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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Click here to watch the video of the City of College Park Mayor & Council Meeting on February 20, 2024. 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.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Former City Councilmember Maxine Gross and former County Councilmember Dannielle Glaros were in attendance.  

AMENDMENTS TO AND APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA

Councilmember Mitchell moved to approve the agenda, seconded by Councilmember Mackie. 

PUBLIC COMMENT ON CONSENT AGENDA AND NON-AGENDA ITEMS –

Maxine Gross, resident – serves as the Chair for the Restorative Justice Commission (RJC) and sought to provide a brief overview of the committee’s work prior to their report to the Mayor and Council on March 5.  The commission has been very busy over the past few months.  Work is challenging and they have partnered with allies in Lakeland and further.  In particular, the commission has partnered with the Braxton Institute, the Lakeland Community Heritage project (LCHP) and the College Parks Art Exchange.  There are a number of events scheduled for Spring, including a presentation by Dr. Mindy Fullilove, author of Root Shock: How Tearing Up City Neighborhoods Hurts America, and What We Can Do About It; a panel discussion on what restorative action could look like; and a performance of an original percussion score that will accompany a screening of Shadows of Lakeland. The Braxton Institute will also hold a number of events.  She said she Looks forward to providing a full report at the next Council meeting.  

Victor Weatherford, non-resident, and former president of the Branchville Fire Department – wanted to share the history of the fire department, which formed in 1924 by volunteers who were long-term College Park residents. Nowadays, a majority of volunteers are University of Maryland (UMD) students. The Fire Department will begin work to engage the community once again.  The department has relied on volunteers for 66 years. Many grew up in the community and are still a part of it. They have an annual fire department open house in October.  They will ask Public Works place banners to be placed along the roadway.  

CONSENT AGENDA 

24-G-30 Appointment of Ruth Murphy to the Restorative Justice Commission – Kayla Carter, Racial Equity Officer

24-G-31 Approval to submit grant applications to the Transit Land-Use Connections Grant Program and the Regional Roadway Safety Program in support of the River Road Protected Bike Lanes Project – 30% Design Phase – Rakhmel Rafi, Grants Coordinator

24-G-32 Approval to submit a grant application to the Anacostia Trails Heritage Area Rocket Grant Program for the Trolley Trail Arts Walk Initiative, and approval of the required matching funds in the amount of $5,000 if the grant is approved – Rakhmel Rafi, Grants Coordinator

24-G-33 Approval to submit grant applications to the Transit Land-Use

Connections Grant Program and the Regional Roadway Safety

Program in support of the Knox Road Open Space Traffic Study- Rakhmel Rafi, Grants Coordinator

24-G-34 Approve an expenditure of $15,000 for sponsorship for the

Branchville Volunteer Fire Department 100th Anniversary

24-G-35 Approval of minutes from the January 23, 2024, February 6, 2024

and February 13, 2024, meetings.

Councilmember Esters moved to approve the consent agenda, seconded by Councilmember Whitney. It passed unanimously.

WORKSESSION DISCUSSIONS 

A. Discussion of the charge and composition of a Vacant and Blighted Tax Committee for Phase 1 – Gary Fields, Director of Finance

Mr. Fields provided a history of the Mayor and Council’s past discussion of the proposed tax, saying the body put forward an initial charge (Phase 1) to define vacant and blighted properties by consulting best practices from municipalities that have such a tax in place, then bringing recommendations back to council. Any additional charges for the committee would then be added.  

The formation of the committee was also discussed. Based upon past discussion, staff recommended one member be nominated by each district and one by the mayor, for a total of five.  The City Clerk will assign a secretary to take notes and prepare meeting minutes. Staff from Planning, Public Services and Finance will provide support where needed.  

Councilmembers thanked staff for their work to provide structure and focus, asked staff to consider ways people may try to circumvent the process, clarified there would only be one committee for all phases of work, asked that council have the opportunity to give input, mentioned there will be a learning curve for the committee, and that issues be brought back to council for input when appropriate. 

B. Discussion with Council about the future of the Hollywood Farmers Market – Bill

Gardiner, Assistant City Manager. Guests: Julie Beavers and Aaron Springer

Mr. Gardiner said there are two part-time staff who have worked with the market since its inception 10 years ago. Some challenges have been longstanding, including identifying an anchor farmer and staffing challenges. He said the city spent $25,000 to run the market in 2023, most of which is for staffing, entertainment, and permits. He said that’s more than most area municipalities spend running their farmer’s markers.  

Mr. Gardiner said the City became part of market management when the organization running the market were not able to obtain the permits needed to hold the market due to their 501(C)3 status.  There were questions posed about the promotion of the market. Mr. Gardiner referenced the ads in College Park Here and Now, social media, and banners.  He said If the Mayor and Council accept that the market will be small, it can continue.  Mr. Springer said he appreciated the value residents and Council have placed in the market for community engagement.  

