Comments are made 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 find the video of the City of College Park Mayor & Council Hybrid Meeting on December 12, 2023. 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
Mr. Young said the City will be hosting an Employ Prince George’s event on December 14th at City Hall.
Councilmember Whitney asked if information about the senior tax credit will be mailed to residents. Mr. Young said he believed there would be a mailing but would follow up with the Councilmember. She also asked if the City could work closer with multi-family residents to ensure they receive information from the City. Mr. Young said the City does work with those who manage apartments building.
AMENDMENTS TO AND APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA
Motion to remove item #23-G-182 (Approval to cancel a grant from the Prince George’s Arts and Humanities Council for Community Visioning for Public Art at the City Hall Plaza) made by Councilmember Esters, seconded by Whitney.
Motion to remove # 23-G-191 (Discussion and possible action on the BOLC application for a new liquor license for Leho Poldme, Member/Authorized Person, for a Class B(BLX) Beer, Wine, and Liquor for the use of GT College Park.) made by Councilmember Esters, seconded by Councilmember Adams.
Motion to approve the agenda made by Councilmember Mitchell, seconded by Councilmember Mackie.
CONSENT AGENDA
23-G-177 Approval of an increase in the maximum amount of the chain-link fence grant from $2,500 to $3,500—Miriam Bader, Director of Planning and Rakhmel Rafi, Grants Coordinator
23-G-178 Consideration of a request by the City’s Bicycle Pedestrian Committee to send letters to the County Council and the 21st District Delegation requesting support for redesign of dangerous Purple Line rail crossings—Miriam Bader, Director of Planning and Erik Valentine, Community Development Planner
23-G-176 Approval of the appointments of Catherine “Kate” Kennedy and Gloria Aparicio-Blackwell as Class C Directors of the College Park City University Partnership
23-G-179 Approval of contract with Altumint for maintenance and administration of the City’s speed cameras (SMS) —Suellen Ferguson, Attorney for City
23-G-180 Approval of contract with Hitachi Vantara for maintenance of security cameras in the City and installation of three new cameras and approval of transfer to Hitachi Digital Services LLC as of January 1, 2024—Suellen Ferguson, Attorney for City and Bob Ryan, Director of Public Service.
23-G-183 Ratification of a PY50 CDBG Grant Program application for “College Park Business Revitalization Grant Program” to obtain additional funding for the existing College Park Business Retention and Attraction Fund — Miriam Bader, Director of Planning and Rakhmel Rafi, Grants Coordinator
23-G-186 Consideration of an all-way stop on Davidson Street at Marlbrough Way—Jacob Vassalotti, GIS Coordinator
23-G-187 Consideration of an all-way stop on Kenesaw Street at 51st Place—Jacob Vassalotti, GIS Coordinator
23-G-188 Authorize the City Manager to distribute end-of-year bonuses to eligible City staff – Teresa Way Pezzuti, Director of Human Resources
Motion to adopt the Consent agenda made by Councilmember Esters, seconded by Councilmember Whitney.
PUBLIC HEARING AND POSSIBLE ACTION: Petition request for permit parking on Gettysburg Lane (Agenda item 23-G-189)
Mr. Jim Miller, Parking Enforcement Manager, introduced the item the petition and said there was a request that, if permitted, enforcement be 24 hours, saying parking patterns in the neighborhood are creating a nuisance. Mr. Miller referenced concerns expressed by Councilmembers Mitchell and Mackie that there may be an issue with overflow parking on adjacent streets. If approved by Council, there should also be a determination of the number of permits per household.
Mr. Andrew, resident of College Park – Has lived on Gettysburg Lane for 23 years. He never felt the need to request permit parking in the past, but about one year and 8 months ago, tenants living at 9015 Gettsyburg Lane made it necessary for this request. They have disrupted the way neighbors are used to living. He said he has sent many emails to the City about the problem beginning 2 months after the current residents moved in. There have been conversations with the resident, who has said there will be large crowds at the home. Events run late into the night, and it has become a nuisance.
Joselyn Peña Melnyk, resident – Has lived on Gettysburg Lane since 2001. Over the years she has worked in the community on different issues. She has experienced the hardship associated with 9015 Gettysburg Lane and has received many complaints. When you come on the street, you see over 30 cars, and it is constant. It is affecting neighbor health and well-being. She asked the City to help the community overcome this issue. The community has attempted to call the city, call Council, call the Mayor, call Park and Planning. This is the only option that is left. They are asking for relief.
Letter read on behalf of Carol Grey, resident, who supports the implementation of permit parking on the 9000 block of Gettysburg Lane. Ms. Grey wrote Gettysburg Lane was a quiet street until a few years ago.
