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Spring Cleanup Days for Residents to Drop Off Bulk Trash and Recyclables

By

On March 28, 2023

In Announcements

APRIL 1, 2023, 7:30 A.M. TO 12:00 NOON

Department of Public Works, 9217 51st Avenue, College Park, MD 20740.

The College Park Public Works facility will be open some Saturday mornings in the Spring and Fall for City residents to drop-off bulky trash, white goods, electronics recycling, brush, and yard trim. You must be a resident of the City of College Park and bring proof of City residency to participate.

Bulk trash brought to DPW on cleanup days does not count toward bulk trash limits, nor are any fees applied for appliances, televisions, or monitors. There is a $4 fee for all tires.

PUBLIC WORKS DOES NOT ACCEPT: Brick, concrete, rock, propane tanks, hazardous materials such automotive batteries, ammunition, automotive fluids/fuels, cleaning agents, cooking oil, mercury, insecticide/herbicide, fertilizer, oil-based paints, pool chemicals, photographic chemicals, roof shingles, smoke detectors, solvents, sealants, varnishes and stains.

Wood mulch and SMARTLEAF® screened compost will also be available, you don’t need to be a resident in order to purchase.

DURING CLEANUP EVENTS, THE FOLLOWING WILL BE COLLECTED:

Fluorescent light bulbs and tubes (small quantities) – must be intact. Includes LED lamps,
U-shaped or circular fluorescent lamps, High Intensity Discharge (HID) lamps, Ultra Violet (UV) lamps, Incandescent Bulbs, Halogen or Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFL’s).

Household batteries for recycling (small quantities). This includes rechargeable batteries such as Li-Ion, Ni-Cd, Ni-MH, Ni-Zn; Single-use alkaline batteries such as AA, AAA, 9V, C, D button cell, and lithium primary. No damaged batteries; no automotive batteries.

Block Styrofoam for recycling (coolers and large blocks of packing material).

Eco Shred offers a monthly community shred event on the last Saturday of EVERY month from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at 5600 Columbia Park Road, Cheverly, MD 20785. Cost is $10.00 per vehicle, 20 box maximum, and paper is shredded on-site. 301-386-3010.

City Streets in Good Condition: Over 89% Rated ‘Good’ in Latest Staff Survey

By

On March 27, 2023

In Public Works

Each year staff surveys approximately 52.2 miles of streets and rates them 1 to 10, with 1 being the best and 10 the worst. The plan is divided into 20 subdivisions. Streets are sorted by their rating and by their respective subdivision in which they are located.

Staff inspected and rated City streets in January and February 2023, and most were found to be in good condition. Specifically, 46.8 out of 52.2 miles (89.7%) were rated good (1.0 to 3.5), 5.4 miles (10.3%) were rated fair (4.0 to 5.5), and 0 miles (0%) were rated poor (6.0 to 10.0). It is City policy to keep streets below the rating of 5.0; 100% of street miles were rated below 5.0 for FY2024. See attached chart on “FY2024 Street Miles Vs. Pavement Index” for a graphical summary of how many street miles were rated at each index level.

Please note that this report reflects the acquisition of Rhode Island Ave in North College Park from Prince George’s County, the removal of segments of Rhode Island Ave Service Roads near Edgewood Rd that have been converted into pedestrian plazas, and the addition of Morgan Ln in Lord Calvert Manor.

The City is in Year 13 of the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission (WSSC) water and sewer main replacement project program. The Edmonston Rd project in the College Park Estates and Yarrow
neighborhoods has been completed, and the roadway will be resurfaced after the sidewalk on the east side of the street is constructed.

The City continues to coordinate resurfacing efforts with Washington Gas. The utility completed multiple projects in the College Park Woods and Berwyn neighborhoods. Affected streets, including Limestone Pl, Dewberry Ln, St Andrews Pl, Tecumseh St, and 49th Ave have been resurfaced. In addition, Washington Gas has resurfaced Guilford Pl, the 5100- and 5200-Blocks of Kenesaw St, the 9200-Block of 48th Ave, and the 4800- and 4900-

Blocks of Niagara Rd. There are plans to replace additional services on Rhode Island Ave in Calvert Hills, on Norwich Rd in Old Town, and on 49th Ave and Edgewood Rd in Hollywood. We will continue to coordinate City’s pavement resurfacing program with WSSC and Washington Gas as this work progresses.

