TUESDAY, JUNE 28, 2022 – 7:00 TO 8:00 PM

Residents may have seen small cell wireless antennas being installed on top of wooden or metal PEPCO poles along roads in the area. Carriers such as Verizon and AT&T have or will soon be applying to install this same type of antenna in City rights-of-way. Installation of antenna on public land is governed by federal and City law. The Mayor and Council adopted a law and application process to regulate these installations and require a License Agreement to place the antennas, and have hired a consultant to evaluate small cell antenna applications.

City staff and representatives from the consultant, Columbia Telecommunications Corporation, will be present at the meeting to provide information about the City’s process and to answer questions.

Residents can attend in-person at the City Hall Council Chambers or participate virtually via zoom:  https://zoom.us/j/92398574069.

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

Haga clic aquí para leer esta publicacíon in español.

Announcements 

Councilmember Kabir reminded residents of the City’s upcoming July 4^th Parade and encouraged them to apply to participate by the June 24^th deadline

Councilmember Esters reminded attendees about the upcoming primary elections on July 19. 

Mayor Wojahn added that residents may have already received their ballot and voted. 

Councilmember Whitney mentioned the upcoming WASPs (Women Airforce Service Pilots) Tour at the College Park Aviation Museum on June 25 at 1pm. 

Councilmember Adams announced the Calvert Hills Ice Cream Social scheduled for Saturday, June 25 from 6:30pm -8pm at that Calvert Hills Playground at Guilford Road

Councilmember Rigg thanked staff for the Friday Night Live series that helps bring residents of all ages together. 

Councilmember Mackie announced that the first weekly Summer Seniors Coffee Social co-hosted by Neighbors Helping Neighbors and Proteus Brews/Proteus Bikes would be held on Thursday, June 23^rd from 9:30 to 10:30am at Proteus at 9827 Rhode Island Ave. 

Mayor Wojahn congratulated Councilmember Mitchell for her new role as president of the Maryland Municipal League (MML). Mayor Wojahn joined the Cheverly community’s Mount Hope Commission at for its inaugural Juneteenth event.

SGA Deputy Liaison Adrian Andriessens welcomed the class of 2026 who had orientation on campus on June 21. 

City Manager Report 

City Manager Kenny Young thanked those who were able to join him in Ocean City for the recent MML conference and help make the Bid for the FBI coming to the Greenbelt. He also mentioned the next three Friday Night Live events and themes:

July 15 – Salsa and Fiesta

August 12 – Sing me the Blues

September 9 – Oktoberfest

Councilmember Whitney asked whether mailers will be sent to residents prior to the Tree Canopy Ordinance going into effect on July 1. Assistant City Manager, Bill Gardiner, indicated that the mailers were being proofed by staff and should go out in the next day or two. 

Proclamation 

Pollinator Week (June 19-25)

Mayor Wojahn mentioned the upcoming event sponsored by College Park Arts Exchange and Bee City Committee to teach residents how to build bee hotels – Saturday, June 25 from 1-4pm. For more information visit  https://www.collegeparkmd.gov/civicalerts.aspx?aid=368

Public Comments and Consent or Non-Consent Agenda Items 

Peter King, resident – Acknowledged that during the council’s June work session referenced compliance issues with the Open Meetings Act as it related to meeting minutes. He shared his hope that the Council commits to the Open Meetings Act. He went on the mention the Ethics Board has not published meeting minutes in over a year. He indicated no other board has such a delay with minutes. Mr. King went on to say that the Ethics Board held a meeting on January 6 where they raised a motion to close a meeting held the night before, which is not in compliance. 

Will Wilt, student and resident who has lived in College Park for three years. Mr. Wilt lives on Metzerott road in College Park Woods. He said College Park has become a home to him and asked the City to help make Metzerott Road near St. Andrews Place safer. Since the speed camera at the intersection was removed, he says there’s been an increase in cars being struck, including his car. The City manager will check into the reason the speed camera was removed and report back to Council. 