Markhan Melnyk , resident- lives in the 9000 block of Gettysburg Lane and supports of permit parking on the street. Parking has become a nuisance. The large gatherings result in litter on resident lawns. He asked for Council to consider implementing this without sign poles. Suggested the use of existing poles or stencils on the street.
Mr. Miller said the city must consider state regulations. Poles are placed eveyr 100 feet and would begin at the intersection of Gettysburg Lane and DePauw Street.
Mr. McClellan, resident – Lives at 9000 Gettysburg Lane and supports the petition. He lives at the top of the hill so does not see much of the ruckus but must always maneuver through the numerous cars.
David Segal, resident – used to feel safe walking in the neighborhood and does not at this time where there are constantly 20 -25 cars of people he does not know.
Bonnie McClellan, resident – registers her support for permit parking on Gettysburg Lane to restore the street.
Aubrey Batton, resident- Lives on DePauw Street and opposes the petition. There is a discrepancy with the petition, there aren’t enough signatures. He said there is good reason for people to park in this area as this provides access to a municipal park. He lives on an adjacent street.
Suzie Bellamy, resident – permit parking is not intended to deal with unruly gatherings. She represents College Park Woods on the Noise Control Board, which is effective. She expressed her opposition to permits because it will just move the issue elsewhere.
Mr. Miller confirmed there were 3 pages of the petition and acknowledged that somehow only the first page made it into the Council packet.
Santosh, resident – sympathizes with the issues but is in opposition to permit parking because it is a temporary fix. He referenced complaints of public urination and litter. He said the unruly social gathering violation should be enforced. He is in opposition to the signage that would need to be placed on the street. He wanted to know when enforcement of permit parking will take place.
Councilmember Mackie said she and Mayor Pro Tem Mitchell were pursuing the unruly gathering and the noise ordinance, and acknowledged they are difficult to pursue. She said she thinks there needs to be more conversation with residents who live on DePauw and Limestone streets.
Mayor Pro Tem Mitchell thanked residents for coming out and said they are like family. She asked Mr. Ryan about speaking directly with the resident. Mr. Ryan said there was an annual inspection of the home, and at the time there was not a code violation. He noted the pursuit of an unruly social gathering violation and mentioned the need for witnesses who are willing to go on record.
Councilmember Esters asked whether that had been any meetings with the owner of the home regarding the issues and asked if the issues with the home restrict the approval of the rental agreement.
Mr. Ryan said there was a meeting with the residents, councilmembers, and the senior code enforcement officer and there was a request to cease behavior. He said a letter had been sent to the owner, but no response had been received.
Councilmember Adams said parking restrictions are something that can work in the interim during the pursuit of the unruly social gathering violation.
Mr. Mirani asked if the City has actually seen parking issues shift to other streets in such situations or is it just speculation. Mr. Miller said the City has seen parking issues shift and used the example of permit parking in Hollywood close to the Greenbelt Metro. He believes it has to do with identifying the proper threshold.
Councilmember Mitchell asked Mr. Miller if there would be a need to come back to Council to implement permit parking on Limestone, DePauw, and St. Andrews to make it work. Mr. Miller said Council can impose permit parking, but it would need to be in place for one year.
Councilmember Rigg said almost all streets in District 3 have permit parking and almost no one has gone back.
Councilmember Hernandez said he believes there was a lot of churn for one non-compliant house.
Council opted to table a vote on the matter until the next meeting.
ACTION ITEMS
23-G-184 Property Use Agreement for Akaras, Inc., t/a D3 Social—Stephanie Anderson, City Attorney (BOLC on 12/19)
Mr. Ryan, Director of Public Services, introduced the item. He said the new venue would be created in the Zips Building. Linda Carter, attorney for the applicant, said D3 Social is the working name for the business and could change. She said the owner is requesting to be open from 7am – 12am. Class D license does not allow for entertainment license but does not mean you can’t have entertainment. However, the entertainment needs to be family-friendly and cannot occur after 9pm. Beer and Wine are to be served and there will be a 50/50 food to alcohol ratio, which does not include package beer and wine sales. The applicant formerly operated Plato’s Diner. Zips Cleaner will continue to be operational, and the applicant will be working with contractors on the buildout.
Councilmember Rigg asked about parking. The applicant mentioned that Zips will introduce a 24-hour drop-off.
Councilmember Rigg asked about the property at 7131 Baltimore Avenue. Mr. Akaras said hie is talking to the county about doing some sort of outdoor event space with pop-up vendors and food trucks.
Councilmember Adams said this is a prominent corner and the café has a great concept. He asked about the selling of alcohol. What is the vision/expectations? Ms. Carter said the vision has not been completely visualized, but they anticipate sit-down food and grab-and-go cuisine and sees the cafe as a complement to Trader Joes. The Property Use Agreement (PUA) restricts what can and cannot be sold and will restrict space dedicated to package sales to 900 sq ft.
