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 October 15, 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 reminded residents about the Clean Up Day scheduled for Saturday, October 19 at Davis Hall 7:30am – 12noon.
PROCLAMATIONS AND AWARDS
AMENDMENTS TO AND APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA
Councilmember Rigg made a motion to move agenda item 24-G-140 to the Consent Agenda, seconded by Councilmember Hernandez.
Councilmember Whitney made a motion to move approval of minutes to Action, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Mitchell
Mayor Pro Tem Mitchell accepted the amended agenda, Councilmember Mackie seconded.
PUBLIC COMMENT ON CONSENT AGENDA AND NON-AGENDA ITEMS
Lorraine Wilson, resident – raised hand but was unable to speak due to technical difficulties.
PRESENTATION
Discussion with the United States Postal Service
Mr. Keith Hooks from the National Association of Letter Carriers came to speak to Council about concerns at the North College Park Post Office. Mr. Hooks said Postmaster Tonya White has retired. There is not a new Postmaster yet, but an Officer In Charge (OIC) will be identified soon. He said issues related to calls not being returned, and mis-deliveries should be addressed. He explained that the delay in mail delivery is due to the release of mail from the warehouse.
Mr. Hooks said that the Union understands public service. He said mail carriers are often the first ones to see or hear things in the neighborhood. He said his main goal is to keep carriers focused. He said he believes consistent communication with the community is important and asked for help in watching over mail carriers because there has been an uptick of assault, robberies, etc. He went on to share that bill HR29 – Letter Carriers Act is before Congress now.
Mayor Pro Tem Mitchell thanked Mr. Hooks for taking her call. She said residents have called and asked for a person of contact. He said he would serve as a point of contact until the OIC is identified. He will then share their contact information.
Councilmember Mackie asked if there was an FAQ about what to expect from the letter carrier. There are a lot of seniors in the city, and they cannot deliver mis-delivered mail to the correct address. Mr. Hooks said customers should not be delivering mail; it should always be given back to the carrier. Councilmember Mackie said recently mail was found in the storm drain and wondered what should be done. Mr. Hooks said there is an employee who is responsible for every zip code associated with 207, and that people should be contacted when such incidents occur.
Councilmember Esters recalled a recent incident in the North College Park Post office when employees complained about those who utilize the post office always having issues while she was in the Post Office. She acknowledged that people can be frustrated, but there is a time and place to discuss such concerns. Councilmember Esters asked about Mr. Hooks’ role as a union representative about his role in helping to address resident issues. He said prior to the OIC being put in place, and eventually a postmaster being hired, he will serve as a surrogate to fill in the gap.
Councilmember Hernandez said some residents use USPS Informed Delivery Service, a resource that helps people forecast forthcoming mail. Residents say they’ve had mail that has been held for week and is delivered in bundles.
Mayor Kabir asked who the point of contact for the city would be. Mr. Hooks said he will provide the information, but did not have it that evening. Mayor Kabir said the issue with the post office is longstanding. He said there had been outreach to the congressional representative some time ago and it helped for a while, but the concerns have returned.
Councilmember Rigg asked about the rented post office located at Calvert Road near the Metro. He said grounds are unkept. He asked that it be passed along to staff to ensure things in the area can be resolved.
Annual police agency presentation – Jatinder Khokhar, Director of Public Services
Mr. Khokar introduced the presentation, which was previously done on an annual basis and includes crime statistics from each agency and crime prevention methods. There are five agencies represented, including Metro Transit Police, State Police, Park & Planning Police, University of Maryland Police, and Prince George’s Police Department.
Metro Transit – Overall system-wide crime is down 30%. They believe the shift is due to point of entry policing (fare enforcement). 97% of violent criminals committed fare evasion. The new gates have helped deter fare evasion. Metro Police have helped to take handguns off the street. In College Park Metro Station, theft from auto and scooter thefts are seen the most. They have implemented a bait bike program and have surveillance and bike lock giveaways. They work with partner agencies who encounter some of the same criminals.
