The City of Mount Rainier is proud to announce that the United States Army Drill Team will perform their intricate and inspiring drill routine at this year’s National Night Out on August 4th. Their performance will begin at 7 pm so come out and enjoy an exciting evening of military precision!

The U.S. Army Drill Team, one of the 3rd U.S. Infantry's renowned specialty units, has earned international acclaim through its breathtaking routines with bayonet-tipped 1903 Springfield rifles. Organized to support The Old Guard's ceremonial commitments, the Drill Team has thrilled millions of youngsters and proud Americans for more than 25 years with their daring and complex performances. When not performing for the President or visiting dignitaries and heads of state, the Drill Team travels extensively supporting Army recruitment, acting as "good-will ambassadors" for the Army and participating in major military and civic functions.
Michael E. Scott

Community Shredding Day

Please mark you calendars for Saturday July 18th, 2009 for community shredding day. Priority One Shredding of Bowie, Maryland will provide free personal shredding services and secure document destruction from 8 am until 11am at the Bunker Hill Fire Station. Priority One Shredding is a leading provider of personal and business secure document destruction. Residents are welcome to watch their documents being destroyed, and once the shredding process is completed, the remains are locked in the mobile destruction unit until the paper is recycled. Priority One will also provide residents with a variety of identity theft prevention information free of charge.

If you miss the community shredding day on July 18th, be sure to bring your bulk documents to National Night Out. Priority One will be onsite from 6-9 pm providing shredding services to residents, again free of charge.

FROM THE DESK OF THE MAYOR JULY 2009

The Maryland Municipal League (MML) represents the 157 towns, cities, and special districts in the State of Maryland. Annually, it hosts, on behalf of the municipalities and special districts, a convention that consists of workshops, vendors and exhibitors, and special sessions on issues that impact local governments. This year, core workshops included the following topics:

Consensus and Team Building
Basic Risk Management
Impact of Foreclosure on Code Enforcement
Municipal Officials Liability
Structure of Municipal Government
Using Geocache for Economic Development
Issues and Answers: MDE and State Planning
Traffic Calming 101
Why We Need Urban Pocket Parks
Speed Cameras Are Finally Legal, Now What?
Employee Wellness Programs
Green Building Codes
Roundtable: Cabinet Secretaries
Maryland Public Information Act
Overcrowding Forum
Smart Growth
Strategies for Reducing the Waste Stream
Non-Point Source Pollution

In addition to workshops and networking, the MML also recognizes municipalities for their accomplishments during the year. This year, Mount Rainier received a standing ovation for the gallant and heroic work of Corporal Eddie Murphy. Last year, Corporal Murphy saved the life of a small child in our community. The child had stopped breathing when he arrived on the scene. He immediately took charge of the situation, rendered CPR until the EMS unit arrived and took over, and worked with the parents to make sure that they were okay. For this heroic moment, Corporal Murphy received the "Employee of the Year Award." Mount Rainier is proud to have such dedicated employees. KUDOS Officer Murphy.

Yes, there were parties, receptions, business meetings, and a host of other activities available to all participants. I must say, however, that yours truly attended many of the workshops as possible, as well as the various business meetings and elections. As a result, I was re-elected to serve on MML's Board of Directors, and appointed to serve as chairperson of the MML's Communications Committee. Being on the MML Board of Directors provides another opportunity for Mount Rainier to be recognized as a "City on the Move." It also gives us a voice in determining what legislative items should be vigorously pursued (speed cameras, highway user fees, etc.) by MML during the legislative session.

As chair of the Communications Committee, I will have the opportunity to work with other legislators from around the State to come up with a theme or program that promotes municipal government while reaching out to help our children learn more about local government through the "If I Were Mayor Contest."

By attending this year's Convention, I was able to hear first-hand from County Executive Jack B. Johnson that the City would be awarded 8 to 12 summer jobs for some of our youths. Janis Lomax will be heading up the summer youth employment program. Since there will only be 8 to 12 slots this year, PLEASE make sure that your child registered with the County's Youth Employment Services and Summer Jobs Program, 9400 Peppercorn Place, Room 110, Largo, Maryland 20774, Tel: (301) 883-599, M-F 8:30am to 5:00pm.

Residents can learn more about the Maryland Municipal League by visiting their website a http://www.mdmunicipal.org. It is also a good site to help teach our children facts about Maryland. Thank you for letting me represent you at MML.

Mount Rainier Elections. Our election took place on May 4, and may seem like old news to some, but it is new news to others. On that day, more than three hundred(300) of a possible 3500 voters came out to have a voice in their City government. The headline in the Washington Post about local elections says it all " In Towns, Every Vote Can Pay Off, By Ovetta Wiggins and Nelson Hernandez, Washington Post Staff Writers, Thursday, May 14, 2009. In small municipalities, many residents do not see the need to stop there busy day to vote. They do not realize that it is local elected officials that are responsible for those little things in their everyday lives, e.g., trash removal, recycling, tree trimming, pot holes, street paving, sidewalk repairs, public safety, and yes those ever barking dogs. Your mayor and council are there for you, and it is up to you to elect those persons that will work for improvements in your City. Improvements within the City help to increase your property value and ensures the quality of life for all. To those 330+ residents who came out and voted in this election, THANK YOU! Although I ran uncontested, I appreciate immensely those 181 votes that I received, and extend a personal thank you to each one of you. I hope that you will continue to take an active role in Mount Rainier's growth and development.

Mayor and Council on Recess. If you have not already heard, the Mayor and Council voted at its last meeting that it would recess until the first Tuesday in September (September 1). Although we are on recess, we will be minding the shop. Special meetings of the Mayor and Council will be called as necessary to conduct business, and of course our staff will continue to carry out assigned functions. If you need any member of the Mayor and Council, do not hesitate to call. Our information is listed in this report, "The Message," Channels 21 and 70, as well as on our website www.mounrainiermd.org. We want to hear from you.

Contacting the Mayor and Council members. To contact the Mayor you should send an email to mayormiles@malindamiles.com and/or mayormiles@gmail.com. Both work, but only the "gmail" account can be viewed anywhere in the world. Therefore, it is the preferred account. You may also reach the Mayor by calling City Hall, 301-985-6585 and leaving a message. In previous years, I have made my cell phone number available, but it stays so full of voice mails, that it is impossible to return all of the calls. Rest assured that messages will be picked up and returned as quickly as humanly possible. If it is an emergency, PLEASE let staff know so that they can call and provide the nature of the urgency, and a speedy response can be provided.

Our Council members have provided the following as their contact information, and you are encouraged to use it when needed:
Ward 1: Alta Morton, Councilmember
Phone: 202-309-5455; altamm1@yahoo.com
Jimmy Tarlau, Councilmember
Phone: 301-335-6099; jtarlau@cwa-union.org
Ward 2 Ivy Thompson, Councilmember
Phone: 301-985-6585; friendsforivy@gmail.com
Bryan Knedler, Councilmember
Phone: 301-699-3134; bknedler@aol.com

People who often go unnoticed in City government. Mount Rainier has the most die-hard staff in municipal government. They respond to residents at the drop of a hat. They take verbal abuse (should have to, but they do). They do an outstanding job for the City for really low compensation, and they stay with us, year after year. The following persons (employees) are to be commended on their services to this City:

Graciella Carbonnel and Robert (Bob) Paige, the un-song husband and wife team of Mount Rainier -- Graciella and Bob have been with Mount Rainier for more than 20 years. This husband and wife team have worked behind the scenes with our cameras and television equipment for years. They produce and run our television productions. If it is on channel 21 or 70, they produced and recorded it. If there is a display for any event, including Main Street at the MML Convention, they designed and produced it. If there is an event going on in the City and shown on our local channel, they were there to record it. Our recorded historical history is a product of their love, labor and work for the City of Mount Rainier. In addition to their work in the studio, Graciella can be found driving our call-a-bus and performing other tasks for the City. See the MRTV report on our website for more details about the work of this fine couple, and our very fine employees. Thank you to both of you for all that you do!

Charles Stewart -- Charles is a long-time resident and employee of the City of Mount Rainier. Charles was one of the first to get his LCD licenses to drive our trash truck. He can be seen around the neighborhood cutting grass for our seniors, and working with other public work employee to ensure that our City stays clean. He is an un-song worker that most will not know, because he is not on the front line, he is behind the scenes. Thank you Charles for not only working for the Great City of Mount Rainier, but loving it enough to also live in it.

Captain Jimmy Stoots -- Home grown proof that you can raise um right in Mount Rainier. Captain Stoots came up through the ranks to become second in command in our police department. He did code enforcement, parking tickets, and went to the academy for police officers, he was in the police union, and now, we can be proud of his nearly twenty years in the employment of the City of Mount Rainier. Captain Stoots mother still resides in the Great City of Mount Rainier. She is also the widower of our former chief of police Denny Husk. Captain Stoots comes from a family of dedicated public servants, and we are honored to have him in our employ. Kudos to you for the service that you render to our Great City.

