Mayor & City Council

Minutes January 27, 2026 Page 1 MINUTES College Park City Council Meeting Tuesday, January 27, 2026 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 Mackie; Councilmembers Hernandez (By Zoom 7:35 p.m.), Hew, Jordan, Simmons, Oates, Ranker, and Mitchell (By Zoom). ABSENT: None ALSO PRESENT: Kenneth Young, City Manager; Yvette Allen, City Clerk (By Zoom); Melissa Flores, Assistant City Clerk; Stephanie Anderson, City Attorney (By Zoom); Rakhmel Rafi, Grants and Development Coordinator; Carlos Nunes, Senior Planner; Miriam Bader, Director of Planning; Nicholas DiSpirito, Student Liaison; and Amira Abujuma, Deputy Student Liaison. Mayor Kabir opened the meeting at 7:30 p.m. ANNOUNCEMENTS: Mayor Kabir thanked the Public Works Department for their hard work during the snowstorm. He also expressed appreciation to Neighbors Helping Neighbors, the Boy Scouts, the Council, and all volunteers who assisted senior residents with clearing snow around their properties. Councilmember Hernandez reminded residents that county resources and warming locations are available for anyone struggling during the cold weather and encouraged residents to reach out for help if needed. Councilmember Hew thanked the Public Works staff for their efforts in snow removal following the recent storm. He also recognized Girl Scout Troop 96 and Boy Scout Troop 740 for their assistance with Neighbors Helping Neighbors, helping to remove snow from 15 homes. Additionally, Councilmember Hew reminded residents of a county water alert and asked everyone to reduce water usage due to multiple water main breaks. Councilmember Jordan echoed appreciation for the Public Works staff and all volunteers involved in snow removal. She shared information regarding the County’s Operation Silver Shovel, which provides free snow shoveling to residents age 70 and older and individuals with disabilities by calling 311. Councilmember Jordan also encouraged residents to review winter safety resources available on the City website. Minutes January 27, 2026 Page 2 Councilmember Simmons expressed agreement with the remarks made by her colleagues. Councilmember Oates echoed appreciation for the Public Works staff and all volunteers involved in snow removal. Acknowledged all the parents who are outside playing with their children while schools remain closed through Thursday. Councilmember Ranker echoed appreciation for the Public Works staff and all volunteers involved in snow removal efforts. He noted that the City offers several emergency assistance grants and encouraged residents to visit the City website for additional information. Councilmember Ranker also welcomed University of Maryland students returning for the spring semester. Mayor Pro Tem Mackie echoed appreciation for the Public Works staff and volunteers for their work during recent snow events. She noted that it is Winter Salt Week and reminded residents that one cup of salt is sufficient to cover two parking spaces. She also recommended sweeping up unused salt and storing it in an airtight container for reuse in order to reduce environmental impacts. Councilmember Mitchell echoed her appreciation for the Public Works staff, Neighbors Helping Neighbors, Girl Scout Troop 96, and Boy Scout Troop 740 for their snow removal efforts. She reported that 60–65 seniors have signed up for assistance services through Neighbors Helping Neighbors, with additional calls continuing to come in. Councilmember Mitchell also announced that Prince George’s County Council Chair Krystal Oriadha host a Listening Session on Tuesday, February 3, from 6:00–8:00 p.m. at High Point High School. Nicholas DiSpirito shared that University of Maryland students are currently enjoying time off due to weather-related closures. He noted that both he and Amira Abujuma have been working with the Mayor, Council, and City staff on the Early Lease Ordinance, which is expected to come before the Council for a vote next week. Amira Abujuma shared that she has also been meeting with various student groups across campus to gather input on priorities for the upcoming semester as she completes her term. CITY MANAGER’S REPORT: Kenneth Young, City Manager, thanked the Mayor, Council, and residents for reporting issues during the recent snowstorm, which enabled City staff to respond quickly and keep streets passable. He stated that the City will be open during normal business hours, and advised residents to exercise caution due to icy conditions and low temperatures. Mr. Young reported that the County’s Operation Silver Shovel program is currently at capacity, though residents are encouraged to check for updates. He noted that the Prince George’s County landfill has reopened. City trash and recycling pickup will take place two days later than your normal scheduled day. Curbside food scrap collection is scheduled to take place on Minutes January 27, 2026 Page 3 Wednesday (1/27). Senior bus transportation services and senior social programs scheduled for Thursday and Friday have been canceled. Local businesses are reminded not to push snow or ice into cleared City streets, as this may lead to refreezing conditions. Mr. Young also advised residents to check WMATA for service updates, noting that Green Line trains only are serving the College Park–University of Maryland and Greenbelt stations. MARC trains are operating on an R schedule, with possible service changes. VEO service will remain suspended. AMENDMENTS TO AND APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA Mayor Pro Tem Mackie made a motion to approve the agenda as written. The