Mayor & City Council
Regular MeetingCollege Park, MD · August 4, 2021
Minutes
WORKSESSION MINUTES
College Park City Council
Wednesday, August 4, 2021
7:30 p.m. – 10:07 p.m.
Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, this was a Virtual Meeting.
PRESENT: Councilmembers Kabir, Kennedy, Dennis (Mayor Pro Tem), Esters, Day,
Rigg, Mitchell, and Mackie.
ABSENT: Mayor Wojahn.
ALSO PRESENT: Bill Gardiner, Interim City Manager; Janeen S. Miller, City Clerk; Suellen
Ferguson, City Attorney; Terry Schum, Director of Planning; Miriam
Bader, Senior Planner.
Mayor Pro Tem Dennis opened the virtual Worksession at 7:30 p.m.
City Manager’s Report: Mr. Gardiner reviewed last night’s National Night Out activities and
announced the upcoming Movie Night at Duvall Field. He responded to questions about new
COVID guidelines: visitors to City buildings will be required to wear a mask.
Amendments to and Approval of the Agenda: The agenda was approved without amendment
(Rigg/Mitchell) 8-0.
1. Request by Mark Vogel/Republic Properties to support a multi-family project instead
of a hotel: Mark Vogel and Stacy Hornstein:
Ms. Schum said Mr. Vogel and Republic Properties seek the City’s support for a change to the
proposed Marriot Residence Inn project which was previously supported by the Council. The
developer has now determined it is not feasible to move forward with the original project, but
they still want to develop the site. The site belongs to Prince George’s County, and the
development right was given to Republic Properties based on the plan to build a hotel.
Mr. Vogel said they were looking forward to building a hotel but hotels are not viable now. Mr.
Hornstein (Republic Properties) said they were at the finish line when COVID hit and need to
explore other possibilities. One option is multi-family with ground floor retail and similar site
coverage. The property is also zoned for multi-family. They are requesting City support for the
new proposal and hope for a letter they can take to the County. Mr. Vogel said they have already
done the engineering for the site. They believe a residential product would work better than a
hotel at this time, and will explore smaller units (one bedroom, one bedroom with den,
efficiency) marketed toward young professionals. There were questions about change in the
density. A new DSP would be needed.
Councilmember Mitchell is interested in housing for 55+.
College Park City Council Meeting Minutes
August 4, 2021
Page 2
Councilmember Esters is hoping for consideration of affordable housing being in the mix. Mr.
Vogel said there has been a lack of energy to develop affordable housing. This site will not be
“affordable housing” but that is the reason to keep the units smaller. He added that affordable
housing is being built by churches, and near the Purple Line.
Councilmember Rigg disclosed that he and Mr. Vogel discussed the prior hotel project. He
asked if this site is in a tax credit district? Yes, but there isn’t a specific proposed project so the
analysis hasn’t been done. Councilmember Rigg asked if they have considered the
Revitalization Tax Credit. Mr. Vogel said it is too early. Councilmember Rigg said the prior
project had scant parking and asked them to think carefully about the parking. Mr. Hornstein
said they will be required to have structured parking. Councilmember Rigg stressed the need for
public space, green space, and recreational amenities.
Councilmember Day disclosed he has spoken to Mark Vogel about various projects in the City.
He asked about a sidewalk from Edmonston Road to the park.
Letter to Prince George’s County Executive on the Consent agenda next week.
2. Decennial redistricting:
Mr. Gardiner said this is a preliminary discussion about redistricting as required by the City
Charter after the decennial census. This would apply to the 2023 City election. He reviewed the
options in the staff report. The Council may create a redistricting commission and/or may hire a
consultant. The population from development projects in the pipeline will be considered when
you propose new district lines. The redistricting project could start early next year with the
newly seated Council.
Councilmember Mitchell asked if staff is monitoring the state and county redistricting process.
No, we are not.
Councilmember Rigg expressed concerns about the accuracy of the student population count due
to COVID. Councilmember Dennis added that other populations can be undercounted as well.
Ms. Schum said the City’s Complete Count Committee went to great lengths to address off-
campus student housing which is where the challenge is. She said we will look at the data when
it comes in. She added that our response rate was not as high as we would have liked and varied
from district to district. If we believe we have been undercounted we can present evidence to the
Census Bureau. Mr. Gardiner said we have a GIS analyst on staff that can look at the data.
Councilmember Rigg likes the idea of a consultant. He mentioned that if we want to make a
change to the number of districts and number of councilmembers per district this is the time to
think about it.
College Park City Council Meeting Minutes
August 4, 2021
Page 3
Councilmember Kennedy said this should be an impartial and independent process. She also
likes the idea of a consultant with an objective perspective. We should look to best practices and
what other cities are doing. She thinks a commission is necessary.
Councilmember Day discussed how redistricting was done in 2000 (when he was Vice-Chair)
and 2010 (when he was Chair). Chris Dullnig wrote the computer program to map the census
data to each house. Residents put their hearts into the process to make sure it was done right.
