Mayor & City Council

MINUTES Regular Meeting of the College Park City Council Tuesday, May 23, 2017 Council Chambers 7:30 p.m. – 10:23 p.m. PRESENT: Mayor Wojahn; Councilmembers Kabir, Nagle, Brennan, Dennis, Stullich (arrived at 7:34 p.m.), Day, Cook (arrived at 7:35 p.m.), and Kujawa. ABSENT: None. ALSO PRESENT: Scott Somers, City Manager; Bill Gardiner, Assistant City Manager; Yvette Allen, Assistant City Clerk; Suellen Ferguson, City Attorney; Terry Schum, Director of Planning; Bob Ryan, Director of Public Services; Bob Stumpff, Director of Public Works; Gary Fields, Director of Finance; Steve Halpern, City Engineer; Peggy Higgins, Director of Youth, Family and Senior Services; Chris Keosian, Student Liaison; and Brandon Carroll, Deputy Student Liaison. Mayor Wojahn opened the Regular Meeting at 7:30 p.m. There was a moment of silence for 2nd Lt. Richard W. Collins III. Announcements: Councilmember Kabir thanked everyone for coming out to the North College Park cleanup event that was held on Saturday, May 20. Councilmember Nagle announced that Prince George’s County Councilmember Mary Lehman will hold a Town Hall meeting on Wednesday, June 7, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Laurel Beltsville Senior Center. The Attorney General, Brian Frosh, will also be at the meeting. Councilmember Brennan announced the College Park Parkrun 5K that will be held on Saturday, May 27 at Acredale Community Park starting at 9:00 a.m. Proclamations And Awards: Mayor Wojahn read a proclamation honoring the local fire departments and support organizations that responded to the 5-alarm fire at the Fuse 47 building: Prince George's County Fire/EMS Department, DC Fire and EMS, Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services, Montgomery County (MD) Fire & Rescue, Prince George's County Police Department, University of Maryland Police Department, DOTS UMD, American Red Cross, and Prince George's County Volunteer Fire & Rescue Association. Mayor Wojahn recognized the outgoing Deputy Student Liaison, Brandon Carroll. Mr. Carroll served as the Deputy Student Liaison from May 2016 to May 2017. College Park City Council Meeting Minutes May 23, 2017 Page 2 Mayor Wojahn awarded the first Good Neighbor Award to James Mulholland, member of the University of Maryland Phi Kappa Psi Fraternity. Mr. Mulholland has led the Phi Psi Friends program for the past four years. The program provides assistance with yard work, shoveling snow and mowing lawns to people with disabilities and older adults in College Park. Amendments To And Approval Of The Agenda: A motion was made by Councilmember Dennis and seconded by Councilmember Day to approve the agenda. The motion passed 8 – 0 – 0. Public Comment on Consent and Non-Agenda Items: Mayor Len Carey, Town of University Park announced the University of Maryland and the City of College Park mBike bike-share program expanded into University Park on Friday, May 19, 2017. University Park will open two locations with five bicycles each at Queens Chapel Road and Wells Parkway. Mayor Carey and the Town of University Park are very appreciative of the support from the City to make this happen. James Mulholland, Phi Psi Friends, 4615 College Avenue: Thanked Mayor and Council for awarding him the Good Neighbor Award. Presentations: Mayor Wojahn presented certificates to the Outstanding Essayists in the Maryland Municipal League “If I Were Mayor, I Would…” Essay Contest: School Winners: Iman Ali Neja, Al-Huda School; Ruwad M Islam, Al Huda School; Kaya Dengel, Friends Community School; Hailey Villatoro, Hollywood Elementary School; Alyssa Cunningham, Paint Branch Elementary School. Maryland Municipal League Semi-finalists: Ibrahim Mokhtarzada, Friends Community School and Annabel Chambaz, Paint Branch Elementary School. School Winner and Prince George’s County District Winner: Jenis Hudson, Holy Redeemer School. Presentation on the Utility Web Map: Steve Halpern, City Engineer, introduced interns Alex Roth and Max Cushner who presented the Utility Web Map. The interactive web map is a tool for residents to find out what utility (WSSC, WGL, Pepco) construction is happening within the City and in their neighborhood. There is also information about SHA and Prince George’s County projects. The map will be posted to the City’s webpage soon. Gary Fields, Director of Finance presented the City’s 3rd quarter Financial Report. PUBLIC HEARING: Mayor Wojahn opened the Public Hearing on Ordinance 17-O-05, 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 Include Fees For Leaf Mulch, Wood Mulch, And Smartleaf Compost; Fees For Product Delivery; And A Leaf Tipping Fee. There were no public comments. College Park City Council Meeting Minutes May 23, 2017 Page 3 CONSENT AGENDA: A motion was made by Councilmember Dennis and seconded by Councilmember Day to adopt the Consent Agenda, which consisted of the following: 17-G-72 Approval of a letter to the Maryland State Highway Administration regarding the I-495/US 1 Intersection. 