City Council

DocuSign Envelope ID: 772974BF-1A1C-487A-A58A-530B0A3295EE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL CITY OF SEAT PLEASANT REGULAR WORK SESSION TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2022 6:00P.M. 1. OPENING 1.1 Call to Order Council President McCarthy called the meeting to order at 6:07p.m. 1.2 Roll Call Present: Councilmember Monica Higgs, Councilmember Hope Love, Council President Shireka McCarthy, Mayor Kelly Porter, Councilmember Gerald Raynor, Sr., Councilmember Kizzie Scott, Councilmember Gloria Sistrunk Staff: Beverly Barber, Human Resources Manager, Dual Belnavis, Acting Director of Environmental Justice, Demetrious Harris, Acting Chief, Cedric Heyward, Acting Deputy Chief, Joshua Johnson, NCC Supervisor, Dashaun Lanham, City Clerk, Stanley Mosley, Interim City, Kyrthlyn Rhoda, Grants Manager, and Channelle Smith, Staff Assistant 1.3 Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance: The invocation was given by Acting Chief Harris 1.4. Approval of Agenda Motion to approve the Regular Work Session Agenda Motion by Gloria Sistrunk, second by Hope Love Final Resolution: Motion Carried Yes: Monica Higgs, Hope Love, Shireka McCarthy, Gerald Raynor Sr, Kizzie Scott, Gloria L Sistrunk 2. PRESENTATIONS 2.1 None 3. REPORTS 3.1 Mayor’s Report  Mayor Porter stated that his written report can be viewed on BoardDocs Page 1 of 12 DocuSign Envelope ID: 772974BF-1A1C-487A-A58A-530B0A3295EE  Mayor Porter stated that he had received information and a telephone call from Senator Benson and another Delegate regarding the bill for Business Personal Property Taxes.  Mayor Porter stated that the rate reduction will have a great impact on Seat Pleasant and fourteen more municipalities across the state.  Mayor Porter stated that he will provide the information to the council and impertinent staff as he receives communication.  Council President McCarthy stated that PGCMA just sent out their legislative survey and the city can utilize the services of the lobbyist for PGCMA.  Mayor Porter stated that additional information had come forward regarding the grant courses and other may need to attend from the Governor’s Office. 3.2 Vice Mayor's Report  Council President McCarthy stated that her July and August report can be viewed on BoardDocs. 3.2 City Manager Report  Mr. Mosley stated that the report is uploaded in BoardDocs, and he can answer any questions.  Mr. Mosley stated that the grant program that Mayor Porter was referring to is for Federal Grants and it will entail having the mayor, Environmental Justice Director and Public Engagement Manager when hired participate. It is a two-year program, and he apologizes for not bringing the information to the council attention.  Mr. Mosley stated that he will forward the information to the council on the grants.  Council President McCarthy inquired of the status of the sign being installed.  Mr. Mosley stated that the city is awaiting a response from DPIE on the permit to install the sign.  Council President McCarthy inquired if DPIE has provided a reason for delay?  Mr. Mosley stated that it is due to manpower and illness. 3.3. Departmental Reports Environmental Justice Department  Mr. Belnavis stated that his report is in BoardDocs, and he is happy to answer any questions of the council. Page 2 of 12 DocuSign Envelope ID: 772974BF-1A1C-487A-A58A-530B0A3295EE  Mr. Belnavis stated that Waste Management delivered a vehicle to Chesapeake Ford due to internal engine issue, city bus and trash truck was taken in for service. The service was completed on August 16, 2022, without any issues with collecting the trash.  Mr. Belnavis stated that two employees received an excellent on their one-year review.  Mr. Belnavis stated that they had one injury in Waste Management for seven stitches.  Mr. Belnavis stated that the residential collection, and bulk was collected five times in the previous month.  Mr. Belnavis stated that they collected 135,000 tons for the month.  Mr. Belnavis stated that DPW will begin the fall beautification with painting curbs, dog waste and street traffic signs replacement. The replacement signs are still pending delivery for Ward III 70th Street They have completed the bi-weekly cleaning of the alleyways.  Councilmember Love inquired if they department has a safety briefing at the beginning of each shift?  Mr. Belnavis stated that they are not doing safety briefing by the managers daily, but they are issued their gear.  Councilmember Love stated that she was in charge of safety, and they required the managers on duty to remind the staff for their protection.  Mayor Porter inquired of the manicuring of Central Avenue and MLK, as he is aware that the SHA should be taken care of those areas, but they have been lack luster throughout the county. If the city addresses the areas, we can bill the departments.  