City Council

DocuSign Envelope ID: DFECF679-F62A-444D-B38E-ACDA19D0999C MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL CITY OF SEAT PLEASANT REGULAR WORK SESSION MONDAY, JULY 6, 2020 6:00P.M. 1. OPENING 1.1.1 Call to Order Council President Yeargin called the meeting to order at 6:10p.m. 1.1.2 Roll Call Present: Mayor Eugene Grant, Councilmember Charl Jones, Councilmember Hope Love, Councilmember Lamar Maxwell, Councilmember Shireka McCarthy, Councilmember Kelly Porter, Councilmember Gloria Sistrunk, Councilmember Reveral Yeargin Staff: Devan Martin, Acting Chief Operating Officer, Dashaun N. Lanham, City Clerk, Diamond Plater, Council Clerk 1.1.3 Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance: The invocation was given by Councilmember Porter 1.1.4. Approval of Agenda It was motioned by Councilmember Love and seconded by Councilmember Porter to approve the agenda. The motion carried and was unanimously approved by the City Council. 2. PRESENTATIONS: 2.1. None 3. REPORTS: 3.1. Mayor’s Report  Mayor Grant thanked everyone for their participation in these meetings always. We had a seamless transition from in person meetings to virtual meetings, we are more advance than other municipalities.  Mayor Grant thanked his team for the work they had done during these turbulence times. We have a lot work that is going on with those that are working from their homes, in the office and on the streets. Each of them has Page 1 of 7 DocuSign Envelope ID: DFECF679-F62A-444D-B38E-ACDA19D0999C been providing stellar services on behalf of the City of Seat Pleasant constituents.  Mayor Grant stated that he has been in communication with some of his colleagues in the State of Maryland and beyond and they are beginning to see the importance of a digital platform.  Mayor Grant stated that he wanted to give kudos to Mr. Martin in his transition from the police department to the Acting Chief Operating Officer and not just him, but the support of his team.  Mayor Grant stated that we are fulfilling the requirements of the Charter. Mayor Grant stated that he pleased to report that on July 1, 2020 the Waste Management Division begin the services of picking up the trash in the community. We hired five new young men to assist in the department of Environmental Justice.  Mayor Grant stated that today was the beginning of the distribution of the books going out in the community. We plan to have every home receive their book by the end of the day on Thursday, July 9, 2020. Everything is not perfect, as we did miss one street last week. The last report was that 15 homes did not receive a trash or recycle can today, if not by tomorrow.  Mayor Grant stated that he spoke with Mrs. Ballentine, Administrative Assistant for the Environmental Justice Department.  Mayor Grant stated that he is very pleased that we are receiving reports from the constituents. We are pleased that the Waste Management Division is picking up the trash from the streets. We had residents taking pictures of the staff and they provided them with water. We had one of the workers stated that the community is very involved, and the residents are being cordial.  Mayor Grant stated that he is pleased to represent Seat Pleasant in the state and around the world. Our story is still being told and there is yet a lot to be told as we achieve the goals as well as results. We are getting overwhelmed with the calls and by the end of the month we should have a street sweeper in by the end of the month. This is another piece of equipment that has been paid for by the people. We have state of the art technology that is included in the trucks.  Mayor Grant encouraged everyone to go to page 10-11 of the book. We will have a Boom Truck with a cherry picker to pick shoes off the power lines. The staff is being trained and we will be able to remove the shoes and minor trimming of trees and pruning the trees. We will not remove anything near the power lines. We will be able to put up all our banners. We will continue to provide the services, please go to page 8 to see the schedule. Monday is the brown trash cans, and Wednesday is the green and bulk trash is still Page 2 of 7 DocuSign Envelope ID: DFECF679-F62A-444D-B38E-ACDA19D0999C being provided and you still need to call for pick-up by Tuesday for three allowable items. Thursday is still trash days and these are the things we are doing in the City of Seat Pleasant. We are going to 1,358 homes to collect trash services in accordance with Chapter 129-Waste Management in the Code. We will need to create a new position under Waste Management for dispatch of calls for services.  