City Council Worksession Preview: March 15

The College Park City council will convene for it's twice-monthly worksession Tuesday at 8 p.m.

Meetings and worksessions are held in the Council Chambers on the second floor of City Hall, located at 4500 Knox Rd.

Presentation on Proposed Final Design of Sunnyside Skate Park

In 2009, the city received a $250,000 grant from Prince George's County for the construction of a skateboard park. The city established a committee of local skaters, residents and representatives from the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning  Commission (M-NCPP) to come with a concept for the park.

The specific design has been in the works for some time now, as there was (Park and Planning feared that a bowl on the scale desired by skaters would be both dangerous and difficult to maintain.) A compromise of a four-foot bowl was eventually reached, with the understanding that the city of College Park would help maintain it and that a broom would be provided so that skaters can clear any debris that clutters the bottom themselves. If the council approves the design tonight, it will then go to Park and Planning for final approval.

UMd. for Clean Energy Green Buildings Proposal

The University of Maryland Students for Clean Energy will present ideas for implementing a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) standard for College Park buildings. LEED certification requires buildings to meet a number of different green standards, from method of construction to stormwater management to HVAC systems. The council will discuss the feasibility of adopting LEED standards into city code, though the city's control over private buildings is limited.

The City's Website and Use of Social Media

The city is considering revamping its website in order to make it a more useful and up-to-date tool for residents. City staff has proposed hiring a web designer for this task, which, based on data from neighboring cities, will likely cost around $15,000. The council will also discuss establishing a presence on the social networking sites Twitter and Facebook.

The Thirsty Turtle's Request to Reconsider Revocation of its Liquor License

This item was postponed from last week's council meeting. So there's no confusion: the Thirsty Turtle is gone for good. But Turtle owner Alan Wanuck is asking that the license be considered voluntarily surrendered to the liquor board rather than forcibly revoked, as the revocation would appear on his record. A bit of background: the county liquor board after the bar was caught serving alcohol to two underage police aides. Another hearing was scheduled for Nov. 10 to discuss Turtle's involvement in a knifing incident, which was the culmination of a fight that originated at Turtle and included at least three underage patrons. At the latter hearing, Wanuck's attorney Linda Carter said that no further discussion would be necessary, and before the board could reach a decision. 

On Tuesday, the council will discuss whether they support Wanuck's request to the liquor board to wipe clean his record.

Ordinance to Require Proper Maintenance of Bamboo Growth

The council will revisit this item after it was postponed from past worksessions. Bamboo is incredibly fecund, and if left unchecked, will happily spread from one yard across many yards. Though growing bamboo is legal, the city will look into implementing a "good neighbor" provision similar to one in place in Takoma Park, in which the city will have the authority to issue a citation and fine if they receive complaints about out-of-control bamboo.