Mayor & City Council

MINUTES Regular Meeting of the College Park City Council Tuesday, November 15, 2016 Council Chambers 7:30 p.m. – 8:45 p.m. PRESENT: Mayor Wojahn; Councilmembers Kabir, Nagle, Brennan, Dennis, Stullich (arrived at 7:34 p.m.), Day, Kujawa and Cook. ABSENT: None. ALSO PRESENT: Scott Somers, City Manager; Bill Gardiner, Assistant City Manager; Janeen Miller, City Clerk; Suellen Ferguson, City Attorney; Bob Ryan, Director of Public Services; Gary Fields, Director of Finance; Chris Keosian, Student Liaison and Brandon Carroll, Deputy Student Liaison. Mayor Wojahn opened the meeting at 7:30 p.m. Announcements: Councilmember Kabir announced Saturday’s community clean up at 10:00 a.m. at the Hollywood Tot Lot. Councilmember Nagle said you still have time to send a note to the Army Corps of Engineers asking them to stop the Dakota Access Pipeline. Councilmember Brennan said the next Third Thirsty Thursday is this week from 5 – 7 p.m. at Ledo’s. Councilmember Dennis announced the weekly Coffee Club at Jason’s Deli tomorrow at 9:00 a.m. The Berwyn District Civic Association will meet Thursday at 8:00 p.m. at Fealy Hall. Councilmember Day discussed the passing of Mr. Nat Safford, who had been the City’s building caretaker for 25 years, and often waited patiently for meetings to end so he could lock up the building. City Manager’s Report: Mr. Somers displayed the recycling decal that is being placed on recycling bins. He said we are getting quotes for a pedestrian barrier on US 1 between Knox and Hartwick. The City Hall emergency generator is operational. Leaf collection is underway. Status of the modular building: we are waiting for WSSC to sign off. The Four Cities sweeper is in town. Construction of new Duvall Field building has begun. The sidewalk in front of #1 Liquors will be installed this week. WSSC is repaving in Daniels Park. Soil borings are being done ion Muskogee Street for a stormwater project. The closed session tonight will be for only one topic – the personnel matter. The One Warm Coat drive is underway until December 15. Acknowledgements: Mayor Wojahn acknowledged Girl Scout Troop 1734 and their leader Donna Weene, EAC Chair Carolyn Bernache, and Seth Statler and Alex Tobin, recently appointed to the Neighborhood Quality of Life Committee. College Park City Council Meeting Minutes November 15, 2016 Page 2 Proclamations And Awards: Mayor Wojahn read the proclamations for America Recycles Day and Native American Heritage Month. Amendments To And Approval Of The Agenda: Remove items 16-G-144 and 16-G-141 (Kabir/Day 8 – 0 – 0). Approve as amended (Kabir/Dennis 8 – 0 – 0). PUBLIC COMMENT ON CONSENT AND NON-AGENDA ITEMS: None. PUBLIC HEARINGS: a. Ordinance 16-O-11, An Ordinance Of The Mayor And Council Of The City Of College Park Amending Chapter 38, “Code Of Ethics”, By Repealing And Reenacting Article I, “General Provisions”, Section 38-4, “Definitions”, To Provide The Definition Of Immediate Family To Clarify What Financial Information Is Required To Be Disclosed By City Elected Officials And Candidates To Be City Elected Officials Under §38-15 Ms. Ferguson provided an overview: The Ethics Commission requested this change to add the definition of immediate family to the City Code. This is more consistent with what the state does. There were no comments from the public on this ordinance. Mayor Wojahn declared the Public Hearing closed at 7:58 p.m. b. Ordinance 16-O-12, An Ordinance of the Mayor and Council of the City of College Park to Amend the Fiscal Year 2017 Operating and Capital Budget of the City of College Park, Maryland (Amendment #1 to include OPH 200th Anniversary Celebration, City Hall generators, development consultant, and contribution to College Park Tennis Club). Mr. Fields provided an overview: He requested adoption of the amended version of the ordinance that removed some language leftover from a prior budget amendment; the changes are non-substantive and do not change any of the numbers. Public Comment: David Gray, 7306 Radcliffe Drive: He asked for details about the individual items included in the amendment. He felt $10,000 is too much for the Old Parish House 200th anniversary celebration. There being no further public comment, Mayor Wojahn closed the Public Hearing at 8:02 p.m. CONSENT AGENDA: A motion was made by Councilmember Dennis and seconded by Councilmember Day to adopt the Consent Agenda, which consisted of the following: College Park City Council Meeting Minutes November 15, 2016 Page 3 16-R-29 Resolution Of The Mayor And Council Of The City Of College Park Adopting The Recommendations Of The Advisory Planning Commission Regarding Variance Application Number CPV-2016-11, 9221 Limestone Place, College Park, Maryland, Recommending Approval Of A Variance From Section 27-120.01 (C) Of The Prince George’s County Zoning Ordinance, “Front Yards Of Dwellings,” To Extend A Driveway In The Front Yard By Adding 7 Feet In Length, Resulting In 31.5 Square Feet Of Encroachment, And Authorizing Applicant To Relocate And Extend A Retaining Wall In The Front Yard In Conjunction With The Expanded Driveway, With Dimension, Placement And Materials For The Retaining Wall Determined Per City Of College Park Code, Section 87-23 E. 16-R-30 Resolution Of The Mayor And Council Of The City Of College Park Adopting The Recommendations Of The Advisory Planning Commission Regarding Variance Application Number Cpv-2016-12, 4707 Howard Lane, College Park, Maryland, Recommending Approval Of A Variance From The Prince George’s County Zoning Ordinance Sec. 27-442 (C) Table II, Which Prescribes A Maximum Lot Coverage Of 30 Percent In The R-55 Zone And Recommending Approval Of A Variance From Sec. 27-442 (E) Table IV Which Specifies A Minimum Front Yard Setback Of 25-Feet In Order To Construct A House, Driveway And Detached Garage. 