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 December 10, 2024. By going to this link, you can 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 announced the forthcoming US Green Building Council Local Market Leadership Award, and the City of College Park City Hall has been recognized as an iconic award winner. He thanked University of Maryland and the Terrapin Development Company for their partnership.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
Bob Catlin – former District 2 Councilmember,
Dave Milligan – former District 1 Councilmember
Danielle Glaros – former Prince George’s County Councilmember
PROCLAMATIONS AND AWARDS
2024 Jack Perry Award to Alan Bradford
Proclamation in Recognition of Lee Sommer, College Park Airport Manager
AMENDMENTS TO AND APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA
Councilmember Esters made a motion to move 24-G-161 from the Consent Agenda to Action Item
Mayor Pro Tem Mitchell made a motion to add 24-G-165 to the Consent Agenda, Councilmember Esters seconded.
Councilmember Whitney made a motion to table introduction of Ordinance 24-O-08 regarding the city’s Revitalization Tax Credit. The motion did not pass.
Mayor Pro Tem Mitchell made a motion to accept the agenda as amended. The motion passed unanimously.
PUBLIC COMMENT ON CONSENT AGENDA AND NON-AGENDA ITEMS
Bob Catlan, resident – He said he is one of a few current residents who served on the City Council before 2000. He wanted to focus his comments on pedestrian deaths in the city. Prior to the year 2000 the State Highway Administration did not believe they needed to put in sidewalks. Before 2010, there were no traffic lights between Edgewood Rd and University Blvd, but, due to the Mazza project, they installed one at Hollywood Rd around 2010. Pedestrian deaths in the last 35+ years are in the low 30s, and almost all deaths were north of MD-193, but since the traffic light was installed, there have been almost none. There have been five student deaths and two fatalities of children under the age of 8. He thinks there will be scooter deaths on Route 1 with scooters riding in the wrong direction.
David Dorsch, resident – The City needs to sell the house at 4704 Calvert Road. They should not be in the rental business.
Turan Jung, resident, UMD student – bicyclist who has picked up debris in the bike lane. She expressed concern about the danger associated with the debris. She said there are many students who rely on bicycles to commute. She said there is a need for regular cleaning along the bike lanes to remove debris. She said the cost of action is minimal compared to the loss of life.
Courtney Grey, resident – thanked Mr. Young and Councilmember Mackie for addressing accessibility in Crystal Springs. Would like for the issue of landlords and tenants to be addressed.
CONSENT AGENDA
24-G-160 Approval to install Prohibited Parking Zones at the dead-end turnarounds at 34th Avenue, 35th Avenue, 37th Avenue, and 38th Avenue in Crystal Springs – Jacob Vassalotti, GIS Coordinator and Steve Halpern, City Engineer
24-G-163 Authorize the City Manager to execute a retainer agreement with O’Malley, Miles, Nylen & Gilmore, P.A. for legal and lobbying services in 2025 at a rate of $2,500 per month for a total of $30,000 – Bill Gardiner, Assistant City Manager
24-G-164 Authorize the City Manager to execute a contract with Price Modern at a cost not to exceed $41,691.85 for the purchase and installation of furniture for the Woods Community Clubhouse –Robert Marsili, Director of Public Works
24-G-165 – Approval to issue a proclamation in recognition of US Senator Ben Cardin to be presented on Friday, December 13, 2024
Councilmember Hernandez made a motion to approve the Consent Agenda, Councilmember Mackie seconded. It was unanimously approved.
PRESENTATIONS:
University of Maryland the NextGen Energy Program – Renovation of the Central Energy Plant Facility
Carlo Colella, Special Assistant to the President, made the presentation on University of Maryland NextGen Energy Program, a comprehensive program to modernize energy systems on campus. He said that existing systems are at the end of their life. The new plant is much smaller but will have capacity for sixteen megawatts of energy. The program is part of the President’s sustainable path forward for the campus. At the beginning of his tenure, Dr. Pines made a commitment for UMD to become fossil-fuel free. This program coincides with the State of Maryland’s Decarbonization plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 60% by 2031 and have net zero emissions by 2045.
