Hello, District 2 residents. Please see the notice below from WSSC:

Laurel, Md. – January 13, 2025, 6:30 p.m. – Due in part to the public’s water-conservation efforts, WSSC Water has lifted the essential-water-use-only request as of 6:30 p.m. today for all 1.9 million customers in Prince George’s and Montgomery counties. 

The water distribution system demand and pressure have stabilized, and water storage levels have returned to normal. The Potomac and Patuxent Water Filtration Plants continue to produce water, meeting customer demand.

Why was this essential water use request made?

• A high number of water main breaks/leaks coupled with water production limitations brought on by the cold temperatures increased the risk of loss of pressure system-wide.
• From January 1-13:  WSSC Water has experienced about 220 breaks/leaks with approximately 184 of those occurring in the past 6 days.
• On Sunday, January 12, a 24” water main break and a 12” main break that had not been identified threatened system storage reserves. 
• While additional crews and contractors were mobilized, WSSC Water requested essential use only as a means of taking some of the water demand off of the system to allow storage levels to increase and pressures to stabilize.

The essential-water-use-only request is rare. WSSC Water will use this water conservation tool after careful consideration and only if any portion of the water distribution system is at risk of losing water pressure, which can impact fire protection and possibly result in a Boil Water Advisory. 

Customers are urged to continue reporting suspected water main breaks and leaks by calling WSSC Water’s Emergency Services Center at (301) 206-4002 or using the WSSC Water Mobile App using the Report a Problem feature.  

WSSC Water appreciates the cooperation, partnership, and patience of our customers. Their efforts to limit water use helped avoid a potential Boil Water Advisory and ensured adequate fire protection across Prince George’s and Montgomery counties.

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 7, 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 offered thanks for the recognition of the work done by the Department of Public Works (DPW) for the recent snow event. He asked that residents be careful of black ice and moving throughout the city. He mentioned the need for those who live by cul-de-sacs to work on parking fewer cars and not parking near fire hydrants. Cars could have been towed, but the city did not do so due to the inclement weather. Mr. Young thanked Councilmember Adams for his service and consultancy, at times. He wished him and his family well. 

Councilmember Rigg said he had elections on the mind and acknowledged the upcoming special election for County Executive. He asked if the city was considering the use of City Hall versus Ritchie Coliseum. Mr. Young said details have been worked out and the Community Room in City Hall would be used. 

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS 

Former District 2 Councilmember Monroe Dennis.

PROCLAMATIONS AND AWARDS 

Martin Luther King, Jr. Tribute  

National Human Trafficking Prevention Awareness Month  

AMENDMENTS TO AND APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA 

Motion by Mayor Pro Tem Denise Mitchell to approve the agenda, seconded by Councilmember Rigg. 

PUBLIC COMMENT ON CONSENT AGENDA AND NON-AGENDA ITEMS 

Arelis Perez, resident – coordinates special projects for Neighbors Helping Neighbors (NHN) and on behalf of the organization, she authored an email appropriate for tonight. She thanked members of the community and the #740 Boy scout troop. She said she was in awe of all her Councilmembers. She specifically acknowledged Councilmembers Esters, Whitney, Rigg, Hew and Mackie for their assistance. She said NHN serves residents who are fifty-five and over. She said during the recent weather event twenty-five homes were served. She mentioned a listing of residents in need of assistance for the upcoming snow event. 

CONSENT AGENDA

25-G-01 Approval of an agreement with LA Perez Consulting, LLC. Kenny Young, City Manager  

25-R-01 Adoption of Resolution 25-R-01 designating a resident agent for the city. Yvette Allen, City Clerk

25-G-02 Consideration of staff recommendation to install a stop sign on Erie Street at Rhode Island Avenue East Service Road Steve Halpern, City Engineer and Jacob Vassalotti, GIS Coordinator  

25-G-03 Approval of Minutes

Motion to adopt the Consent Agenda by Councilmember Esters, seconded by Councilmember Hernandez.     

