Takoma Park City Council Meeting Summary , Sept. 30, 2026
Takoma Park City Council Meeting Summary
Meeting Date: Wednesday, September 30, 2026
Presiding: Mayor Talisha Searcy
Councilmembers Present: Councilmember Jessica Landman, Councilmember Cindy Dyballa, Councilmember Roger Schlegel, Councilmember Kurt Gilbert, Councilmember Cara Honzak, Councilmember Amy Wesolek (participating remotely).
1. Proclamations & Executive Announcements
Walk and Roll to School Day Proclamation: Mayor Searcy proclaimed Wednesday, October 7, 2026, as Walk and Roll to School Day in Takoma Park, encouraging physical activity, safety awareness, and sustainable human-powered transit for local public school students.
City Manager Reports & Community Announcements:
Traffic Signal at Piney Branch & Ritchie: The State Highway Administration (SHA) is designing a new traffic signal at Piney Branch Road and Ritchie Avenue, with construction anticipated in FY28 contingent on state funding.
Rent Stabilization Public Forum: Announced a public forum on the Rent Stabilization Policy Review scheduled for Monday, October 12, 2026, at 6:30 PM in the Community Center Auditorium, featuring presentations by consultant RSG and staff, with Spanish and Amharic translation.
Community Drives & Grants: Launched a domestic violence shelter drive (Oct 5 – Nov 6) collecting new essential goods and stuffed animals for the Montgomery County Family Justice Center; announced the Green Homes and Businesses Grant opening Oct 12 with awards up to $15,000 for residents and $30,000 for businesses; and announced the annual Monster Bash on Saturday, Oct 31.
2. Summary of Public Comments
Public Comments on Voting Items
Paul Huebner (Ward 3): Spoke regarding FY27 Budget Amendment No. 2 and the proposed $30,000 lobby desk allocation. Presenting slides of commercial options, he questioned why insurance did not cover full replacement costs and suggested purchasing a commercially available U-shaped desk for $4,500 or $5,900 to avoid high architect-designed custom costs. In her Mayoral comments, Mayor Searcy noted that the options put forth had glass tops, which would not be suitable for a space with high traffic of children from the adjoining recreational spaces.
General Public Comments
Lori Kelly (136 Grant Avenue): Spoke on the proposed Edinburgh House redevelopment. She suggested reducing proposed parking from 140/151 spaces down to 120 (noting county minimums require only 56 spaces), which would allow the entrance ramp to fit entirely on Maple Avenue and spare Grant Avenue residents from a street entrance. This is a very pertinent issue that has caused a lot of valid concern on the part of Grant Ave. residents. It has yet to be resolved by MHP planning, though they seem to be advocating for their proposed 151 space, double garage set up that would require an entrance on Grant Ave. Also of some concern are the talks to convert Grant Ave. into a one-way street. No data or models have been offered showing how this would impact traffic on Grant and Maple Avenues.
Jim Della-Giacoma (Ward 2): Shared reflections from touring MHP's Residences at Forest Glen in Silver Spring. Quoting a resident named Nina, he emphasized the safety, clean design, and quality of affordable housing, highlighting the importance of resident dignity: "I am never embarrassed to invite friends who are homeowners to come over and visit me". Della’s words resonated with many listeners, who believe that affordable housing projects should not sacrifice quality or respectability of the property.
3. Council & Mayoral Comments
Councilmember Roger Schlegel:
Noted his previous "no" vote on Budget Amendment No. 2 due to outstanding lobby desk questions and urged accountability.
Corrected a meeting procedure point, confirming general public comments precede voting sessions under Council Resolution 2022-2.
Requested a staff security review regarding surveillance data and potential third-party data sharing (e.g., stop sign cameras).
Councilmember Amy Wesolek:
Highlighted a Hillwood Manor Neighborhood Association meeting addressing safety along Sligo Creek.
Expressed strong support for the resolution protecting transgender and gender-diverse residents.
Councilmember Cindy Dyballa:
Noted that FY26 Q4 financial figures show typical year-end General Fund surpluses resulting from conservative budgeting.
