City Council

DocuSign Envelope ID: D385E7DE-0995-4BC8-87AF-DA6C491516FD MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL CITY OF SEAT PLEASANT PUBLIC SESSION MONDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2022 7:00P.M. 1. OPENING 1.1.1 Call to Order Council President Higgs 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: Stanley Mosley, Director of Environmental Justice, Diamond Plater, Staff Assistant, Jeannelle B. Wallace, Interim City Manager 1.2 Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance The Invocation was given by Councilmember Porter. 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 Kelly Porter Final Resolution: Motion Carried Yes: Monica Higgs, Hope Love, Kelly Porter, Gerald Raynor Sr, Kizzie Scott Not Present at Vote: Shireka McCarthy 1.4 Approval of Public Session Meeting Minutes for Monday, December 13, 2021 Motion to Re-Approve the Public Session Meeting Minutes for Monday, December 13, 2021, with the red-lined amendments Motion by Gerald Raynor Sr, second by Gloria L Sistrunk. Page 1 of 11 DocuSign Envelope ID: D385E7DE-0995-4BC8-87AF-DA6C491516FD Final Resolution: Motion Carried Yes: Monica Higgs, Hope Love, Kelly Porter, Gerald Raynor Sr, Gloria L Sistrunk No: Kizzie Scott 1.5 Approval of Special Session Meeting Minutes for Wednesday, December 22, 2021 Motioned to Re-approve the Special Session Meeting Minutes for Wednesday, December 22, 2021, with the red-lined amendments Motion by Gerald Raynor Sr, second by Gloria L Sistrunk. Final Resolution: Motion Carried Yes: Monica Higgs, Hope Love, Kelly Porter, Gerald Raynor Sr, Kizzie Scott, Gloria L Sistrunk 1.6 Approval of Closed Session Meeting Minutes for Wednesday, December 22, 2021 Motion to Re-approve the Closed Session Meeting Minutes for Wednesday, December 22, 2021, with the red-lined amendments Motion by Kelly Porter, second by Hope Love. Final Resolution: Motion Carried Yes: Monica Higgs, Hope Love, Kelly Porter, Gerald Raynor Sr, Kizzie Scott, Gloria L Sistrunk 1.7 Approval of Regular Work Session Meeting Minutes for Monday, January 3, 2022 Motion to approve Regular Work Session Meeting Minutes for Monday, January 3, 2022. Motion by Gerald Raynor Sr, second by Gloria L Sistrunk. Page 2 of 11 DocuSign Envelope ID: D385E7DE-0995-4BC8-87AF-DA6C491516FD Final Resolution: Motion Carried Yes: Monica Higgs, Hope Love, Kelly Porter, Gerald Raynor Sr, Gloria L Sistrunk No: Kizzie Scott 1.8 Approval of Public Session Meeting Minutes for Monday, January 10, 2022 Motion to approve the Public Session Meeting Minutes for Monday, January 10, 2022 Motion by Hope Love, second by Gloria L Sistrunk. Final Resolution: Motion Carried Yes: Monica Higgs, Hope Love, Kelly Porter, Gerald Raynor Sr, Kizzie Scott, Gloria L Sistrunk 1.9 Approval of Special Session Meeting Minutes for Monday, January 10, 2022 Motion to approve Special Session Meeting Minutes for Monday, January 10, 2022 Motion by Gloria L Sistrunk, second by Kelly Porter. Final Resolution: Motion Carried Yes: Monica Higgs, Hope Love, Kelly Porter, Gerald Raynor Sr, Kizzie Scott, Gloria L Sistrunk 1.10 Approval of Closed Session Meeting Minutes for Monday, January 10, 2022 Motion to approve the Closed Session Meeting Minutes for Monday, January 10, 2022 Motion by Gerald Raynor Sr, second by Hope Love. Final Resolution: Motion Carried Yes: Monica Higgs, Hope Love, Kelly Porter, Gerald Raynor Sr, Kizzie Scott, Gloria L Sistrunk Page 3 of 11 DocuSign Envelope ID: D385E7DE-0995-4BC8-87AF-DA6C491516FD 1.11 Approval of Special Session Meeting Minutes for Friday, January 21, 2022 Motion to Approve Special Session Meeting Minutes for Friday, January 21, 2022 Motion by Hope Love, second by Kizzie Scott. Final Resolution: Motion Carried Yes: Monica Higgs, Hope Love, Kelly Porter, Gerald Raynor Sr, Kizzie Scott, Gloria L Sistrunk 1.12 Approval of Closed Session Meeting Minutes for Friday, January 21, 2022 Motion to approve Closed Session Meeting Minutes for Friday, January 21, 2022 Motion by Gerald Raynor Sr, second by Kizzie Scott. Final Resolution: Motion Carried Yes: Monica Higgs, Hope Love, Kelly Porter, Gerald Raynor Sr, Kizzie Scott, Gloria L Sistrunk 1.13 Approval of Special Session Meeting Minutes for Monday, January 24, 2022 Approval of Special Session Meeting Minutes for Monday, January 24, 2022 Motion by Kizzie Scott, second by Gerald Raynor Sr. Final Resolution: Motion Carried Yes: Monica Higgs, Hope Love, Kelly Porter, Gerald Raynor Sr, Kizzie Scott, Gloria L Sistrunk 1.14 Approval of Closed Session Meeting Minutes for Monday, January 24, 2022 Motion to approve Closed Session Meeting Minutes for Monday, January 24, 2022. Motion by Gloria L Sistrunk, second by Hope Love. Final Resolution: Motion Carried Page 4 of 11 DocuSign Envelope ID: D385E7DE-0995-4BC8-87AF-DA6C491516FD Yes: Monica Higgs, Hope Love, Kelly Porter, Gerald Raynor Sr, Kizzie Scott, Gloria L Sistrunk 1.15 Approval of Special Session Meeting Minutes for Wednesday, January 26, 