Mayor & City Council

MINUTES College Park City Council Meeting Tuesday, April 9, 2024 7:30 p.m. – 11:23 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; Janeen S. Miller, City Clerk; Elyse Daniels, Administrative Specialist; Stephanie Anderson, City Attorney; Jatinder Khokhar, Director of Public Services; Miriam Bader, Director of Planning; Steve Halpern, City Engineer; Robert Marsili, Director of Public Works; 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 Hew announced the North College Park Community Association meeting on Thursday, a community clean up on Saturday, and said the College Park Aviation Museum is hosting a home school day. Councilmember Esters said the Lakeland Civic Association meeting is on Thursday, and thanked the City for the street paving in north College Park. Councilmember Mitchell announced the College Park Woods Clubhouse ground breaking ceremony, and gave kudos to the Contract Police on recent police work in her neighborhood. Councilmember Mackie said the Hollywood Farmers Market opens Saturday. College Park City Council April 9, 2024 Page 2 Councilmember Hernandez also discussed the NCPCA meeting, the Hollywood Farmers Market and the community clean up. He reminded people to participate in the College Park Parade on May 4. Mr. Mirani said the Student Liaisons held a press conference on McKeldin Mall to call for higher wages for incarcerated workers at Maryland Correctional Enterprises. The Student Liaison and Deputy Student Liaison applications close this week and interviewes will be held next week. Mr. Sprinkle commented on the last tenants’ union meeting. CITY MANAGER’S REPORT: Mr. Young announced No Mow April month, the Farmers Market, College Park Woods Clubhouse ground breaking ceremony, the Can-Ducky Derby, the clean up Saturday schedule, and said the new website launches April 15. AMENDMENTS TO AND APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA: A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Mitchell, seconded by Councilmember Whitney, to add an agenda item to the Consent Agenda: a letter to the County Council in support of CR-009-2024, School Pedestrian Safety Workgroup. The motion passed 8-0. A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Mitchell and seconded by Councilmember Rigg to approve the agenda as amended. The motion passed 8-0. COMMENTS FROM THE AUDIENCE ON CONSENT AND NON-AGENDA ITEMS: Maxine Gross, resident, Chair of the Restorative Justice Commission: Announced an event called “Lakeland In Root Shock” based on the book “Root Shock” by Mindy Thompson Fullilove. David Dorsch, resident: Thanked the City for sending the Senior Tax Credit check for $150. Aren’t you talking about giving students $1,500? And they aren’t even residents or tax payers. Something is wrong here. John Oliver Frederick, Small Business Administration: College Park is located in the economic industry disaster zone. There is a loan program for businesses that are impacted by the fall of the Francis Scott Key Bridge. Information will be circulated. CONSENT AGENDA: A motion was made by Councilmember Mitchell and seconded by Councilmember Whitney to adopt the Consent Agenda, which consisted of the following: College Park City Council April 9, 2024 Page 3 24-G-54 Letter of support to M-NCPPC for the renaming of the Lake Artemesia Natural Area to the Lake Artemesia at Lakeland Natural Area 24-G-55 Letter of support to M-NCPPC for the renaming of the College Park Community Center to the Lakeland College Park Community Center 24-G-60 Approval of Minutes from the March 23, 2024 Budget Worksession; the April 2, 2024 Budget Worksession; and the March 19, 2024 Council Meeting. 24-G-61 Letter to Prince George’s County Council in support of CR-009-2024, School Pedestrian Safety Workgroup The motion passed 8-0. PUBLIC HEARING AND POSSIBLE ACTION: 24-G-56 Recommendation for roadway design improvements in the 7200 block of Rhode Island Avenue (formerly, Traffic Calming) Mr. Halpern reviewed the staff report. Councilmember Rigg asked if the recommendations could create a problem with stormwater drainage. Mr. Halpern said no. Councilmember Adams asked if flex bollards would work at the Harvard and Rhode Island intersection. Mr. Halpern said that would be an option. Public Comment: Mark Shroder, Chair, Bicycle Pedestrian Advisory Committee: The BPAC reviewed and endorsed this proposal. He does not see a problem with the suggestion for flex bollards. Dave Dorsch, resident: What is the cost? Answer $5,000. This is costly and unnecessary. Will not prevent anyone who wants to go the wrong way from doing so. Instead install a camera that will take pictures and send the car a ticket. Sidewalks are needed on this street, and on Dartmouth. Aaron Springer, resident: Prefers to see nothing happen on the road here. The additional curb could be an obstacle that a bicycle could hit. Prefers paint and plastic bollards instead of concrete. College Park City Council April 9, 2024 Page 4 Henry Gue, resident: Is concerned that the obstructions in the road could increase conflicts with bicycles. These proposed changes cut down on a safe escape route for cyclists. Vote no on this proposal. Sarah Cutler, resident: She is interested in hearing more about the bollards and the striping. A motion was made by Councilmember Adams and seconded by Councilmember Rigg to authorize the following roadway design improvements in the 7200 Block of Rhode Island Avenue:  At the intersection of Rhode Island Avenue and Calvert Road: A concrete curb barrier with a planted interior to separate the road into two lanes: one 11-feet wide for motor vehicles and bicycles entering Rhode Island Avenue from Calvert Road; and the other 5-feet wide for bicycles traveling opposite to the prevailing