What you should know about Cable Television. Many years ago, the mayor and council voted unanimously to bring a cable franchise to our City. A few years back, the City confirmed its decision to give exclusive cable rights to Verizon and Comcast. What does that mean to you? Well, it means that the dish, and any other service that wishes to do business in Mount Rainier cannot. Why did the City make this decision? One of the reason given at the time was those awful looking grey dishes that are popping up in yards, on roofs, and everywhere else without any consideration for others or the aesthetics of our neighborhoods. Back then the dishes were huge and even more noticeable. Now, they are smaller, but comes in twos and threes. Another reason for the decision, was the revenue cable generates for the City. Currently the City receives almost $100,000 each year in revenue. This constant flow of revenue help the City to provide better communications to the community through our cable channels (which are free to the City). It provides the cameras needed to tape events and broadcast them so that those who are unable to attend can watch in their homes. All in all, the City has a twenty plus year commitment to Comcast and Verizon, and those dishes violate our contract. If you have services other than with Comcast and/or Verizon, you are in violation. Please take the necessary actions to correct this violation immediately. Thank you.

Mayor and Council passes Fiscal 2010 budget. The Charter requires that the City passes a budget for each fiscal year. Our fiscal year is July 1 to June 30 of each year. This year for the first time, in my history with the City, Mayor and Council passed its budget weeks before the due date. The budget highlights for the year are:
1. Continuation of the Homeowner's Property Tax Credit Program for residents who meet the Maryland State Homeowner's Property Tax Credit program and whose income is below $60,000.
2. Setting aside funding to continue improvements in youth recreation programs.
3. Funding to continue working with the removal of dead trees, limbs, branches and stumps.
4. Keeping our downtown area neat, clean, and welcoming.
5. Repayment on the new trash truck, patrol car, and the property acquisition loan for the Bass property.
(NOTE: There is also $10,000 in the budget for the preservation of windows and other maintenance of City Hall. Because of our approval for a grant from the Maryland Energy Administration, these funds will be used for other work in the City.)

There no increase in taxes again this year. In addition, Mayor and Council will not be decreasing any of the services currently enjoyed by our residents. In fact, over the past year, we have increased services and will continue to retain those services, e.g., the longer hours at the police station.

Identity Theft is Real. If you have not experienced this new crime phenomena, thank your luck stars. Many people in our region can tell you the horrors of identity theft. To help with the elimination of this crime in our community, the Mayor and Council will be hosting two events that will aid in protecting your identity.

The first event will be hosted on July 18. Corporal Murphy (the MML's employee of the year), is scheduling a community shredding day. This is an opportunity to bring out all of your "old" personal data and watch it become shredded and recycled for FREE.

This event will be repeated on "National Night Out (NNO)" on August 4, 2009 at Thomas Stone Elementary School. Come out and support these two events. They will help to de-clutter your house while making your personal data less attractive to crooks and thieves.

It's important to protect your personal information, and to take certain steps quickly to minimize the potential damage from identity theft if your information is accidentally disclosed or deliberately stolen:
• Place a "Fraud Alert" on your credit reports, and review those reports carefully. Notifying one of the three nationwide consumer reporting companies is sufficient.
• Close any accounts that have been tampered with or established fraudulently.
• File a police report with police department. This is an essential step in claiming your rights.
• Report your theft to the Federal Trade Commission, online, by phone, or by mail.
And before identity theft happens, learn how to safeguard your information at ftc.gov/idtheft.

Identity Theft: What To Do If Your Personal Information Has Been Compromised
The bottom line for online threats like phishing, spyware, and hackers is identity theft. ID theft occurs when someone uses your name, Social Security number, credit card number or other personal information without your permission to commit fraud or other crimes. That's why it's important to protect your personal information. To find out how to deter and detect identity theft, visit ftc.gov/idtheft.
But, according to OnGuard Online, if your personal information is accidentally disclosed or deliberately stolen, taking certain steps quickly can minimize the potential for the theft of your identity.
• Place a "Fraud Alert" on your credit reports, and review the reports carefully. The alert tells creditors to follow certain procedures before they open new accounts in your name or make changes to your existing accounts. The three nationwide consumer reporting companies have toll-free numbers for placing an initial 90-day fraud alert; a call to one company is sufficient:
• TransUnion: www.transunion.com, 1-800-680-7289
• Experian: www.experian.com, 1-888-EXPERIAN (397-3742)
• Equifax: www.equifax.com, 1-800-525-6285
Placing a fraud alert entitles you to free copies of your credit reports. Look for inquiries from companies you haven't contacted, accounts you didn't open, and debts on your accounts that you can't explain.
Close accounts. Close any accounts that have been tampered with or established fraudulently:
• Call the security or fraud departments of each company where an account was opened or changed without your okay. Follow up in writing, with copies of supporting documents.
• Use the ID Theft Affidavit to support your written statement.
• Ask for verification that the disputed account has been closed and the fraudulent debts discharged.
• Keep copies of documents and records of your conversations about the theft.
File a police report. File a report with law enforcement officials to help you with creditors who may want proof of the crime. This report will also help you claim your rights as a victim of identity theft.
Report the theft to the Federal Trade Commission. Your report helps law enforcement officials across the country in their investigations.

Online: ftc.gov/idtheft
By phone: 1-877-ID-THEFT (438-4338) or TTY, 1-866-653-4261

Don't forget to MARK YOUR CALENDARS and REMEMBER to attend one or both of the Shred Day events planned for just for you by our police department.

Police Union contract negotiations coming up in September. Time does fly when you are having fun, and even more so, if you are not. It is that time of year when the Mayor and Council must look at its relationship with its employees. Currently, we have group of employees that are unionized our employees in the Police department. Because of the current state of the economy we will be holding the line on raises, COLAs, benefits, and salaries. As we make decisions around each of these issues, we will be keeping in mind the major financial increases that were made under the previous contract. Some of the increases made during last contract negotiations included:
1. Increases in health care
2. Increases in the retirement system, and
3. Increases in salaries and other benefits

These cross the board increases have had serious impact on our budget and budgetary decisions during the past fiscal year. The goal this year is to make minor improvements and adjustments as we move forward with retaining good working relationships with our employees.

Swine Flu -- For the record, Swine Flu has not gone away, and your Emergency Preparedness Team, headed by Tonie Davis and Chief Michael Scott, is still staying abreast of this virus. Supplies were purchased for this event and are ready for use should the need arise. Please continue to use good hygiene as this is the best preventive method for this disease. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms of this disease, consult with your physician immediately.

Mount Rainier Day Was a major success. If you missed our annual celebration of fun, food, dance, and entertainment, you MUST mark your calendar for Mount Rainier Day 2010. It is the year that we celebrate our 100th birthday! The Centennial Committee, headed by Councilman Jimmy Tarlau is looking for a few good men, women and children with ideas for celebrating our birthday all year long. (See Councilman Tarlau's information later in this report.) Call him and sign up today. Committee meetings have already started.

Peace Month -- May 2009. Thank you MJ Park for making the month of May a true experience in peace. Activities were held throughout the City during the month of May in spite of all of the rain. The first event was the dedication of the Peace Garden at 30th and Arundel Road. This celebration was well attended and enjoyed by all. Other activities were held at Joe's Movement Emporium with MJ taking the lead. On behalf of the Mayor and Council, I extend a wholehearted thank you to MJ, Jerry, Timmy, and everyone else that worked so hard to make Mount Rainier one of the leading communities working for peace in our community.

Principal Janet Reed, continued the tradition of our Peace March on June12 at Mount Rainier Elementary School. Thank you Principal Reed!

My New Soap Box, Domestic Violence. Until recently, I probably thought very little about domestic violence. It was something that happens, but not in our neighborhood. Well, since March 30, 2009, my naive thinking has forever been changed. On that day, I started working for the Family Crisis Center, Inc. of Prince George's County (no it is not a County run Agency). It was also on that day, that I witnessed, a husband and wife fight and explode into the streets. Since I do not know the details of how it started or who started it, I will only say that I witnessed a man beat his wife so badly that he knocked out one or more of her front teeth! Blood was everywhere. We offered her protection, called the police, and provided basic care. Unfortunately, she chose to return home because she felt that she deserved the "beating," and had "nowhere" else to go.

Domestic violence is real, and it is happening right here in our community. We need to become outspoken and proactive in ridding our community of this kind of behavior. I spoke with our Chief, and he told me that this is not an isolated incident. Domestic violence is one of the primary calls to our police station. Our officers are frequently responding to these calls and have very few tools to use when they get there.

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, please call 301-779-2100, and speak to someone. Or you may call the 24-hour Crisis Hotline at 301-731-2103. There will be someone there to help YOU, and it is FREE!

