Mayor and City Council

City Council Workshop Meeting Hybrid New Carrollton Municipal Center 6016 Princess Garden Parkway New Carrollton, MD 20784 Wednesday June 4, 2025, 7:00 PM Workshop Items for Discussion 1. Call to Order 2. Public Comments 3 min each 3. Council Announcements 10 min 4. Mayor Appointment of (Plans to Appoint) Department Heads –Council 10 min Advice and Consent 5. Tax on Blighted Properties (Discussion) 10 min 6. Parking Ticketing Program – Open Item from 2024 15 min 7. Community Responders (Discussion) 10 min 8. Waiver for Home Accessibility Modifications (Discussion) 10 min​ 9. Property Inspections for Owner-Occupied Rental Properties (Discussion) 10 min 10. New Carrollton Recycling Program (Discussion) 10 min 11. Boys & Girls Club/Hanko Conversation 15 min 12. Public Comments 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, or virtually by using the below information. Google Meet Link City Council Workshop Meeting Wednesday, June 4 · 7:00 – 10:00pm Time zone: America/New_York Google Meet joining info Video call link: https://meet.google.com/nym-gxuy-dpv Or dial: (US) +1 929-299-4020 PIN: 820 935 364# More phone numbers: https://tel.meet/nym-gxuy-dpv?pin=5295179047909 If you would like to submit comments in writing please email Kaitlyn Schisler, at clerk@newcarrolltonmd.gov by 3:00 pm the day of the meeting. Comments are also welcome after any meeting.  Reunión del taller del Ayuntamiento Híbrido Centro municipal de New Carrollton 6016 Princess Garden Parkway New Carrollton, MD 20784 Miércoles 4 de junio de 2025, 19:00 horas Temas del taller para debate 1. Llamar al orden 2. Comentarios públicos 3 min cada uno 3. Anuncios del Consejo 10 min 4. Nombramiento de (planes de nombramiento) jefes de departamento 10 min por parte del alcalde – Asesoramiento y consentimiento del Consejo 5. Impuesto sobre propiedades deterioradas (Discusión) 10 min 6. Programa de multas de estacionamiento: tema abierto a partir de 2024 15 min​ 7. Respondedores comunitarios (Discusión) 10 min 8. Exención para modificaciones de accesibilidad en el hogar (Discusión) 10 min 9. Inspecciones de propiedades de alquiler ocupadas por sus propietarios 10 min 10. Programa de reciclaje de New Carrollton (Discusión) 10 min 11. Club de niños y niñas/Conversación sobre Hanko 15 min 12. Comentarios públicos 3 minutos cada uno 13. Moción de aplazamiento ___________________________________________________________________________ NOTA: Esta reunión del Consejo Municipal de New Carrollton será híbrida. Esto significa que puede asistir presencialmente o virtualmente utilizando la información a continuación. Enlace de Google Meet Reunión del taller del Ayuntamiento Miércoles 4 de junio · 19:00 – 22:00 horas Zona horaria: América/Nueva York Información para unirse a Google Meet Enlace de la videollamada: https://meet.google.com/nym-gxuy-dpv O marque: (EE. UU.) +1 929-299-4020 PIN: 820 935 364# Más números de teléfono: https://tel.meet/nym-gxuy-dpv?pin=5295179047909 Si desea enviar comentarios por escrito, envíe un correo electrónico a Kaitlyn Schisler a clerk@newcarrolltonmd.gov antes de las 15:00 h del día de la reunión. También se agradecen los comentarios después de la reunión.  Réunion de l'atelier du conseil municipal Hybride Centre municipal de New Carrollton 6016 Princess Garden Parkway New Carrollton, MD 20784 Mercredi 4 juin 2025, 19h00 Sujets de discussion de l'atelier 1. Appel à l'ordre 2. Commentaires publics 3 min chacun 3. Annonces du Conseil 10 min 4. Nomination par le maire (projet de nomination) des chefs de service 10 min – Avis et consentement du Conseil 5. Taxe sur les propriétés dégradées (Discussion) 10 min 6. Programme de contraventions de stationnement – Point ouvert à partir de 2024 15 min 7. Intervenants communautaires (Discussion) 10 min 8. Dérogation aux modifications d'accessibilité du domicile (discussion) 10 min 9. Inspections immobilières locatifs pour les propriétés occupées par leur propriétaire (Discussion) 10 min 10. Programme de recyclage de New Carrollton (discussion) 10 min 11. Club Garçons et Filles/Conversation Hanko 15 min 12. Commentaires du public 3 minutes chacun 13. Motion d'ajournement __________________________________ ______________________________________ ATTENTION : Cette réunion du conseil municipal de New Carrollton sera une réunion hybride. Vous pouvez donc y assister en personne ou virtuellement en utilisant les informations ci-dessous. Lien Google Meet Réunion de l'atelier du conseil municipal Mercredi 4 juin · 19h00 – 22h00 Fuseau horaire : America/New_York Informations sur la participation à Google Meet Lien d'appel vidéo : https://meet.google.com/nym-gxuy-dpv Ou composez le : (US) +1 929-299-4020 Code PIN : 820 935 364# Plus de numéros de téléphone : https://tel.meet/nym-gxuy-dpv?pin=5295179047909 Si vous souhaitez soumettre vos commentaires par écrit, veuillez envoyer un courriel à Kaitlyn Schisler, à l'adresse clerk@newcarrolltonmd.gov, avant 15 h le jour de la réunion. Les commentaires sont également les bienvenus après chaque réunion. AN ORDINANCE TO ESTABLISH A 100% PROPERTY TAX INCREASE ON OWNERS OF BLIGHTED UNOCCUPIED PROPERTIES WITHIN THE MUNICIPALITY OF CITY OF NEW CARROLLTON WHEREAS, the Maryland Annotated Code allows municipalities to levy taxes and adopt ordinances for the public welfare; WHEREAS, there exists a number of blighted and unoccupied properties within the municipality that detract from the quality of life and property values of surrounding areas; WHEREAS, the municipality seeks to encourage property owners to rehabilitate or occupy these properties to promote community development and safety; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NEW CARROLLTON AS FOLLOWS: SECTION 1. DEFINITIONS ft ●​ Blighted Property: A property that meets the criteria established in [relevant Maryland law or municipal code], including but not limited to properties that are vacant, in disrepair, or pose a hazard to public health and safety. ra ●​ Unoccupied Property: A property that has no lawful occupant as determined by New Carrollton City Code Enforcement. SECTION 2. PROPERTY TAX INCREASE 1.​ Effective July 1, 2025, the property tax rate for all blighted unoccupied properties within the jurisdiction of the City of New Carrollton shall be increased by 100%. 2.​ The increased property tax rate shall be applied to the property’s assessed value as determined by Prince George’s County. D SECTION 3. IMPLEMENTATION ●​ The Comptroller shall implement the tax increase, and the additional revenues generated shall be utilized to cover the cost associated with property remediation such as lawn maintenance performed by the City and the issuance of citations by Code Enforcement. ●​ Property owners may register with the City Office of Code Enforcement if they are actively remediating a blighted, unoccupied property upon the SECTION 4. EXEMPTIONS  ●​ Property owners may appeal their property's classification as blighted or unoccupied to the Zoning and Appeal Board. If the appeal is granted, the property shall be exempt from the increased tax rate. ●​ Properties actively undergoing rehabilitation and registered with the municipality shall be exempt from this increase for a period not to exceed 18 months. SECTION 5. SEVERABILITY ●​ If any provision of this ordinance is held to be invalid or unconstitutional, the remaining provisions shall remain in effect. SECTION 6. EFFECTIVE DATE ●​ This ordinance shall take effect on July 1, 2025, following its passage and approval. ENACTED THIS [INSERT DATE] DAY OF [MONTH], [YEAR]. ft BY ORDER OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF CITY OF NEW CARROLLTON ra D ORDINANCE NO. [XXXX] AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 41 OF THE NEW CARROLLTON CITY CODE TO PROVIDE FOR A WAIVER OF PERMIT FEES FOR HANDICAP ACCESSIBILITY IMPROVEMENTS UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS. WHEREAS, the City of New Carrollton recognizes the importance of making homes accessible for individuals with disabilities; and WHEREAS, the City seeks to reduce barriers for homeowners and tenants who wish to improve accessibility in their residences; and WHEREAS, it is in the interest of the public health, safety, and welfare to support measures that promote accessibility; T NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NEW CARROLLTON, MARYLAND, as follows: R SECTION 1. AMENDMENT TO CHAPTER 41 Chapter 41 of the New Carrollton City Code is hereby amended to include the following: AF § 41-XX. Waiver of Permit Fees for Accessibility Improvements. 1.​ Permit Fee Waiver: Any homeowner or tenant seeking to make their residential property more accessible for individuals with disabilities shall be eligible for a waiver of all permit fees associated with the required permits for such improvements. 2.​ Eligibility Requirements: ●​ The applicant must provide proof of disability, which may include: ●​ A letter from a licensed medical professional confirming the disability. ●​ Documentation from a government agency certifying the individual’s disability D status. ●​ Proof of disability must be submitted at the time of the permit application. 