In the last 5 years, 15.5 miles of streets have been resurfaced: 3.1 miles by the City, 1.5 miles by Prince George’s County, 4.7 miles by Washington Gas, and 2.9 miles by WSSC. The remaining streets were resurfaced by a combination of utilities, private developers and the City.

Fourteen (14) streets, 2.8 miles, were rated 4.5. The FY2024 street resurfacing recommendation includes multiple streets with ratings of 4.5: Wichita Avenue, 48th Place, 49th Place, and Delaware Street.

[City of College Park Pavement Management Plan]

No Mow April – Support Local Pollinators

By

On March 27, 2023

In Environment

April is just around the corner!

The City encourages its residents to reduce or refrain from mowing their lawns in support of local pollinators during April! Participating in No Mow April is a small and easy step we can take to help early-season pollinators that are foraging for food sources and habitat.

Please send photos of early-season pollinators observed in your yard to nomowapril@collegeparkmd.gov so the Bee City committee can begin documenting the types of pollinators active during No Mow April. Questions related to pollinators may also be submitted.

No registration is needed to participate in No Mow April — the College Park City Council passed Resolution 22-R-13 to permanently designate April as No Mow Month and waive the tall grass enforcement for College Park residents during April. Signage, denoting participation in No Mow April, is optional, and the City has a limited number of these colorful yard signs available on a first-come, first-serve basis.

[City of College Park]

City Budget Proposes to Keep Tax Rate Steady, Increase Services for Residents

By

On March 25, 2023

In Budget

This past Saturday, the City Council reviewed and discussed the Proposed Budget with the City Manager and directors.

The City operates on a fiscal year, from July 1 to June 30. The budget process begins in January, with guidelines issued to department directors by the City Manager. Departmental requests are prepared and submitted in February. The City Manager met with each department director to discuss their requests. Changes and revisions to the requests and revenue projections are incorporated into the Proposed Budget, which was submitted to the Council last week.

Here are a few highlights of the proposed City budget:

Funding Sources:

The FY2024 budgeted revenue and other financing sources of $24.1 million is a 20.8% decrease, or $6.3 million, compared to the FY2023 budget. The primary reason for this decrease was the inclusion in the FY2023 budget of $7.3 million of funding from lost revenue recovery to support CIP projects, which was not available for FY2024; combined with increases in property tax revenues of $449,000, mainly a result of increased assessed values; and a $1.1 million increase in Other Taxes (Income Tax, Admission & Amusement Tax, Highway User Tax and Hotel/ Motel Tax) anticipated as visitors and other drivers of those revenue sources continue increasing to pre-pandemic levels. Please see the breakdowns of different sources below:

Property Tax Rate: The FY24 budget proposes maintaining the existing property tax rate for FY2024 at 30.18 cents

Expenditures:

The FY2024 budget proposes total expenditures, transfers, and contingency of $24.1 million, which is a 20.8% decrease, or $6.3 million, compared to the FY2023 budget. Like revenue, the primary reason for the decrease is related to the transfer to the Capital Projects Fund from lost revenue recovery sources in FY2023. That decrease netted against various increases in departmental expenditures, primarily salary and benefits related (added positions, merit and cost-of-living increases, and increased contributions to the Maryland State Retirement System) are the primary factors in the net decrease. The budget also includes a transfer to the Capital Projects Fund of $116,000 and the Debt Service Fund for $1,228,162. Budgeted expenditures are increasing almost 11% or $2.2 million. That increase is primarily attributable to almost $1 million in General Government and Administration expenditures, $456,000 in Public Services, and another $592,000 in Public Works. In addition to the salary and benefits increases mentioned above, $200,000 was added to the Economic Development budget for business assistance grants and retention efforts.

