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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.

Call to Order
Denise Mitchell, Mayor Pro Tem, called the meeting to order in the absence of Mayor Patrick Wojahn who was unable to attend in-person due to the recent passing of his father.

City Manager’s Report
Bob Ryan, Director of Public Services, served as City Manager in the absence of both Kenny Young, City Manager, and Bill Gardiner, Assistant City Manager, who were traveling for work. Mr. Ryan did not have any announcements to share.

Councilmember Rigg asked Mayor Pro tem for permission to ask a question of Terry Schum, Director of Planning. He proceeded by asking Ms. Schum about information County Councilmember Glaros forwarded to him and Councilmember Adams about fast-moving legislation that would not allow review of development projects in the overlay zones. Such legislation would directly affect College Park. He added that a hearing on the legislation would be held in October. Ms. Schum was not aware of the legislation. Councilmember Rigg asked for a of the review of the legislation prior to the next Council meeting to allow it to be brought forward so the Council could take action. Janeen Miller, City Clerk, asked for the bill to be forwarded to her.

Amendments To And Approval Of The Agenda

There were no amendments to the agenda

Expansion of Community Outreach in non-English languages – Ryna Quiñones, Communications & Events Manager.

Ms. Quiñones shared with Council the City’s current efforts for outreach to the community in non-
English languages. She informed Councilmembers that on each page of the City’s website there is a Google translate widget that translates in over one hundred languages. She demonstrated how to use the widget and explained that once chosen, the widget will change language throughout the entire website, including the Weekly Bulletin and Municipal Scene. She also explained that many websites have built-in translators. According to Ms. Quiñones, iPhone users can translate in Safari, and Outlook will also translate language.

Aside from digital formats, Staff is working the College Park Here and Now to enable its insert “The College Park Post” to also be automatically translated/scaled/e-reader accessible online. The City offers its Resident Guide in Spanish and flyers are translated in Spanish. Ms. Quiñones informed Council about the Language Line service that enables the connection to a live interpreter to provide translation in real time. If needed, an interpreter can be provided for meetings. Instructions on accessing Language Line were provided to all Councilmembers.

Councilmember Kennedy acknowledged the work related to community outreach through language translation began before the pandemic. She added that years ago during her time in Chile she used technology that wasn’t quite as advanced. She has often found that direct translation is best. Ms. Quiñones mentioned that at this time professional translators are used to translate important items but that it would be cost prohibitive to directly translate all communications.

Councilmember Esters asked Ms. Quiñones if it were possible to post clear instructions on the website for how to translate content so those who may not be familiar with the existing tools know they’re available and how to use them. Ms. Quiñones indicated that could be done.

Councilmember Whitney asked if the Language Line service was paid on a subscription basis or by usage. She asked if it were a subscription, if civic associations and committees could use the Language Line to translate every meeting. Ms. Miller explained that the City pays for use of the service by the minute. Civic Associations would need to set up their own accounts and pay for their use of the service were it required. She also explained that the service is performed via a conference call and doesn’t lend itself to translation for meetings.

Mayor Wojahn acknowledged when discussions about this topic were initially raised and wondered if real-time translation of Council meetings could be done. He also questioned if we could utilize translation systems in Zoom since we continue to use this medium for hybrid meetings. Mayor Wojahn would like to make sure real-time translation is always available.

Adrian Andriessens, SGA Liaison, asked about the use of social media. Specifically, he mentioned his observation of infographics that are not translated and asked for them to be considered for translation. Ms. Quiñones explained that the information from the infographics is always in a comment below posts so the content of the message can be translated by the social media platforms.

Councilmember Kabir thanked Ms. Quiñones for her work. He explained the topic is important to him because he was born and raised in foreign land. He explained that we want all of our neighbors to be engaged in the community and spoke of the importance of helping our neighbors to know and understand rules and regulations. He shared his belief the numbers of residents whose native language is Spanish is much more than 15% because many immigrants were fearful of participating in the Census, so didn’t respond and weren’t counted. He asked that the size of the widget on the City’s webpage be increased. He said the City would need to develop a strategy to promote the tool. He added, it is great to have a tool, but people need to know about it and how to use it. He said many of City documents are still in PDF form and not translatable. He concluded by saying that given the considerable number of Spanish-speaking residents, we need more multilingual staff members to be available to work with residents and suggested the City craft a language access policy.

Councilmember Adams asked about services we have in place for those who are deaf or hard of hearing. Ms. Miller responded by saying we have not been asked to provide ASL, but we have provided captioning. She said the City is always willing to make accommodations for residents for any Mayor & City Council, Committee or City-organized community meeting. She instructed residents to contact either Communications or the City Clerk’s office to request accommodations and said the more notice they have, the more likely they can meet the request.

Councilmember Mackie suggested that a training on how to gain access to the translator may be helpful to Attick Towers residents.

Special Session (22-G-129): Recommendation on DSP21024 for the EcoGrads development – Terry Schum, Director of Planning

Ms. Schum indicated this agenda item was reviewed at the work session on September 6. At that time there was concern about the modification of the parking standards. She informed Council that since the September 6 th meeting and subsequent meetings with the developer’s team, all required parking spaces will be provided on site. She informed Council the item goes to the County’s planning board agenda on 9/29.

Ms. Schum said there were a few tweaks to the City’s previous Detailed Site Plan Recommendations. The tweaks included staff’s recommendation that 4a at be changed to “Show that all 109 required parking spots will be provided on site in the parking garage.” and staff recommended that 8f be changed to strike the words, “if needed.”