They didn’t use a consultant. We divided the students by bed count per district. They walked
the City to make sure the numbers were right. It is good for our residents to be part of the
discussion. There are rules set in place about how to approach this.
Return in early 2022.
3. Hybrid meetings:
Ms. Miller reviewed the staff report and said once we get direction from the Council on what
they would like to do, we can write the Rules and Procedures and/or Charter to reflect that
direction. When we first started remote meetings due to COVID we had authority under the
Governor’s orders. As the Governor’s orders are changing, it is appropriate for Mayor and
Council to review and perhaps rewrite their own self-imposed rules about how to proceed. This
is all dependent on us finding the right technology, which hasn’t been identified yet. Ms. Miller
reviewed the considerations for this discussion listed in the staff report. She said the chat box on
Zoom should not be used to advance the public discussion and it does not become part of the
public record.
Councilmember Kabir asked what other public bodies are doing. Ms. Miller said everyone is
talking about this right now and that the Council’s rules are self-imposed and may vary from
other cities, depending on what this Council feels is appropriate for us. He supports hybrid
meetings based on resident feedback about the convenience. He wants the rules to be flexible
about how many elected officials should be in the room.
Ms. Ferguson reviewed guidance from the Open Meetings Compliance Board with respect to
remote meetings. They are just starting to see cases come through about remote meetings: it is
legal to have remote or hybrid meetings as long as everybody has the same access. That used to
mean the ability to hear the meeting. Technology has changed so you want to provide the ability
to see any information that is shared during a meeting.
The Mayor and Council can decide whether the same rules that apply to Mayor and Council
meetings would also apply to advisory boards, i.e., there can be a separate set of rules for
advisory boards as long as everyone has equal access. Again, this would depend on finding the
right technology.
Councilmember Rigg would give preference to Councilmembers attending meetings in-person
whenever possible because it provides more opportunity to collaborate. He doesn’t think greater
participation always happens in a virtual platform but may allow for non-traditional voices to be
heard. He is open to developing a list of narrow criteria – sick, out of region, family emergency
College Park City Council Meeting Minutes
August 4, 2021
Page 4
– as reasons for Councilmembers not to be in-person during voting sessions. We should also
look at the context and definition of an emergency in our rules, and could have one set of
meeting criteria that applies in a declared emergency, and a different set of criteria that apply
under normal circumstances.
Councilmember Esters said wherever we can provide various modalities for access is helpful, but
she has concerns about how many Councilmembers would be present at a time and would want
to limit the number of Councilmembers that could be virtual.
Councilmember Day likes the option to be able to attend remotely when necessary, as long as it’s
not abused. We could limit the number of people that can be virtual at one time, and not go
above. We have day jobs and might need to travel and still want to participate. A Worksession is
a meeting like any other meeting of the Council, and we should make an effort to be in front of
the people.
Councilmember Mitchell has concerns about the COVID variants and the safety of all. It makes
sense to have one policy for right now, while we are in COVID, and another going forward when
we are not.
Councilmember Kennedy wants to make the policy in the Charter as flexible as possible and set
the guidelines in the Rules and Procedures since those are easier to change. She hopes there will
be better technology in the future.
Councilmember Mackie expressed concerns about the chat box. She agrees that
Councilmembers should have ability to participate in a meeting when on travel or for a medical
reason, but in general wants them to be in the room. She wants to make it convenient for
members of the public to participate virtually. Be very sure that the forum gives everyone equal
access. She mentioned that when the screen is shared you can’t see all the people.
Councilmember Dennis asked whether our virtual platform is providing the full capability of
presenting the meeting over our cable tv channels; many older residents don’t use the computer.
Rules that pertain specifically to advisory boards:
Mackie - give our boards the flexibility to do what they want to do. We don’t want to tell them
they have to meet in person.
Esters – making meetings more accessible and easier for residents to participate in will provide
greater opportunity for people to get involved. The more flexible the better.
Kabir – agrees. Volunteers are hard to recruit. Promoting this as an opportunity to participate
virtually might encourage more to join.
Dennis – keep in mind that there might be extra work to manage a virtual meeting.
Kennedy – get feedback from them about this. What about hearings – APC, Noise Board - how
would that be handled in a hybrid meeting.
Rigg – we owe deference to the committee chair. They will have a good sense whether their
committee functions best in virtual or hybrid. Should we let them adopt their own rules? Some
of the most productive give and take is done in person.
College Park City Council Meeting Minutes
August 4, 2021
Page 5
4. Discussion of a Proclamation Policy
Ms. Miller reviewed the staff report. Staff recommendation to Consent agenda next week –
adopt by Resolution.
5. Discussion of a new Phone system
Mr. Gardiner reviewed the staff report. The proposal is for a system that would cost about $50K,
is a more robust cloud-based system, employees can take the phone with them and plug it in and
has the look/feel like you are in your office. Should last 10 years. After 3 years we would own
the phones and cost would be less. Want support to go forward. Hope to have a proposal to vote
on next week.
