Sunday, March 31, 2013

Call For Artists: Mount Rainier's Storm Drain Project


Call For Artists: Mt. Rainier Storm Drain Project

The Anacostia Watershed Society’s (AWS) vision to make the Anacostia River and its tributaries swimmable and fishable for the health and enjoyment of everyone in the community.

We seek to achieve this goal by undertaking a variety of projects, including the Mount Rainier Storm Drain Painting project. Please visit our website at www.anacostiaws.org for more details on our work.

Project Description: AWS is seeking sketch ideas for storm drain painting designs that will be completed on storm drains around Mount Rainier this spring. There will be three sets of paintings that will be carried out by three different groups of students: Mount Rainier Elementary, Thomas Stone Elementary, and Club Joe’s from Joe’s Movement Emporium. Materials costs will be covered in addition to artist commission.

DRAINS to be painted:

Thomas Stone Set: Five drains; Painting Day: TBD; Commision $500

Mt. Rainier Elementary Set: Three drains; Painting Day: Thursday, May 16, 2013; Commission $300

Club Joe’s/Community Set: Two drains; Painting Day: TBD; Commission $200

Submissions Due for all projects: Thursday, May 2, 2013

Requirements: Designs should reflect the high quality of artists in the Gateway Arts District, but should be simple enough for elementary-aged students to be able to paint/fill in the majority of the design. The artist can finalize the piece with detail/edgework for professional product.

Painting must be be outlined by artist ahead of the elementary school painting day so that students can easily fill in lines of design without smudging the outline. Artist must be present the day-of the paintings to provide assistance to students and volunteers and to paint remaining details of designs. Design must not incorporate the drain entrance as a “mouth” for any animal/creature/person/etc. To see examples from similar projects please contact call or e-mail Ann DeSanctis at adesanctis@anacostiaws.org or 301-699-6204 ext. 103.

Application Process: Please answer the following questions:
1. Artist name and contact information
2. Sketch of proposed storm drain paintings
3. Images of past work, especially any public art projects
4. Short narrative as to why you want to work with AWS
5. List of any previous experience working with children in a teaching capacity
6. Preliminary budget of supplies
7. Submit application answers, sketches of proposed ideas and images of past work to adesanctis@anacostiaws.org

This will be a collaboration between AWS and the artists. If interested, please contact Ann DeSanctis for a map, dimensions of the selected storm drains and to discuss the project in more detail, call or e-mail Ann DeSanctis at adesanctis@anacostiaws.org or 301-699-6204 ext. 103.

SHOW YOUR TALENT!


WANTED: Chesapeake Conservation Corps Volunteer


The City of Mount Rainier is soliciting a Chesapeake Conservation Corps Volunteer to serve as the Sustainability Coordinator for the City. The Chesapeake Conservation Corps, now in its third year, is a program that provides career and leadership training for young people interested in environmental careers and Chesapeake Bay protection. This initiative matches young people, ages 18-25, with organizations throughout the state for a paid year of service to begin August 27, 2013. The deadline to apply is April 19, 2013.

The Chesapeake Conservation Corps volunteer would help initiate new projects and support existing projects in the City of Mount Rainier and work collaboratively with City staff, Council members and citizen groups such as the Green Team. Key activities could include implementing the City's Green Infrastructure Plan; developing innovative projects to further Mount Rainier's sustainable Maryland certification; launch communication and educational initiatives for residents on green practices; write grants to support green projects; develop shovel ready projects for the County's Stormwater Utility Program and much more. The Corps volunteer will get hands-on experience working with a municipality, will network and be exposed to various levels of government and have access to trainings and workshops on a broad range of conservation topics. If interested in applying to be a Chesapeake Conservation Corps Volunteer visit: http://www.cbtrust.org/site/c.miJPKXPCJnH/b.6185161/k.3657/Chesapeake_Conservation_Corps.htm.  For any questions about becoming a volunteer or about the Chesapeake Conservation Corps, contact Tara Baker, 410-974-2941, ext. 102. 

To view the City's application visit: http://www.cbtrust.org/atf/cf/%7BEB2A714E-8219-45E8-8C3D-50EBE1847CB8%7D/2013-14-Corps-City%20of%20Mount%20Rainier.pdf

Applicants are encouraged to contact Mount Rainier with their resume during the application period.

Council Considering Another Overlay Zone

In the past several years, residents have started expanding their homes instead of moving to larger homes.  This trend is not just in Mount Rainier, but across the County and State.  Some of the expansions have actually overshadowed the home(s) next to them, and, in my opinion, destoryed the character of the neighborhood.

