Following up on the ANC 6A meeting last night, there was a lot of outcry from H Street, NE residents about the metal plates in the road from Pepco’s work. Because the plates are not properly secured, they create a lot of noise as cars drive over them. Following a recent Community Walk Through near H Street, our office was able to call in and get some temporary relief for the specific addresses where we saw and heard problems, but that didn’t create a long-term fix. This morning, Councilmember Wells asked me to contact PEPCO directly and tell them about our continued frustration on this issue and share the anxiety we heard at the ANC meeting. I spoke with Ms. Linda Jo Smith, Public Affairs Officer. She’s well aware of the issue and promised some speedy action on the metal plates. She said that they had attempted to put an extra plate on the road to keep the loose plates in place, but it appears not to be working. I let her know that community members would like to call in and report problems directly, and she encouraged people to call her. She even asked me to list her cell phone. She lives in the community and drives on H Street, NE everyday, and she said she and PEPCO want to be responsive to the community concerns.

Anyone who would also like to contact Ms. Smith directly, you’ll find her contact information below. I encourage people to share specific locations and blocks where they are concerned to help Ms. Smith focus her concern.

Ms. Linda Jo Smith
PEPCO, Public Affairs Officer
Office: 202-872-2024
Cell: 202-669-8392
Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Photo Credit: Elise Bernard from Frozen Tropics 

The Director for Constituent Services will write periodically about common constituent services complaints and issues to help those that may be facing similar problems learn about the resources that are availabe for help and assistance. 

The Multi-Door Dispute Resolution Division of the in D.C Superior Court
 
Hello as the Constituent Services Director for Councilmember Wells of Ward 6 I can’t express how much I feel it is my job to help others who come to me for assistance.

Today I came across some crucial information that might be beneficial to anyone who needs legal assistance or mediation without the need to file a civil case in court.  Thus, the D.C. Superior Court operates the "Multi-Door Dispute Division".

According the materials provided by the court, "The multi-door concept was invented by Harvard Law Professor Frank Sander to end the public’s dissatisfaction with the court, alleviate the court’s cases; and provide a one stop shop where people have access to alternative dispute resolution processes, such as mediation, conciliation, arbitration and case evaluation.  The program provides a way for the public and the courts to save time and money, offers confidential process and allows parties the abilities to have a say in how their issues would be resolved.”

One of the most popular programs is the Community Information and Referral Program (CIRP).  You will find this program useful because it provides mediation for matters including neighborhood disputes such as trees, fences, barking dogs and noise. It can also be helpful regarding consumer disputes about products and services; roommate disputes over property and bill payments, landlord/tenant security issues such as security deposits and rent; and family issues such as custody, visitation support, divorce and separation matters.  In addition the CIRP also can be a great resource to alleviate condo conversion/renters and condo association/homeowner and property management disputes.

In addition, there are several other components that make up the Multi-Door Dispute Resolution Division including the CIRP. They are the Civil Mediation Program, which hears small claims cases of $500.00 or more; the Small Claims Mediation Program, which hear small claims cases of $500.00 or less; Child Protection Mediation, Landlord and Tenant Mediation Program; the Tax and Probate Mediation Program; and the Family Mediation Program.

If you or someone you know needs assistance, this program is a great place resolve a civil conflict.  The service is free to District Residents; there is never a court case filed and it is confidential.   To contact the CIRP please call 202-879-1549.

Hello Everyone. As Tommy's scheduler, I thought it would be helpful to share how we schedule all the meetings that Tommy has to attend each day.

I work closely with Charles to make sure everyone that needs to meet with Councilmember Wells gets on his calendar. The protocol is to send me an email or request for a meeting. Its very helpful if you include what you'd like to meet about, how many people are coming, and any other information that helps make sure we get the right staff to be included in the meeting. I then take your request and work with Charles to work around Council hearings and votes, community events, and other demands on Tommy's time.

It's challenging sometimes being the scheduler because of the last minute rescheduling. For example, this past week I had to reschedule a couple of meeting because the Chairman called for a series of budget meetings with the Councilmembers. Things like this are a must, so I had to call people that had appointments and reschedule them. Please bear with me when I have to call you to reschedule - if I do, it means it's a conflict that can't be avoided. Thank you!

The Councilmember's schedule gets pretty full in a hurry. I know it may be a little frustrating when I say that the Councilmember's schedule is full for the next 2 or 3 weeks, but I will find a time for you to meet with him. With so many demands on his time, it can be difficult. I schedule so many meetings for the Councilmember, he sometimes has to fuss at me for not even giving him a chance to grab a bite to eat - but he just keeps on going anyway.

Despite the stress, I enjoy my job. Any time you want to meet with the Councilmember, don't hesitate to contact me so we can get the meeting on the calendar. I'll be looking forward to hearing from youl. Have a good day.