Staff Changes: The proposed budget suggests adding the following positions

  • Additional 0.5 FTE Contract Police Officer
    • During the worksession, I requested another 0.5 FTE contract police officer. In the recent City survey, residents have identified crime prevention and contract police programs as the top priority that the Council should focus on in the next two years.
  • Code Supervisor
    • To enhance code enforcement
  • Part-time Education Support Specialist
    • to support a new tutoring school program for College Park students
  • Video/Television Production Specialist
  • Event Assistant/Volunteer Coordinator
  • Part-time Animal Control Officer
    • To provide complete coverage on weekends and during leave time of the full-time Animal Control Officer
  • Part-time Emergency Assistance Case Manager
  • Facilities Maintenance Worker
  • Maintenance Worker (2)

Capital Improvement Project (CIP) Fund:

This fund is used for capital outlay exceeding $10,000. This fund summarizes the more detailed 5-year Capital Improvements Program (CIP). The CIP includes one-time capital expenditures referred to as “departmental capital,” and significant capital projects that span more than one fiscal year for completion, typically referred to as “CIP.” Some CIP projects, such as Facilities Capital Reserve, were initially created to accumulate funds for future expenditures on a project. Please see below the major CIP projects in the City:

Council Budget Requests:

City Council members also asked several requests to be included in the new budget

  1. A spring tour for the City residents to showcase the native plants at a local park. A small budget will be required to mark / label / tag the plants. Estimated cost – $2-$4K.
  2. Flashing Stops will be ordered in FY23 for 51st and 52nd Avenue. Would require in FY24=$15K for purchase and installation at 49th and 53rd.
  3. The proposed CIP includes four new camera locations in North College Park. This location would be included.
  4. The bus shelters (a) Route 1 (near the Dunkin store) and (b) on westbound Edgewood Rd, near Rhode Island Ave.-Estimated cost – $36K.
  5. $10,000 for two internship projects. This includes an interactive Online College Park’s History Internship Project ($5,000)
  6. Additional Street Lighting in Lakeland on Lakeland Road Between Rhode Island Ave. and Baltimore Ave. One wood pole available for an additional streetlight. . Estimated cost – $5K.
  7. Mural to beautify the entrance to Lake Artemesia from Lakeland and acknowledge the history of the Lakeland Community. A minimum of $30,000 is needed to work with an artist and paint a mural, but costs can vary widely depending on the design and location. The City has $75,000 in an annual fund to incentivize public art in private projects, which might also be used for this. The proposed Art and Culture Plan to be completed in FY 2024, will address the process, themes, location, and budget for public art citywide. This could be a pilot project recommended in the plan.
  8. Improvements to the walking path on the east side of Rhode Island Ave along Duvall Field (Cherokee to Blackfoot Place. Estimated cost $25-$30K.
  9. Bus Shelter for Cherry Hill Road across from Shoppers. FY23-Shelter ordered and will be installed this fiscal year.
  10. Planting more trees at the dead end of Bridgewater to provide protection from the noise on Metzerott Road. Unknown parties are walking through the debris and coming into the neighborhood. Will check property ownership. Estimated tree planting – $3-5K.
  11. Little Free Library Box Exchange is at the Community Center’s top in CPW. A box needs to be built; DPW can install it.
  12. Senior and Social Sports League Plan/Pilot: This would require establishing a recreation program/dept and hiring a recreation coordinator $50K + benefits.

Next Steps: A budget ordinance will be introduced at a regular meeting of the City Council in late April and a public hearing on that ordinance is held in early May. A budget ordinance is required by the Charter to be adopted by May 31.

 

Upcoming Washington Gas Street Repair Works

By

On March 24, 2023

In Washington Gas

Resurface Inc., the contractor for Washington Gas, will be working on street repairs throughout the City next week, weather permitting. The contractor has posted parking restrictions.