Councilmember Day is familiar with the CISCO phone system; is it UC (unified communication)
or just the voice product? Would it allow for phone lines for councilmembers to access instead of
them using their personal phone? Yes, we would just have to buy phone lines for you.
Councilmember Rigg asked if there is an argument to be made for everyone going to a mobile
phone?
Mr. Gardiner said cellphones and maintenance are more expensive than a desk phone.
Councilmember Kabir had questions about the cost. The Help Desk is a $10K add on; otherwise
it would be IT staff. Find out how much it would be to add phone lines for M&C.
Councilmember Dennis hopes this will this enhance our incoming call responsiveness, like in a
call center. Mr. Gardiner said this system will be easier to configure.
To agenda next week with proposal.
Mayor and Councilmember Comments:
The Education Advisory Committee is doing a book giveaway next Saturday at the
College Park Food Bank.
The Lakeland Civic Association meets next Thursday, August 12 at 7 p.m.
Adjourn: 10:07 p.m., motion to adjourn by Mackie/Rigg, passed 8-0.
______________________________________
Janeen S. Miller Date
City Clerk Approved
Agenda
City of College Park
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WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 4, 2021
CITY OF COLLEGE PARK
*VIRTUAL MEETING*
Please check meeting notice and City calendar for participant information
WORKSESSION AGENDA
7:30 P.M.
COLLEGE PARK MISSION
We provide excellent services, transparent and inclusive governance, and advocate for our
residents to enhance the quality of life for our diverse community.
Time Item Staff/Council
7:30 Call To Order
City Manager’s Report
Amendments To And Approval Of The Agenda
7:40 1
Request by Mark Vogel/Republic Properties to support a Terry Schum,
multi-family project instead of a hotel (15) Director of Planning
Bill Gardiner,
7:55 2 Discussion of the decennial redistricting (15) Interim City Manager
Discussion of an amendment to the City Charter and Mayor
Janeen S Miller,
8:10 3 and Council’s Rules and Procedures to allow for continued City Clerk
Zoom and/or Hybrid meetings (45)
Janeen S Miller,
8:55 4 Discussion of a Proclamation Policy (15) City Clerk
Bill Gardiner,
9:10 5 Discussion of new phone system proposals (15) Interim City Manager
001
1
9:25 6 Requests for/Status of Future Agenda Items Mayor and Council
9:30 7 Mayor and Councilmember Comments Mayor and Council
Bill Gardiner,
9:35 8 City Manager's Comments Interim City Manager
9:40 9 Adjourn
In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, if you need special assistance, please
contact the City Clerk’s Office and describe the assistance that is necessary.
This agenda is subject to change. Agenda times are estimates only. For the most current
information, please contact the City Clerk at 240-487-3501.
002
2
1
Request from
Mark Vogel
Republic Properties
003
CITY OF COLLEGE PARK, MARYLAND
WORKSESSION AGENDA ITEM
Prepared By: Terry Schum Meeting Date: 08/04/2021
Planning Director
Presented By: Terry Schum Proposed Consent: No
Originating Department: Planning and Community Development
Issue Before Council: Request by Mark Vogel/Republic Properties for City support to build an alternate
use instead of a hotel in the College Park Metro Station area
Strategic Plan Objective: OKR #5: Plan and facilitate strategic economic development and smart growth
to support a variety of businesses that can thrive and serve the diverse needs
of our community.
Background/Justification:
A letter was sent to the Mayor from Mark Vogel on behalf of the Republic Properties team seeking support for a
change of use to the proposed Marriott Residence Inn and retail at the northwest corner of Campus Drive and
Corporal Frank Scott Drive. A Detailed Site Plan (DSP) for the project was approved by the Prince George’s
County Planning Board in September 2020 with conditions and was supported by the City Council.
Republic Properties was selected as the developer of the site by Prince George’s County after a competitive
Request for Proposals (RFP) process. They would like to remain as the site developer, however, no longer
believe that the proposed hotel is feasible. In lieu of the hotel, they contemplate building a market rate
residential project of mostly 1-bedroom apartment units, which would be consistent with the adopted College
Park/Riverdale Park Transit District Development Plan (TDDP).
The Republic team believes that the City’s support for flexibility to change the use on the property will be
important to obtaining approval from the County to remain as the developer. They have already expended a
significant amount of money to study the site and address challenges, and would need to go through another
DSP process for a new use.
Fiscal Impact:
The contemplated alternative use is expected to have a $50 million value similar to the value of the hotel
project.
Council Options:
1. Support an alternative use for the site.
2. Support a specific alternative use for the site.
3. Do not support a change in use for the site.
Staff Recommendation:
#1
Recommended Motion:
N/A
Attachments:
1. Letter from Mark Vogel
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6305 Ivy Lane, #306, Greenbelt, Maryland 20770 Office (301) 345-190
Dear Mayor,
The national and local level hotel market is enormously distressed. It is impossible to get loans
in the current economic conditions.
