TOWN OF BLADENSBURG
WORKSESSION
January 3, 2005

I. CALL TO ORDER: Mayor McGrory called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. with Council Members Ficklin, Hoffman, James and Watson present.

II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Council Member Hoffman moved to approve the minutes as presented. Council Member Watson Seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.

III. 52ndAVENUE PARK: Sharon David and a group of youths from the Seventh Davy Adventist Church in Bladensburg presented a plan for park improvement to include plantings and play equipment. Staff will review the plan for further consideration.

IV. PROPOSED SENIOR HOUSING: The Ingerman Group presented plans for a senior housing complex immediately adjacent to the Town near Bladen Woods Condominiums. The facility will be funded through tax exempt initiatives through the State. The group is asking for a letter of support to be sent to the Prince Georges County Council. Staff will draft a letter for the Mayors signature. Larry Taub, attorney representing the group, also represents the owner of Capital Plaza, and was asked for an update on changes to that parcel, possibly home to a new Walmart. It was suggested by Council that representatives from both properties consider annexation into the Town.

V. UNFINISHED BUSINESS:

Recreation Council: Council Member Watson will have names of proposed Recreation Council Members to the Mayor and Council by Friday, for approval at the Monday Council Meeting.

Matching Funds for Bostwick Bond Bill: Council Member James moved to approve the Mayor signing a letter to Senator Britt and Delegate Ramirez requesting a $350,000 General Assembly Bond Bill sponsorship for renovations at Bostwick. Council Member Ficklin seconded the motion Council Member Hoffman moved to amended the motion to ask for $500,000. The amended motion passed unanimously.

Project List: The project list was reviewed an updated.

VI. NEW BUSINESS

There was no New Business

VII. CLARIFICATION OF STAFF REPORTS

Specific Questions were asked of staff concerning Department Reports.

VIII. ANNOUNCEMENTS

MMLs If I were Mayor essay contest is coming up and it was suggested that the Town implement a plan to encourage entries from out elementary schools.

Martin Luther King Jrs Birthday will be celebrated at the Emerson House, sponsored by the Pastoral/Lay Council.

IX. ADJOURNMENT: At 9:45 p.m., there being no further public business, Council Member Hoffman moved to go into closed session to discuss a personnel issue. Council Member Watson seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.

Respectfully submitted,
Pat McAuley, Town Clerk

Council Actions:

Council approved December Worksession Minutes.

Council approved moving forward to request $500,00 Bond Bill for Bostwick.