Consent Agenda Items 

• 22-G-98 Annual appointments to City advisory boards – Janeen S Miller, City Clerk
• 22-G-99 Approval of Policy on Use of City Meeting Spaces – Janeen S Miller, City Clerk
• 22-G-100 Award of contract with Tyler Technology for Financial and HR software and implementation – Gary Fields, Director of Finance
• 22-G-101 Award of contract with Gena T. Ford for Project Management Services for Financial and HR software implementation (supermajority required) – Gary Fields, Director of Finance
• 22-G-102 Approval of minutes from the April 26,2022 Regular Meeting, the May 24,2022 Regular Meeting, the June 7,2022 Special Session, and the June 7,2022 Work session.

Actions Items

22-G-103 Preliminary Plan of Subdivision 4-21039 for EcoGrads development – Terry Schum, Director of Planning – This topic was introduced by Director of Planning Terry Schum and led by Senior Planner Miriam Bader. 

Background and recommendation from Staff:

“A Preliminary Plan of Subdivision (PPS) has been submitted by KindBild, LLC (Applicant) to consolidate existing lots (lots 28-31 and lots 47-48 in Block 11) into one parcel (proposed Parcel 1, 0.52 acres or 22,752 square feet). This undeveloped site (8421 and 8429 Baltimore Avenue) is located at the southeast corner of Quebec Street and Baltimore Avenue. The site is currently being used as an SHA staging area for Baltimore Avenue improvements. The proposed development is for a 7-story, mixed-use building, including 123 apartments and 2,300 square feet of retail. The Application includes a variation request to waive the Public Utility Easement (PUE) requirements along the street frontages. A Detailed Site Plan (DSP-21024) has been submitted, as required, and is currently in pre-acceptance. It will be reviewed at a later date. The tentative Planning Board date is scheduled for June 30, 2022. The city staff report is included as Attachment 1.”

According to Ms. Bader, a Detailed Site Plan application has been accepted and is tentatively scheduled to appear before the County Planning Board on September 22nd. The Preliminary Plan of Subdivision (PPS) is to go before County Planning Board on June 30. She explained that the property will be reviewed in accordance with previous zoning specifications. 

The proposed property, EcoGrads, is to be marketed to graduate students. It is understood by the City that a new public access easement will be needed. A five-foot sidewalk along Quebec will be constructed on private property with a public access easement to the City. An agreement will need to be created between the applicant as it relates to the construction and maintenance of the sidewalk and the installation of storm drains and a retaining wall. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has approved the project. The minimum tree canopy coverage requirement for the project is 10%.

Staff recommends support for the plan with the following 6 conditions:  

1. Total development within the proposed subdivision shall be limited to uses which generate no more than 69 AM peak-hour trips and 86 PM peak-hour trips. Any development generating an impact greater than that shall require a new determination of the adequacy of transportation facilities and a new PPS. 
2. The final plat of subdivision shall include right-of-way dedication of ten feet along US 1 to the State Highway Administration in accordance with the PPS. 
3. Off-site bicycle and pedestrian improvements to satisfy Section 24-124.01 of the Subdivision Regulations, shall be prioritized as follows: a. Provide new or upgraded thermoplastic pavement markings along the Trolley Trail, from Greenbelt Road to Berwyn House Road. These shall include yellow centerline skip lines and white edge lines. b. Provide sharrows on Pontiac Street.
4. At the time of DSP, the applicant shall provide an off-site bicycle and pedestrian facilities plan that illustrates the location, limits, specifications and details of the pedestrian and bicycle adequacy improvements approved with PPS 4-21055, consistent with the cost cap and Section 24-124.01 (f) of the Prince George’s County Subdivision Regulations. 
5. Prior to final plat, the applicant shall execute an agreement with the City of College Park 0649 for the construction and maintenance of improvements to the 15-foot-wide alley including pavement, a retaining wall and storm drain facilities. 
6. Prior to Planning Board approval of the DSP, the applicant shall execute a Declaration of Covenants Agreement with the City that includes, at a minimum, the following provisions:  
   a. Provision of public access easements to the City for any sidewalk along Quebec Street and Baltimore Avenue that is not located in the public right-of-way. 
   b. Assurances that the property will be used for graduate student housing. 
   c. PILOT to City if the property becomes tax exempt. 
   d. Unitary management and condominium conversion requirements. 
   e. Acknowledgement of responsibility for maintenance of pedestrian light fixtures, landscaping, and sidewalks. 
   f. Restrictions related to construction staging and hours of operation, if needed.
   g. If feasible, provision of an outdoor public art feature, which can be matched by City funds (up to $15,000). 
   h. Evidence of LEED SILVER or equivalent certification

