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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 acknowledging the impact of the storm of July 12 on the City of College Park and surrounding areas. He recognized city staff for their ongoing efforts with recovery. 

Announcements 

Councilmember Kabir acknowledged and thanked Pepco to for their work to restore power.

Councilmember Esters thanked neighbors for their work to assist one another after the storm. 

Councilmember Whitney thanked staff, city manager and neighbors for their help.

City Manager Report 

Kenny Young, City Manager, thanked the citizens of College Park for their patience after the storm on July 12. He explained how the city dealt with the major effects of last week’s storm, including 90 mph winds. He thanked Bob Ryan, Bill Gardiner, and Robert Marsili, and Ms. Quinones. He informed Mayor and Council that Public Works had been conducting damage assessments. He went on to thank Denise Ross of Prince George’s County and Tony Ruffin and Donna Cooper from Pepco for their work and assistance. He explained that an action report will be put together and he will gather financial assessment which will be shared with Mayor and Council. Mr. Young shared that approximately $3.9 million is the threshold to reach prior to asking for assistance. He plans to reach out to neighboring jurisdictions to gain and understanding of their recovery costs. Mr. Young Thanked Mayor and Council and acknowledged the City was still able to continue with regular trash pickup and the Friday Night Life event on July 15. 

Consent Agenda

22-G-91 – Amendment of a contract with Hitachi to install utility poles and cameras along the Trolley Trail – Bob Ryan, Director of Public Services

22-G-105 – Consideration of a contract with TVM Productions and Consulting LLC for audio-visual services during City Council meetings – Bill Gardiner, Assistant City Manager

22-G106 – Approval to provide funding in the amount of $50,000 to the Rental Assistance Fund of the Greater College Park RISE Zone, Michael Williams, Economic Development Manager

22-G-107 – Approval of minutes from the June 21, 2022, Regular Meeting 

Action Items

22-G-108 – Discussion of application for a Beer, Wine, and Liquor BLX License by Rajneesh Nagpal and Rishi Malhotra for M&T Restaurant LLC, t/a Dog Haus Biergarten College Park, and Property Use Agreement with the City. To support the application subject to entering into a Property Use Agreement in substantially the form attached, to be signed by the City Manager, or not to support the application. City staff to be authorized to present the City’s position at the Board of License Commissioner’s hearing. 

Suellen Ferguson, City Attorney, informed Mayor, and Council we have received a standard property use agreement. However, what is unusual is that the business will be located in City Hall. Linda Carter, lawyer for the applicant, spoke to Mayor and Council. Ms. Carter shared the applicants a spending $1 million to retrofit the location. The entire menu will be available from open to closing. It is possible they will serve breakfast, but they will not serve alcohol before 10am. This is a franchise location, one of 134. Applicants are looking forward to participating in the City’s Friday Night Live events. Ms. Carter concluded her comments by sharing that the company contributes to No Kids Hungry. 

Councilmember Kennedy expressed her excitement for the project but shared that works for No Kids Hungry and asked Ms. Ferguson if she should abstain from voting. Ms. Ferguson indicated that she should indeed abstain. 

Councilmember Whitney asked if there could be a slight language change about the provision of live entertainment by the vendor since they do not intend to have live entertainment. Ms. Ferguson indicated the language can be tightened. 

Councilmember Mitchell expressed her excitement about the business coming to the City. 

Councilmember Kabir asked if the 50/50 alcohol to food ratio were common. Mr. Ryan indicated that it is indeed customary. Ms. Carter indicated that the cost of alcohol is high, but the food cost is not high. Mr. Adams made the motion that was seconded by Councilmember Whitney. 

22-O-07 – Introduction of Ordinance 22-O-07, An Ordinance to amend Chapter 148, Peace, and Good Order, to provide rules and regulations for City parks and playgrounds – Bob Ryan, Director of Public Services. 

Mr. Ryan shared that city staff proposed rules for the use and permitting of City recreational facilities. A draft Ordinance to amend Chapter 148 of the city code to adopt recreational facility, park rules, and allow enforcement was presented to Mayor and Council. The review of Chapter 148 revealed that it had not been reviewed in many years. It was determined that many provisions were either outdated, included in other sections of the City Code, or better enforced through State and County laws. The Chapter has been amended to remove such provisions. 

A public hearing is scheduled for Tuesday, September 12, 2022

Four Cities Meeting Agenda Items – Meeting has been changed to August 4

Mayor Wojahn informed Council that the upcoming Four Cities Meeting was rescheduled for August 4 since many individuals will be out of town attending the National League of Cities meeting in Atlanta. He asked for any agenda items for the meeting. 

Councilmember Kabir asked that a discussion about Pepco be added to the agenda. He acknowledged the challenges Pepco experienced in restoring power but was concerned about delays that occurred. 

Councilmember Adams asked to add the FBI relocation to the agenda. 

Councilmember Mitchell asked to add other utilities beyond Pepco to the discussion about response after the recent storm. 

Audience for General Comments

City Manager thanked Kiaisha Barber, Director of Youth and Family Services, for helping to take care of our elderly citizens. He also thanked the local volunteer fire departments for their assistance. 

Meeting Adjourned

Click here to see the meeting agenda for July 19, 2022

Click here to view the Mayor and Council regular meeting held on July 19, 2022 

Click here to access see the Mayor and Council Meeting agenda scheduled for Wednesday August 3, 2022, when it is made available.