Yesterday the WCA was notified that the State of Maryland and the City of Baltimore have given their approval for Skyline Tower Painting to perform two limited but necessary cleanup steps on the tower starting Tuesday, September 6thth. The first step is for the crew to HEPA vacuum any free paint chips resting on the horizontal surfaces of the tower that may be there as a result of the previously suspended prep work. This step is a multi-day process and will likely continue throughout most of next week, weather permitting. The second action item is for Skyline to de-rig the tower, meaning the removal of all of their hoisting cables that allows them to safely climb the tower. The de-rigging process may also take a couple of days. We have informed the Maryland Department of the Environment of our plan and they will likely be on site to inspect the work. A&I Inc will also be present near the tower to remove any paint flakes that may fall from the tower during this process.
Television Tower Inc. (TTI) – Community Cleanup – Map August 12, 2022
From MDE—TTI Candelabra Tower Lead-based Paint Abatement Work
Rockrose Farm Soil Test Results
TTI conducted an investigation into the potential presence of lead in the soil. The results of the investigation are being provided to the Maryland Department of the Environment.
Multiple soil samples were collected from the Rockrose City Farm. All samples were found to be below the Maryland Department of the Environment’s approved levels for lead in residential soil, and lead was undetectable in the majority of samples.
MDE Lead Paint Info
Call to Rectify the Lead Paint Situation in Woodberry
Woodberry Community_ List of Demands
On July 20, WCA shared this message from a group of Woodberry citizens, and requested a response by the end of the week with plans to address their concerns.
July 20, 2022 Update on Television Tower Paint Chips
From Maryland Department of the Envrionment shared the latest clean up/activity update that we rec’d from TTI:
- Soil Testing: The Rockrose Community Farm soil testing is happening today. Soil tests were previously performed at the Scribbles Day Care Center. (These are the only two areas tested at this time)
- To date there are 35 residents who have requested clean up of their properties, and all have been addressed, or are in process. TTI has communicated that if the residents see additional paint chips to contact TTI and the property will be re-cleaned. The 35 residents were obtained via TTI’s Outreach to the Community Association. TTI email and phone number were provided to the community association. And, the two site contractor supervisors were given cards to distribute to the community if anyone sees the crews working and would like their properties cleaned, or had questions.
- The following process is the method that properties are cleaned up: The Inspection Contractor, Advanced Air Analysis, Inc., is pre-surveying the property under clean up; the lead abatement clean up contractor, A & I Environmental, cleans the property to remove lead paint chips; the inspection contractor returns and performs a post- clean up inspection for the exterior of the property, and if interior clean up is performed, the inspection contractor performs dust clearance sampling, where required. TTI (via Rick Seaby) follows up with the property owner to let the owners know the areas are clean, and advises the owners that if they encounter additional issues, to contact him (Rick).
- High priority areas such as the Scribbles Day Care Center, the Itineris Adult Community Center, the Rockrose Farm area, and the Community Playground are being inspected and cleaned daily and especially after weather events, such as rain etc.
- The abatement clean up contractor (A&I), has crews cleaning up the streets and alleyways, when not working on an individual property.
- TTI had just performed additional outreach to the greater community by sending out a mass mailing to a couple hundred local residents who are not part of the community association, to notify them to contact TTI if their properties need to be cleaned up. MDE recently provided a list of rental property addresses, with owner address information included so that TTI may expand their outreach to citizens in the affected area.
- A TCLP (Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure) sample of the waste stream generated from cleanup, and required by MDE Solid Waste Program, was collected and sent off to the lab for analysis, on Friday, July 15, 2022, and the results are expected today or tomorrow.
MDE also shared these three pamphlets Lead Poisoning Know_the_Facts 5 Things to Do In Lowering Child’s Blood Lead Level WIC Lead Poisoning Handout (2) (1)
Television Tower Inc- Clean-up plan for paint chips
At our July 12th meeting, participants requested a copy of the Television Tower Inc (TTI) remediation plan. TTI has shared a summary of this plan. Here’s what they shared:
Remediation Process
Television Tower Inc.
