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Former Takoma Park Police Department Dispatcher Resolves Claims Against the City of Takoma Park, Maryland For $1.0 Million April 16, 2025 Former Takoma Park Police Department Dispatcher Resolves Claims Against the City of Takoma Park, Maryland For $1.0 Million Correia & Puth client Kakila Cooper settles her Montgomery County Human Rights Law claims of sex harassment and retaliation against the City of Takoma Park, Maryland. April 16, 2025, Washington, D.C. – The City of Takoma Park, Maryland and Ms. Kakila Cooper, a former dispatcher for the Takoma Park Police Department, have reached an agreement to settle Ms. Cooper’s claims of sex harassment and retaliation for $1.0 million. Ms. Cooper was employed by the City of Takoma Park as a communications dispatcher from April 2022 to October 2023. In her civil complaint, filed in Montgomery County Circuit Court in May 2024 under the Montgomery County Human Rights Law, Ms. Cooper asserted that soon after she was hired, a Sergeant in the police department began to sexually harass her during her overnight shifts, which she worked alone. While hovering over Ms. Cooper in the tight confines of the Dispatch office, the Sergeant “described his sex life in lurid terms, repeatedly asked Ms. Cooper to accompany him to a sex club, made lecherous comments about her body [,] begged her to have sex with him” and showed her “sexually explicit photos of himself and his wife.” During legal proceedings, Ms. Cooper further claimed that police officers shunned and ridiculed her after learning that the Sergeant had been suspended because of her reports that he had harassed her. She was ordered to participate in multiple investigative interviews conducted by high-level officers who insinuated that she had invited the Sergeant’s attention. For months, the Department left Ms. Cooper in the dark about its investigation into her complaints of harassment, thus allowing rumors of the Sergeant’s imminent return spread, and causing Ms. Cooper great anxiety and fear that the Sergeant might return to work at any moment. Although the City of Takoma Park found that the Sergeant had engaged in the reported harassment, it permitted him to keep his job and return to work, without advanced notice to Ms. Cooper. After she filed a complaint with the Montgomery County Office of Human Rights alleging discrimination and retaliation, Ms. Cooper asserted that the Department “targeted [her] through yet another investigation, in which officers accused her of making false statements,” demanded she disclose her communications with her attorneys, and “threatened to interfere with an offer of employment she had received.” Ms. Cooper was represented in her lawsuit by attorneys Linda Correia, Subhashini Bollini, and Kelsey Speyer of the civil rights law firm Correia & Puth, PLLC. Reflecting on Ms. Cooper’s lawsuit and settlement, Subhashini Bollini stated, “Ms. Cooper is a courageous public servant who stood up for her rights, even when her doing so meant that she became a target of hostility at work. We are proud to have helped her hold the Takoma Park Police Department accountable by seeking justice in court.” The City of Takoma Park, Maryland agreed to pay Ms. Cooper $1.0 million to settle her claims prior to a jury trial. “Unfortunately, sexual harassment is still a prevalent issue in modern workplaces, especially for women working in male-dominated environments,” said Linda Correia. “This resolution sends a clear message to employers that sexual harassment and retaliation will not be tolerated in our community, and especially by the very members of law enforcement tasked with protecting the citizens of Maryland.” Regarding the resolution of her claims, Ms. Cooper stated, “I am happy that the truth came out and that I fought back.” *** Correia & Puth, PLLC is a civil rights law firm based in the District of Columbia dedicated to representing individuals confronting discrimination, retaliation, and unfair treatment. The lawyers of Correia & Puth are staunch advocates for individuals who face discrimination in the workplace, sc

