Mayor and City Council

CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL WORKSHOP & LEGISLATIVE MEETING HYBRID MEETING Wednesday, August 16, 2023, 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm Workshop Items for Discussion 1. Call to Order 2. Adoption of the Agenda as presented 3. Presentation: Department of the Environment Grants for (15 minutes) Home Owners on Flood Prevention (Andrea L. Crooms) 4. Mayor’s Report with reports from Department Heads (15 minutes) a.) Overview on Schools & Traffic (Chief Rice) b.) Update on the Bridge (Joe Nagro) 5. Discussion of No Parking or Standing on Quintana Street (15 minutes) intersection of 84th Street 6. Discussion Ordinance to Adopt Cable Franchise (15 minutes) Agreement Attorney-Client Communication 7. Meeting Minutes (March/April were presented but not (5 minutes) approved). a.) Council Workshop/Special Legislative Meeting (March 1, 2023) b.) Council Special Workshop Meeting ( March 8, 2023) c.) Council Legislative Meeting ( March 15, 2023) d.) Council Workshop Meeting (April 5, 2023) e.) Council Legislative Meeting (April 19, 2023) f.) Council Workshop Meeting (May 3, 2023 g.) Special Workshop-Legislative Meeting (May 17, 2023) h.) Council Special Workshop Meeting (May 24, 2023) 8. Public comments and Suggestions for Future Agenda (10 minutes) Items 9. Motion to Adjourn- Move into Legislative Meeting Legislative Meeting Agenda 1. Call to Order 2. Adoption of Agenda as presented ___________ OLD BUSINESS NONE NEW BUSINESS 3. Motion to Adjourn ___________ PLEASE NOTE: This meeting of the City of New Carrollton Council will be a hybrid meeting. This means that you can attend in person, by using the Zoom link below or by telephone (301) 715-8592. Closed captioning will be available on Zoom for all viewers, and we are in the process of finding modalities to broadcast meetings in Spanish. https://us06web.zoom.us/j/85212434492 Meeting ID: 852 1243 4492 If you would like to submit comments in writing, please email Araceli Guzman-Benitez, City Clerk at aguzman@newcarrolltonmd.gov by 3:00 pm the day of the meeting. Comments are also welcome after any meeting. 1| M IN U T E S O F T H E COUNCIL WORKSHOP/SPECIAL LEGISLATIVE MEETING – MARCH 1, 2023 CITY OF NEW CARROLLTON MINUTES COUNCIL WORKSHOP/SPECIAL LEGISLATIVE MEETING WEDNESDAY, MARCH 1, 2023, 7:00 P.M. The Council Workshop/Special Legislative Meeting was held at 7:00 p.m., on Wednesday, March 1, 2023, as a virtual meeting. Attending were Councilmembers Cynthia DB Mills; Lincoln H.G. Lashley, Katrina R. Dodro, Allyne Hooks and Briana Urbina; Mayor Phelecia Nembhard; Chief David G. Rice; Information Technology Administrator Andrew Facey; Lorna Grant-Charles, Director of Finance & Accounting and City Clerk Araceli Guzman-Benitez. 1. CALL TO ORDER Chairperson Mills called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. 2. 2023 GENERAL ELECTION UPDATE Chairperson Mills open the floor for Mr. Charles Davis, Chairman of the New Carrollton Board of Elections. Mr. Davis provided a quick review of the 2023 General Election to be held on May 1; he provided dates of advertisement of the election, which follows the City’s Charter requirements; he announced a candidate’s forum to be determined; he mentioned that the review for candidate’s packets are in the process of review; he mentioned that campaign signs can be erected as of March 17. 3. COMMENTS FROM THE CHAIRMAN Chairperson Mills stated that the City received a high bill from the City’s attorney. Chairperson Mills open the floor for City Clerk Araceli. The City Clerk mentioned the following topics: The City of New Carrollton Community Garden Program – Open registration March 1; City of New Carrollton Shredding Event will be at Beckett Field on Saturday, April 1, at 9:00 am to 12:00 pm; the Cultural/Spring Event will be at Becket Field on Saturday, April 8 at 12:00 pm to 6:00 pm; the Virtual Candidates Forum TBD will be Moderated by Legal Women Voters, (Aiming for Thursday, April 20, at 7:00 pm); Early Voting will be at the New Carrollton Municipal Center on Saturday, April 22, at 8:00 am to 5:00 pm; and she provided a update on how and where to obtain a candidates packet. 4. REPORT OF THE MAYOR AND ADMINISTRATION Chairperson Mills open the floor for the topic. Mayor Nembhard wished everyone a happy Women's Month, and a happy belated black history month to all; she called Chief Rice to provide a report. Chief Rice greeted everyone; he stated that he did not have an official report, because it is the first of the month, due to timing but that as soon as statistics are available, he will send it to everyone via email; Chairperson Mills reminded residents to be aware attempted breaking of houses in the neighborhood, to keep their doors closed. 2| M IN U T E S O F T H E COUNCIL WORKSHOP/SPECIAL LEGISLATIVE MEETING – MARCH 1, 2023 Mayor Nembhard provided an update on the following: She publicly thanked Mr. Andre Triplett for his many years of service to the City of New Carrollton and for the excellent work done through the global pandemic COVID-19: residents can order extra trash-cans and recycling bins for a fee by contacting the administrative office; the Department of Public Works are working on getting the community gardens ready, for the season; she mentioned that Social Services SNAP and Medicare programs had reduced the amount of money drastically; she feels that there will be food scarcity and that the senior citizens will suffer that they must have to advocate for senior citizens; she announced a program from social services who will be able to help 70 senior citizens, she is working in conjunction with the police to identified must needed residents; complaints about parking; she suggested to the police department to use (LPR) license plate readers to help alleviate the parking cars with out of state tag issues; she encourages residents to report suspicious activities, she responds within 24 hour turnaround time; she thanked the Department of Public Works for their continued hard work as residents have expressed their satisfaction; complaints of Harland Street property and the mosquito control; there were questions from the Senators and Delegates about a two million grant previously provided to the city; she congratulated newest Senator Alonzo Washington, and newest Delegate Ashanti Martinez to District:22; she will be reading to the children in honor to Read Across America. 5. COUNCIL QUESTIONS PERTAINING TO REPORT GIVEN BY MAYOR AND ADMINISTRATION Chairperson Mills open the floor for the topic. Councilmember Hooks did not have any questions. Councilmember did not have a comment. Councilmember Dodro did not have any questions. Councilmember Lashley requested an update about the bridge on Powhatan and Westbrook. 6. EMERGENCY BUDGET AMENDMENT: TO REPLACE THE COOLING TOWER AT THE MUNNICIPAL CENTER Chairperson Mills open the floor for the topic. Mayor Nembhard explained that the cooling-tower has been leaking water, which is damaging the ceiling on the kitchen; repairs have been made often only to patch it; it is necessary to replace it as an emergency in the amount of $69,000.00., A discussion followed, Councilmembers Urbina, Dodro and Lashley requested further information to make a decision. Councilmember Hooks did not have any questions. 7. COUNCIL ANNOUNCEMENTS. ONLY INFORMATION THAT WILL BENEFIT THE RESIDENTS OF NEW CARROLLTON Chairperson Mills open the floor for the topic. Councilmember Urbina appeal to the public about a baby name Miles Cooke was in need of 3| M IN U T E S O F T H E COUNCIL WORKSHOP/SPECIAL LEGISLATIVE MEETING – MARCH 1, 2023 bone marrow transplant due to a condition called Pearson Syndrome; anyone ages 18 and 40 willing to be tested, can text Milesstrong to 61474 in order to find a match. Councilmember Dodro announced that there is a partnership with PGCPs and PG Parks.com for elementary school children to offer a Saturday Academy to help students get over the gap during COVID- 19, it is a free program; visit PGparks.com to registered; the changes with President Biden declaring that the pandemic will be officially over on May 1st, there are lots of changes; Medicaid program will also be affected due to those changes; Councilmember Lashley thanked Mr. Andre Triplett for his many years of service to the city; he announced the Multi-cultural event on April 8th, Saturday from 12pm to 6pm, he welcomes everyone to come out and celebrate their heritage. 