Websites that maybe of interest:
Malinda Miles --- www.malindamiles.com and http://themayorsspot.blogspot.com
Historic Mount Rainier Maryland --- http://www.mountrainiermd.org
Mount Rainier Police Department -- http://www.mountrainiermd.org/government/mrpd/index.html
Chief Scott's Blog -- http://mrpdchief.blogspot.com
Bunker Hill Volunteer Fire and Rescue Company --- http://www.mrvfd.org
Mount Rainier Elementary School --- http://www.pgcps.org/~mrainier/
Thomas Stone Elementary School --- http://www.pgcps.org/~tstone/index.htm
Hyattsville Middle School --- http://www.pgcps.org/~hyattsms/
Northwestern High School --- http://www.pgcps.pg.k12.md.us/~nwest
Prince George’s County Municipal Association http://www.mdmunicipal.org/chapterweb/pgcma
Maryland Municipal League --- http://www.mdmunicipal.org
Friends of the Mount Rainier Library (FOL) --- http://www.mtrainierfol.org/
Gateway Community Development Corporation www.gateway-cdc.org
Washington Metro Area Transit Service http://www.wmata.com/
Mount Rainier Business Association (MRBA) www.mrbassociation.org
H & F Fine Arts --- http://www.hffinearts.com
Cora B. Woods Senior Center --- http://www.pgparks.com/places/seniorctr.html#Cora%20B.%20Wood
The Washington Glass School -- http://washingtonglassstudio.com
Joe's Movement Emporium --- http://www.joesmovement.org/
The Family Crisis Center, Inc -- www.familycrisiscenter-pgco.org

PRE-CAUTIONS FOR THE SWINE FLU

With the outbreak of the H1N1 flu virus now affecting residents across the United States, and the possibility that some Maryland residents may have been infected with the disease, the Mayor & Council along with MRPD deemed it wise to let Mount Rainier residents know of precautions that individuals should take in order to minimize the possibility of being infected by this virus.

The most important precaution recommended by health officials is for individuals and families to use common sense and everyday actions to stay healthy. The Centers for Disease Control recommends the following precautions:
• Stay informed. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website will be updated regularly as information becomes available. http://www.cdc.gov
• Influenza is thought to spread mainly person-to-person through coughing or sneezing by infected people.
• Take everyday actions to stay healthy.
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.
• Stay home if you get sick. The CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.
• Follow public health advice regarding school closures, avoiding crowds and other social distancing measures.
• Develop a family emergency plan as a precaution. This should include storing a supply of food, medicines, facemasks, alcohol-based hand rubs and other essential supplies.
• Call 1-800-CDC-INFO for more information.If you become ill and experience any of the following warning signs, seek emergency medical care.
In children, emergency warning signs that need immediate medical attention include:
o Fast breathing or trouble breathing
o Bluish skin color
o Not drinking enough fluids
o Not waking up or not interacting
o Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held
o Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough
o Fever with a rash
In adults, symptoms that need emergency medical attention include: o Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
o Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
o Sudden dizziness
o Confusion
o Severe or persistent vomiting
More detailed information about swine flu can be obtained by visiting one or more of the following web sites:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/
http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/key_facts.htm

Prince George’s County Health Department:
http://www.princegeorgescountymd.gov/Government/AgencyIndex/Health/index.asp

District of Columbia Health Department:
http://newsroom.dc.gov/show.aspx?agency=doh§ion=17&release=16843&year=2009&file=file.aspx%2frelease%2f16843%2fSwineFlufactsheet.pdf

World Health Organization: http://www.who.int/en/

Chief Scott and I met this afternoon and are coordinating with City staff and CERT Coordinator, Tonie Davis, to get precautionary and educational materials out to our residents, schools, and church groups.

The City has obtained protective equipment for use by all staff. CERT members and Councilmembers will be issued protective masks, gloves and sanitizer for distribution as they deem necessary.

We must be prepared to aggressively respond to potential outbreaks of the virus and to take immediate precautions to prevent individual infection from occurring.

We will monitor the local situation on a daily basis and distribute any additional information to our residents as it is warranted or necessary.

In the next few days you will be able to access the City’s cable channels, Comcast channel 71, and Verizon channel 21 for information and updates.

RE-ELECT MALINDA MILES AS YOUR MAYOR

I am running for Re-ELECTION as your Mayor. I hope that you will vote for me on Monday, May 4, 2009. The Election will be held at Mount Rainier's City Hall, at One Municipal Place. Voting will start at 7:00am and will continue until 8:00pm.

If you voted in the last Presidential Election, you are registered and eligible to vote in Mount Rainier's City Elections. If you are NOT registered to Vote, you may register to vote in this election no later than April 2, 2009.

Here is voter registration information that you can use to register to vote.

Voter Registration Requirements for VOTING in Prince George's County/Mount Rainier MD

You must be:

A citizen of the United States.
Eighteen on or before the Election.
A resident of Mount Rainier, Prince George's County.
Not have been convicted of a felony, or if you have, you have completed serving a court ordered sentence of imprisonment, including any term of parole or probation for the conviction.
Not under guardianship for mental disability.

When to Register

21 days prior to any election (April 13, 2009).
11 days after any election.

Where and How to Register
Online -- You can download an Adobe Acrobat version of the voter registration form from the Maryland State Board of Elections at www.elections.state.md.us./citizens/registration/index.html

In Person -- The Motor Vehicle Administration, 10251 Central Avenue, Largo, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.
The Motor Vehicle Administration, 11760 Baltimore Avenue, Beltsville, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.

The Board of Elections, 16201 Trade Zone Avenue, Suite 108, Upper Marlboro, Maryland 20774, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.

By Mail -- Prince George's County Board of Elections, 16201 Trade Zone Avenue, Suite 108, Upper Marlboro, MD 20774


In School -- Each year the Board of Elections, in cooperation with the Prince George's Board of Education, conducts voter registration in every county high school.

Voter's Registration Data
Within two weeks of registration or a change in address, name or party affiliation, you should receive a Voter's Notification Card by mail. This card lists your polling place and the various districts (congressional, legislative, and councilmanic) in which your residence is located. Please save this card for reference.

If you do not receive your Voter's Notification Card within two weeks, please call the Board of Elections at 30... .

HEALTH CARE FOR UNINSURED
Atencion Medica a Personas sin Seguro Medico

The Governor’s Wellmobile, a University of Maryland, El Wellmobile de la Universidad de Maryland
School of Nursing, Mobile Medical Unit is on site in es una Clínica Médica Ambulante que llega al
Prince George’s & Montgomery Counties to provide area de Prince George’s y Montgomery para proveer
primary medical care, health services and medical atención medica a quienes no tienen seguro médico
referrals to Uninsured.

Monday/Lunes Tuesday/Martes Wednesday/Miercoles Thursday/Jueves Friday/Viernes

Deerfield Run Elementary
13000 Laurel-Bowie Road
Laurel, MD 20708
1st and 3rd Monday of the month, 1er Lunes de cada mes y 3er Lunes de cada mes
9 AM to 3 PM


Spring Hill Elementary School
6060 Springhill Drive
Greenbelt, MD 20770
2nd and 4th Monday of the month, 2do Lunes de cada mes y 4to Lunes de cada mes
9 AM to 3 PM
____________________________

CALL VANESSA ROBERTS
1-866-228-9668 FOR APPOINTMENTS Cool Springs Elementary

8910 Riggs Road,
Adelphi, MD 20783
Every Tuesday
Cada Martes
9 AM to 3 PM

_________________
CALL
VANESSA ROBERTS
1-866-228-9668 FOR APPOINTMENTS Adventist Church
Iglesia Adventista

8400 Carroll Avenue
Takoma Park, MD 20912

Every Wednesday
Cada Miércoles
9 AM to 3 PM

CALL
VANESSA ROBERTS
1-866-228-9668 FOR APPOINTMENTS Bladensburg Elementary
4915 Annapolis Road. Bladensburg, MD 20710
2nd and 4th Thursday of the month, 2do Jueves de cada mes y 4to Jueves de cada mes
1 PM to 7 PM
__________________________

Shining Star Missionary Church
5741 Martin Luther King, Jr. Hwy
Seat Pleasant, MD 20743
1st and 3rd Thursday of the month, 1er Lunes de cada mes y 3er Lunes de cada mes
11 AM to 3 PM

CALL VANESSA ROBERTS
1-866-228-9668 FOR APPOINTMENTS OFFICE

(CALL VANESSA ROBERTS
1-866-228-9668
FOR APPOINTMENT)

FOR APPOINTMENTS - CALL VANESSA ROBERTS @ 1-866-228-9668 - LEAVE MESSAGE
The Wellmobile Provides Healthcare for the Uninsured
Nurse Practitioners see patients and take care of their medical problems and Social Workers provide linkages and referrals to needed services

Services:
Sick visits
Full physical exams, including school and sports physicals
Simple screenings, including blood pressure and vision
Female exams and pap smears
Men’s exams

Referrals for:
Primary care providers
Emergency services
Assistance with applications for governmental assistance and health insurance

Am I Eligible for Services?
You are eligible for services if you:
Do not have medical insurance
Are not covered by Medicare or Medicaid
Have insurance with limited coverage or high deductible
Do not qualify for other state and federal healthcare programs

El Wellmobile proporciona asistencia medica para los no asegurados
Enfermeras Avanzadas prestan sus servicios para cuidar de sus problemas medicos y Trabajadores Sociales para establecer vinculos y referencias a servicios necesarios

Servicios:
Visitas por enfermedad
Examenes fisicos completos, incluyendo examenes
Fisicos requeridos por las escuelas y examenes fisicos de deportes
Examenes basicos, incluyendo presion arterial y vision
Examenes femeninos y pruebas de papanicolaou
Examenes para hombres y ninos tambien

Referencias Para:
Centors de atencion primaria
Los servicios de emergencia
Asistencia con las solicitudes del govierno y seguros de salud

Estoy Elegible por Servicios?
Usted es elegible para los servicios se usted:
No tiene seguro medico
No esta cubierto por Medicare o Medicaid
Tiene un seguro con cobertura limitada o un deducible alto
No califica para otros servicios estatales y/o federales para la atencion de la salud

BUDGET WORK SESSION

AGENDA

SPECIAL MEETING OF THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL

MONDAY, MARCH 9, 2009

COUNCIL CHAMBERS, UPPER LEVEL

FISCAL YEAR 2010 PROPOSED BUDGET

PRESENTATION BY CITY MANAGER

ELECTION BOARD MEMBERS NEEDED FOR MOUNT RAINIER ELECTION

At a regular meeting of the Mayor and Council on March 3, 2009, Resolution 2-2009 was passed appointing members to the City of Mount Rainier Board of Elections for a two year term. The next city election is scheduled for May 4, 2009 at City Hall. The polls will be open 7:00 am until 8:00 pm on Election Day. You may be required to work one other day on April 6, 2009 which is the candidate filing deadline date and all candidates running for election or re-election are certified.

