MEMORANDUM
TO: City Council
FROM: David J. Deutsch, City Manager
SUBJECT: Status Report/Council Poll
DATE: January 11, 2007
Status Report
1. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebrations
The Diversity Committee's program honoring Dr. Martin Luther King takes place
on Tuesday, January 16th at 7 p.m. in the Multipurpose Room. As in past
years, the program will focus on Dr. King's accomplishments through the
eyes of local students who have submitted entries in the City's poetry
contest. Finalists in the "Fulfilling the Dream" Contest have
been invited to read their entries during the program. In addition, the
Bowie High Gospel Choir will perform a few selections. The program is expected
to end before the Council Meeting begins at 8 p.m.
Attached is a schedule of
events sponsored by the Martin Luther King, Jr.
Commemorative Committee of Bowie. The schedule has been provided by Joan
Christian, chair of the Committee. Their events, which are spread over three
days,
will feature performances, discussions, and an ecumenical service. Congressman
Steny Hoyer will speak during the service on Monday, January 15, at 11 a.m.
at Christian Community Presbyterian Church on Belair Drive. Rabbi Steve Weisman
has been coordinating plans for the service.
Today's Washington Post has an article describing all of the Bowie area plans
to pay tribute to Dr. King.
2. County Council Orientation
On Monday of this week, staff provided an orientation session regarding the
City of Bowie organization for County Councilwoman Ingrid Turner and two
members of her staff. Areas of discussion included City-County cooperation,
Council priority issues, and the scope of City services, among others.
3.
Old Town Bowie Residential Façade Program Concludes
As of February 1, 2007, the Old Town Bowie Residential Façade Program,
part of the ongoing revitalization effort in Old Town Bowie, draws to a close.
Not only has this program enabled the Huntington community to invest over
$100,000 in façade projects and improve 14 neighborhood homes, it
has also provided neighborhood pride and an excellent working partnership
between residents and City staff. The project report is included in your
packet.
4. Economic Development Committee (EDC)
The Bowie EDC held its regular monthly meeting on Wednesday. Mr. Kwasi Holman
and Ms. Wanda Plumer from the Prince George's County Economic Development
Corporation (PGCEDC) provided a briefing and update on their activities
and implementation of the County's economic development strategy. Copies
of their slides are in your packet.
The Bowie EDC also began a review and analysis of the Transit Study. Last
year, Councilman Lyles asked the EDC to review the study once it was delivered
to Council. Mr. Leyden provided introductory review and analysis remarks
based on his reading of the study. The EDC decided to form a task force to
provide a detailed review of the Transit Study proposals from the perspective
of its impact on the economic development needs of the City. EDC members
Leyden, Campbell, and Ragland will form the core of the task force; they
will seek involvement and comment from the Bowie Chamber, businesses, and
other expertise. EDC Chairman Skinner asked them to have their work done
within six weeks so that the EDC can complete discussion and have recommendations
ready for the City Council after the March 14, 2007 EDC meeting.
5. BAPB Results of January 9, 2007
On Tuesday, the Bowie Advisory Planning Board (BAPB) voted to approve a 2%
lot coverage variance requested by Mr. Alvin Hall of 15563 Peach Walker
Drive. The Prince George's County Zoning Ordinance prescribes a maximum
lot coverage of 30% in the R-80 (One Family Detached Residential) zone.
Staff recommended denial of the request. The BAPB will vote on a resolution
of approval at their next meeting, which is scheduled for February 13,
2007. Upon receipt of the BAPB's recommendation, Council will have 15 days
to decide whether to review the BAPB's decision.
6.
Development Sites & Highway
Projects Outline
Attached for your information and use is a copy of the revised Development
Sites & Highway Projects Outline prepared by the Department of Planning
and Economic Development. The document provides a status for each major
development project in the Bowie and Vicinity planning area as of December
31, 2006. Additional copies are available in the Planning Department.
7. Sewer Foam Injection for Root Control
Last fiscal year, the Public Works Department located and piggybacked on
a contract for sewer root control through Baltimore County. This contract,
which was
reviewed and approved by the City Attorney, contains a renewal provision
if agreed to by both parties. The contractor, Dukes Root Control, has agreed
to renew our contract from last year with the same prices and terms. The
foam injection program has been very successful in controlling root growth
inside City sewer lines and helping to prevent sewer backups. Again this
year, we have budgeted $50,000 for this program. We will sign a contract
and issue a purchase order to Dukes Root Control in an amount not to exceed
$50,000. This notification is consistent with Charter Section 62 of the
City Code regarding cooperative bidding.
Attachments
Martin Luther King Commemorative Committee Schedule of Events
Draft Statement on Prince George's County Public Schools Proposed Budget