8. REVIEW OF BIDS RECEIVED FOR AUDITORS FOR FY2023 TO 2025 Chairperson Mills open the floor for the topic. Ms. Lorna Grant-Charles discussed the topic and provided details about the four bids. Councilmember Urbina had questions about the pricing. 9. 6000 HARLAND STREET – SKATE PARK Chairperson Mills presented the topic, and stated that they are going to clean the water out to prevent mosquitoes. A discussion will follow on the next meeting. 10. DISCUSSION: RFP 2023-02 MUNICIPAL CENTER SOLAR INSTALLATION PROPOSALS Chairperson Mills open the floor for the topic. IT Director Andrew Facey discussed the topic and provided details about a topic previously discussed by Ms. Gatling and Mr. McMahon; a pre-bid meeting was held with contractors; only two proposals were received. A discussion followed, Councilmembers Lashley, Urbina, Dodro provided their opinion and requested further details about the topic; it was mentioned that the building has a stipulation of ownership with Prince George’s County; Mayor Nembhard mentioned that solar panels was an idea from the Green Team; she further explain the topic of the ownership of the building and that part of the funds will be through ARPA funds; Mayor mentioned that a letter of complaint was sent to the USPS in reference to daily incoming mail belonging to different addresses. 11. UPDATE: AUDIO VISUAL ROOM REPAIRS Chairperson Mills open the floor for the topic. IT Director Andrew Facey stated that the room has been painted, and equipment will be installed soon; Councilmember Lashley requested estimate time of completion; Mr. Facey further explained. 12. BRIEF ANALYSIS OF PROPOSED UPDATED WEBSITE DESIGN Chairperson Mills open the floor for the topic. IT Director Andrew Facey provided details about the topic, and that a new website will be beneficial to the city because the current website is outdated and difficult to operate; he 4| M IN U T E S O F T H E COUNCIL WORKSHOP/SPECIAL LEGISLATIVE MEETING – MARCH 1, 2023 mentioned that he will follow a contract from the Town of La Plata. A discussion followed, Councilmembers, Urbina and Lashley were excited about a new website but had further questions; Mayor Nembhard stated that the funds for the website will be from PEG; the Mayor will approve the contract but wanted to let the Council know. 13. ORDINANCE: PROPOSED CITY CODE CHANGE – 110-5 SPEED MONITORING PROGRAM Chairperson Mills open the floor for the topic. Capt. Butler provided details about the topic and why changes need to be done; Chief Rice clarified that they are not proposing to put speed cameras all over the city; they have a mobile unit which moves around; the mobile unit moves when residents complaint. 14. FY 2024 BUDGET: PUBLIC SAFETY Chairperson Mills open the floor for the topic. Ms. Lorna Grant-Charles discussed the topic, provided details, and answered questions about the public safety budget FY2024. A discussion followed; Councilmembers Urbina and Lashley had questions. An explanation followed about the community promotion line item, police awards banquet and National Night Out budget. 15. PROCLAMATIONS Chairperson Mills presented the topic. a) City of New Carrollton Earth Day (April 22, 2023) b) City of New Carrollton Arbor Day (April 28, 2023) 16. REVIEW LIST OF PAID BILLS Chairperson Mills requested that they view the following list of bills: Batch #1 (February 03, 2023); Batch #2 (February 13, 2023); Batch #3 (February 22, 2023); Batch #4 (February 13, 2023). 17. PUBLIC COMMENT- RESIDENTS’ CONCERNS, AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION AND, PHONE CALLS Chairperson Mills open the floor for residents’ participation: Resident Stephen John provided a comment about previous meetings and had questions about time allotted to certain people; he expressed discontent with the way the Chairperson is conducting her meetings. Resident David Lai – 7607 Riverdale Rd: Mr. Lai had a question about absentee ballots, and requested crime updates from the police department; he is excited about the proposal of a new website; would there be a language accessibility or ADA/implementation of social media strategy? 18. REQUEST FOR FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS NOT ALREADY SUBMITTED Chairperson Mills opened the topic. 5| M IN U T E S O F T H E COUNCIL WORKSHOP/SPECIAL LEGISLATIVE MEETING – MARCH 1, 2023 Councilmember Lashley had a question about rent stabilization in the County; Mayor Nembhard provided information about the topic; she will provide further information; she stated that people were paying high month-to-month rental fees. Councilmember Urbina had a question about the difference of small and large landlords; a discussion followed about the topic. 19. ADJOURNMENT Chairperson Mills called the adjournment. There being no further business, Councilmember Hooks moved to adjourn the Council Workshop/Special Legislative Meeting for Wednesday, March 1, 2023. Chairperson Mills seconded the motion. Not everyone were in favor. (2-3-0). Chairperson Mills adjourned the meeting at 9:22 pm. The meeting ended at 9:22 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Araceli Guzman-Benitez City Clerk Adopted by the City Council on_____________________. Note: The official recording of the City of New Carrollton’s Council Workshop/ Special Legislative Meeting of Wednesday, March 1, 2023, has been posted to the City of New Carrollton’s website. 1| M IN U T E S O F T H E SPECIAL COUNCIL WORKSHOP MEETING – MARCH 8, 2023 CITY OF NEW CARROLLTON MINUTES COUNCIL SPECIAL WORKSHOP MEETING WEDNESDAY, MARCH 8, 2023, 7:00 P.M. The Council Special Workshop Meeting was held at 7:00 p.m., on Wednesday, March 8, 2023, as a virtual meeting. Attending were Councilmembers Cynthia DB Mills; Lincoln H.G. Lashley, (Briefly Katrina R. Dodro, and Briana Urbina); Allyne Hooks was absent. Mayor Phelecia Nembhard; Chief David G. Rice; Information Technology Administrator Andrew Facey; Lorna Grant-Charles, Director of Finance & Accounting and City Clerk Araceli Guzman-Benitez. 1. CALL TO ORDER Chairperson Mills called the meeting to order at 7:03 p.m. 2. BUDGET FISCAL YEAR 2024: REVENUES & RESOURCES, NON-DEPARTMENTAL EXPENDITURES, AND GENERAL GOVERNMENT Chairperson Mills open the floor to discuss the topic. Lorna Grant-Charles, Director of Finance & Accounting conducted the discussion of the budget fiscal year 2024: revenues & resources, non-departmental, and general government; she provided details about the budget. Councilmember Lashley asked a question about hiring an Economic Development position; Ms. Grant-Charles responded to the question. A discussion followed about the Harland Street property. 3. PUBLIC COMMENT- RESIDENTS’ CONCERNS, AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION AND, PHONE CALLS Chairperson Mills open the floor for residents’ participation: None 4. ADJOURNMENT Chairperson Mills called the adjournment. There being no further business, Councilmember Lashley moved to adjourn the Council Special Workshop Meeting for Wednesday, March 8, 2023. Chairperson Mills seconded the motion. A quorum was not present at the time of adjournment. Chairperson Mills adjourned the meeting at 7:18 pm. The meeting ended at 7:18 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Araceli Guzman-Benitez City Clerk Adopted by the City Council on_____________________. Note: The official recording of the City of New Carrollton’s Council Special Workshop Meeting 2| M IN U T E S O F T H E SPECIAL COUNCIL WORKSHOP MEETING – MARCH 8, 2023 of Wednesday, March 8, 2023, has been posted to the City of New Carrollton’s website. 1| M IN U T E S O F T H E COUNCIL LEGISLATIVE MEETING – MARCH 15, 2023 CITY OF NEW CARROLLTON MINUTES COUNCIL LEGISLATIVE MEETING WEDNESDAY, MARCH 15, 2023, 7:00 P.M. The Council Legislative Meeting was held at 7:00 p.m., on Wednesday, March 15, 2023, as a virtual meeting. Attending were Councilmembers Cynthia DB Mills; Lincoln H.G. Lashley, Katrina R. Dodro, and Briana Urbina, (Allyne Hooks was absent); Mayor Phelecia Nembhard; Chief David G. Rice; Information Technology Administrator Andrew Facey; Lorna Grant-Charles, Director of Finance & Accounting and City Clerk Araceli Guzman-Benitez. 1. CALL TO ORDER Chairperson Mills called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. 