ACTION ITEMS: 

25-CR-01 Introduction of Charter Resolution 25-CR-01, Special Election, Stephanie Anderson, City Attorney and Yvette Allen, City Clerk  

City Attorney, Stephaine Anderson expressed her pleasure in working with Councilmember Adams and wished him well.  She introduced the item and explained the current City Charter requires a Special Election to be held within 65 days if the end of the term for the Mayor or Councilmember is greater than 180 days from the next election. She said the Council could consider amending it such that if the vacancy occurs more that 365/366 days before the next general elections the vacancy shall be filled by special election and if the vacancy occurs fewer than 365/366 days prior to the general election, the vacancy shall be filled by appointment of the Mayor and Council by majority vote, within 30 day after the vacancy occurred.  

Councilmember Rigg asked about the cost of a special election and whether it included salaries. Mr. Young said the estimates did not include Board of Elections salaries or staff time. City Clerk Ms. Allen said the costs included the material used during election day. 

Councilmember Whitney said as written the change did not reflect previous Council discussion and she would not support as currently written. She said Council had discussed having the option to either hold a special election or appoint if the vacancy occurred fewer than 365/366 days before the next election.

Councilmember Mackie asked if there was any reason the language did not reflect what was discussed. Ms. Anderson said there was no particular reason beyond a misunderstanding as to Council’s discussion. She did not feel there would be an impediment to changing the language. 

Councilmember Hernandez suggested an amendment to reduce the number of days to 180 instead of 365/366. 

Ms. Allen referenced C36-3 which states the requirements for candidates running in a special election. 

Councilmember Adams said there are numerous factors that may result in the need for a special election or appointment. 

Councilmember Esters agreed on the benefits of allowing the Council flexibility to decide on a special election or appointment. She said that if the Council decides to make an appointment, she hoped members of the community would entrust the Council to make that decision. 

Councilmember Hew agreed on having the flexibility and mentioned the costs associated with running a campaign and having to do so again within one year. 

Councilmember Hernandez asked for consideration of ways to allow for resident input. 

Councilmember Hew pointed out that during the appointment process, 9 people applied, and 5 of them chose to run in the trailing election. He said it made for a healthier election. 

Councilmember Whitney made a motion with amended language, seconded by Councilmembers Esters.

Councilmember Whitney introduced the motion as amended, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Mitchell. 

WORKSESSION DISCUSSIONS  

25-G-04 Discuss and approve the proposal for the Special Election to fill the District 3 Council Vacancy  

Susan Huemmrich, Chair of the Board of Election (BOE) Supervisors introduced the item and said due to the short time period the BOE is recommending the following:

• Mailing a ballot to every District 3 registered voter
• Holding one in-person Special Election Day in the Community Room of City Hall on Tuesday, March 11, 2025, from 8am – 8pm 
• Official Canvass to be conducted March 12-14, 2025

The recommendations would allow for the installation of the new Councilmember on March 25, 2025.

Councilmember Adams said the timeline works to ensure representation for the upcoming budge session. He asked about voter registration. Ms. Huemmrich said candidates would need to submit signatures and other required documents by February 5, and voter registration would be closed by February 20 for residents to vote.  

Councilmember Rigg asked how the BOES is determining who would receive a ballot. Ms. Huemmrich said they would be sent to all residents in District 3. Councilmember Rigg asked if there had been any consideration of coordinating with the special election for County Executive. Ms. Huemmrich said they would be handled separately so as not to confuse voters. 

Councilmember Rigg said there are many transient residents who live in District 3 and asked if there are any concerns about sending ballots without applications. 

Ms. Allen suggested the city send ballots to every active voter. She said she reached out to the County, and they need to push the button on removing inactive voters from the rolls. 

Councilmember Rigg asked about having multiple drops boxes. Ms. Huemmrich said it would be easier to have one drop box, but it would not be an issue to offer more. 

Councilmember Mackie suggested that when information is mailed to every household that residents be informed they can request a ballot. 

Councilmember Esters asked if there were any time constraints to consider if individuals are offered to request ballots versus sending ballots. Ms. Allen said there would not be any time constraints. 

Councilmember Whitney agreed with Mackie regarding the information about the request for ballot. 

