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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Greetings District 2 residents! We’re trying a new format to shorten our council meeting recaps. We hope this makes it easier to stay on top of Mayor & Council activities. Please email us at lbesters@collegeparkmd.gov and swhitney@collegeparkmd.gov to provide feedback on the blog and input on the decisions we’re making that impact you and our city. If this is your first visit, please click the follow button & provide your email address so you’ll receive an email each time we post. Thank you!

Here are the highlights from the City of College Park Mayor & Council Hybrid Meeting on January 24, 2023:

The Consent Agenda passed unanimously and can be viewed on page 2 of the agenda. 

Action Items (see page 92 of the agenda)

 Council unanimously approved:

• An agreement with Amano McGann for City parking pay stations, including Now Care Support Agreement, Mi-Office Maintenance fee, credit card fees and Verizon Airtime fees, subject to approval of City Attorney. In the past, the renewal of this agreement cost less than $30,000 so didn’t need Council approval. For FY23, the estimate is $30,104, so it came before Council.

Presentations and Worksession Discussions (see page 104 of the agenda) 

Council viewed presentations for and discussed the following topics:

• Annual police agency presentation from Major Keleti, Prince George’s County Police Department, and Chief Mitchell, University of Maryland Police Department 
  • Key takeaways from Major Keleti included:
    • Much progress in addressing non-violent crime, but violent crime is up and down
      • Statistics show a 150% increase of rape in College Park (5 incidents), but PGCPD has changed how it reports sexual assault from 2021 to 2022, so the increase isn’t as dramatic as it seems. 
      • Crime is down over the past 10 years but up since 2021 across most categories. 
      • The increase in crime since 2021 is a national trend.
      • Crime in College Park is lower than national and local averages.
    • PGCPD made several notable arrests, including of one individual responsible for multiple peeping Tom and indecent exposure incidents.
    • Mental health issues are a growing concern and resources are lacking.
  • Key takeaways from Chief Mitchell included:
    • Total incident calls for 2022 up from 2021
    • A steady decrease in off-campus calls (20% of total calls are for off-campus)
    • UMD has one of the lowest crime rates in the Big 10
    • Property crime is most frequently reported type of crime.
    • Five sexual assaults were reported; all assailants were known to the victims.
    • Increase in indecent exposure incidents (nationwide trend)
    • Highlighted several incidents in which live-monitored cameras were used to track crimes in progress and make arrests, including a sexual assault and drivers pointing guns at one another.
    • The Community Multi-Agency Service Team (CMAST) tracks calls across agencies both on- and off-campus to identify hot spots. The number of houses police received calls about went down from 13 in 2013 to 4 in 2022. In 2013, 1 house had 14 complaints. In 2022, no houses were reported more than once. 
    • Shotspotter technology has been deployed across campus and at places on Baltimore Avenue where crowds gather, extending north to Lakeland Road.
    • UMD students must follow Student Code of Conduct on & off campus.
    • Launching micro-mobility safety campaign in February
    • Mental health issues are a growing concern, with difficulty finding nearby inpatient care for students, faculty or staff in distress.
    • UMD’s response includes creating crisis intervention team, training dispatchers on handling calls, and deploying Teddy the UMPD Comfort Dog.
  • Mayor & Council response
    • Best way City can help is to advocate for legislation and funding that provides more mental health services locally and tracks where it’s available. 
    • Request more details about mental health initiatives (response> UMD focusing on mental health wellness before it reaches a crisis state, as well)
    • Concerns about tracking of quality-of-life issues like public intoxication, loud parties
    • Concerns about amount of police protection in areas farther from campus 
    • Are parents & landlords told Student Code of Conduct enforced off-campus? (response> parents – no; landlords – yes)
    • Best ways for residents to stay safe? (response> lock doors, windows, cars; don’t leave keys in car while running; don’t leave property in car; turn wheels into curb to deter tire/rim theft)
    • Ask for Narcan to be widely available on campus.
    • Impact of marijuana legalization (response> main concerns – driving while high & continued illegal trade)
    • Mayor Patrick Wojahn said, while it never feels that way when you’re the victim of a crime, overall, we have a safe community in College Park. 
• Board of Election Supervisors (BOES) recommendations for the 2023 election. 
  • The BOES’s findings from the City Election Engagement Survey (see page 112 of the agenda).
  • The BOES asked Council to make decisions on the following:
    • Date of election (Sunday, 11/5/23 or Tuesday, 11/7/23)
      • Council voted for Sunday, 11/5
    • Polling location?
      • Council voted for College Park Community Center for election day. Most early voting would be at City Hall, but Council requested Davis Hall be added as an early voting option for at least a couple of days.
    • Changing the deadline for voter registration to 15 days prior to election day (currently 28 days)
      • Council voted to reduce to 15 days but asked BOES to continue exploring same day registration.
    • Adopt the state/county permanent Vote By Mail list?
      • Council voted to adopt state/county permanent Vote By Mail list
    • Change the terms “absentee ballot” to “Vote By Mail” and “Late application for Absentee Ballot” to “Early Voting” in the City Code?
      • City Attorney Suellen Ferguson said State laws require City to provide “absentee ballots” so she’ll have to work on alternate language.
  • Quarterly Financial Presentation; FY 2024 Budget preview; Homestead Tax Credit review; Elderly Tax Credit discussion – Gary Fields, Director of Finance
    • Most anomalies in the amount of revenues or expenditures explained by timing issues.
    • Unbeknownst to the City, The Hotel at UMD applied to SDAT for a reduction in their assessed value. Due to their high vacancy rate during the pandemic, a reduction was granted, the result of which was a net loss to the City of $255 thousand in property tax revenue.
      • Council asked if we should expect more such reductions. Mr. Fields knew of nothing coming but said if it happened, the next assessment would hopefully return to pre-pandemic levels.
    • The City has written off a total of $542 thousand of unrecoverable debt related to the loan to the former Ledo’s restaurant. 
    • Homestead tax credit – 0% provides most benefit to taxpayers. Mr. Fields recommends it be left at 0% to provide homeowners with the biggest credit. If Council takes no action, it will remain at 0%.
    • Elderly Tax Credit – approved at County level in June. Many questions still to be answered to determine possible fiscal impact were it to be implemented. Will discuss during Budget Session in March.
    • Council budget requests due on January 27^th, but minor delays acceptable.

