City Council

DocuSign Envelope ID: AFAF3BE9-E8A5-420C-8815-C89439BC9899 MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL CITY OF SEAT PLEASANT PUBLIC SESSION MONDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2021 7:00P.M. 1. OPENING 1.1.1 Call to Order Councilmember Porter called the meeting to order at 7:07p.m. 1.1. Roll Call Present: Councilmember Monica Higgs, Councilmember Hope Love, Vice Mayor Shireka McCarthy, Councilmember Kelly Porter, Councilmember Gerald Raynor, Sr., Councilmember Kizzie Scott, Councilmember Gloria Sistrunk Staff: Leslie Parker-Blyther, City Manager, Dashaun N. Lanham, City Clerk, Diamond Plater, Staff Assistant, 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 Sistrunk and seconded by Councilmember Love to approve the Public Session Agenda. The motion carried, and the agenda was unanimously approved by the Council. Motion by Gloria L Sistrunk, second by Hope Love. Final Resolution: Motion Carried Yes: Monica Higgs, Hope Love, Kelly Porter, Gerald Raynor Sr, Kizzie Scott, Gloria L Sistrunk 1.4 Approval of Charter Amendment Public Hearing Meeting Minutes for Monday, October 4, 2021 Motion to Approve the Charter Amendment Public Hearing Meeting Minutes for Monday, October 4, 2021. Motion by Gloria L Sistrunk, second by Monica Higgs. Final Resolution: Motion Carried Page 1 of 10 DocuSign Envelope ID: AFAF3BE9-E8A5-420C-8815-C89439BC9899 Yes: Monica Higgs, Hope Love, Kelly Porter, Gerald Raynor Sr, Kizzie Scott, Gloria L Sistrunk 1.5 Approval of Regular Work Session Meeting Minutes for Monday, October 4, 2021 Motion to Approve Regular Work Session Meeting Minutes for Monday, October 4, 2021 Motion by Gloria L Sistrunk, second by Monica Higgs. Final Resolution: Motion Carried Yes: Monica Higgs, Hope Love, Kelly Porter, Gerald Raynor Sr, Kizzie Scott, Gloria L Sistrunk 1.6 Approval of Special Session Meeting Minutes for Tuesday, October 5, 2021 Motion to Approve the Special Session Meeting Minutes for Tuesday, October 5, 2021 Motion by Hope Love, second by Monica Higgs. Final Resolution: Motion Carried Yes: Monica Higgs, Hope Love, Kelly Porter, Gerald Raynor Sr, Kizzie Scott, Gloria L Sistrunk 1.7 Approval of Closed Session Meeting Minutes for Tuesday, October 5, 2021 Motion to Approve the Closed Session Meeting Minutes for Tuesday, October 5, 2021 Motion by Gerald Raynor Sr, second by Monica Higgs. Final Resolution: Motion Carried Yes: Monica Higgs, Hope Love, Kelly Porter, Gerald Raynor Sr, Kizzie Scott, Gloria L Sistrunk 1.8 Approval of Special Session Meeting Minutes for Monday, October 11, 2021 Motion to Approve the Special Session Meeting Minutes for Monday, October 11, 2021 Motion by Gerald Raynor Sr, second by Hope Love. Final Resolution: Motion Carried Page 2 of 10 DocuSign Envelope ID: AFAF3BE9-E8A5-420C-8815-C89439BC9899 Yes: Monica Higgs, Hope Love, Kelly Porter, Gerald Raynor Sr, Kizzie Scott, Gloria L Sistrunk 1.9 Approval of Public Session Meeting Minutes for Monday, October 11, 2021 Motion to Approve Closed Session Meeting Minutes for Monday, October 11, 2021 Motion by Monica Higgs, second by Gerald Raynor Sr. Final Resolution: Motion Carried Yes: Monica Higgs, Hope Love, Kelly Porter, Gerald Raynor Sr, Kizzie Scott, Gloria L Sistrunk 1.10 Approval of Special Session Meeting Minutes for Monday, October 18, 2021 Motion to Approve Special Session Meeting Minutes for Monday, October 18, 2021 Motion by Hope Love, second by Monica Higgs. Final Resolution: Motion Carried Yes: Monica Higgs, Hope Love, Kelly Porter, Gerald Raynor Sr, Kizzie Scott, Gloria L Sistrunk 2. CITIZEN COMMENTS 2.1 Citizen Comments  Mr. Sturdivant stated that in a previous meeting it was mentioned that SPICE will return the remainder funds to Seat Pleasant. He would like to see the city receive the full amount of $600,000 provided to SPICE.  Mr. Sturdivant stated that any members of the Council that are seeking the position of the Office of Mayor will they be recusing themselves from the process.  Ms. Patrice Murray-stated that the Councilmember Streeter’s office is available to assist Seat Pleasant in any way possible. She stated that the Halloween event was well attended.  Councilmember Sistrunk thanked Ms. Murray for attending the Trunk or Treat on Sunday, October 31, 2021. Page 3 of 10 DocuSign Envelope ID: AFAF3BE9-E8A5-420C-8815-C89439BC9899  Ms. Murray stated that Seat Pleasant is her home, and she enjoys coming home.  Katrina Robinson-6110 Addison Rd wanted to express her appreciation for the community shred event held on Saturday, November 6, 2021. She stated that Mrs. Bilbro and Ms. Lipford made it happen for her boxes to be shredded. 3. PRESENTATION 3.1 Community Housing Partners, Samantha Brown & David Schultz  Ms. Brown stated that the Community Housing Partnership is 45- year-old developer. They have over one hundred years of experience in development. The recent tax-exempt bond includes 468 units in Maryland and three hundred units in Virginia. They have a housing project in Baltimore City for 125 unit and construction at Primrose was completed in 2017 for elderly and non-elderly disabled. The project was completed during the height of the pandemic.  