Mr. Mosley stated that he had spoke with the individuals from the County and they stated that the areas that belong to the PG County, DPW does not have the authority to state that the city can get paid for the services.  Mr. Mosley stated that he will need to find out the department or person to provide information, in the upper management, that will be a concern for the city.  Mr. Mosley stated that the department had a discussion with the staff regarding the safety and responsibility of being safe.  Mr. Mosley stated that they may have to sanction the staff for not having on the proper safety gear.  Mr. Mosley stated that he sees them every other day in their sneakers, and he has had conversations with them in the past. Page 3 of 12 DocuSign Envelope ID: 772974BF-1A1C-487A-A58A-530B0A3295EE Grants Division  Ms. Rhoda stated that her report is in BoardDocs, and she will answer any questions.  Council President McCarthy requested for Ms. Rhoda to discuss the re- imagine Goodwin Park.  Ms. Rhoda stated that this project was for NDC who was charged with designing the park and assist the city with doing RFP’s. She submitted their recommendations, and the city received the funding. Human Resources Department Report  Mrs. Barber stated that the department had been doing a lot of interviews.  Mrs. Barber stated that they hired an Accounting Manager  Mrs. Barber stated that they are interviewing for the CFO, DPW and Public Engagement positions.  Mrs. Barber stated that the former employees had withdrawn money from the retirement and had several payroll changes during the month.  Mrs. Barber stated that she wanted to address the injury in the department, and the hopper was closed that made the glass pop out and caused the injury.  Mrs. Barber stated that the department have safety meetings every morning and the department is required to have weekly COVID test.  Mrs. Barber stated that the department had ordered boots but when the city was shut-down the boots had not been delivered.  Mayor Porter inquired of the concerns of the ARP funding, and who can receive the funding. If an employee was on some type of leave or was no longer working for the city, if they are eligible for the funding.  Mrs. Barber stated that ninety-nine percent of the employees did receive the funding. The employee was employed but had fallen through cracks due to him being out on sick leave but has since received his funding. City Clerk Report  City Clerk Lanham stated that she attended nine meetings for two months of July and August for the council meetings, sixteen other meetings  City Clerk Lanham prepared nine meeting minutes for approval on the Public Session meeting agenda for next week.  City Clerk Lanham stated that she prepared the Best Yard Award Certificates for the council. Page 4 of 12 DocuSign Envelope ID: 772974BF-1A1C-487A-A58A-530B0A3295EE  City Clerk Lanham stated that she processed thirty-eight MPIA request for the year.  City Clerk Lanham stated that she had assisted with the collection of the documents for the successful closing of the USDA project on August 11, 2022.  City Clerk Lanham stated that we collected for the month of July for Business Personal Property taxes $81, 794.70 and due for FY22 $79, 181.70, and FY23 $17,523.70 for the month of August collected $81,302.70 and FY23 $4,956.  City Clerk Lanham stated that we had registered both the Mayor and Council for the NLC Conference. Finance Department Report  Council President McCarthy inquired if Mr. Mosley was prepared to provide a report for Finance.  Mr. Mosley stated that the report was in BoardDocs, and he was not prepared to provide a summary of the report. Public Safety Department Report  Chief Harris stated that the department had two very busy month with events every weekends.  Chief Harris stated that the department provide over one thousand food baskets to the residents.  Chief Harris stated that they attended the Ward II Fish Fry  Chief Harris stated that they have highlighted areas of opportunity in the report and they will be spending more time in the areas with a desire to increase visibility in the residential area.  Chief Harris stated that they are continue to update the department operational plan.  Chief Harris stated that the council will receive an invitation for the Town Hall they are hosting.  Chief Harris stated that Deputy Chief Heyward was the online and did not mention that he was the commander in charge for the reward year of the officer.  Chief Harris stated that the they have the crime data vehicle on the road.  Councilmember Love stated that Chief Harris is doing a fine job and she commends him for it. Page 5 of 12 DocuSign Envelope ID: 772974BF-1A1C-487A-A58A-530B0A3295EE  Mayor Porter stated that from the accolades received with the professionalism in carrying out their duties is to be commended.  