Mayor and City Council
Regular MeetingNew Carrollton, MD · June 5, 2024
Minutes
1 - | MINUTES OF THE COUNCIL WORKSHOP MEETING – JUNE 5, 2024,
CITY OF NEW CARROLLTON MINUTES
Called to order at 7:00 p.m. Via Zoom/Municipal Center, Room 230. In attendance were
Councilmembers Briana Urbina, David Lai, Duane Rosenberg, Lincoln Lashley and Ryan
Hussey. Also present were Mayor Katrina Dodro, Chief David G. Rice, Director of Public
Works Andre Triplett, ACAO Maisha Williams, IT Director Andrew Facey and Araceli
Guzman-Benitez.
1. PUBLIC COMMENTS
Resident Teslim Alghali, from the Aging committee of Prince George’s County.
Spoke in support of the resolution to advocating to cease fire in Palestine.
Philip Emeritz, Colmar Manor Councilmember spoke in support of the resolution to
cease fire in Palestine.
Elias Johnson spoke in support of the resolution to cease fire in Palestine and to
congratulate the City of New Carrollton for taking action.
Mary Hershberger of Brentwood spoke in support of the resolution to cease fire in
Palestine.
Mr. Chapman a member of the West Lanham Hills Volunteer Fire Department
requested that the City fixed potholes on Riverdale Road through Lamont Drive.
2. COUNCIL ANNOUNCEMENTS
Chairperson Urbina:
Whished everyone a Happy Pride month.
Thanked Senator Alonzo Washington and County Councilmember Eric Olson
for attending the raising of the pride flag evet at the Municipal Center.
New Carrollton Pool is open.
Councilmember Rosenberg:
Blood drive at the Municipal Center on July 11.
Mayor’s Meet and Greet. Second Saturday of each month at the New
Carrollton Library.
Event to commemorate graduates June 2024.
Councilmember Lai:
Happy Global Running Day.
Amnesty program to pay late tickets
Senior Friday’s each Friday at the Municipal Center at 11:00 am to 2:00 pm.
Trolley Trail Day.
Gun Buyback event.
Ebenezer Food distribution at the Municipal Center. First and third Saturday of
each month at 10:00 am.
Emigration clinic.
2 - | MINUTES OF THE COUNCIL WORKSHOP MEETING – JUNE 5, 2024,
Kalvin Hawkins to host a Job Fair on June 13.
Councilmember Hussey:
Juneteenth 5k run. (Needs volunteers).
Councilmember Lashley:
Congratulated all graduates.
Mayor Dodro:
Meet and Greet on June 8 at 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm.
Gun Buyback Program on June 8.
Photography class is an eight-week program for the youth of New Carrollton.
Prince George’s County Planning Board public hearing June 20 at 10:00 am.
Modular Building at Beckett Field for National Boys and Girls Club to host
programs.
Celebration of all graduates.
If I were Mayor Contest from the Maryland Municipal League. (Mayor for a
day).
Welcome the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), back to the City of
New Carrollton.
Grants: Safe Streets 4 All, Program open space (Mahoney Woods to create a
small amphitheater), and Oak Park to focus on an outdoor nature, water
capture or rain capture feature.
3. PRESENTATION: FIRE DEPARTMENT
Mayor Dodro discussed the services the West Lanham Hills Fire Department offers to
the City of New Carrollton, noting that although the city typically provides annual
funding, this support had not been given in recent years. The Mayor then presented a
certificate representing $21,000 in overdue funding. Mayor Dodro expressed her
gratitude to the group of Fire fighters present in the room for their partnership on the
safety of the City.
4. PRESENTATION: VHB
Ryan McAllister from VHB a multi-disciplinary civil engineering firm led the
discussion on the Scope of services for the Hanko Building they do urban planning.
Mr. McAllister provided a brief overview about their firm.
Topics covered:
Experience include projects with County agencies and municipalities.
Land development real estate.
Multi-disciplinary and integrated services.
Agency review.
Master planning.
Project goal is to prepare conceptual plan.
Feasibility study. (Mahoney Drive Park).
3 - | MINUTES OF THE COUNCIL WORKSHOP MEETING – JUNE 5, 2024,
Proposed schedule.
Mayor Dodro stated that the plan/project of $250,000. Is from State bond bill funding that
initially was provided for a skate park, but recently re-allocated specifically for the Hanko
Building. The funding will not come out of ARPA budget.
5. DISCUSSION: NIU SHOWERS
Chairperson Urbina stated that NIU Showers is a topic previously discussed. A sale
price of $76,415 was added with additional 10% safety stocks of spare parts to be
shipped at no extra cost. The showers can be used for decontamination.