Our team has worked closely with the City of College Park, Park and Planning, and the County
to overcome various challenges the site over for the last several years. The site has significant
Flood Plain and other challenges that you are aware of. We have spent over a million dollars of
third‐party costs to date in working in good faith with all the stakeholders. No one could have
foreseen the impact of Covid 19 when we all started this process.
We are committed to developing a project that will be a credit to everyone who has worked
together to try and develop this property.
We are asking the County to provide with the flexibility, if necessary, to allow us to develop the
property to another alternative use and equitably extend the schedule to make that happen. If
we can’t develop a hotel on the site, the alternate use which is contemplated by the zoning and
master plan that would be a similarly sized $50 Million project which would include some retail
and market rate housing units of mostly single bedroom units to serve a range of young
professionals, workforce housing, as well as, those 55 and older.
We would appreciate the Council’s and your support in achieving the flexibility that may be
needed to develop the site and make it productive for the benefit of the College Park
community and the County.
Mark Vogel
005
2
DISCUSSION
Decennial
Redistricting
006
CITY OF COLLEGE PARK, MARYLAND
WORKSESSION AGENDA ITEM
Prepared By: Janeen Miller, Meeting Date: 08/04/2021
City Clerk
Presented By: Bill Gardiner, Consent Agenda: No
Interim City Manager
Originating Department: City Manager’s Office
Issue Before Council: Discussion of the decennial redistricting
Strategic Plan Objective: Objective 6: Inspire and nurture a welcoming and inclusive community that
encourages and embodies engagement, collaboration, and equity throughout
our City.
Background / Justification:
City Charter §C2-2, “Districts” says: “By enactment of an ordinance the City of College Park shall apportion
itself into four council districts. The City shall review its council districts not less than once every 10 years as
soon as feasible after the decennial federal census figures are published. There shall be two Council
members elected from each district. The qualified voters in each of the districts shall be entitled to vote for
two candidates.”
This year, the census redistricting data will be released in August and September. The two releases will
contain the same information but will be presented in different formats, with the September 30 release
described as easier to use.
In general, the redistricting process could involve the following steps, and could take 9 months:
Council discussion to determine whether to convene a redistricting commission to re-apportion the
districts, and if so, developing the charge to the commission. The Mayor and Council may also
determine whether to hire a consultant, and would develop the scope of work for the consultant. This
would result in a Resolution to convene a Redistricting Commission, and/or an RFP for a consultant.
Appoint members to the Redistricting Commission and/or select the consultant.
Data review and public outreach to lead to the development of the number of redistricting proposals
requested by the Mayor and Council.
Presentation of options to the Mayor and Council.
Public Hearings on some or all of the proposals.
Selection of the redistricting plan and adoption of an ordinance.
New Council district maps are drawn up.
The redistricting effort is labor intensive for several City departments: the City Manager’s office, the City
Attorney, Planning, and the GIS Analyst are most likely to contribute to the project. Staff feels that it would
be best for this project to begin after the new year, when the new City Manager is on board and the City Hall
move is behind us. Staff recommends that the Mayor and Council begin the redistricting process in early
February of 2022 to allow the new Mayor and Council, who will be sworn in on December 14, 2021, to make
the preliminary decisions that will guide redistricting. Calendar year 2022 can be devoted to redistricting,
which will allow ample time to finalize the plan and prepare new district maps before the 2023 election
season begins.
Fiscal Impact:
To Be Determined.
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Council Options:
This is a discussion item.
Staff Recommendation:
That the Mayor and Council begin the decennial redistricting project in February 2022.
Attachments:
City Redistricting history outline.
008
1990, 2000 and 2010 Decennial Redistricting – Council Actions/Timeline
2010 Decennial Census:
11-09-10: Council adopted Resolution 10-R-31 establishing the Redistricting Commission and stating
their Charge (three alternatives were requested )
01-25-11: Council appointed members to the Redistricting Commission
02-01-11: Council met with the Redistricting Commission and gave them their Charge
03-31-11: Census data received
05-17-11: Redistricting Commission presented their report to Mayor and Council
Ordinance 11-O-09 to Adopt A Redistricting Plan: Introduced 5-24-11, Public Hearing 06-14-11,
Adopted 07-12-11, Effective 08-01-11
06-22-11: Date of Final Report of the Redistricting Commission
08-01-11: New Districts effective for the November 2011 election
2000 Decennial Redistricting:
11-12-02: Council Adopted Redistricting Resolution (02-R-20)
11-12-02, 11-26-02 and 12-10-02: Council Appointed Members to the Redistricting Commission
12-11-02: Redistricting Commission Received its Charge from Council
1-14-03: Council Adopted Charter Amendment Resolution 03-CR-01 to permit the inclusion of
population from development (Courtyards and South Commons) not included on the decennial census
population figures for the formation of the Councilmanic districts
December 2002 – March 2003: Redistricting Commission met
3-19-03: Redistricting Commission held Public Hearing on the four proposed plans
3-27-03: Redistricting Commission Reported to Council
5-13-03: Council Adopted Redistricting Plan “03-O-02 As Amended 1”
November 2003: First election that incorporated the new redistricting plan
1990 Decennial Redistricting:
Settlement of Diggs et al. v. College Park (Case No. MJG 89-2335) led to 91-CR-1.
