City Council

DocuSign Envelope ID: BF60A241-38F6-475A-8084-EA8FA2F22400 MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL CITY OF SEAT PLEASANT REGULAR WORK SESSION MONDAY, MARCH 7, 2022 6:00P.M. 1. OPENING 1.1 Call to Order Council Vice President Higgs called the meeting to order at 6:02p.m. 1.2 Roll Call Present: Councilmember Monica Higgs, Councilmember Hope Love, Vice Mayor McCarthy, Councilmember Kelly Porter, Councilmember Gerald Raynor, Sr., Councilmember Kizzie Scott, Councilmember Gloria Sistrunk Staff: Dual Belnavis, Interim Director of Environmental Justice, Dashaun Lanham, City Clerk, Sharron Lipford, Public Engagement Manager, Devan Martin, Chief of Police, Stanley Mosley, Interim City Manager, Diamond Plater, Staff Assistant, Kyrthlyn Rhoda, Grants Manager, Jessica Wise, Accounting Manager 1.3 Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance: Councilmember Porter gave the invocation. 1.4. Approval of Agenda Motion to approve the agenda 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. PRESENTATIONS 2.1 Food 4 Thought-Community Grocery Giveaway, Donovan Benton, Executive Director  Mr. Benton, Executive Director of Food 4 Thought they were invited to host a food give-away by Former Councilmember Yeargin. They realized over the pandemic of the food insecurity, and they started in March of 2020 Page 1 of 14 DocuSign Envelope ID: BF60A241-38F6-475A-8084-EA8FA2F22400 where they had fed over one hundred twenty families. They have formed a partnership with Hemingway Memorial Baptist Church, AME. They would like to host a food give-away and safety products on Saturday, March 19, 2022, in Seat Pleasant, MD. They have been around the county and had taken care of all nine districts. They have two locations one in District Heights, MD and the other in Largo, MD.  They want to customize to meet the needs of the people and appreciate what they are doing and would like to know what needs to be included in the package. They will be doing everything outside but would have needs of the restroom.  Councilmember Sistrunk inquired of the date of the event on March 19, 2022, from 11:00am-1:30pm at Seat Pleasant City Hall.  Councilmember Sistrunk inquired of the give-away items will be free?  Mr. Benton stated that they are a 501-C3 and every donation or proceed will add to the value of what they provide to the people.  Mr. Benton stated that they have partnered with PG Community College and will provide information on SNAP benefits.  Mr. Benton stated that everything provided is free.  Councilmember Porter stated that if you are thinking of doing this as an on- going basis and it will need to be moved to the Goodwin Park as we have restrooms in that location.  Councilmember Porter stated that the first event will be held at Town Hall?  Councilmember Love inquired of the number of people that they have to assist with the event.  Mr. Benton stated that they have twenty-five people assisting them. They have over fifty-five events over the county in various locations in the county to include, elementary schools, libraries, parks, community centers and churches.  Councilmember Porter stated the prior events were held in locations that had restrooms facilities for use. We may not have the use of restroom facilities, unless it is the portable restrooms, if available. He stated that he sees this turning into the Farmer's Market something the city has been trying to do for years.  Mr. Benton stated that they have enough directional signs and cones, and we will take care of where we are located. They have linked up with Market Fresh, which is a Black owned company.  Councilmember Sistrunk stated that she concerns with parking and the concerns with residents on 69th Street will pose a problem. The building is Page 2 of 14 DocuSign Envelope ID: BF60A241-38F6-475A-8084-EA8FA2F22400 not officially open, and we will need to have staff on hand to ensure that no- one goes beyond the bathroom only.  Mr. Benton stated that he can re-direct his volunteers to park in a certain area, and they had to walk distance in the past.  Chief Martin stated that if the council approves the event, and the staff will work out the details with the use of the portable restroom.  Councilmember Higgs stated that the partnership with the city we will need to provide the police and staff to assist with the traffic and clean-up.  Mr. Benton stated that they have always cleaned up in every area that they have partnered with in the past.  Councilmember Scott stated that she feels that they will need find another location in Seat Pleasant with Grace Cathedral Church or another location.  Ms. Lipford stated that she was going to recommend Seat Pleasant Elementary School as it provides a better traffic flow, and we had several food giveaways at this location in the past.  Mr. Benton stated that they have a relationship with the school Superintendent and if the school Principal says yes, they can have it at Seat Pleasant Elementary School.  Councilmember Raynor inquired why did they wait to come to the city so late, as this is time sensitive.  Mr. Benton stated that they have two dates for March, the 19th and the 26th. They were invited by Mr. Yeargin and asked to come to Seat Pleasant, as they were in Laurel and other areas in the county.  