Councilmember Adams agreed with Councilmember Mackie and Councilmember Whitney. 

Councilmember Rigg made an amended motion to send applications to each household. 

25-G-05 Annual Proclamation List 21-R-15/15-R-13  

Councilmember Hew mentioned a past proclamation to the American Legion he shared with Councilmembers that he would like to add. 

Councilmember Whitney said she would like to send a proclamation for National First Responders Day and recognize the many volunteers working as first responders in the city, state, and across the country. She also asked about clarity on a previous One College Park resolution. Mayor Pro Tem indicated that resolution was done in response to the George Floyd incident.

Mayor Kabir said we can always add resolutions during the year.

Mayor Pro Tem Mitchell asked to add a proclamation for Mental Healthcare in May and National Foster Care Month. 

Councilmember Mackie asked to add a proclamation for Autism Awareness Month in April. 

Councilmember Hernandez asked to add proclamations for Hostage and Wrongful Detainees Day on March 9 and National Veterans and Military Family Month in November. 

Councilmember Esters asked that we review for any overlaps and determine where we may add/revise language for existing proclamations. 

Review of Council Rules and Procedures  

Councilmember Hernandez said he did not want to make any changes but wanted to remind us of the positions we hold and how we should conduct ourselves. 

Mayor Pro Tem Mitchell suggested that we consider discussing Council Rules and Procedures during our upcoming advance. Mr. Young said staff is working on the agenda. 

Councilmember Mackie asked Ms. Anderson if residents could see the red folder items. Ms. Allen said the red folders items are posted after the council meeting along with the video.  

REQUESTS FOR / STATUS OF FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS 

Councilmember Adams referenced the topics he included in his resignation letter.  

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

Councilmember Rigg said he would be out of town next week and would not be in attendance for the January 14 Council meeting. 

Councilmember Adams said College Park has one of the top earning companies in the state. IonQ is an $11 billion company dealing in quantum computing. He thanked everyone and said he looked forward to seeing them in March and helping the new councilmember to succeed. 

Councilmember Mackie encouraged residents to join the city’s curbside food waste program. 

Mayor Pro Tem Mitchell said that she, Mayor Kabir, and Councilmember Hew attended a recent Firehouse meeting. She said the upcoming meeting of the Prince George’s County Municipal Association (PGCMA) would include a discussion on land use authority. 

Mayor Kabir said he recently attended a meeting in Brentwood about issues to take to County Executive candidates. 

Councilmember Esters encouraged residents to take advantage of the upcoming programs to honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on January 20, including the collection of food items all month long to benefit the College Park Food Bank. 

Councilmember Whitney acknowledged Lakeland Civic Association (LCA) members who helped residents during the recent snow event and encouraged residents to join Neighbors Helping Neighbors. 

Councilmember Hew mentioned the Firefighters joint meeting in Brentwood. He encouraged council colleagues to take the Firefighter 101 that provided insight. He reminded residents of the pending snow event and asked them to let their councilmembers know if they need assistance. 

Councilmember Hernandez said he spoke with the organizer of the firefighter event and said he wants this issue to be a priority. 

City Manager Mr. Young thanked residents and encouraged them to stay safe, warm, and careful. 

MEETING ADJOURNED

Click here to see the full agenda for the City of College Park Mayor & Council Hybrid Meeting on January 14, 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:

Request to approval the continued purchase and installation of License Plate Recognition Technology to include a 4-year extended warranty

Approval of the Property Use Agreement (PUA) for a Class B Beer, Wine, and Liquor License for the use of InfinityFlow Ventures LLC t/a Jerk at Nite College Park

Worksession Discussions:

Review advisory board annual reports and workplans
Review Open Meeting Software

Urgent Request – 1:25 p.m. Sunday, January 12, 2025

Essential Water Use Only Issued for All WSSC Water Customers Due to Significant Increase in Water Main Breaks and Leaks

   

1.9 Million Customers in Montgomery and Prince George’s Counties Urged to Immediately Conserve Water

  

Immediate Conservation Efforts Could Avoid a Boil Water Advisory, Help Preserve Water for Fire Protection and Increase System Storage

