Hello, Neighbors!

2025 started with a reminder of the beauty and challenges of a big snowfall. As usual, our Department of
Public Works did a stellar job clearing our streets, and most residents complied with City Code by
clearing their sidewalks within 24 hours after the snowfall. Visit www.collegeparkmd.gov/snow for
more information on preparing & responding to such events. Neighbors Helping Neighbors of College
Park organizes volunteers to shovel for those who cannot, but they need more helpers. Call 301-222-
3434 or email coordinator@nhn-cp.org to sign up or request assistance.

Public safety meetings will resume a monthly schedule beginning February 3 rd at 7 pm. Learn more at
Public Safety & Emergency Preparedness | City of College Park, Maryland.

District 3 Councilmember Stuart Adams resigned effective January 8 th to focus on his young family and
full-time job. We thank Mr. Adams for his service and his drive to improve College Park. A special
election to elect his replacement will occur March 11th.

Speaking of elections, public hearings will be held on February 4th to discuss two proposed Charter
amendments. 25-CR-01 would allow the Mayor & Council to either hold a special election or appoint a
replacement if a vacancy arises within 365/366 days of the next election. Currently, the city must hold a
special election if a vacancy arises within 180 days of the next election. The change would give Council
the option, if deemed necessary, to relieve the Board of Election Supervisors and staff of the burden of
conducting multiple elections in a single year.

24-CR-02 would allow 16- & 17-year-olds to vote in City elections. Research has shown that voting habits
started early tend to persist. The hope is to increase voter participation over time. We encourage you to
email us and attend the public hearings to voice your opinion.
Finally, on December 10 th , Council voiced support for creating a Childcare Task Force to advise the body
on childcare-related legislation and paths to ease access to childcare in the city. If you’re interested in serving, please click here to submit an application.

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 January 21, 2025. 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 said the city would be conducting a special election for District 3 on March 11 at City Hall from 8am – 8pm. Those interested in being candidates must be eighteen by March 11, be a United States citizen, live in the City of College Park and be a resident since March 11, 2024, and be a registered voter. Candidates must submit a petition signed by at least 20 registered votes in District 3 by 4pm on February 5 along with other required documents that can be found on the city’s website. Registered voters in District 3 will receive an application for ballots. Voters can vote at the polls at City Hall. Mr. Young mentioned the recent passing of former city Mayor Michael Jacobs. The funeral will be held on Saturday, March 8 at Holy Redeemer at 11am and a visitation will be held prior to the mass at 10am. 

Mayor Pro Tem Mitchell said she reported street signal issues at 193 and Baltimore Ave. 

Councilmember Mackie mentioned the city’s Lunar New Year celebration to be held on Wednesday, January 29.

Councilmember Whitney thanked staff for following up so quickly about a potentially dangerous situation on Campus Drive east of the Metro. Mr. Young said staff made calls and the signage was improved. Mayor Kabir thanked the Purple Line teams for making the changes. 

PROCLAMATIONS AND AWARDS

One College Park Resolution

AMENDMENTS TO AND APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA

Councilmember Esters made a motion to add to the Consent Agenda the appointment of Betty Jones as resident commissioner of Attick Towers for the Housing Authority of the City of College Park (HACCP). Councilmember Whitney seconded the motion. 

PUBLIC COMMENT ON CONSENT AGENDA AND NON-AGENDA ITEMS

Husain Vaheet, non-resident – said he was working with the advance research centers at the University of College Park. He said he appreciated the proclamation read today and asked that it be added to the website. He said it was related to the objectives of the advanced research centers to make economic efficiencies accessible to everyone. 

CONSENT AGENDA

25-G-13 Award of Education Grants, FY 2025, to High Point High School in the amount of $2,750 for their College Park Career Collective Project and Berwyn Heights Elementary School in the amount of $200 for PTO meeting refreshments and/or attendance incentives – Kiaisha Barber, Director of Youth Family and Senior Services 

25-G-14 The appointment of Betty Jones to Resident Commissioner at Attick Towers – Housing Authority of College Park. 

PRESENTATIONS: 

Overview of the Governor’s Proposed Budget and 2025 Legislative Priorities – Leonard Lucchi, Attorney & Lobbyist, O’Malley, Miles, Nylen & Gilmore, P.A.

