Comments are by Councilmembers Llatetra Brown Esters and Susan Whitney and are not approved or sanctioned by the City of College Park.
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Click here to watch the video of the City of College Park Mayor & Council Meeting on March 5, 2024. By going to this link, you are able to watch the discussion of specific agenda items you are interested in. If you have questions about Council actions and discussions, please email us at lbesters@collegeparkmd.gov and swhitney@collegeparkmd.gov.
CITY MANAGER’S REPORT
The Prince George’s County Economic Development Corporation (PGCEDC) is currently promoting their Latino Business Accelerator Program. In honor of Women’s History month, the city is hosting an exhibition called Agents of Change in City Hall from March 1 – 31. The Maryland Department of Emergency Management application for stormwater mitigation has been submitted. Calvert Hills will know by late summer/early fall of 2024 if they are selected.
The City will hold its spring clean-up days on April 6, 20, 27 and May 18. Thanks to the Mayor, Council and residents who participated in the Iron Rooster grand opening held on Tuesday, March 5.
Councilmember Rigg thanked city staff for using City Hall to elevate issues to our residents and said it was a pleasure to use the space in such a way.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
Former County Councilmember Danielle Glaros and Former District 2 Councilmember Maxine Gross were in attendance.
PROCLAMATIONS AND AWARDS
Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month
Women’s History Month
AMENDMENTS TO AND APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA
Councilmember Hernandez made a motion to move from Consent to Action items 24-G-38, a letter in support of federal earmarks for Attick Towers, and 24-G-42 a letter in support of the Beverage Container Recycling Refund and Litter Reduction bill (HB 735/SB 642).
CONSENT AGENDA
24-G-37 Approval to purchase one 2024 X-Treme 25 cubic yard Leaf Vacuum, DCL800TM25, belt driven, self-contained trailer unit, using a competitively bid Sourcewell contract # 031121 for the purchase from Maryland Industrial Trucks, Inc. in the amount of $143,984.05, subject to contract approval by the City Attorney – Robert Marsili, Director of Public Works
24-G-39 Letter of Support for HB1136- Youth Service Bureau Funding –Kiaisha Barber, Director of Youth, Family and Senior Services
24-G-43 Approval of a 60-month lease agreement with Konica Minolta for the replacement of six copiers at an anticipated cost of $20,400 per year, for a total of $100,200 for the term of the contract, using the competitively bid Sourcewell contract with Konica Business Solutions USA, Inc. solicitation number RFP #0303321 – Todd Brown, Procurement Specialist
24-G-45 Approval of the minutes from the February 20, 2024, Mayor, and Council meeting
Councilmember Mackie moved to adopt the consent agenda Mackie, seconded by Councilmember Adams. Approved unanimously.
PUBLIC HEARING AND POSSIBLE ACTION ON CHARTER AMENDMENT 24-CR-01: Charter Resolution of the Mayor and Council of the City of College Park, Amending Article III, “Mayor and Council,” § C3-6, “Vacancies”, to add to the definition of vacancy.
Councilmember Rigg made a motion to adopt, seconded by Councilmember Hernandez.
ACTION ITEMS
23-G-189 Follow up on the Petition request for permit parking on Gettysburg Lane – Jim Miller, Parking Enforcement Manager
Mr. Miller said the issue was discussed at the January 9 Council meeting and continued until tonight in hopes of resolving the issue. He said it is now a legal matter in the hands of the owner and residents, which will delay a resolution. The permit parking originally discussed will not resolve the issue. It is up to the Council to determine if they move forward with parking restrictions or suspend the request. He said there will be cons to enforcing this for residents.
Councilmember Mackie asked how long it normally takes to enact restrictions. Mr. Miller said it would take 3-5 weeks to receive the signs, which the Department of Public Works (DPW) would then install. Warning tickets would be given for a two-week period. Letters of notice will be sent to property owners.
Councilmember Mackie asked how late enforcement staff work from Monday – Saturday. Mr. Miller said there was a staff reduction of enforcement staff during the pandemic. So, now officers work from 6am – 8:30pm Monday – Friday and 8 am- 8:30 pm on Saturday. Code Officers do not work on Sundays. County Police do not enforce the City Code. Councilmember Mackie asked how often an individual or household can be cited for an infraction of unruly gathering. City Attorney Stephanie Anderson said she would have to research the code and get back to her.