Mr. Young, City Manager, said they will move forward with our decision even if we do not agree with their suggestion. Mayor Kabir recognized that there were 97 comments from resident that were made over the past few days on this matter.  

Mayor Kabir asked Mr. Springer and Ms. Beavers about the satisfaction of the vendors. Ms. Beavers said vendors sometimes sell out, but sales fall toward the end of the season. Mr. Springer said vendors are at the market because they want to be there, but they do ask that more folks frequent the market.

Councilmember Hew asked about the time and effort that has been spent trying to recruit new farmers and vendors and how can council help to recruit.  Ms. Beavers spoke of the difficulty of finding a farmer willing to be part of a small market.  Said that Blue Berwyn has been great. In response to Councilmember Rigg’s question about how the market competes with MOM’s, Mr. Springer said Blue Berwyn’s specialty produce is unique, hyper-local and organic. It draws people to the market but doesn’t compete with MOM’s. Ms. Beavers said one of the reasons the market was started was to revitalize the shopping center.

Councilmember Hernandez thanked residents for the comments in support of the market and asked the City harness this as an opportunity to advertise the market. He asked to arrange more activities at the market like meet and greets with long-time residents and students. He asked about metrics for success. 

Mr. Young said success would be measured through volume of traffic and the number of vendors.  He is a supporter of the market.  He said the greatest number of vendors we have had are 13, but the average is 6-7.  

The Mayor asked Mr. Springer and Ms. Beavers if they keep track of foot traffic. They said they do and on average they see 100-150 patrons each market. Items such as honey, meat, fish, and Blue Berwyn produce do well. Mr. Springer said the key is for people to patronize.  It will allow vendors to bring in the money and help make it viable. 

Councilmember Esters suggested partnering with other markets to identify vendor who may want to take advantage of being in an additional market.  She said there may be an opportunity to work closely with the North College Park Civic Association (NCPCA) to promote the market.  She said we may need to re-envision the market; it is more of a community market.   Councilmember Mitchell agreed.  

Councilmember Mackie said there aren’t a lot of farms in the area and asked if we have considered incorporating community gardens and working with plant nurseries.  

SGA Liaison Sprinkle suggested the City consider motivating student and young entrepreneurs.  He suggested pausing for a few months to discuss it and bring it back later in the year.  

Councilmember Whitney agreed with Mr. Sprinkle’s idea of engaging crafty students and individuals, saying a booth that rotated through different vendors would keep things fresh.  She said we do have dollars set aside for business attraction. She asked if there is any assistance we can provide for folks to work with local gardeners. She mentioned a resident suggestion to change the time of the market to 10am -2pm. Ms. Beavers said those will be the hours this year.  

Mr. Beavers said that he and Ms. Beavers work professionally to utilize their skills to recruit vendors and noted that many of the ideas have been tried. He said vendors must have liability insurance as well as other requirements. Ms. Beavers said space was limited to 13-15 vendors. 

Councilmember Rigg asked how many weekends per year the market is open. Mr. Gardiner said 30. Rigg said that at currents costs, the city pays about $8 per customer. He asked about the Food Access Coordinator. Ms. Beavers said the position is paid through a grant and that coordinator helps those without access to fresh produce.  

Councilmember Rigg said he is a fan of farmer’s markets, but in order to support it long-term, he needs to see a plan to make it sustainable.  

Councilmember Mitchell said it is a city-wide market and expressed concerns about the limit in vendors. Ms. Beavers said it would be up to property owners to expand the space available to the market. 

Councilmember Adams asked if the construction of the Community Center will result in less space. Mayor Kabir said there is a plan to integrate the market into the community center space. The discussion with the owner of the property will be important now, during construction and afterwards.  

Councilmember Esters suggested partnering with Made in Maryland to possibly identify vendors who may appreciate the opportunity to sell items during the market.  

Mr. Young said the space utilized by the market before was without a contract.  It took a lot of staff time to negotiate a contract. When something is on Maryland National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC) property, there is more flexibility. He mentioned the possibility of using Duvall Field in the future. 

Councilmember Mitchell said if there is an option to meet with residents during the next North College Park Civic Association Meeting we should do so. Councilmember Adams said even if brought up to NCPCA, other residents should be invited to attend. 

Mr. Gardiner said it’s clear council wants to continue the market. The goal is to open on Saturday, 4/13, so contracts need to be signed and vendors need to have permits into the county by the end of the month. Staff will continue to consider what could be done to make the market more financially sound and more of a community-builder.

C. Legislation (there is a possibility that action will be taken on time-sensitive bills) – Bill Gardiner, Assistant City Manager

Mr. Gardiner said we did not have any specific bills to discuss now, but at our next meeting we may want to discuss a letter of support for HB1136.

