Celebrate the Holiday Season at City Hall!  Join us at the City’s annual Winter Wonderland Holiday Market and Tree Lighting on Saturday, December 2, 2023, from 4pm – 8pm on the Plaza at City Hall. 

This free community event will feature a wide array of activities, entertainment, and fun to celebrate the holiday season. There will be live music on a main stage, as well as carolers, arts and crafts, story readings and a petting zoo. Food and drink vendors will provide refreshments. The event will also feature an appearance by Santa at 5pm and the lighting of the City of College Park’s Holiday tree at 7:30pm.

Be sure to view the winners of our annual Gingerbread House Competition that will be on display and spread some holiday cheer by checking off some items on your wish list at the holiday market, featuring vendors from Shop Made in Maryland as well as local vendors. 

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

Haga clic aquí para leer esta publicacion en español.

Click here to find the video of the City of College Park Mayor & Council Hybrid Meeting on November 14, 2023. By going to this link, you are able to watch the discussion of specific agenda items you are interested in. If you have questions about Council actions and discussions, please email us at lbesters@collegeparkmd.gov and swhitney@collegeparkmd.gov.

City Manager Report

Mr. Young mentioned that city leaf collection resumed this month. Residents should rake their leaves to the curb, but not onto the street.  If you choose to collect leaves, please put them in paper bags, yard waste containers or a personal container with a yellow yard waste sticker (offered for free by the Department of Public works.  For details regarding the schedule and a list of dos and don’ts, visit

https://www.collegeparkmd.gov/civicalerts.aspx?aid=546

The city will hold a “One Warm Coat Drive” from November 15 thru December 5. Coats, hats, and gloves can be dropped off at City Hall, Davis Hall and Youth and Family service.  For more details visit https://www.collegeparkmd.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=555

The city’s Gingerbread House Competition has begun and entries are due by November 30^th. The winners will be displayed at the Winter Wonderland Fest on December 2^nd.

Park Run, the City of College Park, and Prince George’s Park and Recreation will host the College Park Turkey Trot 2023 on Thanksgiving morning at 9am beginning at Acredale Community Park. For more details and to register visit  https://www.parkrun.us/collegepark/news/2023/11/12/college-park-turkey-trot-2023/

PROCLAMATIONS

Proclamation to honor Brenda Alexander

Proclamation for Small Business Saturday

PRESENTATIONS

A. Official Report of the Results of the General Election to the Mayor and Council by the

Board of Election Supervisors

Mr. John Payne, Chief of the Board of Elections, said he was pleased to run a state-of-the-art election because of great collaborators, Election Guard, Hart InterCivic and the Center for Civic Design.He said the slate of candidates was professional and was the most pleasant of his time on the Board of Elections.  

The election results are as follows: 

Mayoral Race (Uncontested) Mayor Kabir elected.  Total vote -133 (District 1 – 649, District 2 – 178, District 3- 367, District 4- 143)

District 1 – Alan Hew and Jacob Hernandez elected.  Total votes – 692 representing 12.60% of eligible voters.  

District 2 (Uncontested) – Llatetra Esters and Susan Whitney elected. Total votes – 192 representing 6.87% of eligible voters. 

District 3 – Stuart Adams and John B. Rigg elected.  Total votes – 424 representing 11.52% of eligible voters. 

District 4 – (Uncontested)– Maria Mackie and Denise Mitchell elected.  Total votes – 160 representing 6.50% of eligible voters.  

The election survey is still soliciting responses from voters about their experience. The Mayor and Council were encouraged to share information about the survey with residents. The survey can be found on the City’s election page. The Board of Elections Supervisors will return in the spring to share the survey results. Mayor Kabir asked for the survey link to be added to the weekly email sent to residents.  

B. Presentation of the 2023 “Jack Perry Award” to Mary Cook

Mayor Kabir presented Ms. Cook with the Jack Perry Award after sharing details about her involvement in the City. Since moving here in 2001, she has served two terms on City Council and chaired numerous boards and committees, as well as the North College Park Community Association (NCPCA). Ms. Cook shared her appreciation for the city and her opportunities to serve.  