17-G-73 Approval of Minutes: April 8, 2017 Budget Worksession (resubmitted); April 25, 2017 Regular Meeting; May 2, 2017 Worksession. The motion passed 8 – 0 – 0. ACTION ITEMS: 17-O-04 Adoption of Ordinance 17-O-04, An Ordinance Of The Mayor And Council Of The City Of College Park, Maryland To Adopt The Fiscal Year 2018 General Fund, Capital Projects Fund And Debt Service Fund Budgets Of The City Of College Park, Maryland. A motion was made by Councilmember Nagle and seconded by Councilmember Kabir to adopt Ordinance 17-O-04, an Ordinance of the Mayor and Council of the City of College Park, Maryland to Adopt the Fiscal Year 2018 Operating and Capital Budget of the City of College Park, Maryland. Mayor Wojahn said due to the public hearing on May 9, no public comment on the main budget ordinance would be taken at this time, but comment will be taken on any proposed amendments. Proposed Budget Amendment #1: A motion was made by Councilmember Kabir and seconded by Councilmember Cook to amend the FY 2018 Operating and Capital Budget to add $10,000 to the Capital Project Fund for the purchase of removable soccer goals at Duvall Field. Councilmember Kabir said the Boys and Girls Club has submitted a request to replace the soccer goals at Duvall Field with new removable goals. The soccer goals are old and in need of repair or replacement. Comments from the Audience: Dave Olfky, 4808 Lackawanna Street: The goals have been there for 24 years and are in very bad shape and require City installation and removal depending on the seasonal use of Duvall Field. These goals will not be used exclusively by the Boys and Girls Club. Councilmember Kujawa asked if the City is requesting to replace and purchase the goals or is the request coming from the Boys and Girls Club? Mr. Somers stated that replacement goals are greatly needed. If the goals are purchased, they will be functional with any future plans at Duvall Field and will be available for use by other groups. College Park City Council Meeting Minutes May 23, 2017 Page 4 Shontell Wright, Vice President of the College Park Boys and Girls Club (CPBGC): The current goals are very old and in bad shape. New goals are needed and feels that moveable goals will allow many different originations to use the field without the goals being in the way Amendment #1, passed 8 – 0 – 0. Proposed Budget Amendment #2: A motion was made by Councilmember Cook and seconded by Councilmember Kabir to amend the FY 2018 Operating and Capital Budget to add $3,000 to provide insurance coverage for the Neighbors Helping Neighbors Organization. This expenditure would be offset by reduction in the Operating Transfer to the Capital Projects Fund for Property Acquisition. Councilmember Cook stated that Neighbors Helping Neighbors is a fledgling organization and they have not been able to raise the funds needed for insurance coverage for people who drive others to the grocery store, doctor appointments or wherever a neighbor may have to go. Councilmember Nagle stated that she values this organization; however, it is still not clear what this money would actually be used for. She is not in favor of last minute request especially since this request came in after two Budget Worksessions and the Public Hearing. Last minute requests do not give other residents the opportunity to comment. This request would be better served if it went through the Community Grant process. Councilmember Cook stated that the money that was given to this organization last year was used for some of their programs/events that they held. This request is to help them pay for the insurance coverage to ferry neighbors. Councilmember Kujawa stated that there is a disconnect on the process of how budget items/requests are submitted to the City. She is also not in favor of last minute requests. Councilmember Day stated we need more information of what this money is being used for. Councilmember Brennan stated $3,000 could go toward many Uber rides and they are already insured. This is too much money to be given to an organization where we don’t have complete information on how the money is actually being spent and feels that this money may also be used to cover the cost of people living outside of College Park. Councilmember Brennan said he is in support of the seniors and hopes that Neighbors Helping Neighbors, the College Park Seniors Committee and the Youth, Family and Senior Services can come together to implement this type of program. Roll Call Vote on Proposed Budget Amendment #2: Aye: Kabir, Cook Nay: Brennan, Dennis, Stullich, Day, Nagle, Kujawa Amendment #2 failed. College Park City Council Meeting Minutes May 23, 2017 Page 5 Proposed Budget Amendment #3: A motion was made by Councilmember Stullich and seconded by Councilmember Dennis to amend the FY 2018 Operating and Capital Budget to add $10,000 for activities to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the first U.S. Air Mail Service on August 12, 1918 out of College Park Airport. This expenditure of $10,000 would be offset by a reduction in the Operating Transfer to the Capital Projects Fund for Property Acquisition. Councilmember Stullich stated that this request came in late, as they were not aware of our budget period. The total budget for this event is $150,000. They are hoping to raise $34,000 in grants including our $10,000, planning to make a cash match of $25,000 and $8,500 of in-kind contributions. The expenses include a flight reenactment from College Park to Long Island, an exhibit and design development. Our donation would be less than 8% of their full budget. The exhibits would be a permanent part of their rotating exhibits