June 2025 Community Meeting

Type of meeting: 
Community
Meeting date: 
Wednesday, June 4, 2025
Status: 
DRAFT

Attendees: 

Nicole Dungee
Julia Dumont
Michael Dumont 
Billy Hufnell
Paul Rubenson
Yousef Jabaji
Hayat Jabbour
Gerry Salley
Maia Tatinclaux
Kate Leitkowski
Deb O’Neill
Lindsay Chudzik
Bob Welsh
Susan Clayton
Celine Brundridge
Tyler McCurdy
Bill Reuter
Sandy Anderson
Sharon Reuter
Warren Dungee

 

  1. Bill Ferguson, The Senate of Maryland, 46th Legislative District, President of The Senate
    Letter provided summarizing the 447th Legislative Session of the Maryland General Assembly (MGA) that concluded on April 7th.
    Spoke about a the recent most challenging Senate session – this is his 15th session.
    $2.7 billion budget deficit to start and larger due to recent Federal Actions.  Maryland is the state most exposed to changes in federal spending.  No one knew the extent of the challenges coming from these changes.
    Summarizes continuing commitments to maintain spending, including Medicaid, childcare subsidies, etc.
    Additional $1.4 billion revenues will be generated through raising taxes, but taxes are the same or lower for 94% of taxpayers.  Also, many user fees were increased.
    Investment in communities, including Baltimore City, are being continued.  Baltimore City has more funding for education, roads, etc.
    Utility bills are increasing on July 1, 2025.  Discussion of factors driving increased costs, including demand going up more quickly than supply.  And utilities are focused on bolstering profits, rather than helping customers.  Maryland has to source electricity out of state – there is investment to generate more electricity in state.  Methodology for setting rates is due for an overhaul.  It will take a number of years to work through these issues.
    Upgrades to stadiums.  Camden Yards - $ are for internal infrastructure.  Nothing yet for external redevelopment -don’t expect until after this season.  Commitment to work with community before things are proposed.  Ravens Stadium – most improvements will be completed before the season. 

    Public questions.

  2. Community Garden – Celine Brundridge
    Celine gave an update on this project – she has scoped out some possible sites for the garden including 1) near corner of MLK Blvd and Pratt St, 2) the hill at MLK Blvd and Washington Blvd, 3) Utility easement on Eislen St. Tot Lot was mentioned as a possibility. Email president @ridgelysdelight.org to participate with this project.

  3. Announcements
    Confirmation of quorum.
    The Conflict of Interest Statement was read by Nicole Dungee - no conflicts disclosed.
    Minutes from April and May were approved.  Paul motioned to approve, Billy seconded the motion.  18, accepted, 2 abstentions
    Community dumpster on Portland St this coming Saturday.
    Free CPR classes are being offered by District 10 police and fire departments. We need 15+ people.  There was enough interest and Nicole Dungee will plan a session for September.
    First Friday happy hour at Back Yard @ 5:30 PM

    Paul Rubenson moved to adjourn, Billy Hufnell seconded.