Census Day - April 1, 2020 Pot o' Gold Potluck - March 14 - FILING DEADLINE MARCH 3 - PAGE 3 - Town of Berwyn Heights MD
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Berwyn Heights Bulletin — March 2020 — Page
Incorporated 1896 March 2020
FILING DEADLINE MARCH 3 - PAGE 3
• Census Day - April 1, 2020
PAGE 4
• Pot o’ Gold Potluck - March 14
PAGE 15
Berwyn Heights Bulletin — March 2020 — Page 2
Public Hearing Notice FY 2021 Budget Workshop
FY 2020 Budget March 28, 9:00 am - 2:00 pm
Adoption of Amendments Council Chamber
March 11, 7:00 p.m.
The Town Council, senior staff and heads of
The Town Council plans to adopt 2 amendments Town organizations will discuss the proposed FY
to the FY 2020 budget that were introduced at 2021 budget and make changes.
the February 12 Town meeting. ORD 177-7
transfers $6,000 from the operating fund balance The meeting is open to the public and public com-
to the Police Vehicles & Equipment appropriation ments are welcome. The proposed budget will be
to purchase two mobile speed monitors. ORD available on our website.
177-8 transfers $700 from Code Compliance
Salaries to the Mayor & Council Miscellaneous https://www.berwynheightsmd.gov/budget
appropriation to fund a Homeowners Tax Credit
program adopted with ORD 180 in August 2019.
Prior to adoption the Council will hold a public
hearing and public comments are welcome. The
FY 2020 budget can be viewed on the Town Report Pepco Outages at 1-877-737-2662
website at
https://www.berwynheightsmd.gov/budget/ Or online at www.pepco.com/outages
pages/fy-2020-adopted-budget
Reporting Street Light Outages
If you notice a street light near you that is not coming on,
is dim or flickers, you can report it through Pepco’s web-
Advertising Rates for the site: https://pepco.streetlightoutages.com/map/default.html.
Berwyn Heights Bulletin
TERM RESIDENT NON-RESIDENT
EIGHTH (1/8) PAGE
1 Month $30.00 $36.00
6 Months $162.00 $192.00
12 Months $230.00 $336.00
QUARTER (1/4) PAGE
1 Month $50.00 $72.00
6 Months $270.00 $384.00
12 Months $384.00 $672.00
Using Pepco’s map, zoom in to street level to view green
HALF (1/2) PAGE light icons, or enter address for a specific light you want
1 Month $100.00 $144.00 to report in the search box. Once you have located the
problem light, hover the cursor over it until the infor-
6 Months $540.00 $768.00
mation box appears. Click on it and enter the information
12 Months $768.00 $1,344.00 requested, including a pole number or nearest street ad-
FULL PAGE dress. Repairs typically take between 15 to 30 days, de-
1 Month $200.00 $288.00
pending on what type of repairs are needed.
6 Months $1,080.00 $1,536.00 Alternatively, call Pepco’s Customer Service: 202-833-
7500. In an emergency, such as downed poles or wires,
12 Months $1,536.00 $2,688.00
call 1-877-737-2662 or (Spanish) 1-800-877-1264.
Berwyn Heights Bulletin — March 2020 — Page 3
TUESDAY, MAY 5, 7am - 7pm MARTES 5 DE MAYO 7am - 7pm
Corre por el Consejo
Run for Town Council
Presente sus documentos antes del martes
File your papers by Tuesday, March 3
Forms and information are available at the 3 de marzo
Town office, 5700 Berwyn Rd, Tel. 301-474- Los formularios y la información están disponibles en
5000, la oficina de la ciudad, 5700 Berwyn Rd, tel. 301-474-
or on our website: https:// 5000, o en nuestro sitio web: https://
www.berwynheightsmd.gov/town-council-elections www.berwynheightsmd.gov/town-council-elections
Qualifications: Calificaciones:
US citizen at least 21 years of age; Ciudadano estadounidense
Duly registered to vote in Maryland or Town de al menos 21 años de edad;
of Berwyn Heights Debidamente registrado para votar en Maryland o
Town resident for at least six months prior en la ciudad de Berwyn Heights;
to the date of the election Residente de la ciudad durante al menos seis
meses antes de la fecha de la elección.
Register to Vote Registrarse para votar
Apply by March 31
Contact the Prince George's County Board of Aplicar antes del 31 de marzo
Elections (301-430-8020) to request an appli- Comuníquese con la Junta Electoral del Condado de
cation; or pick one up at the Town Office, or fill Prince George (301-430-8020) para solicitar una solic-
out an online application at: itud; o recoger uno en la oficina de la ciudad, o com-
http://www.princegeorgescountymd.gov/sites/ pletar una solicitud en línea en:
Elections/VoterInformation/Information/Pages/ http://www.princegeorgescountymd.gov/sites/
default.aspx
Elections/VoterInformation/Information/Pages/
default.aspx
The Town of Berwyn Heights carries out sup-
plementary registrations valid only for voting in
Town elections. You can register up to April 6, El pueblo de Berwyn Heights realiza registros adicion-
2020 at the Town office during office hours 9 ales válidos solo para votar en las elecciones munici-
am - 5 pm. Please bring a valid ID. pales. Puede registrarse hasta el 6 de abril de 2020 en
la oficina de la ciudad durante el horario de oficina de
9 am a 5 pm. Por favor traiga una identificación válida.
Vote by Absentee Ballot
You can vote anytime between April 6 and May Voto por boleta ausente
4, 2020 with an absentee ballot. Absentee bal-
lots are available at the Town office or you can Puede votar en cualquier momento entre el 6 de abril
request one by mail by filling out an application y el 4 de mayo de 2020 con una boleta de votación en
available on our website: ausencia. Las boletas en ausencia están disponibles
www.berwynheightsmd.gov/town-council-elections/ en la oficina de la ciudad o puede solicitar una por cor-
files/absentee-ballot-application-2020 reo completando una solicitud disponible en nuestro
sitio web: www.berwynheightsmd.gov/town-council-
elections/files/absentee-ballot-application-2020
Berwyn Heights Bulletin — March 2020 — Page 4
On April 1, the Town will celebrate Census El 1 de abril, la ciudad celebrará el día del censo. La
Day. The G. Love conference room next to the sala de conferencias G. Love junto al Senior Center
Senior Center at 8601 57th Avenue will be en 8601 57th Avenue contará con personal para
staffed to assist all residents who want help ayudar a todos los residentes que quieran ayuda para
with completing the Census. Councilmembers completar el Censo. Los miembros del consejo y el
and staff will answer questions, help people personal responderán preguntas, ayudarán a las
use a computer to fill out a Census form online, personas a usar una computadora para completar un
and translate for Spanish-speaking residents. formulario del Censo en línea y traducirán para los
residentes de habla hispana.