direction of vehicular traffic;  At the intersection of Rhode Island Avenue and Harvard Road: flex bollards and on-road striping to prevent motor vehicles from travelling the wrong way on Rhode Island Avenue. Councilmember Adams sees this as a good balance. We can try it and see how it works, and make changes in the future if needed. Mr. Halpern said he concurs with the motion. Councilmember Rigg believes this is a reasonable compromise. The roadway carries a lot of bicycle and vehicular traffic. The motion passed 8-0. ACTION ITEMS 24-G-57 Preliminary Plan of Subdivision (PPS 4-23002) for Project Turtle by LV Collective to create a 2.71-acre parcel along the east side of Baltimore Avenue between Melbourne Place and Navahoe Street. Ms. Bader reviewed the staff report. College Park City Council April 9, 2024 Page 5 Councilmember Whitney wants to have the applicant’s agreement with the Lakeland community added to the Declaration of Covenants. She asked whether the completed project for The Flats was taken into consideration for the 2022 traffic study. Councilmember Hernandez asked about a curbside drop off for ride share and mobile delivery services. Ms. Bader said that is provided on Melbourne Place. He asked about the construction traffic and the timing of the construction. Councilmember Adams said there might be a need for a pedestrian crossing at Navahoe across Route 1 due to the added density. Councilmember Esters asked if the UMD was fully in person when the traffic study was done. Tom Haller, attorney for the applicant: This is the first of two applications. This is the Preliminary Plan of Subdivision; later they will come with the Detailed Site Plan. Right now there are 5 driveway entrances on Route 1 to the property; after the development there will be no driveway entrances on Route 1, with primary access to the project on Melbourne Place. They have worked with the fire department that is located across Melbourne Place. This application was submitted and will be processed under the old zoning ordinance. Presentation from the developer LV Collective, Andre Sahakian. He reviewed their other student housing projects around the country. Mayor Kabir and Councilmembers Whitney and Esters disclosed that they have met with the developer prior to tonight’s presentation. The project will include space for the Lakeland Legacy Center. The space will be turned over to the Lakeland Community Heritage Project in August 2027. Terms are spelled out in a draft lease: 20-year term that renews automatically for additional 20-year terms in perpetuity with no cost to the Lakeland community. Questions: Was multi-generational housing considered? Yes, but their model is purpose-built student housing that is leased by the bed. Some of the townhouse units have stairs. Price range to students? Price range is not currently determined; the rate will be set by the market when leasing begins. College Park City Council April 9, 2024 Page 6 Are they working with any of the businesses that were displaced: Agreements are in place with multiple of the former tenants to come back if they desire. Taqueria Habanero is operating a food truck on the site. Securing the property: Plan to fence off the site in mid-May. Pulling permits now. Will the rental rates for the commercial spaces be in line with the previous rents? Agreements in place with some of the previous tenants, the rest will be leased at market rate. Request to include this in the Declaration of Covenants. Can any of the units be affordable housing? Is this luxury living or middle of the road? Top tier, with a dedication toward design to make it luxurious. Will be priced in the competitive market. Hospitable businesses environment: what is their plan to keep the businesses in operation rather than having vacant storefronts. Dedicated retail parking. Entrances oriented toward the intersection. Be proactive about rodents when demolition begins. Do more solar. Be mindful of security and safety of our students. Address parking for retail and visitors on site – we don’t want them parking in the neighborhood. Hopes civic engagement with Lakeland won’t end when the building is constructed. Mr. Haller stated that the applicant is in agreement with the conditions. A motion was made by Councilmember Esters and seconded by Councilmember Whitney to support Preliminary Plan of Subdivision 4-23002 and the two variation requests (Public Utility Easement waiver and Flood Plain Setback waiver) with the following conditions: 1. At the time of DSP, to better address the intent of the Mandatory Dedication of Parkland requirement, the applicant shall provide areas that can be accessed and used by the general public such as outdoor seating and eating areas, walking areas, fitness areas, and/or open play areas. 2. Prior to supporting DSP approval, the Applicant shall execute a Declaration of Covenants and Agreement with the City that includes the following provisions at a minimum: PILOT to City if the property becomes tax exempt; unitary management and condominium conversion requirements; acknowledgement of responsibility for maintenance of pedestrian light fixtures, landscaping, and sidewalks; public access easements, if needed, and College Park City Council April 9, 2024 Page 7 consider an outdoor public art feature, which can be matched by City funds (up to $15,000) and incorporates the conditions identified in the MOU, as appropriate, and arrangements for construction parking and staging. Maxine Gross, resident: Thanked LV for working with the Lakeland community. Supports staff conditions. Encourages use of BPIS funds in the Lakeland neighborhood. Regarding BPIS: Staff said discussions were held with Engineering staff and some of the items have already been done. Request by Council for discussion about the use of the BPIS funds. They are required to be within ½ mile of the site. Consider lighting on the Trolley Trail in the Lakeland section. Council wants to know more about this. The motion passed 8-0. 