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

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Mayor Wojahn welcomed Council back after a two-week Thanksgiving holiday break.

City Manager’s Report – Mr. Young acknowledged Anne Martens who was attending her last City Council meeting in her capacity at University of Maryland and thanked for her service. He encouraged residents to attend the upcoming Winter Wonderland event to be held at City Hall Plaza on Saturday, December 10 from 4pm -8pm. 

Councilmember Mitchell asked Bob Ryan, Director of Public Services, to deal with issues of noise and loud mufflers in the College Park Woods neighborhood. 

Amendments To And Approval Of The Agenda 

Councilmember Rigg proposed the removal of discussion of the Revitalization Tax Credit, which was unanimously approved

Discussion of No Mow month with the Bee City USA Committee (15) Guest: Alan Hew, Chair, Bee City USA Committee and Anahi Espindola, Committee member Robert Marsili, Director of Public Works 

Brenda Alexander, Assistant Director of Public works, introduced the discussion about making No Mow April an ongoing initiative. Alan Hew mentioned that the 347 residents who participated far exceeded the committee’s expectation of participants, which was about 50. According to Mr. Hew, similar initiatives have taken traction in other cities, such as Laurel. In addition, he was aware of discussion among staff and faculty at UMD’s campus who were intrigued by the initiative

Councilmember Esters asked about specifics regarding the miscommunications mentioned in the survey. Mr. Hew said there were no specifics, but people were confused about when they could mow, so making that information clearer would be helpful. 

Councilmember Mitchell mentioned the importance of educating residents about the program and its benefits.  

Councilmember Kabir shared his appreciation for the opportunity to participate in the program and mentioned there were people who were not able get signs. He also asked if research would be done to track the increase of pollinators due to this effort. Mr. Hew said that people could track increases by looking at their yards. Ms. Alexander added that individuals may serve as citizen researchers and track data individually. 

Councilmember Mackie expressed her thanks for the program and said that she participated. She mentioned how she and Mayor Wojahn recently attended a program at the USDA where they learned how an increase in pollinators helps with food production. She added that there are individuals who source honey in the local area. She also said that the look of the grass was not as bad as she thought it might be. Mr. Young mentioned that information will go out to residents. Councilmember Mackie concluded her remarks by emphasizing the importance of educating residents and residents keeping grass clippings out of the street. 

Councilmember Adams mentioned the importance of ecosystems and provided a reminder of April being an active time of year for ticks. He asked that there be a focus on providing tick awareness. Mr. Hew mentioned that ticks need to jump from something onto you so it may be helpful to cut grass in areas where you walk. 

Discussion with the Education Advisory Committee about the City-wide online tutoring proposal (30) Guests: Carolyn Bernache, Chair, EAC, Aaron Cole Imagine Learning Account Executive Kiaisha Barber, Director of Youth, Family and Senior Services 

Ms. Barber introduced the discussion item and shared that Dr. Bernache was unable to attend. She mentioned the research done by the Education Advisory Committee (EAC) in order to bring a recommendation of Imagine Learning forward as an option to assist children in College Park with learning.  Ms. Barber introduced the presentation from Aaron Cole for Imagine Learning. Mr. Cole and his team presented the program. 

MyPath is an asynchronous program that creates an individualized learning plan using Artificial Intelligence (AI). The programs are paired with a paraprofessional that can interact with the students and provide input. Ms. Ash indicated that the program features K-12 reading and 3^rd grade through 12^th grade math. There is a focus on remediation and acceleration as students progress. An individualized assessment will be done, and age-appropriate questions will be delivered. Once students are assessed, teachers are provided with a report that indicates student needs and growth. The program assesses students in three ways:  prioritization, adapting and versatility. The program concentrates on delivering the most needed skills first. The content will be delivered in an age-appropriate way. Frequent performance analysis will be available for students to track their own progress. Mastery checks are done to determine knowledge base before moving students to the next level. An 80% mastery score will allow students to move forward. For students who still do not pass, mini lessons will be provided. There is automatic adaptivity of learning provided by the program. If students are failing, they will be dropped down a level to ensure mastery before they can move forward. The experiences for K-5 and 6-12 are different. Text-to-speech options are available in 60 languages. 

Ms. Porter-Jones discussed Imagine Math, which focuses on the language of math. She suggested the consistent use of the program will assist in building skill level. She explained the goal of the program is to always place the students in their appropriate grade level. Where needed, the system will lower a student by a maximum of two grades but will always push them back up to grade level. The program is offered in both English and Spanish.  Ms. Porter-Jones mentioned Algebra 1 being an issue for students in completing HS math and she explained that shortfalls are cumulative and actually begin in 3rd grade. 

Mayor Wojahn asked about the cost of the program and how many students would be allowed to participate. Mr. Cole said it will be unlimited for the first year and would continue to be unlimited as long as the number of participants does not exceed their typical usage for a subscriber, which he does not anticipate. 

Councilmember Esters acknowledged that the assessment of student progress will greatly impact continued use of the program moving forward and that city staff would need to conduct such assessments. She asked if any thought had been given to the need to assess the progress of our students and how that would impact city staff financially and timewise. Mr. Cole has suggested that someone be hired to assess the data for College Park students. It would definitely require additional support to move forward. Mr. Cole indicated that he took into consideration the need to hire additional support when quoting the cost of the program for the City. 