Election judges are paid a stipend of $100 for each day worked (usually 1 or 2 days) and reimbursed for food purchased on Election Day which is usually a 13-14 hour day. If you are interested please contact the City Manager at City Hall at 301-985-6585 or notify either the Mayor or one of the council members. Contact information is available on the city’s website at www.mountrainiermd.org.

Greeting residents of Mount Rainier Maryland.

It has been four years since I campaigned and asked for your vote to elect me as Mayor of our City. Although it seems like yesterday, it is that time again, and I am writing to ask you to allow me to represent our City another four years.

What have I done during the past four years you might ask, and that is a very fair question. So, listed below are a few highlights that I believe has happened in our City since you elected me as your Mayor.

1. Your Mayor and Council has acted in a professional manner. There has been disagreements over various issues, but through it all your Mayor and Council remained professional. We debated the issues in the public forum. We did our homework by researching the issues, turning to the experts, and following the will of the people. We set the tone for behavior at our Council meetings, and you our residents acted accordingly.

2. Your Mayor and Council increased the flow of revenue in the City from difference sources of funding. We went after grants and partnerships that benefitted our community. Our partnership include two MOU with the Town of Brentwood for a regular police officer and a community police officer. This partnership in particular allowed our police officers to cross borders to follow and stop crime running in and out of our City. A few major arrests were made that increased the safety of our citizens and those in Brentwood without any additional cost to the City. This partnership also resulted in the increase of police officers for Mount Rainier that resulted in a high net return from the State of Maryland on the number of officers working in our police department. It also resulted in an increase in the City's budget by Brentwood paying for our services through a Community Legacy Grant ($90,000 and $70,000)from the County, and the Town of Brentwood voting to allow the City to provide one full time officer exclusively for their community. This partnership also resulted in two new police cars to patrol our streets that did not come out of the City's coffers.

3. The City has had high visibility from Governors, Lieutenant Governors, our delegates, and other legislators as well as from the media. Mount Rainier has become a destination for many who are seeking homes, entertainment, and just a day away from home. This is not at the level the Mayor and Council would like, but it certainly does not feel bad to be one of the best places to live in the Washington area. Need improvements? Absolutely, and the Mayor and Council are geared up and working constantly to keep this momentum up. To bring visitors to our City we are participating in the Maryland Municipal League's Geocaching program. If you have not heard about it you will hear more over the next few months. It is a cool way to get visitors to come and shop at our stores, and visit our City as they search for hidden treasures and seek to win a very prestigious medal that is numbered and registered at MML.

4. The City has been represented at each of the Legislative session on legislation that was of importance to the City for grants, bonds, public safety and a host of other legislation. This representation is important, if we are to compete with other municipalities for the scarce dollars that become available through those sources. Our delegates need to know what we want, what we need, and our help in telling the story to other delegations. Your Mayor has been active and visible, at home, at the County, in the State and with our Federal delegation. Meetings have been attended, letters have been written, telephone calls made, and emails sent as needed to ensure Mount Rainier's place at the table.

5. Recreation was also one of the winners during the past four years. Residents asked for and your Mayor and Council dug deep and came up with resources to make recreation a priority in this City. Basketball came back. The children continue to show their appreciation by being on the new court almost every day. They are not hanging out on the apartment stoops and value police time is not being used as often to chase them away. The skate park is not up and in use and the Mayor and Council had hoped, but valuable hours have gone into making this a reality. The Mayor and Council continue to work with Maryland National Capital Park and Planning to get the $175,000 spent for the park, and because of the diligence, the park should be completed by September, but no later than December. Summer programs and after school programs have been ongoing and increasing.

6. The City has won at least three additional awards for its creative approaches. The City won an award for the Tool Shed that provides residents with tools to use without having to purchase them for that one time use. The City won an award for its Bicycle Coop that provides youths and residents of all ages an opportunity to own a bike, learn how to fix them and use them to reduce the use of cars on our City streets. The City also won the Banner City award two years in a row for its ability to promote itself through meetings, networking, and attendance at various events. The City did not get the award, but for the first time in our history, the students at Thomas Stone Elementary won first, second, and third place in the "If I Were Mayor Contest for District 9. This program was promoted by the Mayor and Council in our two elementary schools with the fourth grade classes. This is an honor because the City gets the publicity for good schools, interested municipal officials, and newspaper coverage.

7. Better communication at all levels. There continue to be a vacuum in communication, but it is getting smaller every day. Every available resource is being used to help our residents know what is going on in the City. We use our two public channels (Verizon and Comcast) to provide up to date news about what is happening in the City; our website to provide information about the rules and regulations governing our City as well as other information that can be used to help our residents. In addition, the City publishes monthly its Newsletter that is distributed throughout the City at a cost of about $8,000. The City has reached out to businesses, and community groups to provide information. The Mayor and Council continue to look for avenues to increase citizen awareness and participation.

8. As in any community public safety continue to be high on the list. Since taking office, the City's police force has gone from 12 to 18; the Chief of Police is in almost everyone's ' living room with useful tips on safety, the Chief's Blog, and Chats with the Chief. Although not yet transparent, our police department has moved into the twenty-first century with information sharing with our residents. The hours of operation have also been increased to better coincide with our downtown needs. Mutual agreements have been worked out with some of our businesses to curb the sale of alcohol, and as was noted by one of my colleagues, the number of places that sale alcoholic beverages has been cut in half. Patrols are regular and visibility of our officers is at its highest in 40 years. Residents feel safe and a part of the City's public safety program.

9. The City's financial situation has improved drastically over the past four years. When I returned to the Council, the City was spending upward to $30,000 to get its audit done. The audit t was more than 18 months past due. The State was hounding us for continuing to be late, and our financial state was anybody's guess. Working with the Mayor and Council we hired a few people to get our books in order without immediate success. However, the Mayor and Council took a leap of faith and expended the money necessary to hire a real financial person to handle the City's financial affairs, and today, our audit cost less than $15,000, and is usually done within one month, and always filed with the State in a timely manner. Our finances are in order! Revenue and expenditures are adequately documented, and easily accessible to all. Our financial standing is good in the financial community. Because of our improved financial standing, the City was able to raise the funds to purchase the old Bass building, and will soon raise it for future development. The City's coffers are not running over with funds, but we were able to reach out and help some of our seniors and others by giving a tax credit for two years in a row. The tax credits did not exceed $15,000 total, but meant a lot to those who received them.

10. The staff of the City was placed in better financial standing through increases in raises, health benefits and retirement benefits. Some of the major complaints of staff prior to this Mayor and Council was the inaccuracies in their pay checks, the lateness in the payment of their benefits, the quality of the benefits that were offered by the City, and the frequent lateness of payroll. This Mayor and Council has been diligent in making sure that these complaints were addressed and corrected. Payroll is on time, and is accurate. Health care and pension benefits have been greatly increased. Disparities in wages have been aggressively been dealt with and corrected. Personnel and have written guidelines to follow, and are treated with decency and respect by Mayor and Council. Because of these changes our turnover has been reduced, injuries on the job are fewer, call outs are lower and because of these changes, our insurance rates have gone down helping with our financial bottom-line. With better financial management in place the City has been able to take on and overcome challenges that in the past had kept us from moving forward.

There are lots of other improvements and changes that have occurred over the past four years that can be seen in our City. These changes came about because you have a GOOD Mayor and Council in place. Men and women that are not only residents of the City, but leaders with a vision.

I have been and continue to be proud of this Council, and would appreciate greatly the opportunity to continue to work with them. Being Mayor is a challenging job. There are NO special perks. I only get one vote. I cannot veto or override any decision of the Council, and I don't have special dispensation to run the staff. The only differences between the Mayor and other Councilmembers is that the Mayor gets to run the meetings and call special meetings as necessary. Well there is one other difference, the Mayor is paid $6,800 a year, about $2,000 more than the Councilmembers. Outside of those differences, we are the same under our Charter. Any three (3) votes of the Mayor and Council passes or defeat a motion or an action.

