Mayor & City Council

MINUTES College Park City Council Meeting Tuesday, February 6, 2024 7:30 p.m. – 10:52 p.m. HYBRID In Person in Council Chambers of City Hall Virtual over Zoom PRESENT: Mayor Kabir; Mayor Pro Tem Mitchell; Councilmembers Hernandez, Hew, Esters, Whitney, Mackie, Adams and Rigg. ABSENT: None. ALSO PRESENT: Kenneth Young, City Manager; Bill Gardiner, Assistant City Manager; Janeen S. Miller, City Clerk; Stephanie Anderson, City Attorney; Jatinder Khokhar, Director of Public Services; Kiaisha Barber, Director of Youth, Family and Senior Services; Alyssa Simmons, Education Support Specialist; Robert Marsili, Director of Public Works; Gary Fields, Director of Finance; Jim Miller, Parking Enforcement Manager; Michael Williams, Economic Development Manager; Dhruvak Mirani, Student Liaison; Gannon Sprinkle, Deputy Student Liaison. Mayor Kabir opened the meeting at 7:30 p.m. ANNOUNCEMENTS: Councilmember Hernandez thanked residents who attended the District 1 discussion last week and announced the NCPCA meeting on Thursday. Councilmember Hew announced the UMD Citizens Police Academy. Councilmember Esters announced the Lakeland Civic Association meeting on Thursday. Mayor Pro Tem Mitchell thanked those who attended the Information Meeting at 6:30 on the student housing subsidy proposal. She made an announcement in honor of Black History Month about the City’s elected Black officials. Councilmember Mackie thanked DPW staff for beautification efforts. Councilmember Adams thanked residents for comments on the student housing subsidy proposal. College Park City Council February 6, 2024 Page 2 Mayor Kabir said the comment period on the student housing subsidy proposal will remain open until Friday. CITY MANAGER’S REPORT: Mr. Young said the City’s Community Services Grant applications are now available online; the deadline to apply is February 29. He added that the Elderly Property Tax credit applications are being processed now. PROCLAMATIONS AND AWARDS: Mayor Kabir read the proclamations for Black History Month and Women’s Heart Health Month AMENDMENTS TO AND APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA: Request by Councilmember Whitney to move item 24-G-19 from Consent to Action. Motion by Rigg/Mitchell to move item 24-G-25 from Action to Consent, passed 8-0. Motion to approve agenda as amended, Mitchell/Whitney, passed 8-0. COMMENTS FROM THE AUDIENCE ON CONSENT AND NON-AGENDA ITEMS: James Nealis, resident: He did a Bing search and found that the USM has a $1.9B tax free endowment. 0.01 percent of that money would cover entire cost of the proposed housing subsidy. So why would the City pay for this and not the UMD. He also announced that one of the Navy Seals, Chris Chambers, who died in a mission off the coast of East Africa, was a UMD Alumni and was on the UMD Swimming Team. Mady Segal, resident: The UMD should be required to support student housing rather than the City. They seem to be more concerned about athletics than academics. She doesn’t want the UMD to go in the direction they are going. CONSENT AGENDA: A motion was made by Councilmember Esters and seconded by Councilmember Mackie to adopt the Consent Agenda, which consisted of the following: 24-G-18 Approve a final one-year extension to contract CP-20-05 with Level Green Landscape, LLC for right-of-way grass mowing for the term April 1, 2024, to March 31, 2025, as included in the existing contract terms and in conjunction with satisfactory completion of the initial term, at the contracted rate for year 5 (option year 2) of $101.55/acre. 24-G-24 Approval of a letter to the College Park Airport requesting that it take steps to transition from leaded aviation fuel due to its harmful impacts on human health. 24-G-21 Approval of minutes from the November 20, 2023 and the January 9, 2024 meetings. College Park City Council February 6, 2024 Page 3 24-G-25 Approval of a three-year contract extension with EDC for administration of AIMS Parking Management Solutions for the period February 1, 2024 through January 31, 2027, and the annual full-service ‘Software as a Service’ (SaaS) contract with AIMS Parking Management Solutions for software support, hosting, and maintenance of both software and hardware in the amount of $66,999.50, effective February 1, 2024 through January 31, 2025. The consent agenda passed 8-0. PUBLIC HEARING AND POSSIBLE ACTION ON ORDINANCE 24-O-01: Ordinance Of The Mayor And Council Of The City Of College Park Authorizing The Acquisition Of Certain Real Property Located At Pierce Avenue, W 35.2 Ft. Lot 14 (04-05) College Park, MD 20740, For A Public Purpose. Mr. Young reviewed the staff report. Councilmember Rigg asked if the lot is buildable. Mr. Young said we have inquired and are awaiting information from M-NCPPC. He added the Council has charged staff with purchasing property for open space in our communities and this is a rare