Mr. Lucchi thanked the council for their thoughts regarding the fires in California, as his son lives blocks away from the devastation but is fine. 

He said Governor Moore had a $3 billion deficit due to higher-than-expected Medicare and childcare costs, but there are other factors contributing to the deficit. He said the Governor proposes to cover the gap with $2 billion in budget cuts and $1 billion in revenue increases. 

According to Mr. Lucchi, the municipalities are guarded from direct cuts that will be felt by counties. 

He said there is $1 million in the budget to finish segment one of Route 1 improvements. There is $1.2 million for engineering associated with segments two and three of Route 1 improvements. Mr. Lucchi said the county has asked for $12 million to help cover the cost of stormwater management for the city’s Calvert Hills neighborhood. In addition, a $250 thousand bond for a meditation garden at the city’s Youth & Family Services Building was filed by Senator Rosapepe and Delegate Barnes.

Mayor Pro Tem Mitchell said the city is interested in creating a childcare task force to help address the cost of childcare, but she noticed there was a freeze on the childcare subsidy. Mr. Lucchi said the governor had expanded the childcare subsidy over the years, and it became larger than expected. His budget for this year caps it. Childcare has also been part of the solution for expanding jobs. Mayor Pro Tem Mitchell asked if the state looked at block grants or looking at family childcare centers. Mr. Lucchi said the Maryland Family Network is looking at Family Childcare Centers.

Mayor Kabir asked about the acquisition of funds for phase 1 of Route 1 improvements. 

Mr. Gardiner asked about legislation for raising the cap on fines for municipal infractions. Mr. Lucchi confirmed there is proposed legislation to raise the cap from $1000 to $5000.

Mr. Lucchi mentioned legislation for municipal land use authority changed to open it up to any city that has an in-house planner in order to broaden the support. Mr. Lucchi said given the interim county leadership it may be helpful to push this forward. Mayor Kabir asked to be given information regarding public hearings. 

2nd Quarter Financial Report and Homestead Tax Credit – Gary Fields, Director of Finance

Mr. Fields said timing differences related to revenues occur throughout the budget and depend upon when things are received. It is the same for expenditures and depends upon when expenditures are paid. He said the city is in good shape for the half year.  

Admission and Amusement tax has seen a significant increase that was not expected.   

Overall, most revenue sources are in excess, and most expenditures are below 50 percent. As it applies to Interfund Transfer – expenses are paid upfront. 

As it relates to the Homestead tax credit, Mr. Fields said he believes we can leave it at 0% cap, which provides the most benefit for resident homeowners, and the recommendation is to keep it there. If we do nothing, it will remain, but if we decide to change it, we will need to send information to the state by March 5. Mr. Fields and Ms. Quiñones are developing information about tax credits to put on the website, including a video. 

Mayor Kabir asked if it was too early to project revenue that will be collected. Mr. Fields said it was too early. He said we will get information regarding constant yield in mid-February and believes it will be close to what they are projecting. 

Mayor Pro Tem Mitchell asked about the senior tax credit. The county has put a pause on it and asked if the county pause would cause an issue for the city providing it. Mr. Fields said the county pause would not inhibit the city from providing the credit. 

Mayor Pro Tem Mitchell asked about the number of homes that qualify for the Homestead tax credit and those that receive it that are rentals. Mr. Fields said it is difficult to obtain the information. 

Councilmember Whitney asked if we have the list of those receiving homestead credit, do we cross-reference it with the list of rentals. Mr. Fields said he will look into obtaining a list. 

Mr. Young said we do have a list of those homes that are registered with the city, but there are homes that are operating as rentals of which we are not aware. 

ACTION ITEMS: 

25-R-04 Approval of a resolution establishing a Child Care Task Force – Bill Gardiner, Assistant City Manager

Mr. Gardiner said the action items is the result of conversations in November and December to outline the charge and membership of the proposed childcare task force. 

The charge of the task force would be:

• Review and monitoring state legislation during the 2025 General Assembly and report the Council bills the city may want to comment on;
• Interview childcare providers in or near College Park to find out what changes they believe would lower costs and expand access;
• Research federal, state, county, and non-profit programs and reports that may assist families access and afford childcare; and 
• Provide updates to the Council during the legislative session and provide a report on their findings before June 20, 2025. 