Mr. Tedesco, attorney for the developer and Mark Manzo, developer, were in the audience along with other representatives for the proposed project. Mr. Tedesco thanked Ms. Bader and Ms. Schum and indicated there was no opposition or modifications to the staff recommendations. 

Councilmember Adams mentioned concern about parking and affordability. 

Councilmember Esters asked Mr. Tedesco if the developer will be prepared at the time of the detailed site plan to provide data about the price point for units that reassures Council that units will actually be affordable. Mr. Tedesco assured her that Mr. Manzo would provide the information at the point of the detailed site plan. 

Councilmember Rigg acknowledged that the project is said to be “marketed” but not “limited” to graduate students. He asked if there was a legal way to limit it to graduate students. Mr. Tedesco replied that “that’s the nut we’re trying to crack,” saying there’s a reason why no one has come before us previously with a dedicated graduate student project. He said that is part of the discussion for the proposed revitalization tax credit. He said they are trying to earmark for graduate students and that there are ways that can done through leasing agents. Councilmember Rigg suggested they speak with Southern Management Company since they lease the two developments in College Park specifically for grad students.. He also mentioned the City’s need for smaller retail spaces and the fact that some grad students have children and that including some larger units might be appropriate.

Mr. Tedesco mentioned the vision for an art gallery and a café within the development. 

Councilmember Kabir indicated his desire to see this housing development truly be affordable. Asked about the breakdown of the units and pricing. Mr. Tedesco indicated those details are still a work in progress. Councilmember expressed concern about the school surcharge being waived and Mr. Tedesco shared he was not seeking a waiver (As per analysis done by the County, all schools are over capacity. Per Section 24-114-01, School Planning Capacity Analysis is no longer an adequacy requirement for subdivision)

Suellen Ferguson, City Attorney, mentioned that the state law cannot be changed by the City regarding the school surcharge. 

Councilmember Whitney mentioned that the sharrows suggested for Pontiac Street do not make sense  because the street is much too steep.  She said creating a pedestrian path like the Grove Street Greenway in Silver Spring to run from 48^th Avenue and the Trolley Trail on Ruatan Street would directly benefit the Berwyn neighborhood, which will be most impacted by the development. Terry Schum said that creating such a path would require too much planning to be feasible at this stage and suggested refreshing the sharrows on Berwyn Road as an alternative to installing sharrows on Pontiac Street.  She said the currently proposed improvements would not reach the required spending threshold by the developer. Councilmember Whitney also asked about planters on the rooftop to make the view more palatable to residents, and Mr. Tedesco said that feature would appear in the DSP. 

Mayor Wojahn emphasized the need to meet criteria for the revitalization tax credit (the developer is seeking) and affordability. 

Mr. Bruce Marcus, the lawyer representing the owners of the Best Western Hotel located just south of the project, mentioned the complications posed by building on the small, .54 acre site. He expressed concerns about the proximity of the Best Western to the construction and the potential effects on on-going business. Mr. Marcus asked for proposed restrictions on staging and the time of construction and asked for adequate conditions to reduce impact on his client’s business. He specifically asked the City to consider ways to ensure the construction does not negatively impact the neighboring properties, including residents. He endorsed the restrictions on staging and construction. 

Councilmember Whitney said she hoped that we achieved affordable graduate student housing and said she shared the concerns around staging and construction. 

22-G-104 Consideration of FY 22 Annual Program for Program Open Space allocation – Terry Schum, Director of Planning introduced and led the discussion. 