On January 9, 1991, the City Council adopted Charter Amendment 91-CR-1 which required the City to
divide itself into a new Councilmanic configuration of four (4) districts with two (2) Councilmembers
from each district. Charter Amendments are not effective until the 50th day following adoption, as long as
a successful petition to referendum is not filed by the 40th day. Since the redistricting commission was
charged before the 40 day period for a possible petition to referendum had concluded, the Council
009
charged the redistricting commission with developing two possible Councilmanic configurations – 1) four
districts with 2 representatives from each, and 2) eight districts with 1 representative from each. The
Redistricting Commission was asked to develop at least 1 redistricting plan for each of the two possible
configurations, pending the outcome of 91-CR-1. 91-CR-1 was not petitioned to referendum, so the four-
district scenario prevailed.
1-22-91: Council adopted Resolution 91-R-3, the Charge to the Redistricting Commission
2-5-91: First meeting of the Redistricting Commission. Addressed both Councilmanic scenarios: 8
districts with one representative from each district, and 4 districts with two representatives from each
district.
3-14-91: Redistricting Commission held a public hearing on five redistricting plans. Each proposal was
based on the creation of 4 districts with two representatives from each district.
3-26-91: Redistricting Commission submitted five alternative redistricting plans to the Mayor and
Council
04-09-91: Redistricting options were introduced, 91-O-2, 91-O-8, 91-O-4
04-09-91: Council approved 91-G-57, A Motion to discharge the Redistricting Commission and thank
them for their service.
04-30-91: Council held a Special Meeting to consider adoption of one of the several Redistricting
Ordinances that were introduced on April 9, 1991
08-13-91: Council Adopted Ordinance 91-O-12, An Ordinance to Amend Redistricting Ordinance 91-O-
08 to correct an erroneous description of Districts 2 and 4.
November 1991: The first election that incorporated the new redistricting plan (2 Councilmembers from
four districts).
----------------------------------
Prior to 1990, the City’s redistricting was based on the number of registered voters, not Census data.
010
3
DISCUSSION
Amendment to City
Charter/Rules and
Procedures for continued
Zoom/Hybrid Meetings
011
CITY OF COLLEGE PARK, MARYLAND
WORKSESSION AGENDA ITEM
Prepared By: Janeen Miller, Meeting Date: 08/04/2021
City Clerk
Presented By: Janeen Miller, Consent Agenda: No
City Clerk
Originating Department: City Clerk’s Office
Issue Before Council: Discussion of an amendment to the City Charter and Mayor and Council’s
Rules and Procedures to allow for continued Zoom and/or Hybrid meetings
Strategic Plan Objective: Objective 1: Innovate and improve City services to enhance quality, value and
accessibility for all our residents.
Background / Justification:
When the COVID pandemic hit in March of 2020, the City relied on orders from the Governor and Prince
George’s County as authorization for the Mayor and Council to move to an on-line platform for Mayor and
Council meetings. As those orders begin to change, it is prudent for the City to update its City Charter and
the Mayor and Council’s Adopted Rules and Procedures to enable the Mayor and Council to continue to
meet on-line and/or in a hybrid format, as desired by the Mayor and Council, and allowed by the state or
County.
City staff are currently exploring the technology requirements to integrate audio and video equipment in the
designated public meeting location (currently Davis Hall and City Hall in the future) in a hybrid meeting. A
hybrid meeting is described as one which allows equal participation by elected officials, City staff and the
public whether they are in a remote location or in the designated public meeting location. This discussion
will address both Mayor and Council meetings and advisory board meetings. We recognize that many
people would like to continue meeting via Zoom, and we have seen an uptick in public participation in our
meetings over Zoom. We also have requests from certain advisory boards that want to resume in person
meetings. Our goal is to find the technology that enables Councilmembers, staff, and the public to
participate equally in a meeting from the designated public meeting location and from various remote
locations. Depending on COVID guidelines, we may need to limit the number of people who can participate
from Davis Hall.
Guidance from the Open Meetings Compliance Board must also be considered. According to decisions by
the Board, the Open Meetings Act does not limit the use of conference-call or other remote access
meetings. However, the public must be given access to be able, at minimum, to hear the meeting. There are
also issues to be addressed when there is limited space when the Mayor and Council meet in person.
Considerations for discussion:
How many members of the public body (either the Mayor and Council or the advisory board) can be
remote? Is it a certain percentage?
What sort of prior public notice should we provide? Should we name which members will be remote?
What are the criteria to allow remote participation? Should we allow it for any reason, or should there
be certain acceptable reasons?
When should the request for remote participation be made, and who grants it?
Use of the “chat” function should also be addressed.
