WEEKLY BULLETIN | February 17, 2023

Holiday Closures


All City facilities will be closed on Monday, February 20th in observance of the President's Day holiday. There will be no trash or recycling collection on February 20, 2023. All collections will slide forward one day this week, and special collections will only be scheduled on Friday.

Livable Community Action Plan Feedback


Feedback requested!

The Senior Advisory Committee and City staff worked with consultants through a grant from M-NCPPC. The consultants drafted an age-friendly livability action plan, based on AARP’s five domains of livability, which encompasses all residents of the College Park community, regardless of age. The Committee is collecting feedback on the Action Plan.


To review the action plan visit www.collegeparkmd.gov/livablecommunity.


Click the link to view the entire action plan on the right-hand side of the page. Comments and feedback may be emailed to: livablecommunity@collegeparkmd.gov

Black History Month


It all started in 1926, when Carter G. Woodson established Negro History Week as a way to focus attention on Black contributions to the world. It was timed in February to coincide with President Abraham Lincoln's and Frederick Douglass's birthdays as both men were symbols of freedom.


Fifty years later the event was expanded, and Black History Month was officially designated in 1976 by President Gerald R. Ford, where he told Americans to "seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history." This annual monthly event spotlights the contributions of African Americans and promotes the teaching of Black History. Every year, the Association for the Study of African American Life and History chooses a theme for Black History Month; this year's theme is "Black Resistance."


To celebrate Black History Month, the City is hosting a book giveaway! City of College Park residents can claim free copies (of up to three books) that educate and inform on Dr. King's life and his work toward Civil Rights. Learn more here.

Curbside Food Scrap Collection


Join the City's Curbside Food Scrap Collection program to recycle your food scraps and reduce harmful greenhouse gases that contribute to climate change!


City residents can join the program by signing up and purchasing containers at www.collegeparkmd.gov/curbsidecollectionapp. Once you pick up your containers, your collection service will start the following week.


The tonnage of food scraps collected for composting has significantly increased since curbside collections have begun. This demonstrates that as diversion methods are simplified, participation increases. Each of us can make a difference!


Join the program at www.collegeparkmd.gov/foodscraps.

Check out the video below for an introduction to the program and other how-to videos.

Sign Up Here

New Budget Feedback Tool

A Balancing Act is a new online budgeting tool that the City is incorporating to make the process of getting budget feedback from you, our community, even easier.


We are in the early stages of preparing the proposed budget for fiscal year 2024, which begins July 1st of 2023.


We want to hear from you what you think are the most important initiatives for the City to invest in.

To accomplish this, we have set up a survey of nine core initiatives, plus a suggestion box.


You can take the survey at www.collegeparkmd.gov/budgetfeedback.

A Balancing Act Introduction Video

Learn more about this new tool from the video above.

Become a City Volunteer

Calling all who like to make College Park an even better place to live!  


The City of College Park is constantly putting on events for our residents to participate in, get to know one another, experience a new activity or clean up our beautiful city. We could use your help to make these events successful. 


Whether it’s the Egg-ceptional Egg Hunt Egg-stravaganza, the Winter Wonderland in December, or assisting with our concert series on Friday nights throughout the summer, we have a job for you. Be a part of making College Park warm and welcoming by volunteering for city events.  


The City has a new volunteer app that will make you aware when we post the need for volunteer support. Visit www.collegeparkmd.gov/Volunteers to sign up to be a volunteer! You’ll be notified when we need your help and you can sign up from your phone.  


Middle and high school or college students are also encouraged to sign up for student service learning hours.  

Updates from Pepco


PEPCO is planning a construction project to upgrade a portion of their electrical system to improve reliability, which includes replacing cross-arms, insulators an electrical line.


The planned work area includes Guilford Drive, Guilford Road, the Trolley Trail along Rhode Island Avenue between Calvert Road and Riverdale Park, Amherst Road between Rhode Island Avenue and US Route 1, and Calvert Road from Rhode Island Avenue to Columbia Avenue.


Prior to the start of the construction project, tree pruning near the electrical lines will occur to improve clearance and remove tree branches near the lines that may interfere with the system upgrades. The tree pruning work may begin during February and continue into March. Electrical system upgrades will occur after the tree pruning work is complete. During the planned system upgrade, including the tree pruning work, there will be work vehicles on the trolley trail.

WSSC Work


Next week, WSSC Contractors will be working in the 6800-Block of Dartmouth Avenue. Please use caution in the work zone.

Road Closure Notice


Knox Road will be closed at Guilford Drive on Saturday, February 18 from 7:00am-5:00pm to allow for the removal of a tower crane. The rain date is Sunday, February 19. Local traffic will be allowed on Knox Road up to the road closure. Flaggers will be on site to direct traffic and pedestrians. 

UPCOMING EVENTS

Berwyn Permaculture Garden Cleanup Event

March 25, 2023 | 9 AM-Noon | 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.

