City Council

DocuSign Envelope ID: C37371C3-0C0D-4DB4-8F10-5DB9371CAA11 MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL CITY OF SEAT PLEASANT PUBLIC SESSION MONDAY, JUNE 14, 2021 7:00P.M. 1. OPENING 1.1.1 Call to Order Council President Porter called the meeting to order at 7:05p.m. 1.1. Roll Call Present: Eugene W. Grant (Late), Councilmember Monica Higgs, Councilmember Hope Love, Councilmember Shireka McCarthy, Councilmember Kelly Porter, Councilmember Gerald Raynor, Sr., Councilmember Kizzie Scott, Councilmember Gloria Sistrunk (Absent) Staff: Dashaun N. Lanham, City Clerk, Jeannelle B. Wallace, Interim City Manager 1.2 Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance The Invocation was given by Councilmember Higgs. 1.3 Approval of Agenda It was motioned by Councilmember Raynor and seconded by Councilmember Higgs to approve the Public Session Agenda. The motion carried, and the agenda was unanimously approved by the Council. Motion by Gerald Raynor Sr, second by Monica Higgs. Final Resolution: Motion Carried Yes: Monica Higgs, Hope Love, Shireka McCarthy, Kelly Porter, Gerald Raynor Sr, Kizzie Scott 1.4 Approval of Public Session Meeting Minutes for Monday, May 10, 2021 Motion to Approve the Public Session Meeting Minutes for Monday, May 10, 2021 Motion by Hope Love, second by Gerald Raynor Sr. Final Resolution: Motion Carried Page 1 of 8 DocuSign Envelope ID: C37371C3-0C0D-4DB4-8F10-5DB9371CAA11 Yes: Monica Higgs, Hope Love, Shireka McCarthy, Kelly Porter, Gerald Raynor Sr, Kizzie Scott 1.5 Approval of Special Session Meeting Minutes for Monday, May 10, 2021 Motion to Approve Special Session Meeting Minutes for Monday, May 10, 2021 Motion by Gerald Raynor Sr, second by Monica Higgs. Final Resolution: Motion Carried Yes: Monica Higgs, Hope Love, Shireka McCarthy, Kelly Porter, Gerald Raynor Sr, Kizzie Scott 1.6 Approval of Closed Session Meeting Minutes for Monday, May 10, 2021 Motion to Approve Closed Session Meeting Minutes for Monday, May 10, 2021 Motion by Gerald Raynor Sr, second by Shireka McCarthy. Final Resolution: Motion Carried Yes: Monica Higgs, Hope Love, Shireka McCarthy, Kelly Porter, Gerald Raynor Sr, Kizzie Scott 1.7 Approval of Special Session Meeting Minutes for Wednesday, May 12, 2021 Approval of Special Session Meeting Minutes on Wednesday, May 12, 2021 Motion by Shireka McCarthy, second by Monica Higgs. Final Resolution: Motion Carried Yes: Monica Higgs, Hope Love, Shireka McCarthy, Kelly Porter, Gerald Raynor Sr, Kizzie Scott 1.8 Approval of Closed Session Meeting Minutes for Wednesday, May 12, 2021 Motion to Approve the Closed Session Meeting Minutes for Wednesday, May 12, 2021 Motion by Monica Higgs, second by Hope Love. Final Resolution: Motion Carried Yes: Monica Higgs, Hope Love, Shireka McCarthy, Kelly Porter, Gerald Raynor Sr, Kizzie Scott Page 2 of 8 DocuSign Envelope ID: C37371C3-0C0D-4DB4-8F10-5DB9371CAA11 2. CITIZEN COMMENTS The city did not receive any written or verbal comments from the citizens. 3. PRESENTATION 3. 1 County Councilmember Rodney Streeter.  County Councilmember Streeter greeted the Mayor, Council, and residents in attendance for the Public Session Meeting held on Monday, June 14, 2021.  Councilmember Streeter stated that the questions surrounding the zoning has come up a lot and the zoning allows all usage to be allowed. They try to place them with the least egregious business that will have the less impact on the community. The case with the convenient store that sell tobacco, and we have been going after them with the illegal operations. The tobacco stores come in with the special consideration that require them to close by 10:00pm and cannot be within so many feet of a library and school. They have identified twenty-six of the convenient stores that are selling tobacco. The gas station cannot be closed, and you will see repeat business due to competition. They can only be shut down if they are operating illegally. The new gas stations are coming in with the proposal to make improvements at the location. The general plans will layout a vision for the area and with the vision the zoning is laid down in the map to place different usage around the area. It is important that we participate in the process and not come in at the tail end of the approval. He stated that the city has developed a plan and it engages the citizens around the plan and it gives the city the authority to say what we do not want. During the economy challenges the owner of the retail stores are trying to find companies to fill in the empty location. We have incentives to have a grocery store to come into the area. He stated that Good Food Market is coming as they are going through the permit process. We need to reinvest in the area to provide a better use for the taxpayer dollars for reinvestment. The incentives are to close a gap as it relates to the price points. He stated that he tells individuals you are building for the future market not the current market. The county provides an incentive, but we ask them to do a lot when they come. He stated that he feels that we need to reinvest our own dollars in the