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 June 11, 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 thanked everyone for their time at the International Town & Gown Association (ITGA) conference. According to Mr. Young, the conference hosted by College Park was the largest event they have held to date. He gave a shout out to city staff, residents, committee members and Ms. Arelis Perez, College Park Housing Authority, for coming to share and learn about other municipalities.
Mr. Young asked council members and residents to be sure and report any graffiti they may see.
Acknowledgements
Former District 2 Councilmember Maxine Gross and former District 1 Councilmember Dave Milligan
Proclamations and Awards
Pollinator Week – June 17 – June 23
Amendments and Approval of the Agenda
Prior to approval of the agenda, Councilmember Rigg asked for a point of clarification regarding the agenda packet. Ms. Miller, City Clerk, confirmed that item 24-G-101 was included in the packet sent to council and found online, but it was not on the printed agenda. `
Mayor Pro Tem Mitchell moved to pass the Agenda, which received a second and was unanimously approved.
Consent Agenda
24-G-90 Annual appointments to City advisory boards for terms that begin on July 1 – Janeen S. Miller, City Clerk
24-G-91 Approval of an additional FY 24 public school education grant in the amount of $2,250 to Berwyn Heights Elementary School – Kiaisha Barber, Director of Youth, Family and Senior Services
24-G-100 Approval of minutes from the June 3, 2024, Council meeting.
Councilmember Hernandez made a motion to accept the consent agenda, seconded by Councilmember Esters.
Public Hearing and Possible Action
24-G-84 Follow up from the May 21 meeting: Petition request for Traffic Calming in the 4900 Block of Iroquois Street
Mr. Vassalotti introduced this item that was initially presented to the council on 5/21. At that time there was a vote to delay the item until this evening to allow for more resident input. Since the original hearing was held on 5/21 a councilmember needed to make the motion and obtain a second to allow for public comment.
Councilmember Hernandez asked about the impact of snow management and leaf mitigation if traffic calming measures were installed. Mr. Vassalotti said operationally there is no concern. All streets are serviced, and traffic calming measures do not cause issue.
Councilmember Hernandez made a motion to approve, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Mitchell
Laurie Peterson, resident –she used to plow snow and traffic-calming measures cause concerns. She said she wondered why this is being done since the study said it was not worth moving forward with.
Ms. Miller, City Clerk, said the petition requires signature by 60% of residents on the street. There is an objective study of the street, and they take the two worse days of traffic.
Councilmember Hernandez asked Mr. Vassalotti to confirm that most speed bumps in the city do not meet the standard for installation. Mr. Vassalotti confirmed that is the case.
Julie Gilyard, resident – contrary to previous comments, she does need traffic calming, as she is a resident who walks, walks her dog and gardens. It is a very simple solution. She said she is sure that many people do not want to see a sidewalk, but the speed bump is a democratic solution. She has noticed an increased number of cars per household. The increased population of vehicles makes it difficult to dodge cars. Would love to increase the safety of the street.
Andrew Tarter, resident – thanked Council for allowing him the opportunity to share his voice. He thanked the city engineers for their study. He said the corners where counters were placed require cars to slow down. He believed the study captured cars slowing down. He has a young child who he would like to teach to ride a bike. There are increased cars on Iroquois street since the traffic calming on Rhode Island.
Dave Milligan, resident – not a fan of speed bumps. They are not the most attractive of traffic calming devices. It is a very narrow block on which he does not see a sidewalk being installed. The issue is safety and awareness for pedestrians. If there are more gentle bumps and awareness. Not the best solution but the only solution right now.
Ashwan Bhouraskar, resident – was at the 5/21 meeting. Understands not all residents are in favor. Believes the speed bump should be located in the middle of the block where it is needed.
Jim French, resident –He said if there was no downside or a speeding issue he would say to put it in. They found the two fastest days were the weekend. The average speed was 17.3 an hour. The fastest was 28.6, which does not classify as speeding in their criteria. The results of the study did not meet the threshold. There are negatives, and what we are dealing with is a perception of traffic risks.