AMENDMENTS TO AND APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA

Approval of the agenda – motion by Councilmember Adams seconded by Councilmember Whitney 

PUBLIC COMMENT ON CONSENT AGENDA AND NON-AGENDA ITEMS 

Aubrey Batten, resident –  Talked about the agenda item regarding security for Mayor and Council.  He said he believed that Mayor and Council should have security but said the item was slid unto the agenda at the end of last week and the cost had not been shared.  He said many residents do not feel safe and that he had experienced crimes not investigated by the PGCPD.  He said Mayor and Council should think about ways to make everyone safe.  

Councilmember Kennedy said that the budget for the program was capped at $5,400 annually, which had been shared online in the agenda. She thanked Mr. Batten for his comments and mentioned safety issues that have occurred to Councilmembers in the City and across the county. 

Luai Alamawi, resident – said as a tax-payer he wanted to request from the Mayor and Council to support brothers and sisters in Gaza. He fully disagrees with the United States government support for genocide of Palestinians. He asked for the Palestinian flag to be displayed for the week to signify that no one should be able to commit genocide and said it is not fair for people to be removed from their homes. He said te least we can do is show solidarity by displaying the Palestinian flag.  

Karyn Keating, resident-  Asked that Mayor and Council increase the grant amount available to resident to replace chain link fence, saying  $2500 is not enough. She said rusty fences exist throughout the community.  

CONSENT AGENDA 

23-G-166 Approval of a contract with Care Solace for the provision of mental health and social services coordination services for $80,000 annually – Kiaisha Barber, Director, Youth, Family and Senior Services

23-G-167 Approval and authorization for the City Manager to pay for the installation of various security measures for the Mayor and City Council – Kenneth A. Young, City Manager

23-G-168 Approval of a parking prohibition at the intersection of Branchville Road and Locust Spring Road – Steve Halpern, City Engineer

23-G-170 Approval of an increase in the grant application and corresponding matching fund amount for the Prince George’s County Historic Preservation Grant for the Old Parish House to add grading and stormwater mitigation to the proposal, in an additional amount of $9,154.25 for the grant application, and $915.42 in the City’s match – Rakhmel Rafi, Grants Coordinator

23-G-171 Approval of minutes from the October 10, 2023, Council meeting.

Motion by Councilmember Esters and seconded by Councilmember Whitney. Councilmember Mackie did not approve and asked to move item 23-G-167 to Action Items for discussion.  

PUBLIC HEARING: Oral Argument in case CEO-2023-03 for 4907 Tecumseh

Attorney Nate Forman provided an overview of the process for the oral argument filed by Councilmember Whitney for the decision made by Advisor Planning Commission (APC).   He said there would be an overview by Planning staff and then the Mayor and Council will hear testimony from those who have previously testified. The Council will have the opportunity to accept the APC decision, deny the decision or modify the decision. The City Council’s decision is limited to the information already heard. 

The home is located on Tecumseh Street in the Berwyn neighborhood.  The request was to construct a 4-ft high chain-link fence along the property’s front yard facing Tecumseh Street.  The fence would be an extension of an existing chain-link fence along both side lot lines and rear lot lines.  The purpose of the fence is to make a safe enclosure for the family dog.  The APC voted separately on the variance for the fence and the materials. The APC approved the variance for the extension but did not approve the use of chain-link. 

Mr. Valentine said that staff recommended approval of the variance and the use of chain-link material.  

Terry Miller, daughter of the property owner – said within the code there is the ability to obtain a variance.  They just want to close in the existing fence. 

Dan Blasberg, resident, and neighbor of Ms. Baker said he supported his neighbor’s request.  They look directly at the fence each day and do not have an issue with the request. 

Karen Keating, resident, said she does not look at the fence everyday but from the perspective of a realtor she sees a number of chain-link fences that aren’t in good condition.  She objects because the fence will be there for many more years.  She suggested the use of different materials.  