Ms. Porter Jones reiterated the importance of sharing the data with teachers to assist with overall student educational development. 

Councilmember Kabir shared his support for such program. He asked if a report would be provided at the end of the year that would denote the number of participants and their reading and math levels. Councilmember Kabir asked if the families participating in the program could be surveyed. Ms. Barber believes we will be able to survey those participating. 

Councilmember Kabir asked how the program will be promoted. Ms. Barber indicated she would work with Communications and suggested mailings, flyers at schools, and the use of online mediums. 

Councilmember Adams emphasized making it a City initiative and having a ceremony at City Hall or other incentives. He said that we need staffing and contract support for such a program. Ms. Porter- Jones mentioned that as students achieve certain milestones, they earn points which help to make contributions to chosen charities. 

Councilmember Rigg asked how much participation for students along their educational journey must be completed to show success. Mr. Porter-Jones indicated that 20 minutes a week on Imagine Math helps shows growth, while 60 minutes per week on MyPath shows progress. Councilmember Rigg He said that the time commitment to actually be engaged may be difficult to achieve. Ms. Barber said a support person would be able to assess and determine engagement. She added that a staff member dedicated to the program could help identify a balance between student needs and support. 

Councilmember Rigg said there may be residents who interpret tutoring as helping students on an as-needed basis and asked why we chose this path. Ms. Barber acknowledged the work of the EAC and Dr. Bernache who researched and acknowledged that one-time help could assist but ongoing assistance would help us to achieve our OKR. Councilmember Rigg asked how customer satisfaction was assessed and how they defined customer (e.g., parents, students, or school system). Mr. Cole said everyone is taken into account, but they are student-centered. He added that parents will be satisfied if their students are progressing. He mentioned a 95% approval rate among the jurisdictions using the platform and mentioned Baltimore. He said that the company measured success in variety of ways. Mr. Rigg responded by saying that approval rating of the program in Baltimore is not of interest to him. 

Councilmember Whitney asked is Imagine learning would provide a promotional packet for use by the City. Mr. Cole indicated they could provide such materials. Councilmember Whitney shared her appreciation for the focus on students who are working up to grade level and said she appreciated that the ACT and SAT prep offered through the program would also appeal to students working at grade level.

Councilmember Kennedy mentioned her interest in the City trying this program but said she’s concerned about it being offered outside of a school program. She wondered if this type of program would be utilized by those who may be falling through the cracks. 

Councilmember Mackie mentioned her support of the program. She said tutoring for many would be out of reach financially and said that when she tutored, she noticed that 3^rd grade is crucial. She said we need to try it. She added that in Prince George’s County there are students who are unable to write a sentence. She believes it will be a great tool to help students. 

Ms. Ash said this would be a year-long program and emphasized that summer is a time where students experience learning loss. 

Mayor Wojahn asked if data from other school systems could be shared with the City. Mr. Cole indicated that would be possible. 

Councilmember Esters acknowledged her colleagues’ interest in the program and expressed her own interest. She said she looks forward to further discussion as it relates to support of the program and added that we will need to think creatively about how to promote it. 

Councilmember Mitchell spoke of the development of College Park Academy and how people were not sure if it would work. She said it took time but has proven to be successful. 

Councilmember Whitney mentioned speaking with PTAs and local businesses (e.g., Rita’s, etc.) about the program to assist with promotion. Discussion of the City’s Revitalization Tax Credit program (45) Michael Williams, Economic Development Manager 

Removed from the agenda. 

Discussion of a revised amendment to the Hitachi contract amendment approved in July for the security cameras on the Trolley Trail and north College Park, to approve additional funding and scope for Security Cameras, Utility Poles, and Pepco Power, and to add 19 cameras to the maintenance contract (15) Bob Ryan, Director of Public Services

Mr. Bob Ryan, Director of Public Services, introduced and discuss the addition of 19 cameras. He mentioned there are currently 29 existing cameras. College Park City University Partnership (CPC-UP) received a grant to offset some costs of the additional cameras.

Councilmember Kennedy asked about an estimate of the operating costs and if it would significantly change costs. She asked if we determined we would add lights in North College Park, including the parks in that part of the City. Mr. Young said Council will be asked to consider additional camera locations during FY24 budget discussions.

Councilmember Adams asked if the cameras would allow for live monitoring. Mr. Ryan said that the cameras are capable of live-monitoring and said live-monitoring could be activated in real time were there such a need.

Councilmember Kabir echoed Councilmember Kennedy’s questions about additional cameras in North College Park, saying there was a huge disparity between cameras north and south of 193, asking specifically for additional cameras near Hollywood Elementary School and along the commercial corridor on Baltimore Avenue. He asked how long data is stored in the cameras, and Mr. Ryan said typically for two weeks. 

Councilmember Mackie asked if this is a work in progress. She asked if any thought had been given to putting cameras on the Paint Branch trail, Metzerott and Cherry Hill roads.   

