Weekly Status Report - 7/15/10

 

MEMORANDUM

 

TO:               City Council

FROM:         David J. Deutsch, City Manager

SUBJECT:  Status Report/Council Poll 

DATE: July 15, 2010 

Status Report

1.  Supermajority Issue

A question regarding a potential requirement for a Council supermajority vote was raised during the discussion on July 6th about the Tax Increment Financing (TIF) policy.  Please see the attached City Attorney opinion.

2.  Marketplace Pine Tree Removal

As part of the BERAP program, BGE is proposing the removal of approximately 56 pine trees that currently separate Marketplace from five residential properties on Scarlet Lane and one residential property on Superior Lane.  At the request of JBG Rosenfeld, owner of the Marketplace, a meeting was held on Tuesday, July 13th between representatives of BGE, JBG Rosenfeld, Mayor Robinson and City staff to explore whether some or all of these trees could be preserved while still staying within the parameters of the BERAP tree cutting and trimming guidelines.  Unfortunately, pine trees are some of the most problematic trees in Bowie, and these trees are located in close proximity to a primary electric line that serves several hundred customers.  JBG Rosenfeld is concerned about this removal because these trees are part of their landscape compliance required by the County/Commission.  They are also submitting their plans shortly for redevelopment of this center and are concerned about the impact that the loss of these trees will have on that submittal.  They are also concerned about the cost to re-landscape this area if these trees are lost.  BGE would offer the standard reimbursement of $5,600 ($100/tree removed), but JBG Rosenfeld estimates that this re-landscaping could cost over $40,000.  Several options in lieu of tree removal were proposed by JBG Rosenfeld.  They are going to put these options in writing to submit to BGE
for their consideration by the end of the week.  BGE proposes to consider these suggestions and respond back to JBG Rosenfeld by next week. 

Should it be determined that the pine trees on the Marketplace property need to be removed, City staff will notify the six residential properties on Scarlet Lane and Superior Lane in writing of this proposed action.  Representatives from Lewis Tree Service have already spoken to these residents and communicated the extent of tree work on the residential properties and the proposed work on the Marketplace property.  Some tree work has already occurred on the residential properties.  Most of the existing trees on the residential property will be retained, but some will still need additional trimming.  The trees that remain on the residential property will help to buffer those properties from the Marketplace.  Staff will continue to keep City Council updated regarding this matter.      

3.  County Environmental Legislation

On Tuesday, July 13th, the Prince George's County Council approved County Bills CB-26-2010 through CB-33-2010, regarding Green Infrastructure Plan implementation.  The most major bills, CB-26-2010 and CB-27-2010, represent significant milestones in improving the County's Woodland Conservation Ordinance.  Many of the City's recommendations were included in the legislation and the City was a major proponent in the process of passing the new laws.  Although the building industry was generally supportive, a small number spoke against specific aspects of the package.  Those speaking in favor included former Mayor Gary Allen, Pam Cooper of the Western Shore Conservancy, representatives of the Anacostia Watershed Society and Partnership, staff from the City of Greenbelt, and City staff.

4.  COPS Funding

A year ago an application was submitted to the Department of Justice (DOJ) for funds to pay salaries and benefits of ten officers.  As with most of the applicants a year ago, Bowie did not receive any funds.  The applications totaled $14 billion and there was only a $1 billion appropriation for the Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) program.

Staff has just updated the 2009 application, and in accordance with DOJ direction, the necessary documentation has been submitted to support a revised request for two officers.  If approved, the COPS funds will pay the salaries and benefits for two officers for a three-year period.

Decisions regarding the revised applications are expected in early September 2010.

5.  Internet Safety for Children

The Education Committee is planning an Education Forum on the topic Internet Safety for Children, for the 27th of October at 7:00 p.m., in the Multipurpose Room at City Hall. The presenter will be Marlene Trestman, Special Assistant to the Maryland Attorney General.  This forum will be open to community members and will be of most interest to parents, grandparents and others who spend time with children where computers are available and they may be using the internet.

6.  Vacuum Leaf Loader

The Adopted Fiscal Year 2011 Budget has allocated $16,300 for the purchase of a new vacuum leaf blower for the City’s Leaf Collection Program.  An ODB LCT 600 belt-driven vacuum leaf loader is available via a Fairfax County purchase order PO10137225 for $16,239 with all terms and conditions remaining the same.  As provided by Section 62 of the City Charter, this will serve as the required seven (7) day notice of intent to issue a purchase order to Old Dominion Brush Company for a total amount of $16,239.

7.  Job Fair

The proposed Job Fair associated with the City Hall construction project has been scheduled for Tuesday, July 27th.  Representatives from subcontractors will attend to hand out cards and take resumés.  Hamburgers and hot dogs will be provided. One person from the community has been hired by the masonry subcontractor.  Once we have more specific information, we will advertise this event on our web page and cable TV channel.   We will also contact the local papers as well.  

DJD/asf

Attachments