Councilmember Whitney – acknowledged the work of the APC doing their due diligence.  Asked for reconsideration about the portion of the request regarding materials.  The council has not banned chain-link, only barb wire.  The decision was based upon a guestimate of chain-link fences in the surrounding area. Even so, 1 out of 4 fences in a neighborhood should not be considered an anomaly. She said the purpose of the variance process is to allow for odd situations like this in which the resident is installing new chain link, but only to complete their existing fence in the same material, saying it will look silly in half one material and half another. 

Councilmember Rigg said he believed that the APC made the correct decision. 

Councilmember Kennedy asked if we could approve with the condition that chain-link not be allowed for a new fence on the property in the future. 

Councilmember Hew said the City wants to move away from chain-link fences but understands the hardship, and Councilmember Mackie feared setting a precedent for putting up more chain-link fences.

Councilmember Esters said we are only taking about enclosing an existing fence, not replacing an entire fence. We cannot make assumptions about what will happen in a few years.  There is an immediate need. If we want to ensure clarity of the ordinance, we should revisit the ordinance.  

Councilmember Adams said Council’s job was to decide whether hardship had been met. He also suggestsed revisiting the ordinance.

Councilmember Whitney made the motion, seconded by Councilmember Esters to modify the APC’s decision and allow the variances for both the four-foot height and use of chain-link.

Roll-Call vote 

Adams, Hew, Kennedy, Esters, Whitney Mackie – Yes

Rigg- No

ACTION ITEMS

23-G-169 Approval of Detailed Site Plan(DSP-17052-01) for Hillel  

Mr. Valentine provided a brief overview of the plan and changes in City recommendations.  The council discussed this in depth during the November 7 meeting.

Councilmember Adams thanked City staff and the applicant for creating a tree replacement plan.  

Councilmember Hew asked if there would be any adjustments to the color of the façade.  Mr. Valentine said there were no changes.  

Councilmember Rigg made the motion to approve, seconded by Councilmember Adams

Aubrey Bratten said he wanted to make clear to Council that there are currently more parking spaces at the current site versus what is being proposed.  

Councilmember Rigg said the LAC asked about the façade color but did not have a strong opinion regarding the color. 

The DSP was unanimously approved.

23-G-67 Approval and Authorization for City Manager to pay for the installation of security measures for Mayor Council 

Kenny Young, City manager, said during the last council meeting, security matters were brought up.  There have been issues with the majority of council members regarding safety – $5400 dollars will allow for the exploration of security measures.  

Councilmember Mackie asked whether Councilmembers using the funds would have to declare on their financial reports.  Mr. Young said he would check, but he believed it would be in line with council duties. Members of the Mayor and Council can opt out. The City will work individual council members. 

Motion by Councilmember Kennedy, seconded by Councilmember Esters. Approved unanimously.  

WORKSESSION DISCUSSION 

VeoRide Discussion  

Erik Valetine said he smet with Veo Ride Policy Manager, Mr. Joe Bott, to discuss VeoRide problems in the city. They discovered there was a misunderstanding, and forced parking was not in place.  It has since been activated, and the number of reported violations has dramatically decreased. They also found that complaints were not being routed properly by VeoRide, which has also been addressed.  

Councilmembers discussed the need for sufficient parking hubs: fines for parking outside of hubs; the frequency of VeoRide monitoring their vehicles; the challenge riders have in identifying parking; problems with the App,; use of AI or heatmaps to identify location of vehicles; challenges with vehicle parked at higher elevations in garages; mechanisms in place for the city to track that VeoRide is doing what they should be doing; reaching out to residents to see if they would allow the use of their property for VeoRide parking; the access discount pricing program, and working with MNCPPC to identify potential parking areas in the various parks throughout the City.  

