Cancel 2/25 CSTCA meeting

Hello neighbors, 

Unfortunately, we have to cancel the February 25 Cool Spring Terrace Civic Association meeting. We will meet in April and we are looking for volunteers to organize and participate in a neighborhood clean up day. We will discuss the Constitution revisions and vote for CSTCA officers. 

Stay tuned for the April dates.

Cynthia Baur

CSTCA VP & Communications 

FYI Listening sessions with new County Councilperson

Hello neighbors, 

Our new Prince George’s County Councilperson Wanika Fisher is holding a series of virtual townhalls with different neighborhoods. She has scheduled Thursday Feb. 2 for Adelphi/Cool Spring. Langley Park will be Jan. 25 and Hyattsville Feb. 8, all at 7 PM. The flyer is attached as a jpeg file. You must register in advance with the QR code or link on the flyer. <link to flyer>

I also want to alert you that the county will be searching for a new CEO for the school system because the current CEO is retiring. Our school board member is Pamela Boozer-Strother. Carol Hurwitch in our neighborhood knows of some groups that are speaking up about the CEO search and you can contact Carol.  

Lastly, our next Civic Association meeting will be Saturday Feb. 25 at 11 AM at the First Church of Christ, Scientist on Adelphi Rd. 

Cynthia Baur

CSTCA VP & communication

Upcoming County Listening Session on Budget

Hello neighbors, 

Please mark your calendars for 2 important listening sessions that you can attend virtually. 

Thursday Jan. 26 at 6 PM, the County CEO will hold a FY2024 Budget Listening Session. See details below,

Hope to see you there.

Cynthia Baur

CSTCA VP & Communications 

FY 2024 Budget Listening Session 

It is officially budget season in Prince George’s County, and during this time, we work to develop our County’s budget for the upcoming fiscal year, which begins on Friday, July 1, 2023. Our goal is to create a budget that allows us to continue our great work of moving our County forward, helps address the needs of all Prince Georgians, and improves the overall quality of life here in Prince George’s County.

Residents can provide input by testifying virtually during the listening session or submitting written comments. Those interested in testifying must register online by 5:00 PM onWednesday, January 25. Written comments can be submitted via email to OMB@co.pg.md.us by 5:00 PM onFriday, January 27, and will be accepted instead of, or in addition to, oral comments. Testimony will be limited to 3 minutes per presenter and one speaker per organization. Residents who do not wish to speak but still want to view the listening session can do so here. This information is also available on our Budget Listening Session webpage here.  

DRAFT Cool Spring Terrace Civic Association Meeting Minutes, December 2022

DRAFT Cool Spring Terrace Civic Association Meeting Minutes, December 2022

Date: December 17, 2022, 11 AM- 1 PM; met at Church of Christ Scientist, 8300 Adelphi Rd

Officers in Attendance: President Kim Crews, Vice President Cynthia Baur, Secretary Ted Hull, Treasurer Andrea Kenner

Special Guests: Robert Patten, M-NCCPC; Officers Jonathan Faurelus (badge 433; jonathan.faurelus@pgparks.com) and Andrikson (badge 490), M-NCPPC police

M-NCPPC Contact – Robert Patten, Trail Development Program Manager, 301-669-2522, mobile – 240-462-0040, email – robert.patten@pgparks.com

M-NCPPC Police phone numbers – Emergency 301-459-3232; non-emergency 301-459-9088; office 301-459-9088; Fax 301-577-2716

12 Neighbors in Attendance

President Crews called the meeting to order at 11:17. She remarked on how nice it was to meet in person and thanked everyone for their work to keep the community clean and safe.

