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 May 20, 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 thanked the residents of Districts 1 and 2 who helped the City put on the Spring Festival event in their area. He said the City has provided clarity about the Rhode Island Ave safety improvements that can be found online. The improvements will run from Paduca Ave to Baltimore Ave. University of Maryland’s commencement exercises have been rescheduled for the evening of Thursday, May 22. There will be pyrotechnics during the ceremony.
Councilmember Whitney asked if there was any information about the summer camp scholarship program and when it will be announced. Ms. Barber said the application has been re-opened and is currently live on the city’s website. She said as applications are received a notification of receipt will be sent. If individuals have questions they can reach out to her directly.
Mr. Young said the City’s Memorial Day event will be held on Monday, May 26 starting at 11am on the corner of Baltimore Ave and Greenbelt Road.
AMENDMENTS TO AND APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA
Councilmember Rigg made a motion to remove the action item 25-G-54.
Mayor Pro Tem Mitchell moved to pass the agenda as amended and was seconded by Councilmember Mackie. It was unanimously approved.
CONSENT AGENDA
25-G-53 Adoption of the Lakeland Neighborhood Plan – Carlos Nunes, Senior Planner
25-G-49 Approval of two Legislative Action Request to the Maryland Municipal League – Bill Gardiner, Assistant City Manager
Councilmember Esters made a motion to accept the Consent Agenda, seconded by Councilmember Whitney. The Consent Agenda passed unanimously.
PRESENTATIONS:
Ms. Barber recognized this as the 25th year of the Maryland Municipal League contest. She introduced Spogmai Wali, the state semi-finalist from Al Huda School, who read her essay.
- Age Friendly College Park- Kiaisha Barber, Director Youth, Family and Senior Services and Janeen S. Miller, Age Friendly College Park Lead
Ms. Miller said the focus of her presentation was to provide an update on the work of the Age-friendly College Park Work Group. She said the work group’s report was part of the council packet.
In 2020, the City’s Senior Advisory Committee (SAC) recommended that the City participate in the AARP Livability Communities Program. In September of that year, the City Council adopted Resolution 20-R-21 in support of the City’s participation in the Program. In December of 2020, the Mayor sent a letter to AARP expressing the City’s commitment to the Age Friendly Livable Communities Program. The City officially joined the AARP Age Friendly Network in June of 2021. An Age Friendly College Park Workgroup was created under the umbrella of the Senior Advisory Committee to plan how to meet the AARP requirements. Through a grant from the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission, an Age Friendly Action Plan was developed, and shortly thereafter, the Workgroup created an Addendum to the Action Plan
Ms. Miller said the work group is in year 4, which is the implementation stage. The city’s AARP Livability index is 56, and it is used to score communities for the services and amenities that affect people’s lives the most. Greenbelt and Hyattsville are scored 57 and 58 respectively. The highest index score for the mid-sized city is 68 for Cliffside, NJ. The five domains the Age-Friendly Workgroup is focused on include housing, transportation, communication, social participation, and health services and community support.
The last report from the Age-Friendly Work Group was July 2024. Since that time, we have learned that University of Maryland is applying to become an Age-friendly University. We will hear about this when it occurs. The city has also hired Ms. Miller as Program Lead to work closely with the workgroup.
As it relates to communication, the work group has published information in the Municipal Scene on a regular basis, and with the approval of the budget this evening there will be an insert in the College Park Here and Now. The group has a series of scheduled activities that will be held at the College Park Woods Clubhouse and is exploring the possibility of creating a housing match program and is evaluating a proposal from a private company called Nesterly that administers similar programs in communities across the country. There is ongoing discussion about additional dwelling units (ADUs) and missing middle housing, but the county has to follow through with creating legislation by October 2026. Ms. Miller said that AARP housing assistance has helped 7 residents in the city make improvements to their homes. There are ongoing collaborations between the Seniors Program, the Arts Exchange and the University of Maryland.
