Cool Spring Terrace Civic Association Meeting Minutes, December 2023

Date: December 16, 2023, 11 AM, in person at the College Park Community Center, 5051 Pierce Ave, College Park

Officers in attendance: President Kim Crews, Vice President Cynthia Baur, Treasurer Andrea Kenner; Secretary Ted Hull was absent and Cynthia Baur served as Secretary

Special Guests: Corporal Brown, PGCPD

20 neighbors in attendance (Kellie Rolstad by phone)

President Crews called the meeting to order at 11:25 AM.

1. Approval of Sept. 2023 meeting minutes: We did not have print copies of the Sept. minutes, and the membership deferred a vote to approve the minutes until the next meeting.
2. Treasurer’s report: Treasurer Kenner reported the current balance is $1160.05. She said
   she would accept dues payments at the meeting, and the new treasurer would collect dues once elected.
3. Crime report: President Crews read the crime report she had received from Officer Brown. Both President Crews and Treasurer Kenner encouraged neighbors to call 311 for any crime concerns.
   a. Neighbors in attendance reported that shots fired, a trespasser, and abandoned cars were not in the report.
   b. Officer Brown arrived during the discussion and reported that robberies in the area of Riggs Rd. and University Blvd. were of concern. The 7-11 store on Riggs had been robbed multiple times recently, and the robbers had weapons, such as crowbars and knives. There are also citizen robberies in that area.
   c. Officer Brown said that when people call 911 to report a crime, there will always be a record of the call but police won’t always write a report. The crimes that get a police report are the items that show up on the crime report distributed to the Association.
   d. Jon Robinson asked if the police could install a “shot spotter” in our area because it is often hard to tell where gunshots are coming from. Officer Brown said the county government would have to approve that.
   e. A neighbor asked about an incident of burning cars in the 2600 block of Cool Spring Rd. last year, and Officer Brown said the fire department should have responded and written a report.
   f. President Crews raised the issue of illegal shoulder parking and trucks illegally using Cool Spring Rd. as a bypass to University Blvd. and asked how we can request a traffic study.
   g. A neighbor reported a possible illegal car repair business on Rambler Place.
   
4. Old business
   1. The membership still needs to vote on changes to the Association’s Constitution, and a vote was deferred to the next meeting because we didn’t have print copies to distribute.
      
5. New business
   1. President Crews proposed the idea that Association members sign up to do one task the Association needs done so that all the work doesn’t fall to the officers. She presented a list of tasks that we will add to the website and asked for volunteers.
      1. The membership discussed the value of participation in neighborhood activities, what the Association can accomplish, and the importance of knowing our neighbors.
      2. Task volunteers
         1. President Crews agreed to continue as the PGCPD liaison.
         2. Dave Hawbecker and Brenda Marroquin volunteered to manage the Association website.
         3. Jerry Blum, Carolyn Jager, Patti Steiner, and President Crews volunteered to host meetings.
         4. Patti Steiner volunteered to be a block captain for Cool Spring Lane and Rosette Lane.
         5. President Crews, Brenda Marroquin, and William Cenac volunteered to organize neighborhood clean up days.
         6. Teena Hawbecker volunteered to print and distribute flyers about Association events.
         7. Jon Robinson moved that the Association should raise household dues to $20 annually, and Ingrid Torres seconded. President Crews asked for discussion and then called the vote. The motion passed with a unanimous vote. Annual household dues for 2024 and beyond will be $20.
            
6. Election of new officers
   1. President Crews reported that she, Secretary Hull and Treasurer Kenner were all completing their extended board terms and not running for re- election. She stated that Vice President Baur was will to stand for President and called for nominations for the offices of Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer. Kellie Rolstad (in attendance by phone) self-nominated for Vice President, Natalie Turner self-nominated for Secretary, and Carol Hurwitch self-nominated for Treasurer.
   2. President Crews distributed paper ballots, and the votes were unanimous in favor of all the candidates. The new officers for the next term are President Cynthia Baur, Vice President Kellie Rolstad, Secretary Natalie Turner, and Treasurer Carol Hurwitch.
7. President Crews called for a motion to adjourn the meeting and begin the holiday potluck. Carol Hurwitch motioned we adjourn, and Jon Robinson seconded. The meeting adjourned at 12:43 PM. Neighbors stayed and enjoyed a holiday potluck until 1:30 PM. The new officers will meet and determine the 2024 meeting schedule and post the information on the Association website.

