Mayor and City Council

1|M I N U T E S O F T H E C O U N C I L W O R K S H O P M E E T I N G – S E P T E M B E R 6 , 2 0 2 3 CITY OF NEW CARROLLTON MINUTES Called to order at 7:01 p.m. Via Zoom/Municipal Center, Room 230. In attendance were Councilmembers Lincoln Lashley, David Lai, Ryan Hussey, Duane Rosenberg (Councilmember Urbina was absent); Mayor Katrina Dodro, CAO Jenese Jones Oden, Interim CAO Joe Nagro, DPW Director Andre Triplett, IT Director 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 Rosenberg seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously (4-0-0), with Chair Urbina absent. 2. PRESENTATION BY CPJ ASSOCIATES Mr. Ahmed from CPJ Associates discussed the proposal for the structural design analysis, the preparation of a feasibility study, and three options for the existing Powhatan Street and Westbrook Drive Bridge. A discussion followed. Mr. Ahmed answered inquiries from the Mayor and Council. 3. MAYOR’S REPORT WITH REPORTS FROM THE DEPARTMENT HEADS Mayor Dodro welcomed the new City Administrative Officer, Ms. Jenese Jones Oden. Chief Rice provided a detailed update on the first week back to school, traffic flow, crime statistics, and parking. Mr. Nagro noted that the September/October newsletter was mailed. He provided Code Enforcement statistics and announced upcoming events, including Community Day/70th Anniversary, Trunk or Treat, and a Shredding event. Ms. Jones Oden noted that they were working on COVID protocols and standard operating procedures. Mr. Triplett provided information about the following topics: sidewalks, tree trimming and removal, planning leaf season, filled positons, Harland pool, trash-packers, and August statistics. 4. DISCUSSION COMMUNITY DAY/70TH ANNIVERSARY Mayor Dodro announced that the Community Day event will have a new exciting format with two separate tents; one will be dedicated to engaging the community, while the other will provide entertainment. She also encouraged local businesses to participate as sponsors for the event. The Mayor concluded by noting that the budget books have been distributed and mentioned that the Meet & Greet will take place at the library from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm. Mr. Rosenberg had questions about the budget, an acceptance letter from Lindsey & Associates, and the Animal Control vaccination clinic. Mr. Lai had suggestions to improve communication with the community, staffing, Community Day registration, and volunteer 2|M I N U T E S O F T H E C O U N C I L W O R K S H O P M E E T I N G – S E P T E M B E R 6 , 2 0 2 3 opportunities for students. Mr. Lashley has questions about the Body and In-Car Camera grants, the Animal Control position, and the 70th Anniversary to recognize long-time residents. 5. DISCUSSION: ARPA CONSULTANT Mr. Rosenberg provided a chart on the ARPA funds and a brief review of the amount of money available, its allocation, and the remaining balance. A discussion followed. The Councilmembers had questions and shared their suggestions. 6. DISCUSSION: CONSULTING AGREEMENT ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND OTHER SERVICES Mayor Dodro provided a brief overview of LA Perez Consulting, LLC. In response to the Mayors presentation, the Council requested more information about the topic. A discussion followed. 7. DISCUSSION: STATE ETHICS LAW – REQUIRES FOR LOCAL GOVERNMENT ETHICS LAWS MODIFICATION Ms. Guzman-Benitez and Ms. Jones Oden provided a brief overview of the changes on State Ethics laws that must be incorporated into the City’s Code. An Ordinance will follow to address these changes. The Council did not have questions on the topic. 8. DISCUSSION: FINANCIAL AUDIT Mayor Dodro stated that there had been prior discussion regarding the possibility of a Forensic Audit. She explained that she, Ms. Grant-Charles, and C. Brown & Associates had discussed expectations and potential outcomes related to such an audit. A discussion followed. The Council asked questions and provided suggestions. 9. PROCLAMATION: NATIONAL PREPAREDNESS MONTH Mayor Dodro discussed the Proclamation on National Preparedness Month. The Council offered suggestions on resources for emergency preparedness. 10. REVIEW OF PAID BILLS The Council reviewed the following bills: Batch #1 (August 3, 2023); Batch #2 (August 17, 2023); Batch #3 (August 21, 2023); Batch #4 (August 28, 2023); Batch #5 (August 30, 2023); & Batch #6 (August 30, 2023). Councilmember Hussey had no questions. Mr. Lai suggested real-time updates through a dashboard. Mr. Lashley inquired about a payment to the AV room contractor. Mr. Rosenberg had no questions. 3|M I N U T E S O F T H E C O U N C I L W O R K S H O P M E E T I N G – S E P T E M B E R 6 , 2 0 2 3 11. PUBLIC COMMENTS AND SUGGESTIONS FOR FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Future agenda items include Animal Control, ARPA Funds, and the Vaccination clinic. There were no public comments. 12. MOTION TO ADJOURN Motion: Councilmember Lai moved to adjourn the meeting, and Councilmember Rosenberg seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously (4-0-0), with Chair Urbina absent. The meeting adjourned at 9:07 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Araceli Guzman-Benitez Araceli Guzman Benitez City Clerk Adopted by the City Council on October 18, 2023. Note: The official recording of the City of New Carrollton’s Council Workshop Meeting of Wednesday, September 6, 2023, has been posted to the City of New Carrollton’s website: www.newcarrolltonmd.gov.