2. COMMENTS FROM THE CHAIRMAN Chairperson Mills asked if everyone received their candidate certification letter. Councilmember Lashley stated that he did not received his; City Clerk Araceli explained that Councilmember Lashley was not in the list of the first seven candidates to be reviewed by the Board of Elections and Ethics Commission. Chairperson Mills addressed Councilmember Dodro in reference to residents’ complaints. She spoke about parking issues within the city. 3. MEETING MINUTES a.) Council Workshop/Special Legislative Meeting Minutes (February 1, 2023) b.) Council Special Workshop Meeting Minutes (February 8, 2023) c.) Council Legislative Meeting Minutes (February 15, 2023) Motion: Chairperson Mills moved that the City Council approve the following minutes: (Council Workshop/Special Legislative Meeting, February 1, 2023); (Council Special Workshop Meeting, February 8, 2023), and (Council Legislative Meeting, February 15, 2023). The minutes were not approved. 4. COUNCIL QUESTIONS/COUNCIL ANNOUNCEMENTS PERTAINING TO INFORMATION THAT WILL BENEFIT THE RESIDENTS OF NEW CARROLLTON Chairperson Mills open the floor for the topic. Councilmember Lashley encourages all residents to attend the multicultural event at Beckett Field on April 8, 2023; Councilmember Urbina addressed concerns of the uptick of crime in the community; shots were fired near her home; she encourages residents to report crime; any tips can be sent directly to Chief Rice; Chairperson Mills encouraged children to report any suspicious activity; lots of things happening at the schools; Councilmember Dodro stated that the County Council has passed one year moratorium short-term bill for one year; there is a bill passed last year of senior citizen home owners can apply for a discounted rate for residential process; visit the County’s tax site to find more information: she requested to Human Resources to provide a list of all the different positions that staff hold currently; Finance to provide a list of the categories with definitions. 2| M IN U T E S O F T H E COUNCIL LEGISLATIVE MEETING – MARCH 15, 2023 Chief Rice discussed briefly crimes happening in the city. 5. BUDGET: INTRODUCTION OF BUDGET ORDINANCE Chairperson Mills open the floor for the topic. Lorna Grant-Charles, Director of Finance conducted the discussion of the introduction of the budget ordinance; a discussion followed, Councilmember Lashley asked for an explanation of the goal with the contingency reserve; Councilmember requested information that is more detailed. OLD BUSINESS 6. 6000 HARLAND STREET Motion: Chairperson Mills moved that the City Council of the City of New Carrollton approve the Construction of a Skate Park and other buildings around it, which was not in here. Councilmember Lashley seconded the motion and requested more in detail information. A discussion followed. Chairperson Mills stated that they need to add more buildings around it. Councilmember Dodro requested further information. A feasibility study was mentioned. Urbina seconded the motion to table the topic, which will be discussed again in April (3-1-0). NEW BUSINESS 7. EMERGENCY REPLACEMENT OF THE COOLING TOWER AT THE MUNICIPAL CENTER Chairperson Mills open the floor for the topic. Motion: Chairperson Mills moved that the City Council of the City of New Carrollton approve the replacement of the cooling tower at the Municipal Center in the amount totaling $69,400.00 for equipment and scope of work. Councilmember Lashley seconded the motion. A discussion followed. The motion failed (1-3-0). 8. MUNICIPAL CENTER SOLAR INSTALLATION Motion: Councilmember Urbina moved that the City Council of the City of New Carrollton approve Hyperion, Inc. (Hyperion), as the contractor to design and install solar panels and related equipment at its Municipal Center for $330,789.38. Councilmember Lashley seconded the motion. A discussion followed. The motion failed (1-3-0). 9. BIDS TO APPROVE THE AUDITOR COMPANY TO SERVE THE CITY OF NEW CARROLLTON FY2023 TO 2025 Motion: Chairperson Mills moved that the City Council of the City of New Carrollton choose the _______________ as the City Auditors for the City of New Carrollton FY2023 to FY2025. A discussion followed about money for a feasibility study, the question is where the money is. There are questions about the budget. The motion failed (1-3-0). 10. PROCLAMATION: CITY OF NEW CARROLLTONEARTH DAY Motion: Councilmember Mills moved that the Mayor and the City Council of New Carrollton 3| M IN U T E S O F T H E COUNCIL LEGISLATIVE MEETING – MARCH 15, 2023 proclaim April 22, 2023, as Earth Day in the City of New Carrollton. Councilmember Lashley Seconded the motion. There was not a discussion. The motions passed (3-1-0). 11. PROCLAMATION: CITY OF NEW CARROLLTON ARBOR DAY Motion: Councilmember Mills moved that the Mayor and the City Council of New Carrollton proclaim April 28, 2023, as Arbor Day in the City of New Carrollton. Councilmember Lashley Seconded the motion. There was not a discussion. The motions passed (3-1-0). 12. COMMENTS ON PAID BILLS Please review the following list of bills: Batch #1 (February 3, 2023); Batch # 2 (February 13, 2023); Batch #3 (February 22, 2023); Batch # 4 (February 13, 2023). 13. ADJOURNMENT Chairperson Mills called the adjournment. There being no further business, Chairperson Mills Closed the meeting at 8:33 pm. The meeting ended at 8:33 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Araceli Guzman-Benitez City Clerk Adopted by the City Council on_____________________. Note: The official recording of the City of New Carrollton’s Council Legislative Meeting of Wednesday, March 15, 2023, has been posted to the City of New Carrollton’s website. 1| MINUTES OF THE COUNCIL WORKSHOP MEETING – APRIL 5, 2023 CITY OF NEW CARROLLTON MINUTES COUNCIL WORKSHOP MEETING WEDNESDAY, APRIL 5, 2023, 7:00 P.M. The Council Workshop Meeting was held at 7:00 p.m., on Wednesday, April 5, 2023, as a virtual meeting. Attending were Councilmembers Cynthia DB Mills; Lincoln H.G. Lashley, Katrina R. Dodro, Allyne Hooks and Briana Urbina; Mayor Phelecia Nembhard; Chief David G. Rice; Information Technology Administrator Andrew Facey; Lorna Grant-Charles, Director of Finance & Accounting and City Clerk Araceli Guzman-Benitez. 1. CALL TO ORDER Chairperson Mills called the meeting to order at 7:04 p.m. 2. PUBLIC HEARING: CITY OF NEW CARROLLTON, SEEKS PUBLIC INPUT FOR THE PROCESS OF THE BUDGET FOR FY2024, FEES FINES AND CIP Chairperson Mills open the floor for the public hearing. Lorna Grant-Charles, Director of Finance & Accounting presented the topic and opened the floor for comments and question. Councilmember Dodro read the comment provided by resident Craig McLane via email: Item 2. Regarding the proposed 2024 budget: Overall, the budget is sound but it reflects two important facts about the government of New Carrollton that have shaped the community for the past twenty years. The first of these is that the budget of the police department continues to be enlarged while the budgets of Public Works and Administration continue to be whittled away. As a result, both the physical plant of the community and its sense of itself as a community must slowly contract and deteriorate. That causes property values and rents to stagnate, then fall. Crime then increases. Urban planners, sociologists, psychologists, social workers, and criminologists are unanimous that to prevent failed, dangerous neighborhoods, the government should invest in a healthy and vibrant physical community before things get bad – because it will prevent them from getting bad. Draining Public Works and Administration to feed the Police Department is a case of placing the cart before the horse. The second of these is that New Carrollton's government has had no plan for the community since Albert Turner was mayor, but instead works to keep things as they are. It has no plan beyond simply preserving what can be preserved from falling apart, and replacing only those things that must be replaced, and meeting all legal and financial obligations in the meantime. Suitable plans for a healthy, vibrant community are grown from a vision of what the community might become, and it is unfortunately true that our elected officials do not typically share their visions of what New Carrollton could become when they speak to residents. This could be called “community development”. Significantly, even the far less encompassing idea of “economic development” is essentially zeroed out in this budget – barely a seventh of what the government would spend on gifts and events for its employees. As a result, the 2024 budget proposal, while generally sound, is a caretaker budget that appears 2| MINUTES OF THE COUNCIL WORKSHOP MEETING – APRIL 5, 2023 likely to meet all legal and financial obligations, but will leave the city just a little less well-off than it was the year prior. Those generalities said, there are a few items that bear closer examination:  The increase in expected revenue from Red Light Camera seems optimistic  Why is the street repair budget zeroed out and the sidewalk repair budget cut in half?  