Mayor Dodro added that if they go forward with the contract, that a purchase of toilets
will be added for an additional $20,000, which is a very low cost on the toilet. She
also informed about the intention of having those mobile showers.
Chairperson Urbina further discussed the topic with the Councilmember. She called
for a vote to go forward with the purchase. However, three out five Councilmembers
voted no will not move forward with the project. The vote was 2-0-3.
6. DISCUSSION: JUNETEENTH MEETING/GRADUATION CELEBRATION
Chairperson Urbina explained that the next meeting which would be on the third
Wednesday of June falls on a federal holiday and that there will be no staff because
the office is closed. She proposes to meet briefly via Zoom on the third Wednesday to
table the topics for the next day and re-schedule the meeting for Thursday, June 20.
The celebration of all graduates will take place at 6:00 pm before the Council meeting
on June 20th. All graduates are welcome.
7. DISCUSSION: NEW CARROLLTO BOARD OF ELECTIONS TERMS
Chairperson Urbina led the discussion on the terms of the Board of Elections
members, Charles Davis and Petal Sampson are expiring and are seeking re-
appointment.
The Councilmembers discussed the topic, had questions and provided input.
8. DISCUSSION: RESOLUTION 24-05 CREATING A PARENTS
AND CAREGIVERS COMMITTEE
Chairperson Urbina presented the topic on a resolution to create a parents and
caregivers’ committee. A discussion followed and all the Councilmembers stated that
they support the committee.
9. DISCUSSION: RESOLUTION 24-06 PROMOTING CEASEFIRE IN GAZA
Chairperson Urbina facilitated the discussion on the resolution advocating for a
ceasefire in Gaza. Urbina invited former Board of Education member from district
five, Raaheela Ahmed, and local resident Amil Johnson to speak at the podium. Ms.
Ahmed and Mr. Johnson expressed their support for the resolution advocating to
4 - | MINUTES OF THE COUNCIL WORKSHOP MEETING – JUNE 5, 2024,
ceasefire in Gaza.
The Councilmembers discussed the topic, had questions and provided input.
10. DISCUSSION: FY 2025 COUNCIL WORKSHOPS & COUNCIL
LEGISLATIVE MEETINGS SCHEDULE
Chairperson Urbina added additional meetings to the meeting schedule to reflect July
3 virtually and August 7 virtually.
The meeting schedule will be amended and will be a vote on the next Council
meeting.
11. PUBLIC COMMENTS AND QUESTIONS
Creg McClain suggested the following:
Start presenters with their history.
Provide bridge updates on every meeting.
ARPA budget updates.
Mr. Emeritz:
Spoke in support of ceasing fire in Gaza.
12. MOTION TO ADJOURN
Chairperson Urbina moved to adjourn the meeting. Councilmember Lai seconded. The
motion passed unanimously 5-0-0.
The meeting adjourned at 9:49 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 Workshop Meeting of
Wednesday, June 5, 2024, has been posted to the City of New Carrollton’s website:
www.newcarrolltonmd.gov.
Agenda
City Council Workshop Meeting
Hybrid
Wednesday, June 5, 2024, 2024, 7:00 pm
Workshop Items for Discussion
1. Call to Order
2. Public Comments 3 min each
3. Council Announcements 10 min
4. Presentation: Fire Department 10 min
5. Presentation: VHB 25 min
Scope of Services Hanko Building.
6. Discussion: NIU Showers 10 min
7. Discussion: Juneteenth Meeting/Graduation Celebration 10 min
8. Discussion: New Carrollton Board of Elections Terms 10 min
9. Discussion: Resolution 24-05 Creating a Parents 10 min
and Caregivers Committee
10. Discussion: Resolution 24-06 Promoting Ceasefire in Gaza 20 min
11. Discussion: FY 2025 Council Workshops & Council Legislative 15 min
Meetings Schedule
12. Public Comments and Questions 3 min each
13. 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.
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81239405841
Meeting ID: 812 3940 5841
If you would like to submit comments in writing please email Araceli Guzman-Benitez, at
aguzman@newcarrolltonmd.gov by 3:00 pm the day of the meeting. Comments are also
welcome after any meeting.
Resolution 24-05
Creating a Parents and Caregivers Committee
Effective: June 19, 2024
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF NEW CARROLLTON
CREATING THE NEW CARROLLTON LITTLES COMMITTEE
WHEREAS, the Charter of the City of New Carrollton, § C-3 "Government of the City"
allows for the creation of a committee; and
WHEREAS, the City Council desires to create a Parents and Caregivers Committee to
advise the City on the needs and concerns of parents and caregivers of infants, toddlers,
and pre-school age children; and
WHEREAS, the City Council has reviewed the proposed Parents and Caregivers
Committee guidelines prepared for the City Council's consideration, which are attached
hereto as Exhibit A.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED, by the City Council of New
Carrollton, that a Parents and Caregivers Committee is hereby created.
