Month: February 2018 Page 1 of 3

At last night’s meeting, the City Council decided to adopt a new City Charter with one small amendment that clarifies voting requirements in case of future Charter amendments. Instead of a supermajority (6 out of 8 votes), the Council will now need a simple majority to amend future Charter changes. The Council made the supermajority change last year, however, it was brought to the City by MML (Maryland Municipal League) that the voting requirement was in conflict with the State law.

The original motion (18-CR-01) was to make other changes to the Charter, most significantly one being the inclusion of the term “legislative body”, which includes the Mayor and Council. Several residents expressed concerns about these changes. The amendment was adopted with 6-2 votes. Councilmembers Kennedy and Rigg opposed the measure.

The Council plans to discuss changes related to the legislative body at a future worksession.

Recently, the College Park City Council voted in support of MD Senate Bill 651, a bill to prohibit certain uses of expanded polystyrene food service product in 2019.

The City letter states that expanded polystyrene is used in wide range of packaging. The polystyrene products do not break down and can be found in landfills, waterways, and roadsides.

Prince George’s County and Montgomery County have already banned certain uses of this product in food establishments, and the Council strongly supports State legislation for a similar ban. Carryout food from restaurants in these counties generally must be placed in products that are recyclable or compostable.

The Bill SB 551 should reduce polystyrene litter and reduce the negative impact of polystyrene on wildlife.

In a 2014 report, MDE noted that, in Maryland, only Caroline, Howard and Washington counties, as well as the city of Baltimore, accept EPS for recycling. Montgomery and Prince George’s counties have restrictions on EPS items.

Starting in 2016, Washington, D.C. banned EPS products in restaurants and businesses.

According to sites like Infantry Landscaping, the City Tree and Landscaping Board (TLB) has recently suggested a set of revisions to the City’s existing nuisance or property maintenance ordinances. See here for a better understanding.

The suggested changes are mainly focused on the naturalized, native or managed Landscaping with Rock Gardens.

• TLB’s main recommended considerations included:
  Limiting overhang or flop-over of the naturalized planting onto neighboring property or right-of-way – no encroachment allowed
• Establishing setbacks from property lines for the naturalized planting. Setbacks could be variable on different sides of the property (front, side or rear). The setback area would need to be maintained at an identified lower height
• Naturalized plantings might only be allowed in rear or side yard, which can be modified by hardscaping contractor; not permitted in front yard; (d) A maximum plantable area for the naturalized landscape of the plantable area on the lot(not occupied by buildings, structures or other improvements) of the property
• Possible requirement for a minimum number of, or at least an annual cut-down (trimming/mowing) that includes a time period and a maximum height; and
• Naturalized plantings are absent of identified noxious weeds, as identified in a published state or governmental publication. The TLB is also recommending the following secondary considerations: (a) Naturalized planting locations could be marked with a sign
• Removal of prior vegetation done by a landscaper might be required from the naturalized plant area and planted by human or mechanical means using seeds or transplants;
• Height limit of naturalized plants
• Granting an exemption if the garden is designated as a habitat garden or bay friendly planting, especially if planted with native plants.

According to staff, TLB’s suggested ordinance standards/requirements should allow for ease of understanding and enforcement by Code Enforcement Officers. I, do however, agree that we have to be careful that they do not cause more restrictive overreached to residents.

At this week’s Council meeting, the City Council reviewed TLB’s recommendations and discuss possible amendments to the City Code. Staff and TLB plan to work on possible ordinances and come back to the Council in future.

At this week’s Council meeting, the Council approved a resolution supporting Maryland State House Bill HB672 “Do Not Block the Box” bill. This bill is coming for the second time in MD State House. It passed in House last year but didn’t go past the Senate committee for a vote on the floor. According to Del. Carr, this year, the companion Senate Bill will come for the hearing in April.  Here is the full text of the letter we sent. If you are concerned about preventing this gridlock, you may wish to contact Delegate Barbara Frush (District 21), Barbara.Frush@house.state.md.us, immediately. She is a member of the E&T Committee, which will be hearing the bill today.

————-

Delegate Kumar Barve, Chair

Environment and Transportation Committee

Room 251
House Office Building
Annapolis, MD 21401Annapolis, MD 21401

Re:  HB 672  Vehicle Laws – Intersections – Prohibited Acts

Dear Chair Barve and Committee Members:

During our City Council meeting on February 20, 2018, the City Council voted to support HB 672.  This “don’t block the box” legislation supports safe driving habits and practices that reduce congestion at signalized intersections.  We believe it will help strengthen a driving culture that keeps intersections clear and increases safety on our major roads.  We appreciate the work your committee has done on this bill and other transportation bills to increase safety.

On behalf of the City Council and our residents, I respectfully request your continued support for this legislation.

Sincerely,

Patrick L. Wojahn

Mayor

Cc:       Delegate Barbara Frush, 21^st District

Delegate Ben Barnes, 21^st District