Councilmember Mackie said she would like to extend the date for the report beyond June 30. Councilmember Esters asked if there was a particular reason for the June 30 deadline. Mr. Gardner said there was no particular reason. 

Councilmember Rigg said he had concerns about the city’s involvement in this topic as we do not have any regulatory control of this. He is hesitant to ask residents to spend their time on an issue that we will have little control over in terms of the legislative advisory. 

Councilmember Esters said we should move forward to collect more information on this issue that many residents have expressed concern about in order to make an informed decision about how we move forward. 

Councilmember Whitney said she put this forward due to input from residents with concerns about the Mayor & Council’s previous recommendations. 

Mayor Pro Tem Mitchell said she was reluctant to move this task force forward since we have little control over staffing and the cost. She asked the Council to consider obtaining information about regulations and other formats for childcare. 

Councilmember Hew said he is support of the task force. A lot of jobs bring people to the area without extended family. The costs are high, but there may be opportunities to assist. 

Councilmember Mackie asked for clarification from Mayor Pro Tem Mitchell., who said she would like to include childcare centers for before- and after-care, and family childcare centers owned by entrepreneurs. Mr. Gardiner said that before- and after-care would be covered under section B of the committee charge. 

Councilmember Whitney asked to change the deadline for the report to September 30. 

Motion made by Councilmember Whitney, seconded by Councilmember Esters. The task force was created with a vote of 5 to 1. 

WORKSESSION DISCUSSIONS

Discussion of a proposal to have a private consultant conduct a study to evaluate Urban Street Safety – Miriam Bader, Director of Planning/Steve Halpern, City Engineer

Ms. Bader said the city received a grant from Safe Streets and Road for All (SS4A) and would like to know from the Council if we move forward with the grant received by the city to do conduct a street safety study as proposed by Councilmember Mackie. 

Councilmember Mackie expressed appreciation to the resident who brought this to her and with staff for their response. She said the city is not the same as it once was. She referenced staff members who thanked her for bringing this forward and said she appreciated the time that staff put into this. 

Councilmember Whitney asked if staff wanted us to answer the questions posed in the packet or if we move forward. Ms. Bader said there was no need to go through the questions. She said since the grant has already been approved, staff can come back with the RFP. The start date for any work on this grant is to commence on 9/25/25. This is a federal grant from the DOT, a Planning and Demonstration Award. 

Councilmember Hew asked if the money would be in jeopardy given the new administration.  Mr. Rafi said he does not think the funds are in jeopardy. The monies are provided through reimbursement. 

Councilmember Mackie asked if the study would be city-wide or target specific areas. Mr. Rafi said the study would focus on a comprehensive action plan, local street traffic toolbox and main street speed control. He said staff would be working with the BPAC committee to review the plan as required. 

COMMENTS FROM THE MAYOR, COUNCIL, STUDENT LIAISON OR CITY MANAGER

Councilmember Mackie said she and Councilmember Whitney recently participated in the Chesapeake Bay COG Committee meeting. WSSC did a presentation on water main breaks due to aging infrastructure. She said she appreciated the work of the committee and the policies throughout the state. She said the meeting also included a discussion about the Potomac River as a major source of water, yet we are still in drought. She attended the recent PGCMA meeting and said it was good to come together with other municipalities in the county. She said she, along with the Mayor and City Manager attended the recent CMAST meeting. She said there are several sports activities coming up and that students return to campus next week. The Hotel at UMD is busy. 

Mayor Pro Tem Mitchell said she attended the recent COG Board of Directors meeting where there was discussion of various topics including climate change and food equity. She attended the NLC Housing Summit that focused on the issue of affordable housing. She participated in the recent PGCMA meeting. 

Mayor Kabir said he joined Mayors from across the nation for the UCM Conference. He said it was a good conference and provided the opportunity to network with various mayors. 

Councilmember Whitney said she attended the Chesapeake Bay Policy Committee meeting and brought up a question about the many repairs needed to update the structure and how to balance that with the difficulty of raising rates during an inflationary time. She said WSSC spoke of the need for more money to address issues. A colleague from Montgomery County said that their county had allowed a larger rate increase and suggested Prince George’s should do the same. 

Councilmember Hew said he was nominated as VP for COG Air Quality Committee. 