Next Gen Construction Timeline and Next Steps
There are economic and community benefits, including the provision of incentives that meet the Inflation Reduction Act, carbon neutrality and reduction of CEP GHS emissions by 23%. Construction will create 120 full-time jobs, and the co-generation plant allows the campus to be a good neighbor and take themselves off the grid during a crisis.
The next step is getting the permit for permanent operations. The application will be submitted in the next few weeks. There will be a public information session which should occur in the new year. The plant is estimated to emit less particulate than what the permit would allow.
For more information about the program, visit NextGen.umd.edu.
Councilmember Rigg said he appreciated the project moving forward and recognized how far we have come. Asked about the small increase in Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), Mr. Colella said he will ask the team to provide information. Rigg asked what should be expected near and around the site over the next few years. Mr. Colella said the traffic and noise going forward will be similar and maybe less than what occurred with the temporary plant and there will be the need for a bit more staging area. The section of Rossborough Lane between Diamondback Drive and Baltimore Ave. that is currently closed and should re-open in Spring 2025.
Councilmember Adams echoed Councilmember Rigg’s comments and said this program should be appreciated by everyone in the city. He asked for confirmation that it should also reduce water usage. Mr. Colella said it should reduce waters usage by 50%. Councilmember Adams asked for coordination with the nearby Mosaic development.
Councilmember Mackie asked if there was thought of selling power to Pepco. Mr. Colella said it was explored, but they did not pursue it. The generation of power is all for internal consumption, and UMD does not generate excess power.
Junior Tennis Champions Center (JTCC) College Park on their expansion plan (may move to Discussion)
Ms. Bader, Director of Planning, introduced the discussion about the JTCC located at 5200 Campus Drive. The center is doing well and needs to expand. Tonight is the opportunity to hear from staff to review and ask questions about the plans. Joe Wilkerson, COO, provided a presentation.
The JTCC, a non-profit organization, operates a world class tennis center. Their highlights for the 2023-2024 include positive media coverage, and the fact that 70% of customers live in the county, 1268 in College Park. It is identified as the largest adaptive tennis program in the country, and graduates have earned $25 million in scholarships. The center is to expand to the 94th Aero squadron site that connects to trails.
Councilmember Adams thanked the JTCC staff for all the work that has been done. He said he appreciated the data that was shared. He expressed his personal excitement and knowledge of many neighbors who attend the center. He asked about proximity to the airport. He said College Park has been working to complete pathways and would like them to be part of advocacy to help build a bridge to connect the west side of Paint Branch Creek to the west side.
Councilmember Rigg asked if there will be tree loss. Mr. Wilkerson said there should be very little tree loss. Councilmember Rigg said residents have noticed that demand outnumbers parking spaces. He asked if they will be able to accommodate parking for events. Mr. Wilkerson said the expansion will not be for the purpose of hosting events, but it will add eighty additional spaces to help them handle everyday operations.
Councilmember Hernandez expressed excitement about the JTCC. He asked if there were plans to host any major tournaments. Mr. Wilkerson said they would love to host such events, but they do not have access to that type of real estate. Councilmember Hernandez asked for information on activities to promote to the community. Mr. Wilkerson said they offer Adult Learn to Play programs that residents may be interested in.
Mayor Kabir said there are opportunities to promote the program to more residents in the city by way of the Communications Department.
Councilmember Esters asked about their work with schools within the community, especially Paint Branch Elementary and Hollywood Elementary. Mr. Wilkerson said that there is great interest in working with the school system, but it has been challenging.
Councilmember Mackie asked if MNCPPC is vacating the 94th Aero Squadron site. Mr. Wilkerson confirmed MNCPPC would be vacating the site. Councilmember Mackie asked if any green initiatives would be undertaken. Mr. Wilkerson said they are working to be net positive on trees. Solar panels would have to be cleared by the FAA.
Mr. Wilkerson said Francis Tiaffo is the most famous player, while the second most famous player is Carlo Colella. He said they would be willing to speak with folks within the school system to get more students involved from the county.