Every 10 years, the U.S. Census Bureau con-
ducts a count of every resident in the United Cada 10 años, la Oficina del Censo de los Estados
States and records basic information about Unidos realiza un recuento de cada residente en los
them. The information is used to determine Estados Unidos y registra información básica sobre
congressional representation, and how and ellos. La información se utiliza para determinar la
where federal funds will be spent to build new representación en el Congreso y cómo y dónde se
schools, new clinics, new roads, and provide gastarán los fondos federales para construir nuevas
more services for families, older adults, and escuelas, nuevas clínicas, nuevas carreteras y
children. proporcionar más servicios para familias, adultos
mayores y niños.
The US Census Bureau has posted information
about the 2020 Census on the web, including La Oficina del Censo ha publicado información sobre
sample questionnaires, why the Census mat- el Censo 2020 en la web, incluidos cuestionarios de
ters and how our privacy is protected. Here are muestra, por qué es importante el Censo, y cómo se
some important dates to remember: protege nuestra privacidad. Algunas fechas im-
portantes para recordar:
• Mid-March: every household in Berwyn
Heights receives an invitation to respond to A mediados de marzo: cada hogar en Berwyn
the census online or by phone. Heights recibe una invitación para responder al
censo en línea o por teléfono.
• Mid-April: all households that have not yet
responded will receive a paper question- A mediados de abril: todos los hogares que aún
naire. no han respondido recibirán un cuestionario en
papel.
• Mid-May: census takers will visit house-
holds that have not responded to collect the Mediados de mayo: los encuestadores visitarán
information. los hogares que no han respondido para recopilar
la información.
Next Meeting Siguiente junta
Monday, March 23 Lunes 23 de Marzo
7pm | G. Love Room 7pm | G. Love Room
Join the Education Advisory Committee to Únase al Comité Asesor de Educación para
discuss the April Census Day activities. discutir las actividades del Dia del Censo.
Civics Education Sessions Sesiones de educación cívica
Voter Registration. Registro de votantes.
Census support Apoyo censal
All residents are welcome! Todos los residentes son bienvenidos
Please contact the BHEAC Póngase en contacto con BHEAC para obtener más
at thebheac@gmail.com for more information
información en: thebheac@gmail.com.
Berwyn Heights Bulletin — March 2020 — Page 5
W orksession, January 6 2020 save for a big project. ing door to door.
Present were Mayor Pro Tempore
CM Osmond sought clarification on the CM Sweep asked whether Councilmem-
(MPT) Jason Papanikolas, presiding,
rainy-day fund. TM Broadbent said the bers have picked any winners for the
Councilmembers (CMs) Amanda Dewey,
Town has always had a reserve to cover holiday decorating contest. He thought
Ethan Sweep, and Jeffrey Jay Osmond.
operating expenses for the first 3 months of there were a lot of good decorations this
Mayor Stephen Isler had an excused ab-
a fiscal year when no tax revenues are year. CM Dewey said that Mayor Isler
sence. Also present were Town Manager
received. However, she believes there was supposed to have received nomina-
(TM) Maria Broadbent, Clerk Kerstin Har-
should be enough in savings to cover 7 tions from residents.
per and citizens.
months of operations, or approximately
$1,500,000, for a rainy-day fund. CM Os- Minutes
1. Announcements
mond said he would like to understand how 3. CM Dewey moved and CM Sweep
Mayor Isler was absent because he fell ill.
the FY 2020 budget has performed, includ- seconded to approve the November 18
Pepco will hold an energy assistance day
ing the reserves, and if possible, reduce worksession minutes. The motion
at its Forestville service center on January
the budget next year. TM Broadbent said passed 4 to 0. CM Sweep moved and
16. CM Dewey will attend the Maryland
the Town will not know how this budget has CM Dewey seconded to approve the
Climate Leadership Academy in Annapolis
performed until the year is out. It may make December 2 worksession minutes. The
tomorrow hosted by the Maryland Depart-
more sense to level-fund the next budget motion passed 4 to 0. The December 11
ment of Natural Resources.
and see what the experience is. Town meeting minutes were distributed.
2. Discussion Items
TM Broadbent summed up that she plans 4. Department Reports
FY 2021 budget: TM Broadbent said she
to take stock of the directors’ enhancement MPT Papanikolas noted that this is the
provided an updated budget calendar,
requests, which will be modest this year, year when everyone should write out all
which moves the 2nd worksession in Feb-
and then fund operations based on the four digits of the year when dating
ruary to the 24th of the month and sched-
same tax rate as last year. If Councilmem- checks or other important documents to
ules the all-day budget workshop for Sat-
bers have any enhancements, they are prevent easy falsification. CM Sweep
urday, March 28. Tonight, the Council is
requested to submit a form as soon as pos- asked if there is an update on lose leaf
requested to provide initial guidance to
sible. Town organizations will submit re- collection. TM Broadbent said Public
staff on FY 2021 budget goals.
quests of their own. CM Dewey said the Works will resume collection when they
survey results will also be useful for inform- get the leaf machine back from the re-
TM Broadbent said CM Dewey has re-
ing budget decisions. pair shop, hopefully within the next
quested an explanation of what consti-
tutes the (general) fund balance and how week. Public Works will extend the col-
Phil Ventura, 57th Avenue, commented, lection period through January to pick up
it is used. The Town has been in the habit
during Mayor Calvo’s tenure, the Town any remaining leaf piles.
of not spending all the money it raises in
wanted to do street repairs but first had to
taxes and other revenues. The unspent
pay off a previous infrastructure bond and Phil Ventura commented that a lot of
money becomes the fund balance, which
then compensate for the loss of HUR and trash was left at the curb over the holi-
has been carried over as savings into the
real property tax revenues during the great days, in part because staff was given
next year’s budget as opposed to the tax
recession. That is why money was set additional time off and were not able to
rate being adjusted. Her inclination is to
aside in a dedicated infrastructure reserve finish pickups. He particularly noted a
keep the tax rate at the current level when
fund. While the financial situation is good pile of fluorescent bulbs that has been
she creates a budget. However, she
now, HUR may be reduced again and re- sitting out at the Goucher and Marietta
would like the Council to give her feed-
serves may be needed. MPT Papanikolas Drive intersection for a while. CM Sweep
back on this and then create a budget that
replied that the current HUR deal is in ef- and Dewey said that Christmas and New
does not use fund balance if possible.
fect until 2024, and the Maryland Municipal Years’ Eve are regular, not extra days
Although it is a common practice, the
League (MML) is working with Maryland off for Town staff per Employee Hand-
downside of using fund balance is that it
municipalities to make it permanent. book. But falling in the middle of the
will eventually deplete the rainy-day fund.
