Mayor & City Council

Mayor and Council Minutes March 03, 2026 Page 1 MINUTES College Park City Council Meeting Tuesday, March 3, 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; Councilmembers Hernandez, Hew, Jordan, Simmons, Oates, Ranker, and Mitchell. ABSENT: Mayor Pro Tem Mackie ALSO PRESENT: Kenneth Young, City Manager; Laura Reams, Assistant City Manager; Yvette Allen, City Clerk; Stephanie Anderson, City Attorney; Jatinder Khokhar, Public Services Director; Nicholas DiSpirito, Student Liaison; and Amira Abujuma, Deputy Student Liaison. Mayor Kabir opened the meeting at 7:30 p.m. ANNOUNCEMENTS: The Mayor and Council shared announcements about upcoming events, recent activities, and community programs. Student Liaison Nicholas DiSpirito reported that the student advisory council has become more active and is working on a one-page informational guide about the Early Lease Ordinance (ELO) for distribution to landlords and students, including possible university-wide outreach. He also noted their research into how other cities address resident protections related to immigration enforcement (ICE) and ongoing discussions with the Council on community support efforts. Deputy Student Liaison Amira Abujuma shared that students remain engaged despite midterm season and are working with student organizations to connect them with City resources. She highlighted collaboration with Hearts in Action, which supports students with food and clothing, and noted discussions with the City Manager about potential City assistance, including use of the City’s grant application process. CITY MANAGERS REPORT: Kenneth Young, City Manager: reported that in response to federal job layoffs and rising regional unemployment, the City of College Park, in partnership with the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments, has launched a job search tool connecting residents to employment opportunities through nonprofits, universities, and workforce agencies. He also recognized Councilmember Mitchell for her role in supporting the initiative.  Mayor and Council Minutes March 03, 2026 Page 2 He announced that the Ruatan Street sidewalk project will resume the following week after weather delays, with completion expected as soon as possible. Mr. Young also invited residents to attend a budget listening session on March 4 at 6:00 p.m. at City Hall. PROCLAMATIONS AND AWARDS Mayor Kabir read the proclamations below: A. Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month B. Women’s History Month C. Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month D. Diversity Awareness Month E. U.S. Hostage and Wrongful Detainee Day AMENDMENTS TO AND APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA A motion was made by Councilmember Oates and seconded by Councilmember Mitchell to approve the agenda. The motion passed 7-0-0. PUBLIC COMMENT: David Dorsch, resident: Advocated for the City to sell the property at 4704 Calvert Road. CONSENT AGENDA: A motion was made by Councilmember Hernandez to approve the Consent agenda, which consisted of these items: 26-G-25 Approval of the Education Advisory Committee Public Education Grants 26-G-22 Approval of the January 6, 2026 Minutes The motion passed: 7-0-0. PUBLIC HEARING AND POSSIBLE ACTION: None ACTION ITEMS: 26-G-23 Approval of the Annual liquor license renewals Mr. Khokhar, Public Services Director explained that the item had previously been presented to the Council at the prior meeting and was deferred for additional updates. He reported that the spreadsheet provided to Council has since been updated and now reflects improved compliance, noting that five additional businesses have come into compliance since the last presentation. He stated that the list remains dynamic, as Notices of Violation (NOVs) continue to be issued  Mayor and Council Minutes March 03, 2026 Page 3 related to: • Non-residential occupancy permits • Lack of City liquor licenses Mr. Khokhar noted that re-inspections for the cited violations, as well as original inspections, are scheduled for March 6 and March 10, and that further updates will follow based on those inspections. He also referenced prior Council discussion regarding the letter sent to the Board of License Commissioners, noting that the matter has been reviewed internally and with the City Attorney, and invited the City Attorney to provide additional clarification. Questions and comments from the Mayor and Council were addressed. A motion was made by Councilmember Oates and seconded by Councilmember Hernandez to authorize the City Manager to transmit the revised draft letter to the Board of License Commissioners regarding the liquor licenses. The motion passed: 7-0-0. 26-G-26 Legislative Review Laura Reams, Assistant City Manager, provided an overview of the 2026 Maryland General Assembly session, noting that nearly 3,000 bills had been introduced and approximately 40 bills were being tracked for potential impacts on the City. Staff emphasized that legislation would continue to be monitored throughout the session. Questions and comments from the Mayor and Council were addressed. The Council discussed major State legislative proposals affecting annexation, elections, taxation, housing, and municipal authority, and expressed particular concern regarding annexation- related legislation and the proposed University of Maryland game-day surcharge. Council members emphasized: • Greater involvement of elected officials in legislative testimony. • Stronger engagement in Prince George’s County legislative discussions. • Better coordination with the City’s legislative consultants. • The need for more proactive advocacy on issues affecting municipal authority, economic development, housing, education, and land use. Staff will continue monitoring key legislation, add additional bills requested by Council members to the tracking list, provide summaries of City testimony and advocacy efforts, consult with the City’s legislative consultant regarding possible responses to SB 945 and other priority legislation, and explore the development of a more formal legislative priorities framework for future sessions.  Mayor and Council Minutes March 03, 2026 Page 4 REQUESTS FOR / STATUS OF FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS: Councilmember Oates requested that the Council consider discussing the potential creation of a Route 1 Corridor Cities Coalition. Motion passed: 7-0-0. This item will be added to the Future Agendas. Councilmember Oates requested review and potential revisions to the New Neighbors Homeownership Grant Program. Motion passed: 7-0-0. This item will be added to the Future Agendas. COMMENTS FROM THE AUDIENCE Hussain Waheed, a nonresident affiliated with the Advanced Technology Acceleration Initiative at the University of Maryland, commented on House Bill 1570 regarding procedures for the development and review of state government standards. He discussed the potential for such approaches to improve economic efficiency and support innovation. Avi Polirer, a resident, clarified that House Bill 774 ("Good Cause" legislation) applies only to counties and is not within the City of College Park's jurisdiction. He also expressed concerns regarding the use of Flock Safety cameras, referencing a recent installation near Home Depot in District 1. Mr. Palir raised concerns about privacy, data collection and sharing practices, potential misuse of collected information, and reported instances of misidentification associated with the technology. COMMENTS FROM THE MAYOR, COUNCIL, STUDENT LIAISON OR CITY MANAGER The Mayor and Council shared updates from recent meetings and community events. Student Liaison Nicholas DiSpirito commented on legislative issues, including House Bill 80 related to rental fee disclosure, and offered to assist if the City pursues support for the bill. He also encouraged continued review of legislation focused on resident protections, including immigration enforcement–related measures. City Manager Mr. Young invited residents to participate in an upcoming 6:00 p.m. budget listening session and noted that comments could also be submitted through the Clerk’s Office. He added that this would be the final listening session before the draft budget is released on March 20, with additional opportunities for input to follow. A motion was made by Councilmember Hernandez and seconded by Councilmember Ranker to adjourn. The motion passed 7-0-0. Mayor Kabir adjourned the meeting at 9:02 p.m.