All posts by Ryan Kelly

City Council & Mayor Blog, News

A message from Mayor Kate Stewart to the City of Takoma Park Community

 

Our country and community are facing a fast-evolving public health crisis. As we face this crisis, we do so together.

It is times such as this that we are reminded that we live in a wonderful community and have an incredibly hard-working, dedicated staff.

For the last few weeks, the City staff have been preparing for the events that are now upon us.

The state and county have announced widespread closings of public facilities and out of an abundance of caution, the City is also putting in place closures. All of this is to minimize contact with others that could spread the coronavirus that causes COVID-19.

Tonight, on March 13th, at 7 pm, the City of Takoma Park facilities will be closed to the public. Almost all meetings, events, classes, and sports will be closed to the public through at least Sunday, March 29.  The Community Center, Library, Rec Center and public access to Public Works will all be closed.

All essential services will continue. Police officers will continue to work, and public works employees will continue to collect trash and recycling. Other City employees will work at home, as well as they are able to. We will be consistent with the State and County approach to the crisis.

As it became clear this week that we would be facing school and other closures, members of the community have begun to step forward and ask how they can be assistance. I want to share below a list of just some of the ways people can help others in our community during this time. This is not a complete list and please send me any additional resources we should share with members of the community.

Citywide Programs:
  • Apply now! Small Business Mini-Grant Applications being accepted

    The City of Takoma Park has established a Takoma Park Citywide Small Business Mini-Grant Program to provide emergency assistance to small businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The City will issue grants of up to $3,000 per business for their immediate needs.

    Purpose:     The COVID-19 pandemic. The City will issue grants of up to $3,000 per business for their immediate needs. For more info: Grants Program

  • Donation: The City of Takoma Park has established a Citywide Small Business Mini-Grant Program in response to the immediate needs of small businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. For more info: Donations

  • Emergency Assistance Fund– The City of Takoma Park offers an Emergency Assistance Fund to support residents in need of emergency financial assistance for basic needs such as housing, utilities, prescription drugs, or food.
  • Meals on Wheels– There are local Meals on Wheels program that provides assistance for those who need meals.
  • Village of Takoma Park– The Village of Takoma Park provides support for older adults and people with disabilities.
  • Food Pantry at TPMS – The Difference Makers at TPMS have a food pantry for families. During the school closing, volunteers will continue to provide food for families’ needs. To donate food you can go her here to order nonperishable items that will be delivered to TPMS.
  • Support local businesses – Old Town Business Association has a micro-grants program people can donate to support grants to local businesses.
  • TPSS-Co-op – For taking steps in our community.

Many other individuals and organizations work in our City to support those in need. We thank Manna Food Center, Capital Area Food Bank, Adventist Community Services, Crossroads Community Food Network, Small Things Matter and many others.

The next few weeks will not be easy. Our lives will be disrupted. And I know that together, supporting and treating each other with kindness we will get through this together.

 

 

City Manager & Staff Blog

City of Takoma Park facilities will be closed to the public for two weeks due to the Covid-19 public health emergency.

 

As we continue to navigate the rapidly evolving situation, the city is proceeding with an abundance of caution in the face of the current public health crisis.

Consistent with the actions of the State of Maryland and Montgomery County, City of Takoma Park facilities, including City offices, the Library and the Takoma Park Recreation Center, will be closed to the public from 7:00 pm Friday, March 13, 2020, through Sunday, March 29, 2020.

Police emergency services and public works services will continue, and City staff that can work remotely will do so. During this time, most meetings, classes, and events are canceled as are rentals of City facilities.

City Council meetings will continue to be held if possible — we will keep you informed.

As mentioned by Governor Hogan and County Executive Elrich, the situation is changing daily. We will work to keep you informed through all communication channels.

As the news about coronavirus (Covid-19) echoes throughout the world, our thoughts are with those impacted in our community, nationally and globally. The health and safety of our residents, businesses, and staff is our top priority.

Please check our website frequently, and consult the CDC and the Montgomery County Health Department regarding Covid-19 and effective public health measures you can take.

It’s going to be a difficult few weeks ahead, but we will get through this together!

 

 

City Manager & Staff Blog

City Manager Statement on Novel Coronavirus (Covid-19)

 

Dear Takoma Park residents,

My staff and I are keeping on top of the changing information about the novel coronavirus (Covid-19) and preparing for actions that may need to be taken. This week senior police staff, emergency management staff and I have each been on regional official conference calls to share information, determine ways to work collaboratively and identify issues that need to be resolved.

City Manager
Suzanne Ludlow

The CDC still considers the risk to the general U.S. population to be low, but certainly, the regional situation can change. The most important thing to do is to practice the good hygiene steps that are listed everywhere, refer to trusted sources such as the CDC and Montgomery County Health Department websites for information, and continue to be vigilant but not panicked.

