WEEKLY BULLETIN | October 21, 2022

Ghostly Gathering & Movie Night

October 28 | 5:30 - 8:30PM | Duvall Field


Join us for a fun-filled night celebrating Halloween - No need to be afraid!


We’ll be screening the original Ghostbusters movie when it gets dark enough (around 6:30PM), so bring blankets or a chair to sit in.


Before then, we will have a bounce house, an insect petting zoo, apple cider and treats, plus some tricks as well!

Redistricting Commission


The City Charter (§C2-2, "Districts") requires that the Council review council district boundaries at least once every 10 years, soon after the decennial census is available.


Since May 2022, the Redistricting Commission has been reviewing population data from the 2020 Census, the University of Maryland's residential population, and projections for residential projects under construction. 


Residents can review preliminary redistricting maps and provide public comment at

 www.collegeparkmdredistricting2022.com. 

Leave public comment 

Curbside Food Scrap Collection


The City of College Park is rolling out a new curbside food scrap collection program later this fall!


If your household currently receives curbside trash and recycling collection within the City of College Park, then you are eligible to participate; residential collections only.

 

How Do I Sign Up?

Residents can sign up online and choose container(s). This is a voluntary program, residents must opt-in. Food scrap collection will become a component of weekly curbside service for those that sign up. The program start date and collection day are still to be determined Participants are required to select either a 12-gallon wheeled cart ($13.00), or a 5-gallon bucket ($9.00). Participants can also choose to purchase a small kitchen pail ($5.00) to store food scraps inside their homes. All material must be placed in compostable bags in the collection container.


Participants currently using the drop-off program who have a City-supplied 5-gallon bucket can continue to use it; no personal containers can be used to curbside collections. Updates will be emailed to registered participants. For a full list of what's accepted, visit www.collegeparkmd.gov/foodscraps


If you have signed up for the food scrap collection program, you may pick up and purchase containers at Public Works (9217 51st Avenue, College Park), Monday – Friday 8:00 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. The start date of the program is still being worked out.

To ensure you get communications and updated information, please check your junk mail folder and add (jmccaslin@collegeparkmd.gov) to your safe sender list.


For more information, call 240-487-3590 or visit www.collegeparkmd.gov/foodscraps.

Sign Up Here

2022 Gubernatorial Election


The 2022 Gubernatorial General Election Day is Tuesday, November 8. Polls are opens from 7am to 8pm.


Click here if you have questions about your polling location or early voting centers.


Click here if you have questions about which county, state, or congressional district you are in after Maryland redistricting.

Good Neighbor Day 

Saturday, November 12, 2022


There are more than 40 service projects, workshops, and donation drives in College Park and neighboring communities for Good Neighbor Day. Volunteer for a service project, register for a workshop, or donate to a drive on Good Neighbor Day to make an impact in our community. 


Students can earn Student Service Learning (SSL) hours by participating.


Registration is open! Register and learn more here: https://oce.umd.edu/good-neighbor-day.

Construction Notice


Expect delays on Rhode Island Avenue between Muskogee Street and Odessa Road, due to milling and paving operations as part of the Hollywood Commercial District Streetscape Project.”

PEPCO Electric Line Clearance


PEPCO planned electric line clearance work to be performed by Asplundh, PEPCO’s contracted tree company. The planned work includes tree pruning and eight tree removals in the following areas: Mowatt Lane, Knox Road in Lord Calvert Manor and Old Town, Rhode Island Avenue in Old Town, Lakeland & Berwyn (along the trolley trail), and Greenbelt Road between Route 1 and University Blvd. Permission has been granted and approved for tree removals included in the planned work. Replacement trees will be provided and planted at a later date.

UPCOMING EVENTS

National Prescription Drug Take Back Day

Saturday, October 29 | 10:00am-2:00pm | 7569 Baltimore Ave, College Park, MD 20742


The University of Maryland Police Department, in partnership with the Drug Enforcement Administration, will participate in the next National Prescription Drug Take Back Day.


During this event, members of the community can safely dispose of their unwanted, unused and/or expired prescription drugs at the Pocomoke Building (7965 Baltimore Avenue, College Park, MD). This service is free and anonymous. No questions asked.