This reserve is needed to fund operations week, they leave less time for refuse
2020 Census: CM Dewey reported that
in the first quarter of each fiscal year and collection. TM Broadbent said fluores-
Berwyn Heights’ April 1 Census Day is now
any unforeseen fiscal emergency. cent bulbs are hazardous waste and
listed on a Prince George’s County map,
showing where residents can get help with cannot be picked up by the Town’s Pub-
CM Dewey said she requested this infor- lic Works Department. This matter is
completing the census. The Town will also
mation to clarify the issue for residents handled by Code Department which will
receive a big census sign from the County
because there is much confusion about it. notify the owner of the violation and how
and census jobs are still open. MPT Pa-
She would like to get a sense of how to dispose of the bulbs.
panikolas said that Maryland loses millions
much spending would be covered using
of dollars in federal funding because of an
only current revenues and make that a CM Osmond asked about the status of
undercount largely of minority populations,
starting point for the budget. MPT Papani-
with Prince George’s County being one of hiring a 2nd Code officer. TM Broadbent
kolas said the Auditor’s Report shows the replied that an applicant has been se-
the hardest hit. TM Broadbent said Berwyn
FY 2020 budget being $300,000 in the red lected and a background check is now
Heights itself had a good response rate of
prior to transfers from reserves being being performed. CM Osmond further
upward of 80% in previous censuses.
made. TM Broadbent noted that a sub- announced that there is a Town Council
Therefore, it did not qualify for grants avail-
stantial amount of the Town’s revenues, election this year. Election judges and
able through MML to help with the count.
such as Highway User Revenues (HUR), Council candidates are encouraged to
are restricted and may only be used for sign up. CM Dewey announced a num-
CM Dewey said the count will begin in
designated purposes. The Town has ber of upcoming events and meetings.
March when residents should receive notic-
saved a lot of money for road improve-
es to complete the Census, which can be
ments but has not used it. She thinks it is TM Broadbent said she had the light
done online, by phone, or on paper. This
better to spend money to keep up the fixtures cleaned and will have the trim in
will be followed up with census takers go-
roads on an ongoing basis rather than the Council chamber repainted before a
Berwyn Heights Bulletin — March 2020 — Page 6
new carpet will be laid. The Senior Center lished on the MML website and the Town will come out in February. Interested resi-
and lounge will also be painted and car- website shortly. He asked TM Broadbent dents can rent a plot for $30 a year and
peted. Further, she is planning to install a about Pepco’s upcoming vegetation man- become member of a great gardening
trophy case for awards and plaques agement project. TM Broadbent said Pepco community. The Green Team and Admin-
where the maps used to hang. Coun- plans to perform regular maintenance prun- istration is also starting to think about
cilmembers said they would like to have a ing of trees along the major transmission spring tree planting and is accepting pro-
white board and at least one map of the lines. Pepco also agreed to plant additional posals as to where trees might be planted
Town. evergreen trees in the Edmonston Road on public land as well as request for hav-
right of way to provide a better screen for ing the Town plant trees on private prop-
6. Town Council Schedule Kenilworth Avenue. erty. On February 16, the Green Team in
The Council reviewed the Council calen- collaboration with a student group at the
dar. The January 27 worksession will Code Compliance: CM Osmond said a University of Maryland is hosting a cli-
feature project updates, and the February candidate for the 2nd code officer has been mate leadership workshop entitled
2 worksession a presentation on invest- identified and asked when he is likely to “Drawdown”, which focuses on positive
ment policy. The next Four Cities meeting start. TM Broadbent said the candidate and practical approaches to addressing
will be held on January 30 at Davis Hall, a should start within a couple of weeks after climate change.
temporary location of College Park’s city background checks have been completed.
hall. Electronics recycling is on January Historical Committee: Clerk Harper re-
Parks, Recreation, Education & Civic ported that the Historical Committee pub-
25 at the Greenbelt Public Works yard. Affairs: CM Dewey reported she attended
Old Christmas lights can be dropped off lished a set of photos of Berwyn Heights
a Climate Leadership Academy for local in the early 1960s in the January Bulletin.
at the Town office. Alkaline batteries no elected officials in Annapolis yesterday. It
longer need to be recycled as they are The photos were rescued from the road-
was attended by several Maryland depart- side after a house cleanout by a resident
not as toxic as they used to be. All types ment secretaries and provided useful plan-
of recyclables can be disposed off at who donated them to the BHHC.
ning and investment tools for municipalities
MOM’s in the Rhode Island Avenue shop- to consider in the context of a changing Neighborhood Watch/Emergency Pre-
ping center. climate. Town organizations have been paredness: CM Dewey said she heard
notified to submit their budget requests for that the bio-hazard workshop hosted by
7. Citizens Discussion FY 2021 and results of the Town survey the Berwyn Heights and Anne Arundel
There was none. conducted in November and December CERT teams went well. MPT Papanikolas
2019 will be discussed at the January 27 said he had planned to attend but family
The meeting was adjourned at 8:00 p.m. worksession. obligations intervened.
T own Meeting, January 8, 2020
The meeting was called to order at
Public Works: CM Sweep reported that
the leaf collection machine should be back
Recreation Council: Angie Wolfinger
gave the report. She announced a regift-
ing party on January 11, and a Valen-
7:00 p.m. Present were Mayor Pro Tem- on the street in the next couple of days
after undergoing repairs. The refuse truck tine’s Day card and cookie decorating
pore (MPT) Jason Papanikolas, presid- event. In response to CM Dewey, Ms.
ing, Councilmembers (CMs) Amanda the Town purchased last fall is in the pro-
cess of being built. TM Broadbent noted Wolfinger said the Recreation Council is
Dewey, Jeffrey Jay Osmond, and Ethan starting to plan for the next Berwyn
Sweep. Mayor Stephen Isler had an ex- that the Public Works crew did a good job
responding to first snow event and came in Heights Day. Ideas for new activities and
cused absence. Also present were Town offers of help are welcome. Residents
Manager (TM) Maria Broadbent, Clerk Monday night to apply salt to roads. At
some point, the Town may want to consider and Town organizations are encouraged
Kerstin Harper and citizens. to start thinking about entering the pa-
pre-treating roads for snow events.