 ADJOURN

Click here to see the full agenda for the City of College Park Mayor & Council Hybrid Meeting on December 5, 2023 when it is available. Tune in, show up or share your thoughts/concerns about the following Consent Agenda and Action Items, and Workshop discussions that may interest District 2 residents:

Please note the December 5 Mayor and Council meeting will include the inauguration of the 2023-2025 Mayor and Council. You should expect remarks from outgoing Councilmember Kate Kennedy, and new Councilmember Jacob Hernandez. A reception will follow the meeting.  

Please contact us as soon as possible if you need accommodations to participate in a meeting, including language translation. 

November 23 | 9AM | Paint Branch Trail

Join the 2023 College Park Turkey Trot on Thursday, November 23 at 9AM. Walk or run the 5K route along the beautiful Paint Branch Trail.

Simply register for FREE at parkrun.us/collegepark.

Learn more here.

CITY OF COLLEGE PARK PARTNERS WITH CARE SOLACE TO PROVIDE RESIDENTS WITH EXPANDED MENTAL HEALTH CARE ACCESS

College Park, MD November 15, 2023 – The City of College Park is proud to announce that it has entered into a contract with Care Solace to assist all residents more easily access mental health care and social services. Under the contract approved during the November 14, 2023 City Council meeting, Care Solace will provide residents with easy access to a comprehensive network of providers and resources. “The mental health and well-being of our residents is of utmost importance; with this new service, we hope to connect more individuals in our community with the help they need” said Fazlul Kabir, Mayor of College Park. The annual cost of the service for the first year is $80,000. Care Solace will serve as a liaison between first responders, justice systems, social agencies, and community-based mental health providers. Care Solace works to connect individuals with the right resources and appropriate care including assistance with mental health, food, housing, substance use treatment, and affordable medical and dental care. The service is available 24/7/365 in more than 200 languages. Care Solace will help residents navigate the mental health care system, helping residents find the appropriate fit for their needs and insurance. “Mental health has become a paramount issue not only in our community, but in our country,” said Kenny Young, City Manager of College Park, “by offering this new service, we are facilitating accessible mental health care and social service resources for all residents with a supportive framework for individuals to seek the care they need.” Care Solace’s coordination services are free, confidential, and accessible via: Phone: Call 888-515-7881 at any time.  Website: Search anonymously by answering just a few questions at caresolace.com/md-collegepark If you are having a life-threatening emergency, please call 911 or call/text the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988. Care Solace is not an emergency response service.

A series of helicopter landings and take-offs is planned on Chapel Fields as part of educational and training exercises for the Army ROTC program. These events are standard practice and are not cause for alarm. There will be minimal disruption to foot traffic on Chapel Fields during landing and take-off.

The events are currently scheduled for:Nov. 17, 2023 from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m.Nov. 19, 2023 from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.All of these dates and times are subject to change or cancellation without prior notice.

The University of Maryland Army ROTC partners with the university to educate, train, and inspire Cadets to become leaders of character in the Army for the community and the nation.

As part of College Park’s partnership with ElectionGuard in the 2023 election, an election survey was designed by the Center for Civic Design and Dr. Martha Kropf, a Professor of Political Science & Public Administration at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.  Please take a few minutes to complete the survey before it closes at the end of the month. 

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

Click here to find the video of the City of College Park Mayor & Council Hybrid Meeting on November 07, 2023. By going to this link, you are able to watch the discussion of specific agenda items you are interested in. If you have questions about Council actions and discussions, please email us at lbesters@collegeparkmd.gov and swhitney@collegeparkmd.gov.

CITY MANAGER’S REPORT

Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) has awarded College Park a certificate for financial accounting for the year.  

On November 11 at 11 am, the City of College Park will hold its annual Veteran’s Day event at the Veterans memorial located at Baltimore Ave and Greenbelt Road.  This year’s event marks the 30th anniversary of the memorial

PROCLAMATIONS

“Municipal Government Works!” Month

PRESENTATIONS

Presentation of the 2021 “Jack Perry Award” to Arelis Pérez

Due to Covid restrictions in 2021, Ms. Pérez was not publicly presented her award. Mayor Fazlul did a presentation to Ms. Pérez for her commitment to community service. Among her many contributions to the city, Ms. Pérez served as a board member of the Complete Count Committee in College Park and as a  former Board of Election Judge for the city.  She currently serves as the current Board Commissioner Chair for the Housing Authority for the City of College Park (HACCP) and a board member of the city’s Senior Committee.  

