Seat Pleasant Officer to Receive Award

4

Notify Me Prince George’s County

5

Community Yard Sale 7

Senior Corner 8

City of Seat Pleasant

Mayor

Eugene W. Grant

Council President

Kelly Porter

(At-Large Councilmember)

Ward I Councilmember

Elenora Simms

Ward II Councilmember

Aretha Stephenson

Ward III Councilmember

Reveral Yeargin

Ward IV Councilmember

Gerald Raynor

Ward V Councilmember

Eugene F. Kennedy

At-Large Council member

Johnie L. Higgs, Sr.

City Administrator

LaTasha C. Gatling

Treasurer

Robert L. Ashton

Chief of Police

Chris Cotillio

Director of Public Works

Johnny Thompson

City Clerk

Dashaun Lanham

ALSO I N S I D E T H I S I S S U E :

SEPTEMBER 2013 EDITION Visit us on the web at: www.seatpleasantmd.gov

STATE HIGHWAY ADMINISTRATION ENHANCES THE MD 704 CORRIDOR IN SEAT PLEASANT

Pedestrians, Bicyclists and Motorists to Benefit from Project Improvements

(August 7, 2013) – The Maryland State Highway Administration (SHA) has begun

a $4.8 million safety and improvement project on MD 704 (Martin Luther King Jr.

Highway) between the District of Columbia city line and Hill Road. Weather per-

mitting, the project should be complete by late summer 2015. The 1.29-mile pro-

ject includes significant safety enhancements along MD 704.

―This project will improve pedestrian safety, support bicycle use and calm traffic,‖

said SHA Administrator Melinda B. Peters. ―By reducing the travel lanes from six

to four, we are able to support all the ways people travel within the community.‖

Pedestrian safety enhancements include:

New crosswalks at the intersection of MD 704 and 68th, 69th and Greig

streets

New flashing overhead hazardous identification beacons (HIBs) to warn mo-

torists of pedestrians and the newly constructed crosswalks at 68th, 69th and

Greig streets. The HIBs will be located prior to the MD 704/65th Street and

MD 704/Greig Street intersections

An upgraded traffic signal at Addison Road that will include brighter LED (light

emitting diode) bulbs to improve the visibility of the signal for pedestrians and

motorists. This intersection serves the nearby Seat Pleasant Elementary

School and the Seat Pleasant Community Center

New decorative raised medians and installation of new landscaping

Crews will also repair and replace inlets and clean existing pipes to prevent

standing water on the road surface; upgrade sidewalks, curb ramps and driveway

entrances for Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance; resurface MD

704; apply new pavement markings and install new signs. SHA will also upgrade

existing traffic barrier and end treatments (guardrail).

To perform the work, SHA may temporarily close one or two lanes in both direc-

tions of MD 704, Monday through Friday, between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. and over-

night, Sunday through Thursday, between 9 p.m. and 5 a.m. Currently, crews are

working at various locations within the project limits and are repairing and replac-

ing curb and gutter, performing median excavation and installing the necessary

electrical infrastructure for new signals for the project.

The City of Seat Pleasant is a growing center for businesses. More than 26,000

vehicles use this heavily traveled section of MD 704 daily. The corridor is used by

pedestrians including elderly citizens and is home to a number of community in-

stitutions, businesses, apartment buildings and an elementary school. Engineers (CONTINUED ON THE NEXT PAGE)

SEAT PLEASANT NEWS

OFFICE OF THE CITY CLERK

Seat Pleasant news Page 2

(HIGHWAY IMPROVEMENTS CONTINUED)

evaluated this section of MD 704 and determined that the number of traffic lanes could be reduced from

three to two in each direction. The reduction of lanes will allow five-foot bike-compatible shoulders to be incor-

porated within the project limits connecting cyclists to area parks.

This project was made possible with funding from the Transportation Infrastructure Investment Act of 2013,

which maintains crucial system preservation investments and allows Maryland to activate long-term strate-

gies to invest in Maryland’s transportation systems. By putting people back to work in the transportation in-

dustry with $4.4 billion in new investments in the next six years, Maryland is creating hundreds of millions of

dollars in economic activity and providing Marylanders with the transportation infrastructure necessary to

grow and prosper for decades to come.