WSSC Water Crews Working Around the Clock to Repair Dozens of Breaks/Leaks Caused by Frigid Temperatures and Working to Locate Additional Unreported Breaks/Leaks

Customers Encouraged to Call WSSC Water’s Emergency Services Center to Report Leaks/Breaks or Possible Smell of Chlorine

Contact:  

Luis Maya

Luis.Maya@wsscwater.com   

301-206-4002  

  
Laurel, Md. – January 12, 2025, 1:25 p.m. – WSSC Water is urging all 1.9 million customers in Montgomery and Prince George’s counties to only use water for essential purposes effective immediately. At this time, water is safe and there is no need to boil before essential use.

The urgent essential water use only request is being issued due to a significant increase in the number of water main breaks and leaks brought on by the frigid temperatures including break locations that have not yet been identified. At this time, WSSC Water is responding to 47 breaks/leaks. Customers are urged to contact WSSC Water’s Emergency Services Center at (301) 206-4002 to report any running water or if they smell chlorine, which is used to disinfect drinking water. Reports can also be made via the WSSC Water Mobile App using the Report a Problem feature.  

Following the guidance below could avoid a Boil Water Advisory and help preserve water for system storage and fire protection as crews work to make repairs to breaks/leaks across a 1,000 square-mile service area.

Until further notice, all customers are being urged to:

·      Use water only as necessary – i.e., take shorter showers and quickly turn off faucets immediately after use.

·      Limit flushing toilets (do not flush after every use).

·      Limit using washing machines and dishwashers.

WSSC Water has called in additional crews and emergency contractors to search for any unreported breaks/leaks and make repairs. To maintain system pressure, WSSC Water inspectors are shutting broken/leaking mains down before repair crews are dispatched to the break in an effort to keep system pressures stable. This may result in longer than usual times for repairs and customers may experience water outages or lower pressure for more extended periods.  WSSC Water thanks customers for their patience.

If customers suspect a water main break/leak (see running water or possibly smell chlorine), please call our Emergency Services Center at 301-206-4002. Reports can also be made via the WSSC Water Mobile App using the Report a Problem feature. 

  

This is a rapidly evolving situation and WSSC Water will provide continuous updates to keep customers informed. Check the WSSC Water website, X (@WSSCWaterNews) and Facebook for updates as this situation develops.

    

# # #  

    

WSSC Water is the proud provider of safe, seamless and satisfying water services, making the essential possible every day for our neighbors in Montgomery and Prince George’s counties. We work to deliver our best because it’s what our customers expect and deserve.  

From the City of College Park:

Recently, City officials became aware of social media posts stating that an armed carjacking occurred at the Hollywood Shopping Center on January 8, 2025. After speaking to PGPD Major Keleti, head of the City’s Contract Police Program, we can report that the incident that occurred was not an armed carjacking, but an armed robbery related to a Facebook Marketplace sale meetup. The seller was able to flag down on-duty City Contract Police Officers within a minute of the robbery and a police report was filed. The incident is still under active investigation.

We would like to remind residents to conduct all internet marketplace sales safely at local police stations. Please note that this wasn’t a random act and unfortunately, crimes like these occur nationwide. Stay vigilant of your surroundings and always immediately report crimes by calling 911.

As you may have heard, in November, we unfortunately had a spree of robberies in the Hollywood area – three armed robberies and one carjacking. As stated during our Police Community Meeting in December, these types of crimes are rare for College Park, but are worrisome nonetheless. Major Keleti was able to give us an update, and we are pleased to share that all but one of those cases have led to arrests of the suspected culprits, while one still remains under active investigation. The suspects, were all juveniles from outside of College Park. Since November, we have added extra Contract Police patrols which have prevented other crimes from occurring.

While these incidents and posts may be alarming, the City of College Park is a very safe community. We would like to thank our residents for staying vigilant and reporting suspicious behavior/activity to police. Stay safe College Park!

