Comments are by Councilmembers Llatetra Brown Esters and Susan Whitney and are not approved or sanctioned by the City of College Park.

Mayor Wojahn began the meeting by asking participants to keep those who experienced the school shooting in Uvalde, Texas in our thoughts and prayers

Announcements/Comments

Councilmember Kabir asked for folks to sign up to participate in the upcoming July 4^th Parade sponsored by the City. The deadline to apply is June 24. He also asked anyone who has experienced flooding at their home to inform the City engineer. 

Councilmember Kennedy mentioned her recent participation in a Prince George’s County Municipal Association (PGCMA) meeting focusing on mental health. Among the many things discussed during the meeting was the shortage of mental health professionals and how to attract folks to the profession. She shared the Crisis Text Line as a resource. People in crisis can text “HOME” to 741741, and a live, trained Crisis Counselor will receive the text and respond. 

Councilmember Adams acknowledged UMD for their spring sports achievements in baseball and lacrosse. 

Councilmember Mackie acknowledged the College Park Housing Authority for the 50^th anniversary of Attick Towers. She also mentioned an upcoming event featuring bingo in Acredale Park. 

Councilmember Mitchell reiterated Councilmember Kabir’s comments about the work of the city engineer as it relates to stormwater management. She offered congratulations to Former Councilmember Robert Day who is the new chair of the City’s Redistricting Commission.

Mayor Wojahn mentioned that the Restorative Justice Commission will hold its first meeting this week on Thursday, May 26^th. He also mentioned the MML conference to be held in Ocean City from June 12-15 and encouraged those attending the conference to attend the PGCMA breakfast. 

Valerie Graham, incoming SGA Liaison, offered congratulations to UMD Graduates, while incoming Deputy Liaison Adrian Andriessens congratulated graduates and UMD sports teams. 

City Manager’s Report 

City Manager Kenny Young welcomed the new SGA liaisons and introduced Kayla Carter, the City’s new Racial Equity Officer, who started work on May 23rd. In 2016, Ms. Carter earned a BA in African and Black Diaspora Studies, followed in 2019 by an MA in Critical Ethnic Studies from DePaul University. She recently graduated with her Masters in Social work from University of Maryland, Baltimore’s School of Social Work. Mr. Young welcomed Ms. Carter and said he looks forward to working with her. 

Proclamations

Chesapeake Bay Awareness Week

Amendments to the Agenda

A motion to consider sending a letter of support for the UMD Bikeways Grant for campus bike infrastructure studies was seconded, and Council unanimously approved adding it to the Consent agenda.

Presentation – Maryland Municipal League “If I were Mayor, I would… Outstanding Essayists 

The theme of this year’s essay was “The Soul of Maryland.” The featured essayists included 2 Semi-finalists and 1 Finalist, all from College Park and Paint Branch Elementary. The following students shared their work:

• Tatiana Guevara, Hollywood Elementary
• Erick Argueta Rivas, Paint Branch Elementary
• Alexander Rivero, Paint Branch Elementary 
• Maryam Saleh Mohamed, Al-Huda School
• Rafiq Amir, Al-Huda School
• Stephen Trynosky, Holy Redeemer

After hearing the essays, Mayor Wojahn thanked those who educate College Park’s children. He acknowledged they do all they can to help our children, who are the future of the city.

Public Hearing for Parking Permit for 4700 block of Cherokee Street, followed by Action Item 22-G-86 Consideration of the proposal to implement a new residential permit parking zone for townhouse residents in the 4700 block of Cherokee Street

Bob Ryan, Director of Public Services, led the discussion. He explained the proposal did not affect the north side of Cherokee Street and that the designated permits would alleviate some parking issues for residents in the Lennar Townhouses, although they would not provide a parking space for everyone. 

Councilmember Esters asked if the restriction can be reassessed in the future to determine if there is an ongoing need for parking. 

Councilmember Kabir asked if the arrangement can be temporary until the anticipated overflow parking is available in the development next to the townhomes. 

Councilmember Adams asked if there were any other developments where free parking is permitted. 

Councilmember Mitchell indicated that any changes made are clearly communicated to members of the community. 

Chris Gill, President of the Metropolitan HOA, emphasized the ongoing parking issues. He said that based upon the Detailed Site Plan (DSP) for the not-yet-built apartment development, the residents of the Lennar townhomes were to have the right to two parking spaces in the garage, free of charge.

Mr. Ryan added that currently the south side of the 4700 block of Cherokee Street has no parking restrictions, which has led to a variety of non-residents occupying those parking spaces, making it difficult for residents and their guests to find parking. 

Daniel Davis, an owner of Ferris Manor Apartments said the exclusive nature of the proposed parking zone concerned him and that he was happy to hear about the temporary nature of the proposal. 

Edgar Malone, who has lived in Metropolitan townhomes for three years, said he’d seen parked cars occupying the same spot for days, some from out of state. He thanked the Council for trying to come to as solution.