Moving forward, Ms. Miller said the group will work to finish what has been started. They will continue to expand collaboration and work on their progress report due in June 2026. The report will include not only the work of the group but also the work of the city. Ms. Miller concluded by saying that the work is ongoing and will benefit residents of all ages.
Councilmember Whitney thanked the Age-friendly work group for their work and acknowledged we are seeing results and seeing them quickly. She asked a question about the longevity dividend and asked if the brochures available at city hall will be in both English and Spanish. Ms. Miller said they have not seen the draft yet, but she did confirm they would be in both English and Spanish.
Mayor Pro Tem Mitchell thanked everyone for their work. She Asked about ADU/Missing Middle and referenced the presentation to the council from M-NCPPC. She asked if this was an opportunity to provide M-NCCPC with recommendations. She said they are looking for folks to provide them with ideas, and we may be in a position to do so.
Ms. Miller said that Dr. Hull mentioned wanting to see the state legislation. She thinks the city should be in touch with county representatives, the City’s planning department and the Affordable Housing task force on the issue.
Councilmember Esters thanked everyone for their work and asked about the most challenging area for the workgroup and why. Ms. Miller said communications remains the most challenging area given the reliance on digital communications. She said they can now share information in the College Park Here and Now.
Councilmember Mackie mentioned residents’ interest in physical activities, cooking, singing and crafts. She mentioned that VEO Ride is interested in expanding and she thinks seniors could benefit from tutorials. She said a resident suggested a senior Gymkana program and senior-only events during the day at the Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center. Another idea is to have health fairs in all districts, not just Attick Towers. Ms. Miller mentioned upcoming activities including a Karaoke Singalong on September 23 and Forever Fit on June 18 and that she appreciated the feedback. She also said they are talking about a Veo ride training date but are waiting until Veo introduces the three-wheeler.
Councilmember Rigg said he hoped that once the Purple Line is complete, we can improve the age-friendly score. Ms. Bader will be working with the workgroup to look at standards related to the livability score to determine where we can improve our score.
Councilmember Hernandez said there has been mention of challenges related to communication. He recommended a virtual kiosk or messaging board. He asked if there are other creative ways beyond the College Park Here and Now that are being used to reach seniors. Ms. Miller said she did not know about electronic bulletin boards, but she did know that individuals are physically posting information on bulletin boards in the various neighborhoods. Mr. Young said there are two electronic bulletin boards included in our budget as well as other mobile communication tools. Mr. Hernandez suggested we consider placing digital signs at various entry points throughout the community. Ms. Whitney suggested posting flyers at local businesses with bulletin boards.
Councilmember Ranker asked what age we consider senior. Ms. Barber said 62, which is approximately 9-10 percent of the city’s residents. Ms. Miller said we do not know who our audience is, and we have no way of reaching them. Using Direct Mail companies for targeting 62+ was cost prohibitive.
Councilmember Hew said Council we be campaigning soon. Council will have voter registration lists and can share information. Ms. Miller thanked the councilmember for his suggestion but said we cannot use voter registrations lists in that way. They must be used only for campaigning. He then asked if Council could hand out information. Ms. Bader said brochures will be made available for council to distribute.
Ms. Ryna Quinones, Director of Communications and Events said funding for digital bulletin boards are in the proposed budget.
Mayor Pro Tem Mitchell asked if there will be discussions in the future with Uber and other ride shares entities related to seniors. Ms. Miller said that would be more in the wheelhouse for the City Manager, but the work group can look into it.
Ms. Barber said email for inquiries can be sent to agefriendlycommunity@collegeparkmd.gov.
Councilmember Hernandez asked if it is possible for us to make a list of seniors to share? There are residents who aren’t plugged into the city because of transportation. He asked if we need to create a list. Ms. Barber said the city does transport residents door-to-door as needed for appointments. After hours, other resources are shared. Transportation options are available on the city’s website.