Roger, I continue to be impressed with your ability to communicate clearly about the Council’s work and especially on the budget and for your attention to the details, which I hope will yield savings. Below are my comments. I look forward to input from other WACO-ites. Thanks for your work, Randy on Allegheny - a reduction of $485,000 in the Atrium renovation budget (out of a proposed $1.685 million) to restore the original $1.2 million approved by a prior Council; OR - a hold placed on spending any money for the Atrium renovation pending an effort to creatively limit it to the most essential needs (i.e. dispatcher area, ADA restroom, soundproofed interview space). (This would earmark and move $1,685,000 into the General Fund unassigned reserves.) Here are the questions for City staff: Are there any “nice to have as long as we are doing the essential parts” parts of the project that can be dropped or delayed? Are there essential parts that can be safely delayed? How much would delaying those parts of the project add?Based on those answers, the approach to the Atrium should be clear. I favor delaying anything that can be delayed (Therese Gibson can probably help with the analysis) without a significant increase in costs. - a reduction in $222,000 in the contribution to the Equipment Replacement Reserve, with a call for delaying some vehicle replacements and/or moving to leasing arrangements if appropriate. - increases in revenue of $10,000 from utility taxes and $10,000 from “cafe” rentals of sidewalk and street space. - freezing the search and hiring for one vacant full-time position, at the discretion of the City Manager (savings to be determined). - a reduction of $65,000 through removal of the proposed hiring of a consultant for a Financial Review, on the grounds that the newly hired 2nd Deputy City Manager adds sufficient expertise to enable the Manager’s Office and Finance Departments to evaluate City financial decisions in-house. I favor all of the above, with the caveat on the atrium. I think for each proposal, you should include how much it reduces the tax rate and how much it would reduce taxes for the median taxpayer. - an additional $110,000 for grants to help with food assistance and other urgent community needs (co-introduced by Councilmember Amy Wesolek, Ward 6). I introduced all of the above items in keeping with plans I previously shared with you. - an additional $135,000 to expand available funds for property tax relief (for residents who qualify for a recently expanded County program) The above item was introduced by Councilmember Cindy Dyballa, Ward 2. I support this. I favor these two proposals, in principle, but I’m worried that your sponsorship of it will give Council members an out to oppose your proposals. - holding off on any allocation of $85,000 for a housing policy study/rent stabilization review, until the Council can discuss and vote on its priorities for housing. (The funds would be earmarked and stored in General Fund unassigned reserves.) Yes - reducing $37,000 by not purchasing an electric motorcycle for the Police Department.I am lukewarm on this proposal; I’m concerned the Police are not addressing the most common crimes (crimes along NH Ave Eastern to Poplar, car break-ins, package theft); would cycle address those? - reducing an amount to be determined ($36,000 or more) by limiting salary increases to 3% for management staff, less than the proposed 4.55% increase. Yes The above items were introduced by Councilmember Jessica Landman, Ward 1. I support them.

Hi can someone remind me who is handling getting a WACO.io login for new neighbors? Asking for Emma and Justin, who just bought 30 Pine. Rick on Pine

Hello Ward 3 neighbors, In this update: Last Night’s Council Meeting. Public Hearing on the Budget. Reconciliation Process, Round 2. Quick News Updates and Announcements. My opening comments to Council colleagues from last night. - Click here for a searchable archive of previous updates. - Thank you for all of the thoughts you’ve shared during this budget process. I continue to refine my thinking through conversations with colleagues and with the City Manager and staff. I am doing my best to represent and advocate for residents’ views in a balanced and just manner. We are now halfway through the process, with all reconciliation items having been proposed by staff and Council members. Last Night’s Council Meeting. Last night the Council meeting began with recognition of Montgomery College scholarship recipients and with a beautiful remembrance of Jacquette “Jackie” Frazier, inspirational local leader and founder of the Lunch and Learn program centered in Essex House on Maple Avenue. Public Hearing on the Budget. The meeting proceeded with the second Public Hearing on the FY26 proposed budget, including these comments from residents: Tom Gagliardo (Ward 1) called for creativity and not reinventing the wheel when addressing renovations to the Atrium and design work for the Public Works facilities. Previous Ward 3 Councilmember Randy Gibson called for austerity and prioritization in this tough budget season, with an emphasis on clear objectives, hard-nosed choices, meeting the most urgent needs, and protecting the most vulnerable, who include house-burdened homeowners. He asked for the Council to honor the views and the constructive criticisms of hundreds of engaged residents, seek sustainability, and find creative ways to balance the budget. Paul Heubner (Ward 3) shared statistics and projections for inflation and recession, emphasizing that now is the time to cut the property tax rate and eliminate or downsize projects. He asked about the status of funds allocated a few years ago for work in the Community Center that apparently went unspent. He noted that the state budget deficit, County budget deficit, and anticipated County tax rate increase constitute a “perfect storm” for our residents. Nadine Bloch (Ward 3) emphasized the moral imperative of protecting both renters and homeowners from having to make the difficult choice to leave this community. She presented this value in the broader context of the city’s progressive commitment to being a “sanctuary” in every sense of the word, and she specifically stated that lowering the property tax rate would be a signal of this commitment. Fred Schultz (Ward 6), speaking as a member of the Police Chief’s Advisory Board, expressed pride in the soon-to-be-completed Library project and called for Council members to move forward with the Atrium project and seek budgetary savings elsewhere. Reverend Gail Fisher-Stewart (Ward 1), also a member of the Police Chief’s Advisory Board, emphasized the Police Department’s service and accountability to the community and that “the least we can do” is provide a workspace that is “long overdue.” Lisa Beaudet (Ward 3) shared the perspective of a homeowner who pays a lot in taxes. She agreed with Emily Van Loon’s written comments and emphasized how many homeowners give back to this community in time and in money when that is available. She asked for the City to approach capital projects such as the Atrium renovation with the mindset of a homeowner on a limited budget who prioritizes and uses discretion in determining what must be done to maintain or refurbish the property. She also called for future budget processes to begin with the City Council setting a target for expenditures or tax rate and then requiring the Manager to figure out how to budget within those constraints. Colleen Cordes (Ward 1) clarified that the proposed flat property tax rate is in fact a property tax increase, with the City set to take in 2.6% more in taxes due to the net increase in assessments. She pointed out that the recent City newsletter article on the budget did not m

