to create the first off-grid utility. Solar, he noted, allows you to have predictable bills.    In order to acquire the service the consumer needs to pass a credit check and their roof needs to qualify.  Roof does not need to be new, if work needed company can help with financing. Once unit installed, it can often take up to two months for PEPCO to inspect; following on the inspection, they will change meter to a net neutral meter.
   • In the company’s overview, Mr. Kapner noted that buying the system outright was analogous to buying your power thirty years in advance at COSTCO.  He reminded the Association that there are tax credits that in play for 2019.  Further, he pointed to another of their products, the solar battery, analogous to having your own “clean generator.”  This battery is designed in such a way that the hardware does not change, rather, future updates will come directly to the system to keep it up to date and functional. When asked about solar roof shingles, he noted that these are still in development. Primary reason to go solar – a good balance of savings and care for the environment.
6. Agenda Item VII: Taylor Brown (Transforming Neighborhoods Initiative)
   • The Transforming Neighborhoods Initiative (TNI) was started in 2012 under County Executive, Rushern Baker.  The Initiative was designed to consolidate and centralize services by bringing them to the community.  The Initiative began with six communities (of which Langley Park was one, Norberto Martinez, present at the meeting, was able to speak of the TNI’s successes in his community.)
   • Community teams are made up of a representative from the various county agencies and they work together and with the community to provide support for needs and community based leadership. Before leaving, they work to ensure that a strong community leadership team has been established. While CSTA is not one of the Initiatives target areas, TNI can still provide support if we work with one of the designated areas e.g. Langley Park.
7. Agenda Item VIII: COPS Report
   • President Mickens introduced our new liaison officer, Raymond Musse.  Our former liaison, Cpl. Tiwari, is now serving as a resource officer in Bladensburg.
   • Officer Musse noted that he was aware of and attentive to the issue of speeding on Adelphi Road.  Members alerted him to a single-car, fatal accident which occurred at 4:30 am (04/21) in the proximity of the National Archives.
   • Member Halota asked if there was a way of knowing about police-related activity in the neighborhood (e.g. helicopters flying overhead).  Officer Musse indicated that would be no immediate way to know, and if there were concerns members could call the nearest station or him directly.
   • Members gave Officer Musse an overview of issues that continue to be of concern to the community. These included:
     • Noise (decibel/time) – Officer Musse indicated that it was important to call in these complaints and to secure a case number that he can then use to keep tabs or generate a report. He noted that homeowners could be fined for noise violations.
     • Ongoing dumping of materials, yard waste and mattresses along Cool Spring Road. In those instances, Officer Musse asked that we take note of the tags, as well as take pictures to send to 311.
     • Barking dogs – Recommendation to call ASPCA, Animal Control to conduct a site investigation.
     • Music – Clubs beyond allowed hours, but unable to say exactly where the noise comes from. Officer Musse observed that these were hard to shut down, but in numbers, folks calling repeated can make a difference.
     • Speeding: Speeding on Cool Spring Road has increased since the installation of NO PARKING sign.  Adelphi Rd also has seen an increase in speeding, particularly, near 26^th Pl where an accident occurred that morning.
     • Culverts along CSR are also in need of cleaning. Rainwater floods streets because the drain is clogged with rotting vegetation and debris, as well as overgrown vegetation.
     • Bates Recycling: combining trash and recycling onto one truck. Leaving debris on roadway, broken cans, up to 66-day wait for can replacement
     • Traffic lights on Adelphi Rd. & University Blvd. Old and new lights hanging. New installs are still not operational months after installation.
     • Need for a picture speed trap along Adelphi Rd. to curb speeding.
   • Officer Musse contact information: Raymond I. Musse, RIMusse@co.pg.md.us , POFC Musse#2943, COPS-A District I
8. Agenda Item VII: Impromptu Addresses – Attending Candidates and Representatives
   • Senator Victor Ramirez: 
     • Sen. Ramirez reminded the membership that until redistricting occurred, he represented Cool Spring Terrace for twelve years in Annapolis. He voiced his continued commitment to the community and asked for the membership’s support in his bid for State’s Attorney.
     • Ramirez reminded members when he represented our district and still loves the area.  He spoke about programs he developed and legislative passed.  For instance the 24-hour Crisis Information Line (Ramirez to forward information and website link).  He has held several Town Hall meetings and has worked with our Councilwoman Deni Taveras in sponsoring a Work Release Program.  Ramirez stated that more resources are needed in the state’s attorney office in order to address non-violent crimes.  Much involvement from the private sector is needed.  (Click here https://victorramirez.com/ for more information on Senator Ramirez’s campaign for State’s Attorney)
   • Councilmember Deni Taveras