Summary of MDE-Approved Cleanup Plan
- Television Tower, Inc. (TTI), with the approval of the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE), engaged Accredited Lead Paint Abatement Service Provider (Residential, Commercial and Public Building Contractor) (A&I Environmental Services, Inc) to undertake remedial activities.
- The approved plan requires A&I Inc to use HEPA vacuums to remove paint chips on the ground and other exterior areas of identified properties, provided that the property owner has requested such service and has granted access to the property.
- TTI is deploying Advanced Air Analysis, Inc, an MDE Accredited Lead Risk Assessor, to perform pre and post- cleanup inspections and to document that remediation has been completed.
- A few non-residential properties are subject to modified requirements imposed by MDE, and TTI has deployed A&I and Advanced Air Analysis to those properties to remediate in conformance with those requirements.
Outreach, Planning and Timeline:
- As required by MDE, TTI provided a plan to conduct outreach in cooperation with the Woodbury Community Association, to reach out to the surrounding community. TTI provided copies of flyers to the WCA, and an email and phone number for residents to request the inspection and cleanup of paint chips on their property. TTI is doing additional direct mailings to ensure notice.
- TTI began work on June 30th 2022, and estimates project completion by August 1st 2022.
- TTI is engaged in regular communication with MDE as to its progress on the remediation.
Remediation Tracking and Communication
- Residents or businesses can contact TTI through its email at televisiontowerinc@gmail.com or via the voicemail box at 410-578-7551.
- The resident’s or business’s contact information, communications and associated response actions are being monitored by the industrial hygienist, Advanced Air Analysis, and the abatement contractor, A&I, Inc.
- The resident should receive a follow-up email outlining the inspection and cleanup process, and requesting any contact information if it was omitted in the initial email they sent.
- Any comments or special instructions provided for permission or access, or relating to the prioritization guidelines, are noted in the comments for the contractors.
- Once the cleanup and post inspection are complete, the resident is sent an email confirming the same.
Prioritization
- As discussed with and approved by MDE, priority on remediation is given to childcare facilities, playgrounds, parks, and other properties used by children.
- Following that, remediation will focus on residences, group homes, and commercial establishments.
- Remediation of roofs, public streets, and sidewalks will be done last except when there are opportunities toexpedite that work.
- Within categories, TTI prioritizes properties that have asked for remediation, which is done by sending a requestto televisiontowerinc@gmail.com or leaving a message on TTI’s voice mailbox at 410-578-7551.
- TTI will engage in affirmative outreach by multiple means to properties in the surrounding area to performremediation where needed, but also encourages neighbors to inform their neighbors on how to request remediation if they identify paint chips on their property.
Update on paint chips from TV Tower.
Good afternoon community! We have been following the TV tower paint chip situation and have some updates to share with you:
Television Tower Inc. (TTI) is the entity responsible for managing the candelabra tower for the three stations who use it. The Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) has approved a remediation plan for cleaning up lead paint chips in the community. The cleanup begins today, June 30, 2022. They have hired A&I, an accredited MDE contractor.
In order to have your property cleaned by the contractor, please email televisiontowerinc@gmail.com with your name and address or call (410) 578-7551 and leave a message for them. They will be in touch.
If you have neighbors who may not be online or who may not be receiving emails, please share this information with them.
If you have young children, please consider having them tested for lead levels with your doctor. Talk to your doctor about approaches to reduce lead exposure in your household if you have young children.
Our next meeting is on July 12, 2022 at 7 pm at Itineris at 2050 Rockrose Ave, Baltimore, MD 21211. It will be a hybrid meeting. Click here if you want to attend via Zoom.
Thank you for being involved! If you’re interested in volunteering, click here to get in touch. We are always happy to have new faces.