Mr. Schulz stated that the portfolio consists of planning, civil engineer and they developed a pipeline of real estate. They are non-profit organization, and the decision are made based on outcomes. They are long-time partners that operate for the long-term. He provides the oversight for the construction, and he ensures that the project can be built from the beginning.  Mr. Schultz stated that what they are asking for in the MOU is to acquire other properties adjacent of the properties that are owned by Seat Pleasant. They predict if they can get the adjacent land, they can develop a mix use development of up to sixty units. They are required to ensure the same amount of effort in the project regardless of the size of the units. They do a fabulous job of community building. The city responsibility is to function as the landowner, we will have approval of plans and development. They will need the city's assistance in advocacy. The MOU is developed as a win-win. We are participating a 3-5 story building with sixty units for affordable housing. They will work hard with the city, the marketing structure to obtain affordable housing. They anticipate that MD CDA will assist with tax bonds. They do not want an empty ground floor and they want to have a user entailed. Page 4 of 10 DocuSign Envelope ID: AFAF3BE9-E8A5-420C-8815-C89439BC9899  Councilmember Love inquired of the number of developers in your group?  Mr. Schultz stated that they are a solitary group that has been around for over 45 years, and we have 10 staff members, planners, financing and developers. They hire third party organization to collaborate with them.  Councilmember Sistrunk inquired on the diagram and wanted to know what will happen with the homes on Foote Street?  Mr. Schultz stated that they have inquired the information of the landowners to offer them a fair market value for their homes. Mr. Schulz stated that a smaller project can occur on the city owned property, but it is a statement to make for the entrance of the city. The developer is adjacent to us, and we will need to work with the neighbors as well. We would like to include them on the project.  Councilmember Sistrunk inquired on the number of homes that will be impacted on Foote Street.  Mr. Schulz stated that he has the number in the files but not readily available tonight.  Councilmember Sistrunk inquired if they will purchase the property from the City?  Mr. Schulz stated that we can pay the city up front or a portion of cash flow going forward, or zero up front and a portion of the cash flow going forward.  Councilmember Sistrunk inquired if CHP will own the development, or the city will own it?  Mr. Schultz stated that it will be owned by CHP in order to get tax credit. The land will be leased from the city for a period.  Councilmember Raynor inquired if they could be building the project and lease the land from the city.  Mr. Schultz stated that they typically lease the lands from municipalities.  Councilmember Raynor inquired if PEPCO does not comply with the request, can the project still move forward.  Mr. Schultz stated that they have worked around other transmission lines in the past and they will need to be cautious. They would like to clean it up.  Councilmember Love stated inquired about the businesses that will be impacted? Page 5 of 10 DocuSign Envelope ID: AFAF3BE9-E8A5-420C-8815-C89439BC9899  Mr. Schultz stated that in the beginning the businesses expressed interest.  Resident Cheryl Lee inquired on how will rent control be impacted.  Mr. Schultz stated that during the operation of the building Community Housing Partners will make all the financial guarantees.  Councilmember Higgs inquired for pictures of the properties that they have completed.  Mr. Schultz stated that he will send pictures of the completed projects and other projects in the process.  Councilmember Raynor inquired of the location of the properties in DC.  Ms. Brown stated that one is in the Gateway Arts District in the District of Columbia. The location is Brentwood and 7th Avenue.  Mr. Schultz stated that we do not have a big ego and want in-put from Council and residents.  Councilmember Raynor inquired on the ADA compliance of the building.  Mr. Schultz stated that they typically start out with 10% of the buildings is ADA compliant.  Ms. Brown stated that the building is 100% ADA compliant.  Councilmember Raynor stated that whomever that move into this building will have access to two sub-way station, and he wanted to know about parking.  Mr. Schultz stated that they will need to do an assessment and depending on the size of the commercial, they will have parking spaces that they will need satisfy.  Mr. Schultz stated that one parking space per apartment.  Resident Stephen Sturdivant asked Has CHP built any developments in the DC/MD or VA area, if so, can you list them.  Mr. Schultz stated that the information will be submitted to the city tomorrow, Tuesday, November 9, 2021.  Councilmember Sistrunk inquired what type of development, apartments, condominiums, or townhomes?  Mr, Schultz stated that it will be apartments for 1, 2 and 3 bedrooms.  Councilmember Love inquired about the affordable housing being kept affordable?  