Last spring Metro ramped up truancy enforcement. Anytime there is contact with a juvenile they contact parents and schools and take them back. Metro has a Crisis Intervention Team that functions as a gateway to mental health assistance. The Youth Services Team serves as liaison between Metro and the schools. Overall things are working. The Kia Hyundai Challenge of last year has died down. They have seen a 156% increase in arrests of people stealing bikes and breaking into cars.
Maryland State Police (Lieutenant Wiseman)- They deal with anything north and east of the beltway. Stopped 26,000 cars in the past year and have seen fatal collisions go down by 40%. Trooper has dealt with 70 accidents in college park. There are specialized troopers who assist University of Maryland (UMD) with games and special events.
Maryland National Park Police (Chief Brown) – 8 parks in and around the City of College Park. In the past year there have been 22 calls from service, most calls are theft from auto. There have been a few serious incidents and a few assaults. Things will turn around given the change of season.
UMD Police Dept (Chief Mitchell) – Everything done at UMD involves partnership with the other agencies. Off-campus contacts with the community comprise 33% of calls. They have seen a rise in theft, specifically of scooters, cell phones and laptops. Violent crime is very low on campus. There have been cases of homeless individuals stealing scooters and selling them for drugs.
The City Multi-agency Service Team (CMAST) – meets on a monthly basis during the academic year. Over time, there has been a dramatic decrease in repeat residential calls for disorderly activity. Chief Mitchell thanked the city for funding cameras. There have been many requests for camera review and the identification of individuals responsible for incidents in College Park. The cameras have been instrumental in identifying perpetrators who pulled a gun and an attempted sexual assault, including a 12-year-old who was known in Montgomery County and College Park and surrounding areas.
Mental Health efforts include the Crisis Intervention Team, Mental Health Emergency Assessment and Response Team (MHeart) Counselor and Van, and Teddy, the UMPD Comfort Dog.
Micromobility Enforcement requires a great deal of education. At UMD, scooters must be registered. He thanked the city for creating a dedicated bike lane but finds that some students are surprised they need to stop at stop signs. UMD has issued several citations. Some of the current UMD Police programs include Coffee with a Cop, Citizens Police Academy, and Lights On ($200 discount on car lights repair). UMD would like to expand their coverage in Berwyn.
A speed camera near frat row is desperately needed; they would help to curb reckless driving of motorcycles and cars. Montgomery County just implemented noise cameras. Acknowledgement of the city for the stop sign cameras pilot. There is an interest in moving PERT phones in the city to dedicated PEPCO vs. Solar Power and in expanding Shot Spotter.
PGCPD (Major Keleti)- All agencies work together to reduce crime. We are down 15% in theft from auto, up 6% in violent crime and down 11% in total. Many of the arrests are made by investigators.
Contract officers have issued 168 citations for loud exhausts over the past year. Two issues police have ramped up their efforts – scooters and truck inspections.
Councilmember Hernandez – thanked everyone for their services. He asked for crime statistics for the Greenbelt Metro Station. He asked about the increased number of crimes at the Holiday Inn and whether AI is incorporated into their work. He said that Hollywood Elementary School was thankful for the crossing guards.
Councilmember Hew suggested that Council colleagues attend the Citizens Police Academy. He said many of his concerns were answered through the program. Councilmember Hew asked about procedures being put in place for the upcoming purple line. Major Keleti said the departments share information on an ongoing basis. There will be testing of the system soon.
Chief Mitchell said they have a great relationship with the Purple Line, which will have six stops through campus and Riverdale Park. The work has been expedited due to former UMD Vice President Carlo Colella and President Pines.
Councilmember Hew said there are times we need a good point of contact for the Park Police. He said he would like to build a relationship there. Chief Brown said there is contact number posted on signs in the parks and said calls to 911 will be directed to the proper police agency.