Councilmember Higgs asked who invited Food 4 Thought to Seat Pleasant?  Mr. Benton stated that Mr. Yeargin invited them, and they are mobile and drop food to senior centers and other locations.  Council Vice President Higgs stated that she would like to know the cost of the staff with the police department, and Public Works staff.  Mr. Mosley stated that having seen what has been done in the past at Goodwin Park, which provides parking. It is his opinion that Goodwin Park is the better location, as the restrooms as operational.  Ms. Rhoda stated that the city can pay the staff overtime with the COVID money for the event.  The City Council agreed with Mr. Mosley to have the event at Goodwin Park. 3. REPORTS 3.1 Vice Mayor's Report Page 3 of 14 DocuSign Envelope ID: BF60A241-38F6-475A-8084-EA8FA2F22400  Vice Mayor McCarthy stated that her report is in Boarddocs, and she do not have any highlights for the report.  Vice Mayor McCarthy stated that we had prepared the Proclamation for former Mayor Arrington and the city paid their respects.  Vice Mayor McCarthy stated that she attended an event, and the police department attended the event, and she wanted to give the kudos to them. 3.2 City Manager Report  Mr. Mosley stated that he has been working with the City Attorney and getting updates on the city, as well as working with the City Clerk to get acclimated with the job.  Councilmember Love stated that the City Council had unanimously agreed to get a qualified candidate for the City Manager.  Mr. Mosley asked if the Human Resources Manager been informed with contacting a hiring firm or indeed.  Councilmember Love stated that the committee has recommended getting a hiring firm, as they have received a lot of resumes from people that do not qualify. 3.3. Departmental Monthly Reports  City Clerk Lanham presented her report and provided the City Council with an update on the Business Personal Property Taxes invoices mailed and received for the month of February, which, the city had received $143, 377.09 and mailed fourteen invoices in the amount of $46,171.50  Mr. Belnavis stated that the department had been working on a contract that was signed for the cleaning of the restrooms in Goodwin Park weekly.  We are in the process of adding EV Charging Stations to the city hall parking lot for public use.  Ongoing sidewalk ADA compliance construction on all trip hazard sidewalks in the city  Ongoing traffic calming devices, speed humps and speed bumps in all five wards  In the process of making sure all our vendors are prepared to continue doing business using 5G internet service  Continued building maintenance  Salt Dogs were repaired and fully operational for the snowstorm  Tree removal was started in Ward 3 Objective Challenges:  We need to hire three individuals for Public Works Page 4 of 14 DocuSign Envelope ID: BF60A241-38F6-475A-8084-EA8FA2F22400  Maintenance of all equipment  Functionality of City Hall and EJD: The constant calls for repair which attribute to the fit and finish of City Hall and EJD. Resources Used:  Big Belly  3rd Eye Cam  Zoom  Prince George’s County Department of the Environment; Brown Station Landfill  Home Depot  DC Materials  Councilmember Porter stated now that we are going into the Spring month and number of streets need sweeping and he wanted to know how the city stands with cleaning the streets?  Mr. Belnavis stated that the street cleaning machine is available for pick-up, and he will provide a response on tomorrow with regards to the pick-up schedule by Mr. Kelliebrew.  Councilmember Sistrunk inquired of the status of the EV Charging stations and she would like to know the status.  Mr. Belnavis stated that this was project started by Mr. Mosley and he will need find out the status.  Vice Mayor McCarthy inquired if the flyer can be updated or removed from the Big Belly trash cans as they are two years old.  Ms. Wise, Accounting Manager, provided the city council with overviews of the budget General Fund $894, 821.92 Speed Camera Reinstated on 03/04/22 Redlight Camera reinstated on 03/04/22 Grants Fund NEW Account #1,811,097.53 ARP $1,659,388.46 and DOJCOPS $1,151, 669.09 Police Confiscated Funds (new)TBD Red Light and Speed Camera Revenue FY22 YTD Red light $1,838,188.56 Speed Camera $734,598.41  Ms. Wise stated that she is not comfortable with moving any money into the new accounts after speaking with the auditor to ensure that it can be moved into the new account. Page 5 of 14 DocuSign Envelope ID: BF60A241-38F6-475A-8084-EA8FA2F22400  Councilmember Higgs stated that she will need to go over the numbers and she will recommend to the committee to have Ms. Wise attend and provide the information. She would like to review the numbers and in the next two weeks.  Ms. Wise stated that we are not in the red, but we are not in the most ideal situations and things looks better than June 2020.  Ms. Rhoda, Grants Manager provided the Council with an overview of the Sustainable communities Renewal, which expires on June 22, 2022. We are a part of the Central Avenue Corridor, and there will be a lot of interactions coming up and the categories that coming up and the Maryland National Capital Park and Planning Board will be meeting with each of the municipalities. We are required to set-up a task force and the names will need to be included in the application.  