Comments are by Councilmember Susan Whitney and are not approved or sanctioned by the City of College Park.

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PROCLAMATIONS AND AWARDS

• Black History Month
• Women’s Heart Health Month

AMENDMENTS TO AND APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA 

• 23-G-36 Consideration of the Preliminary Plan of Subdivision for 5101 Iroquois Street was removed from the Action Item Agenda.

CONSENT AGENDA 

All items remaining on the Consent Agenda passed unanimously.  Click here to see meeting agenda, and here to see red folder items.

HEARING AND POSSIBLE ACTION ON: 

A. Ordinance 23-O-01 (Better Bag Bill): An Ordinance Of The Mayor And Council Of The City Of College Park Amending Chapter 129, “Licenses”, By Renaming The Chapter As “Licenses And Business Regulation”; By Dividing The Chapter Into Two Articles; By Repealing And Reenacting §129-3, “Violations And Penalties”; By Enacting §§ 129-12, “Definitions”, §129-13, “Provision Of Plastic Carryout Bag Use At Point Of Sale Prohibited”, §129-14, “Required Charge For Provision Of Paper And Reusable Carryout Bags”, §129-15 “Violations And Penalties”, And §129-16, “Rules And Regulations”; And By Repealing And Reenacting Chapter 110, “Fees And Penalties”, §110- 002 12“ Penalties” To Prohibit A Retail Establishment From Providing A Plastic Carryout Bag To Customers, To Require A Retail Establishment To Charge At Least Ten Cents For Each Paper And Reusable Carryout Bag Provided To Customers And To Provide A Penalty For Violation. As introduced on January 31, this law will take effect on September 1, 2023.

PUBLIC COMMENT:

• Brendan Mahoney of the Restaurant Association of Maryland asked Council to exempt restaurants from the ordinance detailing why the association has taken that stance.
• Councilmembers asked Mahoney how many College Park restaurants had contacted the association to voice opposition to the ordinance. Mahoney said the association reached out to local members to notify them of the legislation. Of those, about 6 expressed concerns. Councilmembers said College Park Economic Development Manager Michael Williams had spoken with many local businesses that hadn’t found the ordinance worrisome; noted that many plastic bags found littering Guilford Run are from food service providers, and said many of those bags land in tributaries to the Chesapeake Bay. They also said that Council should protect local businesses by encouraging neighboring municipalities to follow their lead and asked SGA to work to ensure campus bag policies mirror City policies.
• Members of the Committee for a Better Environment and additional College Park residents, including 3 UMD students, spoke in favor of the ordinance moving forward as proposed, noting negative impacts to both the environment and human and animal health of microplastics and that most of the millions of plastic bags distributed annually in College Park are used for 15 minutes but have a long-term impact on the environment. 
• Councilmember Whitney made the motion to pass the ordinance as proposed, to go into effect on September 1, 2023. It passed unanimously. 

PRESENTATIONS AND WORKSESSION DISCUSSIONS 

Annual Presentation from City Auditors 

• After a regular 4-year hiatus, SB & Co. has returned as the City’s auditors. Audit partner Chris Lehman presented results of audit to Council.
• Nothing negative to report.
• Councilmembers asked
  •  whether pension losses were in step with market losses overall (yes)
  • if the $542 thousand write-off for uncollectable debt for Ledo’s was a normal occurrence (no)
  • why total for miles of sidewalks remained the same (21) from 2013 to 2022 (Director of Finance Gary Fields said statistical section is unaudited, but they’d update the numbers.)

Presentation and discussion on options for gun violence prevention measures – Councilmember Kennedy 

• Summer intern Anna Kronthal prepared report
• Why are we talking about this?
  • 67 mass shootings in 2023 as of 2/14
  • Guns are #1 way that people commit suicide. 
  • Leading cause of death to children in the United State in 2020 was gunshot wounds. 
• What can we do?
  • County doing buyback program, but the report does not recommend a local buyback.
  • Recommends education via communication campaign about locking up firearms, storing guns separately from ammunition, and local gun storage facilities (closest is in Cheverly). 
  • Recommends purchasing and distributing gun locks locally and for free. Cost is about $10/each. 
• Discussion
  • Bob Ryan – Maryland has a gun safety law that prohibits storing a loaded gun in a place where a child can gain access.
  • Councilmembers
    • Suggested gun safety be quarterly topic for Public Safety Community Meetings
    • Said Council’s greatest impact may be through advocating through National League of Cities, Conference of Mayors and our elected representatives for public policy measures that will get guns off the street and prohibit sale of certain types of guns and gun devices. 
    • Said what happened in East Lansing today emphasized that college towns are uniquely vulnerable to mass shootings. 
    • Suggested the City attend the 120 Initiative meeting on March 1, 2023, at the National Building Museum, current home of the Gun Violence Memorial Project. The meeting will bring together experts across universities to discuss research-informed proposals to stem gun violence in our region.

Discussion and possible action on legislation, including HB459 County and Municipal Street Lighting Investment Act 

• Discussion around HB459 County and Municipal Street Lighting Investment Act
  • City Attorney Suellen Ferguson –
    • law has been in place for over a decade for municipalities to be able to purchase lights but no strong efforts by Pepco to make that happen. Main goal of bill is to better define what the value of the lights is so prices can be set – has been a stumbling block even this year.
    • Rest of state changing over to more environmentally-friendly LED lights, but Pepco hasn’t made the switch. Pepco has presented valuations on the lights that municipalities think exorbitant. Other option is to condemn the lights, but nobody wants to do that because it’s expensive and not very useful. 
  • Councilmembers –
    • MML Legislative Committee taking no position on this bill. Sometimes hard to get inner beltway Prince George’s voices heard. Falls to College Park to take a position on this. PGCMA could weigh in, as well. 
    • How are lights condemned? (Ferguson – a lot like condemning property, requires jury trial, experts to testify what value of lights is. That’s why it would be good to define values by law. Pepco hasn’t been tracking the value of its poles and the hardware that’s on them.)
    • Ask that PGCMA write letter to MML asking it to support. Councilmember Mitchell will ask Montgomery County to do the same.
  • Kenny – City has 1600 Pepco streetlights. Only 60 are LEDs. 20 converted per year.