Mayor Pro Tem Mitchell said this is third time this issue has come to Council for resolution, and we are not being proactive. She expressed her anger and frustration because the issue should have been addressed before tonight. She asked what assurances can be given that the issues will be addressed. Mr. Miller said staff can only do what they can with what they are given. He mentioned the need for more personnel. He said replacing the two officers removed from staff will get us back to enforcement until 10pm and on Sunday. She asked what parking can do to support the residents of Gettysburg Lane. Mr. Miller said more patrols can be done in the area. Mayor Pro Tem asked Ms. Anderson what will be done to assist the residents of Gettysburg Lane. Ms. Anderson said the City will need to use all available tools. She acknowledges such issues can be frustrating, as they take time to resolve.
Councilmember Hernandez said when we do one thing there may be unintended consequences and asked what the limits were for parking enforcement. Mr. Miller said a parking fine can be imposed on a vehicle once every 24 hours. He noted that officers working overnight enforcement need to be accompanied by contract police. Mr. Hernandez asked what measures Council might take to better address such issues.
Mr. Young said rental housing in College Park is a bit different than other cities, as it is being operated as a business, but regulated like single family residences. He said we need to figure out how to address these unique issues while still respecting tenants.
Councilmember Rigg asked why we are not moving forward with the permit parking brought before Council. Councilmember Mitchell said that many of the individuals who signed the petition for permit parking asked to remove their names.
Councilmember Rigg made a motion to suspend, Councilmember Hew seconded. A roll call vote found4 in favor, 3 against and 1- abstention. It was declared that the matter was suspended, but after the meeting, the City Attorney informed us the vote failed because it required a majority of the Council members present. As a result, the item come back to Council on March 12.
24-G-38 Letter of Support for HACCP application for federal earmark for Attick Towers Renovation – Bill Gardiner, Assistant City Manager
Councilmember Hernandez asked to remove the letter from the Consent Agenda in order to request that Senator Van Hollen be sent a letter and that we include a request from Mayor and Council to meet with staff or local legislative office, and to include the dollar amount requested in the letter to Congressman Ivey. Councilmember Hernandez made the motion, and Adams seconded. It passed unanimously.
24-G-42 Letter of support for the Beverage Container Recycling Refund and Litter Reduction bill (HB 735/SB 642) – Bill Gardiner Assistant City Manager
Councilmember Hernandez said he would like to make sure the letter has what it needs to ensure support. He asked to include the amount the city pays on recycling and waste management and the cost savings from implementing such a program. He also asked to include the 21st Delegation.
Davide Dorsch, resident – not sure what the bill is required to do. Is the bill about putting a value on the bottle? He asked what kind of containers are wasted in the city and said he did not see a need since many people recycle.
Councilmember Whitney moved to send a letter of support with a second by Adams. The motion passed 7-0 with one member away from the dais.
24-R-01 Approval of a resolution establishing a Vacant and Blighted Property Tax Committee
Mr. Fields referenced the previous discussions related to the establishment of a vacant and/or blighted property program and committee from April 25, 2023, through February 20. 2024. The purpose of this action item is to adopt a resolution to establish a committee.
Councilmember Esters asked the SGA liaisons to explain their interest in having a student serve on this particular committee. SGA liaison Dhruvak Mirani said there was precedent for student serving on city boards and commissions. He used the Redistricting and proposed student rent subsidy committees as examples. Councilmember Esters asked him to provide a bit more context to the interest in this particular committee. Mr. Mirani added that students can become homeowners and may live in properties that may be considered blighted.
Maxine Gross, resident – does not understand the need to have a specific focus on a specific student appointment. The Mayor and Council can seek to appoint residents who happen to be students within their district.
Councilmember Hernandez said If you live here, you are a resident here. He explained that District 1 councilmembers put out an application to identify the best participants.
Councilmember Hew said students are members of our city and wondered why we did not go through the regular application process. Ms. Miller said that the committee is not an existing committee. She explained that each district handled the appointments as they chose.
Mr. Young reminded the council this item has come back to council 5 times and city staff provided recommendations to help move the item forward.
SGA Liaison Gannon Sprinkle said still would like to have a student designated to the committee.
SGA Dhruvak Mironi asked how the names were appointed and Mayor Pro Tem Mitchell reiterated that each District identified individuals to serve. He then said he had the name of a student to serve.
Councilmember Adams motioned for an amendment that added two mayoral appointments, which would allow the mayor to consider appointing a student. The amendment passed unanimously, as did the motion to pass the resolution as amended.
24-G-41 Approval of appointments to the Vacant and Blighted Property Tax Committee
City Clerk Janeen Miller introduced the item and indicated that Mayor and Council would provide their appointments.