As City staff we are looking to ensure that our public facilities are kept clean, we are postponing some activities (such as CPR training) that can easily be postponed, and we are looking at alternate ways of conducting meetings if needed. We are making sure that our crossing guards, Recreation Department staff and others teach children non-touching ways of showing appreciation (such as air high-fives) and we are being particularly mindful of the needs of our seniors. I know it’s hard for all of us to not shake hands or give a friendly hug, but we are modeling new ways to be friendly and supportive.

The changing information can be scary. The expectation is that the number of infections will rise before they begin to go down, but we don’t know when or where or how that will happen. All I can say is that we are on it, we care, and we will work hard to do the best possible job to serve the public through these difficult times.

Please let me know if there is something you feel needs to be addressed either in the City government or in your neighborhood. We don’t want rumors spread but we also are not in every location all the time. If an issue arises, please let us know so that we can be informed or provide accurate information. We are all in this together as a strong Takoma Park community.

News

Reminder! Make a Difference – Plant a Tree: Incentives Ends Monday, April 20, 2020

 

Deadline:
Trees can be ordered today through Friday, April 20, 2020.

The spring season is a good time to plant trees. Takoma Park residents can help replenish the aging tree canopy and take
advantage of incentives. The city will contribute $115 towards the first tree purchased

  • Residents can have a 2″ diameter tree installed by the City’s landscape contractor for $95 plus 6% sales tax, for a total of $100.70.
  • Additional trees will cost $210 plus 6% sales tax.
  • The trees are warrantied for one year.
  • The $115 discount is NOT AVAILABLE for a tree required by a tree removal permit replanting agreement.
  • Residents can select a tree(s) from the following seven tree species:
    • Black Gum,
    • River Birch
    • Southern Magnolia
    • Sycamore
    • Swamp White Oak,
    • White Oak
    • Willow Oak

A limited number of grants are available for low-to-moderate-income homeowners.

Tip on planting trees:

In selecting a tree planting location, make sure to keep in mind the eventual size of the tree and pay attention to underground/overhead utilities, building foundations, and walkways/sidewalks.

Use Tree Location Guidelines:

Use the Right Tree Right Place principle for tree location selection:  See Guidelines

After your order has been received, the City’s Urban Forest Manager will notify you of the planting date/time.

Order Form

Please include a completed form or print (editable PDF Form ), with a check made payable to:  City of Takoma Park, for the number of trees selected, plus tax = Total Order

Mail or drop off to:

Urban Forest Manager,
31 Oswego Ave.,
Silver Spring, MD, 20910.

Deadline close of business Monday, April 20, 2020.
City Manager & Staff Blog, News

TKPK City Council adopts resolution to achieve net-zero emissions city-wide by 2035 and be fossil fuel-free city-wide by 2045!

Takoma Park City Council adopts resolution to achieve net zero emissions city-wide by 2035 and be fossil fuel-free city-wide by 2045!

On Wednesday, March 4, 2020, continuing the long-standing work of the City of Takoma Park on climate change, the Takoma Park City Council passed, by a vote of 5 to 2, the 2020 CLIMATE EMERGENCY RESPONSE FRAMEWORK Resolution. The resolution adopts a climate action framework of priority strategies and potential policy changes for consideration in the areas of buildings, transportation, renewable energy, and becoming a fossil fuel-free community.

The resolution outlines strategies to lead the community to achieve net zero emissions city-wide by 2035 and be fossil fuel-free by 2045. The priority strategies identified in the resolution include provisions to improve the efficiency of all types of buildings, reduce transportation-related emissions, accelerate the transition to 100% renewable electricity and phase-out of fossil fuels, and increase the City’s ability to adapt and be resilient to climate change.

A considerable amount of discussion among Councilmembers focused on concerns about how the priority strategies might impact residents and businesses, as well as potential costs of implementing each strategy. In the Resolution, Council mandated that before adopting any individual ordinance or policy, the City will address potential disproportionate impacts on vulnerable populations and identify mechanisms to assist those residents or businesses who may need technical or financial assistance. During the upcoming budget discussions, the Council will be establishing a Sustainability Assistance Fund to start creating a source of funding for programs to provide financial assistance to eligible residents and businesses as they face and work to fight climate change.

The next step will be a robust community collaboration process to develop the individual ordinances and implementation plans for specific priority strategies.

The resolution sparked community engagement, with over 100 public comments, endorsements from the Takoma Park Committee on the Environment, Takoma Park Youth Council, the Chesapeake Climate Action Network, Maryland Sierra Club, Takoma Mobilization, a group of technical experts appointed by Montgomery County for its climate action planning process, and over 150 residents who signed a petition.

As the City’s Sustainability Manager, I feel Takoma Park’s continued willingness to act is the result of not just the Council’s leadership and the City’s management, but most of all, the passion and knowledge of the City’s residents. I am so excited to see what this wonderful City can accomplish as we work together in the coming years to achieve our goals.