1. M-NCPPC Patton – discussed the history of the Northwest Branch Trail and Anacostia Trail System; introduced the patrol officers
   1. Officer Scope of Responsibility – PG Co responsible for parks and recreation facilities; split responsibilities; dispatch should transfer to the appropriate jurisdiction of responsibility, if not need to contact dispatcher’s supervisor; all calls are reported.
   2. Trail Maintenance – whose responsibility to cut back the bushes.  Patton responded it is unclear whose responsibility it is
   3. Trash Cans – Maintenance staff
   4. Storm devastation
   5. Northwest Branch Paved trail won’t be extended North
   6. Safety Rating – how concerned should we be?
      1. Trail system pretty safe
      2. Northwest Branch initiative – patrol on foot, vehicles – two officers
      3. Incident last week at bottom of Cool Spring Rd access trail
      4. Horse patrols mainly in summer time – damaged one of the bridges
      5. Emergency call stations – limited scope and targeted video
   7. Poor drainage and mud on the trail
   8. Bamboo along the trail – look at seeing about cutting back some of the bamboo
   9. Adopt a trail program – area covered by a group from Langley Park
   10. Northern Area Maintenance – Matt Coates, Asst Division Chief [Patton will follow-up with message]
   11. Homeless people in the Park – partner will homeless shelters and relocate; homeless will come back
   12. Please report graffiti and other maintenance issues [Patton will send contacts]
   13. Patton reviewed slide deck and upcoming improvements to upgrade Fair-weather crossings; also reviewed plans for updated signage and mileage markers.
       1. Need to keep hiring in all areas; elected officials
2. Elections
   1. Motion – Move to February meeting and continue the current slate of candidates; Motion seconded and moved without discussion or objection
3. Constitution revisions
   1. President Crews briefly introduced and reviewed the proposed revisions to the Constitution focusing on Membership and Meeting Schedule; President Crews also encouraged volunteers and block captains.  Please review revisions to discuss at February meeting.
4. Treasurer’s report – Treasurer Kenner reported the current account balance is $1,430.58.   
5. Review and approval of minutes from the October 2022 Meeting.  Hull will review the October minutes at the February meeting.
6. Carol Hurwitch presented on County Civic Engagement – Our Democracy in Action.  Ms. Hurwitch discussed the new County Council and asked that everyone remind the council that they work for us and voice concerns.  Strengthen our civic association and we’re all connected.  Remember the gerrymandering situation and the press coverage.  Ms. Hurwitch presented the officers and Past President Moseley with certificates of appreciation.

Adjournment at 1:05 pm  

Next meeting is CSTCA General Membership Meeting, Sat February 25, 2023, 11:00 am – 1:00 pm, at the First Church of Christ, Scientist, 8300 Adelphi Road.  

CSTCA November 2022 Newsletter

Click to access CSTCA November 2022 Newsletter

DRAFT Cool Spring Terrace Civic Association Meeting Minutes, October 2022

DRAFT Cool Spring Terrace Civic Association Meeting Minutes, October 2022

Date: October 22, 2022, 11 AM- Noon; met outside of 8301 Rambler Drive in cul de sac

Officers in Attendance: President Kim Crews, Vice President Cynthia Baur, Secretary Ted Hull

21 Neighbors in Attendance

President Crews called the meeting to order at 11:16. She remarked on how nice it was to meet outside and thanked everyone for their work to keep the community clean and safe.

1. With the number of new attendees, President Crews had everyone introduce themselves and where they lived.
2. Treasurer’s report – President Crews reported the current account balance is $1,310.58.   
3. Review and approval of minutes from the August 2022 Meeting.  Hull reviewed the August minutes. Secretary Hull introduced the motion to approve the minutes as amended. Motion seconded and approved.
4. The bulk of the meeting covered a variety of topics discussed by attendees and officers including:
   1. Cool Spring Forest
   2. Trash pickup
   3. Community Engagement – pick up trash, encourage meeting neighbors
   4. County code enforcement
   5. Annual meetings with state delegates
   6. Adelphi Sector Plan – pedestrian and bike safety
   7. Park safety
   8. Noise and gunshots
5. CSTCA Future Meetings
   1. President Crews discussed a variety of options for future meetings
      1. Secretary Hull and Member Glenn Kirkland agreed to serve on a Constitution Committee with President Crews.
      2. Indoor meetings will be scheduled for December and February.
      3. Look to schedule outdoor or hybrid meetings for April
         1. April TBD 2023, Community Clean-Up Day
         2. June 24 2023, Meeting at the First Church of Christ, Scientist at 11:00 am
         3. September 23, 2023, Meeting on the Block. Specific location to be determined

Adjournment at 12:30 pm  

Next meeting is CSTCA Year-End Holiday Potluck Celebration, Sat December 17, 2022, 11:00 am – 1:00 pm, at the First Church of Christ, Scientist, 8300 Adelphi Road.

Cool Spring Terrace Civic Association Meeting Minutes, August 2022

Cool Spring Terrace Civic Association Meeting Minutes, August 2022

Date: August 27, 2022, 11 AM- Noon

Officers in Attendance: President Kim Crews, Vice President Cynthia Baur, Secretary Ted Hull, Treasurer Andrea Kenner

Members in Attendance: Bill, Irene, and Ryan Cenac; Jorah Fawn; Jon Robinson and Carol Hurwitch; Marguerite Mickens-Mosley

President Crews called the meeting to order at 11:05. She reminded everyone of the new protocol to use the chat box to add comments. She thanked everyone for their work to keep the community clean and safe.