Mr. Young mentioned the work of the Communications Department and how we will proceed with the street fair concept. He said we cannot do a parade this coming year. Any questions related to that should be directed to Mr. Young or Ms. Quiñones.  There are opportunities to move it from North College Park to Lakeland, then Old Town; there could be a rotation. Staff are looking at possibilities for Mayor and Council to meet with consultants regarding the advance. Looked at Saturdays. Suggested Friday Evening followed by Saturday morning – afternoon either February 21-22 or March 14-15. 

Councilmember Rigg said he was not sure we would benefit from the advance so late in term. Mayor Pro Tem Mitchell agreed with Rigg. Councilmember Whitney agreed with Councilmember Rigg and Mayor Pro Tem Mitchell and asked if anything could be done in conjunction with the budget session on April 5. Councilmember Esters said we should do something given that the current Council will continue to serve through early December, and we will have a new Councilmember shortly. 

Councilmember Mackie said we should hold a smaller advance. Councilmember Hew said we should have done this a while ago and asked that we refocus this effort on taking place when the dais changes. Mr. Young said it would be helpful to understand the top priorities, including engagement with the University. Councilmember Esters requested the inclusion of teambuilding with the new Councilmember. Mr. Young said the strategic planning process should look at the vision for the future and our work with partners. A lot of relationships have changed both for the good and the bad. 

Mayor Pro Tem Mitchell referenced the public comment/request from Mr. Husain asking for the One College Park proclamation to be posted to the website. She wanted to make sure that will happen. 

MEETING ADJOURNED

Information Report: December 2024 Financial Report 

CLOSED SESSION

Pursuant to the Maryland Annotated Code, General Provisions Article, § 3-305, the Mayor and the Council of the City of College Park are providing notice that they will meet in a Closed Session after this meeting to consider: 

1. To discuss the appointment, employment, assignment, promotion, discipline, demotion, compensation, removal, resignation, or performance evaluation of appointees, employees, or officials over whom this public body has jurisdiction; any other personnel matter that affects one or more specific individuals.

Click here to see the full agenda for the City of College Park Mayor & Council Hybrid Meeting on February 4, 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:

Public Hearing 
24-CR-02: Vote 16 (Introduced December 10th)
25-CR-01 Special Election (Introduced January 7

 Consent Agenda
9533 Rhode Island Ave APC Recommended Resolution

Action Item
Selection of the Child Care Task Force Committee Members 

Worksession 
Affordable Housing Task Force
Review and discussion of code provisions Chapter 125 (Housing Regulations), Chapter 119 (Refuse, Solid Waste, Special Trash), and Chapter 141 (Nuisances) 

Childcare Task Force – Established January 21, 2025 by Resolution 25-R-04

The Mayor and Council have discussed issues surrounding the costs and availability of childcare providers in College Park.  The Mayor and Council wish to identify existing programs and proposed legislation that may reduce costs and expand childcare availability.  The Mayor and Council believe that current childcare providers may provide important recommendations for actions the City could take, and therefore wish to receive feedback from providers regarding childcare operations and challenges to lower costs and expand availability. 

1. Charge: The City’s Childcare Task Force is charged with the following duties and responsibilities: 

1. In coordination with the City lobbyist, review and monitor state legislation during the 2025 General Assembly and report to the Council bills the City may wish to comment on.  
2. Interview existing childcare providers in or near College Park to find out what changes they believe would help lower costs and expand access. 
3. Research federal, state, county, and non-profit programs and reports that may assist families access and afford childcare. 
4. Provide updates as needed to the Council during the legislative session and provide a report on the other findings before September 30, 2025.

2. Composition and Term: 

1. The Childcare Task Force shall be comprised of nine voting members appointed by the Mayor and Council.
   1. Each district shall have at least one member and preferably two members who reside in the district.  
   2. One member will be a member of the Education Advisory Committee.
2. The Mayor and Council shall endeavor to appoint members with experience and interest in childcare programs, and who reflect a diversity of perspectives and backgrounds.
3. Each appointee shall commit to a high level of attendance and engagement at meetings.
4. The members of the Task Force shall select a Chair from among the appointed members.
5. Task Force members shall serve until the Task Force is dissolved, which is anticipated to be approximately five months but may be extended. 
6. The City Manager shall assign a staff member to be the Childcare Task Force liaison.  The liaison is not a member of the Task Force.

3. Other: 

It is expected that the Task Force will solicit presentations and other contributions from experts and clients in the industry, such as childcare center staff, particularly to fill gaps in   the collective expertise of task force members.  

