City Council

City of Hyattsville Hyattsville Municipal Building 4310 Gallatin Street, 3rd Floor Hyattsville, MD 20781 (301) 985-5000 www.hyattsville.org Meeting Minutes Monday, March 21, 2022 7:00 PM Register in advance for this webinar: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_fzNKtYt7R8uSF7hGpquf2A Virtual City Council Robert S. Croslin, Mayor Joseph Solomon, Council President, Ward 5 Danny Schaible, Council Vice President, Ward 2 Sam Denes, Ward 1 Joanne Waszczak, Ward 1 Ben Simasek, Ward 3 Jimmy McClellan, Ward 3 Edouard Haba, Ward 4 Daniel Peabody, Ward 4 Rommel Sandino, Ward 5 ADMINISTRATION Tracey E. Douglas, City Administrator Laura Reams, City Clerk, 301-985-5009, cityclerk@hyattsville.org City Council Meeting Minutes March 21, 2022 WELCOME TO THE CITY OF HYATTSVILLE CITY COUNCIL MEETING! Your participation at this public meeting is valued and appreciated. This agenda item was Approved. AGENDA/PACKET: The Agenda/Packet is available for review at the Hyattsville Municipal Building and online at www.hyattsville.org prior to the scheduled meeting (generally available no later than the Friday prior to the scheduled Monday meeting). Please note, times given for agenda items are estimates only. Matters other than those indicated on the agenda may also be considered at Council discretion. AMERICANS WITH DISABILITY ACT: In compliance with the ADA, if you need special assistance to participate in this meeting or other services in conjunction with this meeting, please contact the City Clerk’s Office at (301) 985-5009. Notification 48 hours prior to the meeting will enable the City to make reasonable arrangements to ensure accessibility to this meeting. AUDIBLE DEVICES: Please ensure all audible devices are turned off or otherwise not audible when the City Council is in session. Thank you. PUBLIC INPUT: If you wish to address the Council during the Public Comment period, please use the "Raise Hand" feature in the virtual meeting interface. Participants may also submit statements electronically using the eComment feature at www.hyattsville.org/meetings or via email to cityclerk@hyattsville.org no later than two (2) hours prior to the start of the meeting. All participants shall remain respectful in their contributions and associated functions of the virtual meeting interface are not intended for public dialogue or discussion. WAYS TO WATCH THE MEETING LIVE: City Council meetings are broadcast live on cable television channel 71 (Comcast) and channel 12 (Verizon). You may also view meetings live online at hyattsville-md.granicus.com/MediaPlayer.php?camera_id=2 REPLAY SCHEDULE: The meetings will be re-broadcast on cable television, channel 71 (Comcast) and channel 12 (Verizon) daily at 7:00 a.m., 1 p.m., and 8 p.m. Meetings are also able for replay online at www.hyattsville.org/meetings. CITY INFORMATION: Sign up to receive text and email notifications about Hyattsville events, government, police and programs at www.hyattsville.org/list.aspx INCLEMENT WEATHER: In the event of inclement weather, please call 301-985-5000 to confirm the status of the Council meeting. Page 1 of 14 City Council Meeting Minutes March 21, 2022 Meeting Notice: As we continue to take precautions due to the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic, the Hyattsville City Council will hold its meeting on Monday, March 21, 2022 remotely via video conference. The Council meeting will be conducted entirely remotely; there will be no in-person meeting attendance. The meeting will be broadcast live on cable television channel 71 (Comcast), channel 12 (Verizon), and available via live stream at www.hyattsville.org/meetings. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION: If you wish to address the Council during the Public Comment period, please use the "Raise Hand" feature in the virtual meeting interface. Participants may also submit statements electronically using the eComment feature at www.hyattsville.org/meetings or via email to cityclerk@hyattsville.org no later than two (2) hours prior to the start of the meeting. All participants shall remain respectful in their contributions and associated functions of the virtual meeting interface are not intended for public dialogue or discussion. Members of the public who wish to comment during the virtual Council meeting must register in advance using the link below. https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_fzNKtYt7R8uSF7hGpquf2A 1. Call to Order and Council Roll Call Also Present: City Administrator-Tracey Douglas Assistant City Administrator-Jim Chandler City Treasurer-Ron Brooks Chief of Police-Jarod Towers Director of Public Works-Lesley Riddle Director of Community Servies-Sandra Shepherd City Clerk-Laura Reams The meeting was called to order at 7:04 PM. Present: Councilmember Rommel Sandino Councilmember Sam Denes Councilmember Joanne Waszczak Councilmember Ben Simasek Councilmember Jimmy McClellan Councilmember Edouard Haba Councilmember Daniel Peabody Council President Joseph Solomon Mayor Robert Croslin Council Vice-President Danny Schaible 2. Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag Page 2 of 14 City Council Meeting Minutes March 21, 2022 3. Approval of Agenda Councilmember Simasek motioned to add motion (HCC-293-FY22) to send correspondence to the district council rescinding the March 9th letter regarding the Suffrage Point Conceptual Site Plan and reiterating the Council's position regarding density and net acreage calculations. A motion was made by Council Vice-President Schaible, seconded by Councilmember Peabody, that this was Approved as Amended. The motion carried by the following vote: Aye: Croslin, Schaible, Denes, Waszczak, Simasek, McClellan, Haba, Peabody, Solomon, and Sandino 4. Public Comment (7:10 p.m. – 7:20 p.m.) Complete Speaker Card, Limit 2 minutes per speaker Greg Smith provided an oral comment giving updates and concerns regarding Suffrage Point. Melissa Schweisguth provided an oral comment in support of West Hyattsville Traffic Study. David Marshall provided a written comment expressing concerns about HCC-284-FY22, and in opposition to HCC-287-FY22, HCC-291-FY22, and HCC-279-FY22. 5. Community Notices and Meetings 5.a. Main City Calendar: March 22 - April 4, 2022 HCC-290-FY22 N/A Sponsors: City Administrator Attachments: City Calendar_Mar 22- Apr 4 2022 6. City Administrator Update (7:25 p.m. - 7:35 p.m.) City Administrator Tracey Douglas provided updates about City related news and events. 7. Presentations (7:35 p.m. - 7:55 p.m.) Page 3 of 14 City Council Meeting Minutes March 21, 2022 7.a. Hyattsville Middle School Construction Update HCC-278-FY22 N/A Sponsors: City Administrator Jason Washington from Prince George's County Public School District provided an update on the construction and community outreach regarding Hyattsville Middle School. Councilmember Denes asked about repair to roads due to heavy construction vehicles. Mr. Washington replied that road repair is not currently in the plan but could be considered if there is documented damage. Council Vice-President Schaible asked about the color of the school. Mr. Washington replied that the school would be blue and gray. Councilmember Waszczak asked about issues experienced by displaced students at their swing schools. Mr. Washington gave updates about the physical improvements to the Goddard campus and the effort to bring all students together to a single campus. He also gave an update on the status of the proposed upgrade to Hyattsville Elementary School. Councilmember Solomon asked what types of schools are being considered for the next phase of school improvements. Mr. Washington responded that the majority of the need in the County is currently at the elementary school level and that affordability is also a consideration. Councilmember Solomon advocated for Nicholas Orem Middle School to be improved. 8. Consent Items (7:55 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.) Items listed on the Consent Agenda are considered routine in nature, and are approved in one motion. There will be no separate discussion of these items unless the Mayor/Council request specific items be removed from the Consent agenda for separate action. A motion was made by Council Vice-President Schaible, seconded by Councilmember Simasek, to approve the Consent Agenda. The motion carried by the following vote: Aye: Croslin, Schaible, Denes, Waszczak, Simasek, McClellan, Haba, Peabody, Solomon, and Sandino Page 4 of 14 City Council Meeting Minutes March 21, 2022 8.a. Memorandum of Understanding with Prince George’s County for HCC-277-FY22 Youth@Work/Summer Enrichment Program I move that the Mayor and Council authorize the City Administrator to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding with Prince George’s County Office of Human Resources Management to participate in the County’s Summer Youth@Work/Summer Enrichment Program. This program provides paid summer work opportunities to County youth ages 14-22. Under this Agreement, the City will act as a host worksite, providing summer employment for up to 20 program participants. Sponsors: City Administrator Attachments: City of Hyattsville 2022 MOU 8.b. Support for CB-14-2022 - Accessory Disposable Food Service Ware HCC-285-FY22 I move that the Interim