Councilmember Mitchell asked about support of the budgetary item from the Maryland Municipal League (MML) for Support of Emergency Preparedness. She understood many of those municipalities who benefit are those who have their own police department. Although it may not support the City directly, she said we should show our support because we might one day need theirs.    

Councilmember Whitney asked about HB538, expressing concerns about density in Lakeland, but said that density overall is not bad. She asked for asked for guidance. Mr. Young said this was the Governor’s bill that many want to make adjustments to. Councilmember Adams said overall it has been received pretty favorably, but for Lakeland their distance would make a difference. He said the simplest way to protect Lakeland would be the ½ mile radius. Councilmember Whitney asked for clarification on that, saying she thinks parts of Lakeland might be less than ½ mile from a Metro station as the crow flies.

Mr. Gardiner said he has requested the actual amendments to the bill. He is working with Ms. Anderson, the city attorney, to revise the legislative report. The report comes from the bill at the state level. Councilmember Mitchell said there should be a report from the lobbyist at the county level.  We pay for a lobbyist at the county level and the minimal expectation is that we receive a weekly report. 

Councilmember Hernandez asked for more information and opportunities to ensure the Council can help to provide support and advocacy.   

REQUESTS FOR / STATUS OF FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS

Councilmember Whitney asked about a letter of support for Attick Towers as an application for federal earmarks is being completed. The Housing Authority has only confirmed that they are applying for funds through Congressman Ivey’s office, but she’d like the approval to apply if letters of support for the Senatorial earmarks are needed.  

Councilmembers Rigg and Adams said there are three capital bike share stations that are to be in the city, but they have not been installed yet.  Mr. Young said the City can send a letter.  Mr. Young added that planning has indicated they are waiting for the docking stations.  

COMMENTS FROM THE AUDIENCE 

Oscar Gregory, non-resident – Farmers’ market is essential but was not meant to be a profit-generator.  Residents have asked for it to be returned to what it was.  

Brian Roan, resident – Vendor at the Farmer’s Market. A healthy portion of the emails received by the Mayor and Council are due to him. Residents believe that decision are made without obtaining resident input. It is unconscionable that residents were not asked for input prior to staff making recommendations.  

 COMMENTS FROM THE MAYOR, COUNCIL, STUDENT LIAISON OR CITY MANAGER

Councilmember Rigg said he appreciated the robust discussion regarding the Farmers’ Market. He said we should perhaps look at it as an event, rather than a market. He responded to Mr. Roan comment expressing concern about staff making recommendations without resident input by saying staff are doing their job when they make recommendations.  

Mayor Pro Tem Mitchell thanked Councilmember Rigg for speaking in his own truth. She said residents voted for us to make decisions and encouraged residents to engage with Council.  

Mayor Kabir said the Council body takes the opportunity discuss issues on behalf of the residents. He mentioned recent attendance at the Health and Climate Summit. He met with Dr. Pines, President of University of Maryland, recently and said Council will start quarterly meetings with the President soon.  

Councilmember Adams thanked City staff for their grant application to the Transit Land-use Connections Grant Program and the Regional Roadway Safety Program in support of the protected bike lane project along River Road.  

Councilmember Esters thanked City staff for their grant application to the Anacostia Trails Heritage Area Rocket Grant Program for the Trolley Trail Arts Walk initiative.  

Councilmember Hernandez said he appreciated the robust and helpful discussion and said he encouraged everyone’s participation in the market.  

SGA Liaison Sprinkle mentioned the Tenant Union being formed by SGA for renters and their first meeting to be held at UMD Tuesday, February 27.  

Mr. Young – Bright Horizons to come to Council in April. He said March 18 is Crossover. Bills that do not pass from one chamber to another by this date will face additional hurdles for passage.  

MEETING ADJOURNED

Closed Session

Pursuant to the Statutory Authority of the Maryland Annotated Code, General Provisions Article § 3-305, the Mayor and Council will meet in a Closed Session after this meeting 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 open session. Specifically, the Council will review the Compensation and Classification Study.

Click here to see the full agenda for the City of College Park Mayor & Council Hybrid Meeting on March 5, 2024 when it is available. Tune in, show up or share your thoughts/concerns about the following Consent Agenda and Action Items, and Workshop discussions proposed to be on the agenda 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:

Proposed Consent Items

Authorization to renew Hagerty Contract (ARPA) subject to the approval of the City Attorney (term and amount) 

Discussion items 

Presentation by the Prince George’s County Department of Parks and Recreation on the mandatory dedication of park land 

Discussion on the Needs-based Student Housing Subsidy Pilot Program funded from the 3-cent tax increase on commercial industrial and apartment property – Subcommittee Report

Discussion on Future Community Garden locations at Davis Field

Legislative Review