Click here to watch the Video of the January 24, 2023 meeting. 

Click here to see the agenda for the City of College Park Mayor & Council Hybrid Meeting on January 31, 2023. Tune in, show up or share your thoughts/concerns about the following Action Items, Presentations and Workshop discussions:

• Action items:
  • Review and consideration of Preliminary Plan of Subdivision for Discovery Point at the Discovery District (Campus Drive & Baltimore Avenue)
  • Consideration and possible introduction of several ordinances, collectively referred to as The Better Bag Act. The Committee for a Better Environment put forward the Act to encourage the use of reusable bags in the city by banning the distribution of plastic bags at commercial establishments and requiring at least a $0.10 fee be charged for each bag distributed by an establishment. The commercial establishment would retain the fees, and plastic bags used inside a store for produce, seafood, etc. have been excluded. CBE has suggested initiatives to address equity.
  • Consideration of a contract for the College Park Woods Clubhouse architect.
• Presentations and Workshop Discussions:
  • Quarterly update on the City’s Strategic Plan
  • Discussion of Council’s Rules and Procedures
  • Legislation (There is a possibility that the Council will vote on time sensitive matters)

• Where: Intersection of Berwyn House Road and US 1 (Baltimore  Avenue) 

• Activity: New 16” water main tie-in to existing water main. 

• Approved Work Times for This Activity: Night work from 9pm – 6am on Tuesday, January 24, 2023 through Thursday, January 26,  2023. 

• Equipment used for construction may be disruptive. Pedestrians and motorists should travel undistracted through all work zones  and motorists should obey all posted speed limits. 

• For more information about this project, please contact Mr. Mario Minoglio, MDOT SHA Project Engineer, at (443)  996-4033. 

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ANNOUNCEMENTS/COMMENTS – MAYOR, COUNCIL, STUDENT LIAISON 

Councilmember Kabir said many people have asked how they could help the family who recently experienced a fire at their home and referred them to the GoFundMe page that has been established.

Councilmember Esters thanked the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr Tribute Committee for their work planning the virtual panel on Monday, January 16 and entrusting her as moderator. She also informed residents that the next Berwyn District Civic Association (BDCA) meeting would be on Thursday, January 19^th from 7:30pm – 9pm. 

Councilmember Whitney shared her appreciation for the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr virtual panel discussion and said she thought we needed to get Councilmember Esters, who served as moderator, an NPR show.

Mayor Wojahn thanked the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Committee and all involved with planning the virtual panel. He voiced his appreciation for the panel and the opportunity to participate. 

CITY MANAGER’S REPORT 

Mr. Kenny Young announced that Council meetings are now streamed to Verizon (Channel 25) and Comcast (Channel 71) – another effort to ensure accessibility to the city’s business for everyone. 

AMENDMENTS TO AND APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA

Councilmember Rigg asked to amend action item 23-G-18 on approval of a new parade date to the approval to move the date from July 4 to May 6. 

PUBLIC COMMENT ON CONSENT AGENDA AND NON-AGENDA ITEMS 

A displaced resident of College Park, who has been in the City since September, asked for assistance in getting his vehicle back. He had brought receipts that he said reflected $2,000 he’d spent to retrieve his impounded vehicle, which he uses to work, and the personal belongings it contains. He said he was independently employed collecting cans in the city and has been displaced for some time. 

