Mayor and City Council

ACTION MINUTES OF CITY COUNCIL AND MAYORAL RETREAT CITY OF NEW CARROLLTON MARCH 01, 2025 10:15 a.m.-2:38 p.m. Attendance: Present were Councilmembers Briana Urbina, Lincoln Lashley, David Lai and Duane H. Rosenberg; Mayor Katrina R. Dodro, Administrative Officer Maisha Williams, and Community Engagement Officer Araceli Guzman; City Attorney Jason DeLoach . Councilmember Rosenberg left the meeting at 1:30 p.m. I. Call to Order Council Chair Urbina called the meeting to order at 10:15 a.m. II. C-3 Government of the City The Council discussed potential changes to section C-3 of the charter. Chair Urbina proposed drafting ordinances to clarify the application process for filling vacancies, ensuring that residents have ample time to apply. City Attorney Jason DeLoach discussed changing the range of time before the election which would require the seat to be filled by the Council. Requirements for public notice and timeframes were discussed. III. Powers of the Mayor The Council discussed the possibility of changing position names and the need to define the Mayor’s role & responsibilities. The Council discussed removing language on vetoes to the mayor section for clarity. The Council also discussed wording around Mayor’s absence and temporary replacement. IV. Powers of the Council The Council discussed the council's power and duties including election and role of Mayor Pro Tem and roles of the chair and vice chair. They also discussed attendance and performance standards for the Council, and the possibility of health benefits and COLA. V. Council Manager & Comptroller The Council discussed the possibility of changing position names and defining the City Managers and Comptrollers roles and responsibilities. VI. Recall of Elected Officials The Council discussed the language surrounding recall of elected officials as well as appropriate percentage for the recall threshold. VII. Financial Oversight The Council discussed language on financial oversight to the charter, specifying the council's role in approving contracts and budgetary amendments. VIII. Motion to Adjourn Council Chair Urbina moved to make the requirements for candidates seeking special election or appointments have identical requirements. Councilmember Rosenberg seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously (4-0-0). The meeting adjourned at 2:38 p.m. Motions: ●​ Councilmember Lai moved to have the Mayor present the framework and vision for the proposed changes. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Lashley. Council Chair Urbina amended the motion to add a 5 minute time limit. The amended motion was seconded by Councilmember Lai. The motion passed unanimously (4-0-0). ●​ Council Chair Urbina moved to make the requirements for candidates seeking special election or appointments have identical requirements. Councilmember Rosenberg seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously (4-0-0). ●​ Chair Urbina moved to change language to state the “Mayor shall have oversight authority over the financial administration." The motion was not seconded. ●​ Councilmember Lai moved for a ten minute recess. Councilmember Lashley seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously (4-0-0). Council Chair Urbina called the meeting back to order at 12:33 p.m. ●​ Council Chair moved to extend the meeting to 2 p.m.The motion was seconded by Councilmember Lashley. The vote passed (3-1-0). ●​ Chair Urbina moved to change the current charter language to lower the percentage for recall from 25% to 10%. Councilmember Lai seconded the motion. The motion passed (3-0-0). ●​ Councilmember Lai moved to extend the meeting 30 minutes. Chair Urbina seconded the motion. The motion passed (3-0-0). The meeting was extended to 2:00 p.m. ●​ Councilmember Lai moved to extend the meeting 10 minutes. Councilmember Lashley seconded the motion. The motion passed (3-0-0). The meeting was extended by 10 minutes. ●​ Council Chair Urbina moved to adjourn the meeting. Councilmember Lai seconded the motion. The motion passed (3-0-0). Respectfully submitted, Kaitlyn Schisler City Clerk Note: These minutes are a summary of the actions taken by the City Council and do not include all details of the discussions. Please refer to the official meeting transcript for a complete record.