Members of this Task Force are not compensated.

The Task Force must comply with the Maryland Open Meetings Act. 

The City Clerk’s office will assign a Contract Secretary to facilitate the recording of meeting meetings.   

Click here to apply.  Feel free to reach out if you have any questions.

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 January 14, 2025. 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 said all city offices will be closed on Friday, January 17 in observance of Inauguration Day and on Monday, January 20 in observance of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. Trash collections will occur one day later than normally scheduled. The special election for District 3’s open council seat will be on March 11 from 8 am -8 pm. Required submissions for candidates are due on Wednesday, February 5. 

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Former District 2 City Councilmember Maxine Gross

PROCLAMATIONS AND AWARDS

 Mrs. Elizabeth Campbell Adams 

AMENDMENTS TO AND APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA

Councilmember Whitney made a motion to add the discussion of agenda items for the upcoming Four Cities meeting. 

Mayor Pro Tem Mitchell made a motion to approve the agenda as amended, Councilmember Hew seconded the motion. It was unanimously approved.

CONSENT AGENDA

25-G-09 Request for approval for the continued purchase and installation of License Plate Recognition (LPR) Technology for a 5th city vehicle, to include a 4-year extended warranty at an estimated cost of $49,172 – Jim Miller, Parking Enforcement Manager 

25-G-10 Approval of the Property Use Agreement (PUA) for a Class B, Beer, Wine, and Liquor alcoholic beverage license for the use of InfinityFlow Ventures LLC t/a Jerk at Nite College Park, 7313-A Baltimore Avenue, College Park, 20740. – Jatinder Khokhar, Director of Public Services

Councilmember Mackie made a motion to approve the consent agenda, Mayor Pro Tem Mitchell seconded the motion. It was unanimously approved.

WORKSESSION DISCUSSIONS

25-G-11 Review advisory board annual reports and workplans – Yvette Allen, City Clerk

Citing inquiry from community members, Mayor Pro Tem Mitchell asked why the Advisory Planning Commission (APC) does not share a work plan with Council. Ms. Bader said the APC responds to applications rather than having an outlined work plan. They work on an as-needed basis. 

Mark Shroder, Chair of Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC)- recognized two BPAC members in attendance, Donald Hayes, and Joe Tanner. Mr. Shroder said BPAC had the longest work plan in comparison to other boards and commissions as they had a number of things they wanted staff to work on. He acknowledged some of the things they would like to see happen may be expensive, but said they do not all have to happen this year. He referenced city residents living in neighborhoods that function like a cul-de-sacs, saying that cyclists and pedestrians having only one access point to roads like Route 1 and University Blvd is dangerous. He concluded by saying the way the city is built is not conducive to safety. 

Mayor Pro Tem Mitchell thanked the committee for the thorough report and bringing up their concerns, including those regarding prioritizing the Complete Streets project.

Councilmember Whitney thanked the committee for the work that has already been done. She said she often wonders why the committee did not previously exist. She asked about the PALs project mentioned on p. 51 of the agenda packet. Mr. Shroder said it was the Near Miss Bike Map project.

Councilmember Hernandez asked for ways to understand more about their work outside of Council presentations and indicated his availability. Rahkmel Rafi, grant coordinator and BPAC staff liaison said their meetings are held every third Thursday. 

Councilmember Whitney mentioned the North College Park Civic Association (NCPCA) interest in extending the Trolley Trail north of Greenbelt Road and asked if there is any coordination between BPAC and the civic associations. She said she did not have an immediate suggestion for including other civic associations. Mr. Rafi did attend the NCPCA meeting where this was discussed, and they are to reach out to the BPAC committee. In addition, a member of BPAC brought the idea to NCPCA.

Councilmember Esters referenced the request by the Bee City USA Committee to revise the district distribution requirements and asked if they could work on identifying volunteers to help with their work rather than increasing the number of voting members, which could have implications for other boards and commissions. Councilmember Hew said individuals are more engaged if they are members rather than volunteers. 

Councilmember Mackie said she would like to encourage the Council to look at having a work session focused on some of the work plans to hear more about concerns, recommendations, and how they will be addressed.

Mr. Young said the reason the Council receives the plan is to see the plans and recommendations in advance of the budget work sessions. 

