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 July 16, 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 informed residents the needs-based student housing subsidy started taking applications as of July 16. He explained the subsidy is a one-time grant of $1,250 and that 60 awards will be made to undergraduates and 60 awards will be made to graduate students living in College Park and attending institutions of higher education in the surrounding area. Applications are due by September 15. Any questions should be directed to the Finance Office.
Mayor Kabir asked about senior residents seeking help to complete the senior tax credit application. Mr. Young said any questions should be directed to the Finance Office or Youth and Family & Senior Services.
PROCLAMATIONS AND AWARDS
AMENDMENTS TO AND APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA
Mayor Pro Tem Mitchell made a motion to approve the agenda, seconded by Councilmember Hew.
PRESENTATION: Senior Advisory Committee’s Age Friendly Workgroup on the progress of the City’s AARP 5-year action plan – Kiaisha Barber, Director of Youth, Family and Senior Services
Mr. Robert Thurston led the presentation and was accompanied by other members of the Senior Advisory Committee. He applauded and thanked staff and Council for their support. He said many of the activities undertaken by the City fall in line with the AARP Livable Communities criteria. He encouraged the City to continue to support and engage.
The Age-Friendly College Park Workgroup has chosen five focus points including housing, transportation, communication, social participation, and health services and community support. Since the group’s inception, there have been a number of activities that have taken place. It has been their desire to create more social events for the city.
Accomplishments – Helped to improve the livability for City and identified activities that fit into categories of focus. They have been able to form and maintain numerous partnerships and have written “Did You Know” articles for newsletters and various publications. Leading their charge for the coming year is the Age-Friendly College Park (AFCP) Lead Position.
What is Next? – the workgroup is truly engaged and working to get the word out and recruit more members. The group has nothing to do with age, it is about engaging residents from the time they arrive until they leave.
The committee asked for our continued support and asked for the integration of the position to help it be effective. They encourage residents to volunteer and attend events. The Seniors Advisory Committee are moving forward with the goal of becoming a certified age-friendly community. Some of the things they would like to achieve will require policy changes. They do not want to operate in a vacuum and appreciate feedback and input. Currently, the overall livability index for College Park is 54, which is among the top half of communities in the US.
Mayor Pro Tem Mitchell thanked the group for what they were doing. She said she recently had contact with the Mayor of Chicago who expressed interest in their work and looks forward to speaking to them.
Councilmember Whitney thanked the group for their work and asked about particular policy changes they would like to see. Mr. Thurston mentioned ADUs (Accessory Dwelling Units) and transportation within the city.
Mayor Kabir asked about the livability index the workgroup sought. Mr. Thurston said they have not identified a particular benchmark at this time.
Councilmember Esters thanked the group for their work and acknowledged that she sees them at various events throughout the city. She mentioned the domains they are focusing on and highlighted that housing continues to be an issue, especially for residents who seek to downsize and stay in the city.
Councilmember Mackie said we wants to support the committee and hopes members will continue to engage with the Mayor and Council. She said we need to have places where people can actually downsize. We also need activities for adults during the day. She would like them to share ideas with us moving forward.
Councilmember Hernandez has heard a lot about the work of the committee. He said he would like to challenge the group to guide residents in planning for the possible challenges of finding long-term care for aging parents.
Bonnie McClennan said that with the lead they will be able to have a liaison with the City/Council on a regular basis. She asked that City/Council be willing to work with that person.
CONSENT AGENDA
24-G-78 Approval of annual renewal of the Accela software licensing contract for use by Public Services, Planning and Engineering staff, in the amount of $62,230.37 for the period July 26, 2024, through July 25, 2025– Jatinder Khokhar, Director of Public Services
24-R-07 Adoption of a Resolution to establish the policy/procedure to handle small cell wireless applications – Stephanie Anderson, City Attorney
24-G-109 Appointment of Attick Towers resident Mr. Albert Melvin as the resident commissioner to the College Park Housing Authority for a term to end May 1, 2026 – Fazlul Kabir, Mayor
Motion to approve Consent Agenda by Councilmember Esters, seconded by Councilmember Rigg.
ACTION ITEMS
24-O-03 Introduction of Ordinance 24-O-03 with proposed changes to the City’s Noise Code – Jatinder Khokhar, Director of Public Services and Stephanie Anderson, City Attorney. The Public Hearing will be held on Wednesday, August 7, 2024 at 7:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers of City Hall 00213.
Mr. Nate Foreman led the discussion. He said one minor change has been the separation of exempt acts from prohibited acts. The substantive changes have to do with disclosures made to code enforcement, false information given by the tenant, or a revelation that the owner advised the tenant to give false information. There can be two individuals with a complaint or one individual who would affirm testimony by way of affidavit.