Presentation from Mr. Ethan Sweep, Community Liaison for Congressman Glenn Ivey

Mr. Sweep informed the Mayor and Council about community project funding for fiscal year 2025 (Congressional earmarks) awarded through the Appropriations Committee.  This year, they were able to submit 15 projects. On December 4th, there will be a webinar to go over the process.  Mr. Sweep will send out a flyer with details about the webinar by the end of this week.  He stressed he does not know what the process will look like in 2025 until the guidance is announced.  For more details, visit appropriations.house.gov or Ivey.house.gov.  Mr. Sweep said the applications are not as daunting as people may think and that any award limits will be included in the guidelines.  

AMENDMENTS TO AND APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA

Motion by Councilmember Adams to move to switch work sessions and allow the presentation of the Hillel DSP to be first, seconded by Councilmember Mitchell

PUBLIC COMMENT ON CONSENT AGENDA AND NON-AGENDA ITEMS 

Mr. Alvarado and Ms. Maritnez, non-residents – Representing Taqueria Habanero, wanted to express their appreciation for what the city has done from them.  It is their hope that they will continue to be in the city. They acknowledged Director of Economic Development Michael Williams for his assistance.  

Maxine Gross, resident – said she read the proposed economic development plan and wanted to share a few points.  She said she supports the elements to consider various housing types.  She also appreciated the recognition of Lakeland but wants it to include a plan to restore what was done via urban renewal.  She asked that as the city considers businesses, it consider the Lakeland, Berwyn, and Hollywood communities as are key areas for the future and rebuilding opportunities other than housing.  

 CONSENT AGENDA 

23-G-163 Approval of a three-year salt utilization agreement between the State Highway Administration of the Maryland Department of Transportation and the City of College Park, Maryland – Robert Marsili, Director of Public Works

23-G-164 Approval of the 2023 Jack Perry Award recipient – Janeen S. Mille, City Clerk

23-G-165 Approval of a letter with City comments on the MDOT Draft FY 2024-2029 Consolidated Transportation Program (CTP) – Bill Gardiner, Assistant City Manager

Motion by Councilmember Mithcell to approve the Consent Agenda, seconded by Councilmember Esters

WORKSESSION DISCUSSIONS (Action On These Items Is Not Expected At This Meeting.)

A. Discussion of Detailed Site Plan for Hillel – Miriam Bader, Director of Planning

Erik Valentine – The project comes back to the council due to significant change.  The project is located adjacent to the Old Town historic district and will be a two-story building of over 39,000 sq. ft. The Historic Preservation Committee (HPC) will review this project on 11/24.  The Old Town Historic District Local Advisory Committee (LAC) reviewed the project and approves it with conditions mainly focuses on the look of the building.  The site provides no onsite parking.  Hillel has reached an agreement with UMD for 15 parking spaces.  There has been a request to investigate a mature maple to determine if it is on the proposed property to be developed. If it is, they are being asked to save the tree. The architect would like provisions to be placed in the plan for a third floor, but they would need to go through the proper permitting process in the future should they desire to add an additional floor.  Of the 11 modifications, city staff support 8, there are 3 modifications related to general building materials, brick detailing, and brick headers the city staff supports with conditions.  

Mr. Taub, project attorney, introduced the development team and thanked Mr. Valentine for his work.  He explained the property is currently owned by the University of Maryland.  There will be conveyance of the property to Hillel, and Hillel’s property on Mowatt Lane will be conveyed to the University.  He explained the delay of the project and said after the initial approval of the project, we faced COVID.  

