Weekly Status Report - 7/9/09

MEMORANDUM

TO:               City Council

FROM:         David J. Deutsch, City Manager

SUBJECT:  Status Report

DATE       July 9, 2009

Status Report

1.  Bond Ratings

The final report from each of the three rating services is attached for your review.  We certainly saw the benefit this week of the strong ratings that Bowie achieved.  If there are any questions on any of this material, please do not hesitate to contact me.

2.  BGE Pole Removal and Replacement Activity

As part of the continuing improvements to the Bowie electric infrastructure, staff met with the BGE subcontractor at City Hall this past Tuesday to discuss their plans to remove and replace all existing poles on residential lots that abut our Felter Lane boundary.  Poles located on the Firtree Lane side are not included in this work. Crews will work Monday to Thursday, on 10-hour shifts effective this Monday, for two weeks to accomplish this work.  Residents affected are being contacted directly. Users of City Hall will not experience any parking related issues.

3.  Bowie Hosts Contractor Outreach Effort

As part of the City's ongoing partnership with the Maryland Procurement Technical Assistance Program (PTAP), we are co-hosting an event for potential sub-contractors to do business with a Department of Defense contractor on Thursday, July 23, 2009 from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. here at City Hall.  The event requires preregistration; interested businesses can contact Morgan Allyn at the MD PTAP at 301-403-2740, ext. 28 or email mallyn@mdptap.umd.edu.  A copy of the promotional flyer is attached.

4.  Economic Development Committee (EDC)

The Bowie EDC met Wednesday and identified their work plan for the fiscal year.  They will begin a series of monthly meetings in September to develop and address these topics:  business retention; tax increment financing to spur desired commercial redevelopment; the third annual Business Recognition Awards; and a Bowie bus tour to reacquaint EDC members and others with the commercial aspects of Bowie.  The Chair, Vice Chair, and staff liaison will work with subcommittees between now and September to further develop the content and scheduling of the topics over the course of the year.  The next regular meeting of the EDC is scheduled for September 9, 2009.

5.  Election 2009

As of today, the following have filed for re-election:  Mayor Robinson – Mayor; Councilmember Brady – At-Large; Councilmember Valentino-Smith – At-Large; Councilmember Trouth – District 4; Councilmember Marcos – District 1; Councilmember Turner – District 3; Councilmember Polangin – District 2. 

6.  Street Resurfacing

Please see the attached list of streets to be paved.  It now includes the three additional streets added as a result of Council’s action this week.