Mayor Grant stated that we are looking at the end of September for the grocery story to open in Seat Pleasant. It will not be a full supermarket, but it will provide the major staples that are needed in the homes. This will eliminate the food desserts and the mayor's pod cast proofs that you can make money in seat pleasant.  Mayor Grant stated that we are trying to attract a grocery store or resources in the city. They are stating they cannot make any money, but the data proves otherwise.  Mayor Grant stated that we have brought in more grant dollars in the last four years in the incorporation of the city since 1931. We have spent grant money and speed camera money in the city to provide the services.  Mayor Grant stated that there have been more grant dollars in the city, and we will be celebrating 90 years next year and we had great years of bringing in grant dollars. We will continue to provide services to the residents of seat pleasant. We are proud that we had taken seven vacant homes off the market, renovated and have taxpayers living in all seven homes and add revenue dollars to our tax roll.  Mayor Grant stated that the Council need to be applauded for this effort, as this is something that they worked on by having committee meetings.  Mayor Grant encouraged the council to not diminish the work that they have done. This is a team effort and no one person can take credit for the work that is being done in the city. We should walk with our heads held high and chest out due to the work that has been done. We may be talked about and have disparaging remarks said about you.  Mayor Grant stated that he wants to continue to work with the Police Department, staff, and council that he been working with for the past several years. We will continue to support our staff and we will work with the young and old by not throwing away anyone, but work with them for the transition. 3.2. Chief Operating Officer  Mr. Martin stated this reporting period does cover the pandemic and the usual outputs are not covered during this period. The first two pages of the Page 3 of 7 DocuSign Envelope ID: DFECF679-F62A-444D-B38E-ACDA19D0999C summary is the department individual reports and a break down on the finance department. They are still cleaning up and you will have a more comprehensive report for the Finance Department. The books will need be closed by the end of the month. During the midst of the pandemic the staff worked diligently. We did not have excessive calls out or absences during this period. We had a lot of initiative we had undertaken with the Public Engagement Department. We have highlighted some of these things in the report. If there is something that is not covered, please mention it and we will get to you shortly. 3.3. City Council Committee Reports  The Council Committees did not have any meetings in the month of June. 4. LEGISLATION  4.1. Resolution R-21-01 Declaration and Consent to a Council Recess. Resolution R-21-01 was introduced by the City Council and read by the City Clerk on Monday, July 6, 2020. It was motion by Councilmember Maxwell and seconded by Councilmember Love to approve Resolution R-21-01. The motion carried was unanimously approved by the City Council.  4.2. Ordinance O-21-01 To Create a New Chapter 40-Civil Emergencies. Ordinance O-21-01 was introduced by the City Council on Monday, July 6, 2020 and read by the City Clerk. Mayor Grant stated that the administration is working with Councilmember McCarthy to revise or approve the legislation. The attorney drafted this with general language and to remove the language that do not apply to the city. They are removing and strengthening some of the areas in the Ordinance. The committee had been meeting the efforts and Acting Chief Ploof has been working on this. There is no vote on this tonight and by next Monday we should have the language reflective in the Ordinance. Mayor Grant stated that is why he is happy to work with this group on public policy.  4.3 Charter Amendment Resolution CA-21-01 To Amend the Charter for the Duties of the Mayor. Charter Amendment Resolution CA-21-01 was introduced by the City Council and read by the City Clerk on Monday, July 6, 2020. It was motioned by Councilmember Love and seconded by Councilmember McCarthy to table the Charter Amendment Resolution CA- 21-01 until September 8, 2020. The motioned carried. Page 4 of 7 DocuSign Envelope ID: DFECF679-F62A-444D-B38E-ACDA19D0999C  For: Jones, Love, Maxwell, McCarthy, and Porter  Against: Yeargin 5. UNFINISHED BUSINESS 5.1. None 6. NEW BUSINESS 6.1. Approval of Fiscal Year 2021 Pay Scale for the City of Seat Pleasant.  