Background and Justification by City staff:

“The City of College Park allocation of Program Open Space (POS) funding for FY 2023 is $452,571.34. According to current POS guidelines, a minimum of 50% of these funds must be used for acquisition projects and a maximum of 50% can be used for development projects. Program Open Space requires a 25% cash match for development projects and no required match for acquisition projects. An Annual Program must be submitted and accepted by the Parks and Recreation Department of the M-NCPPC prior to applying to the State Board of Public Works to encumber funds for specific projects. The Annual Program is due June 24, 2022.

Staff is proposing that 50% of the City’s FY 2023 allocation of $452,571.34 be used for acquisition and 50% for development.”

Ms. Schum explained that the proposal would allow for funds to be saved in a designated area and reiterated that funding would need to be used for open space. 

City Manager Kenny Young indicated that we have two projects in place now. We have the ability to come back if necessary. 

Councilmember Whitney asked about 5100 Roanoke Place. Ms. Schum indicated that the funds can be used for development (landscaping, benches, etc..). The Mayor indicated that there are other ways in which projects can be funded. The allocation of funds for development and acquisition allows for flexibility. The Council voted unanimously to move forward with staff’s recommendation to allocate half of the funds for acquisition and half for development.

Discussion Items

A. Amendment to DSP-17003/03, 4417 Hartwick Road (formerly Applebee’s) for LittleBlue Menu – Terry Schum, Director of Planning

Ms. Schum shared that the application for Little Blue Menu came up as an amendment to the Detailed Site Plan (DSP) for the Aster development (formerly known as Southern Gateway). The establishment would include Chick-Fil-A and other eateries. Based upon information provided, patrons would be able to walk up or drive up to pick up food, but the focus of the business would be food delivery through a dedicated fleet of Little Blue Menu vehicles and established food delivery apps such as GrubHub and UberEats. 

Councilmember Esters asked what would distinguish this type of restaurant from a drive-thru. Ms. Schum indicated that she didn’t have a good answer for that. Her department posed that question to the County, which indicated it would not be a drive-thru without providing a satisfactory explanation. Councilmember Esters expressed concerns about the traffic such an establishment might generate and asked about the possibility of the traffic study being done. Ms. Schum said it was not required since this was being moved through as a “minor amendment.” She said staff normally would not bring a minor amendment before Council but they see this case as a change in use at the site.  She said staff’s main concern is the site is in a walkable node of downtown College Park in which drive-thru restaurants are prohibited. She said the proposal ignores the whole point of the sector plan, which calls for this area to be pedestrian-oriented.

Councilmember Riggs asked about volume, and Mr. Dan Lynch, attorney for Chick-Fil-A and Mr. Brent Edmiston, representative for Chick-Fil-A, said they did not have that information. They said it was a new concept. 

Councilmember Adams said he reached out to Little Blue Menu in Nashville. Mr. Edmiston said that they did not have data about volume and added they normally maintain confidentiality. Councilmember Adams expressed his disappointment in not being provided the numbers, given his certainty that the decision to develop such an establishment in College Park was guided by data. 

Councilmember Adams asked if an alternative location could be considered. He highly encouraged community-focused consideration. He asked about the lease terms and Mr. Edmiston said their terms are normally 20-30 years. 

Mayor Wojahn expressed concern that what is being proposed does not included what the City has been working to develop – a sense of place and engagement. What is being proposed is a food distribution center. The Mayor encouraged the consideration of other locations or other concepts like a food hall similar to what is being done in Riverdale Station. 

Councilmember Whitney asked that any letters written to express concerns about the proposed project be sent to Peter Shapiro, Chair of the Prince George’s Planning Board, who understands the City of College Park.

B. Strategic Plan Update – Bill Gardiner, Assistant City Manager
The discussion of this topic was introduced and led my Assistant City Manager Bill Gardiner. Given the time, members of Council shared thoughts about specific Objectives and Key Results (OKRs):

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. 

Councilmember Adams asked that three-year leases be offered and encouraged, especially for small businesses. 

Mayor Wojahn suggested working with local business to identify new sites. 