Mohijd Moskofas, resident – works at UMD. Iroquois is a narrow street with diverse speed patterns. Even one car speeding is a car too many.
Jim French, resident- the study says that traffic calming devices will be installed based upon support from the study.
Councilmember Rigg said he is not a fan of speed bumps and thinks sidewalks are a better solution.
Councilmember Adams – the policy is outdated and needs to be revisited. Thanks to the residents for their testimony.
Councilmember Hew – study was not done in the space where the issues have occurred. More often than not he has felt unsafe on the street. He believes the counter could have been placed in a better location. He supports the traffic calming measure.
Councilmember Hernandez- lives three or four blocks away. It feels like a blind corner. He understands a sidewalk would be a difficult discussion. In this part of the city there are oddly shaped streets. There are perceptions of safety that are hard to capture. Thanked everyone for coming out to share their thoughts.
Vote of 7-1 – passed.
Action Items
24-G-101 Approval of a Business Retention and Attraction Assistance Grant to Pho Thom in the amount of $100,000 for restaurant relocation and equipment expenditures – Michael Williams, Director of Economic Development
Mr. Williams, Director of Economic Development, said that Pho Tom is seeking relocation assistance. They have secured a new location at the Union on Knox and will be making a 20-year commitment. The city anticipates tax income from the business of $300,000 per year. The owner of Pho Tom has committed a portion of her personal funds to complete this project.
Councilmember Hernandez said he was extremely torn in supporting the current grant program. He believes there should be guardrails placed on the program. He asked how much money is left in the budget. Mr. William said $115,000 remains for FY’24. He asked how many potential businesses we anticipate requesting assistance from the Greenhill development. Mr. Williams anticipates three viable candidates. Councilmember Hernandez asked if the county has offered any funding to assist these businesses. Mr. Williams said the county has expressed a desire to help, but it is a difficult task. Mr. Hernandez asked if the city has received application from Northwest Chinese and Ritchie’s Columbian. Mr. Williams said no applications have been received from these businesses as of yet.
Mayor Pro Tem Mitchell asked about the transparency of the grants and how he believes adjustments will be made moving forward. Mr. Williams said he is not only dealing with people he likes. He looks for the spaces and what is available. He goes out to see what may be available. When he receives an application, he is looking for their revenue and employment for city residents. Mayor Pro Tem Mitchell said if any municipality wants to create their own economic hub, they need to do so, because it is difficulty to do so through the county.
Councilmember Rigg said we have a desire to maintain small, minority owned businesses, especially when displaced by development.
Edwina Wiss, Capital Kettle Corn – has been working to get their business established over the past two years. She just recently learned of the grant and thinks there should be more equity.
Alexa Bely, resident – Pho Tom has become family restaurant, as well as one of the few places she can take a professional colleagues. They have come to adore the owner, who is incredibly dedicated. It is locally-owned, minority-owned, woman-owned.
Leo Shapiro, resident – the restaurant is the type of restaurant we want to maintain. Mentioned the discussions and support of parades where there aren’t many people in attendance. Cutting the amount could cause risk to the project. He said the restaurant appeals to a broadd audience.
Jim French, resident- has a background in accounting and business and wonders why we are offering business grants instead of discounted loans.
David Dorsch, resident – said the city needs another restaurant like Platos.
Chad Hora, resident – owned a business in the city but moved. Asked why the county didn’t provide assistance to the business since they approved the development.
Councilmember Adams said Councilmember Hernandez made good points. He said we need to consider guardrails; however, we need to be flexible with the needs of business. He said that 450 days ago the commercial tax rate was proposed to help support business.
Councilmember Hernandez made an amendment to reduce the amount to $75,000 but there was no second.
Mayor Pro Tem Mitchell asked for clarification about the rollover of grant funds from FY24 to FY25. Mr. Young said that generally funds will not automatically roll over.
The motion to approve the $100 thousand grant passed 6-1.