Why no earmark for bridge repair when the Powhatan/Westbrook bridges need work?  Why is Workers' Comp cut by a third in Police Support but increased over historical levels in Code Enforcement?  Does the Speed Camera require a $75K employee as well as overtime for police officers, in addition to the $280K in fees paid to the vendor?  Is it wise to cut Police Admin General Liability expenditures in half?  The decrease in Admin Cable TV Operation expense is dramatic - maybe optimistic  Franchise fees for Comcast and Verizon seem awfully low, for the revenue they collect here  Are other municipalities paying a half million dollars to service the same number of Red Light Cameras?  Are we really planning on spending $35K on gifts and events for employees, over and above the $2K for gifts and special occasions in Admin and $7K for awards to Police? Items 3 & 14. Strictly speaking, neither of these items could reasonably be described as addressing an impact of the pandemic on the community. The use of ARPA funds is probably not appropriate. Items 3, 10, 13 & 14. All of these proposed expenditures are complicated and technical in nature, and many other organizations refer such contracting issues to a specially-constituted Source Selection Authority (normally a committee) so officials who lack the technical knowledge aren't confronted with a choice that unavoidably have long-term implications they can't imagine. The Source Selection Authority agrees upon criteria that they will use to evaluate the vendors' proposals and after doing so provides a recommendation to the decision-makers, along with any explanations or information they might require. Council should think about developing a similar process for the City. Item 3. Software purchases should be approached with caution. Typically, the vendor downplays the difficulty of migrating existing data, designing and populating databases, and carrying out training of City employees to use the new system while those employees are supposed to be performing the duties they were hired to do. This training is critically important. Also, vendors often understate the cost of the ongoing technical support for the users of their product, as well as how often the users will need to request such support. Failing to obtain a realistic estimate will lead to finger-pointing, and sour the relationship between vendor and customer, leading to a poor return on investment. Item 4. Regarding the proposed Schedule of Fees: In general, the Schedule contains many format errors and is not yet in acceptable shape to be approved as an official document. Further, the final item on the Schedule seems to suggest that all single family households will be subject to a $19/yr assessment for trash pickup. The wording should be adjusted to clarify the actual meaning, since such an assessment has not been publicly discussed and would upset residents. Item 14. Unfortunately, Tasers have been implicated in a small but statistically significant number 3| MINUTES OF THE COUNCIL WORKSHOP MEETING – APRIL 5, 2023 of deaths. Phazzer claims its device has a better safety record than the Taser. However, the company lost out to Axon, the makers of Taser, in a patent dispute that forced Phazzer into bankruptcy, and out of business. Phazzer seems to have made adjustments to its product and re- entered the market in 2021, but it might be a bit early to be confident that they'll be able to stand behind their product for the foreseeable future – which Axon certainly will. This is not a simple matter. Item 19. City government meetings should return to the in-person format and should be opened to the public. Grant-Charles thanked the resident for his input and provided a brief response. There will be a second review of the budget before finalizing it. 3. PRESENTATION: PROPOSED BUDGETING SOFTWARE PURCHASE THROUGH ARPA FUNDS Chairperson Mills open the floor for the topic. Steve Layne and Scott from Opengov to speak and explain the topic of a proposed budgeting & planning. Councilmember Lashley had a question about the work of Opengov; Chairperson Mills asked a question about how to archive current file; Councilmember Dodro asked a question on how to handle cyber security or cyber-attack and contracting questions; resident Alarcon had a question about long-term services. 4. PRESENTATION OF THE SCHEDULE OF FEES FY2024 Chairperson Mills open the floor for the topic. Ms. Grant-Charles explained the topic and updates made to the schedule of fees. Councilmember Lashley asked if this will include Airbnb’s, and updating wording on certain language, and removal & disposal of trash clarification; Councilmember Dodro clarified that $19 is the fee for recycling single-family dwellings, trash $120 for single-family dwellings, condominiums are $60, which goes to the tonnage to Prince George’s County, she requested housing rental, Airbnb fees should be added to the schedule of fees now, that copy of financial statements and copy of lobbying registration to clarify that is free by retrieving it online but it should not cost $50, she had a question about the meaning of a temporary license and filing fee for departure. 5. 2023 GENERAL ELECTION UPDATE Chairperson Mills open the floor for the topic. Mr. Charles Davis, Chair of the New Carrollton Board of Elections and Araceli Guzman- Benitez, City Clerk presents elections update  A list of Certified Candidates was provided  A Candidate’s Forum will take place in-person and via Zoom, Thursday, April 20, 2023 at 7:00 pm, at the New Carrollton Municipal Center and Via Zoom. The League of Women Voters will contact the candidates directly. The candidate’s forum is independent from the City of New Carrollton and the New Carrollton Board of Elections 4| MINUTES OF THE COUNCIL WORKSHOP MEETING – APRIL 5, 2023  Monday, April 3 was the DEADLINE to register with Prince George’s County Board of Elections in order to vote in the City’s General Election  Absentee Ballots also known as "mail-in ballots" are available via request  The DEADLINE to submit an Absentee Ballot request form is Friday, April 28 (5:00 p.m.) or (Contact the City Clerk at aguzman@newcarroltonmd.gov). We ask residents who have turned in an absentee ballot request form, to be patient as ballots have not been processed.  A Ballot Drop Box is in front of the Municipal Center (Any resident who would like to drop-off an absentee ballot request form and eventually an absentee ballot will be able to do so at any time)  EARLY VOTING – Saturday, April 22, 2023. Polls will open 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., New Carrollton Municipal Center – Multipurpose Room. (6016 Princess Garden Pkwy)  ELECTION DAY – Monday, May 1, 2023. Polls will open 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., New Carrollton Municipal Center. – Multipurpose Room. (6016 Princess Garden Pkwy) Councilmember Dodro provided suggestions on how to word absentee ballots in order to follow updated language from the State of Maryland; Councilmember Lashley had a question about LWV; Ms. Araceli provided further information about the topic. 6. COMMENTS FROM THE CHAIRMAN Chairperson Mills stated that the Av room is ready. She perhaps the next meeting might be in person. 