  

Collection sites will accept tablets, capsules, patches, and other solid forms of prescription drugs. Liquids (including intravenous solutions), syringes and other sharps, and illicit drugs will not be accepted. DEA will accept vaping devices and cartridges provided lithium batteries are removed. 

Vine Removal Workshop

Saturday, October 29 | 9:30-11:30am | Dept. of Public Works


Learn which species are common and why they're a problem and how to resolve them. 


All are welcome, but seating is limited. Please register by October 21 here


For more information, contact horticulturist@collegeparkmd.gov or call 240-487-3595 


Final October Clean-Up Saturday

Saturday, October 22 | 7:30am-12:00pm | Public Works


The City of College Park Department of Public Works facility will be open on Saturday, October 22 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. College Park residents can get up to 5-cubic yards of wood mulch per cleanup day for FREE. 


THERE IS NO SHREDDING ON OCTOBER 22.

Learn more

Pumpkin Carving Challenge

October 10 - 31


Let’s give College Park pumpkin to talk about, with the City of College Park Pumpkin Carving Challenge! 


Residents have from Oct.10 through Oct. 31st to carve their best Jack-O-Lanterns and submit their entries online. To make a submission, please fill out this form entirely. 

 

Please include your name, address, who helped carve your jack-o-lantern, and the name of your creation. 

 

We will post our favorites on the City’s Facebook account and our website and will be awarding 1st place prizes to our favorites! Make sure to like your favorites!  

Enter the Challenge Here

Veteran's Day

November 11 | 11am | Veterans Memorial


The City of College Park will honor all veterans who have served in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and Coast Guard, both in times of war and peace.


Celebrate Veterans Day with us at the Veterans Memorial in College Park to honor the brave men and women for their commitment to our nation.

Please note that by participating in City events, you acknowledge and assume all risks and liabilities including possible exposure to illnesses, including but not limited to COVID-19. Masks and social distancing are strongly encouraged.

DEPARTMENT UPDATES

Department of Public Works
Items available to purchase from the Department: 


Call 240-487-3590 for more information, or visit: www.collegeparkmd.gov/products.
For any information related to refuse, recycling, or other Public Works related items, contact the Department at: 240-487-3590 or publicworks@collegeparkmd.gov.

For a list of changes to Special Collection Pickups, including Yard Waste and for information about the Bulk Trash Changes, please visit: www.collegeparkmd.gov/specialcollections.

The Department is located at 9217 51st Ave. Business hours are Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. 

SmartLeaf Compost and Wood Mulch


Compost is $28.00 per cubic yard, and wood mulch is $12.00 per cubic yard. Material may be picked up Mon.-Fri. between 8:00 a.m. – 11:45 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.


Material is available year-round (while supplies last) at the Department of Public Works, 9217 51st Avenue, College Park, MD 20740. Delivery is available through October and can be arranged for an additional fee - click here to place an order.


SPECIAL SATURDAY AVAILABILITY

During Public Work’s final clean-up day, October 22, 2022, the public can pick up material from 7:30 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. You do not need to be a resident to purchase.


For more information on compost click here, or wood mulch click here. For further questions, please call 240-487-3593.


For more information about purchasing Compost or Wood Mulch please visit www.collegeparkmd.gov/gardens.

Compost and Mulch Delivery

City Tree Programs


Trees provide many benefits such as reduction of cooling and heating costs, interception of rainwater, increasing property values and improving air quality. The City offers a few ways to help. More information is available at www.collegeparkmd.gov/treesFall street tree planning is happening now, send in your requests! 


REQUESTS FOR STREET TREES: The City has a program that pays for and provides street tree planting in the right-of-way area, which includes the grass strip between the curb and sidewalk. College Park residents interested in requesting a tree can contact Brenda Alexander at 240-487-3590 or horticulturist@collegeparkmd.gov. The location will be inspected to determine if it is suitable.


TREE CANOPY ENHANCEMENT PROGRAM (TCEP): City of College Park property owners can apply for reimbursement of up to $150.00 annually, for approved tree(s) planted on their residential lot. The completed application should be sent to horticulturist@collegeparkmd.gov for review and approval. Click here for a link to the guidelines and application.


TREE MAINTENANCE The City is responsible for tree maintenance in the rights-of-way, City maintained buildings and parks, and on public property. Trees on private property are the responsibility of the property owner.