     • Taveras gave an update on the 2019 Proposed Budget and the budget listening session.  She gave a brief overview of the status of the county budget and proposed revenue and expenses. Councilwoman Taveras reminded members she is running for a second term for District 2 County Council, and had recently participated in the Langley Park Candidate Forum, as well as participating in the CSTCA forum on May 19^th.   Taveras reminded the membership that she has always been and will continue to be accessible.  As a resident of the area shares our concerns. Several members brought up issues with our Recycling and Trash Collection Service.  Mr. Michael Harris, Director of Constituent Services and Community Outreach for Councilwoman Taveras collected the concerns from members to address with the agencies and provide assistance in resolving issues.
9. Agenda Item IX: D. Michael Lyles, Esq. Executive Director for PG County’s Human Relations Commission
   • Briefly spoke about the increasing problem of Human Trafficking and the increasing problem in the county.  Mr. Lyles stated many predators rely on the fact that their victims often have “uncontrolled access” to the internet, which is the primary problem with enticing and luring young girls and boys into the human trafficking arena.  Mr. Lyles and his department have started educating residents in the county about these problems, as well as steps for prevention.  He distributed a Public Awareness Poster and gave the Human Trafficking Website and number.
   • Human Trafficking – formerly titled “prostitution” has increased considerably in the county. Many young girls are being forced into this activity and their ages range from 11 to 25.  Another matter is “Domestic Servitude” or modern-day slavery.  Because of these problems, the county developed a Human Trafficking Task Force.  Regulation was passed to address the issue.  It is a criminal offense in the state of Maryland, and any person under the age of 18 is automatically considered a victim.  The Task Force has been instrumental in identifying and closing residential brothels that have popped up in rural areas.  They also finding it happening more and more in apartment complexes.  Massage Parlors are also prevalent in the county and another problem being addressed.  Mr. Lyles has worked with Councilwoman Deni Taveras in closing numerous brothers just in the Langley Park area.
   • The Department of Justice provided a 1.3 million dollar grant to collaborate with agencies across the state to deal with the crisis of human trafficking.  Hotels are a target as some are accepting money from these individuals for sex trafficking.  Sadly, 40-50% of these victims are juveniles.  Homeless children are often victims.
   • Member Cynthia Baur asked if they go into the schools to address this issue directly with students and teachers, educating them on the hazards.  Mr. Lyles answered in the affirmative but the reduced grant they were provided (150K) doesn’t provide enough funds to reach out to every county school.  Therefore, only five schools in the county are available to receive this education.  When working with the schools, they [the Task Force] can only send certified individuals (e.g., Nurses, Coaches, Principals, Counselors, etc.).  The reason for this is those who go into the school to speak need to have the expertise and experience.  Volunteers need to understand and empathize with the victim so they can effectively communicate and relate.  However, Mr. Lyles states it is the goal of the Task Force to have this education become a part of the school curriculum.
   • A question was asked about volunteers:  Mr. Lyles stated volunteers will need to be trained but are used mostly for speaking engagements.  The budget of $150K is to cover the entire county. Mr. Lyles’ department has over 900 employees and this money is being used for Training and Educational Materials. As most of the materials have been developed, but more funds are needed.
10. Old Business:
    • School Buses:  Are still U-turning, and backing up on neighborhood streets even after the no parking signage.  The signage prevents residents from parking on or near the curb opening up the line of visibility but is not enough for buses to maneuver. Unfortunately, residents are still parking in these marked areas.
    • Crosswalk at 26^th Place and Adelphi Rd. Signage from DPWT has yet to be installed as was stated at our October 2017 meeting.  President Mosley sent a follow up email to Carolyn Ward, DPWT’s Community Liaison who sent the message to their Technical Engineers who stated they would review the area and signage to see if the current signs were large and visible enough. They did not address if a digital pedestrian sign would be installed.
11. Motion to Adjourn
    • President Mosley thanked all the guests for their time and valuable information.
    • President Mosley reminded the members and guests in attendance about the CSTCA Candidate Forum.  The Forum has been confirmed for Saturday, May 19^th from 2-4 pm at the Christ Scientist Church, 8300 Adelphi Road.  Volunteers are still needed to assist with set-up/clean-up, as well as technical assistance with the PA system.  Glenn Kirkland has agreed to moderator the segment for Delegate and we will have a High School Student Volunteer – Ellie Reyes who will moderate the segment for County Council.
    • A Reminder about the neighborhood clean next Saturday, April 28^th.  We will meet at 8:30 am at President Mosley’s home.  A continental breakfast will be provided and a pizza lunch upon conclusion.
    • Meeting adjourned at 1:35 p.m.