7. REPORT OF THE MAYOR AND ADMINISTRATION Chairperson Mills open the floor for the topic. Mayor Nembhard called the Chief of Police to provide his report; March 2023 statistics: 913 calls for service, 127 (911 disconnects), 25 vehicle accidents, 7 assaults, 5 burglaries, 48 disorderly, 31 domestics, 13 family disputes, 14 hit-run, 2 citizen robberies, 8 TA robberies, 11 theft from auto, 6 stolen vehicles, 2 CDS, 8 suspicious persons, 27 suspicious vehicles, 83 traffic stops, 51 quality of life intervention, 122 State citations, 40 SCRO, 52 parking citations, 88 warning citations, 3 of a total 305 citations. Mayor Nembhard provided an update about the Department of Public Works and the trash totters; trash regulations needs to be updated; she provided an update on the contract for recycling; she mentioned that she is in contact with Prince George’s County in reference to the bridge on Westbrook Drive; Jodie Street road work update; a water truck for DPW, will be one topic to present to the council in the next meeting; she thanked the council for approving the purchase of the new police vehicle; old vehicles were placed on Gov-deals; the topic of the new website was addressed; she addressed the Chief and councilmembers to clarify that in the City of New Carrollton the spokesperson is the Mayor or the City Attorney, about an incident that occurred at Foodway, and an incident with a police officer; employment interviews; pushing forward to build a community center to engage the youth and senior citizens; green initiatives and economic development; she has completed an audit and inventory of assets since 2020; she 5| MINUTES OF THE COUNCIL WORKSHOP MEETING – APRIL 5, 2023 mentioned the first multi-cultural event coming up to highlight black history month; they rolling over the fleet management software; an update on Clear Water Partnership project will be provided; the Frenchman’s Creek playground has been renovated; she applied for grants to help with road repairs; trying to attract more businesses through economic development through Prince George’s County, she is economic development certified; the state of Maryland Secretary of Small Business made a visit to the City of New Carrollton; she thanked the council for approving the Covid-19 utility/rental assistance and home improvement programs; she is constantly searching for food resources and suitcases were collected to provide to children in foster care, she thanked Council Chairperson Mills for providing suitcases through her church as well as Ella-kids for donating toys; repairs are required in different places in the municipal center, some bathrooms were renovated; planning more green initiatives such as solar and electric car purchases in order to maintain Sustainable Maryland certification; preparing to clear up the Harland Street property; working on school initiatives to help the parents; she applied for solar grants from the State; she received the trail blazers award from the Academy for Excellence in Local Governance at the University of Maryland, and some employees were certified; she provided many proclamations through a committee; five staff members were CERT certified; the local fire department need resources that maybe the city may provide through ARPA funds; she invites everyone to the first multi-cultural event in the City of New Carrollton; she wished all the women in the city a happy belated women’s month. 8. COUNCIL QUESTIONS PERTAINING TO REPORT GIVEN BY MAYOR AND ADMINISTRATION Chairperson Mills open the floor for the topic. Councilmember Dodro thanked the Mayor for visiting her website and implementing her ideas; she asked the Chief about an incident that happened in Foodway; Chief Rice stated that there is an ongoing investigation and provided a brief explanation; she requested information about a staff member who was found guilty of assault and was put in a position from the budget that is $0; Councilmember Lashley had questions about the budget and he welcomes everyone to the multi-cultural events; Ms. Grant-Charles responded to those questions; Councilmember Hooks did not have any questions; Councilmember Urbina had questions about the budget, and what funds are being used to pay Mr. Harris who is now the Fleet Manager, who does HR reports to in order to make those types of hires. 9. 6000 HARLAND STREET CLEAN-UP Chairperson Mills discussed the topic, and stated that they are going to clean the property due to the condition that the property is in. Chairperson Mills explained further that the council needs to contact the administration about certain topics. 10. MUNICIPAL CENTER SOLAR PANEL INSTALLATION PROPOSAL Chairperson Mills open the floor for the topic. Andrew Facey discussed the topic and explained the need for solar panels at the municipal center to qualify for the next Sustainable Maryland certification. Councilmember Dodro stated that she does not agreed to install solar panels due to the stipulation that the building has, perhaps the maybe putting solar panel at the Hank Building; 6| MINUTES OF THE COUNCIL WORKSHOP MEETING – APRIL 5, 2023 Councilmember Lashley felt that it is not an urgent matter to place solar panels at this time and questioned the pricing of the proposals; Mr. Facey further explained; Councilmember Hooks did not have questions; Councilmember Urbina asked when will this start paying for itself; the response was the 11th year. 11. DISCUSSION PETITION REQUEST: RESTRICT PARKING TO PERMIT HOLDERS AT QUENTIN CT Chairperson Mills discussed the topic of the cul-de-sac to enforce to permit parking; residents of that area gathered to sign a petition to the city; Mayor Nembhard stated that parking is a problem throughout the city but Code Enforcement Department stop working at 5:00 pm however after hours the police department write tickets; Chief Rice explained that they can work on a solution; Councilmember Urbina supports helping those residents to find a solution; Councilmember Lashley feels that emergency vehicles can have issues getting access to the cul- de-sac; Councilmember Dodro explained that in the past there was a criteria to request parking permits at a specific section, that it can be good to create a group facilitator to work with the community to create solutions on how to deal with parking. 12. EMERGENCY REPLACEMENT OF THE COOLING TOWER AT THE MUNICIPAL CENTER Chairperson Mills open the floor for the topic. Mayor Nembhard explained the situation with the cooling tower and the need to replace it. She explained that the ceiling is falling apart. Councilmember Urbina explained that she set forth the terms in which she will be willing to vote on things that cost money but that she is not in control of things that she requested but does not get a response to. 13. DISCUSSION FUEL TANK REPLACEMENT Chairperson Mills open the floor for the topic. Mayor Nembhard stated that since the time Latasha was here she had brought up the topic of the fuel tank being past its age, that she will provide information about the underground tank which can be piggy-back from two state bid contracts and that one company will bring a 500 gallon tank during the replacement of the new tank; she further explain the topic. 14. PHAZZER vs TAZER POLICE EQUIPMENT PURCHASE Chairperson Mills open the floor for the topic. Chief Rice explained that the equipment has come to their end life; they are not able to fix them; brought a proposal to replace them; the options are Phazzer or Tazer but that the Phazzer is cheaper to the other. Councilmember Lashley requested explanation in the quality and safety of the equipment deployment; Ms. Grant-Charles stated that the cost of the Phazzer is $24,775.30 as compare $64.898.70, the purchase will be using ARPA funds; Councilmember Urbina requested explanation about the safety of the equipment and is it approved to be paid by ARPA funds; Chief Rice answered the questions; Mayor Nembhard thanked Capt. Butler for putting this topic together, that the ARPA consultant was called for small equipment; LPRs was another small 7| MINUTES OF THE COUNCIL WORKSHOP MEETING – APRIL 5, 2023 equipment to incorporate in the future. 15. FY2024 BUDGET ORDINANCE Chairperson Mills open the floor for the topic. Ms. Grant-Charles requested to discuss the budget ordinance next meeting to be able to make changes and prepared the final draft. 16. PROCLAMATIONS Chairperson Mills discussed the topic of proclamations for next meeting. a) Municipal Clerks Week b) Municipal Police Week c) National Public Works Week 17. MEETING MINUTES Chairperson Mills requested that the Council review the following meeting minutes. a.)Council Workshop/Special Legislative Meeting Minutes (February 1,2023) b.) Council Special Workshop Meeting Minutes (February 8, 2023) c.) Council Legislative Meeting Minutes (February 15, 2023) d.) Council Workshop/Special Legislative Meeting (March 1, 2023) e.) Council Special Workshop Meeting (March 8, 2023) f.) Council Legislative Meeting (March 15, 2023) 18. REVIEW LIST OF PAID BILLS Chairperson Mills requested that the Council review the following the list of bills. Batch #1 (March 3, 2023); Batch #2 (March 13, 2023); Batch #3 (March 17, 2023); Batch #4 (March 24, 2023). 19. PUBLIC COMMENT- RESIDENTS’ CONCERNS, AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION AND, PHONE CALLS Chairperson Mills open the floor for the audience participation. Resident- David spoke about the parking issues and the GVWR from the city’s charter; he was born in 1953 and brought up the position of the City Council Chair has her position only because she can adjourn meetings and is not acceptable, calling all citizens to come to their senses May 1st. Ce-Ce addressed Councilmembers Dodro and Urbina provided comments not very clear. 