16-R-31 Resolution of the Mayor and Council of the City of College Park granting Appeal Number CEO-2015-02, Branchville Road, Requesting A Variance From City Code §87-23 To Construct A Fence Within The Front Yard. 16-G-139 Award of Public School Education Grants as follows: $7,500 each to Hollywood Elementary, Paint Branch Elementary and Parkdale High School; $2,500 each to Berwyn Heights Elementary, Cherokee Lane Elementary, University Park Elementary, Buck Lodge Middle and Hyattsville Middle; for a total award of $35,000. 16-G-140 Award of Community Services Grants as follows: $3,000 to the National Center for Housing & Child Welfare for Neighbors Helping Neighbors; $3,000 to the Lakeland Community Heritage Project; $2,000 to the American Legion Auxiliary, College Park Unit 217 for scholarships for Miss College Park; $2,000 to Pregnancy Aid Centers, Inc. for food pantry program; for a total award of $10,000. 16-G-142 Award of Fire Department Capital Equipment Grants as follows: Berwyn Heights Volunteer Fire Department and Rescue Squad for $20,000; Branchville Volunteer Fire Company for $20,000; College Park Volunteer Fire Department for $20,000; for a total award of $60,000. 16-G-145 Authorize the allocation of funding up to $12,900 from the parking garage fund to cover the purchase and installation of two electric vehicle charging stations in the parking garage. College Park City Council Meeting Minutes November 15, 2016 Page 4 16-G-135 Approval of a letter to Pete K. Rahn, Secretary of the Maryland Department of Transportation, with City comments on the Draft Consolidated Transportation Program for FY 2017 – 2022 16-G-149 Approval of Minutes: October 11, 2016 Worksession; October 18, 2016 Worksession; and October 25, 2016 Regular Meeting. Closed Session Minutes (provided separately) from September 6, 2016, September 13, 2016, September 20, 2016 and September 27, 2016. The motion passed 8 – 0 – 0. ACTION ITEMS: 16-O-12.Amended Adoption of 16-O-12.Amended, An Ordinance of the Mayor and Council of the City of College Park to Amend the Fiscal Year 2017 Operating and Capital Budget of the City of College Park, Maryland (Amendment #1) A motion was made by Councilmember Day and seconded by Councilmember Stullich to adopt 16-O-12.Amended, An Ordinance of the Mayor and Council of the City of College Park to Amend the Fiscal Year 2017 Operating and Capital Budget of the City of College Park, Maryland (Amendment #1). The motion passed 8 – 0 – 0. 16-G-147 Approval of a letter to Congressman Steny Hoyer regarding the north College Park Post Office Mr. Gardiner provided an overview: At last week’s Worksession, Council asked staff to draft a letter to Congressman Hoyer addressing ongoing complaints about the College Park Post Office. We will follow up with a phone call. A motion was made by Councilmember Kabir and seconded by Councilmember Nagle to authorize the Mayor to sign the letter to Congressman Steny Hoyer expressing concerns and requesting assistance regarding customer service at the Hollywood Post Office. Councilmember Kabir said this frustrating situation has been going on for more than five years, and despite previous letters in 2011 and 2014, we continue to receive complaints. There were no comments from the audience. The motion passed 8 – 0 – 0. College Park City Council Meeting Minutes November 15, 2016 Page 5 16-G-150 Approval of a Letter to WMATA about proposed reductions in bus and rail service Ms. Miller provided an overview: Council requested a letter to WMATA expressing concerns about proposed reductions in Metrorail operating hours and elimination of certain bus routes. Staff prepared the attached letter for Council consideration. Councilmember Cook asked to include a comment about the R3 bus that served College Park Woods that WMATA eliminated. Staff will make that amendment. A motion was made by Councilmember Brennan and seconded by Councilmember Kabir to send a letter, with the amendment discussed, to Jack Evans, Chair, WMATA Board of Directors, expressing the City’s concerns about proposed reductions in bus and rail service. Councilmember Brennan said the City and the region have great reliance on public transit. The future of College Park and the region is heavily reliant on a public transportation system that is functional and serves our needs. These proposals cause significant concerns. There were no comments from the audience. Councilmember Kabir asked for information on the City website about how residents can contact WMATA with their concerns and to send the information via Constant Contact. Councilmember Nagle added there is also an environmental quality impact of additional cars on the road as Metrobus and Metrorail service is diminished. The motion passed 8 – 0 – 0. 