at the College Park Airport, which will attract new visitors to College Park. Councilmember Kujawa suggested that this request go through the Community Grant process. Comment on Proposed Budget Amendment #3: Carol Macknis, 5019 Mineola Road: Asked Council to approve this request from the Field of First Foundation. Amendment #3, passed 6 – 2 – 0. (Councilmember Nagle and Kujawa opposed) Proposed Budget Amendment #4: A motion was made by Councilmember Kabir and seconded by Councilmember Cook to amend the FY 2018 Operating and Capital Budget to reduce the proposed real property tax rate from $0.335 to $0.3311 per $100 of assessed valuation and that the resultant $100,000 reduction in City revenue be offset by $50,000 reduction in transfer to the Hollywood Commercial Revitalization project and $50,000 reduction in the Operating transfer of the Capital Projects Fund for Property Acquisition. Carol Macknis, 5019 Mineola Road: She is a retired resident on a fixed income and asked that Council approve this amendment to the budget. With an increase in taxes, she will have to adjust her budget and may have to go without in order to pay more money in taxes. Councilmember Cook stated that this amendment is a small amount of money, which should be given back to our residents. There is no cost of living increase for our residents that are on fixed incomes nor does every resident receive a cost of living raise. We need to support our older residents. Councilmember Nagle stated that she understands that the cost of living has increased and most residents do not receive a cost of living increase or a raise. Feels that this item should have been discussed earlier during budget discussions. College Park City Council Meeting Minutes May 23, 2017 Page 6 Councilmember Brennan agrees that we need to continue to support our seniors and doesn’t feel that this amendment is an adequate way of doing so. This type of amendment should have been brought up earlier in the budget process so that each member of Council can make an informed decision. Councilmember Cook stated that nobody can justify what $11 means to a person on a fixed budget. She is disappointed in this budget process, as there was no opportunity to fully discuss several items in this budget. Councilmember Cook recommends that we change the process of reviewing budget items next year. Also, request that all grant requests should be made once a year and that everyone needs to complete the same paperwork. Councilmember Stullich stated that there was plenty of time to request changes to the proposed budget during the two budget Worksession and items could have been added to Council’s Wish List. The City has the third lowest property tax rate in Prince George’s County. She will vote against this amendment, as $100,000 is a large amount to be reduced from the Capital Project Fund. Councilmember Nagle stated that we did lower the Homestead Tax Credit from 4% to 2%. We need to explore the property tax credit for senior residents and retired veterans. There was discussion on the City’s and the County property tax rate. Councilmember Kabir commented that at the last Worksession he did discuss his interest in reducing the property tax rate. He also sent an email to the entire Council and had spoken to staff regarding this budget amendment. He believes that it is possible to reduce the tax rate and still fund the capital projects that are budgeted. If we stay within budget and keep our expenses in check, we can reduce the tax rate and fund other projects. Mayor Wojahn noted that the City does have a low-income homeowners property tax credit that is available for senior residents who are on fixed incomes. Mayor Wojahn recommended that this incentive be more publicly advertised. Amendment #4 failed, 2 – 6 – 0. (Councilmembers Nagle, Brennan, Dennis, Day Stullich and Kujawa opposed) Vote on the FY 2018 Budget (Ordinance 17-O-04), as amended by Budget Amendment #1 and Amendment #3: 8 – 0 – 0. 17-O-05 Adoption of Ordinance 17-O-05, 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 Include Fees For Leaf Mulch, Wood Mulch, And SMARTLEAF Compost; Fees For Product Delivery; And A Leaf Tipping Fee. College Park City Council Meeting Minutes May 23, 2017 Page 7 A motion was made by Councilmember Kujawa and seconded by Councilmember Brennan to adopt Ordinance 17-O-05. The motion carried 8 – 0 – 0. 17-R-07 Approval of the City’s FY 2018 Application for state revitalization program funding to the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) – Terry Schum, Director of Planning Terry Schum, Director of Planning, announced that the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development announced their FY 2018 funding for state revitalization programs. We are requesting approval for the application for a Strategic Demolition Fund Project. The Fund is focused on capital projects that will have a high economic and revitalization impact in the community, which includes predevelopment activities such as site acquisition and land assembly, demolition of derelict structures, architectural and engineering designs and site development. The application is due by June 8, 2017. A motion was made by Councilmember Dennis and seconded by Councilmember Brennan to approve Resolution 17-R-07 supporting a FY 2018 application to the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development for a $300,000 grant from the Strategic Demolition Fund. This grant will assist with land assembly for the City Hall redevelopment project. Councilmember Brennan stated that this Council has a responsibility to make sure we are funding our capital projects and looking for other ways to do so. This grant would not only allow us to put money forward that will pay the principal on the future loans, but increases our ability to have debt capacity for other projects. He appreciates staff for finding this source of funding. The motion passed 8 – 0 – 0. 