Next membership meeting will be held on, June 23, 2018.

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CSTCA April Minutes 2018

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Newsletter: June 2018

Message from the President

Greetings Neighbors, Members, and Friends! I hope you enjoy this issue of the CSTCA Newsletter. April and May were busy and productive months for our association and we accomplished much.

April was our annual Clean-Up/Green-Up Day. Several members and students came to support and assist with this effort, in addition to several members who donated funds. Thank you to all who volunteered! The weather was lovely and our post clean-up pizza party capped a worthwhile day of community improvement. We were able to clean up all of Cool Spring Road! Surprising how much trash accumulates along the roadside and in some cases, in front of residential homes. We arranged for water-logged carpets,  windows, tires and more to be picked up and carted away. CSR remained litter free for about three days!!! I say that because several days later I had to call to have trash picked up by Park & Planning after someone dumped debris on the recently cleaned stretch of Cool Spring Rd. A week later a neighbor caught someone again dumping on Cool Spring and I also noticed a mattress was dumped on the state site of CSR. Thanks to Park & Planning and DPWT for removing those items so quickly. Should you see anyone illegally dumping, I urge you to get the license tag number and report it 311 and send an email to the leadership so we can following up. To catch those who are illegally dumping we need a license tag number and/or make and model of vehicle. Better still would be a photo capturing the action as well as vehicle details.

Our April membership meeting provided some interesting topics and speakers. We had candidates stop in and greet us and topics included the increasing problem of Human Trafficking in PG County, a second Solar Energy presenta- tion, the Transforming Neighborhoods Initiative (TNI), a representative from the Langley Park Civic Association, and we met our new COPs Liaison, Officer Ray- mond Musse. Many thanks to Cpl. “T” for his time and efforts. Cpl. T has been reassigned as a school resource officer.

In May, we held our Candidate Forum for the 2018 Primary Elections. Partic- ipating were candidates for County Council, Dist. 2 and State Delegates for Dis- trict 21. Unfortunately, we could not include those candidates for At-Large Coun- ty Council or the Board of Education. Judging by the number of candidates; we can hope that a lot of folks are fired up to serve our communities.

The CSTCA wasn’t alone in hosting a forum, many other associations and organizations held candidate forums, several of which I personally attended. This election is proving to be very important and I urge you all to conduct your research on each candidate so you are able to cast an informed vote; to vote intel- ligently and not emotionally so we get the best candidate in office. As usual, the CSTCA does not endorse or support any one candidate and will remain neutral.

REMEMBER: whoever wins the election is the candidate we will have to work with to secure resources and services for our community. Voter information (listed on right-side of this page) has been provided in this newsletter. Please get out and vote. I urge you all to visit the CSTCA Facebook page and Website. Facebook needs the frequent visitors so the page remains active. Also messages of importance are posted there as one of the vehicles we use to communicate with members. The cost of printing is not always feasible and very costly.

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In this issue:

• Message From The President
• 2018 Election Primary
• 20178 CSTCA Candidate Forum
• BOE Candidates
• Dine & Learn
• Vacancy
• New COPs Liaison
• PG County Events
• Council Connect
• February Meeting Minutes
• April Meeting Minutes
• Important Numbers To Keep
• Becoming A Member

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CSTCA Newsletter – June 2018

Meeting Minutes: February 2018

Date: February 24, 2018

Officers in Attendance: President Marguerite Mickens-Mosley, Treasurer Anika Halota, and Secretary Michelle V. Rowley.