ACTION ITEMS:
25-O-04 Adoption of an Ordinance of the Mayor and Council of the City of College Park, Maryland to adopt the Fiscal Year 2026 General Fund, ARPA Allocation Fund, Debt Service Fund, and Capital Projects Fund budgets for the City of College Park – Gary Fields, Finance Director
Motion made by Councilmember Hernandez, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Mitchell.
Councilmember Hernandez- thanked colleagues and everyone involved in the process as we considered important areas and planning for contingencies in the future.
Mr. Fields reminded Council that the proposed budget document was not shown as amended or revised. He said the dollar amount was correct and the tables were just informational. He said there are statistical tables in the back, but none of this impacts the dollars. He said based upon approval the finalized approved budget will be updated. He then said the departmental performance measures will be revised and the pay table will be revised to properly reflect the new Union contract.
Councilmember Whitney made a motion to decrease the additional funding for the business attraction and retention grant by $10 thousand (for a total increase over the proposed FY26 budget of $40 thousand) and increase funding for business façade and improvement grants by $40,000.
Mayor Kabir asked for any comments regarding the amendments.
Mayor Pro Tem Mitchell said she was pleased with how council colleagues came together as we look holistically to assist where possible during these times.
Councilmember Rigg shared the Mayor Pro Tem sentiments on getting through with good discussion and less drama this year. He said the Bike and Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC) recommended a substitution for one sidewalk project for another. He said he has been championing for over a decade the sidewalk project they suggested a substitution for. He supports this budget as it increases complete and green streets funding to allow adding a sidewalk project instead of bumping an existing priority
Councilmember Hernandez pointed out that 5 comments about the budget were submitted in Spanish and asked if that had occurred previously. Mr. Young said it had not.
Mayor Kabir acknowledged the work of Mr. Fields and Mr. Young and the fact that this budget will be the last for Mr. Fields. He said we have a healthy reserve, we are not raising taxes, and we are adding more staff.
Councilmember Whitney made the motion to approve, seconded by Councilmember Esters. It was unanimously approved.
WORKSESSION DISCUSSIONS
A. 25-O-06: An Ordinance of the Mayor and Council of the City of College Park Amending Chapter 184, “Vehicles and Traffic”, Article II, “Parking Regulations” by amending §184-11 “Prohibited Parking”, by enacting §184-11 D to Prohibit Parking or Standing in a Bike Lane – Jatinder Khokhar, Director of Public Services and Stephanie Anderson, City Attorney
Mr. Khokhar introduced the item and provided background. Councilmember Whitney sought information on the authority of the City to enhance bike lane safety. The issue was reviewed by the City Attorney, Public Services staff and the City Engineer. This issue was referred to BPAC to determine the scope of a bike lane safety ordinance. The city attorney reviewed BPAC’s findings and recommended that the City enact an ordinance to specifically address bike lanes.
Ms. Anderson said the ordinance was an attempt to give the City specific authority to control bike lanes to protect bikes and e-scooters. She said that in enforcing this requirement, we wanted to make markings clear and add signage. The progressive fees are proposed as $100, then $200, and then $210. She said that the city has both state roads and city thoroughfares. She said this ordinance only addresses city thoroughfares.
Councilmember Rigg asked about enforcement. He said we have been told that contract police cannot enforce city infractions unless they are supported by the county and state. Ms. Anderson said she is not aware of that limitation. Mr. Young said he is aware of what Mr. Rigg shared but believes the County would need to put forth a similar ordinance. If the county puts forth an ordinance it would include county roads.
Mr. Young said there was legislation this past session that included language that provided 30-minute parking in bike lane, which was counter to our interest.
Councilmember Hew asked who would enforce the violation. Mr. Young said typically code/parking officers do not impose parking infraction. Parking may be able to enforce, but more than likely it would be contract police.
Councilmember Mackie said she would like three wheelers to be included as micromobility vehicles. Ms. Anderson said she will look to make sure the language is broad enough. Councilmember Mackie applauded Councilmember Whitney for her leadership on this topic.