Mayor and Council voted to send letters in support of the following bills:

• HB459 County and Municipal Street Lighting Investment Act
• SB159/HB162 – Firearms – Maryland Voluntary Do Not Sell Firearm Registry – Establishment. If people know they have mental challenges, they can proactively protect themselves and others.
• SB229/ HB1130 – Vehicle Laws – Noise Abatement Monitoring Systems – Authorization, Use, and Penalties
• SB24/HB51 – Department of Transportation – Consolidated Transportation Program and Debt Limit of Grant Anticipation Revenue Vehicle Bonds (State and Federal Transportation Funding Act) – used for construction of ICC. Allows for bonds that can be used for transit projects in anticipation of revenue that might be acquired from investment. Thought is expansion of MARC service on Penn and Camden lines. Could fund station repairs and rail work between Baltimore and DC to allow to use by CSX and MARC.
• HB94– Would allow reduction of speed limits by local authorities to below current minimum. Reiterate past support.
• SB557/HB628 – Primary and Secondary Education – Breakfast and Lunch Programs – Universal Expansion. Senate hearing next week. Would reinstate programs established during pandemic to ensure all kids have free access to breakfast and lunch at school. 
• SB86 – Raise the Age Act of 2023, would increase the minimum age to legally own a rifle or shotgun in Maryland to 21 due to multiple mass shootings in which shooter used a long gun and was between the ages of 18 and 21.
• HB503 – Natural Resources – Greenspace Equity Program – Establishment. Intends to create additional funding through state version of Project Open Space to convert brownfields to green space. Intended to create a pot of money for areas in which land is more expensive, providing fewer opportunities for developing green space. Supported by MML.
• HB552 – Build Our Future Grant Pilot Program and Fund (Innovation Economy Infrastructure Act of 2023). – Create pilot for building infrastructure projects that would benefit eligible tech sectors, including the kinds of businesses targeted by Discovery District.
• HB1209 – Climate Ready Floodplain Act of 2023. Dels. Peña Melnyk and Lehman are sponsors. Requires a statewide study of impacts of climate change and statewide model floodplain ordinance. Currently, the state’s floodplain ordinance is much weaker than the county’s.
• HB892 – Comprehensive Flood Management Grant Program. Sponsored by Del. Ivey. Increase funding for floodplain management and ensure it goes to overburdened communities.

REQUESTS FOR / STATUS OF FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS 

• Councilmember Esters – Work session to encourage UMD students living in College Park to engage more broadly with City.
• Councilmember Kabir – Invite new Prince George’s County School Board representative Jonathan Briggs and PGCPS CEO Dr. Monica Goldson to discuss issues in local schools. 

MEETING ADJOURNED 

Click here to watch the video of the February 14, 2023 meeting. 

Click here to see the agenda for the City of College Park Mayor & Council Hybrid Meeting on February 21, 2023. Tune in, show up or share your thoughts/concerns about the following Presentations and Workshop discussions:

• Discussion of a new City bicycle-pedestrian committee
• Proposed Changes to the Recreation Board and discussion of the Work Plan
• Discussion and possible action on legislation (There is a possibility that the Council will vote on time sensitive matters)

Hello Neighbors,

Councilmember Fazlul Kabir brought to our attention the Senate hearing on SB229 this Wednesday, February 8th. Excessive noise from modified mufflers has been an ongoing irritant for many residents, and passage of this bill would allow municipalities to employ “noise cameras” to issue citations for excessive noise similarly to how speed cameras issue citations for excessive speed.

Sharing what Councilmember Kabir wrote on his blog:

A Public hearing about the bill will take place this Wednesday, February 8th at 1 pm. Witness signups will take place online tomorrow. Please read here how you may sign up to speak or send written testimony at the hearing: https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/pubs-current/current-jpr-faqs.pdf,

According to the FAQ, you must create an account to provide oral or written testimony, and written testimony must be submitted in PDF format on Tuesday, February 7th between 8am and 3pm.

Click here to read how Knoxville, Tennessee is using the devices.

Click here to read an article about how they’ve been deployed in New York City.

Thank you for taking action on this important quality of life issue.

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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AMENDMENTS TO AND APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA 

Councilmember Kabir asked that Consent Agenda item 23-G-25 be moved to the action items agenda for further discussion.  

Councilmember Mitchell asked to move College Park Woods item from Action Item agenda to Consent. Suellen Ferguson, City Attorney, informed Council that the engineer has left the company and overall cost for the contract will need to be determined. The item was moved to the consent agenda pending the determination of overall cost to complete the project.  

CONSENT AGENDA 

All items remaining on the Consent Agenda passed unanimously.  Click here to see meeting agenda, and click here to see red folder items.

ACTION ITEMS

 Approval of the date of Sunday, November 5, 2023, for the next Municipal Election and of the College Park Community Center as the location 

• Concern raised about not using Davis Hall as a voting location for the upcoming Mayor and Council election. 
• Clarity provided by members of the Board of Elections Supervisors (BOES) and City Clerk that although the recommendation is to have one voting location on at the College Park Community Center on Sunday, November 5, there would be early voting, drop boxes and vote by mail options available to residents. 

Council Response/Discussion

• Concern raised about how the BOES recommendations were not shared in their entirety with some City residents resulting in numerous comments from residents to Council.
• There was a request to strike a balance and consider how Davis Hall might be used during the election.    

The vote to approve the date of Sunday, November 5 as Election Day and the College Park Community Center as the voting locations was passed with a vote of 7 to 1 (abstention). Roll call vote taken. Dr. Kabir abstained indicating he needed more information. 

Review and consideration of Preliminary Plan of Subdivision for Discovery Point at the Discovery District (Campus Drive & Baltimore Avenue) – Terry Schum, Director of Planning (Planning Board date is February 16) 

• The proposed project is to be developed by Brandywine Realty Trust through a ground lease with the Terrapin Development Company. It was described as a unique subdivision application because there are a number of development parcels being carved out of a large parent parcel owned by the University of Maryland.  The parcel includes a historic site (Central heating plant) and is adjacent to College Park historic district and Rossborough Lane. Discussion tonight is about Preliminary Plan of Subdivision (PPS) to break parent parcel into parcel 1 – 4. When Applicant next returns with DSP, it will be for infrastructure for all 4 parcels, but architecture only for commercial projects on parcels 1 & 2. 

• Primary markets for Brandywine Realty Trust include Metro DC, Metro Philadelphia, and Austin TX.  The company focuses on place making and greenspace, sustainability, prioritizing people and connectivity, and innovative architecture.  
• This is one project in the overall development of the large parcel of land.  Moving forward, there will be private roads and additional development by the University. The current development will utilize previous zoning guidelines and is slated to include multi-family residences and business development. It will include three roadways and the Purple line will travel through the property. 

Council Response/Discussion

• Questions about public amenities, status of Rossborough Lane, impacts on the Paint Branch Watershed, traffic impact and projects identified by the City vs. the Applicant as a result of Bicycle and Pedestrian Impact Study (BPIS). 
• Mr. Maginnis, Assistant Vice President for Real Estate for University of Maryland, said UMD agrees bike lane on the north side of Campus drive is critical, but BPIS projects must be 100% built by Applicant, and the project is too expensive to be covered by BPIS funds.
•  Mr. Talb, attorney for developer, said although they have opted to use the old zoning, they have to follow new requirements for BPIS funding.  The Planning Board reviewed the City’s recommendations and put forward a different list of projects, and it’s ultimately the Planning Board’s decision.
• Mr. Maginnis responded to question about impacts on the Paint Brand watershed, saying no active remediation is required at the site.  It has low level contamination that will not get into the water source. Applicant is working with Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to get required permits to develop on site, which sits atop a landfill.  
• Mr. Talb said Applicant agrees to most of City’s requirements but asks City not to require a Declaration of Covenants to be signed prior to the Detailed Site Plan (DSP)
• Suellen Ferguson, City Attorney, explained the the City’s recommendations are neither final nor exhaustive, saying City has never issued a Declaration of Covenants after the DSP hearing, because once DSP has been approved, the City loses its leverage. Ferguson said separate Declarations of Covenants could be issued for each DSP Applicant applies for.   
• Applicant can’t predict when residential property on parcel 4 moves forward, but thinks at least 4 years.