1. Thinking about a new model for a community organization – Civic Association
   1. Collaborating with neighboring associations
   2. Brainstorming about a different model
      1. What other models exist? Look to university research
      2. Look to diversity of the community; materials that are language neutral
      3. Examine our organizing principles
      4. President Crews and Jon reviewed some of the successes of the CSTCA
      5. We’re here to hold public officials accountable
      6. From Carol keep it green and be involved in the election process, encourage voting; meet with elected officials; build connections
      7. Provide an opportunity to engage with neighbors and be involved.  Social engagement with neighbors.
      8. October meeting will revisit the discussion about working on a new model of engagement.
2. Treasurer’s report – Treasurer Kenner reported the current account balance is $1,338.71.   Treasurer Kenner and President Crews discussed the expenses incurred for updating the signs with ZOOM information.
3. Review and approval of minutes from the June 2022 Meeting.  Hull reviewed the June minutes. Secretary Hull introduced the motion to approve the minutes as amended. Motion seconded and approved.
4. CSTCA Future – engagement and outreach
   1. Work on a plan for October meeting.
5. New Business
   1. Jon Robinson is working on an outreach letter to Wanika Fischer with Vice President Baur.
   2. President Crews will reach out to DOE about missed bulky trash collections and recycling.

Adjournment at 11:59 pm  

Next meeting is October 22, 2022.

Cool Spring Terrace Civic Association Meeting Minutes, June 2022

Date: June 25, 2022, 11 AM- Noon

Officers in Attendance: President Kim Crews, Vice President Cynthia Baur, Secretary Ted Hull, Treasurer Andrea Kenner

Members in Attendance: Johnette Anderson, Irene Cenac, Dennis Chesters, and Glenn Kirkland

Special Guests: Rodney Taylor, Prince George’s County Department of the Environment, special assistant to the Director; District 21 Delegation Sen Jim Rosapepe, Del Mary Lehman, and Del Joseline A. Pena-Melnyk, and Denise Valladares; contact Denisemv.Rosapepe@gmail.com

President Crews called the meeting to order at 11:05. She reminded everyone of the new protocol to use the chat box to add comments. She thanked everyone for their work to keep the community clean and safe.

1. Review and approval of minutes from the February 2022 Meeting.  Hull reviewed the February minutes. Secretary Hull introduced the motion to approve the minutes as read. Motion seconded and approved.
2. Treasurer’s report – Treasurer Kenner reported the current account balance is $1,338.71.   Treasurer Kenner and President Crews discussed the expenses incurred for updating the signs with ZOOM information.
3. Representative from Department of Environment to Discuss Bulky Trash – President Crews introduced Mr. Rodney Taylor from DoE, special assistant to the Director.  Mr. Taylor provided an overview of the work of the DoE including Animal Services Division and the $5 Friday adoption program and animal control (ref www.princegeorgespets4us.com); discussed the animal laws changes and animal cruelty laws, mandatory spay-neuter laws (trap, neuter, return); pit bulls are still illegal in Prince George’s County; need to be in an agricultural / rural residential area to have chickens and roosters. Resource Recovery – bulk trash – put two bulk items out with your normal trash; bulky items should be picked up at the same time as the trash; Stormwater Management – raincheck rebate for using rain barrels; Sustainability Division – deals with drainage and flooding complaints for residential properties
4. Report from the 21st District Delegation
   1. Del Pena-Melnyk – discussed the impact of the overturning of Roe v Wade in Maryland, access to abortion was secured in 1991 in a state-wide referendum, health services also covered by Medicaid, believes we’re in good shape in Maryland with rights to be enshrined in the State Constitution next session.  Discussion concerning the impact of the change continued with discussion.  Discussed the Access to Care Bill.
   2. Sen. Jim Rosapepe – Budget and Tax Committee – gun legislation and Supreme Court decision; budget surplus – 1) put more money into savings account for recession, 2) $1 billion for capital projects – water and sewer, public facilities; 3) underfunded public services, added dental care for adults to Medicare; 4) Tax credit for retirement on Social Security retirement income, exempted child-related items from taxes.
   3. Del. Mary Lehman – Environment committee – global warming and extreme weather, areas susceptible to flooding on Eastern Shore; achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2045 – invest in the state motor pool to be electric, other conversion projects, workforce development for green energy, opportunities for small businesses, energy efficiency, and recycle program for solar panels.  Maryland public bus fleet and school buses to electric.  Rebate for electric vehicles <$50K.  Investment in State Parks maintenance backlog and improvements to park infrastructure and staffing.  Law to address pedestrian safety and conduct safety assessment when there is a pedestrian fatality on a state road. Bill about street racing and aggressive driving; vetoed by Gov. Hogan.  Also discussed investments in electric vehicle charging stations.
5. Options for Future CSTCA Meetings –In person or virtual
   1. Member Kirkland recommended continuing with ZOOM meeting and perhaps have hybrid meetings.
   2. Member Kirkland discussed holding the meeting on a weekday evening.
6. Cool Spring Election Plans-December 2022
   1. President Crews discussed the current state of the Association and the need for new officers.
   2. Treasurer Kenner discussed the new Facebook group, and shared the link – https://www.facebook.com/groups/coolspring
7. Adjournment at 12:38 pm  