There is nothing wrong with wanting a bigger home, but at what cost to the neighborhood and to your neighbor.  Our current, rules and regulations provide some protection, but not enough to control some of the exasperating MacMansions that are appearing in our small City.  As a result, the following legislation is being proposed, and you need to know or think about how it will affect your plans for your home and/or your neighbors' plans for their homes:

PROPOSED LEGISLATION:

A resolution requesting the Prince George’s County District Council to designate the Mount Rainier Architectural Conservation District.

Whereas, the citizens of Mount Rainier are concerned about maintaining the character of their neighborhood and affordability of homes while resisting the “mansionization” trend that has afflicted of the communities in Prince George's County;

Whereas, the historical significance of the architecture of the City of Mount Rainier was recognized when it was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1990;

Whereas, the Mayor and Council of the City of Mount Rainier wishes to preserve the nature and character of our city’s architecture, but not create a local historic district which would be overly burdensome and restrictive for the City’s residents;

Whereas, the City of Mount Rainier wishes to accomplish the following goals which are enumerated in Prince George’s County Code (Subtitle 27,  Sec. 27-548.28) as the purposes of an architectural conservation district:

(1)    Preserve and protect the architectural or design character of the district;        
(2)    Retain affordable housing;
(3)    Promote appropriate new construction;
(4)    Preserve and stabilize the City and  property values;
(5)    Protect desirable and unique physical features of existing residential and commercial properties;
(6)    Promote economic revitalization and maintain continued economic vitality;
(7)    Attract quality investment and encourage land development which complements and enhances the character of the neighborhood; and
(8)    Ensure that development within the zone maintains well-planned urban design relationships with their neighborhoods and adjoining areas.

Whereas, Prince George’s County Code (Subtitle 27,  Sec. 27-213.19) permits the District Council to designate an architectural conservation district if the municipality in which the proposed district is located requests such a designation, by resolution of the city council; 

Whereas, required by the Prince George’s County Code (Subtitle 27,  Sec. 27-213.19) the proposed Mount Rainier Architectural Conservation District would encompass more than 20 adjacent developed or undeveloped residential lots or parcels in a single family residential zone; the boundaries will follow property lines, streets, or permanent natural features; it will not exclude part of any included property; and all included property is within the City of Mount Rainier;
  
Therefore, the Mayor and Council of the City of Mount Rainier hereby request by this resolution that:

1. The Prince George’s County District Council designate an architectural conservation district for the City of Mount Rainier, Maryland;

2. The District Council adopt a resolution authorizing the Prince George’s County Planning Board to prepare an architectural conservation plan for the proposed district;

3. The architectural conservation plan include “a section setting forth guidelines for approval of single-family residential building projects whose scope of work will result in an increase of the gross floor area of the existing structure of twenty percent (20%) or less or alterations exclusive of maintenance to the architectural elevations of existing residential structures” (Subtitle 27, Sec. 213.20(8));

4. The Mount Rainier Architectural Conservation District shall include all single-family residential zones within the corporate boundaries of the City of Mount Rainier, Maryland;

5. The Architectural Conservation District Plan may if deemed necessary further restrict zoning densities, minimum lot sizes, setback and other zoning regulations established in the base zones ” (Subtitle 27, Sec. 213.20(3));

6. The Architectural Conservation District Plan includes a design “pattern book” to provide visual guidance for homeowners, architects, and contractors; and

7. The Planning Board staff will work closely with the Mount Rainier Design Review Board and homeowners in drafting an Architectural Conservation District Plan that the Mayor and Council may review and determine if it wishes to finalize.

Saturday, March 30, 2013

Mayor and Council Agenda 4/2/2013


AGENDA
MAYOR AND COUNCIL MEETING
TUESDAY, APRIL 2, 2013
COUNCIL CHAMBERS, UPPER LEVEL
7:00 PM


PUBLIC HEARING

Traffic Calming Petition (Speed Hump) 4200-4500 block of 30th Street

FOLLOWING THE PUBLIC HEARING THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL WILL VOTE TO ADJOURN THE HEARING PROCEED INTO A REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING


Call to Order and Pledge of Allegiance
Review and Approval of Agenda
Review and Approval of Minutes
Official Reports
            Mayor
            Council
            City Manager
            Department Heads

General Public Comment (limited to three (3) minutes per person per subject matter)


New Business

Ordinance 1-2013 Eminent Domain - (First Reading)
Community Garden Request for Funding Support from the City $1,500 suggested- (Vote to approve)
Northwestern HS Choral Society fundraiser to South Africa - (Discussion and Vote to approve amount of monetary support)
Residential Parking Permits – (Chief Scott, Councilmember’s Tarlau and Bolin)
Launch Pad in Arts District – (Councilmember Updike)                                                                   
Composition of Committees/Committee Responsibilities – Draft (Review and Vote to approve)


Rules for Speakers

The Mayor and City Council invite and welcome comments at public meetings.  The Mayor or presiding officer will recognize you.   Please introduce yourself at the podium (spelling your last name, for recording purposes) and give the name of your street and block number (e.g., 4300 block of 34th St.).  Time limits for speaking are indicated on the meeting agenda. 
While speaking, please maintain a courteous tone and avoid personal attacks.