Alexandra Long expressed concern about the limited nature of the proposed passes because they do not know what will happen moving forward. She reiterated that cars often park on the south side of the street for days without restriction. 

Councilmember Whitney emphasized that unlike those living in the Lennar townhomes, Ferris Manor residents can obtain 4A parking permits (4A is the zone that restricts parking on the north side of Cherokee and the surrounding community). 

Councilmember Adams encouraged residents to share any ongoing issues with Council.

Councilmember Esters added that had the apartment building and garage been developed as anticipated, we would not be having this conversation about parking issues on Cherokee Street. 

Mayor Wojahn agreed the lack of construction of the apartment development has caused much issue. He emphasized the City does not have planning authority but will work with the new developer to fulfill the previous agreement. 

The motion to create the new parking permit designation, with the requirement that staff reconsider the need for it at least once per year, passed unanimously.

 Adoption of Ordinance 22-0-05 for Mayor and Council to Adopt the Fiscal Year 2023 General Fund, ARPA Allocation, Capital Projects Fund and Debt Service Funds Budgets for the City of College Park

Gary Field, Director of Finance, and Kenny Young, City Manager led the discussion on the proposed budget for fiscal year 2023. 

According to Mr. Fields the proposed budget is fiscally sound, responsive, and balanced. More than any other budget it has been informed by resident input and council requests. In total, eighty-seven (87) requests were considered at the Council’s day-long budget session. In adopting the Constant Yield Tax Rate (CYTR), College Park has the second lowest real estate property tax rate in the county

There was a $7.1 Million increase in this year’s budget as compared to last year (constitutes transfer to capital from Lost Revenue Recovery up 7.3 Million.). 

Mr. Young provided a general overview of major budget areas. (See the Budget Overview that begins on page 61 of the Agenda for this Council Meeting.)

Councilmember Adams asked about our commitment to food services organizations and what could be done through ARPA and the commitment to the North College Park Community Center. He recognized we will need to identify funds to sustain our commitments moving forward. He believed that food insecurity will be an ongoing issue. City Director of Finance Gary Fields acknowledged that there are ARPA funds remaining that could be directed toward Council’s future priorities and explained that funds for the North College Park Community Center are not intended to come out of ARPA funds in future years.

Councilmember Kabir moved the motion forward and acknowledged the work of the staff. 

Mayor Wojahn acknowledged the work of staff in cutting costs, increasing revenue, and enhancing services. He acknowledged the City is growing and as a result budget must also grow. 

Approval of Sending a Letter in Support of the Preliminary Plan of Subdivision 4-21055 for the Terrapin House development with conditions 

 Terry Schum, Director of Planning, and Miriam Bader, Senior Planner, led the overview regarding the consolidation of three properties located at the northeast corner of Baltimore Ave and Hartwick Road for redevelopment as one parcel. The proposed project included a 3-6 story mixed-use building with 175 apartments, structured parking, and 15,000 square feet of retail space. 

The conceptual site plan for the project was approved by the Prince George’s County Planning Board and District Council last spring. A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) exists between the applicant and the City to address conditions of the Preliminary Plan and Detailed Site Plan. After a review of the Preliminary Site Plan, the City provided recommendations/conditions outlined in the Memorandum of Understand between the developers and the City. 

 The Mayor asked Mr. Tedesco, legal counsel for the developer, to confirm agreement with the conditions from City staff. Mr. Tedesco indicated agreement with the conditions set forth by City staff. 

The Motion to send a letter recommending Approval of the Preliminary Plan of Subdivision 4-21055 for the Terrapin House development, with conditions, carried unanimously.

Consideration of EAC Proposal for Tutoring Program at Greenbelt Middle School

Kiaisha Barber, Director of Youth and Family Services, and Dr. Bernache, Chair of the Education Advisory Committee (EAC), led the discussion. 

The EAC asked Council to consider providing The Every Child Program (TCEP) with $3,000 during the 2022-2023 school year for ongoing tutoring services to benefit the College Park students attending Greenbelt Middle School. According to Ms. Barber, Greenbelt has at least 10 College Park students.                      

Dr. Carolyn Bernache, Chair of the Education Advisory Committee, said the program provide a way to address the learning loss by students. Ms. Barber indicated that any agreement entered into with Greenbelt Middle School would be subject to review by the City attorney,  

Councilmember Kabir asked if this could be expanded to other schools since it is an online program, and we have the money. Dr. Bernache said the program is a pilot and may be expanded as they have more tutors. 

Councilmember Esters asked about the type of assessment that will be done to determine effectiveness and if our students’ outcomes will be segmented from the outcomes for students who don’t live in College Park. Ms. Barber explained that pre- and post-assessments will be completed by both teachers and parents to evaluate the success of the program and that they will ensure that results from College Park students will be segmented. 

Councilmember Riggs expressed his appreciation for the program and Councilmember Kabir’s comments about expanding the program. 

