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
Councilmember Esters thanked everyone for their activities during Trolley Trail day which took place from Hyattsville to Hollywood. She said that she and Councilmember Whitney traveled from Hollywood to Calvert Hills, but they had a particular affinity for events in the Berwyn and Lakeland neighborhoods. She also announced the upcoming Berwyn Civic Association meeting on Thursday, June 15 at 7:30pm and said looking for more information to visit myberwyn.org.
Councilmember Whitney mentioned the Dine or Shop event on at Franklins Restaurant General Store in support of the Community Meals Program at College Park United Methodist Church on June 27th from 11am – 9p. Twenty percent of all proceeds will be donated to the Community Meals Program. Patrons should remember to tell their server or shop attendant they are shopping for Community Meals and provide their receipt at the end. She also said the WMATA request for input into the better bus initiative has been extended to June 18.
Councilmember Mackie said the College Park Wood Neighbor Watch event will be held on Saturday, June 17 from 12 – 3 in the College Park Woods Neighborhood Park. She also mentioned the Bee City event at Clarice Performing Arts Building from 1pm -3pm as part of Pollinator Week.
Councilmember Adams mentioned the Calvert Flyers as one of the few groups in the DMV area that plays disc golf and that they have a Facebook page.
Councilmember Rigg congratulated staff and Council colleagues for being selected to host the next meeting of the International Town and Gown Association (ITGA). There is much work to be done together to help make it happen.
Mr. Young and Mr. Rigg attended the ITGA conference in Fort Collins, Colorado. It was nice to discuss what is great in College Park and the challenges faced by the city.
Mr. Rigg chimed in to say he enjoys living in this community and hopes that others are just as excited. He asked if council members would be interested in helping with a committee.
Mayor Kabir thanked Councilmember Rigg and the University of Maryland Office of Community Engagement (OCE) for their work.
SGA Liaison Mironi mentioned a successful meeting he attended between members of City Staff and City Council (Assistant City Manager, Bill Gardiner, Councilmember Esters, and Councilmember Whitney) with the OCE about student engagement and looks forward to opportunities to engage residents.
CITY MANAGER’S REPORT
Mr. Young mentioned an upcoming event hosted by the Prince George’s Property Owners Association (PGPOA) at the Parish Hall on 6/15. The quest speaker will be Eric Wayne who will discuss housing trends.
He also mentioned the upcoming State of the Economy 2023 event to be held by County Executive Alsobrooks that will be held in College Park at the Hotel on Wednesday, June 14, He concluded by announcing the upcoming City of College Park Townhall to be held at the City Hall Chambers on June 24 at 10am. Coffee and good discussion will be served.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
Alan Hew – former council member for District 4
Monroe Dennis – Former council member for District 2
PROCLAMATIONS:
• Pollinator Week – June 19 – 25, 2023
AWARDS:
- Employee of the Year Awarded to Jessica Prentice, Clinical Supervisor, Department of Youth, Family and Senior Services – Kenneth Young, City Manager and Teresa Way-Pezzuti, Director of Human Resources
Ms. Prentice was nominated by two of her colleagues at the end of the year. She serves as a Clinical Supervisor. She values the wellbeing of her team and continues to show patience and a great deal of care. She has lead the city’s employee wellness initiative and serves as Government Alliance on Race and Equity (GARE) lead.
- Recognition of Outstanding Essayists in the MML “If I Were Mayor, I Would” essay contest – Kiaisha Barber, Director of Youth, Family and Senior Services
The theme of the essay contest was “Preserving the Past and Empowering the Future.” Mayor Kabir recognized students from Hollywood Elementary, Holy Redeemer, Paint Branch Elementary, and Al-Huda School. He said members of Council were able to go to schools and hear readings of the essays. He also announced that one of the State semi-finalists was from the Al-Huda School. Essays were read by each of the students, and the topic focused on regulation of speed cameras, discrimination, speed limits, bringing people together, accessibility, and inclusivity.
AMENDMENTS TO AND APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA
Councilmember Kennedy made a motion to move 23-G-97 (Appointment to fill the District 1 Council vacancy) to the beginning of the Action items.
Councilmember Esters made a motion to move 23-G- 94 (Approval of closing the Locust Spring Alley between 49th Place and Rhode Island Ave. to drive through traffic) to consent agenda. Motion was seconded by Councilmember Whitney.