Make no mistake, under this Council I have been given the privilege of attending to and addressing most issues on behalf of the Council, but that is because, I believe, the working relationship that we have established. There is a level of trust that exist, and has been continuously nurtured. Even when we do not see eye-to-eye, we respect the other person's position and views. We have managed to eliminate name calling and profanity. We have been able to share the authority that you the people have given us to run and manage our City using our skills and expertise. This is a different approach to government, but it has worked for us in Mount Rainier, and I am asking for another term of office to represent you and this "great" City.

City elections will be held on the first Monday in May at the Mount Rainier City Hall. You are encouraged to come out and vote. If you are not registered to vote, you may get voting information at http://elections.state.md.us/voter_registration/application.html. You must be registered by close of business on or before April 3, 2009. If you voted in the last November's election for President Barack Obama, you are registered to vote in Mount Rainier's City election.

I surely hope that you will vote, and that you will vote for me as your Mayor.

Malinda Miles
Mayor
Mount Rainier Maryland

PGCMA RECEPTION Feb 16, 2009

Please join PGCMA in Annapolis for its annual Legislative Reception on Monday February 16 (the sixteenth) at 6:00pm on the first floor of the Miller Senate Office Building. The address is 11 Bladen St, Annapolis MD 21401.

Parking is free after 6pm at the Calvert St garage and it's a short walk across the street. Or park at the Visitors Center at West & Calvert for a small fee. To find the entrance to the Miller Building, stand with your back to the front doors of the Capitol and walk straight ahead maybe 500 feet down the left side of the street. Session begins at 8pm on Monday nights so stay for the fun! See you there!

MEET THE GOVERNOR Feb 11, 2009

For more information on the event, contact Ashley's office at 410-974-5024. YOU MUST REGISTER AT 6PM IF YOU WANT TO ASK QUESTIONS.

Prince George’s County Elected Officials: Please see the attached invitation to attend the Governor’s Town Hall meeting in Prince George ’s County Wednesday (February 11, 2009) evening, 6:30pm at Dr. Henry Wise Jr. High School. Please feel free to forward this invite to your friends, family, colleagues, and constituents in your area. We are expecting a large crowd, and the entire cabinet will be on hand to assist citizens with the various government programs the state has to offer. Thank you very much and please let me know if you have questions. Best, Ashley Ashley R. Valis Intergovernmental Affairs Office of Governor Martin O’Malley 100 State Circle Annapolis , MD 21401 410-974-5024 Office 443-336-2800Cell avalis@gov.state.md.us

Recapping 2008 with an Eye on 2009

January 24, 2009

The year 2009 has already proven to be a awesome year. We have had extremely cold temperatures, the preparation and swearing in of the 44th President of the United States, Mr. Barack Obama just to mention two of the major events. Another awesome fact has gone unnoticed, but occurred right here at home, in the City of Mount Rainier is another full year of service from its Mayor and Council, staff, committees, and volunteers! Together they have made a major difference in all aspects of life here in Mount Rainier. The Following is a review of some of the major changes here at home during 2008.

1. Our Police Department, under the leadership of Chief Michael Scott, stepped up its policing and public relations through more regular meetings, communications, and visibility in our community. The Police Department extended its hours of operation from 9:00am to 11:00pm to provide better access to our residents, and continued to provide full-time police coverage to our sister municipality, Brentwood. Through this partnership, the leadership of the Chief, and the improved finances of the City, our Police force has been at its highest -- 18 sworn officers, and a civilian force that continues to get high marks.

2. For the second time, property rebates were given out to residents with incomes of $60,000 or less. Mount Rainier's lead in this has led other cities such as Hyattsville to implement the Mount Rainier model of giving back to its most needed residents.

3. Recreation for our youth became a true reality in Mount Rainier with the reinstatement of the basketball court at 30th and Arundel and drop-in basketball at Thomas Stone Elementary, youth bands and programs at Joe's Movement Emporium, after school programs at our schools, successful summer around the City in our churches, businesses, and schools. Mirna Mejia, a Mount Rainier resident brought organized soccer to Mount Rainier, and has now expanded it to 6th and 7th graders. It is called the Mount Rainier Community Soccer Club. Mount Rainier and Brentwood came together to form the Joint Mount Rainier Brentwood Recreation Council to work with Maryland National Capital Park and Planning Commission (MNCPPC).

4. Mount Rainier Day was bigger than ever. We had more vendors, TWO Bands, and dignitaries from Maryland and DC. The major accomplishment announced during Mount Rainier Day was the partnership with the District of Columbia that is moving forward, and should continue to move as we take the Gateway Arts District across the DC line.

5. New Parking meters were installed, and their hours changed to reflect the change in usage and the new hours of our liquor stores and other businesses.

6. Little Friends for Peace continued to demonstrate how to meet and deal with violence while maintaining and keeping peace. Mount Rainier Elementary School once again held its annual Peace Parade to help our children focus on peaceful solutions to problems.

7. Began producing and distributing the Message in Spanish so that our Hispanic neighbors could participate in our City in an informed manner.

8. Mount Rainier Cable Television became a more visible part of our community with the addition of Verizon, and new programs such as "On Air With the Mayor," "News You Can Use," CitiScape," and pictures shown on MRTV during Council meetings and Work Sessions that related to the issue under discussion.

9. Mount Rainier Library received a make-over and eight new computers from the Bill Gates Foundation.

10. The Mount Rainier Bike Coop found a new home at 3601 Bunker Hill Road. This move was in direct response to the growth of the Bike Coop and the need to provide move use of 3601 Bunker Hill Road. The Bike Coop and its members continue to put Mount Rainier on the map with its innovations and youth participation.

11. The Call-A-Bus continues to bring many of our residents to and from their doctors' appointments, shopping, and to City events. It also continues to provide transportation for some of our students to recreation activities and after school care. Hours of operation are Monday through Friday, 9: am to 3:30 pm. For reservations and additional information, call 301-985-6586.

12. Foreclosures became a major concern for the County and the nation, but Mount Rainier was NOT hit as hard as some of its neighbors. Our housing prices went down, but did not hit rock bottom. Our City finances also took a hit, but we were able to come through the year relatively unscathed.

13. The City began using temporary speed humps to help calm traffic in and around our schools.

14. Senator David Harrington was sworn in as the new Senator for the 47th Legislative District, and hit the ground running with a number of visits to the City of Mount Rainier to introduce himself and to identify our needs. He has continued to make himself available and has taken the lead in working with the municipalities in District 47 to be included in the Federal stimulus package.

15. The City initiated its own program in electronic recycling. Added a new trash truck to its fleet, and grappled with tipping fees, regular recycling, the need to renovate our Public Works Department. Although the City did not increase staffing in this department, it is one of the first departments in the City to increase its staff size through the use of long-term temporary employees from work programs.

16. Mount Rainier once again partnered with Brentwood to observe National Night Out (NNO) at Thomas Stone Elementary School. This annual event had a huge and wonderful turnout, and was proclaimed by many as the largest and best NNO in the County.

17. Mount Rainier began to rebuild its relationship with the Gateway CDC (representing Mount Rainier, Brentwood and North Brentwood), after many years of mistrust and an inability to work together on projects that were beneficial (e.g., the facade program)to Mount Rainier. With the new director in place it appears that Mount Rainier and Gateway CDC will be working together to rebuild trust and partnerships throughout the Gateway Arts District with immediate attention to the facade program on 34th Street.

18. Jodi-Beth McCain led the City through the needed steps to approve a corn co-op at 3601 Bunker Hill Road. Although not yet in operation, the City is looking forward to making the Corn Bin a reality in 2009. This just one more step for the City in its efforts to go green and to save our environment.

19. The City Council voted unanimously in August to purchase the Bass properties in the 3200 block of Rhode Island Ave. for the negotiated price of $953,000 (the appraised value). In December 2008, the Bass property was purchased by the City after the City received a 1.2 million bond from Sun Trust Bank. Currently the City is looking to raise the buildings on the property and convert the lot to parking until it can fine a developer.

20. Finally, Mount Rainier witnessed the largest voter turnout in its history on November 4, 2008. Lines were wrapped around the schools, and people waited patiently to cast their votes. This was a milestone in the City, and contributed to the overwhelming election of Senator Barack Obama as 44th President of the United States of America.

There is change in America, but there is change in Mount Rainier. Our City is growing in population, resources, the number of youth, and the number of seniors. With this growth comes the need for more services. Mayor and Council are beginning the budget process, and we already know that this year there will be major cuts in funds from the State and the County. We also know that there are projects underway that must be funded.

GOALS FOR 2009
1. Pass a balanced budget prior to June 30, 2009

2. Build the skate park prior to November 2009

3. Raise the buildings on the Bass property and build a public/commuter parking lot

4. Identify new sources of funding to supplement current funding stream

5. Install a regular traffic light on Queens Chapel Road, and replace the current walk light

6. Implement and complete the facade program on 34th Street

7. Identify programs that qualify the City for funding under the Federal Stimulus Package

8. Move forward with the development of new library for the citizens of Mount Rainier

9. Continue to build on partnerships with neighboring municipalities, and to collaborate with them on various funding projects

10. Continue to look for ways to expand the City's commercial base

11. Work more closely with the 47th Legislative Team in ensuring the sovereignty of Mount Rainier

12. Identify and bring to Mount Rainier a Federal, State, or County program that services residents in Mount Rainier and in the neighboring municipalities.