Motion made by Councilmember Rigg, seconded by Councilmember Adams
23-G-185 Property Use Agreement for Shop Made in Maryland—Suellen Ferguson, Attorney for the City (BOLC on 12/19)
Suellen Ferguson, former City attorney, has been negotiating the Property Use Agreement. Alcohol may not be consumed outside unless the area is cordoned off. Alcohol is not allowed on plaza unless it is an owner-sponsored event. Everything in the store is made by Maryland makers, 80% are women and minorities, and 27% are neighbors. The shop also holds communal classes. They would like to be a place for people to gather.
Motion made by Councilmember Rigg, seconded by Councilmember Adams
23-CR-02 Adoption of Charter Amendment 23-CR-02, deleting Article XIII, removing Urban Renewal from the City Charter – Suellen Ferguson, City Attorney
Suellen Feguson – The hearing regarding the removal of language from the City Charter has already been held. Ms. Ferguson followed up with the Restorative Justice Commission after there was a request to examine the removal of the language from the City Charter. The commission supports removal of the language.
Motion made by Councilmember Whitney, seconded by Esters.
23-G-181 Approval of a letter to the University System of Maryland Board of Regents regarding student enrollment growth
Mr. Gardiner, Assistant City Manager, introduced the item. With Board of Regents approval of the University of Maryland Facilities Master Plan, there were discussions with Senator Rosapepe and City staff about UMD enrollment projections and a suggestion that the City and University hold annual discussions about student enrollment. As the City and University seek to expand homeownership, discussions regarding student enrollment can be insightful.
Councilmember Esters asked that homeownership and affordable student housing be explicitly stated in the letter. Councilmember Mitchell wanted to make sure her question about the golf course was answered. Councilmember Mitchell asked about a no-car zone in the University’s plan and safety improvements along MD-193. Mr. Gardiner said staff would follow up with the University of Maryland.
Motion made by Councilmember Adams, seconded by Councilmember Esters.
23-G190 Discussion and possible action on the BOLC application to transfer the Class B(BLX), Beer, Wine, and Liquor license from Kangnam BBQ, LLC, 8503 Baltimore Avenue, College Park, 20740 to Ace Restaurant Holding, LLC, t/a MeatUp, 8503 Baltimore Avenue, College Park, 20740 (new owner) (BOLC on 12/19)
Stacey Anderson, City Attorney, said we have worked out all issues with the PUA. The applicant spoke to operations, including hours (Monday through Thursday 11:30am – 3:30pm, 5:30pm – 11:00pm – Barbecue stops at 10pm, Friday – Sunday the restaurant closes at 11:30 pm) Robert Kim, attorney for the applicant, said the owner is ready to sign off on the PUA.
WORKSESSION DISCUSSIONS
A. Mayor and Council discussion of 2024 Council meeting schedule and COG committee assignments.
Discussion focused on four meetings per month versus two meetings per month. Discussion resulted in a compromise of 3 meeting per month as suggested by Councilmembers Adams. Mayor Pro Tem Mitchell mentioned wanting to strike a balance to accommodate staff and the importance of staff and Council being able to take vacation.
Mr. Young suggested keeping the 5/28 meeting to recognize University partners but said we can move it to May 21. He said the hybrid meeting structure has worked and putting more items on the consent agenda has helped. Staff have to work to make sure Council had all information needed to make decisions. He added that an increase in the authorization amount for City manager could be helpful as well.
REQUESTS FOR / STATUS OF FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
Councilmember Mackie – School safety to and from the bus (Note: School Board representative has been invited to a future meeting)
Councilmember Mackie – Public hearing to be added to future agenda to allow discussion with residents on other streets that would be impacted by permit parking on Gettysburg Lane
Councilmember Rigg – Expansion on voting franchise for 16 and 17 years olds
Councilmember Rigg – Two-year to four-year staggered terms
Councilmember Esters – Revisit chain link fence ordinance (pending paperwork)
Councilmember Whitney – Status of electric leaf blowers (Already added to the agenda, request for it to be brought forth)
Councilmember Adams – Senior sports league (Already added to the agenda, request for it to be brought forth)
Councilmember Mitchell – Discussion about CPCUP member appointment process (pending paperwork)
Councilmember Mitchell – Discussion about current parking codes and code enforcement. Disappointment with dealing with the issue on Gettysburg Lane
ADJOURN
Click here to see the agenda for the City of College Park Mayor & Council Hybrid meeting on January 9 once it is available. Tune in, show up or share your thoughts/concerns about the following Consent Agenda and Action Items, and Workshop discussions that may interest District 2 residents:
Discussion items:
- Mayor and Council Rules and Procedures
Action items:
- Review of Business Retention and Attraction Fund Requests – Michael Williams, Director of Economic Development
The College Park District 2 Digest 