Commended the respectful atmosphere during political campaigning at the Takoma Park Folk Festival.
Councilmember Kurt Gilbert:
Commended MHP's community engagement on Edinburgh House, praising transparency regarding guaranteed resident right-of-return.
Reported foundation concerns at the Sherwood Apartments (116 Lee Ave) and offered condolences following the passing of 19-year-old Ward 4 resident Frankie Negron.
Councilmember Cara Honzak:
Highlighted the Ward 5 Fun Run at Washington Adventist University and announced the upcoming Long Branch Fun Run on November 8 on Kennebec Avenue.
Thanked CM Wesolek for introducing the transgender support resolution in memory of a local youth.
Councilmember Jessica Landman:
Asked staff to provide a clear cost breakdown distinguishing the lobby desk purchase from associated wall construction.
Expressed disappointment that tenant protection legislation would not be voted on before the current Council term expires ahead of rent stabilization decisions.
Announced free community vaccinations at the upcoming street festival.
Mayor Talisha Searcy:
Clarified that the lobby desk requires durable materials for heavy youth use and full ADA compliance.
Confirmed that the City of Takoma Park does not possess or utilize Flock cameras.
Clarified that final decisions regarding rent stabilization modifications and updated tenant protections will fall to the incoming Council.
Praised the Takoma Park Police Department for responsive community policing in the Takoma-Langley Crossroads.
4. Detailed Summaries of Public Presentations
Presentation 1: Montgomery Housing Partnership (MHP) Redevelopment of 7513 Maple Avenue (Edinburgh House)
Presenters: Jon McCall (MHP Director of Real Estate Development), Kalkidan Makonnen (MHP Project Manager), Jeff Lockwood (Hickok Cole Architects), Vince Biase (Lerch, Early & Brewer), Dylan Macro (MHG Civil Engineers), Katie Wagner (Gorove Slade Transportation Engineers), Cali (MHP).
Project Need & Scope Revisions:
Built in 1965 (45 existing units), the structure suffers from aging mechanical systems, high maintenance costs, and operational inefficiencies.
Based on Development Review Committee (DRC) and community feedback, MHP revised its initial concept from a 10-story, 176-unit building down to an 8-story, 140-unit building (reducing height by 23 feet to 83 feet at Maple Ave and 44 feet at the rear).
Unit Mix & Parking:
Shifted from studios toward larger family units: 46.5% two-bedroom and 19.3% three-bedroom units (exceeding the 10% three-bedroom goal requested by Council).
Provides 151 parking spaces across two structured garage levels (~1:1 ratio) and an 80-space bicycle storage room. Primary vehicle and loading access will be on Maple Avenue, with a secondary parking entrance off Grant Avenue utilizing the natural slope.
Zoning & Neighborhood Compatibility:
Zoned CRT 2.5 (H120). Incorporates a 28- to 30-foot setback along the southern property line (more than double the required 12-foot zoning minimum) to step the building down away from neighboring R-60 single-family homes.
Submitting under Montgomery County's Mixed-Income Housing Community (MIHC) process, with a Planning Board hearing anticipated 60 days after formal acceptance.
Environmental & Traffic Controls:
Includes Environmental Site Design (ESD) stormwater facilities, bioretention, and 3,500 square feet of green roof to capture, filter, and manage site runoff.
Streetscape updates include a 6-foot sidewalk and 6-foot landscape buffer with street trees along Maple and Grant Avenues.
Transportation engineers are conducting speed and traffic counts, evaluating pedestrian/school child safety, driveway sight-lines, street parking reconfigurations, and potential one-way conversion options for Grant Avenue.
Tenant Relocation & Guaranteed Right of Return:
Dedicated relocation specialists will assist residents 6–12 months prior to construction. MHP will cover all moving expenses and any rent differences for up to 42 months.
Guaranteed 100% Right of Return: MHP officially committed in writing that all current residents will have the right to return to the completed building, even if their household income exceeds Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) eligibility limits (MHP will absorb the unit financing loss).