ADOPTED AND ENACTED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF NEW CARROLLTON
THIS 19TH DAY OF JUNE 2024.
EFFECTIVE: June 19, 2024
ATTEST:
___________________________ __________________________
Araceli Guzman-Benitez Briana Urbina, Chair
City Clerk
APPROVED:
___________________________
Katrina R. Dodro
Mayor
DATE:_____________________
EXHIBIT A
City of New Carrollton Parents and Caregivers Committee
Purpose: The City of New Carrollton Parents and Caregivers Committee shall advise the
City on the needs and concerns of parents and caregivers of infants, toddlers, and pre-
school age children.
Methods of Outreach: The Committee will use a variety of ways to perform outreach
efforts in the City to engage with parents and caregivers, including but not limited to
publications in City newsletters, eNewsletter, website, and social media, where
appropriate.
Types of Issues to be Addressed:
The Committee will assist the City in addressing the following types of issues and
concerns:
a. Access to early childhood education and childcare services
b. Health and wellness resources for young children and their families
c. Support services for parents and caregivers, including mental health resources
d. Opportunities for parent and caregiver networking and community building
e. Information and resources on child development and parenting strategies
Composition of the Committee: The Committee will consist of 7 members. Members
shall be volunteers and will not be paid.
Committee Responsibilities:
The Committee will meet once a month (on a day and time determined by the
Committee members). The Committee shall discuss new ideas, comments,
opinions, and perspectives for its operations.
The Committee will gather information on the needs and concerns of parents and
caregivers through surveys, community meetings, and other reliable sources.
The Committee will coordinate with the Mayor and City Council to hold quarterly
meetings for the discussion and planning of initiatives to support parents and
caregivers. The Committee will strive to disseminate information and resources to
parents and caregivers through various communication channels.
Resolution 24-06
Commitment to Human Rights and Support for Congressional and Worldwide Calls
for a Permanent Ceasefire in Palestine.
Effective: June 19, 2024
A RESOLUTION
Affirming the City of New Carrollton’s commitment to human rights and support
for congressional and worldwide calls for a permanent ceasefire in Palestine.
WHEREAS, the City of New Carrollton has committed in word and in deed to
the idea that all people are inherently of equal value and deserving of the same rights; and
WHEREAS, for residents, municipal government is the closest proximity to
governing power; through which passage of a local resolution allows for an
acknowledged, collective approach, in addition to others, towards advocacy and a redress
of grievances before governing bodies with greater authority and jurisdiction; and
WHEREAS, the City of New Carrollton advocates for the safety, dignity,
freedom, and equality of all people of all faiths and beliefs, races, ethnicities, and
nationalities; and
WHEREAS, we as local leaders stand firmly against the recent rise of anti-
Semitic, Islamophobic, racist, homophobic, and xenophobic attacks across the nation; and
WHEREAS, since October 7, 2023, over 1,000 Israelis and over 36,000
Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank have been killed, of whom over 15,000 are
children; and
WHEREAS, since October 7, 2023, over 8,000 Israelis and over 81,000
Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank have been injured; and
WHEREAS, since October 7, 2023, over 10,000 Palestinians in Gaza are
missing; and
WHEREAS, the City of New Carrollton recognizes that the current crisis takes
place within a long history and affirms that, for a pathway to lasting peace and justice to
be developed, the root causes of that crisis need to be addressed; and
WHEREAS, as a result of the Israeli bombardment of homes, hospitals, schools,
and vital infrastructure, Gaza is in a dire humanitarian crisis that is getting worse with
each passing day, with a severe lack of medical aid, food, clean water, and shelter, and
over 2,000,000 Palestinians are facing displacement, homelessness, and starvation; and
WHEREAS, entire neighborhoods, infrastructure, hospitals, schools, and places
of worship have been destroyed, contributing to the erasure of Palestinian communities
and culture; and
WHEREAS, the World Health Organization, the United Nations, Save the
Children, Human Rights Watch, USAID, International Rescue Committee, his Holiness,
Pope Francis, more than 120 countries, and countless other organizations in Maryland
and around the world have called for a permanent ceasefire in accordance with
worldwide opinion and international humanitarian law to end the Israeli government’s
assault on Gaza, Doctors without Borders has advocated for “a total ceasefire and the
unconditional supply of humanitarian aid including access to food, fuel, and water.
