Comments are by Councilmembers Llatetra Brown Esters and Susan Whitney and are not approved or sanctioned by the City of College Park.

Click here to watch the video of the City of College Park Mayor & Council Meeting on February 13, 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.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Former City Councilmember Maxine Gross, County Councilmember Eric Olson, and State Senator James Rosapepe. 

PROCLAMATIONS AND AWARDS:

Proclamation in Recognition of Valerie Woodall

Prince George’s County proclamation read by County Councilmember Eric Olson

Senator Rosapepe provided an update on the Beltsville Fire Department – Police chief announced it would remain open. He read a State proclamation in recognition of Valerie Woodall. 

Carlo Collella, VP of Administration University of Maryland, recognized Valerie Woodall.

College Park City University Partnership (CPCUP) Executive Director Susan Hartmann recognized Valerie Woodall.

AMENDMENTS TO AND APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA

Motion to add a letter to keep the Beltsville Fire Department properly staff made by Councilmember Rigg and Seconded by Councilmember Hernandez.

PUBLIC COMMENT ON CONSENT AGENDA AND NON-AGENDA ITEM

Brendan Wray, resident – wanted to express support for the Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon (RRFB) at the intersection of Rhode Island Ave and Greenbelt Road. His wife commutes along the route and has had to avoid accidents on various occasions. The Bike and Pedestrian Advisory Committee has recognized the intersection as one of the most dangerous in the city. RRFBs can help to avoid accidents by 45%. Appreciates the city taking the initiative to install the RRFB.   

 CONSENT AGENDA 

24-G-26 Fund and Design a Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon for SHA for Rhode Island Avenue at Greenbelt Road – Steve Halpern, City Engineer

24-G-27 Approval of amendments to the Mayor and Council Rules and Procedures – Stephanie Anderson, City Attorney and Janeen Miller, City Clerk

24-G-29 – Letter to support funding for the Beltsville Fire station to remain open 

Motion by Councilmember Esters, seconded by Councilmember Whitney. Unanimously approved.

ACTION ITEMS

24-G-17 Award of construction contract for College Park Woods Clubhouse, Robert Marsili, Director of Public Works

Mr. Marsili explained the history of the project, which included releasing a previous contractor, and said 7 bids were received for a new builder. Only three of the 7 applications were complete, and Rainbow was chosen for the contract based on price and stellar references.

Councilmember Mackie- thanked the City for their work on the project and felt it would be an asset not only to the neighborhood but to the entire city. 

Councilmembers inquired about the inclusion of sustainability in the design, the cost of land acquisition, use of Project Open Space funds, and whether building the clubhouse would violate the use of said funds. Mr. Marsili said that solar panels would be feasible and could potentially be installed after completion. Mr. Young said the land was purchased for $580,000 and that Projected Open Space (POS) funds were used. Mr. Marsili said since the city would be filling in the area of the previous clubhouse there would not be any issue with the land being acquired using POS funds. 

Motion by Councilmember Mackie, second by Councilmember Hew. 

Bonnie McClellan, resident – Thanked Mayor and Council and said the completion of the clubhouse will make a big difference to the community because it will be a usable space.  

24-CR-01 Introduction of Charter Resolution 24-CR-01: A Charter Resolution Of The Mayor And Council Of The City Of College Park, To Amend Article III, “Mayor And Council”, §C3-6(B)(2), “Vacancies”; To Expand the circumstances for a vacancy in the office of Mayor – Stephanie Anderson, City Attorney

Ms. Anderson briefly discussed the recommended amendments to the City Charter to expand the basis for a vacancy in the Office of Mayor to include “absence or” incapacity. The Public Hearing will be held on March 5, 2024. 

Motion by Councilmember Riggs with second by Councilmember Esters. 

WORKSESSION DISCUSSIONS 

Presentation on the Tree Canopy Assessment conducted by SavATree – Robert Marsili, Director of Public Works – Introduced by Mr. Marsili, members of the Tree and Landscape Board (TLB) were present.  

Michael Galvin (SavATree), David Wigglesworth and Michael Barr (DPW) were present. The TLB and the Committee for a Better Environment (CBE) agree the tree canopy assessment is necessary to clearly understand the current state of the City’s tree canopy. Since the last assessment (2019), the City has made efforts to increase tree canopy.  In the last year, 90 trees were planted in the rights-of-way and the City continues to partner with M-NCPPC to plant trees.  

Mayor Kabir asked to confirm that the 2019 assessment indicated the tree canopy was at 43% and it is now 38%. Mr. Wigglesworth said that 43% was not tree canopy but available space that could be tree canopy. He said that in 2019 the tree canopy was 38%.  

Mr. Galvin discussed the expense of using LIDAR data and said that in order to make a tree assessment project affordable they use the most current publicly-available LIDAR data.  

