TOWN OF BLADENSBURG
COUNCIL MEETING
January 10, 2005

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

II. OPENING PRAYER: Mrs. Alma Holloway gave the prayer.

III. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Chief Keeney, Mount Rainier Police Dept., led the Pledge of Allegiance.

IV. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Council Member Hoffman moved to approve the December 2004 Council Meeting minutes as presented. Council Member Watson seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.

V. ANNOUNCEMENT OF CLOSED SESSION: Mayor McGrory announced a closed session was held on January 4th for a personnel issue; Council approved John Moss appointment as Chief of Police and a contract issue; no action was taken.

VI. OATH OF OFFICE: Mayor McGrory administered the Oath of Office to Chief Moss.

VII. CITIZEN RECOGNITION: The Mayor recognized Eneida Martinez Brown for her completion of Community Emergency Response Team Training.

VIII. MAYOR & COUNCIL REPORTS: COUNCIL MEMBER WATSON reported on the Recreation Council meeting, distribution of sneakers for the homeless, a meeting with youths from the Seventh Day Adventist Church concerning a proposal for the 52nd Avenue Park, and her involvement with the Conflict Resolution program. COUNCIL MEMBER JAMES reported on his attendance at the PGCMA Legislative Dinner, Livable Communities meeting, and Neighborhood Watch meetings. COUNCIL MEMBER HOFFMAN spoke on teamwork between Council, Staff, local organizations and the community. COUNCIL MEMBER FICKLIN thanked Jerry Thomas for his efforts in supplying Bladensburg Elementary School third graders with dictionaries. He announced the Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration at Emerson House sponsored by the Pastoral/Lay Council. MAYOR MCGRORY reported on a Police Officer recovering from surgery and the PGCMA Legislative Dinner. He thanked all those that donated coats, toys and food during the holiday season.

IX. STAFF REPORTS: PUBLIC WORKS: The Director gave an update on monthly activities. PUBLIC SAFETY: Chief Moss reports that there had been no arrests in the Autumn Woods apartment complex in the past month. He announced that Officer Starks-Bey and Sgt. Fynn were named Officers of the Month for their assistance in the apprehension of armed felons. CODE: Officer Needham gave an update on the previous months Code Enforcement activities. FINANCE: Treasurer Rawlins gave a report on current revenue and expenses balances. TOWN CLERK: Ms. McAuley reported on front office and Bostwick activities. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR: Ms. Sarumi gave status reports on a meeting with Aman Trust, Livable Communities, efforts to make a cleaner Bladensburg and compliments for the versatile Town Staff.

X. UNFINISHED BUSINESS

Appointment of Recreation Council Members: Council Member Hoffman moved to approve Blaine Caracter, Jan Caracter, Rev. George, and Council Member Watson to the Recreation Council. Council Member James seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.

XI. NEW BUSINESS: There was no new business

XII. PUBLIC COMMENT: 1. Citizens expressed concerns about the missing speed hump sign on 58th Avenue and people working on cars in the street and polluting the stormwater system. Code Enforcement information will be put in the newsletter. 2. Rev. George announced that the Citizens Association meets the 3rd Wednesday of each month and would like to use Town Hall for its meetings. 3. Neighborhood Watch needs more participants. 4. During the holidays, ten Families in Town were assisted and 36 Thanksgiving baskets were distributed. 5. The Alternative High Schools is expanding with an accelerated GED program.

XIII. ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business, Council Member Hoffman moved to adjourn the meeting at 9:05 p.m. Council Member Watson seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.

Respectfully submitted,
Pat McAuley, Town Clerk