1. Approval of Agenda rade. Cash prizes will be awarded for the
CM Dewey moved and CM Sweep se- Police Department: MPT Papanikolas top 3 entries.
conded to approve the agenda. The mo- said that there will be no police report to-
night since Mayor Isler is not here. Howev- 6. Unfinished Business
tion passed 4 to 0. There was none.
er, BHPD has provided both a monthly and
2. Approval of Minutes 10-year report residents can pick up and 7. New Business
CM Sweep moved, and CM Dewey se- review at their leisure. There was none. CM Dewey announced
conded to approve the November 13, that the Town is looking for a part-time
2019 Town meeting minutes. The motion 5. Committee Reports
Education Advisory Committee: CM public information aide following the res-
passed 4 to 0. ignation of Tiffany Minor. Further, the
Dewey reported that the Education Adviso-
3. Mayor’s Report ry Committee will next meet on January 27 Town is looking for residents to apply for
There was none, as Mayor Isler was ab- and will prepare for their next listening ses- election judge positions and to run for
sent. sion. Meanwhile, everyone is welcome to Town Council. TM Broadbent announced
submit comments and concerns via email she will soon put out a call for volunteers
4. Department Reports to thebheac@gmail.com. to serve on an RFP screening committee
MPT Papanikolas entertained a motion to regarding the Town Office architectural
receive all department reports for the MPT Papanikolas announced that the PTA and engineering study. Applicants should
record. CM Dewey so moved. CM Sweep postponed its meeting because of snow have experience in construction, architec-
seconded. The motion passed 4 to 0. until the coming Tuesday. There will be a ture, engineering, or a related field.
presentation on positive behavior interven-
Administration: MPT Papanikolas re- tion system, the disciplinary approach used 8. Citizen Discussion
ported that the second police vehicle at Berwyn Heights Elementary School that Angie Wolfinger said there has been a
budgeted for this year has been ordered. focuses on reinforcing good behavior in- long-running discussion about ticketing at
The RFP for an architectural and engi- stead of punishing bad behavior. the Lake Artemesia parking lot on the
neering study to explore the feasibility of NextDoor platform. Many residents from
expanding the Town office building to Green Team: CM Dewey announced that neighboring communities have com-
accommodate a police station will be pub- applications for a community garden plot plained about receiving citations from the
Berwyn Heights Bulletin — March 2020 — Page 7
police for parking at the lot after dusk while bins are being handled carelessly by resi- also recommends several town-wide poli-
making their way out of the park. She dents. cies to improve traffic safety, notably the
asked if a change has been made in the The meeting was adjourned at 8:07 p.m. institution of a general 20 mph speed
way parking is enforced there. limit, posting ‘local traffic only’ signs to
defeat wayfinding apps, creating a Coun-
In the ensuing discussion, the Council and
W orksession cil Rule to build a sidewalk as part of any
Town Manager made following points: road repaving project in the absence of
Park Police and Berwyn Heights Police January 27, 2020
barriers, and implementing street lighting
both issue tickets in this parking lot. The solutions for dark areas identified by the
Town does not monitor NextDoor or re- Present were Mayor Stephen Isler, Mayor
Pro Tempore (MPT) Jason Papanikolas, Neighborhood Watch.
spond to comments made on it. Some
comments on NextDoor go back to last Councilmembers (CMs) Amanda Dewey,
Ethan Sweep, and Jeffrey Jay Osmond. Mr. Carlisle said the idea for undertaking
summer, when people frequent the park at this study came from a public hearing that
later hours or attend events taking place Also present were Town Manager (TM)
Maria Broadbent, Chief Kenneth Antolik, took a close look at the rush hour prob-
there. Park rules say the park closes at lems in the 8900 blocks of 58th and 60th
sunset, not after dark. Park rules apply to Detective Daniel Unger, Code Compli-
ance Director Hollyce Goodwin, Clerk Avenue in spring of 2019. The task force
the park as well as the parking lot. Park & was assembled to take a broader look at
Planning might be asked whether the rules Kerstin Harper, Treasurer Michelle Rodri-
guez, Assistant to the Town Manager traffic problems throughout the town and
can be modified to allow for longer parking include pedestrians and bicyclists in the
or, alternatively, have clearer signage post- Yvonne Odoi, and residents James Wil-
kinson and Drew Carlisle. equation. The task force believes that
ed. walking and bicycling should be encour-
Phil Ventura, 57th Avenue, said he thinks 1. Announcements aged as a healthier way to get around
Berwyn Heights officers should patrol the Mayor Isler asked everyone to delete any and to foster neighborliness and build
Town and monitor stop signs rather than emails that have gone out under his community.
issue tickets in the Lake Artemesia parking name requesting people to purchase
lot. Ms. Wolfinger agreed saying that run- Google Play cards. His email was hacked In discussion, the following points were
ning of stop signs is a greater safety issue in attempt to scam people out of money. made:
than parking at dusk. She is looking for- The Berwyn Heights Police has been Interesting ‘reach for the sky’ ideas,
ward to hearing the recommendations of informed and his email repaired. some of which may be pursued in
the Walkable, Bikeable Berwyn Heights conjunction with the redevelopment
Task Force (WBBH), but wonders if they 2. Discussion Items of Beltway Plaza, including better
will produce the results that have eluded Walkable, Bikeable Task Force recom- Greenbelt Road crossings.
previous committees dealing with traffic mendations: James Wilkinson and Drew Sidewalk construction as part of road
issues. improvement projects should be giv-
Carlisle co-chairs of the Walkable Bikea- en serious consideration;
Council replied WBBH has been studying ble Berwyn Heights Task Force (WBBH), Section on education of bicyclists
problem locations but will also make rec- were present to discuss the task force’s about rules of the road might be add-
ommendations about traffic enforcement. recommendations on making Berwyn ed;
The Town has responded to citizens’ rec- Section on school bus stop safety
ommendations, such as those made by the Heights safer for pedestrians and bicy-
clists. Mr. Wilkinson gave a summary of could be expanded;
Quality of Life Commission. Mobile speed
Section on best practices for walking
monitors and speed guns were purchased the report. He said one of the reasons
last summer to better enforce speeding. in the dark could be added;
this task force was launched is an in- Traffic engineering practices might
But not all recommendations are realistic crease in fatalities of bicyclists, as more
and need to be vetted for budget implica- be considered for reducing speeding,
tions and legal requirements. bicyclists have taken to the streets and etc.
compete with automobiles and their often-
Jodie Kulpa Eddy, Ruatan Street, said distracted drivers. Councilmembers agreed to each earmark
previous Councils have also responded to those recommendations to be considered
recommendations by citizen committees, for funding in the FY 2021 budget. Fur-
which include construction of sidewalks, Mr. Wilkinson first explained the goals ther recommendations should be orga-
installation of crosswalks and ‘Stop for and guiding principles of the report. He nized in the form of a spreadsheet for
Pedestrians in the Road’ signs, for exam- said the report is organized around 10 tracking purposes. Mr. Willkinson and Mr.