Councilmember Esters acknowledged that the report did not accurately account for our current tree canopy and asked how we account for the loss of trees since 2020, specifically July of 2022. She also asked how we account for the efforts undertaken to replace trees.  

Mr. Marsili said the next assessment will help to account for the trees lost in 2022. Assessments are normally done every 3 to 5 years. However, we could do an assessment prior to the normal timeframe. The City has planted more trees in the right-of-way, and they will work to partner with M-NCPPC and ask them to plant more. 

Councilmember Whitney asked if the 2023 data was not available.  She also asked for Mr. Galvin to speak about the value of non-native forested areas. Mr. Galvin said Urban areas are not native to planet earth. He said there is a great deal of consideration of value and picking the best tree for the spot.

Councilmember Hew asked about the number of trees away by the City in 2022. Mr. Wigglesworth said the tree give away was done by M-NCPPC, so we would not have that number readily available.  

Councilmember Hernandez said he appreciated the works done by the assessment, especially the analysis of trees in lower socioeconomic areas.  He asked if there is work being done to ensure the health of the trees. Mr. Galvin said grants are available to increase tree equity. This particular study is quantitative rather than qualitative. 

Councilmember Mackie asked if the City knew how many trees were cut down with permits. According to Mr. Wigglesworth, in 2023 there were 86 permits approved, 7 denied, 11 were rescinded. She has been an advocate of educating our residents and glad to see that is the focus of the city. She thinks we need to be aware of the different diseases that exist, and we need to educate our landowners. She asked what is done when a tree is cut down without a permit. Mr. Wigglesworth said there are fines in the ordinance but there is a need to refine the process for fining individuals. 

Councilmember Rigg asked where the 38% tree canopy benchmark places a city of our size. Mr. Galvin said College Park is in pretty good shape. He asked what else the City can do to improve our canopy where the majority of trees and tree loss is in residential areas. Mr. Galvin said residential areas are where you consistently find the most tree canopy and tree loss. Tree giveaways, tree plantings, and education are all helpful.  

Councilmember Hew inquired about the data for the next report and asked if the report could be used to predict canopy loss resulting from proposed developments. He suggested being more proactive about forest banking within the city Mr. Marsili said he would look into it.

Councilmember Esters asked about City efforts to clearly communicate the tree ordinance, especially as we have new residents moving in. The City Manager said the City is working on a video to explain the tree ordinance.  

Discussion of revisions to the Revitalization Tax Credit Program – Michael Williams, Director of Economic Development

Mr. Michael Williams introduced the item and said he was bringing back ideas about the use of the revitalization tax credit. We will need to consider the County’s right of first refusal. In recent years, we have had six projects apply for the credit.  In his 2½ year tenure, the city has not issued any tax credit deals, and no applications are pending. He said it’s a good time to consider where and what kind of development we want to incentivize. 

Councilmember Whitney when student housing was made ineligible for the tax credit. Mr. Young said undergraduate housing was made ineligible in 2015. She asked if it would be possible to require a Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) if a property that has received a tax credit lowers its tax burden by requesting reassessment by SDAT.

Mr. Williams explained how the credit works, saying the recipient pays its taxes in full to SDAT, then the City reimburses them for the credit amount. Councilmember Whitney asked if we might be able to recoup the difference. Mr. Williams said that section 175 in the City Code gives the city the right during a time of budget constraint to say we cannot give a tax credit at that time. Councilmember Whitney asked if the stop would be a deferment or permanent. Mr. Williams said he believed it could be permanent, but he would have to defer to the City Attorney. 

Mr. Young said the problem is that the City does not have a mechanism to go back and get the percentage we anticipated. We do not currently ask for the proformas we need to make the comparisons, and we do not receive advance notice of reassessments that would give us the ability to challenge them. Councilmember Whitney asked if we want to incentivize developers who take extraordinary measures to maintain tree canopy and those that provide affordable undergraduate student housing.  

Councilmember Rigg would appreciate tax credits for small business commercial properties or buildouts, senior housing with density, and missing middle housing. He asked about the development of the area west of the Metro. Mr. Williams said there is speculation that developers are coming into downtown areas to build space for seniors.  

Councilmember Hernandez asked about reporting mechanisms businesses need to provide if they receive tax credits. Mr. Williams reiterated what was shared earlier by the City Manager, saying there are none. He said we could introduce some “but for” clauses. Councilmember Hernandez asked about any measures for the City to consider after the project, and Mr. Williams said the tax roll. The councilmember asked if any of the projects made any infrastructure improvements and was told that both the Tempo and the Aster made such improvements.  

