Mayor & City Council

MINUTES College Park City Council Meeting Tuesday, October 21, 2025 7:30 p.m. HYBRID In Person in Council Chambers of City Hall Virtual over Zoom: https://zoom.us/j/92398574069 PRESENT: Mayor Kabir; Mayor Pro Tem Mitchell (arrived: 7:53 p.m.); Councilmembers Hernandez, Hew, Esters, Whitney, Mackie, Ranker and Rigg. ABSENT: None. ALSO PRESENT: Kenneth Young, City Manager; Bill Gardner, Assistant City Manager; Yvette Allen, Assistant City Clerk; Melissa Flores, Assistant City Clerk; Stephanie Anderson, City Attorney; Gary Fields, Finance Director; Miriam Bader, Director of Planning; Robert Marsili, Director of Public Works; Carlos Nunes, Senior Planner; Jim Miller, Parking Enforcement, Manager; Nicholas DiSpirito, Student Liaison; and Amira Abujuma, Deputy Student Liaison. Mayor Kabir opened the meeting at 7:30 p.m. ANNOUNCEMENTS: Councilmember Hernandez: Thanked staff for College Park Day on Saturday, October 18th. October Cleanup will take place this Saturday, October 25, 2025, from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Councilmember Hew: Thanked staff for College Park Day. Hollywood Elementary will host its annual Trunk or Treat this Thursday. Good Neighbor Day will be held this Saturday. The Department of Environmental Safety, Sustainability & Risk (ESSR) celebrated its 50th Anniversary on October 16, 2025. Code Enforcement Officer, Derek Daves, was recognized. NW China restaurant will celebrate their 10-year anniversary. Councilmember Esters: The Hear & Now will host a District 2 Candidate Forum on Thursday, October 23, 2025, at City Hall. Councilmember Whitney: Leaves are turning, you don’t have to rake them. Curbside leaf collection will begin in November. Councilmember Mackie: Good Neighbor Day will be held this Saturday. A Health and Well- Being Fair will take place on Saturday, October 25 from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., at the Lakeland College Park Community Center. College Park City Council Minutes October 21, 2025 Page 2 of 8 Nicholas DiSpirito: Attended the CMAST meeting earlier today. He is excited to see the progress of the Early Lease Ordinance. Amira Abujuma: Holding a Candidate Forum on October 29th. CITY MANAGERS REPORT: Kennth Young, City Manager: Last Fall Clean Up will take place on Saturday, October 25 from 7:30 p.m. to 12:00 p.m. more information can be found on our website. Thanked UMD and Prince George’s County police as well as the Fire Department for attending College Park Day. The City was issued a Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for FY 24. Election Day: Tuesday, November 4, 2025, City Hall, Community Room, 7401 Baltimore Avenue from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.; Early Voting: Sunday, November 2, 2025, Davis Hall, 9217 51st Avenue from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. PROCLAMATIONS AND AWARDS: Th Mayor Proclaimed Maryland Economic Development Week and honored Helen Reniere in celebration of her 100th Birthday. AMENDMENTS TO AND APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA Councilmember Hernandez removed 25-G-106, Authorize the Mayor to request that M-NCPPC proceed with engineering and design of a pedestrian bridge crossing of the Northeast Branch at or near Location 2 as indicated in the October 7, 2025- MNCPPC presentation, from the Consent Agenda to Action Items. A motion was made by Councilmember Whitney and seconded by Councilmember Esters to approve the agenda as amended. Motion carried 7-0-0 (Mitchell, absent). PUBLIC COMMENT: Bob Catlin, resident: spoke about the IKEA, JTCC and the Washington Post Distribution Center. Dan Blasberg, resident: thanked Councilmembers Esters and Whitney for their work. Margaret Moskowitz, resident: Thanked Council for their help and listening to her concerns regarding an issue she had with Animal Control. CONSENT AGENDA: A motion was made by Councilmember Esters and seconded by Councilmember Hernandez to approve the Consent agenda, which consisted of these items: 25-G-104 Approval of a contract for Curbside Food Scrap Collections – Robert Motion By: Marsili, Director of Public Works 2nd: Vote: College Park City Council Minutes October 21, 2025 Page 3 of 8 25-G-107 