Councilmember Whitney asked about the amount of the fines which according to section 138-11 indicates the fine could be divided proportionally rather than imposed to each individual. Mr. Foreman said that could be changed if the body voted to do so.
Councilmember Hernandez asked how residents will be informed of the change. Ms. Miller indicated there will be a public hearing. It was agreed upon to introduce the ordinance this evening and then make any amendments after the public hearing on August 7.
Mayor Pro Tem Mitchell asked if we could get bullet points to share with residents about the change in the language of the ordinance. Mr. Foreman will provide bullet points to Council.
WORKSESSION DISCUSSIONS
- Request by the College Park Airport Authority to send a letter to the City’s federal representatives requesting they contact TSA to allow an increase in on-demand operations at the airport – Dave Dorsch, Chair, College Park Airport Authority and Lee Sommer, Airport Manager
Mr. Dorsch talked about the proud heritage of the College Park Airport, including that start of Airmail. He said a damper was placed on the airport after 9 /11 prohibiting much of their operations. He asked for the Council to write to our congressional representative to ask TSA to make minor changes to help the airport function more efficiently. He does not believe that the requested changes will impact the community.
Councilmember Adams asked if this request would apply to airplane and helicopters. The helicopters make more noise. He would like the Airport authority to reach out to the civic association in communities that will be impacted.
Councilmember Rigg asked about the vote from the Airport Authority – 6 to one. Asked about the air traffic prior to 9/11. He is inclined to strike the right balance.
Councilmember Whitney said she has heard concerns from residents about leaded fuel being used at the airport, which is dangerous, saying more flights would cause more exposure.
Councilmember Esters said she would also like to see the Airport Authority speak with the Civic Association for the communities that would be directly impacted and had concerns about the impacts of lead fuel given the location of an elementary school in Lakeland. She asked for data related to number of flights, noise and lead emissions.
The mayor asked about the regulation of flight restrictions.
Councilmember Mackie asked if the TSA would be setting up a stand and counter at the airport. (They will not) and asked about commuter flights and commercial flights.
Councilmember Hernandez shared his own flight experience and asked what restrictions Mr. Dorsch was asking to be lifted. He said we would need to know exactly what we are asking to have changed.
Councilmember Adams – highly encouraged outreach to civic association and asked about the demand for increased flights.
Mayor Pro Tem Mitchell asked for information about the environmental impact of increased flights.
Councilmember Esters asked Mr. Dorsch if he was asking to restore flight levels to what existed prior to 9/11. Mr. Dorsch said he did not want all of them.
Ms. Miller asked if operating rules could be provided to Council
Councilmember Mackie asked for data about lead exposure at schools close to small airports.
Councilmember Hew said when 9/11 occurred College Parak Airport requested they not be shutdown although they were restricted. He said he fully understands what they are trying to achieve.
Councilmember Whitney said when previous discussion about a small number of commercial flights occurred it was said they would not use leaded fuel. With input from the civic associations, she would be open to increasing planes that are not using leaded fuel.
Councilmember Hernandez talked about his own flight experience and said he believed that the request, if it moves forward, will be a challenge due to safety.
- Follow up discussion on draft language to amend the City Code (Chapters 125, 141 and 110) to prohibit the storage of certain types of furniture in the front yard – Jatinder Khokhar, Director of Public Services and Stephanie Anderson, City Attorney
Stephanie Anderson led the discussion and said she was introducing draft language to illicit discussion. The language asks that semi-permanent furniture be stored behind fencing and not the front yard.
Rigg said residents have had issue with beer pong tables. He has spoken to other residents about other recreational furniture. There is a quirk in the code that allows inside furniture to be used on the porch but not the front yard. Asked if we could specifically prohibit beer pong tables.
Councilmember Adams said he was supportive of the language of the furniture used outside and the refuse toter and recycling containers. He requested clarity on the language regarding toters being moved back by 7:30 pm on the date of pickup. Mr. Khokar discussed best practices but said Council could make an adjustment.
Councilmember Esters asked for additional discussion about changing the 5-day grace period. She said she understood dealing with repeat offenses, but did not want to punish individuals who aren’t repeat offenders (e.g., families going on vacation).
Councilmember Adams said the violation should be to the property owner. Khokhar – the property owner is cited but the owner can choose to include language that passes costs along to tenants in their lease.
Councilmember Hernandez asked if we are overstepping bounds given that we are not an HOA. He asked if we should wait until students are around and can be engaged in the process.
Councilmember Hew mentioned two or three houses where students were building a beer pong table in the front yard. He asked them if that would be acceptable in the neighborhood they grew up in. The residents moved the activity to the backyard.