Alerta de clima invernal para el lunes 7 de enero de 2025

City Offices Open Late on Tuesday, January 7 All City offices will open one and a half hours late at 9:30am on Tuesday, January 7. Any and all updates will be posted on the City’s website and social media.  Las oficinas de la ciudad abren hasta tarde el martes 7 de enero Todas las oficinas de la ciudad abrirán una hora y media más tarde, a las 9:30 a. m., el martes 7 de enero.   Virtual Mayor and Council Meeting The Mayor and Council Meeting scheduled at 7:30pm will occur as scheduled but only virtually. For more information or for the links to stream/join via zoom, visit www.collegeparkmd.gov/councilmeetings.   Reunión virtual de alcalde y concejo La reunión del alcalde y el consejo programada para las 7:30 p. m. se llevará a cabo según lo programado, pero solo de manera virtual. Para obtener más información o para obtener los enlaces para transmitir/unirse a través de Zoom, visite www.collegeparkmd.gov/councilmeetings.

No Collections Tuesday, January 7 Department of Public Works crews have been steadily working treating and clearing City streets of snow and ice from the winter storm. With more snow in the forecast and for the continued safety of our solid waste workers and residents, refuse, recycling, and yard waste collection will be delayed again. Collections will now occur two days later than normal during the week of January 6. ·    Monday collections will occur Wednesday, January 8·    Tuesday collections will occur Thursday, January 9·    Wednesday collections will occur Friday, January 10 Special collections for brush and bulky items are cancelled for this week. We apologize for any inconvenience.  Please stay tuned to the City’s website, social media, and email for any additional updates. Sign up for City email news and alerts at www.collegeparkmd.gov/cpconnect.  No hay colectas el martes 7 de enero Los equipos del Departamento de Obras Públicas han estado trabajando de manera constante tratando y limpiando las calles de la ciudad. Con más nieve en el pronóstico y para la seguridad continua de nuestros trabajadores de desechos sólidos, la recolección de basura, reciclaje y desechos de jardín se retrasará nuevamente. Las recolecciones ahora se realizarán dos días más tarde de lo normal durante la semana del 6 de enero. ·    Las recolecciones de los lunes se realizarán el miércoles 8 de enero·    Las recolecciones de los martes se realizarán el jueves 9 de enero·    Las recolecciones de los miércoles se realizarán el viernes 10 de enero Las recolecciones especiales de maleza y artículos voluminosos se cancelan para esta semana. Pedimos disculpas por cualquier inconveniente.  Esté atento al sitio web, las redes sociales y el correo electrónico de la Ciudad para recibir actualizaciones adicionales. Regístrese para recibir noticias y alertas por correo electrónico de la Ciudad en www.collegeparkmd.gov/cpconnect.  Help City Snowplows! With more than five inches of snow already on the ground and 3-5 more inches predicted, we ask that all residents park their cars in their driveways or as close to the curb as possible to allow snowplows to clear streets effectively. If you don’t need to leave your home, please stay off the roads.  Don’t forget to clear your sidewalks! Residents and businesses must clear all sidewalks on their property within 24 hours after a snow event has ended. Visit www.collegeparkmd.gov/snow for more information, tips, and to track our snowplows.  ¡Ayude a los quitanieves de la ciudad!Con más de cinco pulgadas de nieve ya en el suelo y entre 3 y 5 pulgadas más pronosticadas, solicitamos que todos los residentes estacionen sus autos en sus entradas o lo más cerca posible de la acera para permitir que las quitanieves despejen las calles de manera efectiva. Si no necesita salir de su casa, manténgase fuera de las calles. ¡No olvide limpiar sus aceras! Los residentes y las empresas deben limpiar todas las aceras de sus propiedades dentro de las 24 horas posteriores a que haya terminado la nevada. Visite www.collegeparkmd.gov/snow para obtener más información, consejos y para realizar un seguimiento de nuestras máquinas quitanieves.  Senior Activities Bus and Activities cancelled for January 7 Since Prince George’s County schools are closed 1/7 due to snow, neither the City’s Senior bus nor the Senior Activities will operate on Tuesday, January 7. We apologize for any inconvenience that this may cause. The policy is for the safety of all participants. Thank you as always for your cooperation and understanding. S Se cancelan el autobús y las actividades para personas mayores del 7 de enero Dado que las escuelas del condado de Prince George están cerradas el 7 de enero debido a la nieve, ni el autobús para personas mayores de la ciudad ni las actividades para personas mayores funcionarán el martes 7 de enero. Pedimos disculpas por cualquier inconveniente que esto pueda causar. La política es para la seguridad de todos los participantes. Gracias como siempre por su.cooperación y comprensión.