Depending on the Council discussion and direction, amendments to the Council’s Rules and Procedures,
and the City Charter may be required. The meeting requirements for the Mayor and Council have generally
012
applied to the City’s advisory bodies. If Council amends its rules and procedures regarding virtual and hybrid
meetings, it may wish to discuss Committee Rules and Procedures to confirm the same or modified policies.
Fiscal Impact:
To be determined, depending on the technology solution that is identified.
Council Options:
This is a discussion item to provide direction to Staff.
Staff Recommendation:
#1: Discuss the items outlined above and provide direction.
#2: Discuss but delay any changes.
Attachments:
None.
013
4
DISCUSSION
Proclamation Policy
014
CITY OF COLLEGE PARK, MARYLAND
WORKSESSION AGENDA ITEM
Prepared By: Janeen S Miller, Meeting Date: 08/04/2021
City Clerk
Presented By: Janeen S Miller, Consent Agenda: No
City Clerk
Originating Department: City Clerk’s Office
Issue Before Council: Discussion of a proclamation policy to create a list of annual proclamations and
develop guidelines/procedures for evaluating new proclamation requests.
Strategic Plan Objective:
Background / Justification:
The Mayor and Council do not have an approved annual list of proclamations, or a policy on adding or
evaluating requests for proclamations that pertain to causes, heritage months, history, etc….*
The purpose of this discussion is two-fold:
1. Approve a list of annual proclamations: Attachment 1 shows the proclamation history since 2018.
While some proclamations are repeated each year, there are several “one-offs” that have been
added at the request of an elected official or staff. Attachment 2 is an annual list that has been
drafted for your consideration.
2. Develop a procedure for future requests: At present there is no procedure to add a proclamation to
an agenda. As a result, a Councilmember might suggest a proclamation during Council comments or
send an email to their Council colleagues. The informal nature of this process does not provide
enough direction to staff, and we are often uncertain if we are supposed to prepare a proclamation or
not. Requests for proclamations do not always come with a template or example for staff to follow.
As a result, we might only have a day or two to put something together, which is disruptive to
departmental workflow.
The following guidelines for proclamation requests have been drafted for your consideration:
a) That the request be made formally, during the “Request For/Status Of Future Agendas” portion of
the Worksession agenda; and
b) That the proclamation be relevant to either the Strategic Plan, current events, or initiatives
adopted by the Mayor and Council; and
c) That the request receives a motion/second/majority vote, just like adding a future agenda item;
and
d) That the requestor provides a sample or template.
(*Note that the Mayor and Council adopted a City Recognition Policy in 2013 which addressed the
recognition of individuals.)
Fiscal Impact:
N/A
015
Council Options:
#1: Discuss and provide direction to staff on an annual proclamation list and a policy to evaluate future
requests.
#2: Request more information.
#3: Make no changes.
Staff Recommendation:
Staff will take direction from the Mayor and Council.
Attachments:
1 – Proclamation History
2 – Proposed list of annual proclamations
016
Attachment 1
Proclamation History 2018 ‐ Present
Name of Proclamation Month 2018 2019 2020 2021 Annual?
Martin Luther King Jr January Yes
Clean Energy January
Racial Healing January
Carrollton Enterprises February
Rare Disease Day February
Go Red for Women February Yes
Women’s History Month March Yes
Children’s Mental Health Week April
Arbor Day April Yes
Welcoming WETATi to College April
Park
Volunteer Appreciation Month April
Kids to Parks Day May Yes
Public Service Recognition Week May
Memorial Day May
Chesapeake Bay Awareness May Yes
Week
LGBT Equity Center May
Heavenly Culture, World Peace, May
Restoration of Light
Immigrant Heritage Month June Yes
Gun Violence Awareness Day June
LGBTQ Pride Month June Yes
St Andrews Week July
NLC Small Cities July
Seton 60th Anniversary August
Hispanic Heritage Month September
Car Free Day September
Indigenous Peoples’ Day October Yes
Breast Cancer Awareness Month October
Business of the Year October ?
Posh Cycling and Fitness October
Small Business Saturday November Yes
Giving Tuesday November
To Add For Consideration:
Black History Month – February
Bike to Work Day ‐ May
Juneteenth – June
Suicide Prevention Month – September
Municipal Government Works Month ‐ November
017
Attachment 2
Proposed Annual Proclamation List
January Martin Luther King, Jr.
February Black History Month
Go Red For Women (Women’s Heart Health)
March Women’s History Month
April Arbor Day
Children’s Mental Health Week
May Kids To Parks Day
Bike To Work Day
Chesapeake Bay Awareness Week
June Immigrant Heritage Month
Juneteenth
LGBTQ Pride Month
Pollinator Week (for 3rd full week in June)
Chesapeake Bay Awareness Week
July
August
September Suicide Prevention Month
Mayor’s Monarch Pledge proclamation (end of September for the 1st
Saturday in October)
October Indigenous Peoples’ Day (in lieu of Columbus Day)
Business of the Year recipient?