Councilmember Whitney said there are several budget implications scattered throughout the reports. Mr. Young said staff will review and include recommendations in the budget packet for Council consideration. Councilmember Whitney asked if there are a certain number of hours staff are expected to spend with committees. Mr. Young said some boards and commissions require more time than others. 

Mayor Pro Tem Mitchell asked if staff members check for strategic plan alignment and budget implications when they look at the recommendations. Mr. Young said staff does not look at that right now, but moving forward we will need to work to ensure alignment. He said the strategic plan needs updates. 

25-G-12 Review Open Meeting Software – Bill Gardiner, Assistant City Manager

Bill Gardiner, Assistant City Manager provided an overview of Open Meeting, a meeting management system. This system would aid in conducting meetings and provide a level of transparency for those viewing Council meetings. 

Everyone would have a tablet, while the city clerk and mayor would have more information on their tablets to help manage the meeting. A large, wall-mounted monitor would list individual names, votes, and the queue. The system would queue and time speakers, and it has an agenda builder that can generate notes. Tablets would just be for voting roll call and queuing. 

Councilmember Whitney asked about how amendments would be handled. Mr. Gardiner said amendments would be handled in real time. 

Councilmember Hernandez asked about the cost of the system. Mr. Gardiner said the initial cost would be ~ $20,000 for software and equipment followed by a yearly cost of $5,000. Councilmember Hernandez said he thinks it would be a good tool but wonders if the advance can help us in managing our meetings better. 

Councilmember Hew asked about the generation of meeting minutes and the possibility of committees using the tool. Mr. Gardiner said the system could be expanded to include one committee with the added cost of $1,000 or all committees with the added cost of $6,000. He said he did not get information about minutes creation but that could be something explored in the future.

Councilmember Esters asked how the system allowed the public to see our votes if we are all virtual.  Mr. Gardiner said that votes would not be seen in the same way if the meeting were completely virtual, saying that they might, for instance, have a camera pointed at the Clerk’s tablet so the public could view results. 

Councilmember Mackie asked if there would be a time limit or voting cutoff when using the system. Mr. Gardiner said the time to vote would be set by the Council or the chair. He said votes are not displayed while voting takes place but will be shown once all votes are entered. The council has gotten into the habit of vote explanation but that would not be likely with this system. Councilmember Mackie acknowledged sometimes we need a super majority and asked if that could be loaded into the system. Mr. Gardiner said there are some things that are programmed into the system. Councilmember Mackie asked about the locking of a vote. Mr. Gardiner said that once all votes are made the system will show the vote. Mr. Young said abstaining from a vote would still require a verbal explanation. 

Mr. Gardiner said the note-taking feature is currently available and the minute-taking feature is to come this year. 

Councilmember Whitney asked what happens if a councilmember has left the dais during conversation and inadvertently misses the vote. How will that be reflected? Mr. Gardiner said the screen would display who voted in favor, against, abstained or was absent.

Councilmember Hew asked if an individual can remove themselves from the queue. 

Councilmember Whitney mentioned concern about using an app on the phone due to the Open Meetings Act, saying it would be good to handle them separately. 

Mayor Pro Tem Mitchell asked for a quote from another vendor for a comparison before we move forward. In the interim, the Council should work on queuing and limiting speaking time. 

Mayor Kabir asked if staff could obtain other quotes.

FOUR CITIES MEETING 

Priorities for the county fire departments

Review of PGC School Safety Report initiated by County Councilmember Eric Olson. An invitation should be extended to school board representative Jonathan Briggs. 

Juvenile crime issue – what can be done as part of the legislative session? 

PGC approach to snow – Invite the Director of Transportation for Public Schools

REQUESTS FOR / STATUS OF FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS

Councilmember Whitney said we have not formed and nominated members of the Childcare Task Force. She asked for it to be added to the next agenda. 

Mayor Pro Tem Mitchell asked if we could get our lobbyists to talk with the Council about the session in Annapolis and how the state budget cuts will impact the City.

Mayor Kabir asked when the lobbyists will come to the council. Mr. Young said they normally come to us at the beginning and end of the session. Mayor Pro Tem Mitchell asked for lobbyists to come more frequently to let us know what is happening and allow us to be more proactive. 