2022 Approval of Special Session Meeting Minutes for Wednesday, January 26, 2022 Motion by Gloria L Sistrunk, second by Gerald Raynor Sr. Final Resolution: Motion Carried Yes: Monica Higgs, Hope Love, Kelly Porter, Gerald Raynor Sr, Kizzie Scott, Gloria L Sistrunk 1.16 Approval of Closed Session Meeting Minutes for Wednesday, January 26, 2022 Approval of Closed Session Meeting Minutes for Wednesday January 26, 2022 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 2. CITIZEN COMMENTS 2.1. None. 3. PRESENTATION 3.1. None. 4. LEGISLATION 4.1 None. 5. REPORTS: Page 5 of 11 DocuSign Envelope ID: D385E7DE-0995-4BC8-87AF-DA6C491516FD 5.1 Council President Report  Council Vice President Higgs stated the Council President report can be found in Boarddocs. 5.2. Office of Mayor Report  Vice Mayor McCarthy stated that the office prepared a proclamation for Former Mayor Arrington and the city had a tribute that was well attended at City Hall. 5.3 Jeannelle Wallace, Interim City Manager  Mrs. Wallace stated that this is her last annual report to the City Council which is lengthy report with statistics from each department.  Mrs. Wallace stated that the reports will be available on the city's website tomorrow.  Mrs. Wallace stated that we had a number of employees that had contracted COVID, and the facilities were professional cleaned.  Mrs. Wallace stated that the city had to borrow a Line of Credit to pay off the vendors for the renovations of the city Hall and the EDJ Building.  Mrs. Wallace stated that the loan has been paid in full.  Mrs. Wallace stated that the city did receive the final amount from SPICE in the amount of $208,000 and the funds had been deposited into the city's account. The monies matched the last statements as of June 2021.  Mrs. Wallace stated that the City Clerk had collected $1,176, 578 in Business Personal Property taxes.  Mrs. Wallace stated that the City Council held seventy-six meetings in the year of 2021.  Mrs. Wallace stated that the City Clerk had received and responded to forty-two Maryland Public Information Act request for 2021.  Mrs. Wallace stated that the Waste Management collected three hundred and twenty-one tons. We are charged $27 per ton  Mrs. Wallace stated that the contract for cleaning the restrooms in Goodwin Park will be discussed this evening.  Mrs. Wallace stated that the city had two hundred diseased trees throughout the city.  Mrs. Wallace stated that Police Department had 17, 563 calls for services Page 6 of 11 DocuSign Envelope ID: D385E7DE-0995-4BC8-87AF-DA6C491516FD  Mrs. Wallace stated that the traffic data increased by 116% due to the annexation of central avenue.  Mrs. Wallace stated that the Prince George's Police, State Police and District of Columbia police are ecstatic that the Seat Pleasant Police Department had taken over Central Avenue.  Mrs. Wallace stated that we had received complaints regarding the speeding tickets and her response is if you do not break the law, you will not receive a ticket.  Mrs. Wallace stated that the administration department is responsible for all departments and responses in the city.  Mrs. Wallace stated that we receive speeding either going into the district or coming from the district. We try to avoid chasing the assailants.  Mrs. Wallace stated that she had requested for Maryland Department of Transportation to conduct a traffic study on Central Avenue and the data is currently being reviewed by the department.  Mrs. Wallace stated that she has requested for them to hold a press conference to discuss the positive impact on central avenue.  Mrs. Wallace stated that a traffic enforcement was conducted for DUI's with partnering with PG Police, Baltimore Police, State Police and District of Columbia.  Mrs. Wallace stated that we had zero homicide in Seat Pleasant, and one attempted arson, 13 Breaking and Entering, Carjacking has decreased in Seat Pleasant with eight in 2021. We had a decrease in Motor vehicle deaths and armed robberies decreased.  Mrs. Wallace stated that the Public Engagement department is responsible for contacting the residents and we have eight hundred and thirty-three residents registered for the Call-em-all  Mrs. Wallace stated that we had twenty-eight new hires, 10 resignations from the Police Department and we had six denied unemployment claims. We had five annual evaluations for the year.  Mrs. Wallace stated that the Human Resources had provided the COVID policy to the Department directors.  Mrs. Wallace stated that the HR department processed the retirement plans.  Mrs. Wallace stated that we had receive two proposals for the auditing services. Lindsey and Associates proposed $40,822 for both auditing years. Murphy and Murphy proposed $59,000. Page 7 of 11 DocuSign Envelope ID: D385E7DE-0995-4BC8-87AF-DA6C491516FD  Mrs. Wallace stated that she will have Mrs. Lanham to send over the proposal so we can get started immediately.  