Mayor and City Council submit testimony to the County Council in support of CB-014-2022, “An Act Concerning Accessory Disposable Food Service Ware”, in order to reduce waste and spread awareness among local businesses and residents. Sponsors: Simasek, Croslin, McClellan, Schaible, Solomon, Sandino, Waszczak and Denes 8.c. Schedule Public Hearing for Traffic Calming Petition - Lancer Drive HCC-286-FY22 I move that the City Council schedule a Public Hearing for Monday, May 2, 2022 at 6:30 PM, to consider public testimony regarding a Traffic Calming Petition submitted for the 3400 & 3500 blocks of Lancer Drive, located in Ward 5. Sponsors: City Administrator Attachments: Lancer Drive Petition Traffic Calming Flowchart 114-8 Traffic Calming Devices 8.d. Ward 3 Discretionary Fund Expenditure: Afterschool Snacks for Hyattsville HCC-287-FY22 Middle School Students I move that the Mayor and Council approve $500 from the Ward 3 discretionary fund to be used by Hyattsville Middle School for snacks for students before their bus ride home from their temporary school site. Sponsors: McClellan and Simasek Page 5 of 14 City Council Meeting Minutes March 21, 2022 8.e. Update Educational Facilities Task Force Worksheet HCC-289-FY22 I move the Mayor and Council change the title of the Educational Facilities Task Force to Educational Facilities Committee and update the worksheet to align with the City’s current and future need for advice and recommendations for school construction and reconstruction sites. Sponsors: Waszczak, Denes and Peabody Attachments: EFTF_Revised Worksheet_031822 Education_Facilities_Task_Force_Worksheet_FINAL 8.f. FY22 Budget Appropriation Amendment: Amend FY22 Special Revenues Funds HCC-291-FY22 Budget and Increase Speed Camera Budget Appropriations I move that the Interim Mayor and Council amend the FY22 Special Revenues Funds Budget and increase Speed Camera budget appropriations in an NTE of $188,000 to cover the costs of purchasing a Citizen Rescue/Emergency Response Team Vehicle. Sponsors: City Administrator 8.g. IT Infrastructure - 4310 Gallatin Street Cabling, WiFi and IT Infrastructure HCC-292-FY22 (Change Order) I move the City Council authorize the City Administrator to execute a change order with Dataprise Inc. in an amount not to exceed $50,000 for the purposes of amending the scope of work for recabling of the City Administration Building. Sponsors: City Administrator Attachments: Memo - Recabling Project - Amendment 3.17.2022 9. Action Items (8:00 p.m. - 8:40 p.m.) Page 6 of 14 City Council Meeting Minutes March 21, 2022 9.a. Suffrage Pointe Development - Preliminary Plan of Subdivision 4-21052 HCC-279-FY22 I move the City Council authorize the Mayor to provide correspondence to the Maryland-National Capital Park & Planning Commission regarding Preliminary Plan of Subdivision 4-21052. The correspondence shall express the City requests the Planning Board adopt the following revisions to the application as conditions: 1. The City is requesting that the Prince George’s County District Council, in its revision to the resolution for the density requirements specified in the Resolution for CSP-18002, shall be limited to 6.7 units per net acre for single-family attached units and nine (9) dwelling units per net acre for ‘single-family attached’ or townhouse units. The applicant shall be required to amend the Preliminary Plan of Subdivision (PPS) application to limit the site to a maximum of nine (9) dwelling units per net acre for ‘single-family attached’ or townhouse units. 2. The PPS shall be required to incorporate the County’s Urban Street Design Standard for Alley, STD 100.31. The internal alleyway shall be designed to provide full site circulation. The PPS application and recorded plat shall incorporate language stating that the alleyway shall, upon acceptance by the City, be publicly dedicated to the City of Hyattsville. 3. Per Urban Street Standards, turning radius from any roadway connecting to City roadway shall have a Minimum Turning Radius of 15’. 4. The applicant shall eliminate proposed lots 23 & 24 for the purpose of providing adequate vehicular turnaround circulation. 5. Overhead lighting shall be designed and constructed to Pepco standards for acceptance into the public utility system. The lighting shall be placed at the entrance/exit of the site at Gallatin Street, entrance/exit of the site on Alley 3, and at the terminus of the alley. 