Mayor & City Council

MINUTES College Park City Council Meeting Tuesday, October 28, 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; Councilmembers Hernandez, Hew, Esters, Whitney, Mackie, Ranker and Rigg (arrived 7:34 p.m.) ABSENT: None. ALSO PRESENT: Kenneth Young, City Manager (by Zoom); Bill Gardner, Assistant City Manager; Yvette Allen, Assistant City Clerk; Stephanie Anderson, City Attorney; Jatinder Khokhar, Director of Public Services; Carlos Nunes, Senior Planner, Michael Williams, Economic Development Director; Aniya Mills, Administrative Assistant; Nicholas DiSpirito, Student Liaison; and Amira Abujuma, Deputy Student Liaison. Mayor Kabir opened the meeting at 7:30 p.m. ANNOUNCEMENTS: Councilmember Hernandez: There are only a few Farmers Markets left for the year. Taking reservations for turkeys, reserve now. Coca Cola Consolidated and Hollywood Elementary School are partnering this school year for a Samaritans Feet event on November 12. Each student will receive a brand-new pair of shoes and socks along with a Hope Tote. Volunteers are needed from 8:15 am to 12:00 pm. Councilmember Hew: Thanked everyone who volunteered for Good Neighbor Day. NW China restaurant celebrated their anniversary this past Sunday. Come out to vote on Early Election Day or on Election Day. Councilmember Esters: Thanked Councilmembers Mackie, Ranker and Hew for their projects during Good Neighbor Day. Councilmember Whitney: This Saturday will be UMD’s homecoming football game with events taking place all day. Mayor Pro Tem, Mitchell: Thanked everyone who participated in Good Neighbor Day. Councilmember Mackie: Thanked UMD for arranging Good Neighbor Day. Lots of canned food was collected. College Park City Council Minutes October 28, 2025 Page 2 of 6 Councilmember Ranker: Thanked Public Works and the City Arborist for the tree planting in the Yarrow neighborhood. The City offers Emergency assistance grants, please reach out if you need assistance. Councilmember Rigg: Parkdale High School will host a “Come Out and Meet Dr. Grave and the Team to discuss the formation of a Parent Teacher and Student Organization (PTSO) on November 5, 2025, from 830 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. in the cafeteria. Nicholas DiSpirito: Hosting a Candidate Forum in Marshall Hall tomorrow. SGA voting on a resolution to support the Early Lease Ordinance. Amira Abujuma: The Advisory Liaison Council will be holding another meeting on Sunday. CITY MANAGERS REPORT: Kenneth Young, City Manager: 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. Wonder College Park will hold their ribbon cutting on November 6, 2025, at 4:30 p.m. The 2025 Maryland Tourism and Travel Summit will take place November 17 – 19 at The Hotel at the University of Maryland. PROCLAMATIONS AND AWARDS: Mayor Kabir proclaimed National First Responders Day. AMENDMENTS TO AND APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA Hew/Hernandez: Remove 25-G-111- Approval of a letter to the Governor Wes Moore, requesting the property at 9829 Rhode Island Ave, be evaluated as a site for affordable housing from Consent to Action Items. A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Mitchell and seconded by Councilmember Esters to approve the agenda as amended. Motion carried 8-0-0. PUBLIC COMMENT: Bob Catlin, resident: Holy Redeemer will hold their Harvest Bazaar on Friday, November 7th. The Berwyn District Civic Association will hold their annual Bonfire on November 15, 2025, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Also spoke about the old Washington Post Plant. CONSENT AGENDA: None PRESENTATIONS: A. Missing Middle Housing Presentation -Connor Klien, Karen Mierow and John Parks, Prince George’s County Planning Department College Park City Council Minutes October 28, 2025 Page 3 of 6 County staff explained that outreach will include surveys and discussions, and the City can assist by supporting the program, potential regulatory changes, and encouraging resident participation. It was noted that legislative changes must occur before construction of missing middle-middle housing can begin. They also described various incentives under consideration, such as fast-track permitting, reduced fees, density bonuses, by-right development, and pre-approved plans, to encourage this type of housing. They emphasized that incentives and fewer regulatory barriers tend to produce more housing than strict requirements. The earlier rezoning effort was intended as a foundation, with improvements planned later. Questions were raised about accessory dwelling units (ADUs). It was noted that all jurisdictions will be required by state mandate to allow ADUs by October 2026, and that a range of ADU types, detached, basement, internal, and carriage house, are being evaluated for their benefits, including seniors. Several Councilmembers expressed support for more affordable and missing-middle housing, noting challenges related to land use authority, the need to identify suitable sites, and concerns about out-of-town rental owners, over-occupancy, and developer profit motives. Some emphasized the need for more public housing options and the potential benefits of inclusionary zoning. County staff said they are still determining how missing-middle and ADU strategies will fit into regional housing targets. They noted that while the County has its share of affordable housing, much of it is not affordable to current residents. They hope to elevate the voices of residents who need