ACTION ITEMS:
24-O-08 Introduction of Ordinance 24-O-08, an Ordinance of the Mayor and Council to amend Chapter 175 “Taxation” “§175-9 “Eligibility Requirements”; and §175-10 “Eligibility Criteria”; Concerning the Grant A Tax Credit Against The City Property Tax Imposed On Real Property within the Revitalization Tax Districts – Michael Williams, Economic Development Manager and Stephanie Anderson, City Attorney
Councilmember Whitney made a motion to table discussion of the revitalization tax credit to send it back to worksession, saying that in individual talks with Councilmembers, it was clear Council was not in agreement. Councilmember Esters seconded. Motion passed – 6-0-1
24-CR-02 Introduction of Charter Resolution 24-CR-02, a Charter Resolution of the Mayor and Council to amend Article IV “Voting and Elections”, §C4-2, “Registration of Voters” for Vote 16 – Yvette Allen, City Clerk and Board of Election Supervisors and Stephanie Anderson, City Attorney
Motion made by Councilmember Rigg, seconded by Councilmember Hernandez. A public hearing will be held on February 4.
24-G-157 Approval of the 2025 Council meeting schedule – Kenneth Young, City Manager and Yvette Allen, City Clerk
Councilmember Mackie asked about the Council being able to add meetings where necessary. Ms. Anderson said it can be done if they are announced and publicized in advance.
Councilmember Hernandez asked that we add one day to our schedule dedicated to professionalizing our work. Mr. Young said we have done an Advance in the past and can do one moving forward.
Mayor Pro Tem Mitchell suggested that we move forward with the current schedule.
Councilmember Esters suggested that we maintain the current schedule which allows staff time to do the work we ask of them.
Councilmember Adams suggested we consider thirty-four meetings. He said it is easier to remove a meeting rather than add a meeting.
Councilmember Rigg said if we hold an advance, we can do training and discuss rules which will help to constrain ourselves during our meetings.
Councilmember Mackie expressed concern about adding more meetings for staff during an election year. Suggested that we not hold an August meeting. Staff responded that our Charter requires one meeting per month.
Mayor Pro Tem Mitchell made the motion to approve the 30-meeting schedule, seconded by Councilmember Esters
Mr. Young confirmed that the council wanted to add an advance to the schedule.
24-G-161 Approval of Board and Committee appointments – Yvette Allen, City Clerk
Councilmember Esters indicated that she needs to recuse herself from the vote for committee appointments because her husband was being considered for appointment. She said her abstention did not indicate lack of consent.
Councilmember Adams made the motion, seconded by Councilmember Hernandez. The vote was 6-0-1 in favor.
WORKSESSION DISCUSSIONS
Creation of a Child Care Task Force – Bill Gardiner, Assistant City Manager
Councilmember Adams said he supported what is outlined in the cover sheet. He said he believed the charge of the committee was well considered.
Mayor Pro Tem Mitchell asked that someone from the Childcare Resource Center be part of the taskforce.
Councilmember Whitney agreed with the bullet points and the suggestions for others to join the taskforce. She suggested ten members.
Mr. Young said we do not have childcare experts on city staff. The Assistant City Manager will be the staff liaison.
Councilmember Mackie asked that Council consider keeping a place for a member of the EAC to be part of the committee.
Councilmember Hernandez said he would like to see two (2) members from each district on the Task Force but believes we should not restrict it.
SGA Liaison Otte said she previously worked at a daycare and in the public school system and suggested a public school representative would be helpful on the taskforce.
Councilmember Hernandez said Hollywood Elementary is using HeadStart.
Councilmember Whitney reiterated the desire for two (2) members from each district to allow for diversity of input.
Councilmember Rigg asked if Pre-k is being considered as part of this discussion about daycare. He said we need to provide scope. Mayor Pro Tem Mitchell said we should consider 6 weeks – 4 years.
Mayor Pro Tem Mitchell mentioned other daycare experts that should join the Task Force.
Councilmember Esters asked that we make the distinction between members of the taskforce and those who will serve as resources to share expertise.