5813 Lamont Dr.- Pat Jackman: Explained that Sustainable Maryland requires a Green Team but the Green Team has not met; April is Earth month, what has the city initiated to celebrate earth month; she had a question about kitchen waste composting. Mayor Nembhard stated that the composting will be revisited; past Saturday they held a shredding event but will not be able to do a clean-up day due to early voting; the city will plant 100 trees; a tree will be planted. 8| MINUTES OF THE COUNCIL WORKSHOP MEETING – APRIL 5, 2023 Angela Alarcon – provide a comment about footage being beat by police officers; she requested an explanation about the officer who was given a position that was not advertised; she is questioning the transparency of the Mayor, the council and the police; she wants to know how will the Chief addressed this type of behaviors; Chief Rice stated that he cannot get into the topic. 20. REQUEST FOR FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS NOT ALREADY SUBMITTED Chairperson Mills stated that she would not request future agenda items. Councilmember Urbina requested to put forward an Ordinance that makes it impossible for someone who was convicted of a crime that they conducted while they were employed by the city to be rehire by the city. Mayor Nembhard addressed Ms. Alarcon that it was the first time that she viewed those videos herself was when those videos surface through the media; Mr. Jeffery Harris was not fired by the Police Department and he was not re-hired; she stated that the information that they received is false information. 21. ADJOURNMENT Chairperson Mills called the adjournment. There being no further business, Chairperson Mills moved to adjourn the Council Workshop Meeting for Wednesday, April 5, 2023. No one seconded the motion. Not everyone were in favor. (1-3-0). Chairperson Mills adjourned the meeting at 10:09 pm. The meeting ended at 10:09 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Araceli Guzman-Benitez City Clerk Adopted by the City Council on_____________________. Note: The official recording of the City of New Carrollton’s Council Workshop Meeting of Wednesday, April 5, 2023, has been posted to the City of New Carrollton’s website. 1| MINUTES OF THE COUNCIL LEGISLATIVE MEETING – APRIL 19, 2023 CITY OF NEW CARROLLTON MINUTES COUNCIL LEGISLATIVE MEETING WEDNESDAY, APRIL 19, 2023, 7:00 P.M. The Council Legislative Meeting was held at 7:00 p.m., on Wednesday, April 19, 2023, as a virtual meeting. Attending were Councilmembers Cynthia DB Mills; Lincoln H.G. Lashley, Katrina R. Dodro, and Briana Urbina, (Allyne Hooks was absent); Mayor Phelecia Nembhard; Chief David G. Rice; Information Technology Administrator Andrew Facey; Lorna Grant-Charles, Director of Finance & Accounting and City Clerk Araceli Guzman-Benitez. 1. CALL TO ORDER Chairperson Mills called the meeting to order at 7:03 p.m. 2. COMMENTS FROM THE CHAIRMAN Chairperson Mills asked that residents be kind to place signs that are out of place; she encourages residents to keep the city clean by cleaning up or calling the city to pick-up any trash. 3. UPDATE ON PGCPS PURCHASE OF CITY OF NEW CARROLLTON LAND Chairperson Mills opened the floor to discuss the topic. 4. MEETING MINUTES a.) Council Workshop/Special Legislative Meeting Minutes (February 1, 2023) b.) Council Special Workshop Meeting Minutes (February 8, 2023) c.) Council Legislative Meeting Minutes (February 15, 2023) d.) Council Workshop/Special Legislative Meeting (March 1, 2023) e.) Council Special Workshop Meeting (March 8, 2023) f.) Council Legislative Meeting (March 15, 2023) Motion: I move that the Council of the City of New Carrollton approve the following minutes: Council Workshop/Special Legislative Meeting Minutes (February 1, 2023); Council Special Workshop Meeting Minutes (February 8, 2023); Council Legislative Meeting Minutes (February 15, 2023). Councilmember Urbina seconded the motion. The meeting minutes were approved. (4-0-0) OLD BUSINESS 5. 6000 HARLAND STREET Motion: Chairperson Mills moved that the Council of the City of New Carrollton approve the cleanup and restoration of the property located at 6000 Harland Street. No one second the motion. A discussion did not followed. The motion was table. 6. FRENCHMAN’S CREEK ROAD WORK Motion: I move that the Council of the City of New Carrollton approve VMP Construction Company, Inc, or NZI Construction Corp., to repair the identified roads at Frenchman’s Creek Condominiums using State grant funding. Councilmember Lashley seconded the motion. A discussion followed. Not everyone were in favor, the motion failed. (1-3-0). 2| MINUTES OF THE COUNCIL LEGISLATIVE MEETING – APRIL 19, 2023 7. UPDATE PGCPS PURCHASE OF CITY OF NEW CARROLLTON LAND The topic was not on the agenda. Chairperson Mills opened the topic. Mayor Nembhard explained that the contract was approved by the council and that the council did not take the time to read it; she stated that the PGCPS had added the Veterans Park property in the contract just because; the Mayor made an addendum which was forwarded to the attorney and that the property of Veterans Park was removed from the contract; the attorney is reviewing it; the price for the land is still the same. A discussion followed: Councilmember Urbina stated that they never saw a contract; instead, there were two offer letters; Councilmember Dodro clarified that there were not any contracts to review, and the information that was provided did not have clear language of specifics; and that the Mayor stated many times that the council went to do negotiations but that such information is not true, that there were no negotiations but instead they asked questions; Councilmember Lashley wanted clarification about the price, which Mayor Nembhard replied that the price remains the same. 8. EMERGENCY REPLACEMENT OF THE COOLING TOWER AT THE MUNICIPAL CENTER Motion: I move that the Council of the City of New Carrollton approve the replacement of the cooling tower at the Municipal Center in the amount totaling $69,400.00 for equipment and scope of work. No one second the motion. A discussion did not followed. No one second the motion. A discussion did not followed. There was no vote. 9. MUNICIPAL CENTER SOLAR INSTALLATION PROPOSAL Motion: I move that the Council of the City of New Carrollton approve Hyperion, Inc. (Hyperion), as the contractor to design and install solar panels and related equipment at its Municipal Center in the amount of $330,789.38. A discussion did not followed. No one second the motion. The motion was table. 10. ADOPTION OF THE FY2024 BUDGET- ORDINANCE 23-02 (First Reading) Motion: I move that the Council of the City of New Carrollton adopt Ordinance 23-02, an Ordinance of the City Council of New Carrollton adopting an annual operating and capital budget for the City of New Carrollton for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2023 and ending June 30,2024; Establishing the tax rate to be levied upon the taxable property within the City; Authorizing the collection of such taxes; Specifying a rate of interest to be charged upon overdue personal property taxes, liens and unpaid fees: Adopting annual budgets for the Commercial and/or Industrial Properties Special Public Safety Taxing District and the Multifamily Properties Special Public Safety Taxing District; Establishing the Annual Tax Rate to be levied upon the Special Public Safety Taxing Districts; and all things generally relating to the adoption of an annual budget for the City of New Carrollton. A discussion did not followed. No one second the motion. There was no vote. (Councilmember Dodro attempted to re-organize the council. NEW BUSINESS 11. RESOLUTION 23-03 FY2024 SCHEDULE OF FEES Motion: I move that the Council of the City of New Carrollton adopt Resolution 23-03, a 3| MINUTES OF THE COUNCIL LEGISLATIVE MEETING – APRIL 19, 2023 resolution adopting a schedule of fees for FY2024. A discussion did not followed. No one second the motion. The topic was table. 12. EMERGENCY PURCHASE OF A NEW WATER TRUCK Motion: I make a motion that the Council of the City of New Carrollton approve the purchase of the new water truck for the Department of Public Works using ARPA funds in the Amount of $_____________from________________. A discussion did not followed. No one second the motion. The topic was table. Councilmember Urbina seconded the motion. A discussion followed. Not everyone were in favor, the motion failed. (1-3-0). 