Mr. Williams said thank you to Ms. Tran and looks forward to working with her. The new landlord will contribute $317,000 for build out. He said he heard Mr. Hernandez loud and clear. He looks forward to sharing details about support for other business. He concluded that the city has been a big supporter of Capital Kettle Corn to the tune of $40,000.
24-G-92 Approval of Property Use Agreement in support of an application for a Class B, (BLX), Beer, Wine, and Liquor License for the use of Everland, Inc., t/a LaTao Hotpot College Park, 8700 Baltimore Avenue, Suites A & B, College Park, 20740 – Stephanie Anderson, City Attorney
Ms. Anderson introduced the item. She said although is an application for a new Class B, BLX, Beer, Wine, and Liquor license, it is not a new restaurant. The business failed to renew its liquor license before is expired on May 31, 2024. The new application is to replace the lost license, and the county Board of License Commissioners (BOLC) will consider the application during their hearing schedule for June 2, 2024.
Motion made by Councilmember Whitney, seconded by Councilmember Esters. Approved unanimously.
24-G-99 Award of contract for RFP CP-24-05 (Request for Proposals for Research Consultant for the Restorative Justice Commission) and authorize the City Attorney and City Manager to execute the contract – Maxine Gross, Chair, Restorative Justice Commission
Ms. Gross said the group is coming out of Columbia University. They have partnered with Howard University Law School. The objective is to document the historical impact of urban renewal on Lakeland and help to create an historical record.
Councilmember Hernandez asked whether there would be concern about the budget if this were approved. The City Manager said if approved, the objective would be to use FY24 funds.
Councilmember Adams in fy25—there’s a $100k line item for historical record development, are you wanting to reprogram those funds for addressing harms? (Ms. Gross said, “Yes.”)
Councilmember Rigg asked why we only received an RFP from one entity. Ms. Gross explained that it is vast scope of work involving historical, economic and legal research, and that there aren’t very many entities able to take on such a project. Councilmember Esters made the motion to approve, seconded by Councilmember Whitney.
24-G-95 Approval of recommendations on the Detailed Site Plan Application for LV Collective, Project Turtle (former Campus Village Shoppes), and approval of the associated Declaration of Covenants and Agreement Regarding Land Use – Miriam Bader, Director of Planning and Stephanie Anderson, City Attorney
Erik Valentine introduced the event to the council. The Detailed Site Plan for this project was first discussed at the meeting held on June 3. The purpose of the DSP is to construct a mixed-use development containing 299 student-oriented apartments, 13,305 square feet of retail space and 2,219 square foot community space (Lakeland Legacy Center).
The applicant agreed to all conditions included in the Declaration of Covenants and Agreement Regarding Land Use except for the following 3: 1) providing a mid-block sidewalk because it was determined not to be feasible due to the location of fire hydrant and fire lane. 2) consideration to set aside a percentage of room as affordable units with students who demonstrate need. 3) amend their approved Bicycle Pedestrian Improvement Statement (BPIS) to add lighting along the Trolley Trail near Lakeland Park. Their submitted BPIS statement was approved months ago and exceeded cost.
Mr. Haller, applicant’s attorney, mentioned the restorative justice agenda item and is excited about being located in the community.
Councilmember Whitney said she heard the discussion about affordable housing options during the recent ITGA conference and asked about the possibility of creating hubs with common space and asked if a 15-bed unit would be possible. The applicant said they do offer 5-bedroom units and four by 2 units but would not be able to create such a hub in the development. Whitney asked how many 5-bedroom units are included, and Mr. Sahakian said 39.
Councilmember Whitney made the motion to approve, which was seconded by Councilmember Esters. The motion passed unanimously.
24-G-96 Discuss and approve FY ’25 Strategic Plan One-Year Objectives
Bill Gardiner, Assistant City Manager. In May, city staff provided the Mayor and Council with an update of FY’24 annual objectives and notes to consider for the FY’25 annual objectives.
Councilmember Whitney agreed to all the objectives included in OKR 3 but would like to include plans for Roanoke pocket park and evaluate the interest of the community for the Pierce Avenue property.