Councilmember Whitney asked if College Park Academy (CPA) students would be eligible for the program in the future. Ms. Barber indicated that although CPA is not a boundary school, it would indeed be eligible. 

Councilmember Mackie acknowledged the work of the EAC and looks forward to future expansion. 

Councilmember Whitney said the Agenda Item on p. 111 of this Council meeting’s agenda described a $250 stipend for each tutor and said she’d like to see that amount increased as she believes doing so will attract more volunteers and allow the program to expand to other schools more quickly. Dr. Bernache said that would be good to keep in mind. She said the UMD liaison was delighted that they included the $250 stipend and that money to cover any supplies the tutors might need had been included, as well. The motion to approve a partnership with The Every Child Project (TECP) during the 2022- 2023 school year for College Park students at Greenbelt Middle School passed unanimously.

Consideration of a Consulting Agreement with Vision33 for ongoing support for Accela 

Bill Gardiner, Assistant City Manager, led the discussion. He explained that staff is working toward live implementation of Accela by July 1 and requires additional assistance from Vision33. He added that headway is being made with the analyst. All staff is using the Accela software now, and the analyst is helping to make them more efficient. 

Councilmember Kennedy made the motion to approve entering into the proposed consulting agreement with Vision33. She shared her experience going through a number of technology software implementations and acknowledged they are not easy. She recognized the ongoing work of staff to get through this process. 

The motion passed unanimously.

Click here to see the meeting agenda for May 24, 2022

Click here to view the Mayor and Council regular meeting held on May 24 2022

Click here to access see the Mayor and Council Meeting agenda scheduled for June 7, 2022 when it is made available. 

The City of College Park will hold its annual 2022 Memorial Day observance, Monday, May 30 at 11:00 a.m. at the College Park Veterans Memorial at the intersection of Rt. 1 and Greenbelt Rd. The program will include music, speakers, and wreath laying in fitting tribute to the men and women who have served our country. Please bring pictures of your loved ones, veterans alive or passed to share on our Honors Table. 

Parking is available near Bowlero at 9021 Baltimore Ave.

This event is sponsored by the City’s Veterans Memorial Committee

Comments are by Councilmembers Llatetra Brown Esters and Susan Whitney and are not approved or sanctioned by the City of College Park.

Call to order

Mayor Wojahn called the meeting to order with a moment of silence for the shooting events throughout the country that occurred over the weekend of May 13th.

City Manager’s Report 

City Manager Kenny Young notified the Mayor and Council that in order to keep the Hollywood Farmers Market operational, it needs to be run and insured by the City. He said an item for Council’s consideration of creating two seasonal positions to run the market, along with covering insurance, would be on next week’s agenda.

Amendments to the agenda

Councilmember Mitchell made a motion to send letters of support to the municipalities that experienced gun violence during the weekend of May 13th in Buffalo, New York; Laguna Woods, California; and Houston, Texas. 

Recognition of the SGA Liaison and Deputy Liaison

Mayor Wojahn expressed his appreciation for the work of SGA Liaison Megha Sevalia and Deputy SGA Liaison Hayden Renaghan. He indicated they both took the ground running in the midst of the pandemic, provided information about neighborhood cleanups, and ensured student voices were heard.

Megha Sevalia thanked the staff and members of Council for their assistance throughout the year. Hayden Renaghan echoed Sevalia’s statements, acknowledged the recent article about her in the College Park Here and Now and indicated she looked forward to her work with SGA next year in a different capacity. 

Discussion of FY23 Strategic Plan One-Year Objective (Guests, Jeff Parks, and Jessica Brown from PBI)

Assistant City Manager Bill Gardiner introduced the discussion about the strategic plan. He acknowledged the City is one-year into the current strategic plan and the purpose of the discussion would be to review the strategic plan and determine what areas we would like to focus on in the upcoming year. He introduced Jessica Brown, who attended the meeting in person and facilitated the rest of the discussion. 

City Manager Kenny Young highlighted City accomplishments of the past year as outlined within the following OKRs (Objective/Key Results) the City decided to focus on:

• OKR 1 – Innovate and improve City services to enhance quality, value, and accessibility of all our residents. 
  • Accela program on target for July 1, 2022
  • Move into new City Hall

• OKR 2 – Celebrate our history and diversity to highlight our unique character and build on the strengths of our community. 
  • First meeting of Restorative Justice Commission
  •  Hired Race and Equity Officer
  • Held events including Winter Wonderland, Egg-ceptional Egg Hunt Egg-stravaganza, and first Friday Night Live

• OKR 3 – Preserve and enrich our environment and natural beauty to attract people and sustain our City’s future. 
  • Reducing the amount of waste delivered to landfill
  • Moved tree ordinance forward

• OKR 4 –Enhance safety and quality of enforcement to advance our reputation as a safe city.
  •  Filled Code supervisor position
  • Worked with Chief Keleti of PGPD to get more diverse contract officers in the City (increased minority representation by 25%)