motion passed 8-0-0. PUBLIC COMMENT: Sharon O’Malley, editor of College Park Here and Now and a resident of the Yarrow neighborhood in District 3, announced that beginning with the February issue, the newspaper will include four pages of news and information in Spanish each month in a new section titled College Park Aquí y Ahora. The initiative aims to better serve the growing Spanish-speaking population in College Park and help residents access local news, programs, and opportunities available in the city. David Dorsch, resident, advocated for the City to sell the property at 4704 Calvert Road. He also expressed concerns about publishing city information in languages other than English and shared his opinion that English should remain the primary language used for communications. Ashley Chaffin, representing Ranked Choice Voting Maryland. Thanked everyone who attended the RCV Day event at Board and Brew Café. She invited continued discussion on ranked choice voting and shared that the organization is available as a resource for the City and residents. She also noted that the topic is expected to come before the Council on February 10 and encouraged residents to share their views with Council. CONSENT AGENDA: A motion was made by Councilmember Ranker and seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Mackie to approve the Consent agenda, which consisted of these items: 26-G-10 Approval of the December 2 and 9, 2025 Minutes 26-G-11 Appointment of Board and Committee Members 26-G-12 Approval of the 2026 Mayor and Council Proclamations Minutes January 27, 2026 Page 4 26-G-13 Approval of Laura Reams as the Assistant City Manager 26-R-04 Approval of a Resolution of the Mayor and Council of the City of College Park supporting the Council of Government’s implementation of the DMVMoves The motion passed, 8-0-0. PROCLAMATIONS AND AWARDS Mayor Kabir read the proclamation for Muslim American Heritage Month. ACTION ITEMS: Quarterly Financial Report and Homestead Tax Credit Rate – Shannon Olive, Director of Finance Director of Finance Shannon Olive presented the City of College Park’s Second Quarter Financial Report (ending December 31, 2025), highlighting that the City is in a strong and stable financial position. Following the financial presentation, staff provided an overview of the Homestead Tax Credit, which applies to homeowners who occupy their property as their primary residence and does not apply to renters. 26-G-14 Recommendation to Prince George's County Planning Board on Detailed Site Plan Submittal, Branchville Crossing (DET-2025-010), 4810 Branchville Road, 87-unit, 4-story multi-family, affordable housing units for elderly or physically disabled families to utilize 4% Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC) Carlos Nunes, Senior Planner, explained that the request is for Council’s recommendation to the Planning Board for approval of the Detailed Site Plan, support to exceed the parking cap to allow 54 parking spaces, and approval of the Declaration of Covenants. The applicant addressed many of the City’s previous concerns, such as: • A Phase II noise study has now been submitted. • Many of the landscaping concerns have been addressed. • The developer will not be able to accommodate the mentioned crosswalks due to site constraints, but ADA curb-cuts will be installed on-site as requested and as appropriate. Matthew Tadesco, Counsel for Branchville Crossing Development Corporation, joined the meeting virtually and thanked the Mayor, Council, and staff for accommodating remote participation due to weather. He reported that since the last work session, the applicant has worked with City staff and legal counsel to finalize the Declaration of Covenants, addressing prior discussion items. He reiterated that the proposal is for an 87-unit affordable senior housing development, consisting primarily of one-bedroom units, and noted it represents a reduced density compared to the previously approved project. He emphasized that the Minutes January 27, 2026 Page 5 development would help meet the growing need for affordable senior housing in the City and Prince George’s County. A motion was made by Councilmember Jordan and seconded by Councilmember Simmons to recommend approval to the Planning Board of Detailed Site Plan DET-2025-010 and approval to exceed the parking cap as proposed by the Applicant and move to approve the Agreement and Declaration of Covenants between the Applicant and the City in substantially the form attached. The motion passed, 8-0-0. 26-G-15 Approval of a Contract of Purchase for 9315 Davidson Street, College Park Maryland from, Yasmeen Siddiqui for a purchase price of $230,000.00, plus settlement cost Kenneth Young, City Manager, stated that the acquisition of this property is intended to provide open space and community space within the College Park Woods community. He noted that the City has been pursuing the acquisition of the property for some time and that it would allow for passive recreational opportunities, community programming, and sustainability initiatives for residents. Mr. Young also recognized Carlos Nunes and City Attorney Stephanie Anderson for their work coordinating with Park and Planning and assisting with the grant applications related to the project. Mr. Young stated that the item before the Council is the contract for sale, which would allow the City to move forward with the acquisition. A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Mackie and seconded by Councilmember Mitchell to approve the contract of purchase and authorize the City Manager to proceed with the purchase of the property located at 9315 Davidson Street, College Park, Maryland 20740, in the amount of $230,000 plus settlement costs. The motion passed, 8-0-0. 