Consideration and possible introduction of Ordinance 23-O-01, an Ordinance Of The Mayor And Council Of The City Of College Park Amending Chapter 129, “Licenses”, By Renaming The Chapter As “Licenses And Business Regulation”; By Dividing The Chapter Into Two Articles; By Repealing And Reenacting §129-3, “Violations And Penalties”; By Enacting §§ 129-12, “Definitions”, §129-13, “Disposable Plastic Bag Use Prohibited At Point Of Sale”, §129-14, “Required Fee For Provision Of Paper And Reusable Carryout Bags”, §129-15 “Violations And Penalties”, And §129-16, “Rules And Regulations”; And By Repealing And Reenacting Chapter 110, “Fees And Penalties”, §110-12 “Penalties” To Prohibit A Retail Establishment From Providing A Carryout Plastic Bag To Customers, To Require A Retail Establishments To Charge A Fee Of At Least $.10 For Each Paper And Reusable Carryout Bag Provided To Customers And To Provide A Penalty For Violation Motion By: To: Introduce 2nd : 23-G-30 Consideration of a contract for the College Park Woods Clubhouse architect – Robert Marsili, Director of Public Works and Suellen Ferguson, City Attorney 

• Ms. Ferguson explained that the amendments were made to the draft ordinance and said Mayor and Council will need to pick the date by which restrictions will apply.

Council Response/Discussion 

• Discussion among Council landed on 6 months lead time, proposing September 1, 2023 as the effective date of the ordinance. 

PRESENTATIONS AND WORKSESSION DISCUSSIONS 

Quarterly Update on the City’s Strategic Plan – Bill Gardiner, Assistant City Manager 

• Brief overview on City’s progress in meeting strategic goals, to date.  

Council Response/Discussion

• Discussion regarding the challenge to recruit volunteers to assist with city events and implementation of volunteer software that is now public-facing.  

Discussion of Council’s Rules and Procedures 

• Council suggested changing reference to regular meetings & work sessions, given our new meeting format and defining the “red folder.”  
• City Clerk asked Council to slow down and explain matters for viewers at home when something is added to the agenda. 
• Request to define the red folder for residents and add red folder contents to online agenda list after meeting concludes.

Legislation 

• HB104/SB157 – Municipalities -Charter Amendments – Notice Modifying the manner in which the chief executive officer of a municipality may fulfill certain notice requirements concerns proposed municipal charter amendments.
  • Permits municipalities some flexibility in how it publishes charter amendments. We publish in the College Park Here and Now and the Prince George’s Post. 

Interest expressed among Mayor and Council in taking positions on the following bills:

• SB17 – Promoting Safety on our Roadways (Note that the actual bill # is SB16. A letter is being sent in support of the intended bill)
• HB60/SB315 – Housing Innovation Pilot Program & Housing Innovation Fund
• HB12/SB151 – Equitable and Inclusive Transit-Oriented Development Enhancement Act
• HB190/SB77 – Housing & Community Development – Homeowner’s Extreme Weather Mitigation & Preparation Grant Program
• SB117 – Maintenance of State Highway Right-of-Way 
• SB100/HB36–  Determine if a landlord is in compliance with rental licensure when a landlord seeks to evict a tenant 
• HB214 -Bill to establish a state health commission 
• HB216 – salt applicator certification program
• HB304 – Legislation on Noise cameras

REQUESTS FOR / STATUS OF FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS 

• Commemorative Bench Items – Councilmember Mitchell
• Mandatory dedication of park land – Councilmember Adams 

MEETING ADJOURNED 

Click here to watch the Video of the January 31, 2023 meeting. 

Please note:  There will be no meeting on Tuesday, February 7, 2023.  The next Mayor and Council meeting will be on held on Tuesday, February 14, 2023

Click here to see the agenda for the City of College Park Mayor & Council Hybrid Meeting on February 14, 2023 (When it is made available). Tune in, show up or share your thoughts/ concerns about the following Action Items, Presentations and Workshop discussions:

Action Items

• (Proposed Consent) 12-28-22:  Renewal for a one-year term of the right-of-way grass mowing contract with Level Green Landscape – Brenda Alexander, Assistant Director, Department of Public Works
• (Proposed Consent) Approval of a policy on use of the City Seal (follow up to July Work session) – Suellen Ferguson, City Attorney
• (Proposed Consent) Approval of a letter to the Board of License Commissioners that the City does not object to the renewal of liquor licenses for City establishments – Bob Ryan, Director of Public Services 
• (Proposed Consent) Approval of an MOU for three City security cameras on private property – Kenneth Young and Bob Ryan
• Review and consideration of the St. Andrews Church parking agreement – Bob Ryan, Director of Public Services and Jim Miller, Parking Enforcement Manager 
• Consideration of the Preliminary Plan of Subdivision for 5101 Iroquois Street – Terry Schum, Director of Planning 
• Amendment to the Property Use Agreement with The Hall – Bob Ryan, Director of Public Services

Discussion / Presentation Items

• Annual Presentation from City Auditors (20)
• Presentation and discussion on options for gun violence prevention measures – Councilmember Kennedy (30) 
• Discussion and possible action on legislation, including HB459 County and Municipal Street Lighting Investment Act

The Prince George’s County Office of Homeland Security/Emergency Management Division (OHS/EMD) is in the process of updating the County Hazard Mitigation Plan (HMP). They are continuing to make their way through the process of updating the HMP and are hosting a second Virtual Public Forum Thursday, February 2^nd at 5:30pm for County Residents. During this forum, their office, in collaboration with the Department of Environment, will provide an overview of the updated 2023 Draft Hazard Mitigation Plan and allow members of the public to ask questions and give feedback on the Draft Plan. The Draft Plan will be available for review before the meeting on the County’s Hazard Mitigation Plan webpage, along with the feedback survey, for those that would like to submit their comments and questions in advance or cannot attend the meeting.

Residents can register for the public forum at bit.ly/PublicHMP2. For more information on Prince George’s County’s Hazard Mitigation Plan update, visit the OHS website.

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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Greetings District 2 residents! We’re trying a new format to shorten our council meeting recaps. We hope this makes it easier to stay on top of Mayor & Council activities. Please email us at lbesters@collegeparkmd.gov and swhitney@collegeparkmd.gov to provide feedback on the blog and input on the decisions we’re making that impact you and our city. If this is your first visit, please click the follow button & provide your email address so you’ll receive an email each time we post. Thank you!

Here are the highlights from the City of College Park Mayor & Council Hybrid Meeting on January 24, 2023:

The Consent Agenda passed unanimously and can be viewed on page 2 of the agenda. 

Action Items (see page 92 of the agenda)

 Council unanimously approved:

• An agreement with Amano McGann for City parking pay stations, including Now Care Support Agreement, Mi-Office Maintenance fee, credit card fees and Verizon Airtime fees, subject to approval of City Attorney. In the past, the renewal of this agreement cost less than $30,000 so didn’t need Council approval. For FY23, the estimate is $30,104, so it came before Council.

