October 2023 Community Meeting Recap
Note: Any changes to the minutes should be directed to secretary@upperfellspoint.org.
Hybrid Meeting
Welcome/Introductions
Leadership Change - Ben Miller stated that our bylaws restrict those campaigning or holding political office from serving on the board so Wendy had to step down as president. He thanked her for serving. Wendy said she will continue to work closely with the safety committee on the grant.
Guest Speaker
Brian Megali, UFPIA resident, gave a brief presentation about the Home Improvement Property Tax Credit; information and forms at https://mht.maryland.gov/taxcredits_homeowner.shtml
Votes
Motion 1: For Mark Hoffmann to serve as election judge for the Special Presidential Election; motion passed unanimously.
Motion 2: That the UFPIA support the Zero Waste Coalition Letter which urges neighborhood associations and businesses to support eliminating trash incineration from MD’s Renewable Portfolio Standard; motion passed (Y-24; N-1; A-2) -https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfKAqfo4cq_r63q05AARAhrP5tefXY101txhuIhZbYF0zyMoA/viewform
Motion 3: To have the UFPIA send a letter to the appropriate City agencies stating that we oppose the Hookah Pearl Lounge from obtaining a late night operating license and for actions to be taken to correct their current violations. Motion passed (Y-25; N-1; A-1). (Note: see Land-Use Committee report below for more information.)
Officer Reports
Treasurer’s report was given.
Committee Reports
Beautification
Mallory Kuehn - beautification@upperfellspoint.org
Mayor’s Cleanup 10/21
Includes garbage pickup from the City but no bulk items
Monthly Cleanup 10/23
Social at Spirits afterwards
Last Monday night cleanup of the year
Community Garden
Jan Mooney - communitygarden@upperfellspoint.org
Oktoberfest
Was rescheduled to Sun. 10/15 due to rain on Sat.
Was a sunny day with a great turnout.
Thanks to everyone who attended and to our volunteers.
Education
Latonya Watson - education@upperfellspoint.org
Has been in discussion with Mark Gaither at Wolfe St. Academy
Update on student chromebooks
Most children have tablets
Focus on Full Family Council - meeting with Mark on 10/18 for more details
FUND-RAISING
Lisa Knickmeyer - fundraising@upperfellspoint.org
Halloween Adult Costume Contest on 10/31
First time doing this event
$5 registration fee/person
Gift cards to local restaurants for prizes
Trick-or-treaters and others in the neighborhood will vote
Land-Use
Mark Hoffmann - landuse@upperfellspoint.org
There are no current requests for variances.
A subcommittee was formed to make a more in-depth study of illegal Airbnb’s in our neighborhood.
An attorney has been contacted to prepare the final draft of the MOU for Sweet Carolinas.
The Hookah Pearl Lounge (206 S Broadway) is requesting a license to operate until 5am. They are operating illegally since they do not have the required permits and are in violation of several codes. (Note: See Vote #3 above.)
The next land-use committee meeting will be on Nov 13th at 7pm; contact Mark
Safety (sub-committee)
Dan Harrison - safety@upperfellspoint.org
Progress is being made on compiling an MOU for safety cameras.
New requests are being processed for street lighting.
MEDIA
Jan Mooney - newsletter@upperfellspoint.org
The deadline for the Nov. newsletter is Nov. 5th at 5pm.
Reminder - no newsletter or meeting in Dec.
Traffic & Parking
Kurt Schiller - trafficparking@upperfellspoint.org
ROWart project
Painting has been completed.
Will be adding plants on 10/22 at Noon if you want to help.
9th Annual Cranksgiving: 11/18
Early registration: https://www.bikemore.net/cranksgiving
Join UFPIA team - contact Kurt
New Business
The initial City Council map proposed by the Mayor included all of UFP in District 13. A new map was presented by Councilman Mosby on Oct. 16th which showed most of UFP in district 1. Councilman Mosby’s plan was approved by the City Council; however it still has not been approved by the Mayor.
Liz Bement gave an update on BGE gas regulators. She stated that the Public Service Commission has ruled that BGE has no legal authority under MD regulations or the Gas Service Tariff to force paying customers to have gas pressure regulators installed on the outside of their homes.
Claudia Towles - has Stop BGE buttons and is running for District 1 City Council.
To vote on issues at a meeting, you must have paid your current dues (based on calendar year beginning in January), attended 2 of the preceding 11 meetings, live in our boundaries and be age 18 and/or attended UFPIA sponsored events/activities per our Meeting & Voting Regulations.