Approval of a contract for Obvio Inc. Automated Traffic Law Enforcement Agreement -Jatinder Khokhar, Director of Public Services and Stephanie P. Anderson, City Attorney The motion carried: 8-0-0. PRESENTATIONS: A. Quarterly Financial FY2026 – Gary Fields, Director of Finance Mr. Fields reported that most items in the quarterly report align with expectations. He noted that the City received Real Estate Property Tax revenue in both September and October, and that revenue from the State Amusement Tax and Hotel/Motel Tax is anticipated at the start of the new calendar year. He explained that the significant expenses shown reflect the $2.6 million in annual interfund transfers, which are made as a single payment. He also noted that CPCUP, as well as Non-Departmental and Boards and Commissions expenses, are all paid in July. Mr. Fields concluded by thanking Mr. Olive for preparing the presentation. B. Community Preservation Trust Presentation on 5021 Lakeland Road – Orlando Velez, Director of Operations and Housing Initiatives, CPCUP Ms. Kennedy, Chair of the Community Preservation Trust (CPT), expressed excitement about speaking to Council and highlighted the Trust’s focus on partnership. She introduced Orlando Velez, Director of Operations and Partnership Programs. Mr. Velez explained that the Trust’s goal is to provide quality affordable housing and strengthen its partnership with the city. He highlighted the 5021 Lakeland property, purchased by the city in 2025 after the original home was destroyed in 2022, with support from the Restorative Justice Commission. The project will develop a new owner-occupied home, involving UMD students in community engagement. The home will be sold through Habitat, with a 0% interest loan for the buyer, and the Trust will hold the 99-year land lease, creating affordable homeownership for a family who might not otherwise have the opportunity. College Park City Council Minutes October 21, 2025 Page 4 of 8 PUBLIC HEARING Ordinance 25-O-11, An Ordinance of the Mayor and Council of the City of College Park Authorizing the acquisition of certain real property located at 8807 Rhode Island Avenue and 8811 Rhode Island Avenue, College Park, MD 20740, for a public purpose. City Manager Young reviewed the staff report. Public Comment: Dan Blassburg, resident: Spoke in favor of the Ordinance. Todd Larsen: Spoke in favor of the Ordinance. Alex Wenm resident: Spoke in favor of the Ordinance. Bob Catlin, resident: Spoke in favor of the Ordinance. Kelly Jordan, resident: Spoke in favor of the Ordinance. Susan Blassburg, resident: Spoke in favor of the Ordinance. A motion was made by Councilmember Whitney and seconded by Councilmember Esters to adopt Ordinance 25-O-11, an Ordinance of the Mayor and Council of the City of College Park Authorizing the acquisition of certain real property located at 8807 Rhode Island Avenue and 8811 Rhode Island Avenue, College Park, MD 20740, for a public purpose. Motion carried 8-0-0. 25-G-105: Permit Parking on Delaware Street between 48th Place and 49th Avenue 25-G-105 Public Hearing Permit Parking on Delaware Street between 48th Place and 49th Avenue – Jim Miller, Parking Enforcement Manager Jim Miller, Parking Enforcement Manager, reviewed the staff report. Mr. Miller stated that residents have had issues with construction workers and now residents from The Flats parking in the area. They would like to see the permits be 24 hours, 7 days a week. Larry Marcu, resident: people leave their cars there for several days at a time. No sidewalks and people walk in the street. With cars parked on both sides of the street all day long, it hard to maneuver. Betsy Pugel, resident: at the end of the block of Deleware Street there is a school bus stop. Part of having permits is to ensure that children are safe. If 24 hours is not viable, then maybe 2:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Michelle Bernard resident: there is a constant wall of cars on both sides of the street which makes the traffic flow a safety concern. College Park City Council Minutes October 21, 2025 Page 5 of 8 A motion was made by Councilmember Hew and seconded by Hernandez to approve permit parking on Delaware Street between 48th Place and 