opportunity to acquire a parcel; we weren’t necessarily expecting to build on this lot. Mr. Young said the question was raised of whether it is a non-conforming lot, and we don’t know that answer yet. Councilmember Rigg is concerned we could be overpaying for the property if we are using it for open space. He added even if it is a non-conforming lot, that doesn’t mean we can’t put something there. Councilmember Whitney said the SDAT assessment is $100K. Councilmember Esters said this is an opportunity to buy a lot before an investor buys it where there is a desire for community preservation. The community will have input on the use/development of the property. Councilmember Adams asked if the appraisal considered whether the lot is buildable? Councilmember Mackie asked if this property could be joined to a neighboring property if we allowed it to remain on the market? Mr. Young said we are trying to find out from the County if the property was legally subdivided. Councilmember Esters said there will be more discussion and research about the use of the property. We need to listen to the community. We are not trying to do anything with the property now. Mayor Pro Tem Mitchell said we are talking about purchasing a property in a neighborhood that we are trying to preserve; the oldest African American community in the County. This is a service we can provide to the residents in Lakeland. Public Comment: Maxine Gross, resident: Spoke in support of the purchase of this property. If this property was joined to another property an oversized house could be built, which is in opposition to the character of the Lakeland community. The community is discussing use of the space. The City has purchased property in other parts of the City, but not in Lakeland. She encourages the College Park City Council February 6, 2024 Page 4 Council to vote in favor. She thinks the price is appropriate and not excessive given the value of the property to the community as a whole. Bob Catlin, resident: Last year the City purchased property on Roanoke Place that is not buildable. Lot line adjustments are possible. Ruth Murphy, resident: Very grateful that the City is considering the purchase of this important property. Good potential in developing the property for the neighborhood. There being no further public comment, the Public Hearing was closed. Question about time sensitivity of this item. Mr. Young said action is required tonight to consummate this sale. Closing is February 29; if approved tonight the ordinance will be effective February 27. Motion by Councilmember Esters and seconded by Councilmember Whitney to adopt Ordinance 24-O-01 Authorizing The Acquisition Of Certain Real Property Located At Pierce Avenue, W 35.2 Ft. Lot 14 (04-05) College Park, MD 20740, For A Public Purpose. Councilmember Esters said there is the value of the property as assessed, and the value of the property to the community, and that both should be considered. Councilmember Rigg wishes we had a better sense of what was driving the price of the property adding it is an unfortunate precedent for property acquisition to pay above appraisal. Councilmember Adams said it appears this is an owner imposed deadline. He asked why we are not using Open Space funds. If we waited a few days we would know more about the potential use of the property. Councilmember Mackie asked questions about restrictions on use of Program Open Space funds. Mr. Young explained that no matter the use, we acquire the property by using General Fund dollars, then get reimbursed by Program Open Space if it is an eligible use. Councilmember Hew suggested a water feature to remind people of Lakeland’s past when there was a goldfish farm. Councilmember Esters reminded colleagues about the history of this community and the wrongs that were done. The motion passed 8-0. College Park City Council February 6, 2024 Page 5 ACTION ITEMS 24-G-19 Removed from Consent: Approval of a letter to the Board of License Commissioners to recommend that liquor licenses issued within the City of College Park be renewed for the following year and to authorize the City Manager to send a letter to the BOLC to that effect. A motion was made by Councilmember Adams and seconded by Councilmember Rigg to approve a letter to the Board of License Commissioners to recommend that liquor licenses issued within the City of College Park be renewed for the following year and to authorize the City Manager to send a letter to the BOLC to that effect. Comments: Bob Catlin, resident: Noted a mistake in the report: the Village Pump does allow Sunday sales. The report has been corrected. The motion passed 7-0-1 (Councilmember Whitney abstained due to her employment). 