Ms. Rhoda stated that she will provide the powerpoint to the City Clerk Lanham and it is an extensive application.  Vice Mayor McCarthy inquired of the timeframe to put together the task force, which expires in June.  Ms. Rhoda stated that we need to get started within the next two week or week. She will put together a formal sign to send over to MNCP&P.  Vice Mayor McCarthy stated that she will be interested in serving on the task force.  Councilmember Porter stated that he and Councilmember Raynor was a part of the Blue Line Corridor Committee, as the chair of the Economic Development Committee.  Ms. Rhoda stated that the ARP Update Mortgage relief $13, 477 Eviction Relief and Utility relief $27, 400.93. the residents were on payment arrangements but were unable to keep up. Business Relief $7,500 Food Relief $5,100  We had distributed 45 COVID Testing kits as today, Monday, March 7, 2022. They have provided the kits and food vouchers, and the some of the residents with integrity had told them to provide the food vouchers to the residents that need them.  Ms. Rhoda stated we have an increase response from the citizenry after Public Engagement did the Call-em all. The hazard pay will stop on the last pay period in March considering the numbers in accordance with the CDC are lowering.  The big belly messages will be regarding the city ARP allocation. Page 6 of 14 DocuSign Envelope ID: BF60A241-38F6-475A-8084-EA8FA2F22400  They are looking to hire an Outreach Coordinator and a person to assist Finance with the ARP money  Vice Mayor McCarthy inquired if the city had done anything surrounding mental health, as it her understanding that this is category under ARP. The Mayor and Council was allocated $10,000 to assist the community and she would like to start with mental health.  Ms. Rhoda stated that they are talking more about mental health  Ms. Wise stated that it was a great idea to collaborate with people dealing with mental health.  Ms. Rhoda stated that we can work with Kim Rhim with Work Force Development.  Ms. Lipford stated that the call went out on March 1, 2022, at 3:15pm  Mr. Mosley stated that HR was out of the office due to illness for the last two days.  Ms. Lipford, Public Engagement Manager  Ms. Lipford stated that we distributed 45 COVID test kit and asking residents to come city hall to retrieve the test kit. We had three additional test kits provided to residents on the Call-a bus.  Ms. Lipford stated that they had over 5,000 text messages delivered to the residents and 94% of the text messages were delivered.  Ms. Lipford stated that they will continue to put the call through for the Grants Manager with an average of forty-five telephone calls and 60% were related to EJD or Public Works, and 20% of the calls for Police Department, 10% of calls for Public Engagement, and 5% are for various departments in the government, city clerk, city manager and 5% of spam calls.  Ms. Lipford stated that we have 1,235 downloads of the Seat Pleasant APP, and we do have additional signage that can be placed in the big bellies. She will be working with Ms. Rhoda to have additional signage placed in the Big Belly.  Mr. Dual inquired if the flyers were set-up and can they be replaced on tomorrow in the Big Belly Trash cans.  Mr. Dual inquired if the big belly could accommodate two different flyers, and he will obtain the key on tomorrow, Tuesday, March 8, 2022.  Chief Martin stated the monthly report is attached and they are on point with meeting the expectations from last year. The Seat Pleasant Recreation Center is open, and the youth have been back in the center. They had received an increase of 49% in calls for service. He stated that he echoes the sentiments of Vice Page 7 of 14 DocuSign Envelope ID: BF60A241-38F6-475A-8084-EA8FA2F22400  Mayor McCarthy regarding the Mental Health. He has template built out and he will work with Vice McCarthy on this effort. We had a 53% increase in calls for services, and this is the time of year that we have an increase of robberies, and this is a monthly perspective with a comparison to last year.  Chief Martin stated that NCC has been moving along with citations on will provide a recommendation on Code changes as it relates to closed business.  The NCC has begun to complete rental inspection with a projected revenue of $180,000, and the some of the homes do not have working appliances.  The police department honored former mayor Arrington, and the parade for peace on Central Avenue. They sent an email today with a pursuit that occurred on today, March 7, 2022, with people being taking into custody after shooting at a home in Capitol Heights. 3.4 Governmental Affairs & Technology Committee Report-Kelly Porter, Chair  The committee met on February 15, 2022, to review the City Manager resumes, and recommended a panel that consist of Former City Manager or current city manager. the committee requested that resumes be sent to them with qualifying credentials.  