 CONSENT AGENDA – The following items on the Consent Agenda passed unanimously:

23-R-01 Approval of a Resolution Of The Mayor And Council Of The City Of College Park Adopting The Recommendation Of The Advisory Planning Commission Regarding Variance Application CPV-2022- 05, 4806 Harvard Road, College Park, Maryland Recommending Approval Of Three Variances: 1-Foot Front Yard Setback , 9-Foot Front Yard Setback And 4-Foot Setback Variances From Section 27-4202(E) Table II Of The Prince George’s County Zoning Ordinance, To Validate An Existing Front Porch And Expand A Second Story Attic – Appeal period ends January 14

23-G-09 Approval of a contract amendment with Olney Masonry Corporation to allow for increases in unit costs and quantities in an amount not to exceed $408,875 to complete construction of the Hollywood Streetscape Project – Terry Schum, Director of Planning 

23-G-10 Approval of the 2023 Mayor and Council meeting schedule Version A with 36 meetings per year.

 23-G-11 Approval of Animal Welfare Committee Workplan 

23-G-12 Approval of Committee For A Better Environment Workplan 

23-G-13 Approval of Education Advisory Committee Workplan

23-G-14 Approval of Seniors Committee Workplan 

23-G-15 Approval of Tree and Landscape Board Workplan 11. PUBLIC HEARINGS (Council May Take Action On Public Hearing Items At The Conclusion Of The Public Hearing)  

ACTION ITEMS 

23-G-19 Consideration of amendment to RST Development, LLC covenant concerning right-in/right out on Baltimore Avenue – Terry Schum, Director of Planning

Suellen Ferguson, City Attorney, mentioned the item came to Council last week and there were concerns from Councilmembers about anticipated traffic and congestion on Cherokee since the proposed development has only one entrance on Cherokee Street. During last week’s meeting Council voted for an update to the recommendations and Declaration of Covenants that indicated a reconsideration be submitted to the Planning Board for the right-in from Baltimore Ave. 

During a recent meeting with City staff, the developer, and attorney, the developer asked for Council to allow for the idea to be brought to the planning board now to get an indication if the right-in would be accepted. The proposed amendment states that if the Planning Board were to make clear at the January 19^th Detailed Site Plan hearing that it would not accept the right-in, Council would not require the developer to take this reconsideration back to the Planning Board and waste time unnecessarily. 

Mr. Haller, attorney for RST Development, said if the Planning Board entertains this request, the developer will then move forward with the reconsideration. 

Councilmember Kabir made the motion and said that he hoped the developer will do all that they can to request the right-in. 

Councilmember Dr. Esters seconded the motion and said there was no need to place undue burden on the developer, but the concerns mentioned by Councilmember Kabir were real and need to be addressed. 

23-G-16 Approval of Public School Education Grants recommended by the Education Advisory Committee – Kiaisha Barber, Director of Youth, Family and Senior Services and Carolyn Bernache, Chair, EAC

Ms. Kiaisha Barber informed Council that there were 5 requests for education grants put forth for Council’s consideration and ask Council for any question. 

Councilmember Whitney asked for verification that Greenbelt Middle School will not have a $310,520 surplus for its Loads of Love/Food Pantry/After-School project after receiving the requested $7,093 Public Education Grant. Councilmember Whitney said it appeared they had mistakenly listed staff salaries of $310,520 as an in-kind contribution for the project. Ms. Barber and Ms. Bernache said that Councilmember Whitney was correct that that was an error and no such surplus would exist.

Councilmember Rigg asked how we account for schools that our College Park residents attend? Ms. Barber said each year we ask for a report for all PG County schools that College Park students attend. The grant opportunities are offered to schools where there are at least 14 College Park residents in attendance. Councilmember Rigg asked for clarification for CPA Plus. Dr. Bernache said the CPA would use the grant to offer stipends that would allow more children to participate in the program. Councilmember Rigg asked about the application from Paint Branch Elementary School. He asked if Paint Branch Elementary were still a Chinese immersion school. Ms. Barber said it is. 

Councilmember Mackie asked if schools can still apply for grants, and both Ms. Barber and Dr. Bernache replied yes, schools can still apply. She said both Youth and Family Services and the Education Advisory Committee have worked hard to have people apply for these grants, and it is time to give them the grants. 

Councilmember Rigg thanked EAC for their work on the grants, which are a labor of love.

23-G-17 Approval of a contract amendment with KCI Technologies, Inc. for additional design services in the amount of $158,584 for Duvall Field Park – Terry Schum, Director of Planning 

Ms. Schum said the proposed contract amendment for the design of Duvall Field if approved will get the project on track. She reminded Council that when the contractors came back to us, they were asked to provide estimations on items that were not part of the original plan. The contractor is now asking for subcontractors to help with addressing what has been requested from the Council. They have sought firms that can assist, including an audio consultant, a splash pad consultant, and a cost estimation consultant. 

The original project manager has left the company, but this is a team effort. KCI, who has been on the project since the beginning, will take on project management. The project is now behind schedule, and it is estimated to take an additional 3 months to complete. There will be corresponding cost increases to the overall project. The conceptual cost increase will go from $5.1 million to $5.5 million. The increase can be covered by the CIP budget and will need to be budgeted for. 

Councilmember Mackie asked if we accept these costs, are we accepting the splash pad. Ms. Schum said no, the splash pad was considered an add-on alternate. 

Councilmember Kabir asked about the splash pad and if the $60,000 includes the cost of construction. Ms. Schum said the preliminary cost estimate of the splash pad is $187,000 and should be added to the design cost of $60,000. 