13. PURCHASE OF CODE ENFORCEMENT PERMIT LICENSING/BUDGET SOFTWARE THROUGH ARPA FUNDS Motion: I move that the Council of the City of New Carrollton approve the purchase of OpenGov Asset Management on MD COTS. The topic was not discussed or motion. 14. FUEL TANK REPLACEMENT Motion: I move that the Council of the City of New Carrollton approve the purchase/replacement of the underground gas tank before it explodes. The company to contract with: _________________________. The topic was not discussed or motion. 15. PROCLAMATION: MUNICIPAL CLERKS WEEK Motion: I move that the Mayor and the City Council of New Carrollton proclaim April 30 to May 6, 2023, as Municipal Clerks Week in the City of New Carrollton. Councilmember Urbina seconded the motion. A discussion followed. Not everyone were in favor, the motion passed. (3- 1-0). 16. PROCLAMATION: MUNICIPAL POLICE WEEK Motion: I move that the Mayor and the City Council of New Carrollton proclaim May 14 2023, as National Police Week in the City of New Carrollton. Councilmember Lashley seconded the motion. A discussion followed. Not everyone were in favor, the motion passed. (3-1-0). 17. PROCLAMATION: NATIONAL PUBLIC WORKS WEEK Motion: I move that the Mayor and the City Council of New Carrollton proclaim May 21 to May 27, 2023, as National Public Works Week in the City of New Carrollton. Councilmember Lashley seconded the motion. A discussion followed. Not everyone were in favor, the motion passed. (3-1-0). 18. REVIEW LIST OF PAID BILLS Chairperson Mills requested that the council review the bills, and to provide comments. Batch #1 (March 3, 2023); Batch #2 (March 13, 2023); Batch#3 (March 17, 2023); Batch #4 (March 24, 2023). Mayor Nembhard addressed Councilmember Dodro in reference to conversations directly with City staff; Councilmember Dodro responded. 19. ADJOURNMENT 4| MINUTES OF THE COUNCIL LEGISLATIVE MEETING – APRIL 19, 2023 Chairperson Mills called the adjournment. No one second the motion for the Legislative Meeting for Wednesday, April 19, 2023. Chairperson Mills closed the meeting at 7:46 pm. The meeting ended at 7:46 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Araceli Guzman-Benitez City Clerk Adopted by the City Council on_____________________. Note: The official recording of the City of New Carrollton’s Council Legislative Meeting of Wednesday, April 19, 2023, has been posted to the City of New Carrollton’s website. 1| MINUTES OF THE COUNCIL WORKSHOP MEETING – MAY 3, 2023 CITY OF NEW CARROLLTON MINUTES Called to order 7:02 p.m. In Attendance were Councilmembers Cynthia DB Mills; Lincoln H.G. Lashley, Katrina R. Dodro, Allyne Hooks, and Briana Urbina; Mayor Phelecia Nembhard; Information Technology Administrator Andrew Facey and City Clerk Araceli Guzman-Benitez. 1. 2023 ELECTION RESULTS (BOE) Charles Davis, Chairman of the Board of Elections provided the following overview of the May 1, 2023, election results for candidates running for mayor: Katrina R. Dodro ………… 434 Phelecia E. Nembhard …… 300 Election results for candidates running for councilmember: Tyrone F. General …………..116 Allyne Hooks ……………….239 Ryan Alexander Hussey …….363 Raneda L. King ……………...300 David Chi-Wai Lai …………..432 Lincoln H.G. Lashley ………..460 Rashad Lloyd ………………...257 Cynthia DB Mills …………….290 Duane H. Rosenberg …………433 Briana Urbina ………………...442 Samuel Leon Young ………….196 The total votes were 742 including write-in votes. 2. REPORT OF THE MAYOR AND ADMINISTRATION Mayor Nembhard gave a report including the following: proposing a compensation study; underground tank/above tank; plans for cleaning the Harland Street property; she congratulated the Mayor elect and Councilmembers elect; Jodie Street repairs were completed; proposed a closed meeting to discuss the Chief of Police; she thanked the administrative staff for the work that they do; the MRUA program; parks need repairs; grant State Highway Administration for beautification; CERT training; job applications; technology projects; job promotions. 3. COUNCIL QUESTIONS PERTAINING TO REPORT GIVEN BY MAYOR AND ADMINISTRATION Councilmember Lashley requested an update on the AV room. Councilmember Urbina thanked the Board of Elections, poll workers and staff who worked on Election Day. Councilmember Hooks did not have any questions. Mayor-Elect Dodro requested to leave all the councilmembers unmuted; she requested that no major 2| MINUTES OF THE COUNCIL WORKSHOP MEETING – MAY 3, 2023 decisions be made from today’s date through May 17; she proposed that any new projects should not move forward at this time; it is the tradition of all forms of government to follow this rules and hopes that the current administration follows this rules. 4. COMMENTS FROM THE CHAIRMAN Chairperson Mills announced that on the 17th, the meeting will be in person at the Municipal Center for the swearing-in of the new Mayor and Council. 5. 6000 HARLAND STREET CLEANUP Was not discussed. 6. MUNICIPAL CENTER SOLAR PANEL INSTALLATION PROPOSAL Chairperson Mills open the floor for questions. Councilmember Hooks provided an opinion. Mayor-Elect Dodro noted that there should be more information about the ownership of the building before discussing the topic further. 7. EMERGENCY REPLACEMENT OF THE COOLING TOWER AT THE MUNICIPAL CENTER Chairperson Mills open the floor for questions. Councilmember Hooks provided an opinion. Mayor-Elect Dodro did not discussed the topic. 8. ADOPTION OF THE FY2024 BUDGET – ORDINANCE 23-02 SECOND READING Was not discussed. 9. RESOLUTION 23-03 FY2024 SCHEDULE OF FEES Chairperson Mills open the floor for questions on the topic. Ms. Lorna Grant-Charles provided an overview of the topic. 10. PURCHASE OF CODE ENFORCEMENT PERMIT LICENSING/BUDGET SOFTWARE THROUGH ARPA FUNDS Ms. Lorna Grant-Charles provided an overview of the topic. 11. FUEL TANK REPLACEMENT DPW Chairperson Mills open the floor for the topic and requested information. 12. EMERGENCY PURCHASE OF A NEW WATER TRUCK DPW Chairperson Mills open the floor for the topic. Mr. Nadab Gordon provided an explanation about the status of the current water truck. Councilmember Lashley did not moved forward on any finances. 3| MINUTES OF THE COUNCIL WORKSHOP MEETING – MAY 3, 2023 13. THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS SEEKS APPROVAL TO PROCEED WITH STREET PAVING AND SIDEWALK REPAIRS WITH VMP CONSTRUCTION CO, INC., PROPOSAL FOR $81,955.00 AND PROPOSAL $458,620.00 Chairperson Mills open the floor for questions on the topic. Ms. Lorna Grant-Charles noted that the following streets need repairs: Sprague Place; Fairbanks Street, 85th Place, Oliver Street and Topton Street. 14. MEETING MINUTES a.) Council Workshop/Special Legislative Meeting (March 1, 2023) b.) Council Special Workshop Meeting (March 8, 2023) c.) Council Legislative Meeting (March 15, 2023) d.) Council Workshop Meeting (April 5, 2023) e.) Council Legislative Meeting (April 19, 2023) The minutes were not provided at this time. 15. REVIEW OF PAID BILLS Chairperson Mills requested that the Council review the following the list of bills. Batch #1 (March 31, 2023); Batch #2 (April 7, 2023); Batch #3 (April 25, 2023). 16. PUBLIC COMMENT- RESIDENTS’ CONCERNS, AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION, AND, PHONE CALLS Chairperson Mills open the floor for audience participation. Resident: Connie Scott a resident of 38 years noted that her street has not been resurfaced before. Requesting resurfacing of Mentana Street to Westbrook. Annemarie Rivera from 8408 Carrollton Pkwy requested that the city implement a one-way street to control the high traffic in that area. Ce-Ce a resident of the city provided her opinions to the new Mayor and New Council. 17. ADJOURNMENT Chairperson Mills called for adjournment. Councilmember Hooks put a motion to adjourn the meeting. No one seconded the motion. The vote failed. (1-4-0). Chairperson Mills adjourned the meeting at 8:06 pm. Mayor Nembhard addressed the Chairperson about Frenchman’s Creek road pavement and requested clarification on a vote from a previous meeting on how to proceed with the contract whether it is piggyback on the PG contract or RFPs are required. (Chairperson Mills responded to Mayor Nembhard that it is her impression that the contract will be 4| MINUTES OF THE COUNCIL WORKSHOP MEETING – MAY 3, 2023 piggybacking a PG contract). The meeting ended at 8:06 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Araceli Guzman-Benitez City Clerk Adopted by the City Council on_____________________. Note: The official recording of the City of New Carrollton’s Council Workshop Meeting of Wednesday, May 3, 2023, has been posted to the City of New Carrollton’s website: www.newcarrolltonmd.gov. 1| M IN U T E S O F T H E COUNCIL SPECIAL WORKSHOP/ LEGISLATIVE MEETING – MAY 17, 2023 CITY OF NEW CARROLLTON MINUTES Called to order 7:02 p.m. Via Zoom/Municipal Center, Room 230. In attendance were Councilmembers Cynthia DB Mills; Lincoln H.G. Lashley, Briana Urbina, and Allyne Hooks; Mayor Phelecia Nembhard; Mayor-Elect Katrina R. Dodro, Information Technology Administrator Andrew Facey, and City Clerk Araceli Guzman-Benitez. 