3.​ Scope of Improvements: The following types of improvements may qualify for the permit fee waiver: ●​ Installation of ramps ●​ Widening of doorways ●​ Modification of bathrooms and kitchens for accessibility ●​ Any other improvements deemed necessary for accessibility by the City’s Building Official.  4.​ Application Process: The applicant shall complete the necessary application forms, provide required documentation, and submit them to the City’s Building Department. The Building Department shall verify the submitted proof of disability. 5.​ Limitations: This waiver applies only to permit fees and does not negate compliance with all other applicable codes and regulations. SECTION 2. SEVERABILITY If any provision of this ordinance is held to be invalid, illegal, or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall continue in full force and effect. SECTION 3. EFFECTIVE DATE T This ordinance shall take effect on [Insert Date], following its passage and approval. ENACTED THIS [INSERT DATE] DAY OF [MONTH], [YEAR]. R BY ORDER OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF NEW CARROLLTON, MARYLAND. AF D  CITY OF NEW CARROLLTON ​ ​ 6016 PRINCESS GARDEN PARKWAY · NEW CARROLLTON, MARYLAND 20784-2898 Phone (301) 459-6100 ​Fax (301) 459-8172 MEMORANDUM TO: ​ ​ City Council of New Carrollton FROM: ​ Darryl Green, Code Enforcement Manager DATE: ​ May 28, 2025 RE:​ ​ Owner Occupied Rental Properties ____________________________________________________________________________ I. Overview of Current Regulations I first checked with Prince George’s County, to make sure that independent licenses were permitted for Owner Occupied Rental Properties. I followed by checking with several municipalities that require rental licenses for owner-occupied rental properties, though requirements can vary by city or town. Here are some municipalities that have rental licensing requirements for owner-occupied properties: 1. Bowie: Bowie requires a rental license for all rental properties, including owner-occupied ones. 2. College Park: College Park requires a rental license for all rental properties, including owner-occupied rentals. 3. Greenbelt: Greenbelt also requires rental licenses for all rental properties, including owner-occupied ones. 4. Hyattsville: Hyattsville mandates that rental properties, even those that are owner-occupied, obtain a rental license. 5. Town of Riverdale Park: Riverdale Park mandates rental licenses for owner-occupied properties. A safety inspection is required. 6. Laurel: Laurel requires rental licenses for rental properties, including owner-occupied rentals.  7. Mount Rainier: Mount Rainier also requires rental licenses for owner-occupied properties. 8. District Heights: District Heights require rental permits for owner-occupied properties, with the restriction that they can rent to only one person or one family. 9. Forest Heights: Forest Heights require rental permits for all properties, including owner-occupied properties. If the property is being used for short-term rental, they will need a permit from Prince George's County along with the Town. 10. Glenarden: Glenarden requires rental licenses for all rental properties to include owner-occupied properties. Their licenses are issued by the Director of the Prince George's County Department of Environmental Resources. II. Justification for Implementing an Inspection Policy for Owner-Occupied Rentals 1.​ Ensuring Health and Safety Standards: Even in owner-occupied rental properties, tenants may be exposed to unsafe living conditions such as inadequate heating, plumbing issues, or structural hazards. Regular inspections can help identify and address these issues promptly, ensuring the safety and well-being of tenants. 2.​ Promoting Fairness and Equity: Currently, there is an inconsistency in how owner-occupied rental properties are regulated compared to non-owner-occupied rentals. Implementing an inspection policy for all rental properties, regardless of ownership status, ensures that all tenants receive the same level of protection and that property owners maintain their properties to the same standards. 3.​ Preventing Code Violations and Property Deterioration: Regular inspections can help identify potential code violations or maintenance issues before they become significant problems. This proactive approach can prevent costly repairs and ensure that properties remain habitable and well-maintained. 