Presentation 2: FY26 Q4 Financial Report (Period Ended June 30, 2026)
Presenter: Ron Kawaley (Interim Finance Director).
All Funds Overview:
Total Revenues (All Funds): $37.8 million (98% of budget).
Total Expenditures (All Funds): $38.0 million (81% of budget), resulting in an overall net deficit of $152,000.
General Fund Performance:
Achieved a $1.0 million surplus (Revenues: $32.7M / 102% of budget; Expenditures: $31.6M / 86% of budget) driven by higher-than-estimated income tax receipts and investment returns.
Other Special Funds Performance:
Stormwater Management Fund: $486,000 surplus (Revenues: $981k / 105%; Expenditures: $494k / 40% due to multi-year park and environmental permitting timelines).
Red Light & Stop Sign Camera Fund: $723,000 surplus (Revenues: $2.6M / 102%; Expenditures: $1.9M / 64% due to capital project carryovers into FY27).
Special Revenue Fund: $1.2M deficit due to $1.0M in library construction contract carryovers from FY25 into FY26.
ARPA Fund: $1.2M deficit due to delayed federal grant revenue recognition timing.
Significant Year-over-Year Variances:
Rental Licensing Fees: Collected $243,000 (60% of budget) compared to $373,000 in FY25 due to transitioning from fixed December renewals to rolling 12/24-month inspection-tied billing cycles.
City Property Sales: Generated $72,500 (484% of budget) from surplus public works and police vehicle auctions.
Human Resources Expenditures: Spent $899,000 (123% of budget) due to software implementation overlaps and interim staffing.
5. Voting Items & Official Votes
1. Second Reading Ordinance Approving FY27 Budget Amendment No. 2
Context: Authorizes budget adjustments across municipal funds, including $30,000 from the Building Maintenance Expenditure Reserve for the 2nd-floor Community Center lobby reception area renovation. Staff explained that the desk suffered water damage during the July 2025 flood; insurance offered $12,000, while full replacement and structural reconfiguration was estimated at $38,000. The project covers custom carpentry, moving a rear wall to expand recreation storage, ADA accessibility, hard wiring, painting, and ceiling adjustments. Final execution requires soliciting at least three competitive bids under city procurement rules.
Motion: Moved by Councilmember Dyballa, Seconded by Councilmember Landman.
Vote:
Councilmember Landman: Yes
Councilmember Dyballa: Yes
Councilmember Schlegel: Yes
Councilmember Gilbert: Yes
Councilmember Honzak: Yes
Councilmember Wesolek: Yes
Mayor Searcy: Yes
Outcome: Passed unanimously (7–0).
2. Resolution Regarding Protections and Support for Transgender and Gender Diverse Residents
Context: Affirms municipal support and protections for transgender and gender-diverse community members. Revisions following initial review include evaluating existing city data collection to ensure no superfluous personal data is requested, adding staff training guidelines, and incorporating minor typographical corrections.
Motion: Moved by Councilmember Wesolek, Seconded by Councilmember Honzak.
Vote: Passed unanimously by voice vote (All Ayes; no opposition; no abstentions).
6. Work Sessions
Authorization to Expend Grant Funds for Renovation of the Historic Bank Building (Carroll Avenue):
Overview: Reviewed accepting a $150,000 Maryland Neighborhood Business Development (NED) grant to assist Sangfroid Distilling in renovating the vacant historic bank building at Carroll and Laurel Avenues.
Youth Council Appointment Recommendations:
Overview: The Council Committee on Committees (CM Gilbert, CM Schlegel, CM Honzak) presented recommendations to appoint 11 members to the Takoma Park Youth Council: Congratulations to Esu Wo (Ward 1) and all the young people recommended for the Takoma Park Youth Council from across the city! This is an exciting opportunity to bring their ideas to City Hall, speak up for their peers, and help shape our community’s future. Formal appointments are expected at the next Council meeting, and I look forward to hearing what these young representatives hope to accomplish!