COMMENTS FROM THE AUDIENCE

Husain, non-resident -Advanced technology exploration with the University of Maryland Research Center. Three initiatives: economic efficiencies, carbon neutral biofuels, continuous learning, and health. He said he will provide a better update next time and mentioned the formation of a bill, saying he sent it before last week’s meeting. 

COMMENTS FROM THE MAYOR, COUNCIL, STUDENT LIAISON OR CITY MANAGER

Mayor Pro Tem Mitchell announced she would be attending the upcoming COG Board of Trustees meeting. She mentioned the PGCMA meeting to be held virtually on Thursday, January 16 and would include a County Executive representative. 

Mayor Kabir mentioned Governor Moore’s recent visit to IonQ to discuss $1 billion investment in Quantum technology and research. He said it would bring 250 jobs to College Park. 

Councilmember Whitney attended the Coalition to Support Prince George’s County Fire and EMS. She said it was great to have Councilmember Rigg and Mt. Rainier Councilmember Danielle Carter, in attendance, as they are both volunteer paramedics. She said the formal questions to be put out to county executive candidates should be formalized soon.

Councilmember Hernandez thanked staff for making sure sidewalks were cleared. Also saw creative reminder notes on doors. 

Mr. Young said more snow could be coming on Sunday. 

Mr. Hernandez asked if it is possible for the city to do a small training on the Homestead tax credit. Mr. Young said that Mr. Fields and Ms. Quinones were asked to put together information about both the homestead and senior tax credits. 

Mayor Kabir said he will be attending the US Conference of Mayors meeting in DC. 

MEETING ADJOURNED

CLOSED SESSION

Pursuant to the statutory authority of the Maryland Annotated Code, General Provisions Article § 3-305(b), the Mayor and Council of the City of College Park are providing notice that they will meet in a Closed Session after the meeting on Tuesday, January 14, 2025, to consider the acquisition of real property for a public purpose and matters directly related thereto. They will not return to open session.

INFORMATION REPORT – NO DISCUSSION

1. 2025 Event Schedule

2. College Park Wood Clubhouse Usage Permit Application and Rules and Procedures

Click here to see the full agenda for the City of College Park Mayor & Council Hybrid Meeting on January 21, 2025. 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 Agenda

Award of Education Grants FY’25

Presentations 

Overview of Governor’s proposed budget and 2025 legislative priorities

2^nd Quarter financial report and Homestead Tax Credit

Action Item

Approval of a resolution establishing a Child Care Task Force

Worksession 

Discussion of proposal to have private consultant conduct study to evaluate Urban Street Safety 

Start the new year off right! Make the switch to curbside food scrap collections and help reduce greenhouse gas emissions!

Join online today, registration is ongoing! To register, visit collegeparkmd.gov/foodscraps.

FREE container when you enroll in January!!

Pick up container(s) at the Department of Public Works
9217 51st Avenue
Monday – Friday 7:30a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
The standard Collection Day is Tuesday.

Dear Neighbors,

There are a number of residents in the city who need assistance with snow removal during this season.  As you know, we are expecting snow tomorrow and may see additional snow events before winter is over.  If you are willing and able to assist when there are snowfall events, we encourage you to reach out to Neighbors Helping Neighbors (NHN).  You can reach the NHN coordinator, Paula Greene at 301-222-3434 or call or text 202-487-8562.  Thank you in advance for your consideration. 

Residents receiving this message who may need to request help can complete this form found on the NHN website or call 301-222-3434.

Stay warm, stay safe!

All City offices will be closed on Friday, January 17 in observation of Inauguration Day and Monday, January 20 in observance of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Day holiday.  Please note that the City’s Contract with the Union requires 13 holidays in 2025 due to the presidential inauguration, which has always been a City holiday.  Since inauguration and Martin Luther King, Jr. Day fall on the same day, the City had to add another holiday. Therefore, the inauguration holiday will be observed on Friday, January 17. 

Refuse and recycling will occur one day later than normal during the Martin Luther King, Jr. Day holiday week:

• Monday collections will occur on Tuesday, January 21
• Tuesday collections will occur on Wednesday, January 22
• Wednesday collections will occur Thursday, January 23

Special collections will only occur on Friday, January 24, of this holiday week. You must call 240-487-3590 or email publicworks@collegeparkmd.gov to schedule a pickup before setting your items out to the curb.

Curbside compost collection by Compost Crew is also being pushed back by a day.