Councilmember Hernandez asked if there is a reason we extended the tax credit period from 5 years to 15 years for the Aster. Mr. Williams said the city courted Trader Joe’s for 6 years and was willing to provide the credit to anchor a major retailer and development. Councilmember Rigg added that the particular project was the only project that was dense residential that was not focused on students. Floor plans are such that folks would be year-round. 

When asked if the City needed to be more stringent for a Level 2 credit since it is 15 years, Mr. Williams said there is no need for being more stringent, we just need to collect more data.  

Councilmember Mackie asked for confirmation that the Council always has the opportunity to say yes or say no. Mr. Williams confirmed. She emphasized that we get something in addition to the tax revenue.  

Councilmember Hew mentioned the development of affordable housing for those in need. 

Councilmember Esters cautioned her colleagues and others on the topic of affordable housing.  She said it does not always mean subsidized housing. There is a need in the region for housing that is indeed affordable for those who make decent salaries. There is a need for Missing Middle housing.  

Councilmember Whitney mentioned that the Budget Inn on Branchville Road would be a great place for graduate housing.

Mr. Young said we need to be clear on our expectations.  

Legislative Review –  Bill Gardiner, Assistant City Manager

Mr. Gardiner referenced the listing of bills currently being tracked the City.  

He mentioned the Governor’s affordable housing bill (HB538/SB484) but said it is a bit too early to know the status, and that amendments were being crafted to include municipalities in a bill that would increase the maximum for fines from $1,000 to $5,000 per offense (HB501/SB522). He said Senator Rosapepe asked if College Park has a position on bill SB186, which would create a new category of liquor license for cigar bars that would exempt them from the Clean Indoor Air Act. There was discussion about the bill with a majority of Council speaking against the bill, but Council did not take a position. 

 Mr. Young said HB1059, which granted more zoning authority to larger Prince George’s municipalities like College Park and Bowie, failed. He said before the next session we are going to have to work with Bowie, Greenbelt and Hyattsville to craft our own legislation, saying we need to ask the legislature for the power other municipalities have had for years.  

SGA Liaison Sprinkle said he will be testifying on the Governor’s Affordable Housing bill on behalf of SGA and asked about Human Service Youth Services – funding bill HB1136. Mr. Young said YFS Director Kiaisha Barber testified on the bill in Annapolis, and he will ask for a report.  

Councilmember Rigg asked if we should oppose cannabis-related bills HB805/SB537. Mr. Gardiner said the bills are meant to tighten the original legislation, which was intended not to restrict cannabis business locations in an effort to minimize the illegal market.  

Congressman Ivey supports the continuation of the Affordable Connectivity Program. 

REQUESTS FOR / STATUS OF FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS

PGCPS presentation will be March 12 – Briggs and PGCPS staff will be in attendance, and we will discuss water safety, general safety and Dora Kennedy French Immersion School. 

WSSC presentation will be April 9. 

Council voted to add a letter of support for sponsorship for Branchville 100^th Anniversary at $15,000 to next week’s Consent Agenda.

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

Councilmember Rigg – COG is interested in reaching 75/75/75 plan housing targets for affordable housing. College Park is an outlier in a good way. Our market is relatively strong compared to our peer cities. DC is leading in the conversion of commercial properties to residential.   

Councilmember Mackie – Thanks to colleagues for supporting College Park Woods Clubhouse 

Mayor Kabir – mentioned recent participation in EXCEL Leadership meeting. 

Councilmember Esters – Thanked City for moving forward with the RRFB at the intersection of Greenbelt Road and Rhode Island Ave, which has been a long time coming. Recognized Delegate Peña-Melnyk for her assistance in getting it approved at the state level.   

City Manager Young –  The City is currently dealing with unruly social gathering rulings.  Meeting with staff to determine how we move forward.  

MEETING ADJOURNED 

Click here to see the full agenda for the City of College Park Mayor & Council Hybrid Meeting on February 20, 2024. 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 Items:

• Appointment of Ruth Murphy to the Restorative Justice Commission 
• Approval to submit grant applications to the Transit Land-Use Connections Grant Program and the Regional Roadway Safety Program in support of the River Road Protected Bike Lanes Project – 30% Design Phase 
• Approval to submit a grant application to the Anacostia Trails Heritage Area Rocket Grant Program for the Trolley Trail Arts Walk Initiative, and approval of the required matching funds in the amount of $5,000 if the grant is approved
• Approval to submit grant applications to the Transit Land-Use Connections Grant Program and the Regional Roadway Safety Program in support of the Knox Road Open Space Traffic Study
• Approve an expenditure of $15,000 for sponsorship for the Branchville Volunteer Fire Department 100th Anniversary

Discussion items: 

• Discussion of the charge and composition of a Vacant and Blighted Tax Committee for Phase 1
• Discussion with Council about the future of the Hollywood Farmers Market
• Legislation (there is a possibility that action will be taken on time-sensitive bills)