Presentations and Worksession Discussions (see page 104 of the agenda) 

Council viewed presentations for and discussed the following topics:

• Annual police agency presentation from Major Keleti, Prince George’s County Police Department, and Chief Mitchell, University of Maryland Police Department 
  • Key takeaways from Major Keleti included:
    • Much progress in addressing non-violent crime, but violent crime is up and down
      • Statistics show a 150% increase of rape in College Park (5 incidents), but PGCPD has changed how it reports sexual assault from 2021 to 2022, so the increase isn’t as dramatic as it seems. 
      • Crime is down over the past 10 years but up since 2021 across most categories. 
      • The increase in crime since 2021 is a national trend.
      • Crime in College Park is lower than national and local averages.
    • PGCPD made several notable arrests, including of one individual responsible for multiple peeping Tom and indecent exposure incidents.
    • Mental health issues are a growing concern and resources are lacking.
  • Key takeaways from Chief Mitchell included:
    • Total incident calls for 2022 up from 2021
    • A steady decrease in off-campus calls (20% of total calls are for off-campus)
    • UMD has one of the lowest crime rates in the Big 10
    • Property crime is most frequently reported type of crime.
    • Five sexual assaults were reported; all assailants were known to the victims.
    • Increase in indecent exposure incidents (nationwide trend)
    • Highlighted several incidents in which live-monitored cameras were used to track crimes in progress and make arrests, including a sexual assault and drivers pointing guns at one another.
    • The Community Multi-Agency Service Team (CMAST) tracks calls across agencies both on- and off-campus to identify hot spots. The number of houses police received calls about went down from 13 in 2013 to 4 in 2022. In 2013, 1 house had 14 complaints. In 2022, no houses were reported more than once. 
    • Shotspotter technology has been deployed across campus and at places on Baltimore Avenue where crowds gather, extending north to Lakeland Road.
    • UMD students must follow Student Code of Conduct on & off campus.
    • Launching micro-mobility safety campaign in February
    • Mental health issues are a growing concern, with difficulty finding nearby inpatient care for students, faculty or staff in distress.
    • UMD’s response includes creating crisis intervention team, training dispatchers on handling calls, and deploying Teddy the UMPD Comfort Dog.
  • Mayor & Council response
    • Best way City can help is to advocate for legislation and funding that provides more mental health services locally and tracks where it’s available. 
    • Request more details about mental health initiatives (response> UMD focusing on mental health wellness before it reaches a crisis state, as well)
    • Concerns about tracking of quality-of-life issues like public intoxication, loud parties
    • Concerns about amount of police protection in areas farther from campus 
    • Are parents & landlords told Student Code of Conduct enforced off-campus? (response> parents – no; landlords – yes)
    • Best ways for residents to stay safe? (response> lock doors, windows, cars; don’t leave keys in car while running; don’t leave property in car; turn wheels into curb to deter tire/rim theft)
    • Ask for Narcan to be widely available on campus.
    • Impact of marijuana legalization (response> main concerns – driving while high & continued illegal trade)
    • Mayor Patrick Wojahn said, while it never feels that way when you’re the victim of a crime, overall, we have a safe community in College Park. 
• Board of Election Supervisors (BOES) recommendations for the 2023 election. 
  • The BOES’s findings from the City Election Engagement Survey (see page 112 of the agenda).
  • The BOES asked Council to make decisions on the following:
    • Date of election (Sunday, 11/5/23 or Tuesday, 11/7/23)
      • Council voted for Sunday, 11/5
    • Polling location?
      • Council voted for College Park Community Center for election day. Most early voting would be at City Hall, but Council requested Davis Hall be added as an early voting option for at least a couple of days.
    • Changing the deadline for voter registration to 15 days prior to election day (currently 28 days)
      • Council voted to reduce to 15 days but asked BOES to continue exploring same day registration.
    • Adopt the state/county permanent Vote By Mail list?
      • Council voted to adopt state/county permanent Vote By Mail list
    • Change the terms “absentee ballot” to “Vote By Mail” and “Late application for Absentee Ballot” to “Early Voting” in the City Code?
      • City Attorney Suellen Ferguson said State laws require City to provide “absentee ballots” so she’ll have to work on alternate language.
  • Quarterly Financial Presentation; FY 2024 Budget preview; Homestead Tax Credit review; Elderly Tax Credit discussion – Gary Fields, Director of Finance
    • Most anomalies in the amount of revenues or expenditures explained by timing issues.
    • Unbeknownst to the City, The Hotel at UMD applied to SDAT for a reduction in their assessed value. Due to their high vacancy rate during the pandemic, a reduction was granted, the result of which was a net loss to the City of $255 thousand in property tax revenue.
      • Council asked if we should expect more such reductions. Mr. Fields knew of nothing coming but said if it happened, the next assessment would hopefully return to pre-pandemic levels.
    • The City has written off a total of $542 thousand of unrecoverable debt related to the loan to the former Ledo’s restaurant. 
    • Homestead tax credit – 0% provides most benefit to taxpayers. Mr. Fields recommends it be left at 0% to provide homeowners with the biggest credit. If Council takes no action, it will remain at 0%.
    • Elderly Tax Credit – approved at County level in June. Many questions still to be answered to determine possible fiscal impact were it to be implemented. Will discuss during Budget Session in March.
    • Council budget requests due on January 27^th, but minor delays acceptable.

Click here to watch the Video of the January 24, 2023 meeting. 

Click here to see the agenda for the City of College Park Mayor & Council Hybrid Meeting on January 31, 2023. Tune in, show up or share your thoughts/concerns about the following Action Items, Presentations and Workshop discussions:

• Action items:
  • Review and consideration of Preliminary Plan of Subdivision for Discovery Point at the Discovery District (Campus Drive & Baltimore Avenue)
  • Consideration and possible introduction of several ordinances, collectively referred to as The Better Bag Act. The Committee for a Better Environment put forward the Act to encourage the use of reusable bags in the city by banning the distribution of plastic bags at commercial establishments and requiring at least a $0.10 fee be charged for each bag distributed by an establishment. The commercial establishment would retain the fees, and plastic bags used inside a store for produce, seafood, etc. have been excluded. CBE has suggested initiatives to address equity.
  • Consideration of a contract for the College Park Woods Clubhouse architect.
• Presentations and Workshop Discussions:
  • Quarterly update on the City’s Strategic Plan
  • Discussion of Council’s Rules and Procedures
  • Legislation (There is a possibility that the Council will vote on time sensitive matters)

• Where: Intersection of Berwyn House Road and US 1 (Baltimore  Avenue) 

• Activity: New 16” water main tie-in to existing water main. 

• Approved Work Times for This Activity: Night work from 9pm – 6am on Tuesday, January 24, 2023 through Thursday, January 26,  2023. 

• Equipment used for construction may be disruptive. Pedestrians and motorists should travel undistracted through all work zones  and motorists should obey all posted speed limits. 

• For more information about this project, please contact Mr. Mario Minoglio, MDOT SHA Project Engineer, at (443)  996-4033. 

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ANNOUNCEMENTS/COMMENTS – MAYOR, COUNCIL, STUDENT LIAISON 

Councilmember Kabir said many people have asked how they could help the family who recently experienced a fire at their home and referred them to the GoFundMe page that has been established.

Councilmember Esters thanked the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr Tribute Committee for their work planning the virtual panel on Monday, January 16 and entrusting her as moderator. She also informed residents that the next Berwyn District Civic Association (BDCA) meeting would be on Thursday, January 19^th from 7:30pm – 9pm. 