community and provide a curb appeal with heavy Page 3 of 8 DocuSign Envelope ID: C37371C3-0C0D-4DB4-8F10-5DB9371CAA11 emphasis. We are on the border of DC, and we cannot compete with DC as they vineyards, bars, etc. We cannot take some of our church members to these locations. He stated that the blue line is coming, and they need to build on that. The hospital just opened, and we need lead people to the activities. We cannot build from the center of the county, and he feels that the image needs to come from the borders. They have initiative to clean-up, and we need to have a nice street scape that will improve the communities right away. He stated that the side streets look great, and he has some challenges with the state roads. He feels that this will change our perspective right away. He stated that it is okay to point out some deficiencies, but can we name some good things. He stated that he fell in love with the City of Excellence as it gives people some depth and meaning.  Council President stated that they would like to see how the blue line corridor will have an impact on the city. He stated that we have some efforts coming forward and we look forward to the assistance of Councilmember Streeter with supporting our efforts.  Councilmember Streeter stated that he will support seat pleasant, and Park and Planning have a program with support and design, and they can assist the city with the plans. Council President stated that we are planning an event and we look forward to having Councilmember Streeter to assist us and he will provide him with the information soon.  Mr. Jones thanked Councilmember Streeter on the explanation of the zoning. He wanted to receive an update on the Hampton Mall project and the development around the hospital.  Councilmember Streeter stated that the development around the hospital had been placed on hold due to the pandemic. It will be considered the downtown Prince George's with a theater, shops, and housing. He stated that the city has some amazing things going on and the redevelopment of the Town Hall.  Councilmember Streeter stated that people complain but they have not come down your block to see what is happening. We need to make sure we spend our resources appropriately. He stated that Hampton Park is on track, and they will have a sit-down grocery store. He does not know when it will be opening. It will be a proposal to develop the rest of the land near the hospital.  Mayor Grant stated that he does not have any questions of Councilmember Streeter. Page 4 of 8 DocuSign Envelope ID: C37371C3-0C0D-4DB4-8F10-5DB9371CAA11  Councilmember Streeter stated that Mayor Grant picks up the phone to contact him directly and he does the same with him. Councilmember Streeter stated that he is opened to assist the city with whatever they need. 4. LEGISLATION  No legislation was introduced at this meeting. 5. REPORTS: 5.1 Council President Report  Council President stated that there is an event that is being planned for some time in August. We will have some information coming forward for a Citizen Appreciate Event. 5.2. Mayor Eugene W. Grant  Mayor Grant greeted the Council, Citizens and Staff.  Mayor Grant wanted to go on record to thank Councilmember Streeter for the work he is doing for the residents.  Mayor Grant stated that he wanted to acknowledge Ms. Plater for all the work she has done on behalf of the Office of the Mayor. She has provided balance to his office. He stated that it is not easy to work for eight people and she has met the challenge with excellence.  Mayor Grant stated that he and some of the staff members has attended some of the meetings for the Blue Line Corridor meetings and he thanked the County Councilmember for mentioning the blue line corridor study. He stated that Lt. Matthews, Sharron Lipford, and Kyrthlyn Rhoda has been involved with some of the meetings.  Mayor Grant stated that he has been busy, and he submitted two proposals to the City Council. one was from a company called vessels and these are unsolicited proposals. It was another gentleman that he met through linked-in for Smart City and the third proposals was from Thomas Himler on the American Rescue Plan Act.  Mayor Grant stated that he was elected to serve on the board of Trustee from the African American Mayors Association. As part of the responsibilities, they carry an agenda to the federal administration.  Mayor Grant stated that he has been working on the twenty-one acres across from City Hall. Page 5 of 8 DocuSign Envelope ID: C37371C3-0C0D-4DB4-8F10-5DB9371CAA11  Mayor Grant stated that the Council President had some investors that was interested in the area. He stated that if we can get some money from EPA to have the remediation done on the property. He stated that it is a way that the gas can be removed without it being harmful to residents.  Mayor Grant stated that he met with  Mayor Grant stated that he has participated in virtual meetings.  Mayor Grant stated that his first international conference will start up in September. We are paying close attention to the G7 meetings and there is environmental discussion that may have impact on the United States.  