Mayor Grant stated that the item was removed from the agenda. 6.2. Seat Pleasant Board of Election Recommendation for Ways of Voting  Mrs. Boone stated that she has a lot of information that she would like to go over tonight.  Mrs. Boone questioned the content of the Financial Disclosure Statement Form.  Mrs. Boone stated that Early Voting is something that she is looking forward to within the City.  Mrs. Boone stated that Mail-in Ballots was held for the County, Bowie, New Carrollton and Rockville-They have a company to mail the ballots mailed to each registered voter, the ballots will be returned to the company on September 14, 2020 not post mark. The company will scan the information and the information will be uploaded in the State Election System. The company will scan the ballots on September 14, 2020. They will scan the envelopes which are bar coded.  Councilmember Jones stated that a lot of her constituents are willing to the do the mail in ballots and they are more comfortable due to the COVID-19.  Mrs. Boone stated the ballots will be mailed on August 14, 2020. It will depend on the postal system and they shall receive them by August 20, 2020.  Councilmember Porter stated that some people often say they do not receive their mail. What are the alternatives for the residents that are having issues with their mail?  Mrs. Boone stated that they will have the ability to come to cast their vote on September 14, 2020. They can also vote in Early Voting.  Councilmember McCarthy questions the $13,000 is for the mail in ballots.  Mrs. Warden stated that the vote by mail is $13,000 and to include the early voting and election day voting is $16,000 Page 5 of 7 DocuSign Envelope ID: DFECF679-F62A-444D-B38E-ACDA19D0999C  Councilmember Maxwell asked for Mrs. Boone to provide her contact information for the record if someone has questions or need to update their address on file.  Mrs. Boone stated that any updates to their voter address or registered voters they can go online to register to vote, or they can contact the County Board of Elections directly at 301-341-7300.  Councilmember Jones stated that she can comfortably state to her resident that they can receive their mail in ballots in August.  Mrs. Boone stated that they can also do early voting to cast their ballots with the machine.  Mrs. Boone stated that they will have a drop off box for early voting will begin on September 1-7, 2020. September 7, 2020 which is Labor Day If the ballots are changed to adhere to post mark on September 14, 2020 the election results will not be available on September 14, 2020, but weeks after the election.  Mayor Grant suggested that the ballot envelope must be postmarked by the September 8 or September 10, 2020.  Mrs. Boone and Mrs. Warden stated that they will confirm with the vendor on providing a date for the ballot to be mailed. Additionally, they will advertise this information on the city's website and in the newsletter.  The polling place will be city hall or the Public Works facility or Seat Pleasant Elementary school.  The BOE requested a file cabinet to store their information. Mayor Grant recommended that they get with Mr. Martin on the request.  The BOE stated that they need another BOE member to fill the vacancy.  Mayor Grant stated that we will not have time to fill the position.  The BOE stated that they may need more election clerks  Mrs. Boone reviewed the Election Cost with the council and based upon the recommendation the cost for mail-in ballots, in-person voting will be $16,000  The BOE will like to sponsor a candidate forum by zoom and the residents will submit the questions in writing. It will be done with a moderator and in a two-part forum with candidates for mayor and candidates for council.  Councilmember Maxwell stated that he likes the idea, but he is concerned about the timing of the recommendation. 6.3. September Regular Work Session Page 6 of 7 DocuSign Envelope ID: DFECF679-F62A-444D-B38E-ACDA19D0999C  The City Council agreed to hold the Regular Work Session Meeting on Tuesday, September 8, 2020. 7 ANNOUNCEMENTS 7.1. Public Session, Monday, July 13, 2020, by Zoom Video at 7:00p.m. Meeting link details will be provided 7.2. Seat Pleasant 2020 Election Day, Monday, September 14, 2020 7:00am- 8:00pm 8. ADJOURN 8.1 Adjourn- The meeting was adjourned at 8:33p.m. Submitted by, Dashaun N. Lanham, CMC City Clerk Page 7 of 7