49th Avenue. The motion carried: 8-0-0 ACTION ITEMS: 25-G-106 Authorize the Mayor to request that M-NCPPC proceed with engineering and design of a pedestrian bridge crossing of the Northeast Branch at or near Location 2 as indicated in the October 7, 2025- MNCPPC presentation. Bill Gardiner, Assistant City Manager, stated that this letter is a follow-up to Council from our last meeting where M-NCPPC staff presented various options to Council. Based on comments from the meeting, staff drafted a letter to communicate the interests of Mayor and Council. Council raised concerns about the process for issuing letters, noting inconsistencies in whether letters are sent from the Mayor alone or from the Mayor on behalf of the council. Another asked how recipients can distinguish between letters from the Mayor alone versus Mayor and Council. It was clarified that letters from Mayor and Council should explicitly indicate this and typically include a statement referencing council approval. Councilmember Hew said he had a concern that we were recommending they build this bridge in the 100-year flood plain. A motion was made by Councilmember Rigg and seconded by Councilmember Ranker to approve a letter to M-NCPPC to proceed with engineering and design of a pedestrian bridge crossing of the Northeast Branch at or near Location 2 as indicated in the October 7, 2025- MNCPPC presentation. The motion carried: 8-0-0. 25-O-13 Introduction of an Early Lease Ordinance to establish the timeframe in which property owners must communicate an offer for a successive lease or notice of non-renewal to a current tenant Ms. Anderson, City Attorney, reviewed the staff report. She stated that Ordinance will amend the City Code for the timeline when lease can be renewed, when it is legally acceptable for the landlord to not renew the lease, and enforcement and remedies. Councilmember Rigg stated that he wanted to ensure that the fees did not apply to residents for not signing their lease within the 10 days, etc. Councilmember Ranker: stated prior to the meeting he learned that residents had been asked to re-new their lease for 2026 now. College Park City Council Minutes October 21, 2025 Page 6 of 8 A motion was made by Councilmember Rigg and seconded by Councilmember Hernandez to introduce Ordinance 25-P-13, an Ordinance of the Mayor and Council of The City of College Park, amending Chapter 125 “Housing Regulations”, Article I “General Provisions” By Adding § 125-18 to establish the timeframe in which owners must communicate an offer for a successive lease or notice on non-renewal to a current tenant. The Public Hearing will be held on November 12, 2025. 25-O-14 Introduction of an Ordinance to allow for amendments to Chapter 110-2, Penalties, as it is applied to Chapters, 87, 115, 125,138, 141,and 144 of the Code of the City of College Park for the purpose of increasing the maximum amount of a fine for a municipal infraction that may be imposed by a municipality to enforce ordinances and increase all tiered penalties and add tiers to penalties where are not currently defined. Jatinder Khokhar reviewed the staff report. Mr. Khokhar said the sections are frequently used by code staff. The State recently increased the maximum fine amount from $1,000to $5,000. Stephanie Anderson, City Attorney, said that the fines are meant to be a deterrent. Mr. Khokhar said the fines in the Ordinance seek to be fair. A motion was made by Councilmember Rigg and seconded by Councilmember Mackie to introduce Ordinance 25-O-14, an Ordinance to allow for amendments to Chapter 110-2, Penalties, as it is applied to Chapters, 87, 115, 125,138, 141,and 144 of the Code of the City of College Park for the purpose of increasing the maximum amount of a fine for a municipal infraction that may be imposed by a municipality to enforce ordinances and increase all tiered penalties and add tiers to penalties where are not currently defined. The Public Hearing will be held on November 12, 2025. 