13. Continue working with the District of Columbia on the Rhode Island Avenue project that will expand the Gateway Arts District into the District.

14. Improve and the overall financial condition of the City without raising taxes; while increasing and/or improving services.

15. Continue to bring positive recognition to the City of Mount Rainier as we prepare to celebrate our 100th year anniversary.

16. Moving forward in the City's efforts to go green. This is an important movement for the City as we as a nation and part of the global community see the effects of global warming. Recycling is a major stride in the right direction, but we need to do more. For the past few month the Mayor and Council has discussed recycling bins. If you do not have one, select one of your trash cans and place your recyclables in it and set it on the curb on Fridays. Public Works will collect it. We are also discussing many other environmentally friendly projects that will help save our environment.

The Maryland General Assembly is back in session, and you are invited and encouraged to stay in touch with our representatives (Senator David Harrington; Delegates Doyle Neimann, Victor Ramirez, and Jolene Ivey; County Councilman Will Campos). The Governor and everyone else is predicting a very lean year for the State. Cuts will be made to critical programs, but we need to make sure that those who represent us remember that we are an older municipality with limited resources and income. Every dollar they take away from us has a major impact on our future growth and development.

The Limited Partnership with Landmark LLC. This has kind of fizzled. I am not sure where we are at this time. A few months ago, the City received a letter suggesting that the market is so bad that maybe it is a good time to end our contract with them and wait on the market. As noted earlier, the City has purchased the Bass property. Landmark continues to say that their ability to move is contingent on taking control of all of the properties (funeral home, Bass, and Thrifty's). This has been an ongoing dialogue, with no results. The Council is in agreement that we should begin dissolution of the partnership, and seeking other alternatives. More on this during the coming year.

Crime Prevention an Crime Control. This continue to be a high priority, and our Police Department has done and continue to do an excellent job. As we move into the latter half of this fiscal year, we will receive a few additional police vehicles to replace the old ones, and continue to have good maintenance on the old ones. We will strive to maintain our contingency of police officers who are serving our residents at top quality. The station will continue to remain open until midnight to provide additional service to the community.

Planning for 2010 is under way. Mr. William Haskett, the father of one of our residents, has volunteered (pro bono) to write our history from 1985 to present. He is a retired professor from the University of the District of Columbia, and is quite well known in his field. We are honored to have him volunteer to write our history. Many of you will be called upon for your old pictures, news clippings, recollections, and documents. When called, please answer affirmatively so that we can capture the most accurate and up-to-date information about our wonderful City.

Elections are coming up the first Monday in May. Positions up for election are the Mayor, once Councilmember in Ward one and Ward two. Persons interested in running for these positions are encouraged to visit City Hall and obtain a copy of our current election guide. Also request a copy of recent changes voted in by the Mayor and Council at its January meeting. Nomination petitions must be picked up from City Hall and turned in to the Supervisor of Elections sitting at City Hall between the hours of 6:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. on the first Monday in April. The election will be held the first Monday in May, with those elected being sworn in the following week. Elections are held at the Mount Rainier City Hall from 7:00am until 8:00pm.

Senator David Harrington proposed the formation of an 47th Legislative District Economic Commission to come up with projects that could be implemented within 90 to 120 days after the economic stimulus package is released. The Commission has met several times since its formation and came up with a letter that was sent to President Barack Obama, Governor Martin O'Malley, County Executive Jack Johnson, Congressman Chris Van Hollen, Senators Ben Cardin and Barbara Mikulski as well as the Prince George's County Delegation. The City identified several projects that we believe are shovel ready, and simply in need of funds. More will be coming out on this over the next few months.

As part of its go green effort, the Mayor and Council approved two resolutions in support of green initiatives proposed by the Gateway CDC and Washington Area Community Investment Fund (WACIF). These green initiatives, if funded will provide grants to residents for energy audits, weatherization and rehabilitation for older homes in Mount Rainier, Brentwood and North Brentwood. Corn stoves, solar energy projects, and other similar home improvements would qualify for this program. Initially the program will select up to five homes in the three municipalities to receive the grants based on a specified formula with the goal being that the project would be successful and additional funding would be made available. WACIF has promised to commit up to $200,000 to fund this Green Initiative. Mayor and Council are looking forward to working with the Gateway Community Development Corporation new executive Director Cheryl Derricotte who has attended a number of our Council meetings and the Economic Commission meetings held by Senator Harrington.


VOLUNTEER. Your City Needs YOU!

GeoCaching

The Maryland Municipal League Geocache Trail
Celebrating Maryland’s Cities and Towns.
MML District 9

The trail consists of 11 MML Districts (regions).

The MML Geocache Trail project will launch January 1, 2009 with 78 participating cities and towns. A trackable geo coin will be given to the first 500 geocachers as an incentive for locating at least 2 municipal caches in each of the 11 districts. To be eligible for the coin, geocachers must pick up a Passport at any of the designated county visitor centers. Geocachers must use the stamp in the cache on their Passports and write down the cache code word listed in each cache. After at least two municipal caches in each district are discovered, geocachers may return to one of the county visitor centers and have their Passports validated to receive their collectable coin.

For a complete list of participating visitor centers visit the MML web site at http://www.mdmunicipal.org/mmlhome/index.cfm or MGS web site at www.mdgps.org.

Recorded evidence from the early 18th century indicates that a settlement named Beale Town on the Anacostia River was located on the site that later became Hyattsville. The little outpost never achieved town status, and in 1742, for both economic and topographical reasons, the residents of the hamlet petitioned to have a new town laid out a half mile below Beale Town at Garrisons Landing (which was later named Bladensburg). The legislature granted the petition, and Beale Town ceased to function as a legal entity.

About a hundred years later, in March of 1845, Christopher Clark Hyatt purchased his first parcel of land in the area. The presence of the railroad and telegraph made it ideal for settlement, and soon the surrounding farmland began to be subdivided into housing lots. By 1859, the area had unofficially become known as Hyattsville by the post office and cartographers. The Act of Incorporation of the City of Hyattsville was signed into law in April 1886.

The city grew quickly as both a summer residence for Washingtonians beleaguered by hot and humid weather and as a community of year-round residents. During the mid 20th century, Hyattsville was the center of the commercial and political activities of Prince George’s County. In 1992, a portion of the residential area was placed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Today, Hyattsville is a thriving suburb enjoying the advantages of a small town. The types of homes cover the spectrum—Victorian mansions, bungalows, foursquares, Tudor cottages, contemporary town homes, and modern apartments. Just as the housing stock is diverse, so too are the backgrounds and interests of Hyattsville’s very active citizenry. Local projects focus on education, art, horticulture, the environment, religion, historic preservation, and business revitalization, just to name few.

The cache is located in a small municipal park in historic downtown Hyattsville, just past the Town Hall and Police Department. This little park has everything a kid would need to have a blast! There are also a couple of covered picnic tables for your use. Be mindful of parking signs and the traffic pattern close to the park. Find a spot to park and walk around town, there are a lot of little shops close by. Enjoy the incredible architecture as you walk through the town. The cache is a large Tupperware container packed with tons of Hyattsville goodies and information. Be aware that you will be in plain view all the time! Enjoy it, and welcome to Hyattsville.

HAPPY THANKSGIVNG TO ALL

November 26, 2008

Today, many of us will gathered together to give thanks to God for all of HIS goodness.

As we give thanks for all that we have been, let us be mindful of those that have little or nothing this holiday season.

As we thank God for our children let, us be mindful of those who do not have children or have loss children.

As we give thanks for our food, let us remember that there are those who will have nothing to eat during this season.

As we thank God for our clothes, let us remember that there are people out in the cold with no clothes and no heat.

As we give thanks to God for giving us eyes to see, ears to hear, mouths to talk, legs to walk, let us remember those who do not have these physical attributes or have lost them in battle for our Country.

Although, we may not have a Mercede in the garage, we may not have the biggest house in the community or the most improved, we may not even have a job come Monday morning, we many not have money in the bank, but we DO have our lives, we DO have our souls, and we DO have you, God, and for that we are THANKFUL.

So during this holiday season, we just want to say thank you, thank you, thank you Lord, for being our God and giving US SO MUCH.

Amen, Amen.

August 12, 2008

Attached to this email and pasted below is my report on issues and items I believe to be important to Mount Rainier and Mount Rainier’s residents. This Report is also on my blog: http://themayorsspot.blogspot.com. (You may need to copy the link and paste it in the URL Address line.)

Summer is almost over, and we are about to enter into the fall of the year. For many of us it is time to start thinking about getting our children back in school, and losing a few extra pounds gained over the summer. I am sure that the coming of fall is a time to do many different things. Below are a few other things that might be appropriate for this time of year.

Appealing your tax assessment

Every property owner has the right to appeal the notice of assessment of his or her property tax assessment within 45 days of the date of the notice. Regular reassessment notices are issued once every three years and usually mailed in late December. In addition to the regular reassessment notice, the law requires a notice be issued when the assessment on a property changes for the following reasons: a change in use or character of the property; substantial improvement to the property; or rezoning of the property.

If you believe your tax assessment is too high, call and set up an appointment to appeal before the deadline (December 31 this year). If not, you will be stuck with paying your property taxes with no recourse. You may also write a letter to your local tax assessment office.