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. 


Reminders:


Soft & Woody Yard Waste

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. Learn more here.


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


For more information, click here.




Spencer Harris and Safe Driver Awards


On February 16, the City celebrated the 34th Annual Spencer Harris Breakfast and Safe Driver Awards at the American Legion.


Public Works presented the following employee awards:

  • Quality Control Recognition Award: Jacob Vassalotti
  • Meritorious Service Award: Jorge Arturo Lopez
  • Special Achievement Award: Gerver Martinez
  • Work Crew Performance Award: Ben Rivas, Julio Cruz, Rodney Henderson & Dalin Gray
  • Dedicated Service Award: Janet McCaslin
  • Spencer Harris Award: David Kyle


The following employees earned a safe driver award:


CDL Drivers:

  • Willie Lynn, 23 years
  • Randy Saunders, 4 years
  • David Kyle, 3 years
  • Julio Cruz, 3 years
  • Charlie Eason, 3 years
  • Joseph Shearin, 3 years
  • James Kirksey, 2 years
  • Richard Cunningham, 1 years


Non-CDL Drivers:

  • David Crissinger, 18 years
  • Thomas Barrett, 13 years
  • Morris Ramsey, 12 years
  • Deborah McKinney, 10 years
  • Deena Fowler, 4 years
  • David Spaulding, 3 years
  • Derek Daves, 1 year
  • John Adams, 1 year
  •  Jermaine Kittrell, 1 year
  • Carlos Parada, 1 year

Water Main Breaks


As it gets cooler, the risk of water main breaks increases. The first step to repairing a water main is YOU! Report it to WSSC Water 301-206-4002; please have the physical address of the water main break available when you call.

Styrofoam Recycling


A drop-off container is at the entrance to Public Works for block Styrofoam recycling. Only block Styrofoam is accepted in the white cart. No peanuts, cups, plates, or egg cartons are allowed. 

City Tree Programs


Trees provide many benefits such as reduction of cooling and heating costs, interception of rainwater, increased property values, and improved air quality. The City offers a few ways to help. More information is available at www.collegeparkmd.gov/trees


The City is planning for spring tree plantings, so get your requests in soon!


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 arborist@collegeparkmd.gov. The location will be inspected to determine if it is suitable.


For those that need to replace trees due to storm damage or removals, you can apply for a TCEP reimbursement to help offset the cost.


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 arborist@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.

Are you interested in having a tree planted on your residential property?


The City is gauging interest in a potentially new tree-planting program for residents. Planting is planned for the spring.


If you are interested in having a tree planted on your property by a contractor, please complete this form. Select “Tree planting on residential property” and fill out the remainder of the form or contact arborist@collegeparkmd.gov

Department of Public Services

Weekly Highlights of Contract Police Activity

February 3 - February 9

2/3 Contract officer responded to a call for service for a homeless person sleeping in the 7100 block of Baltimore Avenue. The male was sent on his way.


2/4 Contract officer impounded a vehicle that was disabled in the drainage at Rhode Island Avenue and Greenbelt Road.


2/5 Contract officer submitted a vandalism report for the parking garage at 7338 Yale Road.


2/6 Contract officer conducted a traffic stop for loud exhaust at Baltimore Avenue/Greenbelt Road. The driver was issued 5 warnings and 1 Safety Equipment repair Order.  


2/7 Contract officer initiated a traffic stop at 50th Avenue and Huron Street. The driver was issued 3 citations and 2 warnings as he displayed “tags issued to another vehicle”.


2/8 Contract officer conducted a traffic assignment (Stop Sign Enforcement) at Berwyn Road at Potomac Avenue. 4 warning citations were issued.


2/8 Contract officer conducted a traffic stop for loud exhaust at Baltimore Avenue/Delaware Street. The driver was issued 4 warnings.   

 

2/9 Contract officer assisted county officers from Division VI (Beltsville) with a “bail-out” in the  4700 block of Mangum Road. 1 person was apprehended.

 

Feb 3 to Feb 9 2023:

There were no municipal infractions issued for the Noise Ordinance, for Article I, 141-1 Danger to Public Safety/Health or Article II, 141-13 Unruly Social Gatherings.

Statistical Data and issued

(2/3 - 2/9):

MD State Citations: 37

Warnings: 83

Equipment Repair Orders: 3

Distracted Driving Citations: 0

Parking Citations: 0

Field Observation Report: 0

Youth Field Observation Report: 0

Citations in Lieu of Arrest: 0

Civil Citation: 0

Criminal Arrests: 0

DWS Arrest: 0

DWI Arrest: 0

Warrant Arrest: 0

Premise Checks: 9

Referral Student Code of Conduct: 0

Zone 1/Downtown Area Pedestrian Warnings: 7

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: 0

Warnings: 9

SERO's: 1

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, February 21, 2023 - 7:30 p.m.



Tuesday, February 28, 2023 - 7:30 p.m.

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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