Councilmember Hew said some residents are reluctant to call 911 because they do not want to overwhelm the system. There is also a line for non-emergency numbers. Asked whether there is a new app for reporting issues. On the website, a non-violent crime can be reported online.
Councilmember Esters thanked agencies for their service. She referenced staff issues that have been an issue over the years for law enforcement and asked what staffing looked like for each agency and how those issues may impact the City of College Park.
PGPD is down by 380 officers. Staffing decrease has caused a move to 12 hours shifts. In the next two years, we will see the loss of numerous officers. UMD has 5 new officers. They have not had to adjust their schedules. The University has been very supportive. MNCPPC needs 136 officers to be at full capacity for the county and currently has approximately 120. Metro is currently 90 officers short. 480 officers are full capacity. They have created their own academy. The State Police are currently 90 officers short. Although way down, they continue to do the best they can with their resources.
Councilmember Whitney said motorized vehicles using bike lanes and the Trolley Trail is an ongoing issue. She used to see police officers on bicycles but hasn’t in a while. Chief Mitchell said UMPD officers will continue their mobile patrols, but it is a challenge. The speed limit has been lowered to 15 miles per hour. There was a tidal wave of issues since last year with many location checks in the wake of the Hamas attack on Israel and Israel’s attacks on Gaza have caused security concerns that have taken them out of the cars and from other enforcement. Chief Brown said Park Police will conduct a bike school to get more officers trained, including the younger officers.
Councilmember Whitney asked if catalytic converter thefts were down since we have not heard a lot about them recently. Chief Mitchell said they are not down. They can be stolen in less than 60 seconds. Camera systems have helped to make arrests, but it is a huge challenge. They have not seen as many on campus as they have in the metro area. Major Keleti said they have seen a reduction in those thefts, but they have seen more rims and tires stolen of late. Councilmember Whitney asked if demographic statistics on car stops are tracked. Major Keleti said that PGPD keeps track of all the stops. Chief Mitchell said that Etix is used by UMD and shows if people have been stopped before. The issue of drunk driving in College Park continues to be an issue, especially on Route 1 and 193.
Mayor Kabir asked about the overall increase in crime and asked what that is attributed to. Major Keleti said that crime goes up and down and acknowledged slight increases.
Mayor Pro Tem Mitchell – Thanked the panel for their work and asked about motorcycles at the IKEA parking lot and Route 1. Commander Wasserman was not aware. Major Keleti said PGPD is aware of the issue, and it is a challenge. Contract Officers have written numerous citations for activity at IKEA. Mitchell informed Chief Brown they had not seen anyone patrolling in College Park Woods. Chief Brown said patrols are done 24/7. They have received one call in College Park Woods over the past year. She will make folks aware and will ask for more patrols. Mayor Pro Tem Mitchell asked if we move forward with stop sign cameras, would it allow UMD to redirect their work. Chief Mitchell said anytime we can use automation to assist it is helpful. He said there are jurisdictions that are using drones. There are emerging opportunities to monitor issues.
Major Keleti said it is something that will help with having officers sitting at intersections but said Prince George’s County is a no-fly zone, so PGPD must get permission from the FCC. When asked about off-campus apartments and if there are currently issues where there are students from other universities, Major Keleti said there are currently very few issues. Where there are issues from other students, they do not hesitate to contact conduct offices.
Councilmember Mackie – thanked the agencies. She expressed concern about motorized bikes on paths. Asked if there are strategies that we should put in place to help residents. Major Keleti said PGPD gets intel about illegal car meet ups and updates each week. He said law enforcement is now charging the event promoters. The bikes are an issue, but they cannot chase them and often they will not stop. They can use aviation devices. Chief Brown said bikes are not allowed on the trails. Motorized and Biked officers are on the trails to help deter behavior.