Mr. Taub said if all goes well, they look forward to breaking ground in Spring 2024 with an opening of the building in 2025. They agree to all conditions with the exception of the color of the materials.  There are white buildings interspersed throughout the neighborhood. He said the building is a transitional building. They chose a color they thought was more inviting for everyone.

Councilmember Rigg said there had been lots of conversation about the materials not being compatible with the Old Town neighborhood and asked how that was determined. Mr. Valentine said it is a feeling and a judgment, but much of the concern came from the LAC.  

Councilmember Esters agreed that the building had a simple, clean, modern look but said it was quite distinct from other buildings in the historic district.  She acknowledged sentiment shared that the design made the building feel welcoming but asked if there were any other way to make it feel welcoming without such a distinct design. Mr. Taub said the design had to be taken in its entirety.  

Councilmember Mackie expressed concern about limited parking. Mr. Valentine said the building would be in close proximity to the downtown parking garage, so limited parking on site should not be an issue.  

Councilmember Adams asked for comment on two new curb cuts to access parking from Yale Avenue.  Councilmember Adams expressed concerns as we are trying to create more walkable area for pedestrians, and curb cuts encourage the interaction of pedestrian and cars, saying the city would like to restrict curb cuts. He also mentioned the loss of three canopy trees to create parking. 

Nestor Zabala, Architect, presented the most current renderings of the building.  

Danielle Glaros, Assistant Vice President and Chief of Staff of Administration for the University of Maryland, reiterated that the property will be conveyed to Hillel. She said the project has been discussed for many years and that the building picks up on the white columns at the University.  

B. Presentation on the Economic Development 5-Year Strategic Plan – Michael Williams,

Director of Economic Development and HR&A, Consultant

Michael Williams, Economic Development Manager, introduced HR&A consultants, Stan Wall, Jayla Hart and Rachel Waldman, who worked with the city to devise a 5-year strategic plan to build economic development in the city.  

Rachel Waldman provided an overview of efforts to devise a plan and spoke to the racial diversity of the city. According to Ms. Waldman, the five areas of focus of the city are as follows:  Bringing business and entities to the city that attract employers; retaining talent; defining the city identify; providing incentives; improving housing affordability; and increasing housing stock.  

Councilmembers asked about coordination and implementation of the plan, desire to be a regional hub, focus on North College Park, the difference between North College Park and downtown, considering the opportunities to influence people to come to College Park, the current perception of the city and telling our own story, lack of enforcement of 5 unrelated-persons per households, creating business incubator space, grants from the county level, and the rising cost of small businesses. Additionally, Council discussed the need for local medical care, ensuring we are a walkable/bikeable area, a place where people choose to raise their families, education, the size of commercial properties, and the creation of Business Improvement Districts (BID).

 REQUESTS FOR / STATUS OF FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS

Councilmember Kennedy would like the City to pay for security measures for councilmembers at their homes. Mr. Young said it would need to be a budget item for the council to consider.  

Councilmember Mitchell would like there to be a work session to discuss parking issues and enforcement.  

ADJOURN  

Click here to see the full agenda for the City of College Park Mayor & Council Hybrid Meeting on November 14, 2023. Tune in, show up or share your thoughts/concerns about the following Consent Agenda and Action Items, and Workshop discussions that may interest District 2 residents. Please contact us as soon as possible if you need accommodations to participate in a meeting, including language translation:

• Approval of contract with Care Solace for the provision of mental health and social services coordination for $80,000 annually 
• Approval and authorization for the City Manager to pay for the installation of various security measures for the Mayor and City Council
• Approval of a parking prohibition at the intersection of Branchville Road and Locust Spring Road
• Approval of an increase in the grant application and corresponding matching fund amount for the Prince George’s County Historic Preservations Grand for the Old Parish House to add grading and storm waters mitigation to the proposal
• Approval of recommendations to the Prince George’s County Planning Board on the Detailed Site Plan for Hillel and a Declaration of Covenants and Agreement regarding land use.  
• Veo-Ride Discussion