Mayor Porter stated that the lighting in the areas can be sought with the grants.  Mayor Porter stated that we have talked about maintaining our people by providing them with the incentives to retain good officers. It will involve a good sum of money, but he would like for them to continue to work in that manner and provide the Mayor and Council with the information.  Chief Harris stated that in the inner beltway the city is the lowest paid department due to the raise in salaries in the neighboring jurisdictions.  Chief Harris stated that they will be submitting the information for the LGIT insurance to the City Manager and Council.  Chief Harris stated that they had receive $223,000 grant from SAP.  Chief Harris stated that they are looking to invest to internal infrastructure to ensure the department is fully trained. This is the reason that they had requested so much money in training. They have training every week in the department. It is beneficial to the stake holder.  Council President McCarthy thanked the departments for the reports. However, the council had request for the departmental reports to be uniformed.  Council President McCarthy stated that the Finance Department is a very crucial department and she does not want to continue to skip the report. Please have someone available to present a report from the Finance Department.  Mr. Mosley stated that we will have a Finance Department report next month as he was not aware that they wanted him to present a report. They have a season person in the department that can submit a report next month. 4. CITIZEN COMMENTS 4.1. There was two resident in attendance online, but no comments were submitted for the September 6, 2022, Regular Work Session. 5. LEGISLATION 5.1 None 6. UNFINISHED BUSINESS Page 6 of 12 DocuSign Envelope ID: 772974BF-1A1C-487A-A58A-530B0A3295EE 6.1. None. 7. NEW BUSINESS 7.1 Open Meeting Act Violation  Councilmember Sistrunk requested for the item to be tabled until September 12, 2022 . 7.2 Nomination of Council President  Councilmember Sistrunk nominated Councilmember McCarthy for Council President 7.3 Nomination of Council Vice President  Councilmember Love nominated herself as the Council Vice President  Councilmember Raynor nominated Councilmember Scott as the Council Vice President 7.4 Filling of Council-At-Large Seat  City Clerk Lanham stated that the vacancy has been advertised in the Prince George’s Post and on the city’s website.  City Clerk Lanham stated that the mailing has been sent to the registered voters in the city.  City Clerk Lanham stated that the candidate packets are due on Friday, September 23, 2022.  City Clerk Lanham stated that the Board of Supervisor of Election will certify the candidates on Monday, September 26, 2022.  City Clerk Lanham stated that the Public Hearing will be held on Monday, October 3, 2022. 7.5 Website Media Solution  City Clerk Lanham stated that the city council had requested for the meetings that are recorded via zoom to go on the website, and the former manager of Public Engagement had contacted the website vendor to implement the live meeting recordings.  City Clerk Lanham stated that we will need to have additional services on the website.  City Clerk Lanham stated that it is being paid for with ARP Funding for the next two years.  City Clerk Lanham stated that once it is completed the council will be notified. Page 7 of 12 DocuSign Envelope ID: 772974BF-1A1C-487A-A58A-530B0A3295EE 7.6 Chapter 54-Animal Code Update Recommendation  Mr. Johnson stated that he was informed that the code was outdated, and he reviewed the city of Bowie code regarding the running at large and violations tiers. The current code only covers $400 for running at large. The code does not cover biting or impounding.  Mr. Johnson stated that they are recommending the tier violation be tiered  Mr. Johnson stated that they are recommending removing the city issued licensing.  Council President McCarthy stated that the recommendation was very well written. Looking at the other municipalities you recommended was very well done.  Councilmember Raynor inquired of the meaning of at-large, does it mean unleashed?  Mr. Johnson stated that at-large means to be unleashed without the owner.  Councilmember Raynor inquired of the time frame from April-October, and wanted to know if it could be all year around?  Mr. Johnson stated that it is due to the summer month, which is when animals are known to be out, and running without the leash.  Mrs. Johnson stated that it is more of way to enforce it all year.  Chief Harris stated that the council had inquired about at-large animals and the county is currently reviewing to update their code on pit-bulls, and the city will be adopting the changes after the county revise their code.  