Councilmember Adams discussed the attraction and retention of staff and mentioned the existing College Park homeownership programs that may help to attract and retain staff. He appreciated Chief Mitchell’s direct requests to council including cameras and stop sign cameras. He posed a question about recreational marijuana and whether there have been issues with individuals under the influence of other substances? Chief Mitchell said there has been reckless driving and people have been found to be under the influence while testing negative for alcohol. A drug recognition expert is called to confirm conditions. We have seen an uptick. We do not want to see anyone with behaviors that are detrimental to others. Adams mentioned areas where cars park in bike lanes in front of key locations. Chief Mitchell said this has been a long-standing issue in College Park. Some are attributed to delivery while others are pick up or drop offs. Officers are asked to help them move on. Every day there are tractor trailers parked behind Frat Row, but Baltimore Ave is a particular issue.
Major Keleti said if you are impeding traffic, you will be asked to move one. In some instances, companies have been contacted to ensure their behavior does not impede rush hour. Councilmember Adams mentioned the bike lanes that are impeded when cars park in the area. He also mentioned that calls related to noise and nuisance in District 3 have decreased, although there has been some vandalism. Adams mentioned that needles have been found in Calvert Park and have been reported. He said he feels like fare evasion has gotten better. He asked Wasserman if signs on I-495 could clearly indicate there are three northbound lanes to Baltimore.
Councilmember Rigg said he is extremely satisfied with police enforcement in the city among all agencies. However, he understands that in the back of Calvert Community Park, Riverdale Park and near CSX there is sometimes drug activity and people traverse jurisdictions. He asked who would have jurisdiction to deal with these concerns. Chief Brown said if the activity is adjacent to the park, Park Police has jurisdiction. Metro will also address issues and then agencies will work it out.
Rigg asked about hot rodding up and down Kenilworth Ave and described the moving violations are extremely loud. He said residents of District 3 often do not know who to contact with their concerns. Major Keleti said to call the county police. He will let the officers know to increase patrols.
SGA liaison Otte asked to address the issue of drunk driving on scooters. Many students do not realize if they are drunk on a scooter, they are drunk driving. Chief Mitchell said UMD has ticketed scooters for drunk driving and will continue to do so while they work to educate students. Major Keleti said on average there have been 612 crashes on scooters and 10 fatalities. PGPD stops a lot of scooters.
CONSENT AGENDA
24-G-137 Approval of Parameters/Guidelines for the City’s Business Retention and Attraction Fund – Michael Williams, Director of Economic Development
24-G-138 Approval of Contract for AARP Age Friendly Action Plan Lead Consultant – Kiaisha Barber, Director Youth, Family and Senior Services
24-G-139 Approval of a Property Use Agreement with Samosas and Spirits, LLC t/a Samosas and Sprits, 10250-C Baltimore Avenue, -Alcoholic Beverage License
ACTION ITEMS
24-G-134 Approval of the September 10, 2024, and September 24, 2024 Minutes
Councilmember Whitney motioned to make two minor revisions to the minutes from September 24 and to adjust the language regarding the business attraction grant to Rally House in the September 10 minutes, seconded by Councilmember Esters. Passed unanimously.
WORKSESSION DISCUSSIONS
A. Discussion of the CIP Funding for the Meter Replacement Program, Jatinder Khokhar, Director of Public Services and Jim Miller, Parking Enforcement Manager
Mr. Miller said he sought direction from Council about how to deal with antiquated parking meter equipment. The request for funding goes back to 2009. It has been requested in the current year’s funding but pushed to FY 26-Fy29. The existing funding was earmarked for license plate readers (LPRs)e. Of the five options offered, the two major options were to replace all the pay stations and authorize staff to move forward with the RFP process or approve a lesser number of pay stations and authorize staff to move forward with the RFP process. Mr. Miller said if we remain with the current company, we can purchase in phases. He said the real strength is in providing as many options as possible to accommodate all users/residents.
Councilmember Adams thanked Mr. Khokhar and Mr. Miller for the overview and the various options. He asked for clarification that meters located in front of Popeyes, Blaze and Stripe are not included. Mr. Miller said they are not.