6. The applicant shall dedicate Parcel B2 for a Public Use Easement (PUE) in which the applicant shall maintain ownership of Parcel B2, but access of the parcel shall be granted to the general public. Parcel B2 shall primarily serve to provide compensatory storage for the subject parcel, but shall be used by the public, and permitted at the City’s discretion, under a separate Memorandum of Understanding. Sponsors: City Administrator Attachments: Council Materials_Suffrage PPS Memo - PPS 4- 19053 - Suffrage Point - 3.1.2022 Final Councilmember Peabody asked for input from Assistant City Administrator Jim Chandler on tabling the motion. Mr. Chandler replied that there would still be time for the Council to provide input on the subject prior to the April 28 planning board hearing if the motion were tabled. Councilmember Peabody expressed his support for the motion to be brought back at the April 4 Council Meeting. Councilmember Solomon requested that the motion be amended to include the intent to revisit the motion at the April 4 Council Meeting. He also asked what new information the Council hoped to obtain by delaying the motion. Council Vice-President Schaible stated that there are many unknowns that could impact the Council's position such as a potential re-dividing of the land and possible court appeals. Page 7 of 14 City Council Meeting Minutes March 21, 2022 Councilmember Simasek reiterated the number of units in the original plan is of concern. Councilmember Solomon expressed his willingness to table the motion, but also his concern about the strength of the City's position should it wait to provide it's views. Councilmember Denes asked Mr. Chandler when the net acreage will be determined. Mr. Chandler replied that he anticipated a better understanding of the method used for calculating the net and gross acreage prior to the publishing of the staff report. A motion was made by Council Vice-President Schaible, seconded by Councilmember Simasek, that this agenda item be Tabled. The motion carried by the following vote: Aye: Croslin, Schaible, Denes, Waszczak, Simasek, McClellan, Haba, Peabody, Solomon, and Sandino Page 8 of 14 City Council Meeting Minutes March 21, 2022 HCC-293-FY22 - Suffrage Point Development, Amended Motion, Rescind March 9, HCC-294-FY22 2021 Letter Councilmember Simasek read the following motion: I move that the mayor and council send correspondence to the District Council rescinding the letter dated March 9, 2022 regarding the Suffrage Point Conceptual Site Plan and reiterating the council’s previously stated position and the zoning ordinance’s stipulations that the development’s density shall not exceed the maximum allowable density of the underlying R-55 zone and that net acreage shall exclude all land within the 100 year floodplain as well as streets, alleys, and other public ways. Councilmember Haba asked Assistant City Administrator Jim Chandler to explain the differences in language between the March 9 letter and the City's current position. Mr. Chandler responded that the City is adding stipulations to the method by which net acreage is being calculated. Councilmember Peabody stated that he is favor of amending the March 9 letter, but not in favor of rescinding it. Councilmember Haba asked if these stipulations are normal when calculating net acreage. Mr. Chandler responded that it is implied that unbuildable areas should not be used to calculate net acreage. Mr. Chandler went on to explain the manner in which units per net acre has been applied in the past when approving single family dwellings versus town homes. Councilmember Denes explained that the new letter does not state, as the March 9 letter did, that the City would affirm the Court of Special Appeals decision. Councilmember Schaible expressed his concern about agreeing to nine units per acre. Councilmember Solomon stated his desire for the City to make its position known as early in the process as possible. Councilmember Peabody asked Councilmember Simasek to clarify the purpose of this letter. Councilmember Simasek replied that the letter serves to express the Council's encouragement for the County to refer to the zoning ordinance when determining allowable density. Councilmember Simasek proposed the motion be amended to read: I move that the mayor and council send correspondence to the District Council superseding the letter dated March 9, 2022 regarding the Suffrage Point Conceptual Site Plan and reiterating the council’s previously stated position and the zoning ordinance’s stipulations that the development’s density shall not exceed the maximum allowable density of the underlying R-55 zone and that net acreage shall exclude all land within the 100 year floodplain as well as streets, alleys, and other public ways and that the city requests sufficient public notice be provided in accordance with good