Alerta de clima invernal para el lunes 6 de enero de 2025

City Offices Closed Monday, January 6All City Offices are closed Monday, January 6, 2025, due to the impending winter storm. City crews have already begun pretreating roads and will be actively clearing snow/ice from City streets during the storm. Any and all updates will be posted on the City’s website and social media. Oficinas de la ciudad cerradas el lunes 6 de eneroTodas las oficinas de la ciudad estarán cerradas el lunes 6 de enero de 2025 debido a la inminente tormenta invernal. Los equipos de la ciudad ya han comenzado a pretratar las carreteras y limpiarán activamente la nieve/hielo de las calles de la ciudad durante la tormenta. Como recordatorio, la recogida de las colecciones se realizará un día después para permitir que el personal de la ciudad se concentre en limpiar las carreteras. Todas y cada una de las actualizaciones se publicarán en el sitio web y las redes sociales de la ciudad.

No Collections Monday, January 6Due to forecasted snow, and for the safety of our solid waste workers, refuse, recycling, and yard waste collection will occur one day later than normal during the week of January 6. Monday collections will occur Tuesday, January 7Tuesday collections will occur Wednesday, January 8Wednesday collections will occur Thursday, January 9 Special collections for brush and bulky items will only be scheduled for Friday, January 10. You must call 240-487-3590 or email publicworks@collegeparkmd.gov to schedule a pickup before setting your items out to the curb. No hay colectas el lunes 6 de eneroDebido a la nieve pronosticada y por la seguridad de nuestros trabajadores de desechos sólidos, la recolección de basura, reciclaje y desechos de jardín se realizará un día más tarde de lo normal durante la semana del 6 de enero. Las recolecciones del lunes se realizarán el martes 7 de enero.Las recolecciones del martes se realizarán el miércoles 8 de enero.Las recolecciones del miércoles se realizarán el jueves 9 de enero. Las recolecciones especiales de maleza y artículos voluminosos solo se programarán para el viernes 10 de enero. Debe llamar al 240-487-3590 o enviar un correo electrónico a publicworks@collegeparkmd.gov para programar una recogida antes de dejar sus artículos en la acera. Help City Snow Plows!With up to 10 inches of snow predicted, we ask that all residents park their cars in their driveways if possible before the storm to allow snowplows to clear streets effectively. Don’t forget to clear your sidewalks! Residents and businesses must clear all sidewalks on their property within 24 hours after a snow event has ended. Visit www.collegeparkmd.gov/snow for more information, tips, and to track our snowplows. ¡Ayude a los quitanieves de la ciudad!Con hasta 10 pulgadas de nieve pronosticadas, pedimos a todos los residentes que estacionen sus automóviles en sus entradas, si es posible, antes de la tormenta para permitir que los quitanieves despejen las calles de manera efectiva. ¡No olvides limpiar tus aceras! Los residentes y las empresas deben despejar todas las aceras de su propiedad dentro de las 24 horas posteriores a que haya terminado un evento de nieve. Visite www.collegeparkmd.gov/snow para obtener más información, consejos y realizar un seguimiento de nuestros quitanieves.

Monday, January 6 Trash/Recycling Collections Alert: Due to the impending winter storm for Monday, January 6, all trash, and recycling collections will slide forward one day (Monday collections will be picked up on Tuesday, etc.). 

With up to 10 inches of snow predicted for Monday, we ask that all residents park their cars in their driveways or one side of the road before the storm to allow snowplows to clear streets effectively. 

Don’t forget to clear your sidewalks! Residents and businesses must clear all sidewalks that abut their property within 24 hours after the event has ended. 

Please follow City communications for any updates and visit www.collegeparkmd.gov/snow for more information, tips, or to track our plows.