Mark Tedesco, lawyer for the EcoGrads project, and the development team for EcoGrads were present. He explained the developer, M-NCPPC, and City staff had been working since the previous meeting. He went on to share that the development project had the required parking spaces, initially. However, since the pandemic the developer requested the modification to reduce parking as a cost-saving measure. The idea was vetted with City staff, and it made sense at the time to allow that measure. Mr. Manzo plans to withdraw the request for the modification and request to amend the approval to show the required parking.

Mr. Tedesco shared that the development team accepted the staff recommendations but expressed concerns about the change in language related to hours of construction. Specifically, the removal of “if needed” from the requirement that reads “8. Prior to Planning Board approval of the DSP, execute a Declaration of Covenants Agreement with the City that includes, at a minimum, the following provisions…..f. Restrictions related to reasonable construction staging and hours of operation, if needed.” presumes there is a problem. Mr. Tedesco said the inclusion of “if needed” provides protection for all. He said that the developer plans to follow that State and County regulations in place that govern construction.

Councilmember Esters responded to Mr. Tedesco by saying the request to change the language was not meant to imply there was a problem on the part of the developer, rather it was meant ensure that hours of construction and noise were addressed proactively given the recent and on-going noise challenges those living in the neighborhood have dealt with due to activity at the existing construction staging area and from a local vendor.

Councilmember Whitney indicated her agreement with Councilmember Esters’ comments and said that she did not understand why the developers would find the removal of the words “if needed” problematic since the developer has stated that its objective is to follow state and county regulations related to construction. Councilmember Whitney also checked with Ms. Schum to ensure the City did not find striking “if needed” to be burdensome, and Ms. Schum said the City had no objections to its removal.

Ms. Schum further explained that the language in the Detailed Site Plan Recommendations is abbreviated language taken from the Declaration of Covenants and Agreement Regarding Land Use. The language from the Declaration of Covenants reads as follows:

“The parties recognize that the construction of the Project will take place on a space restricted site adjacent to a major roadway. If determined by the City to be necessary, KindBild will require the contractor(s) to adopt and comply with restrictions related to construction staging and hours of operation…”

Councilmember Esters indicated that both she and Councilmember Whitney were comfortable with the language in the Declaration of Covenants. Mr. Tedesco responded in turn by saying he would withdraw his objection to the request to change the language related to construction staging and hours.

Councilmember Mackie asked about parking for visitors because of the gallery and café. Mr. Tedesco indicated doubt the gallery or café would generate that much traffic but indicated individuals could park in the Cambria parking lot at their own cost if space were available.

Councilmember Esters made a motion to support approval of the EcoGrads with revised conditions, and a Declaration of Covenants in substantially the form provided to Council, as recommended by staff. Councilmember Whitney seconded the motion. The Council voted unanimously to support DSP-21024 with the revised conditions.

Requests for/Status of Future Agenda Items Mayor and Council

Councilmember Adams requested a traffic calming study on a portion of Calvert Road where there are not residents (The consideration of traffic calming measures normally occurs after a petition is signed by 60 % of households living on and near the street in question).

Councilmember Adams asked that the City proceed with a traffic study on the 4600 block of Clemson even though a previously circulated petition had not received the required signatures. He said residents who walked their dogs on the block had signed the petition but their signatures didn’t count. He made the point that perceived traffic issues impact the community at large, not just the residents adjacent to the proposed traffic calming. Councilmember Rigg said he would not stand in the way of his fellow District 3 councilmember’s request but that he generally did not support moving forward with traffic calming when the petition was unsuccessful.

Mayor Wojahn – Rank choice voting to give Council the opportunity to learn more about it.

Councilmember Mackie – Slowing down the speed limit on Rhode Island Ave.

Councilmember Mitchell – City-wide economic development plan
Councilmember Kabir – referenced his email on the topic and urged Council to consider…
Councilmember Esters – asked that the development of the Branchville Industrial area be considered.

Mayor and Councilmember Comments Mayor and Council

Councilmember Kabir announced the upcoming Prince George’s County Electronic Waste Disposal Day on September 24. He explained the County will take items that our Public Works department does not take.

Councilmember Esters mentioned the recital held at the Gildenhorn Recital Hall on Sunday, September 18 to benefit the Food Pantry.

Councilmember Whitney announced Berwyn Day scheduled to take place on Saturday, September 24 from noon – 4pm.

Councilmember Adams thanked everyone for their participation in the recent Quality of Life forum held in District 3.Councilmember Kennedy spoke of a recent trip to the Agricultural Reserve in Montgomery County.

Mayor Wojahn thanked everyone for their support during this time as he deals with the recent loss of his father. He said he has definitely felt the loving arms of College Park. He mentioned the need to help his mom transition to her new life without his father. The Mayor mentioned a presentation by NIH on the pandemic entitled Endemic, Are We There Yet? scheduled for September 24. He also mentioned the upcoming Latinas in Aviation Global Fest to be held at the College Park Aviation Museum on October 1.

Adrian Andriessens, SGA Liaison, thanked Councilmember Rigg and Councilmember Adams for the invitation to participate in the recent Quality of Life Forum for District 3.

City Manager’s Comments
Mr. Ryan said good night to College Park.

Meeting Adjourned
Click here to see the work session agenda for September 20, 2022
Click here to view the Mayor and Council Work Session held on September 20, 2022
Click here to access the Mayor and Council Meeting agenda scheduled for September 27, 2022