Board Positions Open
In preparation for the April WCA Annual Meeting, we seek applications for Officer and Director positions for the WCA Board. Please consider taking an active role in community affairs and use your interests and expertise for the betterment of Woodberry.
Annual Board Positions (office is one year but has no term limit)
All applicants and Board members must maintain membership requirements
Annual Board Positions (office is one year but has no term limit)
Board members must maintain membership requirements, return signed Conflict of Interest form to WCA Secretary within 10 days of confirmed election, maintain pertinent files in approved
Google Drive and actively attend meetings and events
Officers of the Board
- The President shall preside over all meetings of the Members, the Board of Directors and Officers of the They will prepare or cause to be prepared the agenda for meetings. The President may sign all contracts and agreements in the name of the Corporation after the Officers of the Board have approved them, serve as the representative of the Corporation in meetings and discussions with other organizations and agencies, act as a liaison between the other officers and members of the Board of Directors, committee chairpersons, and otherwise perform all of the duties that are ordinarily the function of the office, or as assigned by the Board. The President shall appoint all committee chairpersons, when appropriate, in consultation with Board members. The President shall ensure that all vital papers and property of the Corporation are transferred to the appropriate incoming Directors, Officers, and committee chairpersons. The WCA Google Drive will be used for permanent retention of records and histories.
- The Vice-President shall perform the duties of the President if the President is unable to do so or is absent; perform such other tasks as may be assigned by the Board, monitor membership dues along with the Secretary, maintain shared file of name, job title, email, phone number and address of City, State, and local contacts, and at the request of the President, assist in the performance of the duties of the In the event that the office of the President becomes vacant, the Vice-President shall automatically become President. They will maintain and share electronically with the Board Officers, all materials of the Corporation. The WCA Google Drive will be used for permanent retention of records and histories.
- The Secretary shall keep accurate records and minutes of all meetings of the Corporation; make available copies of the minutes of the previous meeting and distribute them in advance of each meeting; cause to be delivered all notices of meetings to those persons entitled to vote at such meetings; maintain the minutes book of the Corporation and a current listing, with phone numbers and addresses (including mail and email), of the Directors and Members; and maintain a current membership roster and make such roster available at all meetings where votes may be They or their delegate will solicit and collect membership funds at community meetings and events. The Secretary will manage the general email or listserv file. They will maintain and share electronically with the Board Officers, all materials of the Corporation. The WCA Google Drive will be used for permanent retention of records and histories.
- The Treasurer shall oversee the deposit of funds of the Corporation into the proper accounts of the Corporation within ten days of receipt; the recordation of all receipts and disbursements from such account or accounts; pay all bills and invoices within 30 days of receipt, or by the due date, whichever is sooner; the preparation of the books and records of the finances of the Corporation; the preparation of financial reports of the accounts for each Board meeting; and the preparation and filing of all end of year financial reports and federal and state tax They will make all records available to the President and Board of Directors and will maintain and share electronically with the Board Officers, all materials of the Corporation, and upon the request of either, shall give an account of the Corporation’s transactions and financial status. The Treasurer shall be responsible for the collection of annual dues from members, timely communication with the Secretary of new or renewed membership, and when deemed necessary by the Board, will maintain all insurance policies. The Treasurer will maintain and share electronically with the Board Officers, all materials of the Corporation. The WCA Google Drive will be used for permanent retention of records and histories.
Board Director Positions
CLEAN & GREEN DIRECTOR: Organizes events to engage the community in beautification projects and volunteer opportunities. Ideal candidate is involved in networking and promoting activities of various eco/greening non-profits working within Woodberry and the Jones Falls Mill Valley. Semi-annual participation in Mayor’s Clean-up (April & October). Maintenance of the Woodberry Sign garden and/or community open space as they develop. Prepare and have issued meeting minutes and event news with approval of Officers of the Board. Attends and briefs the Board (6 x annually minimum). Other responsibilities as they develop. Documentation and use of WCA Google Drive is required.