Councilmember Whitney asked if we ever received information from other municipalities about their costs for splash pad maintenance. Ms. Schum indicated there had been some outreach but added it is difficult to estimate cost as each pad is location specific. However, it is known that daily attention would need to be given to the splash pad. If we choose to move forward with this option, we will receive a guide on what would be needed. 

Councilmember Adams informed Council he had the opportunity to speak to a vendor at a recent National League of Cities (NLC) conference about splash pad maintenance costs. The individual thought $15,000 annually was typical in warmer climates, but $30,000 is a reasonable estimate in colder climates where there are additional costs related to winterization. 

Councilmember Rigg asked about the reasons for delay. Ms. Schum indicated the first delay was because the Department of Permitting, Inspections and Enforcement (DPIE) has not thoroughly reviewed or responded to the 60% Design study. We have to apply for permits when the project is 100% designed. Councilmember Rigg continued by asking how many more cost increases we expect to receive. He compared this project to the City Hall project where we cut costs versus us adding costs to this project. Ms. Schum said that KCI estimates that the projects should be ready go by October 2023. 

Councilmember Adams asked about the options that we requested and if any had not been included. Ms. Schum said that all options discussed were included. 

Councilmember Mackie mentioned that the City borrowed $1.2 million to do the design and costs continue to increase. Ms. Schum responded by saying that Council can determine to remove some features if they’d like to do so. 

Councilmember Kennedy said she appreciated the discussion but wanted us to have all of the information before making decisions moving forward. 

23-G-18 Approval of a Parade date of July 4 with an alternative date of May 6, 2023. – Ryna Quinones, Communications and Events Manager 

Ms. Quiñones introduced the discussion to move the City parade from July 4^th to May 6. She said schools will still be in session, allowing for participation by school groups. She said having the parade on a date other than a holiday would also reduce costs.

Councilmember Whitney asked why the month of May. Is there a day that has some significance to the City? Ms. Quiñones said the date did not have significance to the city. They thought this date would work given the time of year and lack of competing events. 

Mr. Kevin Blackerby mentioned that a holiday may not be a needed as a reason for a parade. He mentioned the nostalgia that many residents spoke of when the parade was held last year. 

Councilmember Esters asked if last year’s attendance could be attributed to the holiday. She mentioned her concerns about May 6th because it is very close to the end of the school year. She noted that May 1^st is May Day, International Laborers’ Day, and suggested that might be incorporated into the event. 

Councilmember Rigg indicated his skepticism about holding a parade for the sake of holding  a parade.

Councilmember Mackie said she was not skeptical and thinks it is a great idea to celebrate spring. 

Councilmember Adams said he appreciated the idea and trusted staff to make the suggestion. If it doesn’t work, we can change it. He suggested the parade could highlight the City’s civic associations. 

Councilmember Whitney mentioned Juneteenth and said we may to consider celebrating Juneteenth but understood that UMD students would not be available to participate. She concluded by saying if the May 6^th date change doesn’t work, we can change it. 

Councilmember Esters made the motion with a second from Councilmember Rigg.  Councilmember Esters said Mr. Blackerby’ s comment about nostalgia helped to shift her thoughts about the need for a holiday to have a parade. She said she was not aware of how the date for College Park Day was chosen, but it is not a holiday, and it has become a major event for the City. Maybe the same can happen with the parade.

PRESENTATIONS AND WORKSESSION DISCUSSIONS

Agenda items for January 26 Four Cities meeting hosted by College Park (in-person)

Mayor Wojahn said Dr. Pines is not available to attend the Four Cities Meeting scheduled for January 26. Danielle Glaros, Assistant Vice President & Chief of Staff for Administration for the University of Maryland, indicated that Provost King may be available to attend the meeting and speak to the work University of Maryland (UMD) would like to do within the community. Mayor Wojahn indicated that we should pursue the provost and, if she is not available, consider a different meeting date. Ms. Glaros indicated she and Mr. Colella would be able to make the meeting on 1/26 and join Mr. Fellows (former Mayor of College Park).

Councilmember Kabir mentioned the noise camera legislation and suggested inviting the state legislator introducing the bill to Council meeting. 

Councilmember Whitney asked to add investor property purchases with the City. 

Councilmember Rigg suggested discussing MML’s legislative priorities.

Councilmember Mackie asked to add a discussion of Federal issues to the agenda. When asked by Mayor Wojahn to specific what Federal issues, she said Budgetary issues. 

Councilmember Adams suggested discussing the Resilient Maryland federal loan program.

Ms. Miller, City Clerk, asked if the meeting will be hybrid and Mayor Wojahn said it would be hybrid.

REQUESTS FOR / STATUS OF FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS 

Mayor Wojahn wanted to make sure the rent stabilization item was added to the agenda. 

COMMENTS FROM THE AUDIENCE – Speakers are asked to provide their name and if they are a College Park resident and are given three minutes to address the Council. Comments will become part of the public record. 