SHA’s contractor for the work is Rustler Construction, Inc. of Upper Marlboro. SHA will use electronic message

boards, construction cones and barrels, arrow boards and flaggers to direct motorists through the work zone.

As crews work to keep work zones safe, each driver needs to actively modify his or her driving style to help

prevent crashes. Stay alert – look for reduced speed limits, narrow driving lanes and highway workers. Slow

down and don’t follow too closely. Safer Driving. Safer Work Zones. For Everyone!

For more information about this project, please visit the SHA website to learn more about MD 704 Project in

Seat Pleasant.

The City Council has introduced the following legislations in the month of July:

Resolution R-14-04 FOR the purpose of appointing a new Acting City Administrator (also referred to as

the ―Chief Administrative Officer‖) for the City of Seat Pleasant; providing for the duration of the appointment;

providing limitations on the authority of the Acting City Administrator; providing that the current Acting City Ad-

ministrator shall resume the performance of his duties and the fulfillment of his responsibilities as City Treas-

urer on a full-time basis; and generally relating to the appointment of a new Acting City Administrator. The per-

son appointed to serve as the Acting City Administrator is LaTasha C. Gatling effective July 22, 2013.

Resolution R-14-05 A Resolution to amend Resolution R-14-01 to Clarify the City Council's Role with

respect to the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission and Park and Recreation Councils

and Committees.

Resolution R-14-06 FOR the purpose of appointing a City Administrator (Chief Administrative Officer)

for the City of Seat Pleasant; providing for the effective date of the appointment; providing for compensation

to the person so appointed and other terms and conditions of employment; terminating the appointment of

the Acting City Administrator as of a certain date; and generally relating to the appointment of a City Adminis-

trator (Chief Administrative Officer). The person appointed to serve as the City Administrator is LaTasha C. Gat-

ing effective August 5, 2013.

Resolution R-14-07 A Resolution concerning Waiver of Competitive Bidding – Car Radio Acquisition for

the purpose of exempting the purchase of in car radios for the use of the City Police Department from the

City’s competitive bidding requirements.

Ordinance O-14-01 An Ordinance concerning Amendment of the Fiscal Year 2013-2014 Budget for the

City of Seat Pleasant, Maryland for the purchase of Security Camera's for the Public Works and Vest for the

Police Department.

Ordinance O-14-02 An Ordinance concerning Amendment of the Fiscal Year 2013-2014 Budget for the

City of Seat Pleasant, Maryland for the purpose of Legal Service fees and a Porter Potty for Goodwin Park.

Page 3 Volume 1 , Issue 37

(OFFICE OF THE CITY CLERK CONTINUED)

Copies of legislation are available from the Office of the City Clerk at:

City Hall 6301 Addison Road Seat Pleasant, Maryland 20743-2125

MONTHLY MEETINGS

The Mayor and City Council will meet on the following days in the month of September:

Wednesday, September 4, 2013 Monday, September 9, 2013

Regular Work Session Public Session

Time: 6:00 p.m. 7:00 p.m.

Meetings are held at:

Seat Pleasant City Hall Council Chambers 6301 Addison Road Seat Pleasant, MD 20743-2125

If you desire to speak before the Council at the Public Session, please contact the City Clerk to register your

concerns before the meeting.

SEAT PLEASANT VOTER REGISTRATION UPDATE

The Board of Supervisors of Election would like to update the Voter Registration List for the City of Seat

Pleasant. The Board is requesting that ALL residents of the City assist them in this process by taking the fol-

lowing steps:

If you have a family member that is DECEASED, please send a letter to the Board of Election informing

them of this information. You will need to identify yourself in the letter. The letter should state the name

of the person that is deceased that maybe listed as an active voter.

If you reside in a property and you continue to receive mail for the previous resident, please return the

mail to the post office. Addressed as the ―WRONG ADDRESS‖

If a person has relocated permanently, please encourage them to update their Voter Regis-

tration.

If you noticed NEW residents, please send them to City Hall to complete a Voter Registration Card to

change their Voter information.

Please mail your letter to:

Prince George’s County Board of Elections

16201 Trade Zone Avenue Suite 108

Upper Marlboro, MD 20774-8758

2) If you reside in a property and you continue to receive mail for the previous resident, please return the

mail to the post office. Addressed as the ―WRONG ADDRESS‖

3) If a person has relocated permanently, please encourage them to update their Voter Registration.

4) If you noticed NEW residents, please send them to City Hall to complete a Voter Registration Card to

change their Voter information.

If you would like to verify if the family member is still listed on the City’s Voter Registration list, please feel

free to contact the City Clerk for verification purposes.

Publication Mailing: The Gazette Newspaper has discontinued the FREE home delivery of the paper to each

resident in the City of Seat Pleasant. However, they have expanded the bulk delivery services to the following

locations:

Seat Pleasant City Hall 6301 Addison Road Seat Pleasant, MD 20743

Seat Pleasant Activity Center 5720 Addison Road Seat Pleasant, MD 20743

Safeway Stores, Inc. 6300 Central Avenue Seat Pleasant, MD 20743

Fairmount Heights Public Library 5904 Kolb St. Fairmount Heights, MD 20743

Page 4 Volume 1 , Issue 37

ATTENTION RESIDENTS

Councilmember Simms cordially invites you to bring your child to the next Public Session to

see the legislative meeting process. Your child will receive some basic school supplies at the

end of the meeting. The meeting will be held on Monday, September 9, 2013 at 7:00p.m.,

Seat Pleasant City Hall.

Please thank Councilmember Stephenson and Councilmember Kennedy for their contribu-

tions in the distribution of the school supplies. We look forward to seeing you!

RECOGNITION FOR BEST YARD IN WARD V Councilmember Kennedy held a contest for Best Yard for the residents of Ward V. Those resi-

dents who were recognized for having well groomed yards will receive awards at the Septem-

ber 9th Public Session in the City Hall Council Chambers. The Public Session begins at 7:00

p.m. Congratulations to the winners!

CAMPUS SAFETY BY SEAT PLEASANT POLICE CHIEF CHRIS COTILLO

September is back to school month with many of our young residents going back to col-

lege or beginning college. Life on a college campus can be a very self-contained envi-

ronment. Students generally live in dorms and spend the majority of their time within

the campus. While this provides for a higher level of education and a unique society,

living in such close proximity to so many other people does have its disadvantages and

dangers. Campus crime is one of the biggest issues that affect every higher education

facility.

Crimes such as theft, robbery or sexual assault are sometimes very prevalent at any school. Date rape is an

ongoing problem that many college students are forced to deal with. The possibility of any student becoming a

victim of a crime makes it essential that every person learn how to stay safe on campus. People who live in

dorms should follow a few basic safety tips such as walking to class in groups, especially at night, always

keeping their doors locked and knowing exactly where the security offices are located. Students may find it

worthwhile to invest in a non-lethal self defense weapon and/or enroll in a basic self defense class.

Another type of crime that’s on the rise doesn’t involve physical confrontation, but can be devastating none-

theless. Identity theft is another serious issue on campuses all across the nation. Every student must learn

how to protect their identity from computer hackers and even predators who may take personal mail directly

out of a garbage can. Every year thousands of people have their identities stolen, and repairing the problem is

a long and costly tribulation. It is not something anyone and especially anyone just starting out building a cred-

it history wants to deal with.

Going to college is all about learning and developing your education. While you are there, enjoy the college

experience but please take some time to educate yourself about campus crime and how to prevent it.

SEAT PLEASANT OFFICER TO RECEIVE PRESTIGIOUS AWARD

On September 9, 2013, Officer Bryan Stevens will receive the Exceptional Police Performance Award for 2012

by the Maryland Chiefs of Police Association at the Clarion Fountainebleau Hotel in Ocean City, Maryland.

While there were many deserving nominees, Officer Stevens was selected from among his peers as the officer

who, through his dedication to duty and selfless service, best exemplified the ideals of this prestigious award.

The award will be presented to Officer Stevens during the opening ceremonies of the M.C.P.A. Annual Confer-

ence. We wish to congratulate Officer Stevens for a job well done.

Page 5 Seat Pleasant news

NOTIFY ME PRINCE GEORGE’S

I wrote a few months ago about a free community system called Nixle that connects public safety agencies to

residents so you can be informed of important alerts and notifications. Prince George’s County has a new way

that you can also be alerted to major events and/or local emergencies that occur right here where we live; it’s

called Notify Me Prince George’s. It is a free service that sends important emergency information and updates

directly to your email or cell phone, whichever way you prefer. When a major event, significant incident, major

crisis, or any emergency happens, the Prince George’s County Office of Homeland Security will alert registered

users via Notify Me Prince George’s. You can even ask for alerts that occur in specific locations! Notify Me

Prince George’s will provide updates on active events and, if required, give you instructions on where to go,

what to do, what not to do, who to contact, etc. You don’t have to sign up for all of their services – but I have! I

have signed up to receive information about Amber Alerts; severe weather; county government, county public

schools, and federal government delays and closings; major utility interruptions; severe traffic; and emergency

preparedness measures. I figure that you can never have too much information! J

Registration is very easy. Simply Google Notify Me Prince George’s or go to

https://notifyme.princegeorgescountymd.gov/index.php?CCheck=1. This service

is free but your wireless carrier may charge a fee to receive text messages –

check with them before you do anything. Register for your Notify Me Prince

George’s account today to receive community alerts and notifications!

Don’t forget the Seat Pleasant Fire Department’s Annual Crab Feast from 2:00

p.m. until 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 14, 2013!! Tickets are going quick-

ly – get yours by contacting the Fire Department or City Hall.

If you need any public safety information or want CPAC (your Citizens for Public

Safety Advisory Council) to discuss anything with Seat Pleasant’s Police Depart-

ment or Volunteer Fire Department, please email us at cpac.seatpleasant@live.com. Keep safe!

CODE ENFORCEMENT REMINDERS

Insert Screens: Between May 1 to September 30th every door, window and other outside opening required for

ventilation of habitable rooms, food preparation areas, and food services are to be supplied with tightly fitting

screens of not less 16 mesh per inch.

Proper Lawn Maintenance: All property owners with grass exceeding 8 inches will have 72 hours to cut the

grass. If the grass has not been cut within that time frame, then a municipal infraction in the amount of $50

will be issued. For unoccupied properties that do not cut the grass within the time frame, the city will cut the

grass and the cost will be assessed against the property. Remember to cut the weeds and grass that may grow

up on your fence line. Property owners with backyards or side yards abutting a street, alleys in the City, are re-

sponsible for cutting the grass between their property line and the adjacent street.

Vehicles: IMPC: 302.8- Motor Vehicles- Which states that except as pro-

vided for in other regulation, no inoperative or unlicensed motor vehicle

shall be parked, kept or stored on any premises, and no vehicle shall at

any time be in a state of major disassembly, disrepair, or in the process of

being stripped or dismantled. Vehicles must be parked on asphalt, con-

crete, gravel, brick stone or any non-porous material; vehicles shall not be

parked on the grass. Existing gravel driveways must be maintained with

no grass growing through. All vehicles within the City of Seat Pleasant

need to be properly licensed within the State of Maryland.

Page 6 Volume 1 , Issue 37

MOSQUITO SPRAYING

The City of Seat Pleasant has a contract with the Maryland Department of Agricul-

ture Mosquito Control Section for spraying mosquitos. The schedule for Seat

Pleasant is Thursday nights. Spraying for adult mosquitos is based strictly on re-

sults from standardized surveillance methods. Traps are set at predetermined lo-

cations that are known to have sufficient mosquito infestation. The program cur-

rently runs from June 2, 2013 through September 19, 2013.

LONG STANDING WATER PROBLEM ADDRESSED ON CARRINGTON PLACE

Due to an ongoing water drainage problem on Carrington Place the Seat Pleasant Public Works Department

came together with the Prince George’s County Public Works Department to resolve it. The issues have been

plaguing Carrington Place for over twenty five years and were the result of the continuous running of sump

pumps and underground water flow. After two years of meetings and planning and reviews by engineers a res-

olution was agreed upon by the County and the City. Other internal issues delayed the start as promised earli-

er in the year, however, work started on August 19, 2013 and will continue through the end of summer. The

Prince George’s County Public Works Department has agreed to pay for the construction. We will continue to

update the community as information is made available.

THE TRAINING SOURCE TRAINING PROGRAMS

The Training Source’s comprehensive Office Automation Training program provides employment skills that

are currently in demand by area employers to eligible unemployed and underemployed citizens. This program

utilizes instructor-led and self-paced instruction, which allows each student to develop skills according to his

or her learning capabilities. Key components of this 15-week program include: Computer Literacy Skills -

Computer Concepts, Keyboarding/Typing, Microsoft Windows, and Microsoft Office (Word, Excel,PowerPoint,

and Access); Life Skills - Business Math, Business English, Time/Money Management, Consumerism, Self-

Esteem and Motivation; Professional Skills - Resume Preparation, Business Correspondence, Successful Job

Search Strategies, Job Survival Tips, How to Dress for Success, and Interview Techniques; and Job Placement

Assistance and Follow-up Services. Information sessions are held on Wednesdays at 10:00 a.m. The Train-

ing Source is located at 59 Yost Place in Seat Pleasant, Maryland. Call 301-499-8872 today— classes are

forming now! You can also e-mail contact@thetrainingsource.org and visit them on the web at

www.trainingsource.org for more information.

ADDIE WADDY LEAVES SEAT PLEASANT CITY HALL AFTER 12 YEARS

After twelve years of faithful service, Ms. Addie Waddy, the receptionist with the sweet voice and pleasant dis-

position has left her position here with the City of Seat Pleasant. She came to the City in

2000 and quickly became known for her easy going demeanor and friendly phone man-

ner.

Ms. Addie moved to Seat Pleasant with her family in 1967 and lived here until about two

years ago. She has four children, fourteen grandchildren and eight great grandchildren.

Before coming to work for Seat Pleasant, she worked for the Office of Office Personnel

Management until she retired in 1997 and then worked for the American Management

Systems as the head receptionist. She likes to sing and love spending time with her fami-

ly. She also enjoys working in her church, Mt. Calvary Baptist Church in Washington, D.C.

Though she now has more time for her family, she will surely be missed by her Seat Pleas-

ant family and the lives of those she touched. We wish her the best.

Page 7 Seat Pleasant news

(

9/13/13

PRESORTED

FIRST CLASS

U.S. POSTAGE PAID

SOUTHERN MARYLAND

PERMIT #235

City of Seat Pleasant

“A City of Excellence”

6301 Addison Road

Seat Pleasant, Maryland 20743

GET TO KNOW THE

EVELYN COLE SENIOR ACTIVITY CENTER

5720 ADDISON ROAD

SEAT PLEASANT, MARYLAND 20743

301-356-5525 TTY 301-446-3402

HOURS OF OPERATION MONDAYS - FRIDAYS 10 AM - 2 PM

CLOSED SATURDAYS AND SUNDAYS

The Evelyn Cole Senior Center serves seniors 60

and up and offers a large fitness room, a multi-

purpose room, and a large meeting room where

classes and special events are held.

The Food and Friendship Program operated by

the Prince George’s County Department of Fami-

ly Services Area on Aging offers a nutritionally

balanced lunch daily at this center. They also

provide limited transportation to and from the

center. For more information or to make your

reservation call 301-265-3450.

REMINDER: The Seat Pleasant Volunteer Fire Company Inc. will be holding its 3rd Annual Crab Feast on Saturday September, 14 2013 from 2pm until 5pm at 6305 Addison Rd in Seat Pleasant MD. The cost is $40.00 for adults and $20.00 for children. Attendees will be served all you can eat crabs along with other "cook-out" style foods (hamburger/hotdogs, etc.). For more information and to purchase tick-ets visit spvfccrabs.eventbrite.com or call 301-836-1957.

SENIOR CORNER Here are events for seniors in Seat Pleasant and

Prince George’s County in September:

September 8, 2013: Grandparents’ Day Tours at

the Riverdale House Museum 4811 Riverdale Road

Riverdale Park, MD 20707 For more information

call 301-864-0420

September 21, 2013: Register of Wills Presenta-

tion Seat Pleasant City Hall 6301 Addison Road

Seat Pleasant Maryland. Find out what to do when

planning your estate. To reserve your space call

301-336-2600.

September 23-27: Active Aging Week - Discover

your community. Free activities for seniors 60 and

over will be offered throughout Prince George’s

County at MNCPPC sites. For more information and

a complete schedule call the Special Programs Divi-

sion at 301-446-2400.