November Municipal Government Works Month (MML Banner City requirement)
Small Business Saturday
December
018
5
DISCUSSION
New Phone System
Proposal
019
CITY OF COLLEGE PARK, MARYLAND
WORKSESSION AGENDA ITEM
Prepared By: Bill Gardiner Meeting Date: 8/4/2021
Interim City Manager
Presented By: Bill Gardiner Proposed Consent: N/A
Originating Department: Administration
Issue Before Council: Discussion of a new phone system for all City Offices
Strategic Plan Objective: Innovate and improve City services to enhance quality, value, and accessibility
for all our residents.
Background/Justification:
The City implemented the current phone system in 2010. It is a hybrid configuration with some equipment
on City premises. The City receives phone line connectivity via a third-party. IT staff have investigated new
options for phone systems that are cloud-based and enable remote user options and “soft” phones for
remote work. Staff narrowed the options to Cisco phones based on the quality of the product and
widespread use by organizations in the area. We are currently confirming our phone line and phone unit
counts and will soon evaluate final proposals from Cisco partners. We will have a proposal to recommend to
Council on August 11th.
In FY21, the phone line and phone system support cost was $37,569. We are currently estimating the new
system will cost approximately $50,000 for each of the first three years for engineering, migration,
deployment, and purchasing the phones. After three years, the City will own the phones outright and only
pay for the calling service and the level of system support the City determines is necessary. The cost for
Cisco calling will be approximately $20,000 annually. The City may also wish to pay a vendor to provide all
or limited phone system support. That cost could be up to $10,000 annually, and the contract could be
modified or terminated each year. The City could choose provide phone system configuration and help-desk
support in-house.
Fiscal Impact:
$150,000 for a new City phone system has been included in the Facilities Capital Reserve.
Council Options:
1. Direct staff to proceed with obtaining a new phone system.
2. Direct staff to continue with the current phone system.
Staff Recommendation:
Option #1
Recommended Motion:
N/A
Attachments:
1. Information about the Cisco phone system.
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6
Request for/Status of
Future Agenda Items
026
TO: Mayor, City Council, City Manager and Department Directors
FROM: Janeen S. Miller, City Clerk
DATE: July 28, 2021
RE: Future Agendas
The following items are tentatively placed on future agendas. This list has been
prepared by the City Manager and me and represents the current schedule for items
that will appear on future agendas.
TUESDAY, AUGUST 10, 2021 REGULAR MEETING
Proclamation: Sexual Assault Prevention
Public Hearing on 21-O-09, An Ordinance Of The Mayor And Council Of The City Of
College Park, To Amend Chapter 179, “Tree And Landscape Maintenance”, By
Reserving §179-9 And Designating §§179-1 Through 179-9 As Article I, “General
Provisions”; Amending §179-1, “Definitions”, And §179-5, “Tree And Landscape
Board"; And Adding Article II, “ Tree Canopy Protection”, §179-10, “Permit Required”,
§179-11, “Permit Issuance”, §179-12, “Tree Replacement”, §179-13, “Reconsideration”,
§179-14, “Appeal”, And §179-15, “Enforcement”; And To Amend Chapter 110, “Fees
And Penalties”. By Amending §110-2, “Penalties”; To Institute A Permit System For
Removal Or Pruning Of Urban Forest Trees, To Provide For A Reconsideration And
Appeal Process, To Require Planting Of Replacement Trees Or Payment Of A Fee, And
To Set A Fine For Non-Compliance.
Public Hearing and possible adoption of 21-O-10 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”, § 38-1, “Purpose”; Article II,
“Ethics Commission”, §38-6, “Duties And Powers”; And Article IV, “Required
Disclosures”, § 38-15 “Required Disclosure By City Elected Officials And Candidates To
Be City Elected Officials” To Update References To The State Code And Make Other
Non-Substantive Corrections.
Quarterly Financial Presentation – Gary Fields, Director of Finance
Proposed Consent, 21-R-12, CPV-2021-05 - Rember R. Gomez-Orellana, 5016 Mineola
Road (Appeal period ends August 7)
Proposed Consent, 21-R-13, CPV-2021-06 - James Marting Benton & Janice Benton,
7101 Rhode Island Avenue (Appeal period ends August 7) 027
7/30/2021
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Proposed Consent, 21-R-14, CPD-2021-01 - David DuGoff/College Park Car Wash,
8616 Baltimore Avenue (Appeal period ends August 7)
06-09-21: Consideration of a request by Aspen for waiver of the school facilities
surcharge – Terry Schum, Director of Planning
Approval of final condominium documents for City Hall – Suellen Ferguson, City
Attorney
Approval of plaques at City Hall acknowledging Dr. Loh and The Rotary Foundation,
and approval of an agreement with The Rotary Foundation – Bill Gardiner, Interim City
Manager and Suellen Ferguson, City Attorney
WEDNESDAY AUGUST 11, 2021 ADMINISTRATIVE SESSION
Review City Manager candidates
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2021 WORKSESSION
Presentation by IBTS on the draft feasibility study for establishing a City department of
building code, permitting and enforcement (RFP CP-20-03) (60) – Bob Ryan, Director of
Public Services
Award of contract to Veo Ride – Terry Schum, Director of Planning (20)
03-10-21: Draft Agreement for transfer of ownership of Rhode Island Avenue to the City
-– Terry Schum (20)
Placeholder: Closed Session after the meeting to discuss a personnel matter: City
Attorney evaluation
2:00 + Closed Session
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, REGULAR MEETING
Proclamation: “Suicide Prevention Month”
Approval of contract with Streetcar Suburbs Publishing for College Park Here and Now
newspaper – Ryna Quinones, Communication Coordinator
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2021 WORKSESSION
(No more agenda items)
07-14-21: Stakeholder Discussion: College Park policy options for neighborhood
stabilization (for those neighborhoods trending toward rentals); Discussion of affordable
housing policies, programs and initiatives; Discussion of strategies to provide affordable
028
7/30/2021
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housing (student and other) (with partner stakeholders) to include the possibility of
commissioning an affordable housing plan (2 hours).