• OKR 8 –Foster and sustain an affordable and stable City for individuals and families to live, work, play and retire here. 
  •  $3 million allocated for community preservation initiative   
  • An additional $50,000 allocated for homeownership grant program

• OKR10 – Cultivate an empowered and collaborative organizational culture that is high-performing, values employees, and is known for excellence. 
  • Ongoing implementation of leadership training sessions, employee wellness program, and equity and social justice training

Although there was not a specific focus on the following OKRs during the past year, progress in these areas has been made:

• OKR 5 – Plan and facilitate strategic economic development and smart growth to support a variety of businesses that can thrive and serve the diverse needs of our community. 
  • Significant ARPA $ provided to small businesses

• OKR 6 – Inspire and nurture a welcoming and inclusive community that encourages and embodies engagement, collaboration, and equity throughout our City. 
  • Held live events – some of which are specifically designed to target diverse members of our community 

• OKR 7- Expand and promote alternative transportation approaches to build a more interconnected and accessible City for all. 
  • Significant investment in new sidewalks
  • Renewal/Negotiation of VeoRide Contract

• OKR 9 – Advocate for improving the quality of education and learning opportunities for our residents’ and community’s future. 
  •  Literacy Lab Pilot Program 

Dr. Brown facilitated an exercise with Mayor and Council to identify Year 2 priorities. As a result of the exercise the following OKRs were identified as priorities for the upcoming year by Council:

OKR 5 – Plan and facilitate strategic economic development and smart growth to support a variety of businesses that can thrive and serve the diverse needs of our community. 

OKR 7 – Expand and promote alternative transportation approaches to build a more interconnected and accessible City for all. 

OKR 8 – Foster and sustain an affordable and stable City for individuals and families to live, work, play and retire here.

OKR 9 – OKR 9 – Advocate for improving the quality of education and learning opportunities for our residents’ and community’s future. 

SGA Liaison and Deputy SGA Liaison provided input to this exercise separately. They identified the following priorities, in this order:  OKR 8 (affordability), OKR 4 (safety), then OKR 3 (sustainability)

Mr. Young indicated he will meet with his leadership team to discuss objectives and follow up with Council later in June. He said the team has already been looking at resources to help determine strategy moving forward. 

Mr. Gardiner indicated the leadership team will determine one-year objectives and go back to their respective departments to identify specific objectives. 

Preliminary Plan of Subdivision Development for Terrapin House

Director of Planning Terry Schum and Senior Planner Miriam Bader introduced the discussion. Ms. Bader shared information about the previous review and acceptance of the Conceptual Site Plan (CSP) for the project by Council. She explained the proposed project will develop the parcel of land based upon the former zoning provisions. The proposal is to combine properties and create one parcel. There are no wetlands or flood plains in the designated area. Based upon the review of adequate facilities, schools will be over capacity, but this is no longer a criterion for subdivisions.

The applicant must provide improvements. There are two historic structures on the parcel including a house located at 4400 Hartwick Road built in 1915 and Yale House build in 1950. The Historic Preservation Commission was also meeting on May 17 to discuss the preservation of these properties. City staff is recommending relocation of the home located at 4400 Hartwick Road.

Mr. Tedesco, lawyer representing the developer, referenced the presentation of the Conceptual Site Plan in March 2021. He added that the Detailed Site Plan (DSP) has been approved by the County with conditions. 

The Mayor asked if there were any concerns about the conditions. Mr. Tedesco indicated that there were no concerns and that they have worked closely with staff. The Conceptual Site Plan did not include a lot of detail, so City staff provided input. 

Ms. Schum shared those factors contributing to traffic, use of police, use of fire fighters, and that use of schools is no longer a condition of approval for DSP. Developers are now required to pay a surcharge and the Board of Education will determine if additional schools are needed. 

Councilmember Rigg asked what the developer is trying to achieve with the projects, and what are they planning for the small, minority-owned businesses that currently exist there. Mr. Tedesco indicated the developer is working to accommodate the tenants. He acknowledged there are leases that will need to play out, but they do not have anything earmarked. 

Councilmember Rigg asked about the rebuff of the pocket park recommended by staff. Mr. Tedesco indicated the proposed development will provide private amenities. Park and Planning asked that space be dedicated to public usage. Mr. Tedesco said the developer has every intention to abide by the recommendation of park space, although it will not be dedicated. Mr. Tedesco referenced a plan to dedicate a portion of frontage on Hartwick to help save the existing trees. 

Councilmember Adams thanked the developers for what is proposed and asked about the four feet of right- of-way and frontage and exactly where that would be. Mr. Tedesco said it would be four feet from the existing property line. Councilmember Adams asked about bicycle parking on site. Mr. Tedesco expressed a commitment to provide what is required by the Bicycle Pedestrian Impact Statement (BPIS). Councilmember Adams asked about the process taken to relocate the single-family home. Mr. Tedesco indicated that consideration is being given to whether or not the home would survive movement. He indicated if the City identifies a location at no cost to the owner, it would be moved. Councilmember Adams asked when the feasibility analysis on moving the house would be available, and Mr. Tedesco said either with or prior to the approval of the Detailed Site Plan (DSP). 