Councilmember Mackie suggested that we encourage affordable eats for students within the City. 

Councilmember Riggs asked if we had a way of understanding businesses by type. Mr. Gardiner is not aware of the last time we took inventory of businesses. 

Councilmember Whitney indicated that we would need to be creative. She said it is a shame that we have a problematic business with a 20 to 30-year lease in a spot where we could house a small business that the community loves that’s having difficulty finding a space. She suggested the City identify flex space that could temporarily house businesses that have been displaced by development and that we facilitate shared spaces for businesses that need them.

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

Councilmember Mackie expressed her appreciation for the work of staff.

Councilmember Riggs expressed his interest in emphasizing the importance of parent participation in PTA/PTO.

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

The Mayor stressed the need to discuss connectivity.

OKR#6 Inspire and nurture a welcoming and inclusive community that encourages and embodies engagement, collaboration, and equity throughout our City. 

Councilmember Mitchell expressed a desire for the City to seek grants to increase the diversity of engagement for both community events and volunteers.

General Comments from the Audience

Ms. Macknis, College Park Resident, expressed concern about bicyclists traveling and not taking others into consideration. She believes Mayor and Council should provide some education and literature, especially for the youngsters, about the responsibilities of cyclists. 

Meeting Adjourned

Click here to see the meeting agenda for June 21, 2022

Click here to view video of the Mayor and Council regular meeting held on June 21, 2022 once it’s been posted. 
Here’s the agenda for the Mayor and Council Informational Meeting on Small Cell Antenna (aka 5G) Installation in City Rights-of-Way scheduled for June 28, 2022

Click here to access see the Mayor and Council Meeting agenda scheduled for July 5, 2022 when it is made available. 

The UMD Summer Reading Program is an instructional intervention program designed to help children strengthen their reading and writing skills.  Trained reading teachers provide instruction in the areas of writing, spelling, phonics, vocabulary, reading fluency, and comprehension.  Students in grades 1 – 6 have multiple opportunities to read a variety of children’s literature and to participate in engaging, small-group activities.  City Residents only. 

Haga clic aquí para obtener información sobre El Programa de Lectura durante el verano. Haga clic aquí para solicitar una beca para asistir.

Location: Stamp Student Union, University of Maryland Campus

Dates: July 5 – July 21, 2022

Days:  Monday through Thursday

Time: 8:45 am to 10:15 am or 10:30 am to 12:00 pm

Application here: https://www.collegeparkmd.gov/FormCenter/YFS-13/Summer-Reading-Program-2022-91

Deadline: June 30, 2022

College Park Aviation Museum
1:00pm – 2:00pm
1985 Corporal Frank Scott Drive
College Park, MD 20740
This tour celebrates the Women Air Force Service Pilots (WASP) program. Participating visitors will learn about the history of the program, local WASP Elaine Harmon, and the challenges these women faced during WWII and beyond. When the tour is finished, everyone will get the chance to create their own medals in honor of the Congressional Gold Medal awarded to the members of the WASP unit. This tour last about 45 minutes-1 hour and is geared towards those 12 and older. Registration is not required. Free with museum admission!

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

City Manager Report 

Kenny Young, City Manager, shared information about a few items of interest to the community. The second event of the Friday Night Live series will be held on Friday, June 10, 2022, from 6:30pm – 8:30pm and will honor Pride Month. There will be music, food, and activities for all. 

The City’s Urban Tree Protection Ordinance goes into effect as of July 1. A permit will be needed to remove or prune live branches of trees 36” in circumference or more. City staff are working on providing detailed information to residents before the ordinance goes into effect. 

COVID-19 test kits are available. For more information about availability and how to register for free test kits, visit https://www.collegeparkmd.gov/312/COVID-19-City-Updates.

A presentation for the community on small cell 5G Antenna installation in rights-of-way will take place on June 28, 2022, at City Hall from 7pm – 8pm (This will be a hybrid meeting). More information about legislation and process will be shared during the presentation. 