The motion the following appointments to the committee passed unanimously:
D1 – Darrin Sharp
D2- Robert Catlin
D3- Scott Lynn
D4 –Markian Melnyk
Mayor – Chris Gill and 2 additional appointments to be determined by the Mayor.
WORKSESSION DISCUSSIONS
Discussion with Prince George’s County Department of Parks and Recreation and Planning Staff on the mandatory dedication of parkland subdivision ordinance requirement – Miriam Bader, Director of Planning
Ms. Bader introduced the item. She said the current ordinance allows for private recreational facilities in place of public space. The purpose of this requirement should be to allow for public amenities. Finding a balance to public vs. private space would allow for a more equitable amenity.
Ms. Ivy Thompson, Development Review Manager for Park and Planning, provided an overview of the subdivision ordinance. There are a few ways in which the requirement is met:
- Provide a land based on a sliding scale dictated by density.
- Pay a fee in lieu based on a new market value; and
- Provide recreational facility.
Councilmember Adams thanked Park and Planning for their presentation and pointed to development where public amenities are being added. Councilmember Mackie said every opportunity should be made to keep parkland and green spaces available.
Ms. Thompson said over the past two years fee in lieu has usually been used for single-family homes. For multi-family development, they have advocated for outdoor amenities. There was a reference to the recent North Gate development where there is public outdoor space. The fee in lieu is 5% of the land value.
Councilmember Rigg said when there is a fee in lieu there has been little interest in new recreation space in College Park. There have been substantial recreation spaces for new developments that longtime residents do not have access to. He urged Park and Planning to work more closely with developments. Developers get a double benefit when they count a private amenity as recreation space because they use it to advertise their property to potential renters. The pain point is the private space that has been counted as public parkland.
Ms. Thompson indicated that the subdivision language does not currently distinguish between public and private parkland.
Mayor Pro Tem Mitchell asked if planning would be amendable to receiving a letter from the City of College Park. Ms. Thompson said they would welcome a letter. Councilmember Whitney said having public space in the buildings is a good way to build community.
Ms. Thompson said when developers come to the city, we can make requests to them at that time, and she acknowledged that Ms. Bader attends pre-application (SDRC) meetings. The fee in leu is money given back to the service areas where the development occurred. She said College Park is in Service Area 1, as is Laurel. She said she would get back to council with the other incorporated and unincorporated areas that comprise our service area.
Update from the Restorative Justice Commission – Kayla Carter, Racial Equity Officer
Report given by Kayla Carter focused on parts one and two (Part one: formal requests to Mayor and Council and Part two: Calendar & Work Plans)
Restorative Justice Commission Report
Brief update on the Needs-Based Student Housing Subsidy Pilot Program – Mayor Pro Tem Denise Mitchell, Subcommittee Chair
Proposed Rental Assistance Grant Pilot Program
Councilmember Esters asked about the minimum time frame for a lease listed as September – December and suggested it be September – May.
Councilmember Hew said he was confused about the eligibility.
Councilmember Mackie asked if there is a listing of eligible homes. The listing of eligible homes is not yet available. She asked what would happen if someone received the money and did not use it as intended, do they need to give the money back? Councilmember Adams said the subcommittee agreed they would not undertake the voucher given complexities. Still need to verify usage.
Councilmember Hernandez asked if it is possible that some people who do not receive Pell grant be eligible. Councilmember Whitney said we need to be specific in our language regarding those who qualify because if most students will appear to be low income on paper even if they have enough financial support from their family.
Mayor Pro Tem Mitchell – the subcommittee needs to have updates to the city attorney before 3/19.
Discussion on future Community Garden locations at Davis Field – Rakhmel Rafi, Grants Coordinator and Erik Valentine, Community Development Planner
Erik Valentine, Community Development Planned, provided an overview. The current community garden is behind 9900 Rhode Island but is currently deteriorating. The city needs a new location. City staff have performed site analysis of potential locations and are seeking city-owned land, access for the Department of Public works and parking. As a result, the site identified is located in Davis Field. The North College Park Civic Association (NCPCA) agrees but has some questions. Their questions focus on parking constraints, preserving play field for children, adjacency of mosquitoes from stormwater pond, neighborhood security, and questions about the need for a new garden.