Councilmember Adams suggested one (1) person per district, four (4) at large and one (1) member from the EAC, with experts serving as resources to the task force rather than voting members.
Discussion of Revolving Loan Fund Program for Small/Minority Owned Business –Michael Williams, Director of Economic Development
Mr. Williams said he spoke to Hagerstown about their program. Their program started with $250,000 then they obtained additional funding during COVID when the state focused on Baltimore and rural areas of the state. The terms of the loans are normally 5-7 years. Anything over $10,000-20,0000 requires property and collateral. Mt. Rainier has a program that is serviced by FSC First. The service provider takes the burden off staff. Those interested in loans are referred to existing programs. It is a tool that could be used in College Park.
Councilmember Adams thanked Mr. Williams and said such a program would be another tool. He acknowledged the different models for Hagerstown and Mount Rainier. He said we need to understand the most prominent gap we would like to fill in the market. We are not looking to overburden city staff. Are we most targeted to the individual who is looking for a spot at the Farmer’s Market or the individual searching for a storefront? Simplicity is a benefit. Setting good minimums is important.
Councilmember Whitney agreed with Councilmember Adams. She said it may be helpful for us to consider the needs of businesses. She said there is much more to learn, and it is a good conversation to have now, saying threatened reductions in the federal workforce could lead to people starting small businesses.
Councilmember Esters said she appreciated the work, and it looks like a great tool, but she did not believe the city should take on the burden of coordinating such a program. Thinks the Mt. Rainier model may work if we move forward but would want to learn more.
Councilmember Hernandez said he would like the program to include veterans. He said we need to proceed cautiously, but we need to be clear on our goals. He mentioned the need for risk mitigation. Mr. Williams spoke to risk and working to believe in the project. He said we are not in the money-making business. In Mt. Rainier, there are seven active loans right now and they are not yet up to their $1million limit.
Mr. Young said it was a good discussion and mentioned that risk is a big issue. He said there is often an inability for many individuals to pay back these loans.
Councilmember Mackie said she liked the idea. She said she thinks it is important that we set our goals. We need to determine what are we trying to do, limitations, and realizations that businesses might fail.
Councilmember Rigg said he wants to decrease the staff burden. He would not mind putting aside funding as seed money, we need to do something for small business. There is an opportunity to be successful.
Councilmember Esters said we need to be ready for the risk if we move forward. We do not often think in such terms and are risk averse.
Councilmember Hernandez said we need to be careful with taxpayer dollars.
Councilmember Adams said we have been very generous with funds in the past and that if those had been loans at 0% interest rates, it would be a source of funding going forward.
Mr. Young said he and Mr. Williams will put together a package prior to budget discussions.
REQUESTS FOR / STATUS OF FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
Councilmember Hernandez said he would like to put for an agenda time for a discussion among Council and City staff regarding a strategic communications plan.
Mayor Kabir asked that a request form be completed.
COMMENTS FROM THE MAYOR, COUNCIL, STUDENT LIAISON OR CITY MANAGER
Councilmember Adams wished everyone happy holidays and happy new year.
Councilmember Whitney thanked the Berwyn District Civic Association (BDCA) for holding their rescheduled Bonfire on Thursday, December 5.
Councilmember Esters thanked the Lakeland Civic Association (LCA) for their annual Lakeland Tree Lighting event held on December 8.
Councilmember Hernandez congratulated Dar-es-Salaam for a wonderful gala on Saturday where he and the Mayor delivered the proclamation. He mentioned his participation in a Statewide Maryland Latino group and said it was good to hear how other communities are working to build civic engagement.
SGA Liaison Otte – wished everyone happy holidays.
Deputy SGA Liaison McDonald encouraged everyone to be safe and kind to themselves.
MEETING ADJOURNED
Information Report – No Discussion
1. Monthly Financial Reports for October 2024
Click here to see the full agenda for the City of College Park Mayor & Council Hybrid Meeting on January 7, 2025, when it is available. Tune in, show up or share your thoughts/concerns about the anticipated Consent Agenda and Action Items, and Workshop discussions proposed to be on the future agendas 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.
The College Park District 2 Digest 