Cool Spring Terrace Civic Association Meeting Minutes, September 2023

Date: September 23, 2023, 5 PM; ZOOM meeting

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

Special Guests: Corporal Brown, PGCPD – tabrown2@co.pg.md.us, 240-762-1849; Pamela Boozer-Strothers, PGC Board of Education District 3

11 Neighbors in Attendance

President Crews called the meeting to order at 5:04 PM. 

1. Report from Cpl Brown – No crime reported in August or September.  A number of stolen and abandoned cars reported in Cool Spring neighborhood.  Crime in the area is mostly along University Boulevard.  Drug addicts and homeless near McDonalds.
   1. No Thru Trucks enforcement – Cpl Brown requested that when they see violators to take a picture; signs are also overgrown  – report to 311 or Councilwoman Fisher’s office.
2. Review and approval of minutes from the June 2023 Meeting Minutes. 
3. Treasurer’s report – Treasurer Kenner reported the current account balance is $1,280.05.  Please use Zelle to pay dues, or send check to Andrea Kenner at 2012 Cool Spring Rd
4. Report from Pamela Boozer-Strothers – Described her school district coverage.  Active PGCPS parent.  Many concerns about traffic on Riggs Road and need to address bus driver and crossing guard shortages.  Welcomed new PGCPS Superintendent recently.  Town Hall scheduled for next week.
   1. Northern Area High School – replaces old Cherokee Lane Elementary; renovating Adelphi Elementary campus.  Construction update in October.  Developer took on cost overruns for current projects as part of the agreement.
   2. High Point High renovation – anticipated after the start of the new Northern Area High School.  No place to put High Point students.
   3. Discussed Riggs Road issued.
5. Community Issues from Carol Hurwitch
   1. County Councilmember’s newsletters – reach out to their offices to receive their newsletters – see https://www.pgccouncil.us/27/The-Council
   2. Fair Elections Commission – funding for election campaigns
   3. Remote Voting by Councilmembers
   4. Task Force on Townhouse development
   5. Expert testimony on countering increasing density
   6. Guilford Woods development watch
   7. Cool Spring Forest – Jon spoke with Councilwoman Fisher, who confirmed that she is inquiring about it being acquired as state park property.  Confirmed the small property at Cool Spring and Adelphi transferred from State Highway Admin to UMD.
6. Communications with Councilmember Fisher’s office
   1. Last newsletter from her office was June 2023
   2. Lack of responsiveness to requests about construction permits for property on Riggs Road; storage of large construction equipment; President Crews asked for a comprehensive list of issues with the property to send to Councilmember Fisher and Del Pena-Melnyk
7. Community items
   1. 311 Calls
      1. Recycle containers can be requested
   2. Various upcoming events
      1. https://www.princegeorgescountymd.gov/3672/Green-Summit
   3. Liquor Board Meeting and move of Town Hall license
8. Finalize Vote on Constitution
   1. President Crews will email out the revisions for final approval.
9. New Officers
   1. President Crews announced that three Board members will be leaving and will need to be replaced.  The election for the President, Treasurer, and Secretary positions will be held in December.

Adjournment at 6:03 pm  

Next meeting is the CSTCA General Membership Meeting and holiday gathering, Sat December 16, 2023, 11:00 AM, College Park Community Center (Lakeland Room), 5051 Pierce Ave.,

Cool Spring Terrace Civic Association Meeting Minutes, June 2023

Date: June 24, 2023, 5 PM; met in front of President Kim Crews’ house at the end of Rambler Dr.