25-G-108 Approval of Property Use Agreement on Application for transfer of location of a Class C, Fraternal, Beer, Wine, Liquor License, College Park Lodge No. 453, Loyal Order of Moose, Inc. t/a Loyal Order of Moose 453, from 3700 Metzerott Road, College Park, Maryland 20740 to 8907 Baltimore Avenue, College Park, Maryland 20740 Stephanie Anderson reviewed the staff report. The president of Moose Lodge No. 453, Debbie Herbert, provided background on the organization, noting that it has been part of the community for 77 years. After selling its former property to a church, which later sold it again, the Lodge has been searching for a new location in College Park in order to remain in the city. The property at 8907 Baltimore Avenue, which includes a 2,400-square-foot building, is now available. College Park City Council Minutes October 21, 2025 Page 7 of 8 Council expressed appreciation for the organization’s community work and desire to remain in College Park but raised concerns about the proposed property location, particularly ingress, egress, and parking. She asked whether renovation plans would return to Council and emphasized the importance of engaging nearby residents. Staff indicated they were unsure if the plans would come back but could discuss requirements with legal counsel. Questioned the number of active members in the organization and stated support for the proposal. Council encouraged collaboration on next steps. Ms. Herbert noted that their submission was made over two months ago and asked whether anything more was needed to have it scheduled sooner. Staff confirmed the submission date and explained that Council questions typically arise once items are placed on the agenda. All renovation plans must go before the County for approval. They will be conducting a feasibility study on the property. Bob Catlin, resident: stated he saw that the liquor license was on the agenda and that it would not be nearly as controversial as the previous contract proposed under Chick-Fil-a. A motion was made by Councilmember Esters and second by Councilmember Whitney to approve a Property Use Agreement on Application for transfer of location of a Class C, Fraternal, Beer, Wine, Liquor License, College Park Lodge No. 453, Loyal Order of Moose, Inc. t/a Loyal Order of Moose 453, from 3700 Metzerott Road, College Park, Maryland 20740 to 8907 Baltimore Avenue, College Park, Maryland 20740, pending negotiations with the City Attorney. The motion carried: 8-0-0 WORKSESSION DISCUSSIONS: None REQUESTS FOR / STATUS OF FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Councilmember Hernandez: Send a letter to the office of the Governor Moore highlighting desire for programing of the State of MD DOL property to enhance the community and overall neighborhood for the property located at 9829 Rhode Island Rd, College Park, MD 20740. A motion was made by Councilmember Hernandez and seconded by Councilmember Whitney to add a letter to the agenda to Governor Moore asking to assess the possibility of using the property located at 99829 Rhode Island Avenue, College Park, MD, 20740 to create affordable or senior housing. The motion carried: 8-0-0 COMMENTS FROM THE AUDIENCE Richard Biffel, non-resident: spoke in opposition of the two ordinances introduced this evening. COMMENTS FROM THE MAYOR, COUNCIL, STUDENT LIAISON OR CITY MANAGER College Park City Council Minutes October 21, 2025 Page 8 of 8 Councilmember Hernandez: working with Parkdale High School for the establishment of a PTA. He said that Shoppers would soon be closing, and their last day of operation will be November 8. Councilmember Hew: toured with the police academy crime center. He commented that he was surprised that CPT did not mention the sale of their 100th home through their homeownership grant, which was in District 1. A motion was made by Councilmember Esters and seconded by Councilmember Whitney to extend the meeting. Motion carried 8-0-0. Councilmember Esters: acknowledged staff for meeting with the resident that was on earlier. Mayor Kabir: served on a panel for a journalism class. Councilmember Mackie: thanked students engaging with her and Councilmember Ranker. Councilmember Rigg: Expressed excitement of a new business opening in District 2 – Padel. District 3 ADJOURN A motion was made by Councilmember Whitney and seconded by Councilmember Esters to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried 8-0-0 Mayor Kabir adjourned the meeting at 10:31 p.m.