If you wish to lodge a complaint about the performance or conduct of any City employee, please bring your concern to the attention of the City Manager, who will look into the matter and respond to you.

As a courtesy to other residents and businesses, the Council requests that speakers not use specific addresses or names of individuals when describing a situation or making a complaint.  Noting the block is preferred over a specific address.

Code enforcement and public safety issues should first be brought to the attention of the appropriate department and/or one of your Council members.

Please Note:   Pursuant to the Annotated Code of Maryland, State Government Article Section 10-508(a), the Council by majority vote may retire to executive or closed session at any time during the meeting. Should the Council retire to executive or closed session the chair will announce the reasons and a report will be issued at a future meeting disclosing the reasons for such session.



Saturday, March 23, 2013

COME OUT and JOIN the FUN -- 5K Run

Friday, March 22, 2013

Written Testimony on School Board Changes


Valentine, Daniel
5:48 PM (14 hours ago)
to Daniel
Prince Georg's County Delegation is Also Accepting Written Testimony on School Board Changes

Prince George’s County Delegation Chair Jolene Ivey is inviting members of the public to write with their suggestions and comments on a new proposal to change the county school board.

Members of the public are encouraged to send their written testimony on amendments released yesterday that would alter the membership and operations of the county board of education. Testimony should be sent to the delegation office by email at pg2@mlis.state.md.us by March 27.

The 53 pages of proposed amendments are posted on the county delegation site here.

Residents are asked to include their full name and mailing address in addition to their views on the proposal in their email.

County Executive Baker and County Board of Education Chair Verjeana M. Jacobs will address the 23-member delegation at a special meeting Saturday March 23rd at 9 a.m. in Room 150 in the House Office Building in Annapolis. (Though visitors are welcome, the delegation will not be able to take public testimony at the meeting.)

You have been included in our official e-mail notification list. If you do not wish to receive further updates from the Prince George’s County House Delegation, please reply to pg2@mlis.state.md.us with the word “UNSUBSCRIBE”, or emailPg2@mlis.state.md.us with the word “JOIN” to be included in future notices.
###

Sunday, March 17, 2013

MAY 6, 2013 is ELECTION DAY in Mount Rainier

Municipal government is where your voice can be heard.  Your elected officials live next door, and if you LIVE in Mount Rainier, they are within waling distance of your home.  City hall is just a few blocks away, and meetings are open, televised and available on two cable cable most days.

On May 6, 2013, you will be asked to elect two council members and the mayor to govern your City for the next four years.  You are invited to participate in that process by coming out to the "Meet the Candidates Forum" April 18 from 6:00pm until 8:00pm at the Mount Rainier Nature Center.  Mark your calendars.


To participate in the election, YOU must be a registered voter in Prince George's County.  If you are NOT registered, you may register online or request and application online.


Click this link to register online:  https://voterservices.elections.state.md.us/OnlineVoterRegistration


OR


Click this link to print out a voter registration form to be mailed to the Board of Elections:  http://elections.state.md.us/voter_registration/documents/2011_English_Internet_VRA.pdf



Restoration of Voting Rights in Maryland
Can I have my voting rights restored in Maryland if I have previously been convicted of a felony?  Effective, July 1, 2007, if you have been convicted of a felony and have completed serving a court-ordered sentence of imprisonment, including any term of parole or probation for the conviction, you are eligible to register to vote.  You do not qualify to register to vote if you have been convicted of buying or selling votes.

Thursday, March 14, 2013

CERT TRAINING AVAILABLE -- APRIL 6 & & 2013

Hello RESIDENTS of the City of Mount Rainier,

There is an upcoming Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training scheduled for Saturday, April 6 and April 7, 2013 beginning at 9:00 A.M.  The CERT training has been successful in Prince George’s County by word of mouth. I am clear of our success! Along with the great CERT instructors and interested residents from municipalities like yours, the CERT program has been a great emergency preparedness training experience.

I am emailing you to inform you of the April 6 & 7, 2013 CERT training and ask that you share the attached information with your constituency. I encourage you to share with your family, friends and neighbors to register for the training. I am personally inviting you to register and participate in this very important training.

Please see the attached documents for registration information and additional information about CERT.

I look forward to seeing you there!