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

7 Neighbors in Attendance

President Crews called the meeting to order at 5:07. 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. Review and approval of minutes from the April 2023 Meeting Minutes. 
2. Treasurer’s report – Treasurer Kenner reported the current account balance is $1,168.54.
3. Items of general discussion:
   1. New meeting notification signs.  Payment to President Crews per approved motion at April 2023 meeting.
   2. Report on meeting with Councilwoman Wanika Fisher in May 2023 on safety.
   3. Tree removal at Glenn Kirkland’s house at Rambler Drive and Rambler Court.
   4. Noise ordinance and parties.
   5. Trucks parked along Adelphi Road; parking in the median.
   6. Lack of property standards enforcement for property on Riggs Road near Cool Spring Rd.
   7. Trash service issues.
   8. DPIE survey on beautification and meeting in March 2023.
   9. CSTCA Constitution – agreed to one vote per dues paying household for latest revision.
4. MOTION – that the CSTCA send official correspondence to Councilwoman Wanika Fisher and DPIE documenting the issues with Bates trash removal services, specifically glass in the streets.  Motion approved by acclamation.

Adjournment at 6:03 pm  

Next meeting is the CSTCA General Membership Meeting, Sat September 23, 2023, 5:00 PM. 

Cool Spring Terrace Civic Association Meeting Minutes, April 2023

Date: April 22, 2023, 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: Sen Jim Rosapepe

Del Mary Lehman

6 Neighbors in Attendance

President Crews called the meeting to order at 11:18. She remarked on how nice it was to meet in person and thanked everyone for their work to keep the community clean and safe. Today is Earth Day please help to clean up our community green and clean.

1. Review and approval of minutes from the October 2022 and December 2022 Meeting Minutes.  One amendment was added to the December minutes to document the social activities at the December meeting,
2. Treasurer’s report – Treasurer Kenner reported the current account balance is $1,625.58.
3. State Delegation
   1. Sen Jim Rosapepe
      1. Reported that Adelphi may have been removed from District 21
      2. Introduced Kerry Fisher, community liaison
      3. Provided summary sheet on 2023 Maryland Legislative Session
         1. Highlighted tax decreases for working families and veterans; 
         2. Public safety and gun safety – needed to rewrite gun safety laws
         3. Budget surplus allowed for
            1. Tax cut extensions
            2. Modest investments in State Employee wages; high vacancy rates
            3. Save money for the future – investment in local schools; road repairs
   2. Del Mary Lehman
      1. Recreational cannabis – created regulatory framework for implementation
      2. Health care [Pena Melnyk] – worked on framework for adding reproductive rights (right to abortion) to Maryland constitution; assisted living facilities
      3. Environmental topics
         1. Renewable energy – increase wind capacity (HB 793)
         2. Invasive bamboo – allows for counties to pass legislation
         3. Veterinary shortage – expands the category of medical personnel who can administer rabies shots (like vet techs)
         4. Environmental crimes
         5. Regulate synthetic turf – legislation to provide for proper disposal
         6. Housing – rental evictions – must show you have a rental license
         7. Guide dogs – expands exemption to retired service dogs on rental requirements for pets (fees, etc)
   3. Q1 – Wind turbines — located 11 to 70 miles offshore of Ocean City
   4. Q2 – Plastic bag ban — bans can be at the county level; City of Laurel has banned plastic
   5. Q3 – Schools — Northern Area High School – Cherokee Lane has been replaced, but NAHS has not started
   6. Q4 – Maryland System Administration property – Sen Rosapepe reviewed current status and plans for Terrapin Development Corp.
   7. Q5  – Graduate Student Housing – only about 12 percent of graduate students live in state supported housing; work through Terrapin Development Corp. to develop more
   8. Q6 – Non-lawn front yard – Rain check rebate; naturalized garden
   9. Q7 – Purple Line – Issues with construction, Adelphi and University Boulevard intersection
4. Constitution revisions
   1. President Crews briefly introduced and reviewed the proposed revisions to the Constitution in the attached document:
      1. Modernize and use plain language
      2. Make more flexible and realistic
      3. Discussion about continuing role of Past President; role of Block Captains
5. New Signs
   1. MOTION – Marguerite Mickens Mosely introduced a motion to spend $451.24, plus shipping, to procure eight new Community Meeting Announcement signs. Motion approved

Adjournment at 1:25 pm  

Next meeting is CSTCA General Membership Meeting, Sat June 24, 2023, 11:00 am – 1:00 pm, at the First Church of Christ, Scientist, 8300 Adelphi Road.