1. ADMINISTER OATH OF OFFICE TO THE NEW MAYOR The Honorable Mahasin El Amin, Clerk of the Circuit Court administered oath of office to Katrina R. Dodro, new mayor of the City of New Carrollton. 2. THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS SEEKS EMERGENCY APPROVAL FROM THE CITY COUNCIL TO SUBMIT AN RFP FOR THE RECONSTRUCTION OF THE POWHATAN STREET BRIDGE The City Council tabled the topic. 3. ADDITIONS TO THE AGENDA BY THE COUNCIL Councilmember Urbina made a motion to table topics 2- 5 and 7 to 14 and to continue with the agenda. Chairperson Mills called for the vote. Councilmember Lashley seconded. The motion passed (4-0-0). 4. UPDATE ON PGCPS PURCHASE OF CITY OF NEW CARROLLTON LAND The City Council tabled the topic. 5. COMMENTS FROM MAYOR NEMBHARD No comment. 6. MEETING MINUTES a.) Council Workshop/Special Legislative Meeting (March 1, 2023) b.) Council Special Workshop Meeting (March 8, 2023) c.) Council Legislative Meeting (March 15, 2023) d.) Council Workshop Meeting (April 5, 2023) e.) Council Legislative Meeting (April 19, 2023) Was not discussed. OLD BUSINESS 7. ELECTION RESULTS – MAY 1, 2023 Motion: Chairperson Mills moved that the City Council accept the results of the City of New Carrollton Municipal General Election held on Monday, May 1, 2023, as delivered by Charles Davis, Chairman of the Board of Elections. Councilmember Hooks seconded the motion. There was no discussion. Chairperson Mills called for the vote. The motion passed (4-0-0). 2| M IN U T E S O F T H E COUNCIL SPECIAL WORKSHOP/ LEGISLATIVE MEETING – MAY 17, 2023 8. MUNICIPAL CENTER SOLAR PANEL INSTALLATION PROPOSAL The City Council tabled the topic. 9. EMERGENCY REPLACEMENT OF THE COOLING TOWER AT THE MUNICIPAL CENTER The City Council tabled the topic. 10. ADOPTION OF THE FY2024 BUDGET – ORDINANCE 23-02 (FIRST READING) The City Council tabled the topic. 11. RESOLUTION 23-03 FY2024 SCHEDULE OF FEES The City Council tabled the topic. 12. PURCHASE OF CODE ENFORCEMENT PERMIT LICENSING/BUDGET The City Council tabled the topic. 13. FUEL TANK REPLACEMENT The City Council tabled the topic. 14. EMERGENCY PURCHASE OF A WATER TRUCK The City Council tabled the topic. 15. REVIEW OF PAID BILLS The City Council tabled the topic. 16. SINE DIE ADJOURNMENT OF THE 2021-2023 COUNCIL Chairperson Mills adjourned the 2021-2023 Council. 17. ADMINISTER OATH OF OFFICE TO NEW COUNCILMEMBERS The Honorable Katrina R. Dodro, Mayor of the City of New Carrollton administered oath of office to the new Councilmembers of the City of New Carrollton: Ryan Alexander Hussey David Chi-Wai Lai Lincoln HG Lashley Duane H. Rosenberg Briana Urbina NEW BUSINESS 18. ORGANIZATION OF THE COUNCIL 2023-2025 FOR THE POSITION OF: Chair……………………Briana Urbina Vice Chair………………Lincoln Lashley Mayor Pro-Tem...............Duane Rosenberg Alternate Treasurer…......David Lai Councilmember…………Ryan Alexander Hussey 3| M IN U T E S O F T H E COUNCIL SPECIAL WORKSHOP/ LEGISLATIVE MEETING – MAY 17, 2023 Chairperson Urbina made an acknowledgment and congratulated David Lai as the first Asian American to be elected as a Councilmember in the City of New Carrollton and the fourth Asian American to serve on municipal government in Prince George’s County. 19. ADDITIONS TO THE AGENDA BY THE COUNCIL Chairperson Urbina announced that the Council has two motions to bring forward. 1.) Chairperson Urbina made a motion to appoint David G. Rice as Police Chief of the City of New Carrollton. Councilmember Lashley seconded the motion. A discussion followed. The motion passed (4-1-0). 2.) Chairperson Urbina made a motion to reinstate Andre Triplett as Director of Public Works for the City of New Carrollton. Councilmember Lai seconded the motion. A discussion followed. The motion passed (4-1-0). 3.) Chairperson Urbina recognized Ethan Sweep from the office of Congressman Glenn Ivey to present a proclamation to the new administration. 4.) Chairperson Urbina recognized Delegate Ashanti Martinez and Delegate Anne Healey. 5.) The Honorable Katrina R. Dodro, Mayor of the City of New Carrollton administered the oath of office of the Chief of Police David G. Rice; and the oath of office of the Director of Public Works Andre Triplett. 20. ADJOURNMENT Chairperson Urbina moved to adjourn the meeting. Seconded by Councilmember Lashley. The motion passed (5-0-0). The meeting adjourned at 7:50 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Araceli Guzman-Benitez City Clerk Adopted by the City Council on_____________________. 1|M I N U T E S O F T H E C O U N C I L S P E C IA L W O R K S H O P M E E T I N G – M AY 2 4 , 2023 CITY OF NEW CARROLLTON MINUTES Called to order 7:00 p.m. Via Zoom/Municipal Center, Room 230. In attendance were Councilmembers Briana Urbina, Duane Rosenberg, Lincoln Lashley, David Lai, and Ryan Hussey; Mayor Katrina Dodro, Police Chief David G. Rice, Director of Public Works Andre Triplett, Technology Administrator Andrew Facey, and City Clerk Araceli Guzman-Benitez. 1. ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA AS PRESENTED Motion: Councilmember Lai moved to adopt the agenda as presented. Councilmember Lashley seconded the motion. Chair Urbina called for the vote. The Motion passed (4-0-0). (Councilmember Hussey was not present during the vote). 2. COUNCIL MEETING NORMS AND EXPECTATIONS Chair Urbina announced expectations for Council meeting Protocols. A discussion followed. Motion: Councilmember Lai moved to set a three-minute period for staff, councilmembers, and the members of the public to speak. Councilmember Lashley seconded the motion. Chair Urbina called for the vote. The motion passed (4-0-0). (Councilmember Hussey was not present during the vote). Chair Urbina discussed agenda goals and expectations. A discussion followed. 3. THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS SEEKS EMERGENCY APPROVAL FROM THE CITY COUNCIL TO SUBMIT AN RFP FOR THE RECONSTRUCTION OF THE POWHATAN STREET BRIDGE OVER BRIAR DITCH Director of Public Works Triplett led the discussion and provided an overview of the closure of the bridge at Westbrook Drive due to defects that were found by engineers. They were in agreement that the bridge should be removed and replaced. Mr. Triplett is requesting approval to do an emergency RFP; further inspection determined that it was best to keep the bridge closed. He discussed the options for safety and possible cost estimates. Chair Urbina noted that a vote was not required and that the consensus of the council was to move forward. 4. BUDGET HEARING – OVERVIEW OF THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS AND ADMINISTRATION The Council reviewed the Public Works budget with the Mayor and Director of Public Works Triplett. 5. PUBLIC COMMENTS AND SUGGESTIONS FOR FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Laura Urbina from 8001 Legation Road - had questions and provided an opinion in reference to the Powhatan Bridge. Angela Alarcon from 6118 86th Ave – Had questions about the Powhatan Bridge and about the 2|M I N U T E S O F T H E C O U N C I L S P E C IA L W O R K S H O P M E E T I N G – M AY 2 4 , 2023 ARPA funds and gift cards. David Rawlans from 8318 Carrollton Pkwy – Thanked Mr. Triplett, congratulated the Council for running an effective meeting, and had questions about Powhatan Bridge and requested that an officer direct traffic. Ce-Ce from Frenchman’s Creek had questions about WSSC and the construction happening and Fountain Club construction trucks. 6. MOTION TO ADJOURN Chair Urbina moved the motion to adjourn the Meeting. Councilmember Lashley seconded. The motion passed (5-0-0). Meeting adjourned at 8:50 pm. Respectfully submitted, Araceli Guzman-Benitez City Clerk Adopted by the City Council on . Note: The official recording of the City of New Carrollton’s Council Special Workshop Meeting of Wednesday, May 24, 2023, has been posted to the City of New Carrollton’s website: www.newcarrolltonmd.gov.