ple. Further, Ms. Kulpa-Eddy noted she did conflict zones, locations where vehicular Carlisle said they will update the report
not see Public Works on her street follow- and pedestrian/ bicycle traffic are in con- based on this discussion and welcome
ing the snow event. However, the street flict. For each location, recommendations additional questions prior to presenting
sweeper was out the following day and are provided on how to resolve or abate the report at the February 12 Town meet-
would have swept up any salt spread on the conflicts. The recommended solutions ing.
the roadway. Lastly, she announced anoth- represent the consensus of the task force
er Team Trivia Night held on February 21 members and, for the most part, are rela- Project tacking update: Assistant to the
hosted in conjunction with the Movie Club tively inexpensive and easy to implement, Town Manager (TMA) Yvonne Odoi pro-
and focusing on entertainment. such as additional signage or improved vided an updated spreadsheet with which
road markings. she is tracking projects on behalf of TM
Phil Ventura further commented that the Broadbent.
not so old Town Center elevator may have
In addition, a 'reach for the sky’ option is
some life left in it; that some Berwyn Clerk’s projects: Clerk Harper reported on
offered for each location, such as pedes-
Heights officers have different practices the following projects:
trian overpasses for Kenilworth Avenue
when patrolling the Town; that refuse truck Scanning of vital documents - com-
and Greenbelt Road, as well as possible
drivers do not always come to a complete
partners for implementation. The report pleted, except for the return and refil-
stop at stop signs; and that new recycling
Berwyn Heights Bulletin — March 2020 — Page 8
ing of the paper originals.
Comcate module and evaluation in Exploring solutions for stormwater
Implementation of electronic agenda
progress. management - Prince George's
packets viewed on I-pads - complet-
ed. I-pads purchase - completed. Further County has been asked to explore
fine-tuning for field use needed, due solutions. Stream restoration pro-
Creation of master list of agreements
to Comcate problems. ject along Nevada Street trail pro-
and contracts for purpose of renewal
Code ordinances review for updating gressing slowly.
or rebidding - in progress.
- in initial stages.
Inventory of charter amendments Town Manager projects: TM Broadbent
and ordinance revisions as the basis College Park study on municipal
building permit authority - College reported on the following projects.
for codification - completed. Codifica-
Park to issue RFP soon. Bond bill for Town Center Improve-
tion quotes obtained, in the event
Outreach video production - waiting ments (see status under Public
Council decides to fund enhance-
for hiring of Public Information Aide Works projects)
ment.
to initiate. Welcome sign committee - planning
Website improvements undertaken
Website improvements – collecting to draft resolution for Council to
continuously on as-needed basis.
ideas for improving Code web page establish committee.
Goals and criteria for a wholesale
redesign of website need to be for- in progress. Transfer of call-a-bus given to
mulated. Greenbelt complete, except trans-
Treasurer's projects: Treasurer Rodriguez fer of title. Recommendation on call
Police projects: Detective Unger reported reported on the following projects: -a-bus program for budget process
on Police projects: Acquisition of asset management being drafted.
Improve communication with Town system - quotes obtained. Waiting for Employee manual overhaul - yet to
businesses - Cpl Krouse created review and selection of vendor by be initiated.
mailers for businesses. Town Manager. Police station architectural study -
Hiring of new police officer - Reconciliation process implementa- RFP published. Pre-bid meeting
background checks and oral tion - form created. Waiting for re- scheduled for February 12.
interviews completed; Town view and approval of process. M-NCPPC projects re picnic areas,
Manager meet and greet to be Inventory of financial policies and Sports Park soccer field and dog
scheduled; swearing in planned procedures for updating - Consolida- park - on hold until M-NCPPC fund-
for February Town meeting. tion of current policies and proce- ing opportunities clarified.
New hybrid police cars ordered - dures in progress. Veterans Day and Memorial Day
delivery expected in late spring. Electronic payment processing - celebrations - to be explored with
Establishing process for out-of- completed, except for finalizing ACH Senior's Club.
commission Police and Public process with bank. Pruning and planting of trees (see
Works vehicles - meeting of de- In-house daily check processing - Public Works projects).
partment directors to be sched- exploring feasibility with bank.
uled. Merger of Administration and Police TM Broadbent said the Shade Tree
Mobile speed signs purchase - Department QuickBooks programs - Board has asked the Council to consid-
completed but signs returned for completed. er reviewing the Urban Forest Ordi-
replacement by vendor. nance to add provisions to better protect
Public Works projects: TMA Odoi report- the tree canopy. CM Dewey explained
Radar gun purchase - complet-
ed on Public Works projects. former Mayor Rasmussen re-
ed.
Acquisition of recycling toters, road established the Shade Tree Board and
Review of charter sections and initiated a discussion about amending
ordinances relating to police for resurfacing project phase II, and re-
pair of Public Works garage - com- the Urban Forest Ordinance to discour-
updating - yet to be initiated. age the removal of mature trees. Sever-
Outreach videos production - pleted.
Determining landscaping needs - to al neighboring cities have tree ordinanc-
waiting for new Public Infor- es that may serve as a template for
mation Aide and police officer to start in spring.
Painting and carpeting of Town Hall updating Berwyn Heights’ ordinance.
be on board to initiate project. featuring a variety of mechanisms to
Alleviating congestion on 58th and Senior Center - possible vendors
for completing painting identified. prevent removal and encourage replant-
and 60th Avenue - waiting for ing of trees.
WBBH recommendations. Carpeting to be initiated after paint-
List of police MOUs and agree- ing completed.
Bond bill for Town Center improve- Homeowners' Tax Credit (discussed
ments - forwarded to Clerk for out of order): TM Broadbent said the
Town-wide agreements invento- ments (including motion sensor
lights) - application submitted. Under Council had decided to appropriate
ry. funds for the Homeowners Tax Credit
Setting and posting of Police consideration by State Legislature.
after applications have been received.
Station hours - completed. Hiring of Public Works Director - po-
She recommends using the salary lapse
sition advertised and several applica-
Review of Police fees and fines from the vacancy of the 2nd code officer
prior to budget process - com- tions received.
position to pay for the credit, which re-
pleted. Hiring of Public Works part-time and quires a budget amendment. Four appli-
full-time staff - completed. cants proved eligible for the Town's tax
Code projects: Director Goodwin reported Replacement of truck #4 - ordered refund. The Council is requested to set
on Code Compliance projects: and waiting for delivery. an amount to be divided among the
Transfer of Personal Property Tax Acquisition of smart recycling con- applicants.
function to Code Department - train- tainers through 4 Cities Coalition -
ing on current process completed. waiting for grant approval. CM Dewey said the Ordinance sets the
Processing of current PPT using new Pruning and planting of trees - to credit at 10% of the applicant's real
start in spring.
