Comments are by Councilmembers Llatetra Brown Esters and Susan Whitney and are not approved or sanctioned by the City of College Park.
Click here to watch the video of the City of College Park Mayor & Council Meeting held on May 14, 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.
CITY MANAGER’S REPORT
Mr. Young said the City’s Building Safety Month event had been rescheduled and would be held on Friday, May 31 in the Community Room at City Hall from 3pm -7pm. The last spring cleanup Saturday will be on May 18 at Davis Hall from 7:30am – 12pm. Bulk trash items will be accepted at no charge. Mr. Young reminded attendees that the City will host the annual International Town and Gown Association (ITGA) conference from June 5-7. A networking event will be held at City Hall on June 4. To date, 380 are registered for the conference and 140 are slated to attend the reception.
Mayor Pro Tem Mitchell asked if students could call Public Works for a pickup of bulk items if they did not attend the clean up Saturday, May 18, and Mr. Young confirmed that was an option.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
Former County Councilmember Danielle Glaros and former District 2 Councilmember Maxine Gross were in attendance.
PROCLAMATIONS AND AWARDS
AMENDMENTS TO AND APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA
Councilmember Rigg made a motion to add a letter of support for a ceasefire in Gaza and return of Israeli hostages (24-R-04) to the agenda as an action item. Seconded by Councilmember Whitney.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
David Dorsch, resident – reviewed the video from a recent Council meeting and watched Council agree to pay people for living in apartments. All who were for this action were students and everyone against it were residents, who vote for you. What are you doing here? Do you listen to residents?
Maxine Gross, resident – extended a personal invitation in the 2nd event in the Restorative Justice program series. The panel discussion entitled, Restorative Justice: What Does Repair Look Like will be held at Embry AME Church at 4pm on Saturday, May 18. She went on to make a personal comment about information she has seen online regarding Lakeland and restorative justice, and said it is an important discussion to have. The information in the online article is factual, and well researched but some of the conclusions were not true. She said she was reminded that Winston Churchill said history would be kind to him because he was going to write it. Then said it was often the victors who write history, and facts are sometimes purposely managed in ways that offer conclusions that are not quite reality. She invited everyone to attend and have a conversation together rather than taking bits and pieces of truth. She concluded by saying that during her time on Council she appreciated the work of the National League of Cities (NLC) and that it made a real impact on her work then and today.
CONSENT AGENDA
24-G-79 Approval of City comments on the Mandatory Referral for the Leonardtown graduate student housing redevelopment – Miriam Bader, Director of Planning
24-G-80 Approval of a letter to the Department of Transportation supporting our grant request and approval to submit the Safe Streets and Roads for All grant application to the U.S. Department of Transportation, including the allocation of the required twenty percent cost-share match of $135,000.00 from the City’s budget for FY26 if the grant is awarded – Rakhmel Rafi, Grants Coordinator
24-G-82 Approval of support for UMD Bikeways Grant Application – Bill Gardiner, Assistant City Manager
24-G-81 Approval of minutes from the April 16, 2024, April 23, 2024, and May 7, 2024, Council meetings.
Mayor Pro Tem Mitchell made a motion to approve the Consent Agenda, second by Councilmember Hernandez
ACTION ITEMS:
24-R-04 Resolution for Gaza Peace and a Return of Israeli Hostages, Councilmember Rigg
Councilmember Rigg said this came up a few weeks ago when residents approached him to ask the City to call for a ceasefire in Gaza. He did not bring it up during the discussion for student subsidy due to the controversy of that issue but wanted to bring it up tonight. Councilmember Rigg made the motion and read the resolution, second by Councilmember Whitney.
Councilmember Rigg said he suspected this resolution will get a lot of attention and that it will not be a unanimous vote, and that is ok. His purpose is to respond to the voices of those who come to express their concern on this issue.
Josie Skinner, resident – Here in support of the resolution. This is a humanitarian crisis that goes beyond politics. Ceasefire resolutions send a message that all lives are equally valued.
Jesse Lupin, resident – It is unfortunate that this was done during finals. He believes that the resolution is nice, but it is not enough and will not lead to peace. It will lead to more violence in the future.
Yoanni Amani – respectfully disagrees with Councilmember Rigg. Hamas is the result of 70+ years of oppression and unsatisfactory behavior by the oppressor. Yesterday humanitarians and the civilized settlers decided to sabotage the truck and prevent aid to reach human beings. People are digging in the trash for food. Israel is an oppressive state.