Rhode Island Ave will be closed temporarily on July 4 from 11am – 12noon for College Park’s July 4th parade. Applications for entries will be accepted through 4 pm on June 24. 

Councilmember Rigg acknowledged Mr. Young and University of Maryland for their outstanding presentation on the partnership between the City and the University at the annual Town and Gown Conference held in South Carolina June 6-8.

Mayor Wojahn thanked Mr. Young for representing the City at the Town and Gown Conference.

Councilmember Whitney asked if mailers about the Tree ordinance will be sent out prior to July 1. Mr. Young said staff are still working on the literature, which will go out shortly. 

Councilmember Kabir asked if mailers about the renewal of parking permits could be sent to residents, especially since some older residents do not have access to internet. Mr. Young said he could not answer the question at the moment but would follow up. 

Proclamations 

Juneteenth

Immigrant Heritage Month

LGBTQ+ PRIDE Month

Report from City Lobbyist on Legislative Session 

Len Lucchi and Stephanie Anderson provided a report from the 2022 Maryland General Assembly Session. Mr. Lucchi explained half of the hearings during session were virtual and the other half were in-person. He felt it was a good session for both Prince George’s County and the City of College Park. In all, there were 2500 bills introduced and 25% became law. He highlighted several big bills that passed:

• Climate Solutions Now Act – This bill sets most ambitious goals for the environment and requires law makers to consider the impact and equity of their policies.
• Time to Care Act – Covers most Maryland workers and allows 12 weeks off. It includes job protections and pays according to sliding scale.
• Restoration of Highway User Revenues to Municipalities – in 2009 revenues to municipalities were cut by 90%. At the time, this revenue was considered aid. It has taken until this year to return revenues to the cities. 
• Cannabis- Cannabis legalization to be put on the ballot. The House and Senate views differed so details were not determined. If it is passes in November details will need to be worked out. 
• Ghost Guns – was initially introduced 4 years ago. The bill bans untraceable guns that can be created by 3D printers and other means. The law went into effect on June 1. These guns will need to be registered. 
• Capital Budget – The city is fortunate to have Delegate Ben Barnes who has been appointed to Chair of the Appropriations committee. The City received the following from the State’s capital budget:
  • $4 million for the Community Preservation Trust
  • $5 million for affordable graduate student housing
  • $1 million for the North College Park Community Center

Mr. Lucchi also mentioned the appointment of Delegate Joseline Peña-Melnyk as Chair of the House Health and Government Operations Committee.

Ms. Anderson gave an overview of the following bills of interest:

HB254 – For each pedestrian or bicyclist fatality that occurs at an intersection of a State highway and another highway or a municipal street, SHA must conduct an infrastructure review to identify certain deficiencies and identify appropriate corrective actions; SHA is required to complete the review within 6 months after being notified by law enforcement of such a fatality and must publish the review on its website.

HB1057 – To establish a Blue-Ribbon workshop in Prince George’s County to study and provide recommendations regarding the development of a recreation authority.

HB1202 Local Cybersecurity Support Act of 2022 – Created the Cyber Preparedness Unit in the Maryland Department of Emergency Management and placed requirements on local governments for reporting certain cybersecurity incidents. Local cyber security funds will provide grants to help municipalities with cyber preparedness.

HB794 – Allocates Opioid funding for the creation of the Opioid Restitution Fund Advisory Council, and there will be a seat for municipalities.

HB355 -Alter the composition of the PG Board of Education. Will remove the appointed members by 2024, and all will be elected. 

Councilmember Kabir mentioned the introduction of a bill by Delegate Lehman on speeding and racing cars. Mr. Lucchi informed Mayor and Council the Governor vetoed the bill on drag race. 

The Mayor asked about affordable housing legislation and Mr. Lucchi indicated there were four such bills on the Governor’s veto list. 

Presentation College Park Age-friendly Action Plan Draft 

This got started with Council support and acceptance into AARP Age-Friendly program. Once accepted, the plan must be in place within 5 years. The City is working with Parks and Planning to help devise a plan. 

Karen Mierow, Project lead from Maryland Park and Planning, presented a draft Age-friendly Action Plan. 