Mrs. Wallace stated that she had contacted MML for the circuit rider program and Mike McLaughlin who is the retired City Manager stated that he is not working as the Circuit rider, and he will contact Debi Sandler to see if she is willing to work as the circuit rider.  Mrs. Wallace inquired with Jim Peck if there are CFO's that maybe available to assist the city until we hire a CFO  Mrs. Wallace stated that Mr. Mosley will need to include some funding in his budget to address the water run-off at city hall.  Councilmember Porter stated that he wanted to thank Mrs. Wallace for her continued services for a good job as she transitions onwards. He stated that we will miss the fact that she has brought a caliber of professionalism to the city. 6. UNFINISHED BUSINESS 6.1. None. 7. NEW BUSINESS 7.1 .Approval of Addendum to the Stratus Building Solution Cleaning Contract for Goodwin Park Restrooms  Mrs. Wallace stated that for years the city had restrooms that were built in Goodwin Park in deplorable condition and barely operating. We have had people that rented the park request a refund due to the condition of the restroom.  Mrs. Wallace stated that the company provides cleaning services to the EJD, City Hall and the Police Department as well as COVID cleaning.  Mr. Mosley stated that the company will be cleaning the restrooms three times per week at $625.00 per cleaning, which is $7,200 per year.  Mr. Mosley stated that he believes that people will start coming out and rent the park this year.  Mr. Mosley stated that he will be replacing the basket rims and the grills in Goodwin Park.  Councilmember Love stated that the bathroom in Goodwin Park was in deplorable condition, and she wanted to know who has completed the repairs? Page 8 of 11 DocuSign Envelope ID: D385E7DE-0995-4BC8-87AF-DA6C491516FD  Mr. Mosley stated that Freeline Plumbing made the repairs in the restroom.  Mr. Mosley stated that the bathrooms need to be cleaned professional by someone that will not deviate from the process.  Councilmember Sistrunk inquired if the restrooms are open twenty- four seven?  Mr. Mosley stated that are open twenty-four hours a day and feels that the bathrooms need to be closed after sundown and he will be working with the police department on this matter.  Councilmember Sistrunk stated that when it is cold the bathrooms should be locked down at 5:00pm and open them up on the weekends. She has concerns with people sleeping in them.  Councilmember Raynor stated that he feels that restrooms should be locked at dusk and re-opened in the morning.  Mr. Mosley stated that it is typical for the restrooms to be locked at night and re-opened in the morning.  Councilmember Raynor stated that the police department should be checking the park and the restrooms.  Council Vice President Higgs stated that will the police officers actually get of the vehicles to go into checking the restrooms.  Council Vice Present Higgs stated that we want to make sure that the restrooms are cleaned and not damage for use.  Councilmember Scott inquired how the restrooms are set-up?  Mr. Mosley stated that it is two unisex restrooms in the park.  Councilmember Scott recommended that one bathroom should be open when the park does not have any events.  Mr. Mosley stated he feels that the restrooms should be opened to allow the residents to use the facilities.  Councilmember Love inquired if the bathrooms had a urinal or are equally styled. She would like to see the restroom opened and closed at dusk and the police should make this a part of their patrol.  Councilmember Raynor inquired when had the bathrooms been changed to make them unisex?  Mr. Mosley stated that he will look to ensure that they are both unisex restrooms.  Councilmember Porter inquired on the appropriate arrangement for the budget? Page 9 of 11 DocuSign Envelope ID: D385E7DE-0995-4BC8-87AF-DA6C491516FD  Mr. Mosley stated that the contract will be charged against the cleaning and contract cost center.  Mr. Mosley stated that the meeting he attended on Saturday, February 12, 2022, was the best meeting he had attended with the Council. He stated that the meetings are important to allow the dialogue and understanding to take place. Motion to approve the addendum to the Stratus Building Solution Cleaning Contract for Goodwin Park Restrooms 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 8. ANNOUNCEMENTS 8.1 Public Session, Monday, February 14, 2022, by Zoom Video at 7:00pm. Meeting link details will be on the city's website, Seat Pleasant, MD 8.2 Regular Work Session, Monday, March 7, 2022, by Zoom Video at 6:00pm. Meeting link details are available on the city's website, Seat Pleasant, MD 8.3 Public Session, Monday, March 14, 2022, by Zoom Video at 7:00pm. Meeting link details are available on the city's website, Seat Pleasant, MD . 9. ADJOURN: 9.1 Adjourn and Logout The meeting adjourned at 8:21 pm Submitted by, Page 10 of 11 DocuSign Envelope ID: D385E7DE-0995-4BC8-87AF-DA6C491516FD Dashaun N. Lanham, CMC City Clerk Page 11 of 11