governance practices. Councilmember Peabody proposed the motion be amended to read: Page 9 of 14 City Council Meeting Minutes March 21, 2022 I move to add the language "stormwater management facilities" after "alleys" and before "other public ways" in the above motion. Council Vice-President Schaible seconded the motion. A motion was made by Councilmember Simasek, seconded by Councilmember Waszczak, that this Consent Item be Approved as Amended. The motion carried by the following vote: Aye: Croslin, Schaible, Denes, Waszczak, Simasek, McClellan, Haba, Peabody, Solomon, and Sandino 10. Discussion Items (8:40 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.) Council Member McCellan left the Council Meeting at 9:02 PM. Page 10 of 14 City Council Meeting Minutes March 21, 2022 10.a. FY23 Budget Initiative: Grant Program for High School Graduates Pursuing HCC-284-FY22 Higher Education (Amended) I move that the Mayor and Council authorize a small grant program totaling $20,000 in FY 2023 (with the intention of maintaining support in future fiscal years) to be implemented by the Community Services and Recreation Department to help High School seniors and graduates who are Hyattsville residents take their next steps towards higher education and career paths. The grant program shall prioritize supporting students who are in the first generation in their family to attend college, those whose immigration status forces them to pay out of state tuition, or those who may qualify for other forms of financial aid but may need help covering additional costs of room and board, books, equipment, transportation, etc. To be eligible for the grant, applicants shall describe their future aspirations and how the funds will support them as well as commit to some volunteer service. The grants shall be allocated and distributed in partnership with local organizations that provide financial support as well as other services to help ensure success in college, including mentoring, tutoring, and support navigating the financial aid process. Eligible recipients of grant funds must also meet any partner program requirements. All funds from the city shall be allocated to Hyattsville residents and students graduating from Hyattsville high schools enrolled in an accredited institution of learning, including community colleges, universities, and trade or technical training institutions. First year recipients shall have Hyattsville addresses, but their address may change if they attend learning institutions outside the city. Grant recipients who move out of the city will remain eligible to reapply in future years through the completion of their degree or certificate program. No funds shall go towards overhead costs for partner organizations. Sponsors: Simasek Councilmember Simasek provided updates and explanation of the proposed program. Councilmember Denes asked for clarity around eligibility and application priorities for the program. Director of Community Services Sandra Shepherd answered that students with a Hyattsville address would be eligible even if you going to a High School outside of Hyattsville City limits. Councilmember Haba asked about the intent of the clause that allows a student to receive funds if the applicants address changes to be outside of the City. He suggested that there be a stipulation that the applicants family still resides in Hyattsville. Councilmember Waszczak asked if the priorities listed were requirements for receiving funding. Councilmember Simasek responded that individuals would be prioritized for funding based on the list, but that they are not requirements to receive funding. Council Vice-President Schaible proposed that the volunteer component be revisited due to time constraints of students. Page 11 of 14 City Council Meeting Minutes March 21, 2022 10.b. FY23 Budget Initiative: Establishment of Youth Advisory Council HCC-280-FY22 I move that the City Council establish a Youth Advisory Council for the City of Hyattsville. Sponsors: Waszczak Attachments: Estimated YAC annual budget CM Waszczak Councilmember Waszczak provided details on her vision for the Youth Advisory Council. Councilmember Denes asked about the possibility of complications related to paying stipends to minors and the City's financial regulations. Council Vice President Schaible proposed a partnership with Northwestern High School to improve participation. Interim Mayor Croslin expressed his support for the program. 