Next meeting is August 27, 2022.

Cool Spring Terrace Civic Association Meeting Minutes, February 2022

Date: February 26, 2022, 11 AM- Noon

Officers in Attendance: President Kim Crews, Vice President Cynthia Baur, Treasurer Andrea Kenner, Secretary Ted Hull

Members in Attendance: Dennis Chesters, Carol Hurwitch, Jon Robinson, Johnette Anderson

Vice President Baur called the meeting to order at 11:09. She thanked everyone for their work to keep the community clean and safe.

1. Review and approval of minutes from the December 2021 Meeting.  Hull reviewed the December minutes. Member Hurwitch introduced an amendment to clarify the number of individuals testifying about redistricting and that many were unable to testify at the hearing. Vice President Baur introduced the motion to approve the minutes as amended. Motion seconded and approved.
2. Treasurer’s report – Treasurer Kenner reported the current account balance is $1,318.71.   Vice President Baur introduced the motion to approve the treasurer’s report as submitted. Motion seconded and approved.
3. Trash – President Crews discussed the new bulky trash removal process. Members shared their experiences with the new process.  Food scraps and composting – deadline to request collection equipment was Feb 20, see https://www.princegeorgescountymd.gov/2856/Curbside-Organics-Collection-Composting
4. Redistricting Lawsuit – Member Robinson reviewed the status of the lawsuit to overturn the adopted redistricting maps (Davis map) for Prince George’s County.  The initial ruling to overturn the maps was appealed and sent to the Maryland Court of Appeals.  Decision is expected on Fri March 4.  The hearing will be held as a ZOOM meeting.
5. M-NCPPC Change, Bill PG 406 – President Crews discussed a proposal to change the management of the M-NCPPC recreation facilities from M-NCPPC to Prince George’s County.  Attention to this item came from a newsletter from Councilman Tom Dernoga; Member Hurwitch discussed a video she saw about youth sports activity.
   1. Motion: Vice President Baur introduced a motion for the CSTCA to notify the 21st District Delegation to oppose Maryland House Bill 1057 at the House Environment and Transportation Hearing scheduled for March 8. Motion seconded and approved as read by acclamation.
6. Petition to Restore Term Limits – President Crews discussed the efforts to petition to restore term limits on Prince George’s County Council Members.  Petition will restore limit on two consecutive terms, twice.  Member Hurwitch will distribute petition forms.
7. Vote by Mail Registration – Discussion among the members about the vote by mail process and requesting mail in ballots.
8. Would You Like to be a Prince George’s County Election Judge?
   1. The Prince George’s County Board of Elections are looking for Election Judges who can operate the polling places and play a very important role in the electoral process. The Judge acts as a liaison between the Election Office and the general public during voting hours and is responsible for administering the actual voting procedures in each precinct. Without this individual, it would be impossible to conduct an election.
   2. The ideal Election Judge should be able to endure long hours on Election Day, and deal courteously and patiently with the public and co-workers. Additionally, Judges must ensure that qualified voters who are properly registered are able to cast their vote in a trouble-free environment. The Election Judge represents the Board of Elections process during the election. Therefore, the Election Judge must be reliable, courteous, able to follow procedures, and above all, possess good judgment.
   3. The qualifications consist of:
      1. Must be a registered voter
      2. Must be a U.S. Citizen
      3. Must be a Maryland Resident
      4. Must be at least 18 years old before the Election
      5. For more information or to apply click here!
9. Other Old Business 
   1. None.
10. Open for Public Comment
    1. None

Adjournment at 12:05 pm  

Next meeting is scheduled for April 23, 2022.