Councilmember Ranker said the bike lane on Baltimore Avenue is a state road and asked if the curbs are still considered state roads. Mr. Young said bike lanes are still part of the state road. Mr. Ranker asked If the bike lane were raised to the same height as the sidewalk, would it still be considered state highway? Mr. Young said that was a good question and something that will need to be considered. Councilmember Ranker said he is a big fan of raising bike lanes. He asked if there are businesses we would need to notify. Mr. Young said right now there would not be a need because Rhode Island Avenue is the main road we would have authority over.
Councilmember Whitney said it is frustrating that we cannot address the biggest issue, which is Baltimore Ave. She has seen many cars pull over into the bike lanes on Rhode Island Avenue and hopes that this will help to change the culture surrounding bike lanes in the city.
REQUESTS FOR / STATUS OF FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
Councilmember Ranker mentioned the issue of ADUs that came up this evening.
COMMENTS FROM THE AUDIENCE
Robert Thurston, resident – wanted to celebrate tonight’s decisions that impact his work in the community. The approval of the Lakeland Plan gives courage to move forward. He said there has been a lot of work and more work must be done. He said “longevity dividend” is a fancy way of saying that if you are a young person and are involved with the senior community, you will have more appreciation for their longevity. One of the areas we are not talking about is the opportunity index which references the opportunity to be employed and to gain an education. As it relates to equality, economics, and education, we hoover in the 40s. He said he believes that with joint effort we can improve. He thanked Council for the budget which includes funding for age-friendly efforts, restorative justice, and Neighbors Helping Neighbors.
COMMENTS FROM THE MAYOR, COUNCIL, STUDENT LIAISON OR CITY MANAGER
Councilmember Riggs asked if the record would remain open for residents to make additional comments regarding item 25-G-54 removed from the agenda this evening. Mr. Young said they can continue to make comments to the Clerk’s office.
Councilmember Mackie encouraged colleagues to think about Good Neighbor Day projects. She said she looks forward to seeing councilmembers and residents at the Memorial Day event on Monday, May 26.
Mayor Pro Tem Mitchell said she attended a recent COG transportation meeting where they discussed regional activity centers, Purple Line, and Metro Center. She said the approval of upcoming resolutions will help us with development near metro centers.
Mayor Kabir said he attended the recent CMAST meeting. He said things have been quiet in College Park. June 14 is Trolley Trail Day, which will span from Hollywood to Hyattsville.
Councilmember Hew said he attended a recent Asian American Economic Power and Community Summit where he learned a lot about helping this community. He also attended the Boy Scouts etiquette dinner.
Councilmember Hernandez recognized Asian Pacific Islander (API) and Military Month. He said he looks forward to seeing his council colleagues at the Memorial Day event. He mentioned District 1 resident William Ramirez who was chosen to be a commencement speaker at Prince George’s Community College. He said it was great to hear him share his voice and express his pride.
Incoming Student Liaison, Nick DiSpirito said deputy student liaison interviews will be done this week. He attended the recent CMAST meeting with Mayor Kabir. He said CMAST meetings have been delegated to him to attend by the SGA President, Dhruvak Mironi. He said he followed up with the Age Friendly Work Group regarding their housing match discussion. He expressed an interest in extending the housing match program to surrounding communities.
Mr. Young said the City has worked to provide internships opportunities in various departments during summer and fall. He thanked Council for their time and effort during budget session. He said it was nice to see it pass and is confident about us moving forward.
MEETING ADJOURNED
Click here to see the full agenda for the City of College Park Mayor & Council Hybrid Meeting on June 3, 2025, once 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:
Consent:
Approval of VEO Contract
Worksession:
Review and discussion of a code provision to increase municipal infractions from $1,000 to $5,000
Closed Session:
Review of applications for advisory board vacancies and annual appointments
The College Park District 2 Digest 