CONSENT AGENDA
23-G-91 Award a contract in substantially the form attached to Vertex Roofing Contractors Inc. in the amount of $52,300 for the removal and replacement of the roof on the DPW Truck Garage – Robert Marsili, Director of Public Works
23-G-92 Annual appointments to City advisory boards – Yvette Allen Assistant City Clerk
23-G-93 Approval of the minutes from the May 2, 2023
23-G-98 Approval of the installation of stop signs on 52nd Avenue at the intersection with Kenesaw Street to make the intersection a multiway stop and relocate the stop bar on Eastbound Kennesaw Street.
23-G-94 Approval of closing the Locust Spring Alley between 49th Place and Rhode Island Avenue to drive through vehicles – Bob Ryan, Director of Public Services
ACTION ITEMS
23-G-97 Appointment to fill the District 1 Council vacancy
Councilmember Kennedy made the motion to appoint Alan Hew to the District 1 Council vacancy. She said that 12 people applied and 3 did not live in the district. She explained that only those who live in the district were considered using the following criteria: Leadership, Professional Skills, Community Service, and Diversity. She went on to say that Alan has had a lot of experience serving the community. He lived in District 4 but due to redistricting now lives in District 1.
Councilmember Whitney said she was impressed by the applicants.
Councilmember Mackie said she was happy to work with Mr. Hew.
Councilmember Adams said he hoped that applicants would get involved in the city, including civic associations.
Both Councilmembers Rigg and Esters said they hope that folks will get involved through the various City boards and committees.
Mayor Kabir swore Mr. Hew into his Council seat.
Councilmember Hew thanked the Council for consideration and approval to serve for the next few months, and he said plans to be a candidate in November.
23-G-81 Approval of City-Wide Tutoring Program with Imagine Learning -Kiaisha Barber, Director of Youth, Family and Senior Services
Ms. Barber reminded those in attendance that the program was brought to council in December, and the council allocated $30,000 and a part-time position to support this initiative. She discussed the benefits of the program, saying it would be for K-12 College Park students. Dr. Caroline Bernache of the Education Advisory Committee said she was delighted to bring this program forward to council. She said there may be a variety of reasons why students may not have access to tutoring, and this will provide excellent access to students.
Councilmember Whitney asked what protections are in place to protect students in one-on-one tutoring sessions. Imagine Learning’s Aaron Cole said all sessions are recorded and staff may view all sessions.
Councilmember Kennedy asked if GED support was an option. Mr. Cole indicated he would ask for another line to the contract that would provide access to GED prep courses for free. GED sessions are asynchronous, recorded sessions led by real teachers.
SGA Liaison Mironi – Ask about real-time access to bilingual teachers. Mr. Mironi referred to a Buzzfeed article that critiqued the program. Mr. Cole indicated his familiarity with the article and said the complaints occurred during COVID when all educational providers were struggling to meet demand. Mr. Mironi asked if there was an average estimate of time when a student can access a teacher. Mr. Cole said two – three minutes. He explained the program is asynchronous; the student needs to go through self-help modules before getting to a real teacher.
Councilmember Rigg asked if staff had any idea of the need and if the monetary amount was based upon need? Ms. Barber said there isn’t a minimum. Dr. Bernache said we will need to encourage enrollment into the program. The staff person will be key in helping to promote the program.
Councilmember Rigg asked about the specific population being targeted. Mr. Cole said the program has a capacity to take students in Math and Reading comprehension. Often, this is used in conjunction with core programs. It can be used for intervention and enrichment. The program assesses where a student may be.
Councilmember Mitchell shared her understanding of the program’s proven track record and mentioned student challenges with reading comprehension. She asked if there are tutors who could assist with reading comprehension. Mr. Cole said it would not be possible with the current budget but could be something that may be done in the future.
Mr. Mironi referenced the recent changes with SAT and ACT testing. He asked if the platform would reflect the expected changes with both the ACT and SAT. Mr. Cole said they work closely with both ACT and SAT and that he would take the question to his team.
Mayor Kabir asked about the promotion of the program. Ms. Barber said once approved, she would like to consider the various ways it will be promoted, including mailings and discussion with all schools serving College Park students.
Councilmember Esters mentioned the importance of such a program and thanked the Education Advisory Committee (EAC) for their forethought in bringing this to Council.
Councilmember Kennedy acknowledged the work and the long-standing desire of Councilmember Mackie to bring a tutoring program to the city.
Councilmember Mackie acknowledged the work of the EAC and referenced her work as a homeschooler and former tutor.