Mayor Grant stated that the pressure that G7 is putting on China will have an impact on the cost of steel and other things that will have an impact on the USA.  Mayor Grant stated that he had been recognized over the weekend and some great things are continuing to happen for Seat Pleasant.  Mayor Grant stated that the City of Seat Pleasant had a person on staff that was responsible for protecting the city from ransomware. He stated that the information may need to be shared with the new council and he will provide the council with some information on this matter.  Mayor Grant stated that we are doing our level best to ensure that the city and citizens are protected from cybersecurity. 5.3. City Manager Report-Jeannelle B. Wallace, Interim City Manager  Mrs. Wallace thanked the Mayor, City Council, and residents.  Mrs. Wallace stated that the city has been advised by the legal counsel that no other information will be provided on the outcome of the investigation. As personnel is protected class and no other information will be provided other than which is listed in the City Manager Annual Report.  Mrs. Wallace stated that the draft FY2018-2019 Audit Report was presented to the City Council on last week and the draft management letter has been presented with edits from the Administration. The final audit will be provided to the City Council next week. The finance team has begun working on the FY2019-2020 audit and hope to have the FY2020-2021 audit completed soon after.  Mrs. Wallace stated that the City has received grant funds for two properties to be rebuilt in the city on Foote Street and 69th Street. Page 6 of 8 DocuSign Envelope ID: C37371C3-0C0D-4DB4-8F10-5DB9371CAA11 Mrs. Wallace stated that we had a Charrette last week and the Grants Office and the City Manager Officer was not pleased with the outcome of the Charrettes and another Charrette will be forthcoming from another firm.  Mrs. Wallace stated that we had some personnel issues that are under investigation with disciplinary action pending.  Mrs. Wallace stated that they have selected an interview panel for the CFO, EJD and City Manager position. The final candidates will be interviewed by the Council Committee.  Mrs. Wallace stated that the USDA Project is coming to a completion with the final inspection to be scheduled/completed.  Mrs. Wallace stated we were hoping to have received the Articles of Dissolution from SPICE and the remaining funds by the end of May. All the Corporation under SPICE are not in good standing with the State of Maryland and they have not filed their annual reports. The City Attorney had submitted a letter to the Board Chair. If we do not get a response, we will be filing an injunction against SPICE.  Mrs. Wallace stated that we are signing the agreement or the MOU with CHP to agree to move forward with development in Seat Pleasant.  Mrs. Wallace stated that the PALS Presentation is on the city's website and included in BoardDocs as far as future development in Seat Pleasant.  Mrs. Wallace stated that we had a meeting with the Prince George's Economic Development Enterprise, and they had put up significant amount of money to have Good Foods coming into the city.  Mrs. Wallace stated that she and the City Clerk attended a zoom meeting with the County Executive Team around the ARP funding today for two hours. Each municipality is required to submit an application on how they intend to spend the funding. The Public Safety and Public Works Department had to order PPE gear. The municipalities were recognized, and the tipping fees were increased and the fees that the municipalities for the land fee and the fees were extended to October 2021. There are components to the application to include our DUNS/SAMS number and what we intended to focus on. The recovery period can start back to March 2020 to December 31, 2026. We need to identify some areas and the funds do not need to be spent but allocated. The funds are based on priorities, and the county provided their priorities and the potential to mitigate the pandemic. Page 7 of 8 DocuSign Envelope ID: C37371C3-0C0D-4DB4-8F10-5DB9371CAA11 The broadband has to do with cyber security. We have an IT Firm that have things in place to protect our files. We have heard of major government entities that were hacked. The County will be focusing on mental health treatment. There have been a lot of people that have experience loss, homelessness, payroll benefits, premium pay for essential worker. IT will not pay for any increase in income, and they are working out the kinks. They are looking at funding to help with housing. 6. UNFINISHED BUSINESS 6.1. None 7. NEW BUSINESS 7.1. None 8. ANNOUNCEMENTS  8.2 Regular Work Session, Monday, July 12, 2021, by Zoom Video at 6:00pm. Meeting link details will be on the city's website, Seat Pleasant, MD  8.3 Public Session, Monday, July 12, 2021, by Zoom Video at 7:00pm. Meeting link details will be on the city's website, Seat Pleasant, MD 9. ADJOURN: The City Council adjourned the meeting at 8:58pm Submitted by, Dashaun N. Lanham, CMC City Clerk Page 8 of 8