Also in attendance: Mr. Zachary Hare, Solar Energy World Representative, Candidates Mr. Matt Dernoga, Ms. Candace Hollingsworth, Mr. Ashanti F. Martinez, Ms. Deni Tavares and Constituency Outreach Officer for Councilor Tavares, Mr. Michael Harris.
Members in Attendance: Approximately 16

I. Welcome/Gathering

The meeting was called to order at 11:16 a.m. with President Mickens-Mosley presiding.
Michael Harris apologized for his absence from a previous meeting,meeting; this was a result of a recurring knee injury. The Association welcomed him and extended our wishes for continued recovery.

II. Announcements and Officers’ Reports:

• Treasurer Halota provided an update on the Association’s account, which presently stands at $1632.00. The Association gave an end of year gift of appreciation to the church ($200.00).
• The minutes from December 2017 were read and approved.
• The agenda was then re-ordered to first facilitate the candidates who were present followed by Mr. Hare’s presentation.

III. Candidate for the Maryland House of Delegates (District 22), Mr. Ashanti Martinez
Candidate for the Maryland Hose of Delegates (District 21), Mr. Matt Dernoga
Candidate for County Council (District 2) Ms. Candace Hollingsworth, Mayor of Hyattsville
Candidate for County Council (District 2) Ms. Deni Tavares, Incumbent

Mr. Martinez realized that we are not in his district only after extending a request for time at the Association’s meeting. He used his time to outline why he was running for office, these reasons included the urgent need for new leadership from folks who share their community’s values and the need for new, younger energy.

Matt Dernoga then spoke to the Association. In his presentationpresentation, he centered his commitment to environmental issues and highlighted previous work done on this issue – as a student at the University of Maryland (UMD) he was a member of UMD for Clean Energy, advocating for clean energy solutions, and he worked to establish an Office of Sustainability at UMD.

At the county level (District 1) he has worked to pass thirty different pieces of legislation – some of the highlights include code enforcement, discontinuance of polystyrene, increasing minimum wage, addressing food insecurity through improved access to locally grown food.

He noted that he was running on a platform that was pro-environment and pro-labor. He was committed to maintaining A+ constituent services, and that it is possible to get hold of him within a day or two at the most.

He has continued to walk the communities and signaled his willingness to walk with the Saturday CSTCA Walking Group. His community walking sessions have highlighted concerns about litter, a desire to protect trees and environment and he identified himself as an ally on these issues.

Member Ted Hull asked the candidate about his willingness to sponsor a bottle deposit bill.

•  Candidate Dernoga noted that there was momentum for such a bill in 2015, this died off and it would be important to think about how to re-energize the process. Momentum, he noted, is challenged by the local departments that benefit from this recycling, there is concern that such a bill might siphon resources away from those agencies.

Member Andrea Kenner asked the candidate to speak to improved options for the removal of hazard waste.

• Candidate Dernoga noted that on an issue like that he would be willing to work with the council member to advocate for safe removal of hazardous waste because those issues are addressed at local county meetings.

Member Cynthia Bauer asked the candidate to talk about the communication strategies he uses to communicate with constituents.

•  Candidate Dernoga observed that his preference was for door to doordoor-to-door contact and that this was going to be a feature of his time in office, not just in election years. He has found that there is no better way to find out what the issues than to walk the streets. He has also used social media and has worked to use a range of differentof different platforms.

Member Mickens Mosley (M) asked the candidate to speak to his commitment to the youth, particularly the need to have more young people involved in the political process.

• Candidate Dernoga noted that the critical hours for young people are 3-6 p.m. when they get out of school. He noted that he intends to make a push in terms of going into schools and classroom and talking about how he got involved in politics. He spoke to the importance of working with young people of color who might serve as role models. He noted that he has been pro-active in terms of inviting young people into core campaign meetings so that they can see how the process works.

Candidate Dernoga was followed by candidate for Council, Candace Hollingsworth.

Candidate Hollingsworth, current Mayor of Hyattsville, provided an overview of her background. She is originally from Memphis, Tennessee, she moved to Hyattsville MD, and her children are in the local public school system. She is driven by the desire to build a community that her children, when adults, will see as a place that they would like to come back home to – a place with professional opportunities, cultural assets, and diversity. Will work collaboratively toward change.

She highlighted the importance of customer service – and that county administrators needed to take the lead on this. She emphasized her aversion for poor public service and committed to leading by example on this.

Member Michelle Rowley asked the candidate to speak to the young people caught in the Deferred Action Child Arrival (DACA) debate as well as deportation threats to members of the Salvadoran community.