Councilmember Adams asked if the meters behind the College Park Shopping Center would need to be replaced. They do not right now, but there may be further discussion.
Mr. Miller said replacement parts are unavailable for 7 of the 16 pay stations. The pay station in the Garage is included among the sixteen. Four pay stations are in the garage, 5 are in the College Park shopping Center, 5 are by Terrapin Row, and 2 are near College Ave.
Councilmember Rigg said he tends to be conservative about parking, saying it is an economic development mechanism. He said for the time being, we should continue to offer credit card and pay stations in all parking areas. He would like to reconsider ways to recoup some of the cost of managing parking for privately owned property. Parking is not a moneymaker in the city, it is intended to encourage people to come into the city and utilize businesses.
Mr. Miller said the Downtown core is concentrated, so there aren’t a lot of options. There has always been a fine line between enforcement and compliance. You want to be able to offer options to allow people to pay for parking.
Councilmember Rigg asked if there are additional areas where parking can be extended in the city. Miller said most are on Baltimore Ave. and extending toward the Capital Beltway. There is not a lot of space elsewhere. There are concerns that we will see more requests for permit-restricted parking. According to the Financial Manager, based upon the volume of cash pick up, the armored car pick up can be scaled back.
Councilmember Mackie asked to clarify that the bill readers are more expensive than coin operators. Mr. Miller said the issue of a bill reader has been fixed, but jams do occur.
With the all the construction in the city, we will continue to see issues with construction workers who have runners to pay meters for all-day parking at shopping centers.
Councilmember Whitney said she would support the replacement of the pay stations with no bill reader and asked why the City uses AIMS but not ParkMobile, which is common. Mr. Miller said when the need for an app arose, the software that runs the parking meters, AIMS, had just developed one. He added that AIMS costs the city and the customer less per transaction than ParkMobile but said they could look at ParkMobile as an additional option.
Councilmember Esters said she would support the replacement of the pay stations with no bill reader. She asked for an estimate of when the machinery would need to be replaced after this replacement. Mr. Miller said the RFP will map out the best way to move forward. Looking for options to take us through the next 7-10 years when technology changes.
Councilmember Hernandez said he was confused about why we offer parking to commercial properties and there could be other ways to use our limited funds. He added that he found the AIMs app difficult to use. Mr. Miller said all the apps have issues at times.
Councilmember Adams said he was in favor of replacing stations in the garage and the College Park Shopping Center but moving those on Hartwick and on the streets to App parking. Approves of replacing 9 pay stations.
SGA Liaison Otte said she agreed with Councilmember Riggs. There are many visitors to the University and people will risk getting a ticket when paying for parking is difficult.
Mr. Miller said it would be helpful to have an actual number of pay stations to replace for the RFP process. He suggested further Council discussion on the matter in closed session.
COMMENTS FROM THE AUDIENCE
Lorraine Wilson, resident – asked to speak but continued to have technical difficulties.
COMMENTS FROM THE MAYOR, COUNCIL, STUDENT LIAISON or CITY MANGER
Councilmember Adams said he was working with staff on setting up listening session for the Calvert Road vacant lot.
Mayor Kabir said he had an opportunity to attend a symposium planned by UMD Libraries.
Councilmember Hew reminded residents to attend the Park and Planning Charette on the new Zoning to be held on October 23 at the Chinese Bible Church.
Councilmember Hernandez said for those who do not know, a charette is an engineering process that helps envision proposed changes.
MEETING ADJOURNED
Click here to see the full agenda for the City of College Park Mayor & Council Hybrid Meeting on October 22, 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:
ACTION ITEM:
- Approval of the request to increase the Animal Control Officer created in FY24 and approved for FY25, from part time to full time effective prior to the end of FY25
PRESENTATION:
- Quarterly Financial Presentation
- Economic Development Presentation
The College Park District 2 Digest 