There have been some updates to the proposal that will be shared with NCPCA again. The garden will have 15 plots. Planning staff met with Bee City USA to talk about this project and other projects moving forward. The cost of garden implementation is estimated at $23,888.00. There will be an application for Prince George’s County Mini grant. Staff are seeking feedback from the Council, it will then be taken back to the NCPCA, and upon NCPCA approval, it will be brought to Council.
Mayor Kabir- when the Hollywood garden started, volunteers did more of the work and not contractors. He asked about when the garden can start. Valentine said the goal is to start the next growing season.
Councilmember Mackie asked for confirmation that plots would be given on a first come first served basis. Mr. Valentine confirmed that to be the case and said that the College Park Food Bank would use any vacancies to grow produce.
Councilmember Hew said when the previous garden was done, volunteers helped build the plant beds and received first choice on the plots. The Bee City Committee approved the addition of a permaculture garden near the garden.
Councilmember Hernandez asked about the chain link fence to be used since the City has an ordinance against chain link fences. He acknowledged the mention of a grant application and asked if the City pays the costs up front and is then reimbursed. Mr. Young said that most grants received by the City are reimbursements.
Legislative Review (there is a possibility that action will be taken on time-sensitive bills)
Bill Gardiner, Assistant City Manager provided the legislative review.
HB538 Land use/ Affordable Housing – MML has provided its amendments.
HB805 Cannabis locations – County Council has submitted two bills to restrict locations for dispensaries.
HB1136 Youth services Bureau Funding – City sent a letter on support on 3/5 and hearing held on 3/7.
Councilmember Whitney asked about HB538, specifically, distance from transportation. Has there been any discussion about the impact on schools?
HB1306 – are we tracking? it allows for a 2 % sales tax on certain food and beverages. We can do some research.
HB919 – would allow county to add a 12 ½ cent tax for property tax to support schools and transportation.
COMMENTS FROM THE AUDIENCE
Maxine Gross, resident, said she heard once again during discussion some of the challenges related to rental issues. She has spoken to the city about the issues enforcing the County rule prohibiting more than5 unrelated people from living together in a home. Mayor and Council needs to put a group of people together to discuss the matter and come up with solutions. She also asked the Mayor and Council to provide support for the asks of the Restorative Justice Commission.
COMMENTS FROM THE MAYOR, COUNCIL, STUDENT LIAISON OR CITY MANAGER
Councilmember Rigg said there is an issue with having two ways to be eligible for the proposed rent subsidy.
Councilmember Mackie – Went to election supervisors around the world program. Thankful for the elections process here. She recently attended the UMD CMAST and there is a lot happening on campus.
Mayor Pro Tem Mitchell – Hopes that as a body we can talk about the quality of life for our residents.
Mayor Kabir- attended Mayor ‘s Winter Conference, has been touring local schools for “If I Were Mayor” competition, and recently attended the Boy Scouts Blue and Gold dinner.
Councilmember Whitney – attended Park and Panning Subdivision 25 discussion. Changes were mainly to stream buffers, and requirements for tree canopy were increased across the board except for transit-oriented centers, many of which are in College Park. She said the County Planning Department has declared it their goal not to have any development meet their tree canopy requirement 100% off site.
Councilmember Hew – attending NLC conference next week.
Councilmember Hernandez thanked colleagues who put together elections around the world. He mentioned how the COG MWAC group is a great opportunity to learn how other municipalities deal with air quality.
SGA Liaison Mirani attended the recent CMAST meeting. He submitted suggestion for the Vacant and Blighted Property Committee, and he is looking forward to hosting the Mayor and Mayor Pro Tem on campus.
Mr. Young – Thanked the Mayor and Council for their patience with the audio difficulties experienced during the meeting.
Mr. Gardiner mentioned that Prince George’s County School Board leadership are unable to attend March 12 but will attend the Council meeting on March 19.
MEETING ADJOURNED
Click here to see the full agenda for the City of College Park Mayor & Council Hybrid Meeting on March 12, 2024 when it is available. Tune in, show up or share your thoughts/concerns about the following 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 ITEMS:
- Approval of appointments to the Vacant and Blighted Property Tax Committee
- Approval of a letter of support to the County Planning Board and County Council in favor of proposed text and minor map amendments to prevent overdevelopment of the Berwyn Road Commercial area.
WORKSESSION DISCUSSIONS:
- Presentation from Susan Slingluff Hartmand, Executive Director, College Park City University Partnership
- PALS Program Graduate Student Presentation- Visioning Lakeland: Restorative Justice Through Scenario Planning
- Presentation of new City website
- Legislative Review
The College Park District 2 Digest 