Candidate Hollingsworth observed that responses to these issues were indicative of a community’s moral compass. She noted that in her capacity as Mayor of Hyattsville, one of her very first meetings was with CASA de Maryland. She has worked collaboratively to gauge interest in extending community based votes to no non-citizens, to strengthen community policing so that individuals can report crimes without fear of retribution, and to establish an Immigration Services Working Group – tasked with coordinating resources so that various departments can have greater synergy with each other. This Working Group she noted was subsequently supported with funds from the Vera Justice Center and support from Councilor Taveras.

She also noted that Hyattsville has signed on to the amicus brief emerging out of San Francisco. This brief aims to push back against removal of resources for cities that have been identified as “sanctuary cities.”

Incumbent Councilor Deni Taveras then spoke briefly. She pointed to her very active presence in the community for the last four years. She pointed to the tangible examples of her commitments, these included key pieces of legislation and initiatives such as “Take Pride in our Community Initiative,” her work to curb willful evictions, attention to trash collection, curbing the presence of prostitution brothels and beer houses. She also pointed to her work on to reduce residential overcrowding in rentals, as well as her support for immigration services and language access. Councilor Tavares also noted that she has been very aggressive in asking for funds for the District and has brought 1millon dollars into community and has invested 50 million into repaving roadways.

She concluded by reiterating her support toward the protection of the Cool Spring Forest. She encouraged the membership to reach out to her with our concerns.

IV. Zachary Hare, Solar Energy

Mr. Hare began his presentation by thanking the Association for the invitation and noting that inthat in light of increasing environment threats – chemical leaks, fracking, oil spills, climate change – there are significant advantages to going green.

He noted that in terms reducing greenhouse gases solar is second only to wind. In one month, Mr. Hare noted that a 1 kWh solar system prevents 170 lbs. of coal from being burned and 300 lbs. of CO2 from being released.

He also noted that 35 million Americans have made switch to solar power and that solar costs are now down given that demand has increased.

He also noted that the recent administrative 30% tariff that was placed on solar related imports will not affect his company’s pricing.

Solar, he informed, is installed every 2.5 minutes in the United States. It is reliable, given that the satellites are powered by solar, it is easily adaptable, there is no need to have someone come out to do maintenance, they monitor the system from afar if something goes wrong.

Member Andrea Kenner asked Mr. Hare to speak to the structural integrity needed, e.g. if the roof secures a leak what happens. Mr. Hare noted that the company offers a roof penetration warranty and that they do not install on roofs that do not have the right integrity. If the owner wishes to change their roof at a later date, the company will come out to remove and replace the system, nominal charge for the service. He also noted that Solar Energy emerged out of a merger between a solar company and a roofing company. If a new roof is needed prior to installation, they are able to replace the roof at cost.

He further explained that the installation method used by Solar Energy avoids damage, when bolts are used they can sometimes explode – his company uses a “rail system.” They do not offer systems that track the sun and HOAs he noted can restrict the mode of installation but legislatively, they cannot refuse homeowners who wish to install a system.

Member Carol Hurwitch asked about shade coverage, how can a potential consumer know how much of the roof will need to be covered in relation to shade and the orientation of the room. Mr. Hare noted that his company works with software that simulates shade given pitch and weather history for your zip code. They come out and do sun-eye readings before designing a system. He advised folks that it is always better to have the company come out rather than assume that your home was subject to too much shade for solar. He advised against purchasing a solar back-up battery system at this point, noting that the technology was still very much in its infancy.

Member Hurwitch asked about the company’s willingness to work with community co-ops, if there was a critical mass in order to facilitate a discount. He noted that the company does offer this possibility but the number has to be fairly substantial to be cost effective, they recently won a bid in Montgomery County, but this was a grouping of 150 people.

Federal and State Subsidies
Mr. Hare then noted that there are a number of incentives to help offset the cost of installation. These include:

•  Federal Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit of 30% of qualified expenses, which rolls over if not all claimed in a given year e.g. a 30,000 system would yield a 9,000 Fed. Tax credit. This is locked in at 30% through 2019.

State and Local Solar Incentives

• $1000 Maryland Energy Administration (MEA) state grant for systems that are smaller than 20 kilowatts (kW), is located at your primary residence, and that your installer has the standard certification.
• For residents in PG County there is a $5000 property tax grant for purchasing or a $2000 grant for leasing.

