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
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.
The College Park District 2 Digest 