24-G-20 Award of FY 2024 Public School Education Grants to College Park Academy, Buck Lodge Middle, Paint Branch Elementary, Cherokee Lane, and University Park Elementary – Kiaisha Barber, Director of Youth, Family and Senior Services Ms. Barber introduced Alyssa Simmons, our new staff member who supports our education initiatives. This is the first round of education grants to be awarded this fiscal year; five of the possible 10. She reviewed the grant awards recommended by the EAC. Councilmember Mackie said there is still an opportunity for the rest of the schools to apply. Councilmember Hernandez hopes we can expand these programs in the future. Councilmember Rigg had questions about the Cherokee Lane application. He asked how we are assured the funds go where we think they are going. Ms. Barber said the schools submit a report at the end of the year, but we do not ask for receipts. She added that sometimes we go back and ask for more information before the applications come to Council. Councilmember Esters asked if we can require more information on the applications. Ms. Barber will take this request back to the Education Advisory Committee. Ms. Barber added that the grants for the PTOs/PTAs is a new program and it is taking some time to get the applications in. Discussion about how we can reach and assist the PTAs/PTOs. A motion was made by Councilmember Hernandez and seconded by Councilmember Hew that the City Council award the following FY 24 Education Grants: 1. $2,250 College Park Academy: CPA Business Signature Program College Park City Council February 6, 2024 Page 6 2. $2,750 Cherokee Lane Elementary: Outdoor Learning Plan 3. $2,750 Buck Lodge Middle: Positive Behaviors Interventions and Supports Incentive Program 4. $2,834.22 University Park Elementary: Special Education – Behavioral Supports 5. $8,000 Paint Branch Elementary: K-6 Field Trips/Assemblies 6. $200 PTO Grant Cherokee Lane Elementary for PTO promotional items The motion passed 8-0. 24-G-22 Creation of, and appointments to, a committee to make recommendations on the Vacant and Blighted Property Tax proposal Mr. Fields reviewed the staff report. Mayor Pro Tem Mitchell referred to information in the red folder from the County regarding vacant and blighted properties. Councilmember Mackie asked about a hardship situation. Councilmember Hernandez asked if there are three buckets: vacant, blighted, and vacant and blighted. Question about whether this will include commercial properties. The definition is still to be determined. Regarding possible use of a consultant - has any funding been allocated? There are consulting funds in Planning and Economic Development budget we could probably tap. Discussion of the charge, organization and structure of the committee. Staff prefers the committee have an official charge just like other City committees. Meetings will be held under the rules of the Open Meetings Act. Councilmember Adams cautioned about assigning the committee bullet #2. He wants them to take bullet #1, then come back to Council and get public input before moving forward. City staff would be involved after that point. Look at the City of Frederick roll out. Mayor Pro Tem Mitchell stressed using best practices from other municipalities in developing the definition. Discussion of possible composition of the committee. The question was raised if the Advisory Planning Commission could play a role. Mr. Young said he will determine who from City staff would support the committee. No action tonight. Return to a future meeting with the charge to the committee and options on composition. Council can forward recommendations. College Park City Council February 6, 2024 Page 7 DISCUSSION ITEMS A. Discussion of grants for senior and social sports leagues – Kiaisha Barber, Director of Youth, Family and Senior Services and Bill Gardiner, Assistant City Manager Ms. Barber reviewed the staff report. There is $30K in the FY ’24 budget. Identify what types of leagues are viable and would be appreciated by residents. Consider the social context, the facilities and the fields we have available, now and in the future. Send out a survey to find out what people are interested in. Consult with some of the sports leagues that are listed for feasibility. Ask residents of Attick Towers and Spellman House for their interest. Start small for first year. There may be non-City facilities we can use. Consider partnering with The Hall CP for pickleball. Bocci on grass. Duvall Field won’t be available this first year. College Park Woods Community Clubhouse will come on line next year. B. Legislative Review: Motion by Councilmember Rigg, second by Councilmember Adams, to support these bills:  Support for House Bill 0364 - Prince George's County - Traffic Control Device Monitoring Systems - Authorization PG 301-24  Support for House Bill 0212 - Vehicle Laws - Noise Abatement Monitoring Systems - Authorization  Support for Senate Bill 0155 - Vehicle Laws - Noise Abatement Monitoring Systems - Authorization  Support for House Bill 0601 and Senate Bill 0442 - Street Racing and Exhibition Driving The motion passed 8-0. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Councilmember Mackie asked about the creation of a City task force to analyze City roads for the safety of students who are waiting for buses and walking to schools. Councilmember Adams asked if we could refer this to the bicycle pedestrian advisory committee. Mayor Pro Tem Mitchell will submit a form to invite Attick Towers and Spellman House to a future meeting. Question on the status of the Youth Advisory Council. Ms. Alyssa Simmons, Education Support Specialist, hopes to bring back this spring. Councilmember Esters will submit the form for discussion with WSSC Water re rate increases. Mayor Kabir will submit a form to send a letter to the County Executive requesting to restore career staff to the Beltsville fire department. College Park City Council February 6, 2024 Page 8 Mayor Kabir will submit a form to provide sponsorship for the Branchville VFD 100 year anniversary. [10:30 p.m., Adams/Mitchell, motion to extend meeting, passed 8-0.] COUNCIL COMMENTS: Councilmember Rigg asked for the status of assuming some county permit processing. Councilmember Adams said the DogHaus is open now. Councilmember Hernandez said the City Hall businesses want a space for food delivery parking. AUDIENCE COMMENTS: James Patrick Garvin, resident, member of the Airport Authority: Regarding leaded aviation fuel. There are 10 different grades of aviation gasoline at the airport, each supports a different horsepower. He is not as concerned about exposure from the aviation fuel as he is from a commercial gas station. Right now the airport uses the lowest possible lead, and the FAA is guiding the process of changeover to unleaded fuel. John Hawvermale, non-resident, rental property owner: Asked about the purpose and need for student housing subsidy program. Why limit the grant money to just luxury apartments? Extend it to the rental of single family houses. Don’t limit their choices. Prince George’s County has a rent control program in place now. He uses the terms “modular” and “manufactured housing” interchangeably. Sean Woolums, law student and Property Manager for 42 single family homes in College Park: Concern about pilot program for rent subsidy. Single family rentals are more affordable than luxury highrises. Takes issue with the notion that PGPOA represents absentee landlords. He is a local manager with a local maintenance team. It is not always the rentals that are dilapidated. Yonah Gross, resident: student perspective on housing – its not great. It is hard to find housing in single family homes. Limited supply and high demand is not a good outcome. If the money goes to Pell grant students they are not necessarily the students who would be living in the luxury apartments. ADJOURN: Mackie/Adams 10:52 p.m. College Park City Council February 6, 2024 Page 9 Closed Session January 27, 2024 On Saturday, January 27, 2024, in the Council Chambers of City Hall, the Mayor and Council convened in an open meeting for the purpose of entering into a Closed Session and an Administrative Function session. The meeting was advertised in the usual manner and was open to the public. Mayor Kabir called the meeting to order at 8:07 a.m. A motion was made by Councilmember Rigg and seconded by Councilmember Mackie to enter into a Closed Session and an Administrative Function session. Mayor Kabir read the Closing Statement: Pursuant to the statutory authority of § 3-305(b) and § 3-104 of the General Provisions Article of the Maryland Annotated Code, the Mayor and Council will meet on Saturday, January 27, 2024, at 8:00 a.m. in the Council Chambers of College Park City Hall for the following purposes: 1) To consider the acquisition of real property for a public purpose and matters directly related thereto; 2) To consult with counsel to obtain legal advice; and 3) To perform an administrative function. Mayor Kabir added that the Council would not return to public session. With a vote of 8-0, the Council entered into the closed session at 8:10 a.m. Mayor Kabir, Mayor Pro Tem Mitchell, and Councilmembers Hernandez, Hew, Esters, Whitney, Adams, Rigg and Mackie were present. (Mayor Pro Tem Mitchell left early.) Also present were City Manager Kenneth Young, Assistant City Manager Bill Gardiner, City Clerk Janeen Miller (left early), and City Attorney Stephanie Anderson. Mayor Kabir was the Open Meetings designee. The Mayor and Council discussed the administration of their Rules and Procedures. They considered the acquisition of various parcels of land in the City that could be used for a public purpose, and discussed negotiating strategies, funding sources and possible uses of each property. No action was taken. At 12:54 p.m., a motion was made by Councilmember Rigg and seconded by Councilmember Adams to adjourn the closed session, and with a vote of 7-0, the meeting was adjourned.