23-G-82 Consideration of Detailed Site Plan DPS-22024 and Related Departure, Discovery Point, located at the southeast quadrant of Baltimore Avenue and Campus Drive and a Declaration of Covenants and Agreement Regarding Land Use – Miriam Bader, Director of Planning and Suellen Ferguson, City Attorney
Erik Valentine, College Park Community Development Planner, summarized the staff report and memo. This phased project came to council on May 16. He focused on two major issues, the BPIS and College Park Airport concerns.
Ms. Ferguson said that as it relates to the Bicycle Pedestrian Impact Statement (BPIS), M-NCPPC would allow parties to come in to ask for a change in the BPIS to determine when the improvements would be required to be completed.
Mr. Taub, the attorney representing the developers, thanked Ms. Ferguson and Ms. Bader for their work and acknowledged the work with the University and Terrapin Development. He also referenced compliance with Federal aviation regulations related to Part 77.
Councilmember Adams made a motion to approve the Detailed Site Plan for Discovery Point and the Declaration of Covenants and Agreement of Land use. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Rigg.
Councilmember Mitchell echoed a compliment to Mr. Taub for his work with our attorney to come to consensus.
Councilmember Rigg disclosed discussion with Mr. Taub and others involved in the project.
23-G-95 Consideration of reducing the speed limit on Rhode Island Avenue between University Boulevard to Paducah Road from 35 MPH to 30 MPH as soon as possible, and following the implementation of traffic calming measures, further reduce the speed limit to 25 MPH if determined by staff after a traffic study to be justified by the traffic data and other factors – Steve Halpern, City Engineer and Suellen Ferguson, City Attorney
City Engineer Steve Halpern referenced a recent report related to driving speed on Rhode Island Ave. The report indicated 35 miles per hour is too fast on this neighborhood street. A plan was provided, and it was recommended we drop to 30 mph now and make other adjustments (i.e., raised bus stops, chokers, bus stops in the lane so cars cannot pass, and flex posts). Another study will be done to determine if/how behavior has improved. A re-evaluation will be done to determine if we need to move the speed limit down to 25.
Councilmember Mackie asked for clarification about the plan and asked how long it would take for improvements to be made. Mr. Halpern said improvements would be made by August.
Councilmember Adams asked what further action would be needed from Council on this matter. Mr. Halpern said the next study will be conducted after the improvements have been completed, and the City will lower the speed limit to 25 without further council action if that study shows the need for it.
SGA Liaison Mironi asked how the speed limits of 30 and 25 were derived.
Councilmember Esters clarified that the change was not an arbitrary decision from our City Engineer, rather it was based on the study that was recently done.
PRESENTATIONS AND WORKSESSION DISCUSSIONS
- Discussion of the City’s Revitalization Tax Credit Program (45) – Michael Williams, Economic Development Manager
Mr. Williams led the discussion and wanted to address the story of the program and where it has been.
Mr. Young said he has been asked about how we can get affordable housing and certain types of housing. He said that Council needs to consider what type of projects it wants to see in order to give tax credits. He used the example of a recent project that came to council as one thing but was quite different when it came back to Council. He said that when projects come before us, we do not always ask for right questions, like proforma. He said we need to consider asking such questions.
Councilmember Adams said the tax credit is important to our tax base. In aggregate, it has substantially increased our tax base. He said he appreciated the criteria that is set forth before us. He asked if the tax credit was only for new construction. Ms. Ferguson, the City Attorney, said she would look up whether or not it can be used for re-development. His research found the tax credit can be allowed for redevelopment at a higher value than the initial assessment. He mentioned the requirement of LEED qualification and said that SMART Growth and amenities are important, but he would caution us not to go too far because there are many ways to be sustainable. He said tax incentives done right can work. He added that the size of retail spaces should be considered and that condos should be an option.
Councilmember Whitney said she understood the sustainability factor brought forth by Councilmember Adams but thought it might not be a bad idea to consider gold, pointing out that it was only one of many criteria that might qualify a project. She asked whether Council receives the application for review when it considers a tax credit, and Ms. Ferguson said they did. Councilmember Whitney said she would like to consider adding an attestation that the developer is not putting forth the types of housing considered ineligible for the tax credit. Ms. Ferguson said that the City must be careful not to restrict housing for any particular group. Councilmember Whitney also suggested that if a community center is offered as a criterion, it might include a provision to provide utilities. Finally, she asked if Council might require a payment in lieu of taxes (PILOT) to the City were the property to be assessed at a lower value. Finally, she echoed the concern about certain types of housing needed within the city, including affordable housing which, she said, should not be concentrated in one district, as it is now.