Patrica Conner, resident – proud Council is taking up this issue. It is important to provide leadership on the issue. This is something we can do. ATU local 689 passed a resolution in November. Thank you.
Jamila Malik, resident – the oldest living US President visited Palestine in 1978 before social media. Her father was a federal worker with President Carter. Cannot believe we have come to this ugliness. Can’t believe that people can flip with all the atrocities they went through to do the same thing to others.
Aniah Sanders, resident – supports the ceasefire resolution. It is our job to put an end to injustice.
Andrea Alvarez, resident – a student at UMD. Tired of seeing the images of the violence, tired of seeing mothers giving birth to babies who do not survive. If she is tired, Palestinians must be exhausted.
Maxine Gross, resident – Right is right, and wrong is just wrong. Evil is being done to human beings and no other human should stand by silently and watch it happen. Will it make a difference for the city council to say this is wrong? Maybe not, but I encourage you to try.
Richard Burch, UMD student – supports the ceasefire resolution. It is an easy thing to do. It is easy to say we do not support killing people. However, we can only deal with this problem by getting to the root of it.
Casia Pasigone – thank you to any of the Councilmembers who vote for it. As a neighbor, believes it is good for this to be done. Encouraged people to be courageous.
Ruth Murphy, resident – Wants us to be on record for putting forth a ceasefire resolution. Hopefully, we can encourage others to do the same.
Ali Batali – her daughter has asked why children and women are dying. She has lost over 100 members of her family through this genocide. Why is food an issue of national security? Our voices need to rise up. Maryland sends $800,000 to Israel each year. A ceasefire is needed. Another holocaust is happening, but the world is silent.
Janan – graduate student at UMD. It is hard to see blatant violation of international law. It should not be controversial. We should be calling for a cease fire.
Lasair Chochlain, resident – supports the ceasefire resolution, but wished it went further. No one should be claiming divine right on land that people live on. If violence makes you feel safe, you are an oppressor.
Aurangzeb Nisar, resident – does not believe the resolution is controversial. This resolution should be put forth to put pressure on President Biden.
Phillip CP – This has been genocide. Survivors of the Holocaust have called this genocide. Our tax dollars are being used to exterminate human beings. Our federal, state and county leaders are failing us. We do not want to see genocide. Please support this.
Abel Amene – UMD student, housing insecurity is caused by under investment, but funding is being used to support genocide. That money could be used for housing and food insecurities. It is one of the reasons we should call for a ceasefire.
Talya – supports the ceasefire. It is our responsibility to speak out for what is right.
Huda Said, resident – it is clear that everyone is in support of the resolution. Hopes we understand what the people want. They look to use to be their voice and help to make an impact.
Shahnaz – Children graduated from UMD. Works with refugees who come to the states, families who are shattered.
Samir Kabir, resident – The urgency of this moment cannot be understated. 35,133 people have been killed. Maryland is not immune to this conflict. Our tax dollars are funneled to maintain this conflict. The funding that is being used can be used to support local initiatives.
Councilmember Mackie – the City of College Park does not have purview over international matters. She hopes and prays for peace but does not believe she was elected by district 4 to put forth this resolution. She may stand alone, but that is alright.
Councilmember Esters – thanked those who came out to make statements. She said people often turn a blind eye to issues they don’t believe directly impact them. We can agree that innocent people should not continue to die. She said she would support the resolution.
Councilmember Jacob Hernandez – explained his interest in peace but said he had to abstain from voting on this matter given his job.
Mayor Pro Tem Mitchell – thanked those who came out and made statements. She said this resolution is about humanity. We should support those who do not have the voice.
Councilmember Hew – he cannot find any reason people should be killing one another.
Mayor Kabir – As Mayor he will not have a chance to vote. We rarely take on international issues but there are local impacts from this situation.
The resolution passed with 6 yes votes, 1 no (Mackie), and 1 abstain (Hernandez).
WORKSESSION DISCUSSIONS
Discussion of reducing the number of Campaign Yard Signs in City elections -Janeen S.Miller, City Clerk
Ms. Miller introduced the item which was brought up by Mayor Pro Tem Mitchell. Ms. Miller shared how campaign signs are managed in other nearby municipalities. In Greenbelt poles are set up in various areas and candidates draw for pole position. There are also signs seen in yards. Neither Bowie nor Hyattsville allow signs in the public rights of way.
