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Takoma Park council approves outdoor-cafe ordinance second reading, backs HB 1142 resolution and waives auditorium fees for migration film
Summary
On voice and roll-call votes the council advanced a second-reading ordinance to expand outdoor-cafe use agreements and unanimously passed a resolution supporting HB 1142 (task force to review municipal revenue). Council also voted to waive auditorium fees for a community screening about migration and requested follow-up logistics.
The Takoma Park City Council completed several formal actions during its meeting, advancing local code changes, signaling legislative support in Annapolis, and approving community programming.
Ordinance on outdoor cafes: The council moved and seconded the second reading of an ordinance to amend Takoma Park Code Chapter 8.16 to expand the types of use agreements the city may use for outdoor cafes. Clerk Carpenter called the roll; Mayor Searcy and council members Landman, Dybala, Schlegel, Gilbert, Hansack and Wesselick voted aye. The motion carried on the second reading.
Resolution supporting HB 1142: Council members then considered a resolution supporting House Bill 1142, which would establish a task force to review and modernize county and municipal revenue sources. Council Member Landman moved the measure and Council Member Weselek seconded it; the council approved the resolution by voice vote. The draft resolution urges favorable reports from the House Ways and Means Committee and the Senate Budget and Taxation Committee.
Community event fee waiver: The council also signaled unanimous support in a hand vote to waive facility fees for a proposed auditorium screening and discussion of a documentary about migration in Agua Prieta and Douglas, Arizona, organized by Takoma Park residents. Jamie Copel, a Ward 2 resident who helped organize the screening and traveled on a delegation to Agua Prieta, described the event as a community education opportunity that would bring guests from the border region for a Q&A. City staff estimated typical rental and staffing costs at about $1,000; council members approved waiver subject to staff follow-up on logistics and film credits.
Next steps: Staff said they will post meeting records, provide the formal resolution language and follow up with organizers on logistics, and supply any additional materials council members request prior to final ordinance adoption or further legislative actions.