Councilmember Adams asked about stormwater management. A member of the development team explained that completion of a stormwater management concept plan is part of the approval process. They are required to have a certain level of treatment plus underground flood management. The plan, he said, would improve upon existing stormwater management, aiming to provide the same level of management that would be achieved were a healthy meadow to exist on the site. Councilmember Adams asked whether the complete project would be the five-story building proposed or if it would be increased to six stories. Mr. Tedesco indicated there is every intention to maintain a five-story building. 

Councilmember Mackie asked the developer to consider all they can to save as many trees as possible and to consider the city has a shortage of affordable housing and grad student housing. 

Councilmember Kabir mentioned the concern about rezoning of the development during the preliminary site plan and expressed concerns about saving the historic home. Councilmember Kabir went on to ask about the existing businesses and if they are aware of the proposed development. He also asked that consideration be given to maintaining these businesses. Mr. Tedesco indicated that retaining the businesses would be in the developers’ best interest. 

Mayor Wojahn expressed concern about the transition period of construction and interest in aiding the businesses impacted.

Councilmember Whitney asked for an overview of what would occur to the small business owners given that they would break ground prior to 2025. Mr. Greenberg indicated that they would not be able to share details since they do not have a timeline. She then asked about maintaining the existing trees and possibly moving the trees to another area identified in the City. Mr. Tedesco says this is the first time that has been offered and if they are working to move a house, why wouldn’t they work with the City to move trees. 

Application for 5G Antenna on Rhode Island Ave at Edgewood Road

City Attorney Suellen Ferguson introduced this discussion of an application for 5G antenna. She provided background indicating that the FCC adopted its Declaratory Ruling on Third Report Order on the Wireless and Wireline in September 2018. The ruling limits the City’s ability to control placement of small wireless facilities in rights-of-way. The ruling also imposes the requirement to respond in sixty days to requests for co-location of a pole and ninety days to respond to a request for a new pole. According to Ms. Ferguson, Mayor and Council approved a revised license agreement and application process for small cell installations in December 2020. Based upon FCC ruling, applications for small cell antennas cannot be prohibited from going in the right-of-way, providing such installations abide by City ordinances. Mayor and Council can bring this to public hearing based upon city code. This is the first application for a 5G antenna in the city, and. James Crane, a representative from Columbia Telecommunications Corporation (CTC), said at least two more applications are expected in the vicinity of this one, saying they would probably be at least 150 feet apart. 

Ms. Ferguson explained this would be in a commercial area, which is where the City has encouraged such facilities to be, and will be co-located, meaning attached to a support structure owned or controlled by a third party, which the City also prefers. She went on to share that the City is requiring of Verizon a pre-construction site survey and certification of compliance with the City’s noise ordinance. 

Councilmember Kabir asked where the pole will be located, if there would be one pole, and the antenna would make noise. Mr. Crane said some can make noise because of how they’re powered but that such noise would have to fall below city ordinances.

Councilmember Kennedy asked what control we have. Ms. Ferguson explained the City cannot prevent a company from coming into the right-of-way if they follow the rules adopted. Councilmember Kennedy stressed the importance of letting residents know that this is happening, since it’s the first one in the city, advocating for a public hearing. Ms. Ferguson reiterated the City does not have a lot of freedom in what is adopted. She indicated a public hearing would only be to hear public comment. 

Mayor Wojahn said he would want to clarify the purpose of a public hearing. We do not want to create false hope among those participating when we have no control. Mr. Crane said the public hearing may provide information that could be useful. 

Councilmember Mitchell indicated she has heard from residents who have expressed health concerns and said that she has directed them to National Institute of Health (NIH) for more information. 

 Councilmember Mackie asked if a consideration has given to hurricanes and stressed the importance of informing residents about the pending installation.

Councilmember Mitchell suggested that we hold a public hearing for the first application and then determine what we do moving forward. 

Councilmember Esters suggested that rather than a hearing, that a presentation be done. She went on to say if we do not intend to conduct a hearing for each application it would not make sense to do it for one. 

Mayor Wojahn asked whether the presentation should be at a separate meeting or part of a work session. The Council agreed to hold the presentation as a freestanding meeting outside of the Council’s normal meeting schedule.

 Future Agenda Items

Councilmember Mitchell indicated that there are students from other institutions who are living in student housing and causing concern. Mr. Young acknowledged incidents in Mazza Galleria.

Councilmember Adams indicated he would like to bring forth the discussion on differential tax rates for vacant and blighted properties. 

Meeting Adjourned

Click here to see the meeting agenda for May 17, 2022

Click here to view the Mayor and Council Work Session held on May 17, 2022

Click here to see the Mayor and Council Regular Meeting agenda scheduled for May 24, 2022

Bike to Work Day is an annual event held throughout the DC Metropolitan area to promote alternative commutes, environmental health, and bike safety in the community. Each year, the City’s pit stop attracts over 150 riders. 