They had received some additional information as referrals from Vice Mayor McCarthy, and they had received information for an interest to serve on an interim basis. We are trying to bring in good candidates for review. 3.5 Finance & Budget Committee Report-Councilmember Gloria L. Sistrunk, Chair  Councilmember Sistrunk stated that the committee had three meetings and they had reviewed eight CFO resumes and not one of the resumes met the basic requirements for the job before they are passed on to the committee.  The recommendation was to have an executive search firm, and they be provided the position description, and the council needs to decide on the position title.  The finance committee approved that Lindsey and Associates complete the FY2020 and FY2021 audits.  The finance committee completed the budget for the council to be submitted to the city for the proposed FY2023 budget. 4. LEGISLATION Page 8 of 14 DocuSign Envelope ID: BF60A241-38F6-475A-8084-EA8FA2F22400 4.1 None. 5. UNFINISHED BUSINESS 5.1. None. 6. NEW BUSINESS 6.1 Approval of Auditing Firm Motion to approve proposed audit for Lindsey and Associates to complete FY2020 and FY2021 Audit 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 6.2 Approval of usage of Conference Room for CPAC Meeting on April 28, 2022 Motion to approve the usage of the third-floor conference room in City Hall for the CPAC Meeting on 04/28/22 at 6:00pm-7:30pm 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 6.3 Update of Meeting with Senator Benson-Councilmember Porter  Councilmember Porter stated that the council should have received a report from former Interim City Manager regarding the meeting held in Annapolis with Senator Benson, and Planet Fitness representative.  Councilmember Porter stated that the SB491 was provided to Mr. Mosley, and Mr. Deloach will be looking into the matter and provide an update going forward.  Councilmember Porter stated that it would be prudent to look into the State Ethics commission regarding the action taken as it relates to the actions.  Councilmember Porter stated that the bill was presented last week, and he feels that it is problematic. Page 9 of 14 DocuSign Envelope ID: BF60A241-38F6-475A-8084-EA8FA2F22400  Councilmember Porter stated that Mr. Mosley had recommended a lobbying firm, and that the Forest Heights had a Lobbyist represent them and he had been contacted by a lobbyist firm.  Councilmember Porter stated that the city attorney stated that they do not get involve with lobbying in Annapolis, and this is problematic, and we need to address this matter.  Councilmember Porter stated that reducing the rate at the rate that they recommended would prohibit the city to operate.  Mr. Mosley stated that based on the information he had received from the City Clerk, and that MML had opposed this bill and having a lobbyist to intercede on behalf on the city will be in the best interest, as well as contacting someone from MML.  Mr. Mosley stated that the city needs to consider a lobbying firm in the near future.  Vice Mayor McCarthy stated that Tony Perez is the lobbyist for PGCMA, and the president for PGCMA is the mayor for College Park.  Council Vice President Higgs stated that she does not feel that the city needs to hire a lobbyist at this time. She recommended that the City Council receives a copy of the bill review it and ask questions.  Councilmember Porter stated that the bill will impact all municipalities, but it will have greater impact on Seat Pleasant due to the tax rate.  Councilmember Porter stated that tax rates for the other municipalities are far less than the city and it would be more damaging to Seat Pleasant. This is not the only thing concerning Seat Pleasant that this person has tried to do. The one entity that would affect is Seat Pleasant.  Councilmember Porter stated that it is problematic because individual do not like the way we do business and they have not had a conversation with the city.  Councilmember Porter stated that had he not been in the room this is something that could have gone forward without our knowledge.  Council Vice President stated the meeting was mentioned on February 12, 2022, and she recommended that in the future we go to a meeting prepared in the future.  Council Vice President requested for Mr. Mosley to get additionally information on this matter and provide the council with an update.  Mr. Mosley stated that he will contact MML to inquire why they opposed the bill and contact PGCMA regarding the lobbyist.  Councilmember Sistrunk stated that this is a personal attack by the Senator, and this is the same situation that happened to the City Attorney that was Page 10 of 14 DocuSign Envelope ID: BF60A241-38F6-475A-8084-EA8FA2F22400 contacted by someone that was her attorney and it turned out to be someone from Seat Pleasant Concerned Citizens, and he attended the meeting in the same manner.  Councilmember Sistrunk stated that Councilmember Porter mentioned the State Ethics Commission and she would like to look into that. 6.4 Seat Pleasant Mask Mandate  Council Vice President Higgs stated that Prince George's County had removed their mask mandate, and it is time that the city make the decision for our buildings.  Councilmember Love stated that she feels we should follow the county.  