Mayor Wojahn will present on youth mental health at the upcoming U.S. Conference of Mayors. He thanked Ms. Barber for providing him with resources about the services our City provides for youth with mental health concerns.

COMMENTS FROM THE MAYOR, COUNCIL OR CITY MANAGER

Mr. Young said that the discussion about shifting the parade was helpful and that changing the date will help with overall costs. He explained the expense of last year’s parade held on July 4^th. He also shared that the City is working with UMD on obtaining federal dollars to help electrify its bus fleet (the bus fleet provide free rides to residents). 

ADJOURN 

Closed Session After The 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, January 17, 2023 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. They will not return to public session. 

Greetings, District 2 residents. Mayor & Council requests / resident suggestions for the FY24 Proposed Budget are due by next Friday, January 27th. Please take the survey at www.collegeparkmd.gov/budgetfeedback to learn about the process and submit your suggestions. Feel free to reach out if you have initiatives you’d like us to advocate for.

District 2 Councilmember Llatetra Brown Esters
lbesters@collegeparkmd.gov
(240) 636-3584

District 2 Councilmember Susan Whitney
swhitney@collegeparkmd.gov
(202) 603-3634

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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ANNOUNCEMENTS/COMMENTS – MAYOR, COUNCIL, STUDENT LIAISON 

 Mayor Wojahn mentioned the change in the Council meeting format which will be a combination and work session and meeting. The number of overall meetings will also change. 

Councilmember Kabir thanked firefighters who responded to a recent fire in North College Park. He said their quick response helped save lives. He thanked the various engines that came to assist, including those from College Park, Beltsville, Berwyn Heights, Greenbelt, and Silver Spring. He also mentioned the cancellation of the upcoming North College Park Civic Association (NCPCA) meeting. 

Councilmember Kennedy encouraged resident to support Girl Scouts who will be selling cookies soon. 

Councilmember Esters reminded residents of the upcoming virtual panel to commemorate Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on Monday, January 16 at 7pm. 

Councilmember Whitney asked District 2 residents who may be experiencing flooding to make contact with their Councilmembers. 

Councilmember Adams thanked staff for putting a bench along the trolley trail and mentioned the higher Washington Suburban Sanitation Commission (WSSC) bills that have been received by a number of residents in District 3. He and Councilmember Riggs are compiling those reports to send to County Councilmember Eric Olson, who will reach out to WSSC.

Councilmember Riggs thanked staff for the work in planning the winter holiday celebration and tree lighting. He also acknowledged a number of fireworks incidents on New Year Eve and suggested we consider holding an organized fireworks event. He researched municipalities in the area and found there weren’t many that sponsored fireworks. 

Councilmember Mackie mentioned the food drive sponsored by the city for the College Park Food bank and encouraged residents to consider composting 

Councilmember Mitchell thanked staff for helping to deal with an issue at the College Park Woods  Clubhouse. She also wished the members of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. a Happy Founders Day. She  said March would mark the 40^th anniversary of  her membership in the sorority. 

CITY MANAGER’S REPORT 

Mr. Young informed residents of the various way they can honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in the City of College Park:

• Students can participate in art contest
• Attend the City’s virtual panel discussion on Monday, January 16 at 7pm
• Register for a number of free books for students in  pre-k through sixth grade
• Contribute to the City food drive

He also informed residents that curbside leaf collection has ended for the year, and Public Works will pick up any additional leaves on an individual basis. The City had a substantial amount of tree debris from the storm of July 12, so Public Works has a lot of wood mulch for residents.

Councilmember Mackie asked if residents can still complete the City’s resident survey. Mr. Young said that survey was now closed, and data was being analyzed. 

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS 

Mayor Wojahn recognized meeting attendees Ms. Mary Cook, former College Park Councilmember; Ms. Ealley, Chair of the Animal Control Committee and volunteer with Meals on Wheels; and Danielle Glaros, former County Councilmember. 

PROCLAMATIONS AND AWARDS 

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Tribute 

 AMENDMENTS TO AND APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA 

Adams motioned for the inclusion of a letter to request support from Governor-elect Wes Moore for the Luminis Health Doctor’s Community Medical Center (LHDCMC) and their request for $170 million in capital funding to expand access to obstetrics care for the resident of Prince George’s County. 

PUBLIC COMMENT ON CONSENT AGENDA AND NON-AGENDA ITEMS 

David Dorsch, resident of College Park, said he came to discuss bags. He asked why we need to change the use of bags and mentioned his concern about the elimination of paper bags. He recognized merchants will save money and his understanding that bags will be available for $.10  He said there is no good reason to ban paper bags or have merchants sell them. [Please note that under the proposed Better Bag Ordinance, businesses would still be allowed to distribute paper bags for a minimum 10-cent fee. They would not be allowed to distribute plastic bags.] 

Mr. Dorsch also mentioned that the Calvert Hills stormwater management project has been dead-ended and asked for the council to do something about it before we have the next flood, which according to Mr. Dorsch is two years away. 