The cardboard box is torn but all the parts are there. The kit can make either regular or "tie dye" eggs. If you can use it, let me know and I'll drop it off on your porch (or wherever you like). -- Elizabeth Hedstrom (she/her/hers)202/412-1982

Thanks to those who pointed out that the link in my initial email this morning was not active. Here's the correct link if you'd like to comment tonight - register by 5 pm. https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN__UYn_YzWRciwLFN9XwMIjw#/registration Best regards, Roger -- Roger Schlegel City Council Member, Ward Three 7500 Maple Avenue Takoma Park, MD 20912 Email: RogerS@... Phone: 240-997-3041 Please note that all City emails can potentially be public.

Hi everyone. Looks like I'm going to need a hip replacement and I'm wondering if anyone has a walker I could borrow until I don't need it or until I can get one myself. My email is skysongs.aw@... and cell is 202-236-3122 thanks Annette

We have a tall kid’s red cap and gown, from a Blair graduation. Would anyone like it? 6912 Westmoreland 301 270 5258 Catherine

Hi all - I just encouraged you to write to the City Council and cc: Jessie Carpenter, our City Clerk. Here are the addresses you would need for such an email: talishas@... jessical@... cindyd@... rogers@... kurtg@... carah@... amyw@... cc: jessiec@... Full names of the other councilmembers: Mayor Talisha Searcy, Jessica Landman (Ward 1), Cindy Dyballa (Ward 2), Kurt Gilbert (Ward 4), Cara Honzak (Ward 5), Amy Wesolek (Ward 6). Best regards, Roger -- Roger Schlegel City Council Member, Ward Three 7500 Maple Avenue Takoma Park, MD 20912 Email: RogerS@... Phone: 240-997-3041 Please note that all City emails can potentially be public.

Hello Ward 3 neighbors, As a reminder, tonight is the second, and final, hearing on the Fiscal Year 2025 Budget. If you have thoughts to share about this year's budget, please consider sending an email to the City Council, copying Jessie Carpenter, our City Clerk. If you are available to come and comment in person at the microphone, the hearing should start fairly soon after 7:30 in the Community Center at Philadelphia and Maple. Your presence at the meeting can make a difference in the topics and tenor of the dialogue. If you can't attend in person but want to comment, you can participate via Zoom using this link (sign up by 5 pm). In previous updates, I've shared my general thinking as well as some specific ideas for adjusting the budget to provide more help for vulnerable people while reducing the proposed property tax rate. - Click here for a searchable archive of previous updates. - Following the public hearing, the Council will proceed with the reconciliation process, which involves City staff and City Council members proposing potential changes to the proposed FY26 budget. These options are registered in a spreadsheet that calculates impacts on revenues, expenditures, tax rates, and potentially the stormwater fee. Fiscal Year 2026 runs from July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026. Final reconciliation work is scheduled for the following Wednesday, April 23 although it's possible that an additional work session could be added. The City Council will adopt property tax rates, the stormwater fee rate, and an FY26 budget in the first half of May. Here’s the published Proposed Budget, which was prepared by the City Manager last month. It has seen some changes since last month, which will be reflected in the reconciliation process. Much has changed nationally and locally, as well as at the state and county levels, since the Council selected budget priorities for the Manager to pursue back in December. I have been advocating for great fiscal prudence in considering capital projects, hiring, salary increases, hiring of consultants, vehicle purchases, and actions dependent on outside funding sources. I am inclined to believe and take seriously many residents' expressed concerns about their households being squeezed financially, and their desire for clear signals that the City intends to allocate services and spend tax dollars wisely and cautiously, without harming City workers or vulnerable residents. I very much appreciate the scores of comments I've been receiving with residents' perspectives on the budget. I hope that I am getting a good sample of all residents' views. If you haven't communicated with me, and especially if you have a point of view different from what I've shared above, please send me an email! Thanks and best regards, Roger -- Roger Schlegel City Council Member, Ward Three 7500 Maple Avenue Takoma Park, MD 20912 Email: RogerS@... Phone: 240-997-3041 Please note that all City emails can potentially be public.