Vice Mayor McCarthy stated that she disagrees with uplifting the mask mandates due to the number of outbreaks in the city.  Councilmember Love stated that the masks are optional, and they uplifted the mask for her job, and she still wears her mask.  Councilmember Sistrunk stated that she has concerns with what is going on in the building, as it relates to the sanitizing the building, and she feels that it is still early, and we should wait until the first of April.  Mr. Mosley stated that deep sanitization does not take place unless we require it. It is cursor sanitation of the restrooms, and the doorknobs. We do not require it until someone has been exposed, and they bring out the foggers.  Councilmember Sistrunk inquired if the deep sanitization been done since February 12, 2022?  Mr. Mosley stated that it had been done after February 12, 2022, and deep sanitization is done on needed basis.  Councilmember Sistrunk inquired with cursor review of the cleaning, are they wiping down the telephones?  Mr. Mosley stated that if we are going to remove the mask mandate, we will need to have a deep sanitization once a week. Page 11 of 14 DocuSign Envelope ID: BF60A241-38F6-475A-8084-EA8FA2F22400  Councilmember Sistrunk suggested that Mr. Mosley inquire of the cleaning that they are doing as it relates to wiping down the chairs, chair arms, and the telephone.  Mr. Mosley stated that the Mr. Belnavis has followed behind them and found somethings that they were not doing properly. The budget does not currently provide for deep cleaning.  Councilmember Sistrunk stated that they should be doing basic cleaning with wiping down the desk and telephones.  Councilmember Raynor stated that he had done housekeeping and they tend to short cut the cleaning, and he can tell that they are not cleaning the building at night as they should.  Councilmember Raynor stated that the building needs to be cleaned as if people are in the building.  Mr. Mosley stated that it is the job of the city to ensure that the building is professionally cleaned.  He stated that the EJD employees arrive at 6:00am and they can clean the building before the staff arrives.  Vice Mayor McCarthy stated that her church had purchased the fogger for $229  Chief Martin stated that the Police Department has the fogger in their department and problem comes with the FDA approved cleaning.  Councilmember Porter stated that the mask mandate being uplifted, is it illegal for the city to enforce a law. What can we legal do as it relates requiring the mask?  Council Vice President stated that the PG County stated that businesses are allowed to require patrons to wear a mask, and this is about our employees wearing mask in the common areas.  It was the consensus of the Council for the staff to continue to wear their mask in the building. Page 12 of 14 DocuSign Envelope ID: BF60A241-38F6-475A-8084-EA8FA2F22400  The Council Vice President has requested that an email be sent out to the staff regarding mask requirements for City buildings. 6.5 Approval of Partnership for Community Grocery Distribution  Vice Mayor McCarthy stated that she has no problem with the event, but no city money should be expended.  Councilmember Scott stated that she had concerns with the way it was presented as the event was set in stone.  Councilmember Scott inquired if there is a process for permits.  Council Vice President Higgs stated that the event was not set in stone, and she requested for the information to be placed on the agenda for the Council approval. She feels that it is a great idea, and we have resources in the city to benefit the residents.  Councilmember Sistrunk stated that she thought it was settled that they could not use the building or parking-lot. She stated that it is no better place in Seat Pleasant that has provided food giveaways in Seat Pleasant than Grace Cathedral, and they are not using twenty-five volunteers.  Councilmember Sistrunk stated that the date in the flyer of March 19, 2022, was based upon the city allowing them to use City Hall parking lot. We need to know what the true expectation of the partnership.  Councilmember Love stated that when we put our name on something, we need to know where the food is coming from, and the cleanliness of the food.  She stated that she is not against them doing at the park, but the city name should not be included on it.  Councilmember Sistrunk stated that her process had always been to go through the City Manager, Public Engagement, and EJD for availability of the park, and cleaning the park.  Council Vice President Higgs stated that her focus is currently on the funds for the city.  The city council did not approve the partnership for the community grocery distribution. 7. ANNOUNCEMENTS Page 13 of 14 DocuSign Envelope ID: BF60A241-38F6-475A-8084-EA8FA2F22400 7.1 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 7.2. Ward III Run/Walk Event beginning April 1-April 30, 2022. 7.3Ward III Best Yard Competition, April 1, 2022-September 31, 2022 7.4. Ward V Meeting, Monday, April 18, 2022, meeting details will be posted on the city's website. 8. ADJOURN: The meeting adjourned at 8:46p.m. Submitted by, Dashaun N. Lanham, CMC City Clerk Page 14 of 14