16-O-07 Adoption of 16-O-07, An Ordinance Of The Mayor And Council Of The City Of College Park, Amending Chapter 110 “Fees And Penalties”, By Repealing And Reenacting §110-1 “Fees And Interests” To Increase The Monthly Permit Parking Fee In The Downtown Parking Garage And To Include Bi- Annual Permit Parking Fees And Monthly Permit Parking Fees. Ms Ferguson provided the overview: She said the public hearing was already held but there have been amendments that were not discussed at the public hearing. The amendments address the downtown parking garage reduced rate for employees of downtown businesses. Mr. Ryan said this allows a discounted parking rate to be offered to employee commuters and that staff supports the change. A motion was made by Councilmember Nagle and seconded by Councilmember Day to adopt Ordinance 16-O-07, An Ordinance of the Mayor and Council of the City of College Park Amending City Code Chapter 110 to increase the monthly permit fee in the Downtown Parking Garage to $125/month and provide reduced rate, $60/month permits for downtown business commuting employees, and, include existing bi-annual permit parking fees and other monthly permit parking fees beginning on January 1 2017; and, to authorize the City Manager to adjust the number of permits sold based upon demand. Public Comment: College Park City Council Meeting Minutes November 15, 2016 Page 6 David Gray, 7306 Radcliffe Drive: He asked about the revenue impact of the lower rate. Mr. Somers said overall the amendment increases monthly revenue and that the limited number of lower-rate permits are revenue neutral. The motion passed 8 – 0 – 0. 16-O-11 Adoption of 16-O-11, Ordinance Of The Mayor And Council Of The City Of College Park Amending Chapter 38, “Code Of Ethics”, By Repealing And Reenacting Article I, “General Provisions”, Section 38-4, “Definitions”, To Provide The Definition Of Immediate Family To Clarify What Financial Information Is Required To Be Disclosed By City Elected Officials And Candidates To Be City Elected Officials Under §38-15 A motion was made by Councilmember Kabir and seconded by Councilmember Dennis to adopt Ordinance 16-O-11 Amending Chapter 38, “Code Of Ethics”, by Repealing and Reenacting Article I, “General Provisions”, Section 38-4, “Definitions”, to provide the definition of immediate family to clarify what financial information is required to be disclosed City elected officials and candidates to be City elected officials under §38-15. The motion passed 8 – 0 – 0. 16-G-148 Appointments to Boards and Committees A motion was made by Councilmember Dennis and seconded by Councilmember Brennan to appoint Arthur Eaton to the Veterans Memorial Committee. The motion passed 8 – 0 – 0. COUNCIL COMMENTS: Councilmember Cook commented on recent development in Beltsville and wondered what we are doing wrong that we can’t get that development here. Councilmember Dennis commented on the City’s Veterans Day Tribute. Councilmember Kabir said that Saturday is the last day of the Hollywood Farmers Market. Mayor Wojahn also commented on the Veterans Day event. STUDENT LIAISON COMMENTS: Mr. Keosian said the Greek Sustainability Committee is applying for a grant to install several combo trash/recycling containers in the Old Town neighborhood. Sunday is the final Clean City event of the semester; they will resume in January. He thanked the Council for hearing the concerns of the student body and pushing the parking garage changes back to January. CITY MANAGER’S REPORT: Mr. Somers and Council discussed whether to schedule a Council meeting on November 22. Council will entertain the idea of a meeting if staff can put together a worthwhile agenda. Staff will circulate a draft agenda tomorrow for Council’s review. College Park City Council Meeting Minutes November 15, 2016 Page 7 ADJOURN: A motion was made by Councilmember Kujawa and seconded by Councilmember Day to adjourn into a Closed Session to discuss a Personnel Matter. The motion carried 8 – 0 – 0 and Mayor Wojahn adjourned the Regular Meeting at 8:45 p.m. ____________________________________________ Janeen S. Miller, CMC Date City Clerk Approved Pursuant to §C6-3 of the College Park City Charter, at 8:45 p.m. on November 15, 2016, a motion was made by Councilmember Kujawa and seconded by Councilmember Day to enter into a Closed Session to: 1) discuss a personnel matter. The motion passed 8 – 0 – 0 and the Council entered into the closed session at 8:50 p.m. Present: Mayor Wojahn; Councilmembers Kabir, Nagle, Brennan, Dennis, Stullich, Day, Cook and Kujawa. Absent: None. Also Present: Scott Somers, City Manager. Topic Discussed: An employment agreement Action Taken: None. Adjourn: A motion was made by Councilmember Stullich and seconded by Councilmember Day to adjourn the closed session, and at 9:18 p.m. with a vote of 8 – 0 – 0, Mayor Wojahn adjourned the closed session.