Hey folks - Our 13 year old has been asked to be the goalie for his school’s lacrosse team. If anyone has some dusty lacrosse goalie gear that they’d be willing to sell us, we’d appreciate it. Thanks, Brad_. Sent from my Generic Handheld Device

Audio technology has improved so much since the 70s but I don’t know, maybe somebody wants this pair of KLH speakers before I toss them. Contact offline. rickweiss99@... Yours in spring cleaning, Rick on Pine

Hi Neighbors, We seem to have a birds nest inside of our dryer vent exhaust. I called a company that wants me to pay to clean the whole line to our dryer, but it’s pretty clear the nest is just right on the outside of the house. Problem is it is on the second story of our house. Anyone know someone a handyman with a super long ladder that would be willing to remove the nest? Thank you, Emily Westmoreland Ave. ------------------ Emily Adams emilyengeladams@... "A life is not important, except in the impact it has on other lives." -Jackie Robinson

Arthur _______________ Begin forwarded message: From: Diana Kohn <kohn.diana@...> Subject: Reminder: House of Sligo Creek Walking Tour - Sunday April 13, 11 AM-Noon Date: April 12, 2025 at 12:18:37 PM EDT To: Emily van Loon <vanloon.emily@...>, tunis.catherine@..., Arthur <karpasa@...>, "To: Frederick Schultz" <fred@...> --Could you please post this message to your listservs? DK =================== Houses of Sligo Creek Walking Tour Sunday, April 13, 11:00 AM-Noon This approximately one hour walking tour explores how houses are built in response to their sites adjoining Sligo Creek Park. The architectural design of homes along the stretch of Sligo Creek between Maple and Piney Branch is uniquely modern and adopts the styles, ideals and the evolving design trends of 20th and early 21st century residences. The tour does not include the interiors of the homes. Wear appropriate shoes for hard surfaces and dirt trails. Meet on Maple Avenue just east of Sligo Creek Parkway (look for President's Tree marker). Contact tour guide Marty Shore at martyps6@... with any questions. --ALSO-- SAVE THE DATE: Takoma Park House and Garden Tour 2025 Sunday, June 8, 1:00-5:00 PM For more details, visit historictakoma.org

Let me know if you can use it.

Can anyone recommend a lawn service to do some spring cleanup — pull weeds, clear flowerbeds, mulch, throw down grass seed, etc.?

Good morning, If you’ve been affected by the overnight power outage, the latest from Pepco is that 321 customers remain without power and crews expect to restore power by 9 am. Roger Roger Schlegel City Council Member, Ward Three 7500 Maple Avenue Takoma Park, MD 20912 Email: RogerS@... Phone: 240-997-3041 Please note that all City emails can potentially be public.

It looks like our light rain will be tapering off before noon tomorrow, so come by the city parking lot next to the Co-op to enjoy the annual Earth Day celebration. We'll have live music, food truck, remarks from our mayor Talisha Searcy and state delegate Lorig Charkoudian, and displays from a dozen or more of our finest community organizations. The always-popular with kids of all ages, the Insect Zoo from the University of Maryland is back, sponsored by Friends of Native Trees in Takoma (FONTT). Come and vote for your favorite Maryland caterpillar (and learn why a healthy crop of caterpillars is vital to our ecosystem). I'd like to make a pitch for Meals on Wheels, providing fresh, healthy food, prepared in MOW's local kitchen each day. This community service is more important than ever. Meals on Wheels is looking for new volunteers, especially for deliveries. I can vouch from seven years of volunteering that it is a very rewarding job. Bob Gibson Pine Avenue TPSS Co-op Board of Representatives Member, FONTT Volunteer driver, Meals on Wheels

Arthur _______________ Begin forwarded message: From: Diana Kohn <kohn.diana@...> Subject: Fwd: Reminder for April Happy Hour Date: April 10, 2025 at 3:05:00 PM EDT To: Arthur <karpasa@...>, Emily van Loon <vanloon.emily@...>, tunis.catherine@..., "To: Frederick Schultz" <fred@...> Could you please post this today? Thanks, ---------- Forwarded message --------- From: Diana Kohn <kohn.diana@...> Date: Wed, Apr 9, 2025 at 9:15 PM Subject: Reminder for April Happy Hour To: <kohn.diana@...> Historic Takoma invites you to our April Happy Hour: Join us for a glass of wine and informal conversation about Takoma Park and its history. (The wine is on us!) WHEN: Friday, April 11, from 5:00-7:00 pm WHERE: Historic Takoma, 7328 Carroll Avenue FREE and all welcome. NOTE: Our April 2025 Newsletter is accessible online here.