Berwyn Heights Bulletin — March 2020 — Page 9
property tax bill. Depending on the total nance, which would be introduced at the a later time.
amount, the Council would then set an February Town meeting. The Council had
upper limit if needed. TM Broadbent said no objections. Chief Antolik said the new Councilmembers thanked CM Dewey
she will have the totals at the next units are smaller and lighter but also solar for all her work on the survey and intend
worksession for Council's consideration. powered. They can collect data about to use the data to help set budget priori-
speeding. ties. Phil Ventura commented that the
Uses of fund balance (discussed out survey results are very valuable. Now
of order): TM Broadbent continued to Town survey results: CM Dewey report- that the scientific survey is complete,
discuss the Town’s use of the fund bal- ed on the results of the Town survey the survey questions might be pub-
ance in preparation for the upcoming mailed out to a random sample of 200 lished in the Bulletin to provide another
budget process. The fund balance com- residents in November 2019. The survey data set to help firm up the results.
prises unexpended funds of appropriated was intended to help the Council better
moneys remaining at the end of a given understand residents’ opinions on a range Four Cities agenda items: The next
fiscal year. Treasurer Rodriguez has of issues, as well as their communication Four Cities meeting will be held on Jan-
compiled the figures of fund balances preferences. Of the 200 surveys, 55 were uary 30 in College Park. The following
going back to fiscal year 2014 that were returned completed, for a 28% response agenda items were proposed: updates
used to balance the budget for the com- rate. It is less than she hoped but it gives on a College Park tree ordinance and
ing fiscal year and avoid tax increases. the Council a better idea of residents’ on a study to grant municipalities build-
For comparison, the Council was also perspectives. ing permitting authority.
provided documents showing expendi-
tures of the FY 2020 budget, including To assess how representative of the MML convention hotel: The Hampton
the use of the fund balance, which greater community the survey sample is, it Inn was selected as an accommodation
amounted to approximately $308,000. was compared to the demographic profile for the MML convention.
That included the salary for a 9th police of Berwyn Heights residents in the Ameri-
officer, a number of expenses resulting can Community Survey (ACS) published Census 2020 update: CM Dewey said
from deferred maintenance on Town annually by the Census Bureau. It shows the Town should soon receive a large
buildings, and a variety of other expens- that renters and foreign language speak- poster sign advertising the 2020 Cen-
es. Previously, the Town often did not ers are under-represented among survey sus from the County. The Census Bu-
appropriate enough funds to cover all respondents; families with children match reau is still hiring census takers at a
needed maintenance but covered ex- up well with ACS data; and residents who rate of $22/ hour.
penses above appropriated amounts vote in Town elections are over-
retroactively with year-end budget represented. 3. Minutes
amendments. This is not a good manage- CM Dewey moved and MPT Papaniko-
ment practice and is no longer being CM Dewey gave an overview of the sur- las seconded to approve the January 6
done. vey findings, keeping in mind the limita- worksession minutes. The motion
tions resulting from the low response rate passed 4-0-1, with Mayor Isler abstain-
TM Broadbent said Town recently re- and ranges of confidence. Most respond- ing. The January 8 Town meeting
ceived real property tax revenue projec- ents (96%) say they are satisfied with the minutes were distributed.
tions for FY 2021, which exceed those of services the Town provides and the quali-
FY 2020 by $89,100. This may not be ty of life in Berwyn Heights (100%). Most 4. Department Reports
enough to cover enhancements approved feel safe in their homes (98%), and to a MPT Papanikolas said that the bleach-
in the FY 2020 budget and may require lesser degree driving, walking and bicy- ers at the Berwyn Heights Elementary
using the fund balance. With continuing cling in Berwyn Heights. Respondents top school field have been moved to the top
reliance on the fund balance, it may environmental concerns are the occur- of the hill and asked if they can be
eventually be insufficient for a rainy-day rence of trash and litter, recycling issues, moved down again for use by the Boys
fund or the 3 months operating reserve. and climate change. Most respondents & Girls Club teams. CM Dewey an-
The aim is to have at least $1.5 million of favor such Town initiatives as stricter traf- nounced the upcoming Valentine’s card
savings in the bank or a 7 months operat- fic infraction enforcement, adding a 2nd and cookie making event on February
ing reserve. story to the Town Hall, establishing a dog 8. CM Osmond announced that the new
park, installing security features and issu- Code officer has been hired and will
MPT Papanikolas said, and the Council ing construction bonds, but oppose peri- start next week. TM Broadbent an-
agreed, that he would prefer using fund odic tax increases (70%) and switching to nounced that Code and Police Depart-
balance only for one-time budget increas- once a week trash collection (56%). ments will present their FY21 budget
es, such as capital purchases, and not enhancement requests and all Town
operating expenses. Further, 30%-33% of respondents have organizations requesting funding should
some difficulty finding and understanding also be present.
Mobile speed monitor: Treasurer Rodri- information on the Town’s code and per-
guez said the Council approved the pur- mit requirements, although most report Phil Ventura said sometimes small
chase of a mobile speed monitor costing positive interactions with Code officials changes can make a big difference in
$4,800 from the FY 2019 budget. Upon (84%). Respondents ranked the Bulletin, safety, such as the cutting back of
receipt, the Police found the monitor was email notices and the website as their top brush along a sidewalk and extending
too big and cumbersome to be easily news medium. In addition, many respond- the ’no parking’ lines at the Indian
moved and returned it without being ents said email or text messages for Creek bridge.
billed. As the books on the FY 2019 breaking news would be appreciated.
budget are closed, the funds were re- Lastly, most respondents (96%) report 6. Town Council Schedule
turned to the fund balance. Two smaller that they know their next-door neighbors, The Council reviewed the Council cal-
units costing $6,000 will be purchased at least by their first name. The survey endar. CM Dewey suggested moving a
from the same vendor, with money taken also collects all comments respondents worksession that falls on a Monday
from the fund balance. This requires a have written on the survey, which CM holiday to the next day instead of the
budget amendment in the form of an ordi- Dewey plans to aggregate into themes at next week, i.e. Tuesday, February 18
Berwyn Heights Bulletin — March 2020 — Page 10
instead of Monday, February 24. The MINUTES OF MINUTOS DE
Council declined to reschedule be-
cause TM Broadbent would be unable COUNCIL MEETINGS REUNIONES DEL CONSEJO
to attend. IN SPANISH EN ESPAÑOL
7. Citizens Discussion The Town of Berwyn Heights website El sitio web de Town of Berwyn
Phil Ventura commented on the WBBH
recommendations. He suggested to can now be viewed in different lan- Heights ahora se puede ver en
mark school bus stops with yellow lines guages using Google Translate. diferentes idiomas usando Google
as a safety measure, and to have the Please click on the ‘Select Lan- Translate. Haga clic en el cuadro
Police more strictly enforce traffic viola- guage” box next to the ‘Search’ box "Seleccionar idioma" junto al cuadro
tions, such as jaywalking. "Buscar" y elija su idioma.