Councilmember Whitney shared her appreciation for the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr virtual panel discussion and said she thought we needed to get Councilmember Esters, who served as moderator, an NPR show.

Mayor Wojahn thanked the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Committee and all involved with planning the virtual panel. He voiced his appreciation for the panel and the opportunity to participate. 

CITY MANAGER’S REPORT 

Mr. Kenny Young announced that Council meetings are now streamed to Verizon (Channel 25) and Comcast (Channel 71) – another effort to ensure accessibility to the city’s business for everyone. 

AMENDMENTS TO AND APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA

Councilmember Rigg asked to amend action item 23-G-18 on approval of a new parade date to the approval to move the date from July 4 to May 6. 

PUBLIC COMMENT ON CONSENT AGENDA AND NON-AGENDA ITEMS 

A displaced resident of College Park, who has been in the City since September, asked for assistance in getting his vehicle back. He had brought receipts that he said reflected $2,000 he’d spent to retrieve his impounded vehicle, which he uses to work, and the personal belongings it contains. He said he was independently employed collecting cans in the city and has been displaced for some time. 

 CONSENT AGENDA – The following items on the Consent Agenda passed unanimously:

23-R-01 Approval of a Resolution Of The Mayor And Council Of The City Of College Park Adopting The Recommendation Of The Advisory Planning Commission Regarding Variance Application CPV-2022- 05, 4806 Harvard Road, College Park, Maryland Recommending Approval Of Three Variances: 1-Foot Front Yard Setback , 9-Foot Front Yard Setback And 4-Foot Setback Variances From Section 27-4202(E) Table II Of The Prince George’s County Zoning Ordinance, To Validate An Existing Front Porch And Expand A Second Story Attic – Appeal period ends January 14

23-G-09 Approval of a contract amendment with Olney Masonry Corporation to allow for increases in unit costs and quantities in an amount not to exceed $408,875 to complete construction of the Hollywood Streetscape Project – Terry Schum, Director of Planning 

23-G-10 Approval of the 2023 Mayor and Council meeting schedule Version A with 36 meetings per year.

 23-G-11 Approval of Animal Welfare Committee Workplan 

23-G-12 Approval of Committee For A Better Environment Workplan 

23-G-13 Approval of Education Advisory Committee Workplan

23-G-14 Approval of Seniors Committee Workplan 

23-G-15 Approval of Tree and Landscape Board Workplan 11. PUBLIC HEARINGS (Council May Take Action On Public Hearing Items At The Conclusion Of The Public Hearing)  

ACTION ITEMS 

23-G-19 Consideration of amendment to RST Development, LLC covenant concerning right-in/right out on Baltimore Avenue – Terry Schum, Director of Planning

Suellen Ferguson, City Attorney, mentioned the item came to Council last week and there were concerns from Councilmembers about anticipated traffic and congestion on Cherokee since the proposed development has only one entrance on Cherokee Street. During last week’s meeting Council voted for an update to the recommendations and Declaration of Covenants that indicated a reconsideration be submitted to the Planning Board for the right-in from Baltimore Ave. 

During a recent meeting with City staff, the developer, and attorney, the developer asked for Council to allow for the idea to be brought to the planning board now to get an indication if the right-in would be accepted. The proposed amendment states that if the Planning Board were to make clear at the January 19^th Detailed Site Plan hearing that it would not accept the right-in, Council would not require the developer to take this reconsideration back to the Planning Board and waste time unnecessarily. 

Mr. Haller, attorney for RST Development, said if the Planning Board entertains this request, the developer will then move forward with the reconsideration. 

Councilmember Kabir made the motion and said that he hoped the developer will do all that they can to request the right-in. 

Councilmember Dr. Esters seconded the motion and said there was no need to place undue burden on the developer, but the concerns mentioned by Councilmember Kabir were real and need to be addressed. 

23-G-16 Approval of Public School Education Grants recommended by the Education Advisory Committee – Kiaisha Barber, Director of Youth, Family and Senior Services and Carolyn Bernache, Chair, EAC

Ms. Kiaisha Barber informed Council that there were 5 requests for education grants put forth for Council’s consideration and ask Council for any question. 

Councilmember Whitney asked for verification that Greenbelt Middle School will not have a $310,520 surplus for its Loads of Love/Food Pantry/After-School project after receiving the requested $7,093 Public Education Grant. Councilmember Whitney said it appeared they had mistakenly listed staff salaries of $310,520 as an in-kind contribution for the project. Ms. Barber and Ms. Bernache said that Councilmember Whitney was correct that that was an error and no such surplus would exist.

Councilmember Rigg asked how we account for schools that our College Park residents attend? Ms. Barber said each year we ask for a report for all PG County schools that College Park students attend. The grant opportunities are offered to schools where there are at least 14 College Park residents in attendance. Councilmember Rigg asked for clarification for CPA Plus. Dr. Bernache said the CPA would use the grant to offer stipends that would allow more children to participate in the program. Councilmember Rigg asked about the application from Paint Branch Elementary School. He asked if Paint Branch Elementary were still a Chinese immersion school. Ms. Barber said it is. 

Councilmember Mackie asked if schools can still apply for grants, and both Ms. Barber and Dr. Bernache replied yes, schools can still apply. She said both Youth and Family Services and the Education Advisory Committee have worked hard to have people apply for these grants, and it is time to give them the grants. 

Councilmember Rigg thanked EAC for their work on the grants, which are a labor of love.

23-G-17 Approval of a contract amendment with KCI Technologies, Inc. for additional design services in the amount of $158,584 for Duvall Field Park – Terry Schum, Director of Planning 

Ms. Schum said the proposed contract amendment for the design of Duvall Field if approved will get the project on track. She reminded Council that when the contractors came back to us, they were asked to provide estimations on items that were not part of the original plan. The contractor is now asking for subcontractors to help with addressing what has been requested from the Council. They have sought firms that can assist, including an audio consultant, a splash pad consultant, and a cost estimation consultant. 

The original project manager has left the company, but this is a team effort. KCI, who has been on the project since the beginning, will take on project management. The project is now behind schedule, and it is estimated to take an additional 3 months to complete. There will be corresponding cost increases to the overall project. The conceptual cost increase will go from $5.1 million to $5.5 million. The increase can be covered by the CIP budget and will need to be budgeted for. 

Councilmember Mackie asked if we accept these costs, are we accepting the splash pad. Ms. Schum said no, the splash pad was considered an add-on alternate. 

Councilmember Kabir asked about the splash pad and if the $60,000 includes the cost of construction. Ms. Schum said the preliminary cost estimate of the splash pad is $187,000 and should be added to the design cost of $60,000. 

Councilmember Whitney asked if we ever received information from other municipalities about their costs for splash pad maintenance. Ms. Schum indicated there had been some outreach but added it is difficult to estimate cost as each pad is location specific. However, it is known that daily attention would need to be given to the splash pad. If we choose to move forward with this option, we will receive a guide on what would be needed. 

Councilmember Adams informed Council he had the opportunity to speak to a vendor at a recent National League of Cities (NLC) conference about splash pad maintenance costs. The individual thought $15,000 annually was typical in warmer climates, but $30,000 is a reasonable estimate in colder climates where there are additional costs related to winterization. 

