Mayor and City Council

CITY OF NEW CARROLLTON MINUTES COUNCIL WORKSHOP MEETING MONDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2024 7:06 p.m. – 9:39 p.m. PRESENT: Chair Briana Urbina, Councilmembers Lincoln Lashley, David Lai, and Duane Rosenberg, City Clerk, Ashli Pressey, City Administrator Maisha Williams, and Mayor Katrina Dodro. ABSENT: Councilmember Ryan Hussey Chair Briana Urbina opened the meeting at 7:06 p.m. Recap The council discussed various issues including the management of Federal funds, parking violations, and the state of New Carrollton. They also explored the potential expansion of the OpenGov software for improved efficiency and transparency in city operations, and the results of the parking study RFP Action Items • Maisha to request sample reports from all three parking study vendors within two weeks. • Council to review parking study vendor sample reports once received. • Mayor to invite parking study vendors to present at January council meeting. • Maisha to request sample reports from all three safe streets study vendors. • Council to review safe streets study vendor sample reports once received. • Mayor to invite safe streets study vendors to present at separate January council meeting. • Ashli to add second public budget hearing on April 2nd to budget calendar. • Council to review and vote on updated budget calendar at next legislative meeting. • Council to develop evaluation rubric for reviewing vendor proposals. • Council to review OpenGov contract and pricing information provided by Maisha. • Chief Rice to follow up on parking enforcement concerns raised by residents. The meeting began with some technical difficulties, which were eventually resolved. The conversation ended with an opportunity for public comments. Public Comments Parking Violation and Bridge Repair In the meeting, Joseph Goodman expressed concerns about a parking violation ticket he received for having his legally licensed and insured vehicle parked in front of his house for more than 72 hours. He questioned the purpose of the ordinance and suggested it might be for abandoned vehicles rather than city residents. He also mentioned that he had to go to court to address the issue. Councilmember Rosenberg addressed his concerns, explaining that the ordinance is not enforced unless there's a complaint and that the police chief has the power to waive tickets. Councilmember Garrett also voiced concerns about the parking and how violations and wonders what the council will do about it. She also voiced concerns regarding the status of the bridge repair project, stating that it has gone on too long for the bridge to be repaired. She also stated the detours because of the bridge is a big inconvenience to the residents. Mayor Dodro advised the design has been approved, and the contract is being reviewed by the city attorney. She encouraged residents to attend the monthly meetings at the library to address their concerns and find out what's going on in the city. New Carrollton's Challenges and Solutions Council meeting attendees expressed dissatisfaction with the state of New Carrollton, particularly regarding policing and property maintenance. Clarence Lowe, a resident, shared his frustration with the city's inability to address issues such as junk cars in his yard and the presence of chickens in the neighborhood. Council Announcements The main topic of discussion was the management of Federal funds, with a focus on the need to follow Federal purchasing guidelines. There was also a mention of a home emergency affecting who was unable to join the meeting. Councilmember Lashley mentioned a meeting with other municipalities in District 22, where they discussed potential collaborations on housing, crisis intervention teams, and firefighter disputes The councilmembers discussed the importance of setting aside time in their calendars for projects related to these funds. Council Chair Urbina highlighted the challenges faced by Maryland due to the incoming President's budget cuts and the need for public safety enhancements. Councilmember Lai reminded the community about the due dates for the house decorating contest, Santa With A Badge ending date, Meet and Greet with Mayor Dodro, and the public hearing on December 11, 2024. Councilmember Rosenberg reminded attendees about the holiday decorating contest and the upcoming flu shot event. OpenGov Expansion and City Efficiency The council meeting discussed the potential expansion of the OpenGov software, which is currently being used for budgeting and accounting. The council considered adding three more modules: asset management, procurement, and an accounting system. The cost of these additional modules was not yet determined. The council also discussed the need for increased transparency and efficiency in city operations, with a focus on accommodating all residents, including those without access to technology. The idea of offering classes for seniors and Spanish speakers to learn technology was also raised. The council agreed to further explore the potential benefits of expanding the OpenGov software, with the aim of improving efficiency and transparency in city operations. Parking Study RFP and Vendor Selection The council discussed the responses of the parking study RFP, with three vendors submitting proposals. The council expressed concern about the low bid from Endesco, suggesting that they request samples of previous work from all three vendors. The council also discussed the need for a comprehensive parking plan, considering various solutions such as parking passes, parking meters, and designated parking areas. The council agreed to review the proposals and request samples from the vendors, with the aim of selecting a vendor and starting the parking study early in the year. Parking and Safe Streets Study The council discussed parking issues in the city and potential solutions. They heard from the police chief that cars parked on private property are a code enforcement issue, while illegally parked cars on public streets are a police matter. The council plans to study reserving street parking for residents in single- family home areas. They also discuss a comprehensive street and sidewalk study to improve pedestrian safety using federal grant funds. The council decides to invite the top bidders for the study to present their proposals at separate meetings in January. They aim to select a firm that can provide a thorough safety action plan and is responsive to the RFP requirements. Council Meeting: Fund Creation and Elections The council meeting discussed various topics, including the creation of a designated fund for future projects and the timeline for the upcoming election. The council agreed to add an additional public hearing on April 2nd to allow residents more time to review the budget before voting. They also discussed the possibility of revising election laws, such as campaign finance disclosure and signage issues, but decided to focus on the current timeline. The council also discussed the need for better contract management and transparency, with plans to implement a workflow for contract management on OpenGov. Council Discusses Topics and Voting Rights The council discusses various topics, including public comments, a job training center, budget software, and resident voting rights. Councilmember Lai shares a personal story about her family's immigrant experience and argues for including all community voices in decision-making. The council then moves to adjourn the open meeting and enter a closed session. Next Council meeting is December 16, 2024. Respectfully submitted by Ashli Pressey, City Clerk