Councilmember Esters reiterated the importance of having affordable housing throughout the city as indicated by Councilmember Whitney. She mentioned the need for middle housing and senior housing to help individuals stay in College Park. In particular, she mentioned the areas lacking development, especially in North College Park.
Mr. Williams said this discussion will help us to level the incentives, and mentioned the interest rate environment has changed.
Councilmember Rigg referenced a document from the Council of Government (COG) report 2010 recommends that municipalities commit 75% of housing to be near transportation centers and activity centers. He also mentioned the need for Market rate and senior housing for those over 55. He thinks we should focus on commercial development as well. We should think more about smaller commercial build-outs. Is there the opportunity to create greater incentives for minority-owned business? Public art is something that our city responds well to, he continued, saying we should look for opportunities to beautify the city.
Councilmember Mackie said that RTC gives her trepidation, although she understands the need, saying we should take measures to protect the city environmentally. She said we should not develop every inch of the city and should maintain green spaces. She said we should make even more infrastructure improvements as mentioned by Councilmember Whitney.
Mr. Williams indicated there have been jurisdictions that have overused tax credits.
Councilmember Hew agreed with much of what had been said. He said it would be important to include residents in the discussion, saying he believes there is misunderstanding of the goals of the RTC and how it works. He suggests a workshop to see what residents would like to incentivize.
Mr. Williams agreed about the importance of getting feedback before decision are made. He will work to get feedback.
Councilmember Hew said not all criteria fit within all parts of the city.
Councilmember Adam said we need to consider stormwater management and not having people do fees in lieu. He stressed the importance of considering the actual parcel of land to be developed.
Councilmember Hew said as development occurs, it seems that developers do not abide by regulations.
Mayor Kabir summarized the ideas and asked if the update of the ordinance would be our next step. Ms. Ferguson said it would.
Mr. Young suggested that Council determine what constitutes graduate housing and suggested the city bring ideas to help make determinations.
Councilmember Mackie suggested we bring graduate students to the table to have the discussion. Councilmember Adams said it will be difficult to define graduate housing.
Mr. Young said clarification about what graduate housing is considered is not defining graduate student housing, but there is the need to set parameters.
Councilmember Whitney said the need for affordable graduate student housing has been a longstanding issue, and there might be documentation from previous discussions by the graduate student SGA (The Graduate Student Government [GSG]) of what graduate students are looking for.
Councilmember Esters said she appreciated the staff suggestion to provide guidance on graduate housing. Just like other housing within the city, we need to have a diverse inventory at all levels and clearly identify what is not acceptable.
Councilmember Rigg said we will need to get comfortable with density in certain areas.
Review and confirm the Strategic Plan priorities for FY ’24 – Bill Gardiner, Assistant City Manager Does the Council choose to focus on the objectives for FY 23
This item will be brought back to a future meeting agenda for discussion.
REQUESTS FOR / STATUS OF FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
Councilmember Rigg expressed frustration about certain types of furniture, particularly those left outside for drinking games. He said inside furniture set outside can also be problematic.
Councilmember Esters said a request for a commemorative bench would be brought forth on behalf of the Lakeland Community Heritage Project (LCHP) for former Lakeland business owner and City Councilmember J.W. Chesley Mack Sr.
COMMENTS FROM THE MAYOR, COUNCIL, STUDENT LIAISON OR CITY MANAGER
Councilmember Rigg welcomed Mr. Hew back to the Council.
Councilmember Hew thanked the Council.
MEETING ADJOURNED
Click here for the June 13th meeting agenda. Click here to watch the video of the June 13, 2023, meeting (when it is available).
Click here to see the agenda for the City of College Park Mayor & Council Hybrid Meeting on July 11, 2023 (When it is available) . Tune in, show up or share your thoughts/concerns about the following anticipated Action Items, Presentations and Workshop discussions:
- Public Hearing and action on the petition request for traffic calming in the 4700 Block of Navahoe Street – Steve Halpern, City Engineer
- Public Hearing and action on the petition request for traffic calming in the 6800 Block of Dartmouth Avenue – Steve Halpern, City Engineer
- Discussion with College Park Board of Election Supervisors: debrief of Special Election and plans for General Election
- Discussion of the Mayor Pro Tem position
- Discussion of plans for the additional revenue from the 3-cent increase in taxes on commercial, industrial and apartments
The College Park District 2 Digest 