He also noted that it is possible to sell your SRECs solar credits (energy generated but not used)– he did however alert the Association to the fact that SREC credits are more beneficial in DC than in Maryland. In Maryland 1SREC = $8.00, in DC it is worth $400.00 (supply/demand – greater buy in for solar in Maryland)

Member Andrea Kenner raised the question of aesthetics– the panels just aren’t attractive, what might that do to the value of your home.

Mr. Hare noted that the newer panels are flat black and tend to be a bit more attractive. He noted that a Berkeley study found that the installation added value to the home and he also noted that it is factored into Fannie Mae appraisal of homes.

Finally, he summarized by observing that when questioning whether solar is too expensive it is important to remember the incentives, the fact that electricity rates have increased by 4.5% over the last decade, that electricity grids are old, some unsafe and the maintenance of this old system is being passed on to consumers.

He noted that his company offers a very competitive option to purchase $0 incentive financing, 18month delay on repayment to give you time to acquire your tax credit. They also offer financing at 2.99% for 12 years

For those wishing to lease this is possible with the option to purchase at a later point in the agreement. The systems come with a 20-year warranty. And for those interested in leasing, you may not be eligible for the larger incentives but you do get  $2000.00 credit from the county.

He also noted that in terms of home re-sale, it is more likely that your home will be purchased by a younger person, and generationally there is even a greater interest in solar driven homes.

V. COPS Report

President Mickens Mosley conveyed the report on behalf of Cpl. T. We were reminded that if we see something suspicious, we should call 911, if an object, do not pick it up as this tampers with evidence.

VI. New Business

Candidates’ Forum
President Mickens Mosley announced that the Association was working to host a debate for candidates running for Delegate and Council. She noted that the goal was to have it scheduled before the primaries. Invitations will be extended to surrounding associations.

The Executive Board is presently exploring a location for the event.

Member Hermitt Mosley (H) suggested the possibility of a membership meeting in the coming month (March) to help facilitate the process.

President Mickens Mosley noted that the Executive Board would consider a special meeting if planning does not align with Association’s existing schedule of meetings.

Member Carol Hurwitch volunteered to help with the organization of the debate

Clean Up/Green Up

President Mickens Mosley solicited support for the community’s clean-up day. Members who turned out in 2017 were only able to complete Cool Spring Road. Point persons for this upcoming activity are Members Kim Crews and Cynthia Bauer.

Member Hurwitch thanked the invited speakers, and reminded the membership that Tom Dernoga, father of Matt Dernoga, wrote the legal brief that helped the membership to save the Cool Spring Forest.

Motion to adjourn 1:15

Next meeting will be held on April 28, 2018.

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CSTCA February Minutes 2018

Newsletter: February 2018

Message from the President

Hello Neighbors! As mentioned in December, we now publish the CSTCA Newsletter in quarterly editions. Yes, the publication was not due until March, however, we have some important information about residential parking and an exciting workshop planned for our February meeting. We will resume our quarterly publications with the June edition.

NO PARKING ANYTIME areas. Information was sent notifying residents of parking changes. DWPT Installed no parking signage on February 13th in areas they previously designated. Realizing this is news to some, they may provide a grace period to allow time to acclimate. We were told about these changes at our October 2017 meeting by representatives of DPW&T. Additionally, several email notifications were sent and postings on our Website and Facebook page. Enforcement will occur with police patrols; however, enforcement also depends on residents contacting County Click 311 and making a report. Alternatively, one can contact the Revenue Authority. These changes may present an inconvenience, but it is still in the best interest and safety of the community. This also improves pedestrian safety, and helps prevent damage to parked cars.

Great news! We have a Solar Energy Workshop planned for the February meeting. There has been increased interest in solar energy and many homes in the area have already converted to solar energy. The workshop will have representatives available to answer any questions you may have. Come out and participate in this informative event.

Spring is coming and our Walking Group meets each weekend (weather permitting). If you would like to join the Walking Group, we meet each Saturday morning, 7:30 am at the park entrance to the Northwest Branch Trail on Cool Spring Road. Come out…join us…get healthy, get/stay in shape and make new acquaintances. We walk between 3-5 miles each Saturday, which may seem daunting, but time and distance are not noticeable when in great company with lively conversation. We would love to have you join us!

Lastly, the association is always in need of volunteers. If you would like to volunteer some time, let us know. The more active we are, the more we get done. The more we get done, the better our community will become.