Discussion of 2023 Council Meeting Schedule (15) Kenneth Young, City Manager 

Ms. Miller, City Clerk, introduced the discussion. She said there had been suggestions to variations to the meeting schedule and that three options were provided for our consideration. The options included a 40-meeting schedule, a 38-meeting schedule and a 32-meeting schedule. She explained a reduced meeting schedule would change the format of our meeting to include both work session and regular meeting items. 

Mayor Wojahn expressed concerns with moving to 3 meetings per month since we have 20 items on the master list that have been sitting there for a while. In addition, he worried that decreasing the number of meetings would cause meetings to run even longer. 

Councilmember Kennedy asked to consider planning for 3 meetings each month and holding a fourth date in case another meeting is needed. Mr. Young indicated that doing so would not be much of a change because staff would still need to prepare for the possibility of a fourth meeting. 

Councilmember Esters mentioned concern that reducing the number of meetings will increase the length of meetings. However, she acknowledged that a reduced number of meetings will allow staff more time for work. She indicated that if the meeting schedule were adjusted, Council would need to reconsider how they work during meetings. She expressed her interest in trying something new.

Councilmember Adams suggested we consider the hybrid format for every meeting. 

Councilmember Mitchell suggested that we consider doing something different by reducing meetings, which would allow staff the opportunity to do more work and allow for councilmembers to engage with the community more. 

Councilmember Rigg said that if we consider changing the number of meetings, we may need to consider being less ambitious and less verbose. 

Councilmember Kabir expressed being nervous about meetings being much longer. He supported Councilmember Adams’ suggestion for all meeting to be hybrid because doing so would make the duration of meetings more consistent. He suggested giving presenters a time limit, saying a detailed presentation could be included in the packet with a shorter presentation given during the meeting. 

Councilmember Whitney was willing to suggest a smaller reduction in the number of meetings. She reiterated that residents do not always know the difference between work sessions and regular meetings, and advocated for hybrid meetings going forward. She expressed her support for the 38-meeting schedule, saying we could further reduce the number of meetings in the next cycle if the 38-meeting schedule is sufficiently productive. 

Councilmember Mackie indicated we should make a change to the meeting schedule. She said she liked the idea of hybrid meetings and providing staff time off in August. She suggests having more meetings in the wintertime to offset summer meetings. She said such a change could allow the city manager to engage the community and allow staff vacation time. She suggested that the May 23 meetings be moved to January. 

Ms. Miller indicated that it is helpful to staff to have weeks without meetings, saying it allows staff to get more work done. 

Mayor Wojahn appreciated the input of Ms. Miller but wondered if we need to consider more staff.  Mr. Young agreed more staff should be considered. 

Councilmember Kennedy said we should consider hybrid meetings no matter what we do, but is concerned about a reduction to 32 and suggested maybe 35 or 36 meetings. Mr. Young and Ms. Miller indicated that other options can be shared with us. Councilmember Kennedy expressed her belief that fewer items will come our way instead of more time added to our meetings. 

Councilmember Rigg suggested time limits on Council comments and refraining from rehashing things unnecessarily. We are often verbose without additional benefit added. Ms. Miller indicated that our rules do limit comments and time.

Requests for/Status of Future Agenda Items Mayor and Council 

Mayor Wojahn asked for items from 2019 to be removed from the master list. 

Councilmember Whitney said she submitted a request for a traffic study for Roanoke Place but did not see it on the master list. Ms. Miller said she remembered Councilmember Whitney’s submission and would add it to the list. 

Mayor and Councilmember Comments Mayor and Council 

Councilmember Mitchell said College Park has been doing well with leadership positions. Delegate Jocelyn Peña Melnyk has been appointed to the Governor-Elect Moore’s transition team and Councilmember Mitchell has been added to Comptroller-Elect Brooke Lierman’s transition team. 

Councilmember Kabir announced the upcoming North College Park Community Association (NCPCA) meeting and holiday party to be held on Thursday, December 8 at 7:30 pm. 

Councilmember Adams acknowledged the Calvert Hill and Lakeland neighborhoods for their tree lighting events. 

Mayor Wojahn mentioned that upcoming PGCMA event to be held at the Show Place Arena on Friday, December 9. He indicated there were still tickets available for councilmembers interested in attending.  Ms. Miller asked for those interested in attending to send her an email. 

 City Manager’s Comments Kenneth A Young 

Mr. Young did not have any further comments. 

Meeting Adjourned

 Closed Session After Meeting

Pursuant to the statutory authority of the Maryland Annotated Code, General Provisions Article § 3-305(b), the Mayor and Council of the City of College Park are providing notice that they will meet in a Closed Session after the meeting on Tuesday, December 6 to discuss the appointment, employment, assignment, promotion, discipline, demotion, compensation, removal, resignation, or performance evaluation of appointees, employees, or officials over whom this public body has jurisdiction; any other personnel matter that affects one or more specific individuals. The Mayor and Council will discuss the City Manager’s evaluation. They will not return to public session.

Click here to see the work session agenda for December 6.

Click here to view the Mayor and Council Work Session held on December 6.

Click here to access the Mayor and Council Hybrid Meeting scheduled for December 13.