Councilmember Esters – suggested that we consider restricting the allowance of signs in the ROW but allowing for signs in yard where we receive permission to do so. We see sign sprawl during elections, and we can change that. Signs do not elect candidates.
Councilmember Hernandez – we should be very careful when considering such a proposal. He understands what it is like to be a non-incumbent in a competitive race. Such restrictions can take away voice.
Councilmember Adams – we should restrict signs in ROW but not on private property.
Councilmember Whitney – agreed with CM Adams. The signs on private property are much more impactful. Suggested a two-week window to post signs.
Councilmember Rigg – if it is not broken, don’t fix it. There have been candidates who need a way to get their name out there.
Councilmember Mackie- Election Commission was told not the quash people’s rights. There was a lot of heated conversation. Environmentally, signs are better than stuffing people’s doors. Ask for someone to explain the Supreme Court decision on the matter at some point.
Councilmember Hew – the signs are a celebration of our democracy. We have such little voter turnout. He views the signs as an icebreaker. Maybe we impose a limit on the number of signs posted.
Councilmember Esters – suggested designated areas for signs throughout the city, a limit on the number of signs posted, and a standard size for all signs.
Mayor Pro Tem Mitchell – mentioned residents feeling forced to have everyone’s sign in their yard.
Councilmember Hernandez- signs communicate to a broader range of voters. Sorry to hear that residents feel forced to take signs, but it is their decision. The state, county, and federal government have not regulated this.
SGA Liaison Mirani – understands that rationale in wanting to restrict signs. He was once a first-time candidate who faced challenges during a campaign. He liked the idea of designated areas for signs as suggested by Councilmember Esters.
Councilmember Hew – We could limit the number of signs in the right of way.
Councilmember Mitchell suggested 30 days in the public right of ways.
Councilmember Mackie said we should treat each other with respect.
Councilmember Hew said he was indifferent to change on this matter.
Councilmember Hernadez said he advocated for no change.
Councilmember Adams – asked for City to take this issue to the Elections Commission
Ms. Miller – noted there was not consensus among councilmembers to move this issue forward. She expressed concern with the work that would need to be done to take this item to commission without consensus from Council.
The Council agreed not to move forward with any changes.
REQUESTS FOR / STATUS OF FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
Councilmember Esters said she would like to put forth a discussion about National Night Out and whether or not the City moves toward holding one event versus events in various neighborhoods. She said she had spoken to Council colleagues but had not completed the request form. She will do so.
Councilmember Esters asked to put forth the formation of the taskforce on affordable housing but was told it was already slated to come back to Council for discussion.
COMMENTS FROM THE MAYOR, COUNCIL, STUDENT LIAISON OR CITY MANAGER
Councilmember Adams – Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (MWCOG) held its kickoff of the Visualize 2050 long-range transportation plan. He mentioned working with Councilmember Weaver of Greenbelt and County Councilmember Eric Olson to ensure that tollways in our region will not be pursued.
Mayor Kabir – attended a recent event at the State house where the Governor signed one of Delegate Lehman’s bills introduced during session.
Councilmember Hew – recently attended the White House initiative on Asian American, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders.
Councilmember Hernandez – was former Councilmember Kate Kennedy’s guest at the Latin American Youth Center Gala hosted by District 1 resident Lupi Quinteros-Gradi.
Mr. Young said the Vacant and Blighted Property Taskforce were scheduled to hold their first meeting on 5/15.
MEETING ADJOURNED
Click here to see the full agenda for the City of College Park Mayor & Council Hybrid Meeting on May 21, 2024. Tune in, show up or share your thoughts/concerns about the following anticipated 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:
CONSENT
Resolution to dissolve the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Tribute Committee and consolidate the functions under the City Events Advisory Board
Approval of FY 2024 ARPA grants of $75,000 each to Berwyn Heights Volunteer Fire Department & Rescue Squad, Branchville Volunteer Fire Company (pending receipt of application) and College Park, Volunteer Fire Department
ACTION ITEMS
Adoption of FY’2025 Budget
WORKSESSION DISCUSSIONS
Discussion of Rhode Island Ave Between 193 and Edgewood Road: Follow up to prior traffic study (bike lanes, speed limit, driver behavior)
Review of College Park Parade
The College Park District 2 Digest 