Councilmember Rigg asked about the reasons for delay. Ms. Schum indicated the first delay was because the Department of Permitting, Inspections and Enforcement (DPIE) has not thoroughly reviewed or responded to the 60% Design study. We have to apply for permits when the project is 100% designed. Councilmember Rigg continued by asking how many more cost increases we expect to receive. He compared this project to the City Hall project where we cut costs versus us adding costs to this project. Ms. Schum said that KCI estimates that the projects should be ready go by October 2023. 

Councilmember Adams asked about the options that we requested and if any had not been included. Ms. Schum said that all options discussed were included. 

Councilmember Mackie mentioned that the City borrowed $1.2 million to do the design and costs continue to increase. Ms. Schum responded by saying that Council can determine to remove some features if they’d like to do so. 

Councilmember Kennedy said she appreciated the discussion but wanted us to have all of the information before making decisions moving forward. 

23-G-18 Approval of a Parade date of July 4 with an alternative date of May 6, 2023. – Ryna Quinones, Communications and Events Manager 

Ms. Quiñones introduced the discussion to move the City parade from July 4^th to May 6. She said schools will still be in session, allowing for participation by school groups. She said having the parade on a date other than a holiday would also reduce costs.

Councilmember Whitney asked why the month of May. Is there a day that has some significance to the City? Ms. Quiñones said the date did not have significance to the city. They thought this date would work given the time of year and lack of competing events. 

Mr. Kevin Blackerby mentioned that a holiday may not be a needed as a reason for a parade. He mentioned the nostalgia that many residents spoke of when the parade was held last year. 

Councilmember Esters asked if last year’s attendance could be attributed to the holiday. She mentioned her concerns about May 6th because it is very close to the end of the school year. She noted that May 1^st is May Day, International Laborers’ Day, and suggested that might be incorporated into the event. 

Councilmember Rigg indicated his skepticism about holding a parade for the sake of holding  a parade.

Councilmember Mackie said she was not skeptical and thinks it is a great idea to celebrate spring. 

Councilmember Adams said he appreciated the idea and trusted staff to make the suggestion. If it doesn’t work, we can change it. He suggested the parade could highlight the City’s civic associations. 

Councilmember Whitney mentioned Juneteenth and said we may to consider celebrating Juneteenth but understood that UMD students would not be available to participate. She concluded by saying if the May 6^th date change doesn’t work, we can change it. 

Councilmember Esters made the motion with a second from Councilmember Rigg.  Councilmember Esters said Mr. Blackerby’ s comment about nostalgia helped to shift her thoughts about the need for a holiday to have a parade. She said she was not aware of how the date for College Park Day was chosen, but it is not a holiday, and it has become a major event for the City. Maybe the same can happen with the parade.

PRESENTATIONS AND WORKSESSION DISCUSSIONS

Agenda items for January 26 Four Cities meeting hosted by College Park (in-person)

Mayor Wojahn said Dr. Pines is not available to attend the Four Cities Meeting scheduled for January 26. Danielle Glaros, Assistant Vice President & Chief of Staff for Administration for the University of Maryland, indicated that Provost King may be available to attend the meeting and speak to the work University of Maryland (UMD) would like to do within the community. Mayor Wojahn indicated that we should pursue the provost and, if she is not available, consider a different meeting date. Ms. Glaros indicated she and Mr. Colella would be able to make the meeting on 1/26 and join Mr. Fellows (former Mayor of College Park).

Councilmember Kabir mentioned the noise camera legislation and suggested inviting the state legislator introducing the bill to Council meeting. 

Councilmember Whitney asked to add investor property purchases with the City. 

Councilmember Rigg suggested discussing MML’s legislative priorities.

Councilmember Mackie asked to add a discussion of Federal issues to the agenda. When asked by Mayor Wojahn to specific what Federal issues, she said Budgetary issues. 

Councilmember Adams suggested discussing the Resilient Maryland federal loan program.

Ms. Miller, City Clerk, asked if the meeting will be hybrid and Mayor Wojahn said it would be hybrid.

REQUESTS FOR / STATUS OF FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS 

Mayor Wojahn wanted to make sure the rent stabilization item was added to the agenda. 

COMMENTS FROM THE AUDIENCE – Speakers are asked to provide their name and if they are a College Park resident and are given three minutes to address the Council. Comments will become part of the public record. 

Mayor Wojahn will present on youth mental health at the upcoming U.S. Conference of Mayors. He thanked Ms. Barber for providing him with resources about the services our City provides for youth with mental health concerns.

COMMENTS FROM THE MAYOR, COUNCIL OR CITY MANAGER

Mr. Young said that the discussion about shifting the parade was helpful and that changing the date will help with overall costs. He explained the expense of last year’s parade held on July 4^th. He also shared that the City is working with UMD on obtaining federal dollars to help electrify its bus fleet (the bus fleet provide free rides to residents). 

ADJOURN 

Closed Session After The Meeting 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 17, 2023 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. They will not return to public session. 

Greetings, District 2 residents. Mayor & Council requests / resident suggestions for the FY24 Proposed Budget are due by next Friday, January 27th. Please take the survey at www.collegeparkmd.gov/budgetfeedback to learn about the process and submit your suggestions. Feel free to reach out if you have initiatives you’d like us to advocate for.

District 2 Councilmember Llatetra Brown Esters
lbesters@collegeparkmd.gov
(240) 636-3584

District 2 Councilmember Susan Whitney
swhitney@collegeparkmd.gov
(202) 603-3634

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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ANNOUNCEMENTS/COMMENTS – MAYOR, COUNCIL, STUDENT LIAISON 

 Mayor Wojahn mentioned the change in the Council meeting format which will be a combination and work session and meeting. The number of overall meetings will also change. 

Councilmember Kabir thanked firefighters who responded to a recent fire in North College Park. He said their quick response helped save lives. He thanked the various engines that came to assist, including those from College Park, Beltsville, Berwyn Heights, Greenbelt, and Silver Spring. He also mentioned the cancellation of the upcoming North College Park Civic Association (NCPCA) meeting. 

Councilmember Kennedy encouraged resident to support Girl Scouts who will be selling cookies soon. 

Councilmember Esters reminded residents of the upcoming virtual panel to commemorate Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on Monday, January 16 at 7pm. 

Councilmember Whitney asked District 2 residents who may be experiencing flooding to make contact with their Councilmembers. 

Councilmember Adams thanked staff for putting a bench along the trolley trail and mentioned the higher Washington Suburban Sanitation Commission (WSSC) bills that have been received by a number of residents in District 3. He and Councilmember Riggs are compiling those reports to send to County Councilmember Eric Olson, who will reach out to WSSC.

Councilmember Riggs thanked staff for the work in planning the winter holiday celebration and tree lighting. He also acknowledged a number of fireworks incidents on New Year Eve and suggested we consider holding an organized fireworks event. He researched municipalities in the area and found there weren’t many that sponsored fireworks. 

Councilmember Mackie mentioned the food drive sponsored by the city for the College Park Food bank and encouraged residents to consider composting 

Councilmember Mitchell thanked staff for helping to deal with an issue at the College Park Woods  Clubhouse. She also wished the members of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. a Happy Founders Day. She  said March would mark the 40^th anniversary of  her membership in the sorority. 