Mr. Schultz stated that the rent will be restricted with recorded restriction. Page 6 of 10 DocuSign Envelope ID: AFAF3BE9-E8A5-420C-8815-C89439BC9899  Councilmember Porter inquired if the building will be built for people that has limited mobility?  Mr. Schultz stated that we will have units on the ground floor, meeting rooms, homework rooms and bringing in a services and activities to be provided to the children. The amenities are built for number of individuals to size amenities that are appropriate. 4. LEGISLATION 4.1 Resolution R-22-07 Approval of the Memorandum of Understanding for Redevelopment of the Gateway Property in the City Motion to approve Resolution R-22-07 Approval of the Memorandum of Understanding for the Redevelopment of Gateway Property in the City. Motion by Gerald Raynor Sr, second NONE. 5. REPORTS: 5.1 Council President Report  Councilmember Porter stated the Council President report can be located on-line. 5.2. Office of Mayor Report  Vice Mayor McCarthy stated that the report can be located in Board Docs  Vice Mayor McCarthy stated that she was able to attend the MML Fall Conference and take several classes.  Vice Mayor McCarthy stated that the mailing of postcards has been mailed to each household in Seat Pleasant. The vacancy will be filled by appointment. 5.3. City Manager Report- Jeannelle Wallace, Interim City Manager & Leslie Parker-Blyther, Acting City Manager  Mrs. Wallace stated that she reported last week on the update on SPICE that the City Attorney was waiting on SPICE Board or their attorney to provide an update on the release. She anticipated the release last week. She stated that some businesses are now in forfeiture with the State due to non-filing of the annual report. Page 7 of 10 DocuSign Envelope ID: AFAF3BE9-E8A5-420C-8815-C89439BC9899  Mrs. Wallace stated that the bond bill was put back on the agenda after concerns were raised by the Concerned Citizens Group and the 24th Delegation. The city's bond bill has been approved. Mrs. Wallace stated that the channel sign permit has been approved and the inspection for the footers before the sign installation.  Mrs. Wallace stated that the city clerk department continues to respond to an unprecedent number of PIA request at least 3-4 per week.  Mrs. Wallace stated that she drafted two letters for the Vice Mayor signature for the gas station and convenience store to be built on Central Avenue and Hill Road, which will be 1.5 and 1.9 miles away from the two current location along central avenue. We must stand up and fight to stop them from putting the same type of businesses in the area.  Mrs. Wallace stated that she drafted the letter for the Vice Mayor signature regarding the remapping and redistricting to include Seat Pleasant in District 5 and it appears that it will benefit those that are running in the upcoming election.  Mrs. Wallace introduce Mrs. Blyther as the newly Acting City Manager who has been introduced in the November Newsletter.  Ms. Blyther stated that she wanted to say thank you to Mrs. Wallace  Mrs. Wallace stated that she will add that the City Council may want to reconsider the Resolution approving the MOU after they receive the requested additional information. The MOU has been reviewed by the City Attorney and their attorney to begin contacting the landowners and business owners. 6. UNFINISHED BUSINESS 6.1. None Page 8 of 10 DocuSign Envelope ID: AFAF3BE9-E8A5-420C-8815-C89439BC9899 7. NEW BUSINESS 7.1 Gift Wrap Committee-Councilmember Scott  Councilmember Scott stated that she wanted to speak to the City Council for the First Annual Gift-Wrapping Committee, and she would like for the City Council to join.  Councilmember Scott stated that the recommendation from the City Clerk was to have the gifts wrapped in the second week of December.  Councilmember Scott stated that the residents will be responsible for providing the gifts and the wrapping paper for the gifts to be wrapped.  Councilmember Higgs stated that this is first time hearing of committee.  Councilmember Sistrunk stated that she will be willing to assist the committee wrapping gifts.  Councilmember Scott stated that Ms. Plater will draft a flyer for the community.  Councilmember Porter stated that we will need designate the location with the covid restrictions. 7.2 Light Up Your Holiday Event Approval Request-Vice Mayor McCarthy  Vice Mayor McCarthy stated that this will be her sixth year hosting the Light Up Your Holiday Event and she is coming to request approval for the $160 to use the money from the mayor’s promotional activity line.  It was recommended for the city to include a third-place winner for $25.  It was the consensus of the Council to approve the funds from the Mayor Promotional Cost Center Page 9 of 10 DocuSign Envelope ID: AFAF3BE9-E8A5-420C-8815-C89439BC9899 8. ANNOUNCEMENTS 8.1 Regular Work Session, Monday, December 6, 2021, by Zoom Video at 6:00pm. Meeting link details will be on the city's website, Seat Pleasant, MD 8.2 Public Session, Monday, December 13, 2021, by Zoom Video at 7:00pm. Meeting link details will be on the city's website, Seat Pleasant, MD. 9. ADJOURN: 9.1 The meeting adjourned at 8:38pm Submitted by, Dashaun N. Lanham, CMC City Clerk Page 10 of 10