17-G-75 / 17-R-08 Discussion of a request from CPCUP for support for the Partnership’s Community Legacy Grant Application and Nonprofit Assistance Fund grant application Eric Olson, Executive Director of the College Park City-University Partnership (CPCUP), gave an overview: The Partnership is seeking additional funding from the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development Community Legacy Grant program in FY2018 to continue the Homeownership Program and additional funding from the Governor’s Office of Crime Control and Prevention for the College Park Safety Ambassador Program. CPCUP is asking for Council’s support of these grant applications. College Park City Council Meeting Minutes May 23, 2017 Page 8 A motion was made by Councilmember Stullich and seconded by Councilmember Day to approve a Resolution to the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development Community Legacy Grant program in support of the Partnership’s Homeownership Program and approve a letter of support to the Governor’s Office of Crime Control and Prevention for the College Park Safety Ambassador Program The motion passed 8 – 0 – 0. 17-O-06 Introduction of the companion ordinance to the Charter Amendment: Emergency Ordinance Of The Mayor And Council Of The City Of College Park Amending Chapter 1, “General Provisions”, By Enacting Article II, “Required Public Notice”, §1-4, “Public Notice Required By City Charter” To Determine The Additional Methods For Giving Public Notice When Required By The City Charter A motion was made by Councilmember Dennis and seconded by Councilmember Stullich to introduce Emergency Ordinance 17-O-06, an Ordinance to amend Chapter 1, “General Provisions” by enacting Article II, “ Required Public Notice”, § 1-4, “Public Notice Required By City Charter” to determine the additional methods for giving public notice when required by the City Charter. A Public Hearing will be held on Tuesday, June 13, 2017. 16-G-76 Appointments to Boards and Committees A motion was made by Councilmember Nagle and seconded by Councilmember Kabir to appoint Jacquelin Kelly to the College Park Seniors Committee. The motion passed 8 – 0 – 0. MAYOR AND COUNCILMEMBER REPORTS/COMMENTS: Councilmember Cook announced the Memorial Day Ceremony that will take place at 11:00 a.m. on May 31, 2017 at the Veterans Memorial located at the corner of Greenbelt Road and U.S. Route 1. Councilmember Kujawa thanked everyone who attended the annual College Park Woods Festival and Potluck this past Saturday. Pepco is conducting their tree trimming in the College Park Woods area. Councilmember Day sent his condolences to the Miller family on the loss of Mary Lou Miller who was a long time resident on Knox Road. Councilmember Dennis reminded everyone about the Coffee Club at Jason’s Deli tomorrow morning. College Park City Council Meeting Minutes May 23, 2017 Page 9 Mayor Wojahn announced that there will be a moment of reflection on Wednesday, May 24, 2017 at the Garden of Reflection and Remembrance, Memorial Chapel, for Second Lt. Richard Collins. ADJOURN: A motion was made by Councilmember Brennan and seconded by Councilmember Kujawa to adjourn the meeting and with a vote of 8 – 0 – 0, Mayor Wojahn adjourned the meeting at 10:23 p.m. ____________________________________________ Yvette Allen Date Assistant City Clerk Approved Pursuant to §C6-3 of the College Park City Charter, at 9:25 p.m. on May 16, 2017, during a regularly scheduled meeting of the College Park City Council, a motion was made by Councilmember Stullich and seconded by Councilmember Kujawa to enter into a Closed Session to discuss the possible acquisition of real property for a public purpose, and matters directly related to said acquisition; to consult with Counsel on a legal matter; and to discuss a negotiating strategy before a contract is awarded. The motion passed 7-0-0 and the Council entered into the closed session at 9:30 p.m. Present: Mayor Wojahn; Councilmembers Kabir, Nagle, Dennis, Stullich, Day, Kujawa and Cook. Absent: Councilmember Brennan. Also Present: Scott Somers, City Manager; Bill Gardiner, Assistant City Manager; Suellen Ferguson, City Attorney; Janeen Miller, City Clerk; Terry Schum, Director of Planning; Chris Keosian, Student Liaison; Brandon Carroll, Deputy Student Liaison. Topic Discussed: The City Attorney and City Manager updated the Council on property that is being considered for possible acquisition for a public purpose. Next steps in the negotiations were discussed. Action Taken: None. Adjourn: A motion was made by Councilmember Kujawa and seconded by Councilmember Kabir to adjourn the closed session, and at 10:07 p.m., with a vote of 7 – 0 – 0, Mayor Wojahn adjourned the closed session.