Thank you,

Shannon Snyder
Office of Homeland Security/Emergency Management
14741 Governor Oden Bowie Drive, Suite L-23
Upper Marlboro, MD  20772
Office: (301) 780-8279

Wednesday, March 13, 2013

Meet the Candidates for Superintendent of our SCHOOLS!

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BOARD OF EDUCATION TO HOST MEET AND GREET WITH SUPERINTENDENT CANDIDATES

Upper Marlboro, Maryland – The Prince George’s County Board of Education will provide the public with an opportunity to meet the three finalists for Superintendent of Prince George’s County Schools (PGCPS). The forum will be held on Tuesday, March 19, at 5:30 p.m. at the Sasscer Administration Building, 14201 School Lane, Upper Marlboro.
The forum will be divided into three 45 minute time slots: 
  • Dr. Eric J. Becoats, Superintendent of Schools, Durham Public Schools, 6:00 to 6:45 p.m. 
  • Dr. Alvin L. Crawley, Interim Superintendent of Schools, PGCPS, 7:00 to 7:45 p.m.
  • Mr. Harrison A. Peters, Chief of Schools, Chicago Public Schools, 8:00 to 8:45 p.m.
The public will have an opportunity to ask each candidate questions and hear their vision for the school district. The public forums will be shown live via Comcast Channel 96 and Verizon Channel 38; and http://www1.pgcps.org/tv96/
During the past several months, the Board has engaged the public in numerous community forums and town hall meetings related to the superintendent search. Additionally, the Board received thousands of responses to its superintendent search survey. The Board is expected to announce the new superintendent before July 1.

Sunday, March 03, 2013

New Regional Medical Center Community Meeting


For Immediate Release:
March 1, 2013

For Information Contact:
Christy A. Lipscomb
Press Information Officer
Office of the County Executive
240-508-1989 Cell 

New Regional Medical Center Community Meeting
4 Proposed Site Locations Discussed

Landover, MD – Yesterday, during a standing room only community meeting of 350 attendees at the Prince George’s Sports & Learning Complex in Landover, Maryland, the proposed new Regional Medical Center (RMC) site locations and criteria were exhibited for public review, input and discussion.  The meeting was hosted by officials representing Dimensions Healthcare System, the University of Maryland Medical System (UMMS), the State of Maryland and Prince George’s County Government. 

“The Baker Administration has been steadfast in our efforts to prioritize and propel the County and region’s health care system” stated Bradford L. Seamon, Chief Administrative Officer for Prince George’s County. “Tonight’s community meeting marks another move forward in our multi-party agreement supported through our partners.  Additionally, this opportunity allows us to interface with the most important voice in the process, the people who will ultimately receive care from the new regional medical center.”    

"This is an important project to improve the health of Prince George's County.  I look forward to continuing to work with our partners to move this project forward.” stated Joshua M. Sharfstein, M.D. Secretary, Maryland Department of Health & Mental Hygiene.

Highlights of the meeting included background information and site selection criteria for this project. 

Four Proposed site locations
Ø  Landover Mall Location
Ø  Largo Town Center Location
Ø  Morgan Boulevard Location
Ø  Woodmore Town Centre Location

Summary of Regional Medical Center Site Selection Criteria
Ø  Central area of Prince George’s County
Ø  Accessible to Transportation
Ø  Cost of Site Development
Ø  Size of Site
Ø  Timing of Site Control
Ø  Future Development Potential 

"Hearing from the community we serve is an important part of the location review process regarding the new regional medical center planned in Prince George's County," adds Neil J. Moore, President & CEO of Dimensions Healthcare System. "We share our partners' commitment to enhance health care in the region and appreciate the community's interest and participation."

On July 21, 2011, a multi-party agreement was signed by Prince George’s County Executive Rushern L. Baker, III, former Prince George’s County Council Chair Ingrid M. Turner, Governor Martin O’Malley, Lt. Governor Anthony Brown along with Dimensions Healthcare System, University of Maryland Medical System (UMMS), University System of Maryland (USM) and State of Maryland officials which marked a major step forward in the long-standing efforts to stabilize the health care system in Prince George’s County. 

On July 31, 2012 another historic milestone took place when officials highlighted the progress made over the last year and unveiled the findings from a first of its kind public health impact study conducted in Prince George’s County by the University of Maryland’s School of Public Health.  The study results revealed the necessity of improving existing health services, increasing access to primary care, enhancing the County’s overall health infrastructure, and ensuring a stable and reliable health care system for Prince George’s County and Southern Maryland. These and other findings serve as a guide in implementing next steps of the agreement. 

“We continue to work diligently with all the parties to outline the steps needed to build a new regional medical center.  The site selection is one of those key steps." stated John W. Ashworth III, Senior Vice President for Network Development, University of Maryland Medical System.

To Read More About the Progress of the New Regional Hospital Medical Center Log on to: