CCA PUBLIC MEETING MINUTES
/CCA Public Meeting
Tuesday, May 22, 2018
The meeting started at 6:40PM at the United Evangelical Church. Mark Edelson, President, introduced himself and welcomed everyone. He said this is the CCA’s final meeting before the June 26 Primary Election.
He thanked Mission BBQ for the food tonight and the Rev. Cathy Oatman for use of the hall.
Announcements:
CCA Monthly Newsletter – Mark asked how many people get the CCA monthly newsletter saying in order to receive it one needs to be a member of the CCA. He said to let him know if anyone is a member and still not receiving it. Saying it is a lot work, he feels it is a good thing to do. He asked how people found out about this meeting – social media, word of mouth, emails or mentioned at another community meeting. This can help our data analytics.
Public Safety Committee – Mark introduced Joe Koehler who is the chair. This committee meets once a month (second Wednesday of the month at the Broom Factory). COP (Citizens on Patrol) walks are once a month in different locations. Mark urged people to get involved and give input saying this is the single most important committee to flush out.
O’Donnell Square Park – Matt Lasinski was recognized as the President of the O’Donnell Square Business Association. He said the group is focused on improving the Square and having family-friendly events. There will be Third Friday events serving food and alcohol in the Square with the restaurants having a café at their site. On Saturday, July 14 there will be a Crab and Beer Festival. The cost will be $65 for food and beer, $25 for ages 7-20 and under 7 – free.
CCA Happy Hour at Claddagh Pub - on Thursday, May 24 from 6-8P. Mark said this will be a more casual atmosphere. Rob Peck passed out fliers.
CCA Night at the Yard – this will be Thursday, July 26 with the Orioles facing the Tampa Bay Rays. Tickets are $17 with $5 going to the CCA.
Light Night Canton – Mark said this was an amazing event. Amanda Bourgeois, Torbin Green and Julie Kichline were recognized. Amanda thanked the CCA, businesses on the Square, Charm City Skatepark, the Church on the Square and all the volunteers who helped.
O’Donnell Square Park Upkeep – Torbin asked for volunteers to keep the Square nice. He is working with the Baltimore City Recs and Parks. He is taking a course to be a Weed Warrior. He wants to have a budget for the Square and to decide which plants to keep.
Presentations – Mark:
State’s Attorney Office Update – Marilyn Mosby:
Ms. Mosby spoke about her family decision to live in Reservoir Hill in Baltimore City and how she had second thoughts about it at the time. However, there have been many improvements since then. She said her office prosecutes 40-50,000 cases a year. She feels the need to be reactive as well as proactive. She wants us to be vigilant, engaged and visual. She mentioned various statistics and urged people to sign up for Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. Fliers were passed out for the Community Court Watch. She said Community Impact Statements are very important.
There were a couple of questions dealing with the juvenile situation here in Baltimore City. She said the juvenile hearings are public and the community can give feedback. Deputies from her office are here tonight and can talk to people after the meeting.
Baltimore Water Taxi – Claire Walker & Michael McDaniel
The Water Taxi and Harbor Connector are two different systems. There is a charge for the Water Taxi, which is seasonal and has five routes. The Connector is part of the Charm City Circulator and is free with a federal subsidy. It operates three boats during the week. Fliers were made available.
Tunnel to Towers Climb – Saturday, June 16 at 8A at the Canton Crossing Tower – John Kraft & Zach Zwicker
This is the first event in Maryland. The family of Stephen Siller started it. This off-duty fireman ran through a tunnel to get to lower Manhattan on 9/11 to help. He was killed when the tower fell. Mission BBQ will donate food at this event. There will be two stairwells. People can run or walk the 18 stories. The organizers want to keep the out of town folks here in this area afterwards. Vendors are welcome. Fliers were passed out for this inspiring event.
Fire Safety – Captain John Neuberger – Local #41 Engine:
Captain Neuberger is the Company Commander of Local #41 on Conkling Street. He noted they host the Christmas Garden and possibly a “Christmas in July”. He said the Fire Department is open for people to visit.
His department would like to do community outreach and can even bring some kind of apparatus to meetings.
They are supporting the Tunnel To Towers Climb. The Captain urged people to call 311 for smoke alarms. These are free and have ten-year batteries.
Introductions - Mark
Council President’s Office Neighborhood Liaison – Scott Davis:
Mr. Davis works for the Council President Jack Young. He covers our district as well as District 11 and other outreach initiatives. He noted the 7th Annual President’s Cup being played at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on Tuesday, June 5 at 3PM. He also spoke about the Baltimore Police Consent Decree Community Meetings.
Candidate for Lt. Governor – Susie Turnbull:
Ms. Turnbull is running with Ben Jealous. She is a former Vice Chair of the Maryland Democratic Party. She talked about plans Mr. Jealous has if elected. She said Kevin Kamenetz was a friend and will be missed.
Candidate for Clerk of Court – Shanai Dunmore:
Ms. Dunmore thanked Mark for inviting her saying she loves this crowd. She is currently the Chief Deputy in the Register of Wills Office. The Clerk’s office is the official record keeper for Baltimore City. She wants to upgrade their systems and also increase compensation for jury duty. She said she is used to getting things done and feels she is the best person for the job.
Candidate for Sheriff – Stanley Bradford:
Mr. Bradford is a long-time resident of Baltimore City. He is a former Chief of Detectives. He talked about this office. He said the office does law enforcement of the courts. The deputies go to the same academy as the Baltimore City police. He wants to expand their roles with progressive programs. He wants to make changes to child support warrants and help people in need with wrap around services (i.e., social services and job training).
Candidate for Clerk of Court – Lenora Dawson:
Ms. Dawson is the Senior Aide to the Sheriff of Baltimore City. She said there is a lot of paperwork involved with the Clerk of the Court’s office. She plans to have a great staff with great customer service.
Candidate for Baltimore State’s Attorney – Ivan Bates:
Mr. Bates said he is looking at the homicide numbers which he calls beyond unacceptable. He talked about his background saying his relationship with the City goes back to the 1990’s. He was an Assistant State’s Attorney as well as a defense attorney. He can see both sides and wants to focus on violent offenders. Mr. Bates plans to do this especially on the juvenile situation. He wants to make sure the police are properly trained. He will have his personnel attend community meetings.
Candidate for Baltimore State’s Attorney – Thiru Vignarajah:
Mr. Vignarajah thanked us for our patience. He said Baltimore is in his blood. He spoke a little about his background saying he was a prosecutor for the City. He was Deputy Attorney General for the State of Maryland. He said this is a very important election. He plans to cut the murder rate in half. He has ideas on the juvenile situation and urges people to read his plans (VignarajahforBaltimore.com). He has focused on the area around 24th and Barclay Streets.
Upcoming CCA and Partner Events:
SEPD CRC –1st Monday of the month @ 7:00PM (SE District)\
CCA Board Meetings – 1st Tuesday of the month @ 6:30PM – Broom Factory
EDC – 2nd Monday of the month @ 6:30PM – Broom Factory
Transportation Committee – 3rd Wednesday of the month @ 6:30PM – Broom Factory
Public Safety Committee – 2nd Wednesday of the month at 6:30PM – Broom Factory
Public Meetings @ 6:30PM – Sept. 25 and Nov. 27
Respectfully Submitted,
Denise Aversa