Survival of people in Gaza depends on this”; and
WHEREAS, a poll released by Data for Progress on December 5, 2023 states that
61% of all likely voters in the United States support a permanent ceasefire and de-
escalation of violence in Gaza; and
WHEREAS, the City of New Carrollton has a history of sharing statements on
issues happening outside our town borders that impact our constituents here at home, and
acknowledges that there are countless other atrocities around the world which also
demand global attention and aid; and
WHEREAS, a tool created by the US Campaign for Palestinian Rights indicates
that nearly $163,000 of tax money from New Carrollton residents are fueling these
atrocities; and
WHEREAS, the United States holds immense diplomatic power and has the
opportunity to save Israeli and Palestinian lives; and
WHEREAS, our state and federal leaders have the power invested in them by
their constituents to call for peaceful use of said constituents’ resources to meet human
needs in our country and abroad rather than fund the killing and displacement of
civilians.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED, by the City Council, that the City
of New Carrollton joins other cities and towns across the nation in calling on our elected
leaders to demand an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Palestine, release of all
political prisoners, unrestricted entry of humanitarian assistance into Gaza, restoration of
food, water, electricity, and medical supplies to Gaza, funding aid to the affected Gazans,
and calls for a resolution that protects the security of all innocent civilians.
AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the City of New Carrollton joins the many
calls around the US for our federal government and congress to take effective action to
stop this genocide by desisting from sending military funding and supplies to Israel.
AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a copy of this resolution be sent to
municipal elected leaders in Prince George’s County, the offices of County Executive
Angela Alsobrooks, County Council Chair Jolene Ivey, County Council Member Eric C.
Olson, State Senator Alonzo Washington, State Delegate Anne Healey, State Delegate
Ashanti Martinez, State Delegate Nicole Williams, Governor of Maryland Wes Moore,
US Representative Glenn Ivey, US Senator Ben Cardin, US Senator Chris Van Hollen,
US Vice President Kamala Harris, and US President Joe Biden, urging them to take
immediate action to use their position and influence to end violence.
ADOPTED AND ENACTED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NEW
CARROLLTON, MARYLAND THIS 19th DAY OF JUNE 2024.
EFFECTIVE: JUNE 19, 2024
ATTEST:
___________________________ __________________________
Araceli Guzman-Benitez Briana Urbina, Chair
City Clerk
APPROVED:
___________________________
Katrina R. Dodro
Mayor
DATE:_____________________
FY 2025 COUNCIL WORKSHOP & COUNCIL LEGISLATIVE
MEETING SCHEDULE
· Workshop Meetings are held on the first (1st) Wednesday and Third Monday of
every month
· Legislative Meetings are held on the (3rd) Wednesday of every month
Note: As necessary, meetings may convene on every 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the
month. (Hybrid or Virtual).
July 2024
Wednesday, July 17, Council Workshop and Legislative Meeting
August 2024
Wednesday, August 21, Council Workshop and Legislative Meeting
September 2024
Wednesday, September 4, Council Workshop Meeting
Monday, September 16, Council Workshop Meeting
Wednesday, September 18, Council Legislative Meeting
October 2024
Wednesday, October 2, Council Workshop Meeting
Monday, October 14, Council Workshop Meeting
Wednesday, October 16, Council Legislative Meeting
November 2024
Wednesday, November 6, Council Workshop Meeting
Monday, November 18, Council Workshop Meeting
Wednesday, November 20, Council Legislative Meeting
December 2024
Wednesday, December 4, Council Workshop Meeting
Monday, December 16, Council Workshop Meeting
Wednesday, December 18, Legislative Meeting
January 2025
Wednesday, January 1(Holiday).
Thursday, January 2, Council Workshop Meeting
Monday, January 13, Council Workshop Meeting
Wednesday, January 15, Council Legislative Meeting
February 2025
Wednesday, February 5, Council Workshop Meeting
Monday, February 17, (Holiday - Presidents Day).
Tuesday, February 18, Council Workshop Meeting
Wednesday, February 19, Council Legislative Meeting
March 2025
Wednesday, March 5, Council Workshop Meeting
Monday, March 17, Council Workshop Meeting
Wednesday, March 19, Council Legislative Meeting
April 2025
Wednesday, April 2, Council Workshop Meeting
Monday, April 14, Council Workshop Meeting
Wednesday, April 16, Council Legislative Meeting
May 2025
Wednesday, May 7, Council Workshop Meeting
Monday, May 19, Council Workshop Meeting
Wednesday, May 21, Council Legislative Meeting
June 2025
Wednesday, June 4, Council Workshop Meeting
Monday, June 16, Council Workshop Meeting
Wednesday, June 18, Council Legislative Meeting
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