CCA Public Meeting Minutes: 02.17.2026
/CCA Public Meeting
Tuesday, February 17, 2026 (Questions Can Be Submitted on Facebook)/ APPROVED
Location: United Evangelical Church
The meeting started at 6:30PM.
Welcoming remarks: Amanda Bourgeois, CCA President:
Amanda welcomed everyone thanking the United Evangelical Church for the space. She also thanked Lighthouse Tavern for the food.
Announcements:
CCA Elections – Amanda:
Each year at the February Public meeting Board elections are held for a two-year term. Members can vote online (an email was sent); there are some ballots here. Those up for reelection are: Denise Aversa,
Amanda Bourgeois, Adrienne Ekas, John Ford and Jayne Miller.
CCA Volunteer of the Year – Chosen Yearly – Amanda:
Board members are not among the candidates for this award. This year’s award goes to Ellen Haynie.
Amanda said Ellen has been a big help on social media and with getting out emails among other tasks.
Dumpster Day – Now Called “Community Pitch-In Days” – Maura Taylor:
The first two scheduled are March 7 and May 30. Metal is taken away allowing for more room in the dumpster. Also “dumpster diving” is allowed. There should be two more dates scheduled later in the year.
Moment of Silence for Dr. Ray Bahr – Maura:
Maura talked about Dr. Bahr, cardiologist, saying that he was very involved in the history of Canton. He was very instrumental in getting historical markers in the area. It is National Public Awareness of the Heart Month. Today also happens to be “Random Acts of Kindness Day”.
(Amanda mentioned we have a packed agenda tonight so we need to keep moving. The presenters may be able to stay after the meeting for a little while.)
Presentations:
Southeast District Police – Major Albert DellaRocco and Officer Ricardo Cabreja: The Major said there is an overall reduction in crime. He mentioned Gun Violence Reduction Strategy (GVRS). The Consent Decree is about half through. There is more money going to the Police Department with some reduction in overtime. There was a lot of overtime for shop lifting and porch theft. He mentioned some things to buy to help prevent car theft. He has some wheel locks available tonight.
Now the Police Department is about 500 officers short. Hopefully there will be more resources for younger people.
State’s Attorney’s Liaison Update (SAO) – Natasha Zepeda:
Natasha left fliers on the back table dealing with:
The SAO Update
Their 2026 Legislative Agenda
Tax Sale Information
Stolen Cars and Traffic Violation
Older & Disabled Person’s Unit
She mentioned someone from a July 2025 robbery at a bar in Canton getting six years.
Mimi DiPietro Skating Center (Patterson Park) – Matt Leone – The Tender Bridge:
This is a volunteer group that mentors young hockey players. The City plans to close the ice rink at the end of March. They could go to Mt. Pleasant which is about 20 minutes away (6101 Hillen Road). This isn’t very practical since only two to three players would fit in one car.
It’s felt that a long-term solution is needed. Matt would like Rec and Parks to give his group an answer as to what is wrong. There are contractors willing to help. On March 14 there is a fundraiser with games being played at the rink.
Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) – Red Line – Rochelle Carpenter, Ken Melton and Joe Waring:
They explained how they are exploring all options. They worked through comments and challenges. Light Rail was chosen since it’s felt there is better accessibility. In the last year engineering and design has progressed. Traffic and parking issues have been recognized. There are budget challenges. It was noted that since COVID the number of transit riders has dropped. Bayview was chosen because of the Marc Train.
Information was left at the back table. Ways to stay engaged: outreach@redlinemaryland.com, @redlinemaryland, redlinemaryland.com/resource.
Department of Public Works (DPW) – Haydee Batista/Roberto:
Haydee mentioned various DPW programs dealing with trash, recycling, water main breaks and the water billing discount program. She stressed calling 311 for problems. Also if a homeowner doesn’t want the blue recycling can on wheels, they can call for a smaller yellow one or even buy something at Home Depot as long as it’s marked “Recycling”. She stressed the importance of not putting certain items in recycling cans as that causes contamination. DPW can be fined for that.
Baltimore City Sheriff – Sam Cogen:
Chrisi Green – Director of Development; Kevin Hayes, Chief of Staff and Shannon Conway, Events: Sheriff Cogen left information on various programs and services they handle. His office has the same authority to make arrests and traffic stops as the police. His office also has civil enforcement authority.
He noted a new labor contract with the City that included raises which were needed to hire quality people. He is happy with the new State law ending certain 287(g) immigration agreements. The Sheriff said judicial warrants are needed by ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) to come in the courthouse.
District One Councilman Mark Parker:
Councilman Parker touched on a few issues. He mentioned the Ice Rink at Patterson Park and the possibility of getting some State funding. Getting funding for pedestrian safety is important. The Ellwood Avenue project is still ongoing (500-700 blocks). This would include a single lane of traffic, speed bumps with parking on one side being parallel and the other side being angle parking.
There was an online meeting recently regarding the Canton Heliport With DPW, the Mayor’s Office and residents. This is regarding the lease for the police department’s three-helicopter aviation fleet at the Canton Heliport at 1800 S. Clinton Street.
Three vacant houses in the 500 block of S. Clinton Street have been demolished with no legal barriers. The City can take over the other three.
The Executive Secretary of the Liquor Board has floated the idea of having officers being redeployed only during the day. This really hasn’t been made public, and there is concern about this. He said if there are issues with bars to call 311 and his office.
The process of the first stage of property tax relief is in the works. It would be to adjust the rate by a reduction of 5¢ combined with an increase cap from 4% to 6% to help everyone. There would be a decrease but not equally for everyone. It wouldn’t be retroactive.
There will probably be a debriefing on the snow removal process these last few weeks.
Cindy Ibarra, Constituents Services Manager, from his office was introduced.
Baltimore City Department of Transportation (DOT) – Scott Fox, Transit Services Administrator Planning Division and Brett Thorne, Chief of Transportation Services:
The Water Transit Strategic Plan is the City’s Vision for Maritime Activities. It was updated in 2015 so feedback is welcome.
Baltimore’s free maritime transit service, the Harbor Connector, will expand access in Fells Point. This is a free service with three lines running Monday-Friday. There were about 180,000 trips in 2025. Some schedule times may be changing,
Imani Fox (410-396-3796) from the Baltimore City Department of Planning (DOP) was introduced.
Miscellaneous:
The Gold Business Members were recognized on the agenda:
Allstate Insurance Company – Jim Craig
Holmes Glorioso Home Group of eXp Realty
Mike Doyle State Farm Agency
My Salon Suite
Oasis Marinas
Pusser’s Landing Canton, LLC
Please consider a $10 yearly membership to receive emails.
The FB page at Canton Anit-Racism Alliance is: https://www.facebook.com/groups/22056096642057.
Amanda thanked everyone who participated in and attended the meeting. We can be reached at info@cantoncommunity.org. The meeting officially adjourned at 8:10PM.
Respectfully Submitted,
Denise Aversa