To stay up to date on the process and receive alerts about opportunities for community input, participation in advisory committees, and next steps, please subscribe to the Sustainable TKPK email list at:  Subscribe

The resolution can be viewed here

Gina Mathias, Sustainability Manager

News

CANCELED: Join us for a Talk on Organic Lawn Care | Monday, March 16 at 7 PM

 

Join Mary Travaglini, Sustainable Landscapes Manager for the Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection, to learn about healthy soils and tips for maintaining your lawn without synthetic fertilizers or pesticides.

The event is free and open to all. 

Register here

Date: Monday, March 16, 2020
Time: 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Location
7500 Maple Avenue
Azalea Room 2nd Floor
Takoma Park, MD 20912

News

Annual Arbor Day Celebration – Saturday, April 4 – 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

 

You are invited to join the City of Takoma Park for the annual Arbor Day celebration and tree seedling give-a-way on Saturday, April 4 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the Takoma Park Library grounds.

The City’s Arbor Day event and seedling give away will take place on Saturday, April 4 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. (weather permitting) near the main entrance of the Takoma Park Library at 101 Philadelphia Ave.

If you have a story about a mature tree that grew from a Takoma Park Arbor Day seedling, please share it with the City’s Urban Forest Manager at janvz@ takomaparkmd.gov

We hope to see you there!

News

Join Us for a Reception for Little Free Library Public Art Project, Wednesday, February 26, 6:00PM

 

There will be a Little Free Library Public Art Project Reception before the City Council meeting. The five new Little Free Library boxes feature portraits of groundbreaking female authors and activists painted by local artists, Samantha Contrino and Katie Macyshyn. The boxes will be installed in various areas of Takoma Park.

Reception for Little Free Library Public Art Project

Location: Takoma Park Community Center
Date: Wednesday, February 26, 2020
Time: 6:00pm

 

City Manager & Staff Blog, News

Message from the City Manager Regarding Deployment of Border Patrol Officers to Certain Sanctuary Cities

 

By City Manager Suzanne Ludlow

As a Sanctuary City, Takoma Park is committed to serving the public good, preserving public safety and being supportive of the members of our community, regardless of place of birth or nationality or any other demographic category.

City Manager
Suzanne Ludlow

On this Valentine’s Day (and stated birthday of Frederick Douglass), it is disappointing to hear of plans to deploy Border Patrol officers to certain Sanctuary Cities. Takoma Park has not been identified as one of the Sanctuary Cities that is being targeted. Nevertheless, we know that these plans cause anxiety.

There are resources available on line regarding the rights of people during immigration raids. One resource is  Know Your Rights: Learn How To Protect Yourself and Your Family

During times of anxiety, it’s important to remind our community to not be afraid of interacting with City staff, including members of the Takoma Park Police Department. Our City staff care and are here to serve.

We have been a Sanctuary City for over 30 years and we are a City that stands together.

News

The Recreation Dept is seeking a proposal for Summer Meals and Enrichment Program: RFP #RD-2020-2-21

 

The City of Takoma Park is seeking a qualified organization or individual to provide the City’s youth, 1st through 12th grade, with a six-week summer enrichment and meals program.

The purpose of the summer meals and enrichment program is to provide summer academic enrichment opportunities for underserved Takoma Park youth that assists with meeting local and state academic standards in core content areas, such as reading and mathematics.

The program may also provide activities for youth development, drug and violence prevention, art, music, character education, counseling, and recreation to enhance the program’s academic components. The program should also include a summer meals component.

The focus of the summer meals and enrichment program should include, but not be limited to, serving approximately 175, 1st through 12th-grade students:

  • Implement the summer youth meals and enrichment program on the following days/hours: (holidays not included)
    – Monday thru Friday 10 am – 3 pm (6-weeks)
    – Breakfast: Monday – Friday 8:30 am – 10 am
    – Lunch: Monday – Friday 12 pm – 1 pm
  • Ability to provide transportation from designated locations to program
  • Provide a safe and easily accessible facility for program implementation, including the computer lab
    Maintain a student-staff ratio of 13:1 or less
    Provide program “low to no costs” for parents
  • Ability to implement and have access to programs, activities, and curriculum focused on the following: Education, Character & Leadership, Technology, Health & Life Skills, Arts, Fitness & Recreation
  • Provide summer meals (breakfast and lunch)
    Provide in-kind support in areas of facilities, programs, supplies, staff and volunteers, transportation, insurance, media, and training

Review the entire RFP

Timeline:

Open Date:
February 3, 2020

Closing Date:
February 21, 2020
Time: 12:00 PM

For technical information, please contact:

Gregory Clark
City of Takoma Park
7500 Maple Avenue, Takoma Park, MD 20912
Phone: 301-891-7290
E-mail: GregoryC@takomaparkmd.gov