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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 19th 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 19th 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 4th 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 1st 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 6th 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 4th. 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.
The College Park District 2 Digest 