diverse housing options. Councilmembers highlighted existing local efforts, such as an Affordable Housing Task Force and a nonprofit partnership project, stressing the importance of regulations that preserve neighborhood character and address rising home prices. Others emphasized that inclusionary units should be located within the developments themselves. A student liaison encouraged transparency in the process. B. Presentation of and discussion on the 2025 Permit Fees Analysis conducted by the Institute for Building Technology and Safety (IBTS)– Jatinder Khokhar, Director of Public Services A report on the City’s permit fee analysis was presented, noting that while rental unit fees did not require changes, several other fee categories, such as amusement devices, alcohol licenses, vendor/solicitor permits, temporary businesses, and missed inspections, may need updates or additions to the City Code. College Park City Council Minutes October 28, 2025 Page 4 of 6 The consultant explained that the analysis compared the City’s fees with those in several nearby jurisdictions and assessed whether adjustments were warranted. Staff emphasized the need for transparent and fair fees that balance costs with services. They also noted ongoing work to develop a formal structure for parades and special events, which are currently handled on an ad hoc basis. A detailed business process and potential fee adjustments will be brought back to Council in the future. PUBLIC HEARING None ACTION ITEMS: 25-G-111 Approval of a letter to the Governor Wes Moore, requesting the property at 9829 Rhode Island Ave, be evaluated as a site for affordable housing. Kenny reviewed the staff report. Mr. Young explained that Councilmember Hernandez requested the letter to be sent to Governor Moore for an evaluation of the property located at 9829 Rhode Island Avenue for senior or affordable housing. Councilmember Hew requested that the letter includes working on mixed use since there has been discussion regarding commercial use of the property. There was discussion regarding adding mixed use to the letter. A motion was made by Councilmember Hew and seconded by Councilmember Hernandez to include the language of mixed use in the letter. Motion failed 1-7-0. A motion was made by Councilmember Hernanzez and seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Mitchell to authorize Mayor to sign to sign a letter on behalf of the Mayor and Council expressing interest in having the property located at 9829 Rhode Island Ave be evaluated and considered as a site for development for affordable workforce or senior housing in College Park. The motion carried 7-1-0 (Hew). 25-O-15 Introduction of Ordinance 25-O-15, An Ordinance of the Mayor and Council of the City of College Park Amending Chapter 87 Building Construction § 87-23 “Fences, C. Front yard fences., to increase the maximum allowable height of front yard fences from three (3) feet to four (4) feet - Miriam Bader, Director of Planning and Carlos Nunes, Senior Planner Miriam Bader reviewed the staff report. She stated that the amendment would increase the maximum allowable height of front yard fences from 3 feet to 4 feet (provided the fence is not College Park City Council Minutes October 28, 2025 Page 5 of 6 located in the sight visibility triangle) aligning with Prince George’s County height standards and addressing several issues: • Safety: A 4-foot fence height is recommended for child and pet safety. • Consistency: Aligns City regulations with County standards to reduce confusion. • Efficiency: Reduces the number of variance applications and enforcement actions. • Equity: Lessens financial and administrative burdens on residents. A motion was made by Councilmember Whitney and seconded by Councilmember Esters to introduce Ordinance 25-O-15, an Ordinance of the Mayor and Council of the City of College Park amending City Code Chapter 87 “Building Construction” § 87-23 “Fences.”, C. Front yard fences., to increase the maximum allowable height of front yard fences from three (3) feet to four (4) feet provided the fence does not interfere with the sight visibility triangle. The Public Hearing will be held on November 12, 2025. 25-G-112 Agenda Items for the Four Cities Meeting in Berwyn Heights on November 6, 2025 A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem and seconded by Councilmember Mackie to approve Rising Energy Cost and Resources for Federal Government Workers for the College Park’s agenda items for the Four Cities Meeting. The motion carried: 8-0-0. WORKSESSION DISCUSSIONS: None REQUESTS FOR / STATUS OF FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS: None COMMENTS FROM THE AUDIENCE: None COMMENTS FROM THE MAYOR, COUNCIL, STUDENT LIAISON OR CITY MANAGER Councilmember Mackie: Attended the CPCUP celebration on their 100th house sale event. Councilmember Whitney: Attended her last Committee for a Better Environment as a Councilmember. Councilmember Esters: Acknowledged City staff regarding the Fall Cleanup. Councilmember Hernandez: Spoke about CPCUP and the homeownership program they offer. Volunteered at the Pregnancy Aide Center in College Park. Nicholas DiSpirito: Candidate Forum tomorrow. College Park City Council Minutes October 28, 2025 Page 6 of 6 ADJOURN A motion was made by Councilmember Hernandez and seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Mitchell to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried 8-0-0. Mayor Kabir adjourned the meeting at 10:00 p.m.