COMMUNICATION DIRECTOR: Idea candidate is social media savvy. Acts to gather, edit and publish pertinent news and announcements within Woodberry and adjacent Jones Falls Mill Valley. Solicits Board updates for publication. Develops and publishes monthly e-newsletter, promotes Woodberry via website, FaceBook, Twitter, Blogs, Instagram or relevant social media outlets. Grammar, writing, fact checking, proofreading and web skills/template management desirable. Prepare and have issued meeting minutes and event news with approval of Officers of the Board. Attends and briefs the Board (6 x annually minimum). Other responsibilities as they develop. Documentation and use of WCA Google Drive is required.
FUNDRAISING/GRANT WRITING DIRECTOR: Ability to research grant opportunities, write and submit grants, coordinate with Treasurer for funds, monitor compliance and completes/files requirements pertaining to grants awarded to WCA. Publish via the e-newsletter award announcements and project updates pertaining to the grant. Event fundraising via sponsor donations desirable. Attends and briefs the Board (6 x annually minimum). They will maintain and share electronically with the Board Officers, all materials of the Corporation. Other responsibilities as they develop. Documentation and use of WCA Google Drive is required.
HISTORIC PRESERVATION DIRECTOR They will have knowledge of Baltimore City’s Commission for Historical & Architectural Preservation (CHAP) codes and act as Woodberry’s liaison with City and non-profits for the preservation of Woodberry’s mill and manufacturing heritage. They will chair and/or delegate, with Officers of the Board approval, Woodberry’s architectural review panel, if formed. The ideal candidate will attend and advocate Woodberry’s position at various Baltimore City Hearings. Prepare and have issued meeting minutes and event news with approval of Officers of the Board. Attends and briefs the Board (6 x annually minimum). Other responsibilities as they develop. Documentation and use of WCA Google Drive is required.
PUBLIC SAFETY DIRECTOR: Ideal candidate will participate in/on the Northern District Community Relations Council meeting held six times annually at the Northern District Police Station, organize crime walks with our police representative(s), track and communicate crime in the community with our police liaison. Prepare and have issued meeting minutes and event news with approval of the Officers of the Board. Attends and briefs the Board (6 x annually minimum).Other responsibilities as they develop.
Documentation and use of WCA Google Drive is required.
SOCIAL DIRECTOR: Responsible for social opportunities that promote meet and mingle both for membership, WCA committees and the greater Woodberry community. Annually plan the Hangout, our community block party, and National Night Out (August). The ideal candidate will have strong event planning, volunteer coordination, organization and/or executive assistant skills. Position involves grant writing and/or securing sponsor donations. Prepare and have issued meeting minutes and event news as approved by the Officers of the Board. Attends and briefs the Board (6 x annually minimum). Other responsibilities as they develop. Documentation and use of WCA Google Drive is required.
ZONING & LAND USE (ZLU)DIRECTOR: The ideal candidate will have personal work/scheduling flexibility as this position requires attendance and testimony at various Baltimore City Hearings (estimate 5-9 x annually). They will attend developer meetings, have knowledge of various City Codes and Ordinances, maps and resources, works closely with City Planning, CHAP, Liquor Board, the Housing department and other City agencies as necessary. The ZLU Director will draft position statements and/or letters for the President’s signature . Additionally they may be requested to represent Woodberry’s interest by attendance/coordination with Hampden and Medfield associations. Prepare and have issued meeting minutes and event news as approved by the Officers of the Board. Attends and briefs the Board (6 x annually minimum).Other responsibilities as they develop. Documentation and use of WCA Google Drive is required.
MEMBERSHIP DIRECTOR: Manages and coordinates with Officers of the Corporation, the membership list to include communication with the Treasurer for check deposits. Maintains accurate records of new and renewal membership via PayPal and Square. Researches address discrepancy and/or additional member. Retains records per Corporation guidelines. Participates and solicits membership at Open Meetings and community events. Attends and briefs the Board (6 x annually minimum). Other responsibilities as they develop.