Weekly Status Report - 10/8/09

MEMORANDUM

TO:               City Council

FROM:         David J. Deutsch, City Manager

SUBJECT:  Status Report

DATE:     October 8, 2009

Status Report

1.  Top Employers in Bowie

For 2009, there are 25 employers within the City who employ 100 or more people.  The Prince George's County Public Schools remain the City's largest employer with 938 employees across their multiple Bowie locations.  The largest private sector employer is once again MedAssurant with 525 employees.  A completed data table is in your package.

 2.  SHA Fence Agreement on Route 197

As requested by Council, attached is a copy of the 1967 fence agreement for the section of Route 197 adjacent to Long Ridge that was discussed at the City Council meeting.  In return for SHA constructing this fence, the City agreed to maintain this fence.    

3.  BGE Tree Cutting on Route 197 near Long Ridge

As requested by City Council, BGE has agreed in writing to extend the date on offering to implement the Right Tree Right Place (RTRP) program on Route 197 near Long Ridge from May 31, 2010 until November 30, 2010.  The also have indicated that they plan on beginning this work on October 19th and that the work in this area will take approximately two weeks to complete. 

4.  Railroad Crossing Maintenance

The work planned by CSX was to have started this week.  It is delayed until either October 16th or 30th.  Council will be kept informed as information is received.

5.  Public Art at the New City Hall Building

The City received applications from 102 different artists representing states from California to Maine who wish to be considered in the design and fabrication of the Sundial and/or Mobile at the new City Hall building.  Sixty-two (62) artists are interested in designing the Sundial.  Sixty (60) wish to be considered for the Mobile. 

The Review Committee met last night to begin the process of selecting the most qualified applicants. Additional meetings will be held in the upcoming weeks to complete the task. A tentative date of November 18th has been set to have the semi-finalists meet with Council and the community to present their ideas and gather information.

6.  City Water System Customers Can Now Pay Bills Electronically

Beginning today, City of Bowie Water and Sewer customers can pay their quarterly bills by credit or debit card from the City website.  They also have the option of signing up for automatic debit payment of the bill.  To reach the bill pay page, customers need only to click the water bill icon on the main page of the City website. We will, of course, still continue to accept payments by mail and at the Finance Department window at City Hall.

DJD/asf