Council Hernandez asked about the exploration of educational opportunities for our growing diverse community, and specifically mentioned the growing Muslim and Hispanic residents in District 1. Would like to see the city target programming to acknowledge these communities. Would like to see the construction of Duvall Field in the next year (OKR #3). He also asked about a study to look at the feasibility of a city police force.
Mayor Pro Tem Mitchell asked if the strategic plan is on the website. Mr. Young said the plan would be and the updates will be added.
Councilmember Adams cautioned us from raising specific projects and concerns in an effort to be equitable. We need to focus on a broad strategic approach.
Councilmember Whitney suggested language to broaden objectives.
Work Session Discussion – Social Sports League – Kiaisha Barber, Director of Youth, Family and Senior Services
Kiaisha Barber, Director of Youth and Family Services, said a resident survey was done in February and we received 150 responses. There is interest in having a social sports league program in College Park. It is something that is worth pursuing, but the question is how it will be done. She received promising news from the University of Maryland’s Rec Well and from the College of Public Health, where there could be a student-run class or league.
Councilmember Adams thanked Ms. Barber and said Terrapin Central Sports has started a volleyball league. He would like to see us focus on parking and the price point moving forward. The objective is to get residents active and involved. We can tailor the options based upon location.
Mayor Kabir asked about partnering with M-NCPPC. Ms. Barber said there was outreach to M-NCPPC, but it was difficult getting in contact with someone.
Councilmember Mackie likes the combination of activities. Went to a session on mental health at ITGA that emphasized the importance of such activity.
Council Whitney asked about the affordability of programs. Ms. Barber said there will be more discussion and she will bring further details back to council.
Councilmember Hernandez said it gives him pause when he looks at M-NCPPC tax rate of $.195. The county has programs available. He said he is not a fan of this proposed project.
Mayor Pro Tem Mitchell – the city does not control what the county does. It would take conversations.
Councilmember Esters thanked Ms. Barber for her work, considering her limited staff. She said she trusted Ms. Barber to decide about what would work best and said the focus would be accessibility and engagement within our community.
Councilmember Rigg said it is challenging to connect with M-NCPPC whose focus is county-wide. Duvall Field presents great opportunity and other places throughout the city to encourage participation. Supports a modest investment to explore.
Councilmember Adams said he was confused by the discussion about the need for a sports league when a survey was done. The FY’25 budget does not have a line item. Mr. Young said when the item is brought back there would need to be an amendment to the budget to determine where the money will come from. Councilmember Adams asked if there was any outreach to private companies. Ms. Barber said there was outreach to private companies, but it was tough to choose who to reach out to. They did speak to companies about what their programs were, and some thought it would be good to expand, but she did not move forward without a plan of how we would choose an entity.
Councilmember Hernandez asked if it was typical for municipalities to give these entities money to come to their cities to establish league. He also said he had concerns about putting this on her plate. Ms. Barber said it in not unheard of to have a grant for this function.
Mayor Kabir suggested we go for a modest model.
Comments from the audience
Residents Mike McSweeney said he and his wife like College Park and appreciate the warmth of the community. They have had issues with gaining support from the city for a settlement that covers their costs for addressing a WSSC sewerage backup into their house. They have reached out to the county executive to no avail. They are hesitant to engage with the WSSC board and are concerned about the pending FBI project and issues that may arise with WSSC. He said there is no oversight for WSSC damage, and he suspects they are not alone in their concerns or limited resources. He said residents need protection from WSSC’s seemingly unlimited power.
Mayor Pro Tem Mitchell asked them to leave their name and contact information for follow up and assistance.
Councilmember Rigg said this is something that continues to happen in this community and suggested they obtain a lawyer.
Meeting Adjourned
Click here to see the full agenda for the City of College Park Mayor & Council Hybrid Meeting on July 9, 2024 when it is available. 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:
Proposed Consent
- Approval of an additional $43,000 for the current Hitachi maintenance contract to add 15 existing cameras that are coming off of warranty to the maintenance contract
Discussion
- Discussion on expanding voting to residents ages 16-18
The College Park District 2 Digest 