The plan focused on the following five areas of focus and priority actions:

Social Participation 

Communications and Information 

Transportation 

Housing 

Health Services and Community Support 

The report listed Priority Action Items

Housing 

Transportation 

Communication 

Social participation 

Health Services and Community 

SMART Goals will be used to measure the achievement of all outlined in the plan. 

Councilmember Esters asked if based upon this draft plan, we are to presume that the areas of focus have been prioritized or that all areas are important. Ms. Schum explained that the full report will need to be cleaned up and additional input would need to be gathered and at that time we may see major priorities surface. 

Councilmember Kabir asked about the opportunities seniors have to obtain funding to retrofit their homes. There is some funding identified and placed in our current budget. He believed $300,000 was set aside for that purpose and asked if Mr. Fields, Director of Finance (who was present), could confirm. Mr. Field believed the amount was correct but could not confirm at that time. He indicated he would follow up with the Councilmember. 

Councilmember Kabir asked about the possibility of expanding transportation services. Kiaisha Barber, Director of Youth and Family Services shared that during the pandemic, transportation for our seniors aged sixty-two and over was limited to shopping for necessities and doctor’s appointments. There is also a senior social coordinator who plans events for our senior populations. 

Councilmember Riggs mentioned that College Park needs diversified housing options. He also mentioned the need for sidewalks and events that are more multi-generational.

Councilmember Mackie thanked those who drafted the plan and asked about staffing and budgetary needs and whether or not we would need to work with the county or the state to achieve any of the goals outlined in the plan. 

Councilmembers Adams asked about the timeline and feasibility. Ms. Barber indicated that additional input from the consultants will help to identify a timeline. The program is a five-year program and AARP will follow the progress. He mentioned a recent call with Terrapin Development Company (TDC) about social sports. 

Councilmember Kennedy asked about the staffing issues to ensure all that we want to do can be done. 

Councilmember Whitney asked about the $300,000 that has to be spent by 2026 but has to be committed by 2024. She wanted to make sure that there was enough demand to ensure the funds would be committed. Councilmember Whitney asked if the City will be assessed by what is planned or by what is completed. Mr. Thurston indicated the success of the City will be assessed by what we say we will do. He added that this is a multi-generational program and asked about the solicitation of participation, saying he would like the community to help prioritize this. He stressed the importance of housing “in the middle” that is structured for those who may seek to downsize but do not want to leave the neighborhood.

The Mayor mentioned the accessibility of housing and the importance of prioritizing areas listed in the plan. 

The Council entered into Special Session.

Renewal of Agreement with MNCPPC for the Use of Recreation Side of the YFS Building Councilmember Kabir asked how many Hollywood Elementary School students attend the after-school program at the YFS building. Director of Youth, Family and Senior Services Kiaisha Barber said only 25 or so students currently attend because of Covid-19, but they usually have 30 to 40 students registered. She anticipates returning to full capacity next year. She added that she’s not yet sure what capacity will be allowed for their summer program. The motion to renew the agreement carried unanimously.

Approval of letter regarding Greenbelt Road Corridor Plan to be sent to the Greenbelt City Council  

Councilmember Kabir asked how the Greenbelt Road Corridor Plan will intersect with SHA plans.

Councilmember Whitney expressed her interested in the traffic diet and Ms. Schum felt that it made sense. Councilmember Mackie asked that language be added about tree planting and green infrastructure, while Councilmember Adams asked that we support “protected” rather than “buffered” bike lanes. The Mayor expressed his preference for cycle tracks, which are even safer. The motion to approve sending a letter commenting on the plan carried unanimously.

Finally, Council unanimously adopted the recommendation of the Advisory Planning Commission for 

Council moved out of special session.