CITY MANAGER’S REPORT 

Mr. Young informed residents of the various way they can honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in the City of College Park:

• Students can participate in art contest
• Attend the City’s virtual panel discussion on Monday, January 16 at 7pm
• Register for a number of free books for students in  pre-k through sixth grade
• Contribute to the City food drive

He also informed residents that curbside leaf collection has ended for the year, and Public Works will pick up any additional leaves on an individual basis. The City had a substantial amount of tree debris from the storm of July 12, so Public Works has a lot of wood mulch for residents.

Councilmember Mackie asked if residents can still complete the City’s resident survey. Mr. Young said that survey was now closed, and data was being analyzed. 

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS 

Mayor Wojahn recognized meeting attendees Ms. Mary Cook, former College Park Councilmember; Ms. Ealley, Chair of the Animal Control Committee and volunteer with Meals on Wheels; and Danielle Glaros, former County Councilmember. 

PROCLAMATIONS AND AWARDS 

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Tribute 

 AMENDMENTS TO AND APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA 

Adams motioned for the inclusion of a letter to request support from Governor-elect Wes Moore for the Luminis Health Doctor’s Community Medical Center (LHDCMC) and their request for $170 million in capital funding to expand access to obstetrics care for the resident of Prince George’s County. 

PUBLIC COMMENT ON CONSENT AGENDA AND NON-AGENDA ITEMS 

David Dorsch, resident of College Park, said he came to discuss bags. He asked why we need to change the use of bags and mentioned his concern about the elimination of paper bags. He recognized merchants will save money and his understanding that bags will be available for $.10  He said there is no good reason to ban paper bags or have merchants sell them. [Please note that under the proposed Better Bag Ordinance, businesses would still be allowed to distribute paper bags for a minimum 10-cent fee. They would not be allowed to distribute plastic bags.] 

Mr. Dorsch also mentioned that the Calvert Hills stormwater management project has been dead-ended and asked for the council to do something about it before we have the next flood, which according to Mr. Dorsch is two years away. 

CONSENT AGENDA 

• 23-G-02 Approval of Minutes from the December 13, 2022, Council meeting. Approval of Closed Session minutes (confidential minutes provided separately) 
• 23-G-05 Request for Multi-way Stop Sign on Marlborough Way at Limestone Place – Steve Halpern, City Engineer 
• 23-G-06 Request for Multi-way Stop Sign on Roanoke Place at 51st Avenue – Steve Halpern, City Engineer 
• 23-G-07 Request for Multi-way Stop Sign on 51st Avenue at Kennesaw Street – Steve Halpern, City Engineer
• 23-G-08 letter to  support to Governor-elect Wes Moore for the Luminis Health Doctor’s Community Medical Center (LHDCMC) and their request for $170 million in capital funding to expand access to obstetrics care for the resident of Prince George’s County. 

 ACTION ITEMS 

23-G-03 Approval of City recommendations re: Detailed Site Plan DSP22015 for the RST development (9113 Baltimore Avenue) and of a Declaration of Covenants – Terry Schum, Director of Planning and Suellen Ferguson, City Attorney (Planning Board date is January 19; Work session discussion was held December 13) 

Ms. Schum introduced that item and said the developer hads come to us prior to the presentation to the planning board on January 19. She  reviewed key items from site plan recommendations and covenant of agreement including the following: 

• The correct number of parking spaces in the garage will be 360
• No longer requiring mandatory storefront 
• The developer has proposed the step down to the building from 7 to 5 stories
• The developer objected to a request to submit a reconsideration of right-in to and right-out access from the garage on Baltimore Ave. 
• Developer will provide a green roof to a portion of the building rather than the entire building.
• Developer is working to save the existing trees on the site.

Ms. Schum indicated the developer reviewed and accepted the Declaration of Agreements, other than the items mentioned above. 

Mr. Haller, attorney for the developer, thanked staff for their work and wanted to give some additional background about the right-in and right-out. He said the original request for the right-in right-out had been taken to the planning board and was rejected due to safety concerns, namely individuals attempting to make left turns out of the garage. He said the objection from the planning board seemed clear and the results of their traffic study concluded that the widening of Cherokee Street and the addition of the right-turn lane on Cherokee should alleviate traffic issues. As such, they did not desire to submit the reconsideration that would not be of benefit to the project. 

Mayor Wojahn asked about the probability of M-NCPPC approving reconsideration for the right-in. Ms. Schum said it is hard to anticipate what the planning board will do, but typically if the applicant demonstrates community and Council support and SHA doesn’t oppose, she would expect they would approve it.

Councilmember Esters reiterated the concern about traffic along Cherokee Street and asked the developer to consider not only what would be beneficial to the project but also the surrounding community. She mentioned the pending Metropolitan project slated to be built on the southern side of Cherokee. 

Councilmember Kabir expressed concern about traffic on the Cherokee Street, inquired about the size of the garage, and asked about the proposed tree buffer. 

Councilmember Mitchell asked Mr. Haller what he thought the result of going back to the planning board would be. Mr. Haller said it depends on the M-NCPPC’s Director of Transportation, saying having the support of the City makes a big difference but that there’s no way to predict what he will decide. 

Councilmember Adams said he wished we could’ve had this conversation sooner, saying the developer appeared before Council in September and received unanimous support on a proposal that included the right-in, right-out. He said it would have been great to have known how we could voice our opinion earlier to get the outcomes our community needs, saying the developer is stuck in the middle of two government agencies.

Riggs asked Ms. Schum if M-NCPPC’s requested removal of the right-in, right-out was based on their interpretation of the Route one Sector Plan? She said she believes so, explaining that the sector plan says it is preferable for any development that has primary road frontage to use existing side streets or an alley for access to parking when possible.  

Councilmember Mackie asked if signage could be installed that says “Do Not Block Driveway” in the right-of-way. Mr. Haller said that was feasible. Councilmember Mackie also asked how the developer will ensure affordability and make sure that people do not sublet units, explaining that the City is trying to encourage young professionals to consider living in College Park. Scott Copeland responded to the questions by informing Council that the project will be funded with tax credits and there will restrictions on affordability for 30 years. 

Councilmember Kennedy asked if there was any other way to move forward and expressed concern about pedestrian safety.

Mr. Copeland mentioned timing being an issue. 

COMMENTS FROM THE AUDIENCE 

College Park resident from 4800 block of Delaware Street – The Council should do everything they can to kill the project as Green standards have been overlooked. He asked why the City wouldn’t want to have greater environmental area. He said the City should be focused on providing a greater quality of life. He did not understand why no one mentioned the density of the project. He concluded by saying no to the project.

Dr. Blumenthal, College Park resident – Thanked everyone for their comments. She said the one thing she kept hearing was the developer has no time. She said the urgency to make a decision felt like the decision was being made too fast. Indicated that the mention of congestion by Councilmembers was true and felt that residents should be taken into consideration. 

Ms. Cook, College Park resident – Thanked the Copelands for working with Meals on Wheels. She said she had given the right-in and right-out consideration and believes there should be a right-in and right-out.  She suggested that the city consider widening Cherokee Street. She expressed her concerns that the development is still too high even with change. She also shared her belief that subletting will occur and said something should be added into the covenants about subleasing. 