Urban Tree Protection: Ordinance 21-O-09


This Ordinance requires an application to be submitted for approval to obtain a permit to remove or prune a tree on residential land.


Beginning July 1, 2022, trees on residential property within the City of College Park, greater than 36 inches in circumference measured at 4.5 feet above ground level, on which the property owner wants to remove or prune live branches or wood more than 20% will need to submit an application to the Department of Public Works for a tree removal/pruning permit and receive approval prior to beginning planned tree work. A requirement of the tree removal/pruning permit is that urban tree(s) approved for removal are replaced.


You can find the permit application at www.collegeparkmd.gov/TreeRemovalApp


For more information, click here.

DPW Snow Training


Friday, October 28 the Department of Public Works will have snow training and be closed to the public. No collections will take place and staff will be unable to load compost or mulch. Phones will continue to be answered.

Pumpkin Composting


If you have pumpkins to dispose of, please consider bringing them to one of the drop-off food scrap locations to be turned back into a useful product.

Curbside Leaf Collection

Curbside leaf vacuuming begins October 31. DPW will collect in the following areas: SA7 the North End/Sunnyside, SA1 Calvert Hills, SA2 Old Town/West Knox, SA8 CP Woods, Crystal Springs Acredale & Patricia Ct., SA6 Rhode island Ave East.


Click here for November’s calendar.


During Curbside Leaf Collection, signs are posted in your neighborhood in advance of the scheduled collection dates. The collection calendar will be updated as the schedule changes. Look for signs posted in your neighborhood. Click here for the City’s leaf plan and calendar.


TIPS – THE DO’S AND DON’TS OF LEAF COLLECTION!

• Bagging is not necessary during leaf collection with vacuums. Grass can be included in your leaf piles, but no sticks, branches, vines, or woody materials (as these items require a special collection).

• Rake leaves to the curb but do not put them in the street. Pile leaves away from cars and storm drains as the leaf vacuum cannot reach around cars.

• Remove tree limbs, rocks, trash, and other debris from leaves to be collected. These items damage the equipment and cause delays.

• Noise and dust may be noticeable as dry conditions generate more dust. We apologize for any inconvenience.

• When signs are posted, rake leaves to the curb. To ensure collection, put leaves out by the first day listed. Calendar may show two days in an area, but we only collect once per street per collection cycle.

Yard Waste Preparation Requirements


Soft yard waste and woody brush are processed independently into two different end products; therefore, these materials should be prepared separately for collection and further processing.

  • Soft yard waste (grass, leaves, flowers, weeds and soft clippings that are less than ½” in diameter) is picked up year-round on your regularly scheduled collection day.
  • Woody yard waste (branches, shrubs, brush, and small logs) is collected year-round on Thursday and Friday by appointment only. Please email publicworks@collegeparkmd.gov or call 240-487-3590 to schedule a collection.


  • No loose brush, branches or yard waste.
  • Preparation: bundle and tie with biodegradable material, use paper yard waste bags, the beige yard waste cart, or personal reusable containers* for either type of source separated material. *Personal containers must have a yellow City yard waste sticker; free stickers are available at DPW

  • Separate soft material from woody material. Place each type of source-separated material in a separate container.
  • Bundles of woody material must be no more than 4 feet long and comprised of individual branches up to 4 inches in diameter.
  • Individual bundles must not exceed 2 feet in diameter or weigh more than 50 pounds and must be tied with biodegradable material.
  • Logs must be cut into 12-inch sections and no more than 12 inches in diameter. A maximum of 25 logs will be collected at a scheduled pick up.
  • Do not use plastic bags, or the city-issued refuse or recycling carts
  • Do not mix lumber, trash, dirt, rocks, or other unacceptable items in with yard waste.
  • Place at the curb by 7:00 am
  • Material that is oversized and requires the use of a crane will be charged at a cost of $100 per collection, per hour
  • Material improperly set out for collection will not be collected. A door hanger error notice will be left informing you of the problem.

Department of Public Services

Weekly Highlights of Contract Police Activity

October 7 - October 13

10/9 Contract Officer conducted a traffic stop for loud exhaust at Berwyn Road/ 49th Avenue . During the traffic stop the officer recovered 15 grams of marijuana and issued 6 traffic citations and 1 criminal citation.