CONSENT AGENDA 

• 23-G-02 Approval of Minutes from the December 13, 2022, Council meeting. Approval of Closed Session minutes (confidential minutes provided separately) 
• 23-G-05 Request for Multi-way Stop Sign on Marlborough Way at Limestone Place – Steve Halpern, City Engineer 
• 23-G-06 Request for Multi-way Stop Sign on Roanoke Place at 51st Avenue – Steve Halpern, City Engineer 
• 23-G-07 Request for Multi-way Stop Sign on 51st Avenue at Kennesaw Street – Steve Halpern, City Engineer
• 23-G-08 letter to  support to Governor-elect Wes Moore for the Luminis Health Doctor’s Community Medical Center (LHDCMC) and their request for $170 million in capital funding to expand access to obstetrics care for the resident of Prince George’s County. 

 ACTION ITEMS 

23-G-03 Approval of City recommendations re: Detailed Site Plan DSP22015 for the RST development (9113 Baltimore Avenue) and of a Declaration of Covenants – Terry Schum, Director of Planning and Suellen Ferguson, City Attorney (Planning Board date is January 19; Work session discussion was held December 13) 

Ms. Schum introduced that item and said the developer hads come to us prior to the presentation to the planning board on January 19. She  reviewed key items from site plan recommendations and covenant of agreement including the following: 

• The correct number of parking spaces in the garage will be 360
• No longer requiring mandatory storefront 
• The developer has proposed the step down to the building from 7 to 5 stories
• The developer objected to a request to submit a reconsideration of right-in to and right-out access from the garage on Baltimore Ave. 
• Developer will provide a green roof to a portion of the building rather than the entire building.
• Developer is working to save the existing trees on the site.

Ms. Schum indicated the developer reviewed and accepted the Declaration of Agreements, other than the items mentioned above. 

Mr. Haller, attorney for the developer, thanked staff for their work and wanted to give some additional background about the right-in and right-out. He said the original request for the right-in right-out had been taken to the planning board and was rejected due to safety concerns, namely individuals attempting to make left turns out of the garage. He said the objection from the planning board seemed clear and the results of their traffic study concluded that the widening of Cherokee Street and the addition of the right-turn lane on Cherokee should alleviate traffic issues. As such, they did not desire to submit the reconsideration that would not be of benefit to the project. 

Mayor Wojahn asked about the probability of M-NCPPC approving reconsideration for the right-in. Ms. Schum said it is hard to anticipate what the planning board will do, but typically if the applicant demonstrates community and Council support and SHA doesn’t oppose, she would expect they would approve it.

Councilmember Esters reiterated the concern about traffic along Cherokee Street and asked the developer to consider not only what would be beneficial to the project but also the surrounding community. She mentioned the pending Metropolitan project slated to be built on the southern side of Cherokee. 

Councilmember Kabir expressed concern about traffic on the Cherokee Street, inquired about the size of the garage, and asked about the proposed tree buffer. 

Councilmember Mitchell asked Mr. Haller what he thought the result of going back to the planning board would be. Mr. Haller said it depends on the M-NCPPC’s Director of Transportation, saying having the support of the City makes a big difference but that there’s no way to predict what he will decide. 

Councilmember Adams said he wished we could’ve had this conversation sooner, saying the developer appeared before Council in September and received unanimous support on a proposal that included the right-in, right-out. He said it would have been great to have known how we could voice our opinion earlier to get the outcomes our community needs, saying the developer is stuck in the middle of two government agencies.

Riggs asked Ms. Schum if M-NCPPC’s requested removal of the right-in, right-out was based on their interpretation of the Route one Sector Plan? She said she believes so, explaining that the sector plan says it is preferable for any development that has primary road frontage to use existing side streets or an alley for access to parking when possible.  

Councilmember Mackie asked if signage could be installed that says “Do Not Block Driveway” in the right-of-way. Mr. Haller said that was feasible. Councilmember Mackie also asked how the developer will ensure affordability and make sure that people do not sublet units, explaining that the City is trying to encourage young professionals to consider living in College Park. Scott Copeland responded to the questions by informing Council that the project will be funded with tax credits and there will restrictions on affordability for 30 years. 

Councilmember Kennedy asked if there was any other way to move forward and expressed concern about pedestrian safety.

Mr. Copeland mentioned timing being an issue. 

COMMENTS FROM THE AUDIENCE 

College Park resident from 4800 block of Delaware Street – The Council should do everything they can to kill the project as Green standards have been overlooked. He asked why the City wouldn’t want to have greater environmental area. He said the City should be focused on providing a greater quality of life. He did not understand why no one mentioned the density of the project. He concluded by saying no to the project.

Dr. Blumenthal, College Park resident – Thanked everyone for their comments. She said the one thing she kept hearing was the developer has no time. She said the urgency to make a decision felt like the decision was being made too fast. Indicated that the mention of congestion by Councilmembers was true and felt that residents should be taken into consideration. 

Ms. Cook, College Park resident – Thanked the Copelands for working with Meals on Wheels. She said she had given the right-in and right-out consideration and believes there should be a right-in and right-out.  She suggested that the city consider widening Cherokee Street. She expressed her concerns that the development is still too high even with change. She also shared her belief that subletting will occur and said something should be added into the covenants about subleasing. 