SGA Liaison Otte said thinks that infringement on civil liberties should be considered but students should be respectful of the broader community.
Rigg said we started the conversation in April when students were present and discussed with the former student liaison.
SGA Liaison Fahmy said it is important for students to have their say on the topic if they have any stake.
Mayor Kabir said the hearing could be held when students are present.
Councilmember Whitney said she had concerns about prohibiting indoor furniture on a covered porch because it feels elitist and might be difficult to define.
Mr. Khokhar said the use of furniture should be focused on the manufacturer’s specifications.
Mr. Hernandez asked if we can we leave it to the discretion of the code enforcement officers. Ms. Anderson said we can leave it to their discretion, but enforcement should be even-handed.
Councilmember Hew mentioned concerns a trampoline in front yards and has received complaints about them.
Mayor Pro Tem Mitchell said due to safety reasons trampoline should be in the backyard.
The City Attorney will create a draft ordinance and will bring it back for a public hearing that will be held after students have returned.
- Parameters/Guidelines for the City’s Emergency Assistance Fund – Kiaisha Barber, Director of Youth, Family and Senior Services
Ms. Barbers provided an overview of funds used to support those in need during Covid. She said a half-time staff member was hired in January to review applications. She referenced the updated application provided as part of the agenda. She said all of the applicants had bills in arrears and were in imminent risk of loss of housing or vital medical needs.
Councilmember Esters said the funds should only be made available to a particular household annually, and it should not be offered to elected officials.
Councilmember Mackie asked that all sources of support be reported, does not believe that the household of elected officials should be able to apply for funds.
Mayor Kabir asked if income is requested. Ms. Barber said application before ARPA funds were approved there were requests for other sources of income.
Councilmember Whitney agreed the funds should only be granted one a year to a household, and the households of elected officials should not be accepted. She said he appreciated the use of half of the funds for the first part of the year and using the remainder for the second part of the year. She confirmed when asked by Mr. Young that any unused funds from the first half could roll into the second. She also appreciated that funds could not be used to pay down credit card debt or outstanding balances with the city.
Rigg asked about enforcement if someone provided false information. Ms. Anderson said applicants will need to sign an affidavit, but it may be difficult to obtain money from them. These individuals should not be able to apply moving forward.
Mayor Pro Tem Mitchell asked if we identify if the individual is obtaining other funding prior to dispensing funds. Ms. Barber said staff will performs research to ensure that, to the best of their knowledge, applicants are not double-dipping.
- Agenda items for July 24 Four Cities Meeting in Berwyn Heights
Greenbelt Fire Fighter situation
SHA Engineer will be present
Pedestrian light at Campus Way and the Trolley Trail
The WMATA Bridge it is to be replaced – when?
Finalization of Route 1
U-turns on Route 1
Cherry Hill Road – Route 1 – Timing of the lights
Tax differential
Animal Shelter
REQUESTS FOR / STATUS OF FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
Councilmember Hernandez made a motion to Build out/Institutionalize bilingual bridge-building to broaden engagement, seconded by Councilmember Rigg.
Mayor Pro Tem Mitchell made a motion regarding Middle Missing Housing /ADUs. She will submit a request.
COMMENTS FROM THE MAYOR, COUNCIL, STUDENT LIAISON OR CITY MANAGER
Councilmember Hew said he attended a conference in DC hosted by the NLC on redefining the purpose of land grant colleges.
Mr. Young referenced the information report on the agenda.
MEETING ADJOURNED
INFORMATION REPORT (No Discussion)
a) Reassignment of Code Enforcement Officers by Council Districts- Jatinder Khokar, Public Services Director
CLOSED SESSION
Pursuant to the statutory authority of Maryland Annotated Code, General Provisions Article, § 3-305, the Mayor and Council will meet in a closed session to consult with counsel to obtain legal advice and to consult with staff, consultants, or other individuals about pending or potential litigation. The Mayor and Council will not return to open session after the closed
Click here to see the full agenda for the City of College Park Mayor & Council Hybrid Meeting on August 17, 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:
Quarterly Financial Presentation – 4th Quarter FY ’24 – Gary Fields, Director of Finance
Introduction of FY 25 Budget Amendment #1 related to the ARPA allocation fund – GaryFields, Director of Finance (Public Hearing and Adoption on September 10, 2024)
Consideration of a Property Use Agreement for The Greene Turtle opening at College Park Shopping Center, 7370 Baltimore Avenue – Stephanie Anderson, City Attorney
Parameters/Guidelines for the City’s Business Retention and Attraction fund – Michael Williams, Director of Economic Development
The College Park District 2 Digest 