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In this issue:

• Message from the President
• 2018 Meeting Dates
• TheBus Service / PG County Transit Vision Plan
• Solar Energy Workshop
• Areas for NO PARKING ANY TIME
• Northern Gateway Working Sessions
• February – Black History Month
• December Meeting Highlights
• COPS
• Important Numbers to Keep
• Becoming a Member
  

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  CSTCA Newsletter – February 2018

Meeting Minutes: December 2017

Cool Spring Terrace Civic Association Meeting, December 16th, 2017

Officers in Attendance: President Marguerite Mickens-Mosley, Vice President Ikem Ukachu, Treasurer Anika Halota, and Secretary Michelle V. Rowley

Also in Attendance: Councilor Deni Tavares and Representatives from the Department of Public Works and Transportation (DPW&T), Mr. Samuel Isenberg and Ms. Courtney Ward.

Members in Attendance: Approximately 20

Welcome/Gathering

I. The meeting was called to order at 11:13 a.m. with President Mickens‐Mosley presiding.

Announcements and Officers’ Reports

II. Treasurer Halota provided an update on the Association’s account, which presently stands at $1592.

III. The minutes from October 2017 were read and approved.

Agenda Item IV: DPW&T Representatives

DPWT Representative, Ms. Courtney Ward, noted that many people tend not know the breadth of the work done by the Department and provided the Association’s members with an overview their scope of activities. These activities include, for example, the maintenance of approximately 2000 miles of roadway, 3000 acres of grassy area, road maintenance when it snows, storm drains and traffic signals among other things. They are also the umbrella department for the sub offices of Administrative Services, Transportation and Highway Services. By way of additional examples, Ward noted that it is DPW&T’s traffic engineers who assess the need for speed humps in a community; they also hold responsibility for The Bus, which now manages twenty fixed routes, and offers para-transit services such as taking folks to dialysis.
dialysis.

Ms. Ward also informed the Association about their range of community maintenance and beautification programs:

• Adopt‐a‐Road program– requiring only just four clean up required a year once a site has been selected.
• Clean Up, Green Up – a spring and fall program that provides communities with the need materials to clean their communities.
• Neighborhood Design Tree – removal of hazardous trees and replanting program.

The representatives reiterated the importance of using the 311 Click reporting system as the primary reporting mechanism and the best way to get non‐emergency requests into the system.

Members were then able to lay out specific community related concerns, which included:

• A request to have a felled tree on University removed, left behind by contractors.
• Replacement of the faded “No U‐Turn” sign on Adelphi and Cool Spring.
• Request for a flashing pedestrian crossing light on 26th and Adelphi.
• Need to clean drains. In winter water spills on to Adelphi Road becoming a sliding hazard when it freezes.

The representative, Mr. Isenberg, indicated that he would address these issues in the following week.

Among other concerns raised with the representatives were:

• The community’s disappointment about the decision to not place a traffic light on Cool Spring and Riggs. The Association maintains that it is a driving hazard for members entering on to Riggs from Cool Spring. Riggs Rd is a state maintained road and the SHA study results did not conclude enough evidence to warrant a traffic light.
• The lack of follow‐up after complaints made to 311. To this point, they reminded us to place an email contact along with all requests submitted. 311 processes requests in order received but prioritize in terms of emergencies because
• Need for a sidewalk along Adelphi and University.

The community thanked the representative for the upkeep of median strip along Adelphi.

Mr. Sam Isenberg, who took the community’s transportation specific requests, followed Ms. Ward’s presentation.

As a follow‐up to the community’s inquiries about the parking permit process, the community requested clarification on the process needed to have handicap‐parking 3 signage installed. Isenberg noted that if permit parking is instituted, those individuals who have long‐term help and caretakers will be able to have their caretakers park in the community with the use of handicap‐parking permits, requests for these need to be made to the Motor Vehicle Administrative. It is possible, he noted for a household to have 3‐4 permits, up to 72 hours.

Mr. Isenberg reported on the recently concluded assessment of parking in the community. As part of his general assessment, he noted that cars cannot stay in place for longer than 72 hours, commercial vehicles two hours. He identified a few parking hot spots in need of redress; these include Pawnee, 26th Place, Navajo, Osage and Cool Spring Roads. The department’s primary concern is that emergency vehicles will have difficulty navigating these streets.