Ms. Ealley, College Park resident – Thanked the City Council for working with RST on this project. She explained that she was representing Meals on Wheels and would like this to be done as soon as possible. She promised to have her folks to come to the building by way of Baltimore Ave instead of Cherokee St. 

Councilmember Kabir talked about interest in the project and concern with what is currently in place. He also said we need to be sensitive to the needs and interest of current residents. People are concerned about the height of the building, traffic, schools, lack of store fronts and step down. He acknowledged the City’s efforts to provide affordable housing and motioned to move forward with the approval of the City’s recommendations for the RST development and the Declaration of Covenants.

Councilmember Mitchell asked about the resident comment about subleasing and its inclusion in the in the Covenants. She mentioned her involvement with the process for including Meals on Wheels and mentioned her support for her project. 

Councilmember Riggs said he was concerned about the direction we were going in and motioned to amend the original motion by Councilmember Kabir and accept the changes put forth by the developer.

A roll call vote was taken, and the amendment did not pass. The original motion was seconded, and council voted to approve the City recommendations and Declaration of Covenant. 

23-G-04 Discussion and approval of 2023 Mayor and Council appointments to COG Boards and Committees – Mayor Wojahn

The Council proceeded with the City Council COG Appointments with two changes. Councilmember Kennedy is currently the primary representative on the Region Forward Committee, while Councilmember Adams is the alternate. They will switch roles for the coming year. Similarly, Adams will switch places with Councilmember Rigg as the primary representative on the Metropolitan Washington Air Quality Committee, with Rigg shifting to alternate. 

PRESENTATIONS AND WORKSESSION DISCUSSIONS

Discussion of Proposed Better Bag Bill

Mr. Robert Marsili, Director of Public Works introduced the presentation which was first brought to Council on November 15, 2022. College Park Economic Development Manager Michael Williams was said he’d reached out to many local businesses, including our smaller mom-and-pops, and they were very receptive to the program but wanted to ensure they’d receive guidance on lead-time and the mechanics of program. He said he didn’t meet resistance to the idea. 

Mr. Todd Larsen, Chair of the Committee for a Better Environment, thanked Mr. Williams for the outreach to the businesses within the City. Ms. Sarah Price of the Maryland Retailers Association (MRA) said they had evaluated the model legislation that the Sierra Club has moved around the state and support the legislation, saying they are specifically appreciative of the 10-cent fee floor to help offset the cost of the more expensive paper bags. She said the fee eliminates competition between small businesses because customers know what to expect. 

Ms. Martha Ainsworth, Sierra Club, expressed support and said she was available to answer any questions. 

Councilmember Kabir asked if small plastic bags would be part of the ordinance. Mr. Larsen explained that small bags used for meats and vegetables would not be part of the ordinance. Councilmember Kabir asked about the number of businesses where there was outreach. Mr. Williams said that approximately 75-85% of businesses in the City were approached, well over 100. 

Councilmember Kennedy said that such ordinances are difficult to sell to residents and said our lives were made easier by having approval from representatives of both the Sierra Club and the Maryland Retailers Association and noted the irony of the MRA representative having the last name Price. 

Mayor Wojahn thanked CBE, Sierra Club, Mr. Williams, and Mr. Marsili for their work. 

Review of annual advisory board reports 

Ms. Janeen Miller said some reports included budget requests. Councilmember Mitchell asked about the hearing from the Noise Control Board. Councilmember Adams asked about the establishment of the Bike/Pedestrian Committee. Mayor Wojahn asked about the progress on establishing the Youth Advisory Commission. Councilmember Whitney asked about the name change from “Recreation Board” to “City Events Advisory Board”, saying it is still referred to on the City website as the Recreation Board. City Clerk Janeen Miller explained that the Recreation Board would be discussing the name change in their February meeting.

Councilmember Mackie asked if there would be a comprehensive document of the budget requests from the advisory boards, and Councilmember Esters asked when we would hear from the Restorative Justice Commission. 

Ms. Miller said for those boards asking for budgetary items, it would be appropriate to talk about their progress so far and the reason for the additional resources being requested. 

Mr. Young indicated that any budgetary requests will be shared with Council at Council request and that Council would need to give thought to budgetary implications. 

Councilmember Kennedy asked for clarification on whether at the next meeting we were considering just the annual work plans or also the budgetary implications of those plans. Ms. Miller said only the work plans were being considered and that the budgetary implications would be addressed in the March 25^th budget work session.

Review of revised Council Calendar

Council discussed the new Council Calendar meant to reduce the overall number of meetings. Council member Adams said he liked the current meeting format and thinks we are working toward efficiency. He voted for the 34-meeting option. Councilmember Kabir said he liked the 36-meeting option and felt it would help us be more efficient. Councilmember Kennedy said we should take baby steps and change to 36 meetings.  Councilmember Esters voted for the 36-meeting option. Councilmember Whitney voted for the 36-meeting option but said we may reconsider moving toward 34 meetings in the future. Councilmember Rigg voted for the 34-meeting option. Councilmember Mackie voted for 34 meetings and does not not want us to have a meeting after Thanksgiving. Councilmember Mitchell  voted for the 34-meeting option. The vote on meeting options was split 4 to 4. So, Mayor Wojahn broke the tie. He said he thought it would be too drastic to move to 34 meeting and there would be issues of accessibility for residents were the meetings to run long. He felt there are ways we can make the meetings go faster and be more efficient. The Mayor voted for the 36-meeting option. 