and choose your language.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:55 Town Council Minutes can be found Los Minutos de las reuniones del
p.m. on the home page by clicking on the Consejose pueden encontrar en la
‘Minutes & Agendas’ button in the página de inicio haciendo clic en el
Signed: Kerstin Harper, Town Clerk Citizen Action Center. botón "Minutos y Agendas" en el
Centro de Acción Ciudadana.
https://www.berwynheightsmd.gov/
www.berwynheightsmd.gov/node/782/
node/782/minutes/2019
minutes/2019
Historical Committee
The BHHC received many comments on a set of pho-
tos of Berwyn Heights in the 1960s we published on
our website and Facebook page. A couple of readers,
who grew up in Berwyn Heights, were able to identify
the photo on the left. Mike Hayden and Angelo Ohwell
said this is Indian Creek before it was widened and
straightened by the Army Corps of Engineers in 1973.
Ohwell said “Indian creek would change [its course]
as it flooded so much, leaving it to meander around a
lot.” Mike Hayden said that the buildings on the right
belonged to the Peacock and/ or Smith families. Their
properties were bought by Park & Planning (M-
NCPPC) when it established a stream valley park.
Other readers, Fred Flaherty and Debbie Pitts, shared
memories about fishing in the creek. Eels, catfish,
Please join us at any of our monthly meetings. and even bass and pickerel could once be found
there, as long-time residents Paulette Gould, Mary
NEXT MEETING: MARCH 25, 2020 | 7:30 PM Lou Milstead and Bettie Prosise attest in a BHHC oral
Contact Richard Ahrens for information. history recording. Former Town Commissioner
Charles Worden in a 1972 Bulletin article recalls that
Visit us www.berwynheightshistory.com; or there used to be a sizeable pool about 10’ deep near
the Berwyn Road bridge in which children went swim-
Or on Facebook
ming during the summer.
Check out the events program of our The deep pools, green waters and fish eventually dis-
partner Anacostia Trails Heritage Area appeared, as upstream industries, such as the A.H.
(ATHA brochures and calendar are Smith gravel mine, located along Indian Creek and
available at the Town Museum at released sand and waste water into it.
5700 Berwyn Road.Berwyn Heights Bulletin — March 2020 — Page 11
Berwyn Heights Bulletin — March 2020 — Page 12
Berwyn Heights
Elementary School
PTA
March PTA Meeting:
STEM Night for Grades 3-6 Upcoming Events
Tuesday, March 3, 6:45 pm, school cafeteria
March 3, Tuesday
PTA meeting
Students in grades 3-6 and their families are
STEM Night for Grades 3-6
invited to participate in fun, interactive, learning ac-
tivities focused on science, technology, engineering, March 27, Friday
arts, or math. Spanish interpreter available. Ice Skating Party
March 31, Tuesday
3 hour early dismissal
April 6-13
Spring break
April
Kindergarten registration opens
Date TBA
Find us!
Facebook: Berwyn Heights ES
Ice Skating Party PTA
Friday, March 27, 6:45 to 8:45 Mailing list:
Herbert Wells Ice Rink www.remind.com/join/
bhespta/
$3 per person, including skate
rental. Parents must sign a
waiver and children must be
accompanied by an adult. It is cold on the ice wear
a hat and gloves for comfort. Everyone is invited
bring your friends and family!Berwyn Heights Bulletin — March 2020 — Page 13
Congratulations to our soccer teams for a GREAT Winter Season!
We would like to wish good luck to our Soccer Teams!
Soccer practices are beginning…look for emails from your child’s coach!
Registration is open for Spring 2020 Soccer and Track!
Meetings are normally held on the 1st Thursday of the month, 7pm in the G. Love Rm.
All are invited to attend.
The Berwyn Heights Boys & Girls Club welcomes children of all skill levels and abilities and currently
offers Track and Soccer Programs for ages 4 & up.
Interested in becoming a member? Have suggestions or ideas? Looking to volunteer?
Contact us at: info@berwynheightsbgc.org.
Follow us on Facebook! www.facebook.com/berwynheightsbgc
NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH/ EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS
MEETING: March 4 | 7:00 pm CHAIR: Mike Attick, Tel. 301-335-1633
t’s still the beginning of the year, relatively, and not too late to start a New Year’s resolution. While getting
healthy, getting rid of piles of stuff or finally traveling like you’ve been meaning to are all worthy goals, why
not tackle something most of us preach regularly but never do ourselves: prepare yourself and your family
for disasters and emergencies. A few simple steps can go a long way to ensuring your family’s safety.
Ready.gov’s webpage “Ready Responder” offers resources and guides for everyone to be prepared,
including information on:
Creating evacuation plans for your residence and for the region where you live in the event of a larger
disaster.
Designating emergency contacts, preferably someone out-of-town, whom your family members can
contact once they are safe.
Making ‘go-bags’ for every family member and pets.
Practice all escape plans and make changes as necessary.Berwyn Heights Bulletin — March 2020 — Page 14
Berwyn Heights Day Vendor/Information Booth Application
Saturday, May 2, 2020
Contact Person:
Business:
Address:
Phone Number and Cell Number:
E-mail:
Items for Sale/Distribution (Please be specific as no more than 2 craft vendors selling similar items will
be approved):
The Recreation Council must approve ALL items for distribution. Please be descriptive of any food
items you plan on selling. We are unable to approve any foods that would compete with our on-site food
vendors.
Please do not plan on selling or providing:
Ready to eat food/drinks (canned/ jarred items, loaves of bread, etc. are acceptable – individual cup-
cakes, beverages, etc. are not.)
Silly String, Colored Hair Spray
*All vendors will be located at Sports Park, weather permitting.
Set-Up Time: 10:00 am – 11:00 am.
Please drop off items no later than 10:15 am to begin your set up.
Event time: 11:00 am – 4:00 pm
Check ONE:
$10 Residents/Non-Profits
$20 Non-Residents/For-Profits ($15 if payment received by 4/1/2020)
Table/Chairs: Will you need a table YES NO Chairs? (Supply is limited): 1 or 2
Will you need a canopy? (Canopies available for $15; supply limited): YES NO
Mail or drop-off registration form at Town Office with cash/check (made out to Berwyn Heights
Recreation Council) by April 24, 2020.