To this end, he noted that The Department of Public Works and Transportation has deemed it necessary to mark “no parking zones” at intermittent points along the following streets:

• Corner of 26th Ave and Cool Spring, extending along 138 feet on Cool Spring (in the direction of Riggs Road)
• Along 26th Avenue (east side) and along Pawnee and Navajo (north side).

These signs will be intermittent (alternate sides) to allow for sight distance of vehicles (particularly emergency vehicles, school buses), thereby increasing safety of members of the community, cars and incoming vehicles. DPWT has already laid down the street notation. If any of the above is unclear, then look for the white notation that is presently on these streets, these will mark the location of the new signage. DPWT representatives also reminded the membership that parking is not allowed within 30ft of any “STOP” sign.

Agenda Item V: WSSC / HomeServ Curb-to-Home Water Plan Protection

Representatives from WSSC were invited to attend the meeting; they asked for additional time to prepare and will come to February. The WSSC representative who communicated with President Mickens‐Mosley indicated that the HomeServ Protection plan is optional, does not originate from WSSC and is primarily intended for homes with older plumbing systems. WSSC is in the process of repairing the mains and are using HomeServ to provide support for customers should there be any curb to home damage or any related damage that might not be covered by traditional home insurance. They noted that this was the plan that was used in Baltimore during their infrastructure upgrade and is presently 4 being suggested for our area. They recommended getting it as a precaution; members were encouraged to decide after doing their own research.

VI. COPS Report

There were several stolen vehicles with the closest activity being in the Chatham 3400 block.

VII. New Business

Membership was asked to contribute to District 47’s upcoming toy drive, scheduled for December 21st at Mexico Lindo.

The membership extended birthday greetings to Councilor Tavares. President Mickens Mosely represented the Association at her recent birthday bash.

Members of the CSTCA walking group alerted the membership to the gang graffiti tags on the Northwest Branch Trail. This has been reported to the community’s police liaison. If you see any other graffiti tags, please let us know.

Motion to adjourn 12:23 at which point the membership proceeded to their planned Christmas celebration.

Next meeting will be held on February 24, 2018.

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CSTCA December Minutes 2017

“No Parking” on Cool Spring Rd at 26th Ave

The following text is quoted from a letter sent to residents along the affected area. Please keep this in mind in case you drive to the NWB trailhead to walk – popular parking spots are no longer allowed!

“Dear Resident:

The Department of Public Works and Transportation (DPW&T) recently investigated parking conditions along the north side of Cool Spring Road in front of your residence and we are writing to inform you of the findings. DPW&T’s Traffic Safety Division determined that vehicles parked along the north side of Cool Spring Road near 26th Avenue create a potential traffic safety concern.

Specifically, we determined that vehicles parked along the north side of the Cool Spring Road are forcing westbound Cool Spring Road motorists to cross the double-yellow center line into the eastbound travel lanes. Over the last three (3) years, this situation has led to several collisions involving vehicles traveling in opposing directions (head-on) and parked vehicles being struck. It should be noted that the Maryland Vehicle Law prohibits vehicles from parking in a manner that decreases the width of the travel lane to less than nine feet wide or forces a motorist to cross the center line of a roadway.

To address this concern, we have determined that the appropriate traffic safety option requires prohibiting parking in this area in order to provide for a travel lane of a  sufficient safe width. In January, DPW&T will install “No Parking Any Time” signs along the north side of Cool Spring Road, beginning at a point approximately 115 feet wets of 26th Avenue and continuing east to a point approximately 400 feet east of 26th Avenue. The parking prohibition area includes the frontages of 2500 Cool Spring Road through 2510 Cool Spring Road and along the side of 8300 6th Avenue. The signs should be installed within the next two (2) to three (3) weeks, weather conditions permitting. Also, we regret to inform you that it is not possible to install “tree box cut-aways” (thereby creating a parking bay) at this location since the width of the pavement is insufficient to accommodate parking and the required two (2) lanes of travel.

While we recognize the inconvenience that the parking prohibition action may create for residents in the area, DPW&T is responsible for providing a safe travel environment for all County citizens. If you have any questions or need additional information, please feel free to contact Mr. Armen Abrahamian, Chief, Traffic Safety Division, Office of Engineering and Project Management, at (301)883-5641.”

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CSR “No Parking” letter pdf