Information Report on Edgewood Road Right-Of-Way at intersection with US 1 – Terry
Schum and Steve Halpern
2:20
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, REGULAR MEETING
Proclamation: Mayor’s Monarch Pledge
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2021 WORKSESSION
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 12, REGULAR MEETING
Proclamation for Indigenous Peoples’ Day
ANNUAL ITEMS
January, early: Discussion of Homestead Tax Credit Rate (currently at 0%) (must
certify by March 25 to change rate)
January, after an election: Review and adoption of Council Rules and Procedures
January: Review annual reports and workplans from advisory boards
IFC/PHA Annual meeting with Council (when is best?)
March: Annual Review/Renewal of Insurance Contracts
March: Annual farmers market debrief
March: Annual Economic Development Report
April and September: Comments on the M-NCPPC budget
June Worksession: Review of applications for advisory board vacancies
June Regular Meeting: Annual appointments to advisory boards
June Regular Meeting: Proclamation for Pride Month
June Regular Meeting: Pollinator Week Proclamation (for 3rd full week in June)
September, last regular meeting: Mayor’s Monarch Pledge proclamation (for 1st
Saturday in October)
October, first regular meeting: Proclamation for Indigenous Peoples’ Day
029
7/30/2021
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Early Fall: Annual presentation from SHA on projects in the City (schedule prior to CTP
discussion)
Fall: Annual police agency presentation
November, first regular meeting: Proclamation for Small Business Saturday
December: Approval of Annual Retreat agenda
MASTER LIST
2021 Quarterly Financial Presentations: January 26, April 27, August 10, October 26.
2021 Quarterly Appointments to advisory boards: January 12, April 13, June 15,
October 12
07-09-19: Input from staff and the Airport Authority about the GAO study on helicopters
in the City and helicopter noise in the region (15)
10-01-19: Discussion of signing on to the principles of the Maryland Advocates for
Sustainable Transportation – request of Mayor Wojahn
Discussion of additional roadway connectivity between City neighborhoods - AND –
Find options to reduce traffic on our major roadways (include Complete Streets) (40)
Terry Schum, Director of Planning; Steve Halpern, City Engineer; Robert Marsili,
Director of Public Works
02-04-20: Follow up discussion on certain events held in the City (Veterans and
Memorial Day events, MLK Tribute and Blues Festival)
Review of proposal for a pilot program for a rebate to homeowners for installation of
residential security camera systems - Bob Ryan, Director of Public Services (20)
Discussion of goals and purpose for City Events, and criteria for evaluating City Events
(30)
09-01-20: Discussion of a commemorative bench program – request of Councilmember
Kabir
09-15-20: Tax credits to homeowners for purchase of flood insurance – Councilmember
Rigg
11-4-20: Options to address traffic back up on Cherry Hill Road caused by Starbucks
Drive Through – Councilmember Kabir
12-01-20: Discussion on establishment of a Human Relations Commission –
Councilmember Mitchell
12-01-20: Discussion on holding a City-wide business roundtable – Councilmember
Mitchell
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7/30/2021
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Follow-up discussion on a City Youth Advisory Committee – Kiaisha Barber, Director of
Youth, Family and Senior Services (30)
03-02-21: Discussion of a Participatory Budgeting process (for next fiscal year) –
request of Councilmember Mitchell
Presentation on Accela land use CRM software
04-01-21: Construction Price Amendment / Change Order for the College Park Woods
Clubhouse project (20) - Robert Marsili, Director of Public Works
05-18-21: Consideration of a proposal for parking prohibitions at 4500 Beechwood
Road – Bob Ryan, Director of Public Services
November 9, 2021: Proclamation for Good Neighbor Day 10th anniversary
Discussion of rules and regulations for City parks and playgrounds
06-08-21: Update the list of City undeeded properties and review policy – Steve
Halpern, City Engineer and Suellen Ferguson, City Attorney
Discussion of the City and University dedication plaques at City Hall – Bill Gardiner,
Interim City Manager
07-28-21: Discussion of a Lakeland Revitalization Plan
031
7/30/2021
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