Mail to: Recreation Council, 5700 Berwyn Road, Berwyn Heights, MD 20740
For additional information, contact Susan Jones at violindreams@verizon.net
OFFICE USE ONLY:
SELECT ONE: Cash________ Check_________ (put check # in space)
AMOUNT PAID_______________Berwyn Heights Bulletin — March 2020 — Page 15
Berwyn Heights Bulletin — March 2020 — Page 16
PREMIER MEDICAL CENTER Early Morning/ Late Evening Call Us: 301-345-3711
6201 Greenbelt Road, Suite L-7
Appointments Available
Berwyn Heights, MD Most Insurances Accepted:
(across from Staples) Medicare Medicaid | Blue Cross/ Blue Shield
www. amwellorthopt.com United Healthcare | AetnaBerwyn Heights Bulletin — March 2020 — Page 17
the subject was initiated. A duffle bag black gloves, blue jeans, black shoes,
JANUARY that was on a bench next to the subject armed with a silver semi-automatic hand-
(contained paraphernalia, two glass gun. Suspect #2: B/M, 20-25, black jack-
INCIDENTS smoking pipes) was checked for weap- et over gray hoodie, black ski mask,
ons and a large knife and scissors were black gloves, black jeans, gray New Bal-
observed inside. The subject became ance shoes. Suspect #3: B/M, 20-25,
Thursday, January 3, 2020 at 10:29 pm,
angry at this officer checking his bag and green jacket over gray hoodie, black
‘HIT & RUN’
immediately became enraged, grabbing gloves, blue ripped jeans, white shoes.
On 1/2/2020 at approximately 10:29 PM
the bag from the officer’s hands. Having Suspect #4: B/M, 20-25, black hooded
Pfc. C. Rufino (#1451) was dispatched to
had information that the subject assault- jacket with fur, black ski mask, black
a hit and run located at the 5600 block of
ed a complete stranger, and observing gloves, gray jeans, white shoes.
Ruatan Street Berwyn Heights, MD 20740.
Upon arrival, she spoke with the owner of the subject banging the park bench with
his body while yelling and screaming Friday, January 10, 2020, at 5:51 pm,
Nissan Altima Maryland Registration ‘FRAUD’
1DH0412. The owner states that he was incoherently, Cpl. Roberson made a
decision to take the subject into custody On 1/10/2020 at approximately 5:51 PM,
inside his home at the above aforemen- a Berwyn Heights resident walked into
tioned address when he and his family for a mental health evaluation to prevent
the subject from injuring himself, officers the Berwyn Heights Police Station locat-
heard the loud impact outside. He went ed at 5411 Berwyn Road Berwyn Heights
outside and discovered that his vehicle or others. Cpl. Roberson moved swiftly
as to not give the subject an opportunity MD, 20740 to make a fraud report. Victim
had been struck and damaged on the left reported that she applied for a credit line
front driver’s side. A neighbor observed a to flee, assault an officer or obtain the
weapons in the duffle bag. Upon taking to pay some bills. On 12/2/2019 victim
white vehicle (unknown make and model) dropped off three envelopes at the Col-
strike the Nissan Altima and drive away. hold of the subject, he immediately
pulled away and demonstrated his desire lege Park Post office drive through mail-
The neighbor was unable to see the li- box for payments to Bank of America,
cense plate of the fleeing vehicle. The ve- not to be handcuffed by flexing his mus-
cles and pulling away. To avoid injuries Discovery and Exxon Mobile. The victim
hicle owner was provided a case number had obtained certified checks from the
and officer's information. to the subject and officers this officer
deployed his issued taser to gain control SECU (Berwyn Heights) bank to make
of the subject. After the taser was de- payments to those institutions. Today
Friday, January 3, 2020 at 7:100 pm,
ployed the subject continued to resist 1/10/2020 Ms. Cunningham called SECU
‘EPS’
being handcuffed. The subject was bank and spoke with bank representative
On 1/3/2020 at approximately 7:11PM Cpl.
handcuffed after a struggle with 3 offic- and they informed her that the check(s)
P. Roberson along with officer Rufino were
ers. PG fire department was summoned had been cashed by an unauthorized
dispatched to a call for a disorderly subject
and Berwyn Heights FD responded. The individual. She was provided with police
in the back of an alley: i.e. throwing rocks
subject was transported to PGH with report and the banks fraud division will
at a house located on 5600 block of Osage
Officer Rufino in the medic unit. The be investigating the incident as well.
Street. Upon arrival, officers met with a
resident who stated that a white male de- paraphernalia (two glass smoking pipes)
Thursday, January 16, 2020, at 9:00 am,
scribed to have a scraggly beard and was photographed and destroyed.
‘FRAUD’
wearing a dark shirt was yelling, shouting On 1/16/2020, at approximately 09:00
fire, beating on objects and assaulting peo- Sunday, January 5, 2020 at 11:17 pm,
‘COMMERCIAL ARMED ROBBERY’ hours, BHPD received a station call for
ple on the street. It was further reported to theft/gift card scam. VICTIM, a Berwyn
the officers that the subject punched the BHPD officers responded to the 7-
Eleven store located at 5815 Greenbelt Heights public works employee, advised
resident in the face while he was investi- she received an E-Mail from "Stephen
gating the disturbance in front of his home. Road, Berwyn Heights, Maryland 20740
for a commercial armed robbery report. Isler Mayor" and that he needed help
While standing on Osage Street, officers purchasing gift cards for employees. The
could hear in the distance loud screams Once on scene, officers made contact
with the victim who advised that four Suspect used the email address
and banging of objects coming from the (citymail55555@gmail.com) and fraudu-
concession stand in the adjacent park. The unknown masked and gloved suspects
entered the store. Suspect 1 brandished lently used the Mayors Name and title to
screams and beating appeared to be that coerce the victim to purchase one thou-
of a subject in distress. The subject was a silver handgun, pointed at the victim
and demanded money from the cash sand dollars-worth of Google gift cards.
located in the park beating on metal Furthermore, the email stated that this
bleachers. registers. Fearing for his life, the victim
complied with the demands and opened purchase was confidential so he could
the registers. Suspects 1-4 removed give them out for employees as gifts. The
Cpl. Roberson is familiar with the subject
approximately $50.00 in United States Victim then proceeded to go to two
as he is seen frequently in the neighbor-
currency from the registers, along with stores, Giant Food, located at 6000
hood loitering around a local 7-11 store.
assorted merchandise, and fled the sce- Greenbelt Road, and Safeway, located at
Cpl. Roberson attempted to interview the
ne on foot to an unknown location, mak- 7595 Greenbelt Road. The Victim pur-
subject but it was quickly determined that
ing good in their escape. Suspect #1: B/ chased Five Hundred dollars in gift cards
he was agitated and volatile. A pat down of
M, 20-25, black hoodie, black ski mask, at the aforementioned stores and sentYou can also read
