Weekly Status Report - 11/18/10

MEMORANDUM

TO:               City Council

FROM:         David J. Deutsch, City Manager

SUBJECT:  Status Report

DATE:  November 24, 2010

Status Report

1.  Transit

Last week Mayor Robinson and staff met with Laurel Mayor Craig Moe and John Powell, the CEO of Central Maryland Regional Transit (CMRT).  CMRT is providing transit service in the Laurel area and Anne Arundel and Howard Counties.  The organization is exploring the possibility of expanding service in Prince George’s County.  This was merely an introductory meeting and no specific proposals were advanced. 

2.  Storm Drain Marking in Pointer Ridge

On Saturday, November 13th, a local Eagle Scout candidate, Russell Van Buskirk, along with members of his troop and other volunteers installed 108 storm drain markers in the remaining portion of Pointer Ridge.*  This project was carried out under the supervision of the City's Watershed Manager and helps meet the requirements of the City’s National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit on file with the Department of Public Works.  Staff intends to continue expanding this program to mark all storm drains in the Middle Collington Branch subwatershed as funding and volunteer availability allow.

*The area is roughly bounded by Mitchellville Road to the north, Mitchellville Road and an imaginary line south from Village Baptist Church to the Pointer Ridge Drive/Philmont Lane intersection to the northwest, Pointer Ridge Drive to the west, Route 301 to the east and Penn Manor Lane to the south.

3. Tall Oaks Crossing Speed Humps

The traffic calming zone proposed for Pin Oak Parkway is now in place.  The speed humps were installed by the contractor on Monday, November 22nd.  The signs were installed by City staff. 

4. Police Chief Recruitment

Staff met with Mr. Mercer last week to begin the process for the recruitment of the next Chief.  Mercer has provided a tentative timeline which calls for interviews in mid-February and the selection within a few days after that.  The date of December 8 has been selected for a public forum to provide an opportunity for members of the community to offer opinions regarding the qualities desired in the next Chief of Police.  That meeting will be held at 7:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers. 

DJD/asf