Bikers can join us at our new City Hall Plaza for a free t-shirt and refreshments before biking to work.  To register for the event, please visit https://www.biketoworkmetrodc.org/register. 

Comments are by Councilmembers Llatetra Brown Esters and Susan Whitney and are not approved or sanctioned by the City of College Park.

Announcements

Councilmember Kabir reminded attendees the virtual community meeting hosted by Maryland National Capital Park and Planning Commission (MN-CPPC) featuring a presentation of the Feasibility Study for the North College Park Community Center host would be held on Thursday, May 12 at 6:30pm.

Councilmember Esters announced the Rabies and Micro Chip Clinic for City resident pet owners to be held on March 15^th from 10am -2pm. She indicated the clinic, which is sponsored by Animal Control and the Animal Welfare committee, requires registration. She also mentioned the availability of the draft of the Greenbelt Road Corridor Plan for public comment from May 10 thru May 31. (This plan encompasses a portion of Greenbelt Road from Baltimore Ave to Kenilworth)

Councilmember Adams announced the upcoming Calvert Hills Civic Association meeting to be held on Wednesday, May 11. The meeting will include a representative from the Prince George’s County Department of the Environment. 

City Manager’s Report

Kenny Young, City Manager, announced the Hollywood Farmers market kicked off its season on Saturday, May 7 and will last through November 9. He also encouraged residents to get involved in the City’s boards and committees. Applications are being accepted through June 1 for appointments that will begin on July 1. Mr. Young informed attendees the City will host is final Cleanup Day of the season on May 21. On this day, the Public Works facility located at 9217 51^st Avenue will be open for drop-offs of bulky trash items. Among the items that will NOT be accepted are bricks, concrete, and batteries. Mr. Young concluded his report by inviting all residents and visitors to the first event of the City’s Friday Night Live series from 6:30pm – 8:30 in City Hall Plaza. The program will feature, food, drinks, activities for children, and the kickoff of the Livable Communities initiative. 

Acknowledgements 

Among those who attended the Council meeting were Former Councilmembers Stephanie Stullich, Mary Cook, and Peter King. 

Amendments to and approval of the Agenda

Councilmember Rigg put forth a motion for a proclamation recognizing Patty Stange for her contributions to animal rescue efforts and her service to the City’s Animal Welfare Committee. 

A motion was put forth to add the approval of the newly appointed SGA Liaison and Deputy Liaison 

A motion was made and seconded to add Item 22-G-83 to the agenda, approval for a draft letter requesting an Economic Development Assistance grant of $2.5 million from Prince George’s County to allow the City to provide rental support to small businesses that wish to remain in College Park.

Proclamation and Awards

The following proclamations were read:

Kids to Parks 

Asian American Pacific Islander Month

Jewish American Heritage Month 

Building Safety Month

Proclamation in Recognition of Patti Stange

Public Comment on Consent and Non-Consent Agenda Items 

Patrick invited Valerie Graham, SGA Liaison, and Adrian Andriessens, Deputy Liaison for the 2022-2023 academic year to introduce themselves. 

Former Councilmember Mary Cook informed Council that May is Older Americans Month.

Mary King asked for a clarification that only amendments to the tree ordinance will be heard. Mayor Wojahn informed Ms. King public comments would be taken again after introduction since it has been so long since the ordinance was initially introduced. 

Judge Coderre , a new addition to the Circuit Court in Prince George’s County with 24 years of experience, spoke briefly to Mayor and Council. She is not a College Park resident but wanted to introduce herself to the Council and residents of the City. Mayor Wojahn thanked her for her service. 

Public hearing 

Ordinance 22-0-05 – FY 2023 for the City Budget  

Gary Fields, Director of Finance, provided a brief overview of the FY2023 budgets for municipal operations, debt service and capital projects totaling $57.07 million for the City. 

According to Mr. Fields, the budgets are balanced as required by City Charter. The budget was built on the Constant Yield Tax Rate and includes seven new positions. The Capital Improvement Projects (CIP) is almost $18 million. Plans for the upcoming fiscal year are to complete Duval Field and the Hollywood Street Scape and year-one funding for the North College Park Community Center. 

Councilmember Mitchell thanked Mr. Fields for his work on the budget.

Councilmember Kabir inquired about the general fund that was $20 million last year and now $30 million. He asked if this fund would return to $20 million next year. Mr. Fields acknowledged the increased dollar amount was associated with ARPA funding and said the budget should be reduced to $22 million next year. 

Consent Agenda Items:

22-G-81 Approval of amended minutes from the March 23, 2021, Regular Meeting; and approval of minutes from the April 5, 2022, Special Session and from the April 12, 2022, Regular meeting. 