10.c. FY23 Budget Initiative: Stipend Program to Diversify Membership of City of HCC-281-FY22 Hyattsville Advisory Committees, Boards, Commissions and Task Forces I move that Council create a program to provide stipends to members of City of Hyattsville Advisory Committees, Boards, Commissions and Task Forces with the goal of recruiting and retaining membership that proportionally represents the community. Sponsors: Waszczak Attachments: Board and Committee Member Payment Agreement Councilmember Waszczak provided details around the need to diversify the membership of advisory bodies as well as the specifics regarding payments. Councilmember Solomon expressed his perspective about the lack of equitable representation on advisory bodies. Councilmember Denes asked about details regarding the ground rules for establishing attendance in terms of in-person versus virtual attendance as well as members arriving late or leaving early. Page 12 of 14 City Council Meeting Minutes March 21, 2022 10.d. FY23 Budget Initiative: West Hyattsville Metro Area Traffic Study HCC-282-FY22 I move that the Interim Mayor and Council include $100,000.00 in the FY23 Hyattsville City Budget for the development of a West Hyattsville Metro Area Traffic Study. The traffic study will evaluate and propose solutions to address: Riverfront Area/Ager Rd (in partnership with Prince George’s County): · Traffic calming or traffic light installation at the intersection of Little Branch Run, Ager Road and Lancer Drive · Traffic calming or traffic light installation at the intersection of Nicholson Street and Ager Rd. Kirkwood Area/Nicholson Street/Ager Rd: · Traffic pattern for 2600-2700 blocks of Nicholson Street, Lancer Drive, and Kirkwood Place (for ingress and egress onto Ager Rd.) · Removal of City installed barricades at Kirkwood entrances · Removal of City installed fence between Kirkwood and Riverfront property Hamilton Street/Jamestown Rd. (in partnership with Prince George’s County): · Hamilton/Jamestown Cyclist and Pedestrian Safety mechanisms · On street Parking redesign for the segment of Hamilton street between Queens Chapel and Ager Rd. · Improved road for alley behind Hamilton Street between Ager Rd and Queens Chapel Road General Design: · Inclusion street art/painted street designs to add vibrancy and define neighborhood overall look and feel · Wayfinding and signage for various parks, police station, other resources located in the general vicinity · Traffic pattern, safety, and parking for the West Hyattsville transit corridor I further move that the Interim Mayor and Council authorize the City Administrator to collaborate with all necessary agencies of Prince George’s County, The State of Maryland, and Maryland Park and Planning for the purpose of developing solutions where the City is not directly responsible for the maintenance or design of a parcel or roadway. Sponsors: Solomon, Haba and Sandino Councilmember Solomon provided the basis for the motion, and there were no further comments or questions from the Council. 11. Council Dialogue (10:00 p.m. - 10:10 p.m.) 12. Motion to Close (The Council will not return to open session) Page 13 of 14 City Council Meeting Minutes March 21, 2022 12.a. Motion to Close HCC-288-FY22 I move the Mayor and Council close the Council Meeting of March 21, 2022 to discuss the appointment of an individual over whom this public body has jurisdiction. This session will be closed under the authority of the Annotated Code of Maryland State Government General Provisions Article Section 3-305 (b)(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. Please note, the meeting will not return to open session. Sponsors: City Administrator Pursuant to the requirement of the Annotated Code of Maryland State Government Article 3-104(1)(2); this statement is included in these minutes: A closed session of the Council of the City of Hyattsville was held virtually at 10:20 p.m. on Monday, March 21, 2022. In addition to the City Council, the following staff members were present: Vivian Snellman, Director of Human Resources. The authority under which the session was closed was the Annotated Code of Maryland State Government General Provisions Article Section 3-305 (b)(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. Topics Discussed: The Interim Mayor and City Council discussed a performance evaluation for the City Administrator. Action Taken: None taken The closed session adjourned at 10:45 p.m. on a motion made by Councilmember Haba and seconded by Councilmember Solomon. The meeting ended at 10:45 p.m. A motion was made by Councilmember Solomon, seconded by Councilmember Simasek, that this Motion to Close was Approved. The motion carried by the following vote: Aye: Croslin, Schaible, Denes, Waszczak, Simasek, Haba, Peabody, Solomon, and Sandino Absent: McClellan Page 14 of 14