26-O-01 Introduction of an Ordinance of the Mayor and Council of the City of College Park Authorizing the acquisition of certain real property located at 9315 Davidson Street, College Park, MD 20740, for a public purpose – Kenneth A. Young, City Manager and Stephanie Anderson, City Attorney. City Manager Young explained that the ordinance follows the City’s required process for the purchase or disposal of property, as outlined by State law. The ordinance authorizes the City to acquire the property located at 9315 Davidson Street from Yasmeen Siddiqui for $230,000 for a public purpose. Minutes January 27, 2026 Page 6 A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Mackie and seconded by Councilmember Mitchell to introduce Ordinance 26-O-01, authorizing the acquisition of certain real property located at 9315 Davidson Street, College Park, Maryland 20740, for a public purpose. The motion included scheduling the public hearing for Tuesday, February 24, 2026. The motion passed, 8-0-0. 26-G-17 Authorization of Change Order Funding for Duvall Field Phase 2 Renovation Project. Rakhmel Rafi, Grants Coordinator explained that staff is requesting authorization for the City Manager to execute five construction change orders totaling $355,553 for the Duvall Field Phase 2 renovation project. The proposed change orders include: 1. Guardrail end treatment installation 2. Flexi-paved pathway sections along Blackfoot Place to preserve existing trees 3. Infrastructure to support CCTV along the concession and band shell buildings. 4. Restoration of driveway and parking areas fronting the concession plaza (approximately 1,300 square yards). 5. Installation of solid sod as an alternative to seeding the athletic fields. Questions from the Mayor and Council were addressed by staff. A motion was made by Councilmember Simmons and seconded by Councilmember Jordan to authorize the City Manager to execute five construction change orders totaling $355,553 for the Duvall Field Phase 2 Renovation Project. The motion passed, 8-0-0. REQUESTS FOR / STATUS OF FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS: None COMMENTS FROM THE AUDIENCE: None COMMENTS FROM THE MAYOR, COUNCIL, STUDENT LIAISON OR CITY MANAGER Councilmember Mitchell: Councilmember Mitchell reported that she attended the Council of Government Transportation Planning Board meeting on the 21st, where discussions included DMV Moves initiatives and a recent visit by representatives to the City of College Park. She also shared that the Board presented the 2025 Commute Survey Results Report, which she plans to distribute to the Council. Additionally, Councilmember Mitchell expressed appreciation for the discussion on the Spanish-language edition of College Park Here & Now and encouraged that the City’s mission and vision particularly its commitment to inclusivity and diversity be highlighted in future weekly bulletins. Minutes January 27, 2026 Page 7 Mayor Pro Tem Mackie attended multiple regional meetings, including two Council of Governments (COG) sessions. At the Human Services Committee, members discussed potential changes to Affordable Health Care and Medicaid, as well as policy considerations and efforts in Northern Virginia to address the opioid crisis. She also attended the Chesapeake Bay Water Resources Policy Committee, where discussions focused on salt pollution impacts and possible changes to EPA grant funding that could present new opportunities for local jurisdictions, which she plans to explore with the City Manager. Additionally, she participated in the Four Cities meeting and a legislative gathering, as well as a Ranked Choice Voting meeting. Mayor Pro Tem Mackie expressed appreciation for the City’s efforts to expand Spanish language newspaper access, thanking Councilmembers Olson, Dernoga. and Fisher for their support and emphasizing the importance of language accessibility for the community. Councilmember Ranker expressed appreciation to the board and committee members appointed during the meeting, thanking them for their willingness to serve the City. Acknowledged the importance of volunteer service and noted that the contributions of residents with diverse skills and talents help strengthen the community and support the continued improvement of the City. Councilmember Oates expressed agreement with the comments made by the prior speakers. Mayor Kabir stated that he and Councilmember Hew toured Food for MD at The Flats, which provides meals to seniors and residents in need, and noted that the organization will be opening a new location on site. He also attended a Maryland General Assembly session, where he was recognized by the Vice Speaker, and joined Mayor Pro Tem Mackie at the Martin Luther King Jr. Day Breakfast hosted by the United Negro College Fund (UNCF). Additionally, the Mayor referenced the recent Four Cities meeting, noting that several action items were discussed and thanking Councilmembers and staff for their participation. He concluded by sharing that he will be attending the MD Mayors Conference for the next two days. Councilmember Simmons encouraged residents to stay safe during the icy weather conditions and thanked City staff for their outstanding response to the weather event. She noted appreciation for their efforts and for everyone attending the meeting. Councilmember Jordan attended a reception hosted by Senator Rosapepe and his wife. Senator Cory McCray, author