22-G-80 Approval of a four-year contract for audit services at a total 4-year cost of $85,627 with SB & Co.; and authorize the City Manager to execute an engagement agreement in a form satisfactory to the City Attorney. 

22-G-79 Authorize the City Manager to execute the attached Letter of Agreement with Verizon, dated April 28, 2022, to remove the wooden utility pole at the corner of Knox Road and Baltimore Avenue, and place new conduit, as indicated in the attachment, and authorize the related payment of $166,627 to Verizon. The University of Maryland will reimburse half of this cost. 

22-G-82 Approval of free parking on summer weeknights after 5:00 p.m. and free all-day Saturday parking in the City’s downtown parking garage from May 28 to August 13, 2022. 

22-G-75 Award of contract for the consultant to the Restorative Justice Commission to Radical Presence, LLC in an amount not to exceed $75,000 for the first year, subject to the approval of the City Attorney.

Action Items:

 21-O-09 Adoption of Amended Ordinance 21-O-09, An Ordinance of the Mayor and Council of the City of College Park, to Amend Chapter 179, “Tree and Landscape Maintenance”, By Reserving §179-9 and Designating §§179-1 Through 179-9 As Article I, “General Provisions”; Amending §179-1, “Definitions”,  and §179-5, “Tree and Landscape Board”; and adding Article II, “ Tree Canopy Protection”, §179-10, “Permit Required”, §179-11, “Permit Issuance”, §179-12, “Tree Replacement”, §179-13, “Reconsideration”, §179-14, “Appeal”,  and §179-15, “Enforcement”; and to Amend Chapter  110, “Fees and Penalties”. by Amending §110-2, “Penalties”; to Institute a Permit System For Removal or Pruning of Urban Forest Trees, To Provide For A Hardship, Reconsideration And Appeal Process, To Require Planting of Replacement Trees, or Payment of a Fee, and to set a Fine For Non-Compliance

Brenda Alexander, City Horticulturalist, introduced the ordinance. Councilmember Rigg made the motion and Councilmember Whitney seconded the motion. Councilmember Rigg acknowledged the work on the ordinance has been ongoing. He also recognized that the ordinance is not as strong as existing ordinances in other municipalities. He concluded his comments by saying we need a proper system of incentives and penalties. 

Councilmembers Kabir and Mackie introduced two additional amendments. Councilmember Kabir’s amendment provided for reducing the fine for removal of trees without a proper permit from $1,000 to $500 from July 1, 2022, through February 1, 2023. After February 1, 2023, the fine would be $1,000.

Councilmember Mackie’s amendment provided an alternative to property owners for tree replacement. When a removal has been properly permitted as required by the ordinance, the owner may request reimbursement of up to $300 from the City for the cost of purchasing and planting replacement trees that meet the requirements of species and size as outlined by the TCEP guidelines. 

Public comments

Ms. King questioned whether residents versus developers are responsible for the loss of tree canopy. She indicated we need a program for understanding what we have, what we have lost and what we can expect moving forward. 

Mr. O’Brien, who grew up in Chicago in the 60s and 70s, said when he was young, the city’s streets were lined with beautiful Elm trees. The trees developed dutch elm disease and had to be removed. He said the clearcutting changed the aesthetics of the neighborhood, and it took a few generations for the replacement trees to grow and restore the neighborhood’s appearance to what it had been. Trees, he said, are a community resource.

Mary Cook said she loved having an abundance of trees in her yard and around the city. However, she said despite the city’s efforts, there will be those who will not be aware of the ordinance and will be fined. Fines can impose anguish. She shared that she and her husband both drive electric cars and suggested that a similar fine be imposed upon those who continue to drive fuel emission vehicles. 

Carol Macknis said she is not opposed to some of the concepts in the ordinance but has concern about how the ordinance is being pushed forward. She said she spoke to several residents about the ordinance. Some have indicated they did not move to College Park to be told what to do with trees in their yards, while many others have no idea this is being imposed. The City is not doing its job to inform people about what is really going on. They will only know about it when they are fined.

Constantia Rioux has followed the ordinance for years. She appreciates the changes but still sees it as a double-edge sword. She will no longer offer objection because she understands the need for it. 

Councilmember Whitney responded to some of the criticisms that had been levied against the ordinance:

1. You’re punishing the residents when you should be punishing developers. Unfortunately, control over developers’ actions is out of Council’s hands. That said, the Tree and Landscape Board (TLB) has met with the County to push for trees to be replanted in College Park. 
2. This is government overreach. The tree canopy in College Park has been steadily declining, which has a negative impact on ALL residents. Whitney said it’s the government’s role to step in when the actions of the few negatively impact the common good. 
3. This ordinance is pointless because homeowners in College Park don’t want to clearcut trees from their property. They only want the right to remove or prune trees that are dangerous to their homes. Great news! If those are your goals, your permit will be approved. Even if you have a healthy tree you need to remove to expand your house, your permit will be approved. Also, College Park in now majority rental. Many landlords are investors who don’t live in the City and have been removing trees from their properties to save money on maintenance.
4. This is a money grab. Hardly. For those that abide by the ordinance, you will have to plant one or two trees to replace the one that was taken down, AND you can plant on another city property if need be, AND you have 12 months to replant them. Were the City to do another tree giveaway next year, residents removing a permitted tree could get free trees to replace them. The goal is maintaining and growing our tree canopy not our coffers. Finally, if today, you’re considering cutting down a tree because it worries you, you have to pay an arborist to give an opinion. Under the ordinance, that would be free.