4.​ Enhancing Community Aesthetics and Property Values: Well-maintained rental properties contribute to the overall aesthetics and desirability of a neighborhood. By ensuring that all rental properties are inspected and maintained, communities can enhance their appearance and potentially increase property values. 5.​ Aligning with Neighboring Jurisdictions: Several neighboring cities already have inspection policies in place for rental properties, including owner-occupied rentals. Implementing a similar policy can create consistency across jurisdictions, making it easier for property owners to comply with regulations and for tenants to understand their rights and protections. With all properties, annual inspections are required to be passed prior to the issuance or renewal of rental licenses. For owner-occupied rental properties inspections are generally required to cover the following areas: 1. Exterior of the Property:  · Building structure: Inspections often focus on the condition of the building's exterior, including the roof, walls, windows, doors, and foundation. This ensures that the property is structurally sound and not at risk of collapse or disrepair. · Landscaping and yard: The condition of the yard, sidewalks, driveway, fences, and landscaping is assessed to ensure they don’t pose a hazard (e.g., overgrown trees or bushes blocking visibility, uneven walkways). · Outdoor lighting and accessibility: The lighting in common areas and exterior steps should meet safety standards, ensuring proper visibility and accessibility. 2. Interior of the Property: · Plumbing and fixtures: Inspectors check plumbing systems for leaks, water pressure, and the condition of fixtures (e.g., faucets, toilets, drains) to ensure there is no risk of water damage or plumbing failures. · Electrical systems: This includes checking the safety of the electrical wiring, outlets, circuit breakers, and light fixtures. Faulty or outdated electrical systems can be a fire hazard. · Heating and cooling systems: The heating system (often a furnace or heat pump) and air conditioning (if present) will be checked to ensure they function properly and meet safety standards. · Ventilation: Proper ventilation in kitchens, bathrooms, and common areas to prevent moisture buildup and mold growth is inspected. · Fire safety features: The property must have functioning smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and fire extinguishers where necessary. In some areas, fire-rated doors and emergency exits might also be required, especially in multi-unit properties. · General condition of living spaces: This includes checking for any signs of damage or unsafe conditions such as mold, water damage, and broken windows. Floors, walls, and ceilings are examined to ensure they are structurally sound. · Security and safety: Ensuring the property has secure locks on doors and windows, and that railings, stairways, and balconies meet safety standards. Make sure that proper egress is established and all sleeping quarters are properly zoned as such. 3. Exemptions/Considerations: · If the property is owner-occupied but only rented out to a family member, it may not be subject to the same thorough inspection requirements as other rentals in certain jurisdictions, though this varies by locality.  · Some parts of the home, like specific rooms or areas that are not being rented out (for example, a basement that's not used by tenants), may not be included in the inspection. III. Conclusion Implementing an inspection policy for owner-occupied rental properties is essential to ensure the health and safety of tenants, promote fairness and equity, prevent property deterioration, enhance community aesthetics, and align with neighboring jurisdictions. By adopting such a policy, the City of New Carrollton can create a more consistent and supportive environment for both property owners and tenants. SUGGESTED CHANGE TO THE CODE Definition added to Code: Owner Occupied Rental Property A Single-Family Dwelling where the owner of the property resides within one property and simultaneously rents out another portion of the property to tenants. Owner occupied rental properties may lease to only one tenant or one family. Rewritten section to apply to Owner Occupied Rental Property The owner of a rental dwelling or rental unit may not permit occupancy of the rental dwelling or rental unit unless the rental dwelling or rental unit is first licensed by the City, and the license has not been revoked or suspended. The owner of a rental dwelling, rental unit or owner-occupied rental property may not permit occupancy of the rental dwelling, rental unit or owner-occupied rental property is first licensed by the City, and the license has not been revoked or suspended. The Change in this language will assure that Owner Occupied Rental Properties follow the same guidelines as it pertains to inspections as other rental properties. The inspection will only cover the areas designated for rental purposes.  