10/11 Contract officer conducted a traffic stop for loud exhaust at Cherry Hill Road/ 47th Avenue. During the traffic stop the officer detected an odor of marijuana. Officer conducted a consent search and recovered 3.5 grams of marijuana. The driver was issued 4 citations and 3 equipment repair orders.

10/11 Contract officer conducted a traffic stop at Cherry hill Road/ 47th Avenue. During the traffic stop the officer detected a strong odor of an alcoholic beverage. The officer administered field sobriety and determined the driver was impaired by alcohol. The driver was arrested and processed. The driver was issued 15 citations.

10/12 Contract Officers responded to the 4600 block of Guilford Road for a male suspect riding a dirt bike on the roadway. Officers located the male suspect and conducted a traffic stop. During the traffic stop officers discovered the dirt bike was stolen. After further investigation it was determined the driver had just purchased the bike and was unaware it had been stolen. The driver was issued 3 citations and the dirt bike was recovered and impounded. Investigation is ongoing.

10/12 Contract officer conducted a traffic stop for loud exhaust at Campus Drive / River Road. The driver was issued 5 citations and 2 equipment repair orders.

10/13 Contract officers assisted patrol officers with a report of a robbery. Once on scene officers contacted the victim and discovered the robbery took place 30 minutes prior to the victim calling the police. A canvass of the area was conducted with negative results. Patrol took the report.

October 10 - 16

There were no municipal infractions issued for the violation of the Noise Ordinance, for Article 1, 141-1, Danger to Public Safety/health or Article II, 143-13 unruly social gatherings.

Statistical Data and issued

(916-9/22):

MD State Citations: 51

Warnings: 63

Equipment Repair Orders: 20

Distracted Driving Citations: 0

Parking Citations: 1

Field Observation Report: 0

Youth Field Observation Report: 0

Citations in Lieu of Arrest: 1

Civil Citation: 0

Criminal Arrests: 0

DWS Arrest: 0

DWI Arrest: 0

Warrant Arrest: 0

Premise Checks: 15

Referral Student Code of Conduct: 0

Zone 1/Downtown Area Pedestrian Warnings: 0

Zone 1/Downtown Area Pedestrian Citations: 0

Zone 2/Berwyn-Lakeland Pedestrian Warnings: 0

Zone 2/ Berwyn-Lakeland Pedestrian Citations: 0

Zone 3/North College Park Pedestrian Warnings: 0

Zone 3/North College Park Pedestrian Citations: 0


Loud Exhaust Enforcement Stats:

Citations: 15

Warnings: 0

SERO's: 5


Year to date Statistics (starting 4/19/21):

Citations: 538

Warnings: 145

SERO's: 120

Monthly Public Safety Maps



For monthly Prince George's County Police public safety maps and statistical data for the City of College Park, visit www.collegeparkmd.gov/publicsafety.

UPCOMING MEETINGS

Meetings at a Glance

City of College Park Mayor and Council Meetings


Tuesday, October 25, 2022 - 7:30 p.m.

Mayor and Council Regular Meeting


Tuesday, November 1, 2022 - 7:30 p.m.

Mayor and Council Worksession

CLICK HERE to join the meeting 

Zoom ID Number: 923 9857 4069


Dial in Phone Number: 301-715-8592

  • After dialing the phone number, enter the meeting ID when prompted, press #.
  • There is no participant ID, press #.
  • Enter the meeting password 419048, press #.


CLICK HERE for detailed instructions on how to use Zoom.


Please note: participants will be muted during the meeting, except during public comment.


CLICK HERE for the City's calendar


Community Meetings

Note: These are not City meetings but have City staff or Contract Police as a host.

PGPD District 1 Coffee Club:

Webinar (every 2nd & 4th Wednesday at 9:00 a.m.)

Join by Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83396094990?pwd=WjJVYXZlL2ZxZWFiMTYwYVdqL3hnQT09 

Join by phone: 978- 990-5399, Meeting ID: 833 9609 4990, Password: 720306

Office of the City Manager | 240.487.3501 | cpcommunications@collegeparkmd.gov | collegeparkmd.gov
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