The following areas will be affected:

  • 5100-Block of Edgewood Road
  • The intersection of Edgewood Road and 51st Avenue
  • 5100-Block of Lackawanna Street
  • 9500-Block of 51st Avenue
  • 9700-Block of 52nd Avenue
  • 9800-Block of 52nd Place
  • 8800-Block of 48th Avenue

Lakeland to Have Augmented Reality Tour

By

On March 23, 2023

In Announcements

At this week’s meeting, the City Council approved its support for a $30,000 Maryland Heritage Areas Authority (MHAA) grant for the Lakeland Community Heritage .

This will require the City to provide the $30,000 cash match required from the Planning Department’s operating budget for matching funds.

This phase involves hiring an audio producer to develop the tour’s final narrative and audio content.

Phase I of the project involved developing new content for the tour in the form of photographs, gathering property records and maps, and conducting interviews. This FY2022 grant for $15,000, with a $15,000 cash match, is in the process of being closed out.

City’s Annual Survey Shows High Resident Satisfaction Ratings, Identifies Top Priorities for Improvement

By

On March 22, 2023

In Community

City’s annual residents’ satisfaction survey results are in. I want to thank all who took part in the survey.

1. Generally speaking, residents have a very positive perception of College Park. 83% rated College Park as an excellent or good place to live. 84% are likely to recommend College Park as a place to live.

2. Satisfaction with City services Is much higher in College Park than in Other Cities. College Park rated above the U.S. average in 28 of 36 areas.

3. Satisfaction with customer service is rated 38% above the U.S. average. Satisfaction with communication is rated 30% above the U.S. average.

4. Though residents generally feel safe in the community, they have identified crime prevention as the top overall priority for us to take in the next two years. Other top priorities include street repair, land use, planning, zoning and police services.

You can read the full survey results here on City’s website.

Recognizing Five Exceptional Women Leaders on Our City Council during Women’s History Month

By

On March 21, 2023

In City Council

This is Women’s History Month; I want to recognize and thank five incredible women on our City Council. You have worked tirelessly to improve our community, often making sacrifices in your personal lives to do so. Your dedication, service and leadership to our city are an inspiration to us all, and we are all grateful for your contributions. Thank you!

 

Keeping Our Residents Safe and Healthy in their Homes, as they Age

By

On March 20, 2023

In Senior citizens

Aging-in-place [photo credit: philanthropynewsdigest.org]

At tomorrow’s Council meeting, the City Council will discuss how to keep our residents at their homes safely, independently, and comfortably as they grow older. Many of our senior residents grew up here, raised their families, and worked hard to build our community. We must do everything possible to keep them here as they age rather than moving them to a retirement community or nursing home.

The program will offer residents of 62 years of age or older maximum grants of $30,000 for repairs that will improve the accessibility of the occupants, improve the energy efficiency of the home, or provide decent, safe and sanitary housing.

The applicant must be an owner occupant with a minimum one-year residency and have a total annual household income not to exceed 80% of Area Median Income (AMI) as defined by HUD. The City may prioritize applicants with incomes under 50% AMI.

The Council previously allocated $300,000 from its American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) State and Local dollars.

Program expenditures are anticipated to begin on July 1, 2023, and be completed by December 31, 2026, the ARPA deadline. Only ARPA funding is committed to the program at this time.

City staff have worked closely with Habitat for Humanity Metro Maryland (Habitat) staff to develop an Operating Agreement and Program Guidelines for the City of College Park’s Aging in Place Home Repair Program modeled after similar local programs operated by Habitat.

Berwyn Permaculture Garden Cleanup Event

By

On March 18, 2023

In Announcements

When: Sunday, March 26, 2023, 9 AM-Noon (Rescheduled)
Where: Rhode Island Ave. & Tecumseh St.

Join the Berwyn District Civic Association and City of College Park’s Committee for a Better Environment for a spring cleanup of our beautiful permaculture garden!
The City of College Park will provide all the tools and materials for the cleanup. There will be refreshments, such as donuts and coffee.

Please complete the volunteer RSVP here.


[City of College Park]

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