Company Company Notes Name & Representative Enter pertinent information and cost Address GCI Willie K. Goode, Description of Service Monthly Charge Pre household Total M Total Y Residential, President/CEO Curbside Pickup Year 1 $7.88 x 2,201= $17,343.88 $208,126.56 Inc Curbside Pickup Year 2 $8.10 x 2,201 = $17,828.10 $213,937.20 Curbside Pickup Year 3 $8.34 x 2,201= $18,356.34 $220,276.08 Curbside Pickup Year 4 $8.59 x 2,201 = $18,906.59 $226,879.08 Curbside Pickup Year 5 $8.84 x 2,201 = $19,456.84 $233,482.08 Grand Total $1,102,701.00 Recycling Pickup at the $9.50 x 8= $329.08 $3,948.96 City Municipal Center 8-65 gallon Toter Service Once a week Recycling Pickup at the $9.50 x 2= $82.27 $987.24 City Public Works 2-65 gallon Toter Service Once a week Recycling Pickup at the City $9.50 x 3= $123.40 $1,480.86 Andrew C. Hanko Building 3-65 gallon Toter Service Once a week The City Location would increase by three percent after the base year term of the contract. Grand Total Base Year: 214,543.62 Description of Service Monthly Charge Pre household Total M Curbside Pickup of Recycling $11.75 X 2,201= $26,861.75 (Month to Month agreement) Curbside Pickup of Recycling $10.75 X 2,201= $23,660,75 (Six Month agreement) Curbside Pickup of Recycling $9.75 X 2,201= $21,459.75 (One year agreement) Recycling Pickup at the City $12.75 X 8 = $441.66 Municipal Center 8-65 gallons Toter Service Once a week Recycling Pickup at the City $12.75 X 2 = $110.42 Public Works 2-65 gallons Toter Service Once a week Recycling Pickup at the City $12.75 X 3 = $165.62 Andrew C. Hanko Building 3-65-gallon Toter Service Once a week  Fiscal Year Recycling Cost per Ton - Total Recycling Cost Recycling Contract Price ($) Tonnage Recycling ($) ($) Collected (tons) FY 2024 862.76 77 $66,432.52 $204,116.64 FY 2025 634.61 77 $48,864.97 $194,208.60 FY 2026 (Est.) 1497.37 25 $37,434.25 $208,126.56  CITY OF NEW CARROLLTON ​ ​ 6016 PRINCESS GARDEN PARKWAY · NEW CARROLLTON, MARYLAND 20784-2898 Phone (301) 459-6100 ​Fax (301) 459-8172 MEMORANDUM TO: ​ ​ City Council of New Carrollton FROM: ​ Administration Department DATE: ​ May 29, 2025 RE:​ ​ Discussion Regarding Modular Unit Lease Expiration & Boys and Girls Club Relocation ____________________________________________________________________________ This memo serves to address an upcoming agenda item for discussion during the City Council meeting. The item concerns the expiration of the current lease for our modular unit and a proposal for the relocation of the Boys and Girls Club. The lease agreement for our existing modular unit is set to expire on July 2nd. We propose to return the modular building upon the lease expiration. The current lease cost is $3,901.02/ month along with Water services to handle the potable and non potable water, and utilities. We further propose that the Boys and Girls Club meetings be relocated to the Hanko Building. The Boys and Girls Club has generously offered to reimburse the city $60,000 for expenses in Fiscal Year 2025. In return, the city would cover their expenses for July through September, which are estimated to total $40,000. This arrangement would result in a net benefit of $20,000. We plan to allocate the net $20,000 towards repairing the air conditioning system in the Hanko Building. Currently, we are in the process of meeting with three different vendors to obtain pricing and determine the most efficient approach for repairing the air conditioning. We are exploring all options, especially in light of our ongoing consideration of long-term building solutions. The units we are considering for the Hanko Building are ductless systems. These systems offer the advantage of flexibility, as they can be moved if we decide to demolish the building in the future. This memo is intended to provide a brief overview of the proposal and discussion points for the upcoming City Council meeting. We look forward to discussing this item in further detail.