Briefing and Recommendation on Financial HR Software Selection and Related Project Manager 

 Gary Fields, Director of Finance, spoke of the complexities of this software implementation and the training of staff to use the software. According to Mr. Fields, the benefits far outweigh the cost. The current software is obsolete. A goal has been set to implement the new software in 12 months. The software vendor has committed to helping the City to achieve the goal. Cost of the new software is comparable to the current software, but we would receive more features. Hiring a consultant as a part-time project manager is being proposed to help keep staff on target and on schedule. A project manager will be able keep the software conversion a priority. The city attorney is in the process of reviewing the consultant’s contract. Mr. Fields will work with the attorney to have a basis for not going through a bidding process for a contract project manager. 

Councilmember Kabir asked if other systems will be integrated into this new software system. Mr. Fields confirmed an integration of systems. 

Councilmember Adams reiterated the benefits outweigh the cost; he acknowledged the large dollar amount but stressed the reduced cost over time. 

Councilmember Riggs asked for clarification on whether the position would be an city employee or contract employee. Mr. Fields confirmed the position will be a contract employee. 

Review of policy on use of City meeting spaces 

Janeen Miller, City Clerk, led the discussion. She explained the city will no longer rent to non-residents for private events, saying these events take a lot of time and effort, but we are happy to provide these services to our residents. We just do not have the capacity to rent to non-residents. For the Old Parish House, there will be an inclusion of information about the noise ordinance. The City will work with renters to understand what type of event is being planned. Some events will require an attendant. Events held after hours will require an additional fee to cover the cost of security. The City Clerk and Director of Youth and Family Services clarified for Mayor and Council the YFS meeting space was never intended for private events, it’s intended for community meetings. 

Councilmember Kabir mentioned a resident asking to use the YFS space for a private event and asked about consideration of this request since we will only provide rentals to residents and equipment can be stored. Ms. Barber and Ms. Miller reiterated that the space is not suitable for private events. 

Councilmember Esters indicated she understood the desire to assist a resident, but we should be careful making exceptions and should be consistent in following procedures. She added the City Clerk would be able to help the resident identify an appropriate space. 

Councilmember Rigg mentioned the need for individuals holding private events to obtain private liability waivers for the use of the playground. He is asking for more flexibility for smaller events. Mr. Young shared that he was referring to spaces offered through public services when bounce houses and other equipment is used. Councilmember Rigg expressed his belief we should clearly communicate expectations. Ms. Miller indicated that if an event has forty or more people and there is alcohol that a release is signed, or liability insurance is obtained. Councilmember Kabir asked about the city adding other local rentals to their listings for convenience. 

Business Roundtable Discussion

Michael Williams, Director of Economic Development led this discussion. He explained the nature of the roundtable is that it is self-governed. He explained he already has ongoing discussion with the businesses in the city and asked what Mayor and Council would like to see in the way of the business roundtable. 

Councilmember Mitchell, who initiated the idea, indicated she wanted to create an opportunity to bring local businesses together, especially as we work on maintaining our small businesses and creating an incubator. Mr. Williams shared that the roundtables often include property owners, and we are seeing a shift in business ownership in the city. 

Councilmember Kabir mentioned the City sponsoring an award program for the best businesses. 

Mr. William spoke of his excitement of creating the roundtable and will update the Council moving forward. 

Deputy SGA Liaison Adrian Andriessens asked about the participation of entrepreneurial students in the roundtable. Mr. Williams shared his interest in making sure students were involved. 

Councilmember Whitney asked if businesses owners and property owners would be brought together. She expressed concerns over losing smaller spaces. She shared her belief that the biggest benefit would be for developers to understand the type of space that is needed to meet the needs of the City as they are making their development plans. 

Mayor Wojahn expressed his appreciation for the discussion as well as his interest in us helping to maintain small business as we see the evolution in the city while maintaining an open line of communication. 

Future agenda items 

Councilmember Kennedy would like to bring up for discussion the issue of gun violence and anything that we can do as a City. She would like to bring this to an upcoming work session. 

Next regular meeting will be on June 21. 

Worksession Adjourned

Council entered into Closed Session

Click here to see the work session agenda for June 7, 2022

Click here to view the Mayor and Council Work Session held on June 7, 2022

Click here to access see the Mayor and Council Meeting agenda scheduled for June 21 when it is made available.