Ms. Ealley, College Park resident – Thanked the City Council for working with RST on this project. She explained that she was representing Meals on Wheels and would like this to be done as soon as possible. She promised to have her folks to come to the building by way of Baltimore Ave instead of Cherokee St. 

Councilmember Kabir talked about interest in the project and concern with what is currently in place. He also said we need to be sensitive to the needs and interest of current residents. People are concerned about the height of the building, traffic, schools, lack of store fronts and step down. He acknowledged the City’s efforts to provide affordable housing and motioned to move forward with the approval of the City’s recommendations for the RST development and the Declaration of Covenants.

Councilmember Mitchell asked about the resident comment about subleasing and its inclusion in the in the Covenants. She mentioned her involvement with the process for including Meals on Wheels and mentioned her support for her project. 

Councilmember Riggs said he was concerned about the direction we were going in and motioned to amend the original motion by Councilmember Kabir and accept the changes put forth by the developer.

A roll call vote was taken, and the amendment did not pass. The original motion was seconded, and council voted to approve the City recommendations and Declaration of Covenant. 

23-G-04 Discussion and approval of 2023 Mayor and Council appointments to COG Boards and Committees – Mayor Wojahn

The Council proceeded with the City Council COG Appointments with two changes. Councilmember Kennedy is currently the primary representative on the Region Forward Committee, while Councilmember Adams is the alternate. They will switch roles for the coming year. Similarly, Adams will switch places with Councilmember Rigg as the primary representative on the Metropolitan Washington Air Quality Committee, with Rigg shifting to alternate. 

PRESENTATIONS AND WORKSESSION DISCUSSIONS

Discussion of Proposed Better Bag Bill

Mr. Robert Marsili, Director of Public Works introduced the presentation which was first brought to Council on November 15, 2022. College Park Economic Development Manager Michael Williams was said he’d reached out to many local businesses, including our smaller mom-and-pops, and they were very receptive to the program but wanted to ensure they’d receive guidance on lead-time and the mechanics of program. He said he didn’t meet resistance to the idea. 

Mr. Todd Larsen, Chair of the Committee for a Better Environment, thanked Mr. Williams for the outreach to the businesses within the City. Ms. Sarah Price of the Maryland Retailers Association (MRA) said they had evaluated the model legislation that the Sierra Club has moved around the state and support the legislation, saying they are specifically appreciative of the 10-cent fee floor to help offset the cost of the more expensive paper bags. She said the fee eliminates competition between small businesses because customers know what to expect. 

Ms. Martha Ainsworth, Sierra Club, expressed support and said she was available to answer any questions. 

Councilmember Kabir asked if small plastic bags would be part of the ordinance. Mr. Larsen explained that small bags used for meats and vegetables would not be part of the ordinance. Councilmember Kabir asked about the number of businesses where there was outreach. Mr. Williams said that approximately 75-85% of businesses in the City were approached, well over 100. 

Councilmember Kennedy said that such ordinances are difficult to sell to residents and said our lives were made easier by having approval from representatives of both the Sierra Club and the Maryland Retailers Association and noted the irony of the MRA representative having the last name Price. 

Mayor Wojahn thanked CBE, Sierra Club, Mr. Williams, and Mr. Marsili for their work. 

Review of annual advisory board reports 

Ms. Janeen Miller said some reports included budget requests. Councilmember Mitchell asked about the hearing from the Noise Control Board. Councilmember Adams asked about the establishment of the Bike/Pedestrian Committee. Mayor Wojahn asked about the progress on establishing the Youth Advisory Commission. Councilmember Whitney asked about the name change from “Recreation Board” to “City Events Advisory Board”, saying it is still referred to on the City website as the Recreation Board. City Clerk Janeen Miller explained that the Recreation Board would be discussing the name change in their February meeting.

Councilmember Mackie asked if there would be a comprehensive document of the budget requests from the advisory boards, and Councilmember Esters asked when we would hear from the Restorative Justice Commission. 

Ms. Miller said for those boards asking for budgetary items, it would be appropriate to talk about their progress so far and the reason for the additional resources being requested. 

Mr. Young indicated that any budgetary requests will be shared with Council at Council request and that Council would need to give thought to budgetary implications. 

Councilmember Kennedy asked for clarification on whether at the next meeting we were considering just the annual work plans or also the budgetary implications of those plans. Ms. Miller said only the work plans were being considered and that the budgetary implications would be addressed in the March 25^th budget work session.

Review of revised Council Calendar

Council discussed the new Council Calendar meant to reduce the overall number of meetings. Council member Adams said he liked the current meeting format and thinks we are working toward efficiency. He voted for the 34-meeting option. Councilmember Kabir said he liked the 36-meeting option and felt it would help us be more efficient. Councilmember Kennedy said we should take baby steps and change to 36 meetings.  Councilmember Esters voted for the 36-meeting option. Councilmember Whitney voted for the 36-meeting option but said we may reconsider moving toward 34 meetings in the future. Councilmember Rigg voted for the 34-meeting option. Councilmember Mackie voted for 34 meetings and does not not want us to have a meeting after Thanksgiving. Councilmember Mitchell  voted for the 34-meeting option. The vote on meeting options was split 4 to 4. So, Mayor Wojahn broke the tie. He said he thought it would be too drastic to move to 34 meeting and there would be issues of accessibility for residents were the meetings to run long. He felt there are ways we can make the meetings go faster and be more efficient. The Mayor voted for the 36-meeting option. 

REQUEST FOR/STATUS OF FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS

Mayor Wojahn raised the issue of rental stabilization in the City. He explained that one of the goals of a rental stabilization is to help with the issues of investors who come into the city buy up property and do not live in the city. A major strategy suggested at a recent workshop at a National League of Cities conference was rent stabilization of single -family homes. The Mayor suggests starting with a study that would look at the economics driving the trend and what impact rent stabilization might have. 

Discussion of Meetings Recently Attended Meetings

Councilmember Mitchell said attended a MACCO presentation that discussed how ARPA funds were used to prevent homelessness and that, as the covid crisis abates, counties need to continue to assist residents that make less than the living wage.

Councilmember Kennedy mention the summer EBT program offered at schools and thanked the federal government for their work. 

During a December MWAC meeting, Councilmember Rigg learned of a dispute between DC and the Town of Cheverly. A long diesel bus lot has been created at the edge of cheverly to service DC’s bus fleet. There was nimby opposition in DC, so DC decided to put it on the edge of Cheverly.

Mayor Wojahn mentioned a recent transportation meeting discussion about Pennsylvania Ave. and   making it more walkable and bikeable. The meeting included discussion on transit reliability and the establishment of an incremental program.

COMMENTS FROM THE MAYOR, COUNCIL OR CITY MANAGER

Mr. Young thanked Council for bearing with staff as they work to improve the structure of Council meetings. 

MEETING ADJOURNED 

Click here to see the hybrid meeting agenda for January 10.
Click here to view the Mayor and Council Hybrid Meeting held on January 10 once it has been posted. 
Click here to see the hybrid meeting agenda agenda scheduled for January 17.