November 2025 Community Meeting

1. Conflict of Interest Statement – Nicole Dungee
   Members of the Ridgely’s Delight Association must be free from inappropriate influences or from situations or relationships that have the potential to bias their actions.  Accordingly, members are asked to identify, for consideration, any circumstances in which they have a relationship that could impair (or be perceived to impair) their impartiality with a given topic, or when a person’s duty to one group conflicts with their duty or responsibility to another.  This could include having other interests or relationships, like decision-making authority with competing neighborhood organizations, financial interests, or any relationship that could be perceived to impair their judgment when acting on behalf of the Ridgely’s Delight Association. 
2. Quorum: Quorum is 13, 20 are in attendance.
3. Commissioner Ashley "Ash" Esposito, Baltimore City Board of School Commissioners --- 
   Here to answer questions/take comments, talk with residents about the role of the School Board, current priorities for Baltimore City Schools, and how residents can stay informed and engaged on the issues that impact our students and neighborhoods.

   CEO search. Contract ends in June 2026. Hired search firm, communications firm. Decision by April. Interviews in December. 

   Questions 1) how does someone get onto the school board?  Student member elected by 6-12th graders. Adult members– 9 appointed by mayor, 2 elected members.  2026 next election. 

   Is the school board city or state run? Neither – schools are independent.  Funding is received from multiple parts of government.

   12 members, of school board terms of 3 or 4 years.  Many have kids, or kids with special needs. Some educators and tech persons. 

   Diversity of backgrounds - Ashley is a former foster child, barely graduated from high school. Learning disabilities, etc. 

   Overall mission – approve budget, policy, curriculum.  Similar to a non-profit structure.  CEO is only paid employee.  Committees.

   School board meetings -public meetings are held 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of each month.  Always a virtual attendance option.  Committee meetings are virtual.

   Will budget be impacted by reduced federal funds?  Yes, in multiple ways.  SNAP. Hoping to avoid having shortfalls impact improvement in math, reading, etc.  Strong legal team to push back on administration.  District has been strongly supporting all students. 

   Are city schools fully staffed? Better staffed and better retention than in the past.  People are staying because of all the job losses.  Have recruited Federal workers to become teachers.

   City college – undergoing major rehabilitation, moved to Mt Vernon temporary site. Question about students going to businesses on North Ave at lunch time.  One parent didn’t like and spied on students.  Businesses not happy, kids not happy. But there was an past incident where kids were killed, and there is a rule where students cannot leave campus. City could change ordinance.  Looking for leader that will actively lead into community participation.  Media has pushed administrators away from engaging.

   Does board have role in hiring teachers? School system is massive, so there is a human capital office.  Office does the hiring, with input from union and schools. 

   Question about election process. Non-partisan candidates – multiple candidates allowed, primary to pick top 4, then on ballot. Candidates are citizens of Baltimore.

   Which schools do elected members represent? Elected persons represent entire city.  Commissioners are associated with specific schools.

4. Baltimore Police Department - Announcements/Updates – Police Officer Washington

   Crime statistics - Year to date vs 2024 – Aggravated assault from 2 to 7, larceny 6 to 10, car 3 to 8, robberies down, burglaries, auto theft, shoplifting down. 

   Last 20 days – 4 incidents.  Burglary, aggravated assault (domestic), larceny 720 Portland (package theft), 216 Emory burglary – doors unlocked, Babe Ruth Museum. Couldn’t break into case.  629 S Paca – burglary – have picture & will pass around.
    

5. Community Project Updates Community Award
   Tree pits, neighborhood sign, My Father’s Plan, Community Garden)

   Received community award ($10,000), plus an additional $1,200 for use towards signage project. 

   Tree Pit Project – group is in process of getting quotes,

   Neighborhood Sign Project – in progress, getting sign ordered,

   My Fathers Plan –the funding was received after this year’s baseball season, group will use funding during the 2026 baseball season.

   Community Garden Project – in process of confirming ownership of land – could be BGE easement or maybe federally controlled.

6. Substation Fencing Project - BGE Update 
   BGE representative in attendance. Pam & Rahm. Pam Correa-Brennan – primary contact for community needs, Community Engagement.

   Concerns about fence were discussed and BGE said that the project team would be needed to address specific concerns. Fence to be built before the end of the year. Motion to hold a special meeting before end of year - motion was seconded and approved by attendees.

   For government employees furloughed – BGE has program to help with utilities.
   Winter saving tips. Quick home energy check -with some equipment.  Maia – does BGE do inspections of gas meters inside – yes, they will do safety checks.  Outside meters – not aware of any plans to do in RD. 

7. Update from Phylicia Porters Office, Desiree Jones 
   Backpacks for children – to distribute before end of year.

   Town Hall Series – first one scheduled for tomorrow for certain neighborhoods, 11/17 for Ridgely’s Delight.  There is a QR Code to register. Important for us to come to the town halls to communicate concerns. For community concerns – we need to submit to 311 requests, so that Phylicia Porter’s office can follow up on the request.

8. Public Announcements and Discussion
   Maintenance Committee: Community Dumpster on 12/6 on Portland St.  Need to pick up leaves so that street sweepers can clean.

   Community Happy Hour at The Starting Lineup at 5:30PM. on Friday, 11/7

   Finance Committee: – Community award received.  Annual finance report – to schedule for January 2026. 

   Minutes – September and October minutes – Jula Dumont motioned to approve, Julia Lebherz seconded, voted approved.

   Holiday Party – Pickles on 12/5 (Friday), 6:30 PM.  Elected officials normally attend.  Nominal fee.  

   Ridgely’s Delight Board Nominee Introductions and Election

   ​Ballots submitted for 2026 Board RDA positions.  All persons nominated were approved/elected.

Attendees: 

Brian Panneton
Maia Tatinclaux
Sandy Anderson
Linda Hansen
Clarissa Howison
Julia Dumont
Nicole Dungee
Kate Leitkowski
Si Saulynas
Paul Rubenson
Michael Irwin
Joe Himpelmann
Julia Lebherz
Bobby Walsh
Josh Burggrav
Charlotte Guerry
Amy Campos
Michelle Reyazuddin
James Quigley
Susan Clayton