Mayor and City Council

CITY OF NEW CARROLLTON MINUTES COUNCIL WORKSHOP MEETING WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2024 7:09 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. PRESENT: Chair Briana Urbina (appearing virtually), Councilmembers Lincoln Lashley, Ryan Hussey, David Lai and Duane Rosenberg (appearing virtually), Director of Public Works, Andre Triplett (appearing virtually), City Clerk, Ashli Pressey, City Administrator Maisha Williams, and Mayor Katrina Dodro. ABSENT: Chair Briana Urbina opened the meeting at 7:09 p.m. PUBLIC COMMENTS Technical issues arose during public comments, particularly with speaker Craig Ferguson, who struggled to connect due to audio problems. ANNOUNCEMENTS Chair Briana Urbina and council members David Lai, Duane Rosenberg, and Lincoln Lashley, made announcements PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE • Mr. Hussey led the Pledge of Allegiance Summary: The Carrollton City Council Workshop and Legislative Meeting held on November 20th covered various topics, including project approvals, council procedures, public engagement, and the management of ARPA funds. Key discussions focused on improving council-staff interactions, handling public queries, and ensuring transparency and efficiency in council operations. The council also addressed concerns about the use of ARPA funds and the need for clear guidelines and structured processes. Action Items: Assigned to Lincoln Lashley: Chair the rest of the meeting due to the Council Chair’s technical difficulties. Assigned to Council Members: Prepare any desired language changes for the December 4th special legislative meeting. Assigned to the Mayor: Schedule and confirm a special legislative meeting on December 4th to address the removed consent agenda items. Assigned to Maisha (City Administrative Officer): Clarify that funds must be specifically appropriated back into the budget before they can be spent, requiring council approval. Assigned to Council Member Rosenberg: Propose adding language to the budget amendment to explicitly state the purpose of the fund and the reason for the transfer of money, ensuring ongoing council oversight. Project Approvals • Nicholson Street Second-Story Addition: o Location: 8322 Nicholson Street. o Status: Approved. o Details: Met all necessary permits and specifications. Council members appreciated the alignment with neighborhood aesthetics. • Adrian Street Solar Panel Installation: o Location: 6635 Adrian Street. o Status: Approved. o Details: Met all permitting requirements with no structural changes needed. Council members praised the environmental and property value benefits. Council Comments • Council members expressed support for the approved projects, noting their positive impact on property values and the community. Council Procedures and Standing Rules • Recognized the need to update standing rules to reflect collective goals. • Emphasized transparency and consistency for future councils and public understanding. Challenges and Areas for Improvement • Responding to Public Questions: o Current practice restricts council responses during meetings, leading to dissatisfaction. o Proposed establishing clear guidelines for addressing public questions. • Information Requests: o Current process involves routing requests through the mayor, which may need streamlining for better efficiency. Resolutions 25-10 and 25-11 • Resolution 25-10:  o Proceeds from the sale of property next to Robert Frost to go into a designated fund for future projects. • Resolution 25-11: o Use $2.2 million of remaining ARPA funds to cover payroll expenses, freeing up other funds for capital projects. Public Comment by Craig Ferguson • Raised concerns about the use of ARPA funds and council control over spending. • Questioned the definitions of "fund" and "future project." Technical Difficulties • The Council Chair experienced further technical difficulties, and Lincoln Lashley took over as chair. Announcements • Upcoming Events: o St. Christopher's Church harvest thanksgiving celebration on Sunday, November 24th at 10 a.m. o PGCMA meeting on November 21st at 7 p.m. via Zoom. o Blood drive on November 21st from noon to 5 p.m. Consent Agenda Items • Clarification that funds must be appropriated back into the budget before spending. • Motion to remove Resolutions 25-10 and 25-11 from the consent agenda for further discussion and amendment. Special Legislative Meeting • Scheduled for December 4th to address removed consent agenda items. Adjournment • The workshop meeting was adjourned, and the council moved into a closed session to discuss pending or potential litigation. Next Meeting: Special Legislative Meeting on December 4th to address removed consent agenda items. Next Council meeting is December 4, 2024. Respectfully submitted by Ashli Pressey, City Clerk