When exercising this right, if feel that you are mistreated or treated unprofessionally, you can the State of Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation at (410) 767-4881 and ask to speak to the Director, C. John Sullivan, Jr. The toll free number is (888) 246-5941.

In addition, the Department of Assessments and Taxation administers a number of property tax relief programs that are specifically designed to provide needed relief to certain groups of property owners. Obtain additional information about these programs by calling the Department's Taxpayer Services Office at (410) 767-4433 (Baltimore area) or 1-800-944-7403 (toll free).

Homeowners’ Property Tax Credit Program

The Homeowners' Property Tax Credit Program (Circuit Breaker) is the largest and most important program in that it provides annual property tax credits to one out of every 17 homeowners who qualify because of income. This State funded program provides over $49 million in needed relief to homeowners who meet the eligibility criteria, regardless of age. These tax credits are not given automatically. The homeowner must reapply each year and provide information regarding the total gross household income (under $60,000) for the previous calendar year. The filing deadline is normally September 1, but has been extended to October 1, 2008. If your household income is less than $60,000, and you have a net worth less than #200,000, you may be eligible for this tax relief. For more information or to get an application visit the Department of Assessments and Taxation’s website at www.dat.state.md.us. The application is also available at Mount Rainier’s City Hall.

The tax credit is determined according to the relationship between the homeowner's income and actual property tax that is levied against the property owner's principal residence. The tax credit does not cover the full amount of the property tax. Rather, credits are computed according to a sliding scale, with the result that the tax credit diminishes as the gross household income increases.

Homestead Tax Credit Program

Another tax relief program is the Homestead Tax Credit. First enacted in 1977, the program has been amended so that homeowners may be eligible for a State tax credit if the assessment of their owner-occupied principal residence increased more than 10% over the prior year. State law requires that county and municipal governments set a Homestead Credit Percentage between 0% and 10% for purposes of local property taxation. Beginning in 2008, homeowners are required to submit a one-time tax credit application that is included in that year’s Assessment Notice sent to one-third of the property owners.

Property Tax Deferral

This program allows property owners, age 65 or older, to elect to defer the increase in their property tax bill. Each local government must first adopt the program. The local government then has the authority under State law to impose income restrictions and interest rate amounts. The deferred taxes become a lien on the property and must be repaid when the property is transferred. Montgomery County makes this deferral program available to homeowners of all ages who meet certain residency and income requirements.

Senior MUST file to get the stimulus package

Senior even if you do not normally file an income tax form, this year you must file in order to receive the economic stimulus packet. To qualify for the stimulus payment, you must file by Oct. 15 of this year.

Not everyone is eligible for the stimulus package. If you do not file your income taxes, you will certainly not receive the stimulus packet even if you are eligible.
Normally certain Social Security payments are not subject to income tax. However, the economic stimulus law passed in February contains a special provision allowing Social Security recipients to count those benefits toward the qualifying income requirement of $3,000 and thereby qualify for the stimulus payment.

For eligible Social Security recipients who do not normally file a tax return, the IRS has prepared an 8-page informational package that provides instructions, a sample Form 1040A and a blank Form 1040A — everything needed to file the tax form. Order or download Package 1040A-3, 8-page informational package

Do you need help with filing for the economic stimulus package? Call 1-800-829-1040. You might have to wait for Assistance, but do not give up. You may just walk-in to the following offices:

Walk-In Site Landover
Address 8401 Corporate Dr.

City Landover, MD 20785
Phone (202) 927-9361
Hours of Operation Landover hours

Walk-In Site Washington DC
Address 500 N. Capitol St. NW

City Washington, DC 20221
Phone (202) 874-6748
Hours of Operation Washington hours

This is a one-time offer and it ends on October 15!
NOTE: If you have already filed to get your payment, but have a question or issue, try this link (or go to one of the walk-in offices):
http://www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=177937,00.html

Getting help with HIGH-energy bills

The Office of Home Energy Programs (OHEP) helps low-income Maryland citizens pay their heating bills, minimize heating crises, and make energy costs more affordable. A comprehensive energy package, which includes the Maryland Energy Assistance Program and the Electric Universal Service Program, has links to the community and the customer. These programs promote energy conservation, customer financial responsibility and energy independence.

The Maryland Energy Assistance Program (MEAP) provides assistance with home heating bills. Limited assistance is available to replace broken or inefficient furnaces.

The Electric Universal Service Program (EUSP) is a state program that is administered by the Department of Human Resources to assist eligible low-income electric customers with their electric bills. Assistance is available whether you are an active customer or you are currently without service. Eligible electric customers may receive help in three ways:
Help to pay current electric bills;
Help to pay past due electric bills; and,
Help with energy efficiency measures to reduce future electric bills.

The Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) has moved to the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD). OHEP will continue to refer eligible customers to WAP. WAP may provide home weatherization services to eligible individuals such as weather stripping, caulking, plastic window covering, etc. to help make your home or apartment more fuel efficient and comfortable at no cost. For additional information, please call 1800-638-7781 or log on to www.dhcd.state.md.us

The Utility Service Protection Program (USPP) protects low-income families from utility cut-offs and allows MEAP eligible households to enter into a year-round even monthly payment program with their utility company. An equal monthly payment plan based on the estimated cost of the customer's average annual utility usage minus the MEAP benefit will be used to determine the even monthly payments for participation in the USPP.

You may apply for all of these energy assistance programs with a single application. Eligible customers may receive help from both programs. For information contact the Local Home Energy Programs Office in your area, or call 1-800-352-1446. (For the hearing impaired-1-800-925-4434).

Immunization requirement for Maryland Children

PLEASE note that there is one revision to the 2008 – 2009 immunization requirements include:
•
Varicella (chickenpox) and Hepatitis B vaccine requirements will be required for children entering preschool programs through eleventh grades.

If you have school age children, please make sure that you check their immunization before returning them to school. Your child may be eligible for health insurance, contact the local health department at 301-333-4822 or 301-324-2933. If you have questions about immunization requirements or enforcement of immunization regulations, please contact your local health department or the Center for Immunization at (410) 767-6679.

Need an immediate preventive health screen?

Well, we just may have an answer. Partnering in our very own City is Joe’s Movement Emporium and Ivan L. Robinson and Associates to bring preventive health care to every Mount Rainier resident. The free preventive program will include numerous heart-healthy activities such as health screens, exercise therapy, aerobic strength building, Yoga, belly dancing, Tai Chi, meal planning and relaxation and massage therapy. In addition, the program will include immunization for children and seniors. For more information about this program, contact Ivan L. Robinson 202-652-0536 or Joe’s Movement Emporium 301-699-1819.

Drop-IN Basketball

June 6, 2008 Drop-in Basketball took off with “one” Mount Rainier youth showing up. He came the first day, probably only once after that, but he was the beginning of something wonderful. On that Saturday night, almost fifty (50) youths from Mount Rainier and Brentwood came out to play and to see what it was going on. Most of those young people came back each weekend and brought their friends, cousins, and some even brought their parents. At the end, the numbers dropped and gave way to football practice, but not before the youth made it known that it was something that should be continued.

A play off between the youth and our police officers was scheduled, but cancelled at the last minute because of logistics. It is rescheduled for Saturday, August 23, 208 at 6:00pm. All are invited to come out and see our young people and our police officers interact in a positive manner.

Speaking of basketball, have you noticed how many young people are using the basketball court at Arundel and 30th Streets? It is an activity whose time has come, and the young people are thrilled to have a place to gather, chat, shoot hoops, play a game or even entertain their younger siblings. There have been some issues with noise, getting them to leave the park at dark, cleaning up behind themselves, and now and then some foul language. However, for the most part, the basketball court has been a success. It is always in use, and attracts old and young to its nets.

As responsible adults, let us not rush to judgment to take down the hoops. I have had at least one call complaining that the park has become infested with drugs. I truly believe that this is an unwarranted complaint. Our police officers have been asked to check the park regularly, and on at least two occasions they have actually been called and gone to the park to check, but nothing has been found.

Keep in mind as you look at the basketball court as a nuisance, that it is the only recreational park available for our teens. There is no recreation center with ongoing activities. Only in May did we get a soccer goal for the children to play soccer on the fields of Thomas Stone Elementary School. This has been the state of affairs for our older teens for years. So, let us give them a chance and work with them to make it work.

The noise level is down, the hanging out on apartment steps is down, and our children are getting in some real physical exercise – good for the body, mind and soul. As with anything, we still need to monitor the park and ensure the safety of our children as they continue to use the park and the basketball courts. Please report any negative behavior or activities. Here are some of the standing rules that should be enforced:
1) The basketball court is a shared space for the community.
2) The court is a part of the park and closes at dusk, no exceptions.
3) Consumption of alcoholic beverages or any kind is illegal and will be punished.
4) Everyone is expected to pitch in with keeping the park clean and available to others.
5) Profanity, fighting, and just plain bad behavior will not be tolerated and will be cause for the basketball hoops to once again be permanently remove.