UPDATE: The Primary Elections are now July 19th. Voting is Right Around the Corner!

You Have 2 Ways to Vote– and Your Vote Really Counts.
       1) Remotely: Request a “Mail-In” Ballot to vote via USPS Mail or official Maryland Drop Box
       2) Or, you can Vote In-Person

• Why Vote in the Primary? In Prince George’s County your County Council representative in District 2 will be effectively decided by your vote in the Primary Election, as there is little activity by opposition parties in the General Election. So July 19^th is it for your County Council!
  
  
• So Be a Super-Voter! Your vote really makes a difference in Primaries because fewer residents vote in non-Presidential election years (mid-terms). In tight races, showing up with your vote can be very definitive.  Be Our Democracy in Action.
  
  
• If you do not wish to vote in-person, you Must Request a ‘Mail-In’ Ballot from the Maryland Board Of Elections (MBOE) To Vote by Mail or at an official Maryland Drop Box.  If you are already registered to vote, you may have already received a letter from the MBOE with the request form to mail back, or instructions on how to so on-line. Get on Permanent “Mail-In” Ballot List also this way. Ballots are usually mailed to you 30 days before the election.
• 
  So Make Your Plan to Vote:
  • Register, and/or check your current registration at Maryland Board of Elections
    [or WhenWeAllVote.org or Vote.org or Vote411.org.]
    
    
  • Become Informed about the candidates, the issues, what they stand for and how they are funded.  In Prince George’s County you can vote for a total 3 county council seats: Your District (D-2), and the 2 At-Large seats.
    
    
  • Decide how and when you will vote. Remote or In-person and on what date. You can vote early at any early voting center in the county you live in.
    
    
  •      For the Primary Election
        -Election Day:  Tuesday , July  19, 2022 : 7 am – 8 pm
        -Early Voting (8 days) From Thursday,  July 7   – To Thursday,  July 14, 2022: 7 am – 8 pm
        
  •      For the General Election
         -Election Day:  Tuesday , November 8, 2022: 7 am – 8 pm
        -Early Voting (8 days) From Thursday, October 27–Thursday, November 3, 2022: 7 am – 8 pm

Consider being an election judge.
The state and county has called out for election administration assistance to replenish their ranks of election judges.  Any U.S. citizen over 18 years old can help smooth the way for their fellow citizens,’ as they cast their ballots at polling places during Early Voting and on Election Day. Due to the pandemic, many older poll workers have stepped aside. Additionally with Primary election date delays, there are many more vacancies than usual this election cycle.

CSTCA Motion on the Redistricting Proposal for Prince George’s County

At the October 23, 2021, CSCTA General Membership meeting, the Association moved to oppose the County Council’s amendment to Resolution CR-123-2021 and the boundaries depicted on the “Davis Map”and instead  adopt the original map recommended by the Redistricting Commission. The CSTCA bases our objection on 

• The process used to introduce and adopt the Davis map which lacked transparency and 
• The citizenry has not received sufficient information from our Council representatives about why they voted on the amended map.

The CSTCA Board will submit a letter to the County Council voicing our objection to the Davis Map and the process in advance of the public hearing scheduled for November 16.  The Redistricting Commission map is the only map that has followed best practices of having scrutiny and input by the County’s residents and having minimal changes in the boundaries. 

To learn more, here is recent news coverage of this issue.

● Article from the DiamondBack

·  Article from Maryland Matters on redistricting news.

·  Article from the Washington Post on redistricting in Prince George’s County

On November 16, the Council will hold a public hearing on the Amended Davis Map, CR-123-2021.  You can sign up to comment here and at least a day before the hearing. We encourage you to contact Councilwoman Deni Taveras and the two at-large councilpersons Mel Franklin and Calvin Hawkins to voice your opinion. 

Mel Franklin Council Member (At-Large)                                 

MFranklin1@co.pg.md.us

At-LargeMemberFranklin@co.pg.md.us

Phone: (301) 952-2638

Calvin S. Hawkins, II Chair, Council Member (At-Large)     

At-LargeMemberHawkins@co.pg.md.us

Phone: (301) 952- 2195

Deni Taveras Vice-Chair, Council Member (District 2)        

DLTaveras@co.pg.md.us

Councildistrict2@co.pg.md.us

Phone: (301) 952-4436

Prince George’s County FY 2023 Budget

For more FY 23 County Budget information, including additional Council-initiated budget enhancements and the Chair’s remarks, visit the Council’s FY 23 Budget Portal.