Councilmember Kabir talked about his amendment to initially fine residents $500 for the first 6 months and then move to $1000. He acknowledged it would take some time for people to learn about the ordinance. 

During audience comments on the proposed amendment, Mr. O’Brien said he opposed delaying the fine. We are talking about trees over 36” in diameter, he said. There is no way anyone can cut them down themselves; they would need to hire a company. He said the city can speak to tree companies and let them know about the ordinance. 

Councilmember Mackie agreed that residents need time. She said many people are still in financial distress, and she thinks we should give them a grace period. 

Councilmember Mitchell asked if warnings would be issued prior to fines. City Attorney Suellen Ferguson said that model wouldn’t apply in this case because the harm would have already been done.

Audience discussion then shifted the Councilmember Mackie’s suggestion to add the option for residents to request up to $300 from the City for tree replacement required by the ordinance.

Ms. King applauded the amendment, saying the City is gaining millions every year through development, and it’s only right for that money to go back to residents.

Dr. Lea-Cox thought we may be in conflict with the County’s Rain Check Rebate Program if we offer more than $150 in reimbursement. He indicated that we should create a rubric that outlines where funding can be obtained. 

City Attorney Ferguson said we already have a formalized Tree Canopy Enhancement Program (TCEP). This reimbursement would be something new that may be viewed in conjunction with the ordinance. It’s a requirement to replant a tree or trees when you’ve been permitted to remove one. So, it’s a separate issue and if it’s phrased this way and is a part of the permit process, it should not be seen as disqualifying residents from the Raincheck Rebate Program.

Councilmember Rigg indicated that we need to put forth a structure this evening. He added we can always make necessary adjustments. 

Councilmember Adams put forth an amendment to the strike the concept of “desirability” from the ordinance and replace it with “adversely impact.”  

Ms. King thanked Councilmember Adams for putting forth that point. 

Ms. Cook thanked Councilmember Adams for bringing up the point but felt that the language was still subjective. Indicted that there are cultures where people are concerned about having trees on their property.

Councilmember Mitchell stressed the importance of education and indicated that she would not vote for the ordinance because she still has concerns. 

Councilmember Mackie thanked her colleagues for their work and City Attorney Ferguson for her assistance. She is still concerned about things in the ordinance but hopes we can move forward in building our canopy. 

Councilmember Kabir said the objective of saving the tree canopy was added to the strategic plan over a year ago, and unless we do something we will continue to lose trees. He recognized Pepco and developers as culprits in the loss of trees. He went on to say that we do not want to solely rely on residents, and there are a variety of things the City has done to help mitigate the loss. 

Councilmember Adams thanked colleagues for their work and acknowledged that there were residents who did not want the initial ordinance and wanted significant changes. He felt like significant changes have been made. He still feels the fees are too low for some property owners who will simply view them as a cost of doing business.

Councilmember Kennedy talked about the importance of educating the city and thanked the TLB for their work and looks forward to what they will do next. 

Councilmember Esters acknowledged the work of the Tree and Landscape Board on the ordinance over the years and expressed her appreciation for the time taken to listen to input and concern from residents. She especially wanted to acknowledge the work of Public Works Assistant Director Administration Brenda Alexander. 

Council unanimously accepted the two amendments. The tree ordinance was then approved as amended by a vote of 6-1-1. Councilmember Mitchell voted no, while Councilmember Mackie abstained, saying that if she were voting as an individual she would have voted yes, but given the opposition from many of her constituents, she could not vote for the ordinance. 

No general comments from the audience. 

Meeting Adjourned

Click here to see the meeting agenda for May 10, 2022

Click here to view the Mayor and Council Regular Meeting held on May 10, 2022

Click here to see the Mayor and Council Work session agenda scheduled for May 17, 2022

The intersection of Greenbelt Road and Rhode Island Avenue (by the 7-11) was shut down from all directions this morning due to a downed Pepco line. Verizon Fios lines were affected, as well. The intersection has reopened.

Pepco was on site working to correct the impact on its lines, and now Verizon has taken over. It seems a Verizon telecommunications line was struck earlier at the intersection. Verizon is on the scene working to fix the issue, which they expect to be resolved by this evening. About 1,500 customers are affected.

The intersection of Greenbelt Road and Rhode Island Avenue (by the 7-11) is shut down from all directions due to a downed Pepco line. Verizon Fios lines have been affected, as well. Avoid the area. We’ll share more information as it becomes available.