Mayor & City Council

MINUTES College Park City Council Legislative Dinner Thursday, November 30, 2017 University of Maryland Golf Course Clubhouse 7:00 p.m. – 9:40 p.m. PRESENT: Mayor Wojahn, Councilmembers Kabir, Nagle, Brennan, Dennis, Stullich, Day, Kujawa, and Councilmember-Elect Kennedy. ABSENT: Councilmember Cook. ALSO PRESENT: Scott Somers, City Manager; Bill Gardiner, Assistant City Manager; Lauren Roberts, Administration; Suellen Ferguson, City Attorney; and Chris Keosian, Student Liaison. GUESTS: County Council Members Mary Lehman and Dannielle Glaros; Senator Jim Rosapepe; Carolyn Brosch (Sen. Rosapepe’s office); Rachel Jones (Sen. Cardin’s office), Pokuaa Owusu-Acheaw (Sen. VanHollen’s office); Terrance Taylor (Congressman Hoyer’s office); Delegate Barbara Frush; Bridget Warren (Council Member Lehman’s office), Delegate Joseline Peña-Melnyk, Aimee Olivio (Council Member Glaros’ office); Eddie Pounds and Len Lucchi, City Lobbyists; Candace Donoho, MML; Ross Stern, Carlo Colella and Anne Martens (UMD); and Eric Olson, (CPCUP). 1. City’s Presentation: a. Mayor Wojahn opened the program by reviewing the City’s highlights and accomplishments listed in the Legislative book. He led a discussion on fences; transportation projects and traffic management; and small cell infrastructure regulation. b. Councilmember Stullich discussed fences and how the County and municipalities definitions often differ, thus, residents can be required to obtain two permits and even two variances for one proposed fence. Providing the authority to municipalities will make it easier for residents to obtain permits and for consistent standards to be enforced. The Mayor is concerned with lack of curb appeal and loss of control. c. Councilmember Day discussed the need for City’s funding to grow as the surrounding transportation options are growing as well. We have Metro, MARC, bus, bike and trail systems, and soon the Purple Line. However, the City’s main north-south roads require significant investment to meet current multi-modal demands. He requested the County and possibly State identify resources now by reissuing HUR monies, in order to implement the strategies that will be identified next year. d. Councilmember Dennis discussed the small cell antenna infrastructure. The related firms are seeking more expansive legal rights to install small cell wireless antennas in the public ROW. Federal law gives state and local governments the authority to control (with restrictions) certain aspects of the placement of wireless College Park City Council Legislative Dinner Minutes November 30, 2017 Page 2 service facilities, and to manage their placement in the public ROW. It is likely the wireless industry will propose state legislation that would diminish state and local authority. This form of proposed legislation would significantly impact the ability of the municipality to manage its rights of way. 2. Senator Rosapepe: a. Regarding Fences: It makes no sense to have two permits for one fence. Ms. Ferguson agreed. Len Lucchi said County should allow City to have a permit that is less stringent. b. Regarding Small Cell Antenna Infrastructure: He would like feedback from College Park on ways to put municipalities in agreement with ROWs in regard to cell towers; like how much to charge for use and define fair use. 3. Council Member Dannielle Glaros: a. Regarding US 1: The North County Transportation Action Plan is priority #2. She suggested merging phases two and three of the Baltimore Avenue project. She suggested we work with Hyattsville and Riverdale on traffic issues. Council Member Joseline Peña-Melnyk suggested having Dr. Wallace Loh, UMD President, be an advocate for US 1. b. Regarding Council Member Mary Lehman: She congratulated her in advance on completing her 2nd term at the end of 2018 and thanked her for all of her hard work. Everyone in the room seconded the notion. 4. Terrance Taylor, Congressman Hoyer’s office: a. Regarding Small Cell Antenna Infrastructure: He wants copies of all letters we’ve sent to firms regarding cell towers. And, copy Bridget Warren (Council Member Mary Lehman’s office). Also, he suggests City of College Park meet with the Bureau of Printing and Engraving. They will be proposing a facility at the Beltsville Agricultural Research Center in the near future. The Legislative Dinner concluded at 9:40 p.m. _____________________________________ Lauren Roberts Date Approved Administration