A Community Activist Says Her Final Goodbye

On August 7, 2008, the City of Mount Rainier lost to cancer one of its most active citizens, Gloria Elizabeth Guess. Gloria came to Mount Rainier from Washington DC where she taught elementary students music for more than 35 years. She believed that music was the key to children learning history, math, reading, and civics. She also believed that as a teacher, she had to practice what she taught and so she rolled up her sleeves and became active in her beloved Mount Rainier. Gloria was an active participant in “We Can 2” a strong community activity group that began the initial work to get Bass to be a good cooperate citizen. With her orange hat friends and members, she walked the streets of the downtown area, and Kaywood to let the world know that Mount Rainier was not the place to be to run drugs, prostitution, or any other criminal activity.

I will miss Gloria, but I believe those who walked shoulder to shoulder with her to clean up Mount Rainier will also miss her. Bon Voyage Gloria, thanks for all the hard work.

Trees Trees Trees

It seems that Mother Nature has not been too kind to us recently with our trees. Many of them are dead, dying or in serious disrepair. Luther Smith, Public Works Director, and, I have surveyed the City making a list of all the dead trees and broken branches. Some of the work to remove the dead trees and branches was started a few weeks ago. It will be a long process, but we will get the trees and branches down on public right a way.

NOW, that brings us to private property. There are a number of dead trees on private property throughout the City. According to our City Codes, property owners are required to remove their dead trees in a timely manner. This Code is a safety code and is there to protect residents, not just the homeowners, but neighbors whose house might be hit by a falling tree in a storm or the tree might land on a car, and God forbid that accidently someone is hit by a falling tree or branch that could have been avoided.

Mayor and Council Recess

At the last meeting in June, the Mayor and Council voted to recess July (work sessions only) and August with special meetings as needed. We held a number of special meetings to address issues about the Bass property; community development block grant (CDBG) programs, and to host a public hearing on the Bass property.

If you have not already heard, the City has agreed to purchase the Bass property (consisting of several properties) for a purchase price of $954, 000. A $50,000 good faith deposit was made this week following the signing of the contract to purchase. We expect to go to settlement within the next 90 days. Various sources of financing are under consideration for this purchase. Rest assured, the City’s coffers are not being drained, and every effort will be made to generate some revenue from the property as we seek to revitalize that area.

You may not know how the City manages to get much of its streets, curbs and gutters work done throughout the year. Well the work is performed through grants from Housing and Urban Development (HUD) via our County government through CDBG grants. Each year for the past several years, Mount Rainier received $100,000 for streets, curbs and gutter work. Last year many of the municipalities (including Mount Rainier) did not receive CDBG funding from the County. Yet, the County’s allocation from HUD is based on its population as well as its needs (poverty, low income, etc.), and most of the inner beltway communities comprise the largest eligibility group and are found in municipalities. To participate in these funds under the County, the County requires a cooperation agreement from each municipality agreeing to participate, and to relinquish any say in how the funds are allocated. Because of this, the County has sole authority to distribute the funds, as it deems appropriate. Prince George’s County Municipal Association (PGCMA) has asked for a greater say in this process and for its fair share of the funds awarded to the County. Our allocation for this fiscal year is again $100,000 even though we were promised the funding from the previous year. This will have a negative impact on our streets, curbs and gutter work. Some much needed street work will be delayed, and your patience much appreciated.

National Night Out (NNO)

Did you miss this wonderful event? Again this year, Chief Scott and his staff along with our Public Works Department and City Hall staff out did themselves with this festive occasion. Residents from Brentwood and Mount Rainier came together at Thomas Stone Elementary School to listen to music, eat hot dogs and hamburgers as they learned safety tips, and meet the many law enforcement officers that work to keep our community safe. Once again, we received $1,500 from Councilman Will Campos to share the cost of this activity. Funds were also received from Washington Gas Company, and a State grant on crime prevention. If you missed this event, thank to our Cable Department, you can catch it on Channel 71 (Comcast) and 21 (Verizon). There is also an “On Air with the Mayor segment that you might find interesting. Kudos and thanks to all City employees that worked so hard to make this event a success.

Gateway CDC

I am sure that we are all aware of the reorganizational efforts taking place at the Gateway CDC. I ask that you not rush to conclusions, but continue to get the facts. The Mayor and Council recently received a report from representatives of the Gateway CDC. Additional information has been requested, and members of the Council have vowed to continue the dialog. In addition, there are a few projects funded through the CDC that are in question that are being addressed by the Mayor and Council and will continue to be addressed until they are resolved. A meeting with the president of the Gateway CDC is scheduled and will be held before you receive this newsletter. An update on this meeting will be provided at a later date.

100 Year Celebration Committee Members Needed (2010 Committee)

If you live, work, or even pass through this great City and wish to be a part of this celebration, this is your invitation to be a part of the planning committee. To sign on to the Committee, email Ms. Janis Lomax jlomax@mountrainiermd.org or call her at 301-985-6585. She will take your name, address, telephone number, email address, and begin setting up the Committee. The first meeting of the committee will be Saturday, September 27 10:30am Mount Rainier City Hall. We need to begin planning a grand celebration for 2010! Be a part of the action. Join this committee today.

Historian/Writer NEEDED!

Mount Rainier needs its on historian to write our history from 1975 to present, and for becoming the depository for our history. This will be an awesome task for someone inclined to capture the history of our coming or age municipality. It will be well worth the time and energy to see our history come alive on paper. If you have the time and skills to take on this task or know someone who is, please contact Ms. Lomax or any member of the Mayor and Council with all necessary contact information so that we can discuss this project with you.

Volunteers Needed for first day of school to give a child a pencil

Again, this year, the school board and school CEO John Deasy are asking members of the community and elected official to come out and welcome our students back to school. This activity was started a few years ago to show community support for our schools. This year, Prince George's County Public Schools and Prince George's County (Livable Communities) have partnered in this effort to have volunteers welcome students, administrators and parents back to school. If you are able to give an hour of your time on Monday August 25, 2008, please join me at one of the following schools on Monday to meet, greet, and welcome our students back to our schools. Children from Mount Rainier generally attend:

Mount Rainier Elementary School, Ms. Janet Reid, principal (8:00am), 4011 32nd St., Mt Rainier, MD, 20712, 301-985-1810; (Contact: Malinda Miles – 302-237-3889)
Thomas Stone Elementary School, Ms. Helen Smith, principal (8:00am), 4500 34th St., Mt Rainier, MD 20712, 301-985-1890; (Contact: Rev. Deborah Johnson – 301-350-7975)
Hyattsville Middle School, Ms. Gail Golden, principal, (7:15am), 6001 42nd Ave, Hyattsville – 301-985-1760; (Contact: not confirmed)
Northwestern High School, Mr. Jerome Thomas, principal, (9:15am.), 7000 Adelphi Rd, Hyattsville, MD 20782, 301-985-1820 (Contact: not confirmed).

Pencils will be available to hand out to students as they arrive. Please come join in this effort. Can’t join us on Monday, you may drop off pencil to Mount Rainier City Hall. Thank you.

Don't Be Left Disconnected

Prince George’s County Public Schools (PGCPS) is encouraging families to be prepared for the national switch from analog to digital television. By February 17, 2009, the PGCPS cable television station aired on Comcast Channel 96 and Verizon Channel 38 will begin digital broadcasting. This conversion from analog to digital broadcasting is known nationally as the digital television (DTV) transition. Converter boxes are available, if you do not have Comcast Cable or Verizon.

Condolences to the following families on their loss: Delegate Doyle Niemann on the loss of his Mother, Mrs. Ruby Neder on the loss of her husband Donald Neder (also drove the Caller-A-Bus for the City); and to all of the other families in Mount Rainier that have lost a love one. No words can fill your void, but on behalf of the residents of Mount Rainier, I extend our sincere sympathy.

As always your comments, concerns, and responses are welcome. Contact me at mayormiles@malindamiles.com or post a comment on my blog.

Website that might be of interest

Mayor Malinda Miles website – www.malindamiles.com
Mayor Malinda Miles’ blog -- http://themayorsspot.blogspot.com
Chief Michael Scott’s blog: -- http://mrpdchief.blogspot.com
Historic Mount Rainier Maryland --- http://www.mountrainiermd.org
Mount Rainier Police Department -- http://www.mountrainiermd.org/government/mrpd/index.html
Bunker Hill Volunteer Fire and Rescue Company --- http://www.mrvfd.org
Mount Rainier Elementary School --- http://www.pgcps.org/~mrainier/
Thomas Stone Elementary School --- http://www.pgcps.org/~tstone/index.htm
Hyattsville Middle School --- http://www.pgcps.org/~hyattsms/
Northwestern High School --- http://www.pgcps.pg.k12.md.us/~nwest
Prince George’s County Municipal Association http://www.pgcma.com
Maryland Municipal League --- http://www.mdmunicipal.org
Margaret Boozer --- http://www.margaretboozer.com/reddirt5.html
Joe’s Movement Emporium -- http://www.joesmovement.org/
Friends of the Mount Rainier Library (FOL) --- http://www.mtrainierfol.org/
Gateway Community Development Corporation www.gateway-cdc.org
Mount Rainier Business Association (MRBA) www.mrbassociation.org
H & F Fine Arts -- www.hffinearts.com
Artmosphere Café -- www.artmospherecafe.com
Washington Metro Area Transit Service http://www.wmata.com/