of The Apprenticeship That Saved My Life, was a speaker at the event. Councilmember Hew attended the previously mentioned reception, noting that it was well organized and featured an inspiring speaker. The Councilmember also shared plans to attend an upcoming meeting of the Washington Metropolitan Council of Governments Climate, Energy and Environment Policy Committee and to meet with the U.S. Green Building Council regarding Building Better Green Communities. Additionally, Councilmember Hew expressed support for the Spanish language edition of the City newspaper, emphasizing the importance of keeping Hispanic and Latin American community members informed and engaged. Minutes January 27, 2026 Page 8 Councilmember Hernandez expressed support for College Park Here & Now’s initiative to publish a Spanish language edition of its hyperlocal news coverage. He noted the importance of helping Spanish speaking residents stay informed about community news and encouraged continued promotion of the resource to help build readership and awareness. Appreciation was expressed to College Park Here & Now and Streetcar Suburbs Publishing for launching the initiative. Nicholas DiSpirito echoed previous remarks thanking College Park Here & Now for making its publication more accessible to the Spanish speaking community. City Manager Young reported that the State has acknowledged the property on Rhode Island Avenue near the Hollywood Shopping Center, confirming that it qualifies for disposition. Staff will continue exploring opportunities to partner with the State to advance the project in alignment with the Governor’s affordable housing initiative. He also noted that the Council’s Grants Committee currently has vacancies due to two members no longer serving. The committee reviews grant applications and provides recommendations to the Council. ADJOURN Mayor Pro Tem Mackie made a motion to adjourn. The motion passed 8-0-0 and Mayor Kabir adjourned the meeting at 9:05 p.m. Closed Session January 6, 2026 At the conclusion of the January 6, 2026 Council meeting, a motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Mackie and seconded by Councilmember Mitchell to enter into a Closed Session. The possibility of the Closed Session was listed on the public meeting agenda. Mayor Kabir read the closing statement and indicated the Council would not return to open session: Pursuant to the Maryland Annotated Code, General Provisions Article, § 3-305, the Mayor and Council of the City of College Park are providing notice that they will meet in a Closed Session after this meeting to consider: 1. To consider the acquisition of real property for a public purpose and matters directly related thereto, and 2. To discuss the appointment, employment, assignment, promotion, discipline, demotion, compensation, removal, resignation, or performance evaluation of appointees, employees, or officials over whom this public body has jurisdiction; any other personnel matter that affects one or more specific individuals. The motion passed 8-0-0. The Closed Session began at 10:18 p.m. in the Council Chambers of City Hall. Mayor Kabir; Mayor Pro Tem Mackie; Councilmembers Hernandez, Hew, Jordan, Simmons, Oates, Ranker, and Mitchell. Also in attendance were Kenneth Young, City Manager; Minutes January 27, 2026 Page 9 Bill Gardiner, Assistant City Manager; Yvette Allen, City Clerk; Stephanie Anderson, City Attorney and Arelis Prez for the first portion of the Closed Session. Item# 1: The Council discussed the possible acquisition of a property for a public purpose. Council discussed a negotiating strategy, possible financing options, and possible uses of the property. No action was taken. Items #2 Staff provided an update to Council on discussions with certain individuals who are members of appointed bodies over whom the Council has jurisdiction. The Mayor and Council discussed individual appointees. No action was taken. A motion was made by Councilmember Simmons and seconded by Councilmember Oates to adjourn the meeting, and with a vote of 8-0-0, the Closed Session was adjourned at 11:17 p.m. Closed Session January 13, 2026 At the conclusion of the January 13, 2026 Council meeting, a motion was made by Councilmember Hernandez and seconded by Councilmember Simmons to into a Closed Session. The possibility of the Closed Session was listed on the public meeting agenda. Mayor Kabir read the closing statement and indicated the Council would not return to open session: Pursuant to the Maryland Annotated Code, General Provisions Article, § 3-305, the Mayor and Council of the City of College Park are providing notice that they will meet in a Closed Session after this meeting to consider: 1. To discuss the appointment, employment, assignment, promotion, discipline, demotion, compensation, removal, resignation, or performance evaluation of appointees, employees, or officials over whom this public body has jurisdiction; any other personnel matter that affects one or more specific individuals. The motion passed 8-0-0. The Closed Session began at 10:13 p.m. in the Council Chambers of City Hall. Mayor Kabir; Mayor Pro Tem Mackie; Councilmembers Hew, Jordan, Simmons, Oates, Ranker, and Mitchell. Also in attendance were Kenneth Young, City Manager; Yvette Allen, City Clerk; Stephanie Anderson, City Attorney and Teresa Way-Pezzuti, Human Resources Director. No action was taken. A motion was made by Councilmember Oates and seconded by Councilmember Simmons to adjourn the meeting, and with a vote of 7-0-0, the Closed Session was adjourned at 10:55 p.m. Minutes January 27, 2026 Page 10