24-G-58 Discussion and possible action with respect to the City’s position to the Historic Preservation Commission re the proposed Hillel security fence on Yale Avenue Ms. Bader reviewed the staff report. The Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) is meeting on April 16 to review the Hillel request. They are recommending approval of the HAWP application as presented. Larry Taub, attorney for the applicant. Councilmember Hew doesn’t like the spikes on top of the security fence; can they be squared-off. Mr. Taub said this is a security fence recommended by their security consultant and this is an important aspect to the fence to discourage anyone trying to get across. A motion was made by Councilmember Rigg and seconded by Councilmember Adams that the City Council support approval of the design for the proposed security fence at the Hillel Jewish Cultural Center on Yale Avenue to the Historic Preservation Commission. The motion passed 7-1-0 (Hew opposed). 24-G-59 Presentation of the final report from the Needs-Based Student Housing Subsidy Subcommittee, acceptance of the report by Council, and discharge of the Subcommittee – Mayor Pro Tem Mitchell College Park City Council April 9, 2024 Page 8 Mayor Pro Tem Mitchell reviewed the staff report and thanked the subcommittee for their work on the project report. Action on the proposal will be taken at the April 16 meeting. A motion was made by Councilmember Rigg and seconded by Councilmember Hernandez that the City Council accept the report from the Subcommittee on a Needs-Based Student Housing Subsidy Pilot Program, and discharge the Subcommittee with our thanks. Richard Biffl, nonresident taxpayer: Spoke against the subsidy (comments attached). Taxpayers have no interest in subsidizing the students, eligibility has not been decided, this does not make apartments more affordable, this is a “rent raffle.” Councilmember Hernandez acknowledged that some aspects of the proposal have been left up to Council. Councilmember Adams said there are lessons to be learned when charging a committee to be clear on the charge and the voting members. The motion passed 8-0. DISCUSSION ITEMS 1. Presentation by UMD on the Bright Horizons/UMD Child Development Center on Calvert Road Carlo Colella, Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer, University of Maryland. Mr. Colella reviewed the PowerPoint. The facility is managed by Bright Horizons. Facility is licensed for up to 120 students, ages 6 weeks to five years. 107 students currently enrolled. Infant and toddler fully occupied with waiting list; upper grades still have capacity. Tuitions range depending on age. They recently received accreditation. Currently operating at a loss. Councilmember Adams disclosed that his 1-year-old is an infant at the Center. It is a great amenity but the cost is out of reach for some of our residents. Is there a way to limit cost increases? Are there opportunities to make this more affordable for our College Park City Council April 9, 2024 Page 9 residents? Should the ingress/egress be made one way in, one way out? Can it be designated as a school zone? Mayor Pro Tem Mitchell said the cost to receive and maintain accreditation is high and reminded everyone that Bright Horizons is a for-profit entity. Teacher-child ratio at the younger ages comes at a cost. Question about discounts when siblings are enrolled. Councilmember Hernandez asked about advertising, scholarships, and whether there are any students or staff that are bilingual. [10:30 Motion to extend Rigg/Adams, passed 8-0.] Councilmember Rigg said we invest money into programs for our older residents and perhaps we could consider investing in this age demographic. 2. Discussion with WSSC Water on FY 25 budget and possible rate hikes: Munetsi Timothy Musara, Chief Financial Officer, and Letitia Carolina-Powell, Budget Division Manager from WSSC, reviewed their presentation. Their proposed budget was transmitted to County on March 1 and the County is holding budget hearings now. An 8.5% budget increase is proposed. There have been no drinking water quality violations in their history. They are self-funded; no local appropriations. There are some deferred capital improvements which delay water main replacement. [11:00 p.m. Rigg/Mitchell, motion to suspend the rules to continue the meeting, passed 8-0.] Discussion: Addressing customer service wait times. Programs to help residents decrease their water usage. Notifying the public about rate increases. Their system does not support monthly billing. Information on how to use unmetered water is on their website – it requires use of a submeter installed by a plumber. Unprecedented number of water main breaks in January and February. Capital funding for infrastructure investment is the best solution to water main breaks. Question about water quality issues at the schools. He will get back to us on this. 3. Legislative Review - Move to the April 16 meeting, Rigg/Hernandez, passed 8-0. College Park City Council April 9, 2024 Page 10 REQUESTS FOR / STATUS OF FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS - None COMMENTS: Mayor Kabir: Establish the Student Liaison Selection Committee: Mayor, Councilmember Mackie and Councilmember Hernandez. Interviews will be next week by Zoom. Councilmember Adams: Cost of child care; need for affordable housing. Mr. Sprinkle announced his candidacy for SGA Vice President. ADJOURN: 11:23 p.m., Rigg/Whitney, passed 8-0. Respectfully submitted by Janeen S. Miller, City Clerk