REQUEST FOR/STATUS OF FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS

Mayor Wojahn raised the issue of rental stabilization in the City. He explained that one of the goals of a rental stabilization is to help with the issues of investors who come into the city buy up property and do not live in the city. A major strategy suggested at a recent workshop at a National League of Cities conference was rent stabilization of single -family homes. The Mayor suggests starting with a study that would look at the economics driving the trend and what impact rent stabilization might have. 

Discussion of Meetings Recently Attended Meetings

Councilmember Mitchell said attended a MACCO presentation that discussed how ARPA funds were used to prevent homelessness and that, as the covid crisis abates, counties need to continue to assist residents that make less than the living wage.

Councilmember Kennedy mention the summer EBT program offered at schools and thanked the federal government for their work. 

During a December MWAC meeting, Councilmember Rigg learned of a dispute between DC and the Town of Cheverly. A long diesel bus lot has been created at the edge of cheverly to service DC’s bus fleet. There was nimby opposition in DC, so DC decided to put it on the edge of Cheverly.

Mayor Wojahn mentioned a recent transportation meeting discussion about Pennsylvania Ave. and   making it more walkable and bikeable. The meeting included discussion on transit reliability and the establishment of an incremental program.

COMMENTS FROM THE MAYOR, COUNCIL OR CITY MANAGER

Mr. Young thanked Council for bearing with staff as they work to improve the structure of Council meetings. 

MEETING ADJOURNED 

Click here to see the hybrid meeting agenda for January 10.
Click here to view the Mayor and Council Hybrid Meeting held on January 10 once it has been posted. 
Click here to see the hybrid meeting agenda agenda scheduled for January 17.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day is a time set aside each year for us, as a country, to work together in serving others and making our communities more equitable. His legacy inspires us to passionately fight against discrimination in all forms and uplift the most vulnerable in our communities. 

All City facilities will be closed on Monday, January 16th in observance of the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday. There will be no collections on Monday; all trash and recycling days slide forward one day (Monday collections will occur on Tuesday and so forth), and Friday is the only Special/Bulk collection day. 

Each year, the City celebrates the holiday with a tribute to Dr. King. This year’s theme, “The Urgency of Now: One Community, One Love,” explores the connection between racism and inequality and how discrimination creates vulnerable communities in need. 

The City of College Park is providing multiple ways our residents can honor Dr. King’s legacy on January 16th and beyond:

• Virtual Panel: Join our panelists and us on January 16th, 2023 from 7:00-8:00pm for a thought-provoking discussion on Dr. King’s teachings and legacy. Registration is free. RSVP here. Zoom: https://zoom.us/j/98187966180. 
  
• ART, VISUAL ART, AND ESSAY COMPETITION: In celebration of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, we would like to hear about how Dr. King’s legacy has impacted your life. This art, visual arts, and essay competition is open to kindergarten through 12th grade  students who live in the City of College Park.  Students must submit their entry by Monday, January 30, 2023. Learn more here.
  
• FOOD DRIVE: Throughout January, the City of College Park will honor the life and legacy of civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. with a canned food drive starting Tuesday, January 3rd through Tuesday, Jan. 31. A collection box will be established at the City Hall Building, 7401 Baltimore Avenue. 
  
  The City will accept your donations of clean, non-dented canned & boxed non-perishable food items, not past their expiration date (no homemade items accepted) to support the College Park Community Food Bank. The College Park Community Food Bank reduces hunger in College Park and the surrounding communities by regularly offering healthy food to individuals and families. The need is great as they are serving three times the number of families than usual during COVID-19.

PREFERRED ITEMS: Beans, Soup, Tuna, Canned Fruit (in juice or light syrup), Canned Veggies (no salt added or low sodium), Peanut Butter, Pasta, Canned Tomatoes, Macaroni and Cheese, Rice

• BOOK GIVEAWAY: As part of our tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. during the month of January, the City giving away free copies of three books that educate and inform about Dr. King’s life and his work toward Civil Rights:
  • Martin’s Big Words (grade range: k-3)
  • We March (grade range: 1 –2)
  • The Civil Rights Movement (grade range: 4-6)

City residents can receive one copy of one or each of the three books, while supplies last. To request a copy of any of these books, please complete the  application at  https://bit.ly/MLKBookGiveaway. You will receive an email when your book(s)  are available for pickup. The requested books must be picked up at City Hall (7401 Baltimore Ave) during business hours. Up to one copy per book per household, while supplies last. City residency is required. Please bring a copy of your submitted form and proof of residency. You must pick up your book(s) by March 1st, 2023. 

For the full list of this year’s Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration activities, please visit www.collegeparkmd.gov/mlktribute.