It was the consensus of the council to have the ordinance drafted to support the recommendation of the Animal code changes in October. 7.7 Council Meeting  City Clerk Lanham stated that the equipment based upon the vendor is due to be delivered between September-December and the vendor will schedule the installation upon receipt of 80% of the equipment is received.  City Clerk Lanham stated that the hybrid equipment is the first to come in.  City Clerk Lanham stated that Council Chambers does not have wiring in place for the microphones and outdated equipment.  City Clerk Lanham stated that the new system will require complete wiring, and the equipment is different from the existing outdate equipment.  Mayor Porter stated that he had inquired due to the request of the citizens of in-person meetings and the city had meetings in the past without Page 8 of 12 DocuSign Envelope ID: 772974BF-1A1C-487A-A58A-530B0A3295EE microphones and equipment. We had meetings in the past without microphones, and he knows that it was in the past.  Mayor Porter stated that if there was way to have meetings in Town Hall and if the council desires to wait until all the equipment is delivered. He will be making himself available to any citizens that wants to come to Town Hall.  Mayor Porter stated that since the installation may not be until next year, can be do something else in the meantime.  Council President McCarthy stated that she had concerns of having meeting without being able to record the meetings.  Council President McCarthy inquired if the council had any recommendations for the meetings to be recorded?  Mayor Porter stated that he wanted to know what are the plans if the event of equipment or alternative.  Council President McCarthy stated that if anyone has any suggestions, and she feels that the meetings need to be recorded.  Councilmember Scott stated that has anyone suggested for the meetings to go live on the city's social media account.  Council President McCarthy stated that she thought about that as well, but with the department not have the staff person in-place, who be responsible for posting the meeting online.  Councilmember Raynor inquired about the existing equipment ?  City Clerk Lanham stated that the equipment is still in city hall, but it has not been set-up due to the new equipment being more modern.  Council President McCarthy inquired what can be done with the existing equipment to be set-up?  City Clerk Lanham stated that it is not recommended by the vendor as it will require the wiring to have the equipment installed.  Councilmember Sistrunk stated that it is not compatible and will be a waste of money.  Council President McCarthy stated that the Police Department is handling the social media account and she has recommended that the police department, City Manager and City Clerk to meet to have a mock meeting for live posting.  Council President McCarthy stated that city can hire a contractor to post the live meeting  Councilmember Scott inquired if the Staff Assistant would be attending the meetings? Page 9 of 12 DocuSign Envelope ID: 772974BF-1A1C-487A-A58A-530B0A3295EE  Council President McCarthy stated that if the council requested for her to join, she can.  Councilmember Scott stated that she could be responsible for handling the live meeting.  Councilmember Sistrunk stated that will are struggling to have the meetings on line now.  Councilmember Sistrunk stated that we need to have access to the recordings down the road and will be able to have the recordings down the road from social media.  Councilmember Sistrunk stated that she does not feel that the city needs to rush to have the in-person meeting for a few citizens. The city does not keep spending on the ARP funds as the meeting recording needs to be available in the future.  Council President McCarthy inquired if the timeline has changed?  City Clerk Lanham stated that the timeline has not changed.  Councilmember Raynor inquired if the Peake could provide the city with the services?  City Clerk Lanham stated that Peake does not provide that type of services  Councilmember Love stated that she agrees with the recommendation of Councilmember Scott and that seems like a good idea. It is more than a few residents that is inquiring about when the city will go back into city hall.  Council President McCarthy inquired of the signs being displayed in the community for the meeting?  Council President McCarthy stated that she feels that departments could meet try the mock meeting.  Councilmember Raynor stated that we do not want to have any mishap like with the super bowl while live.  Councilmember Scott stated that she thinks we have the ability to edit the video before it is posted.  City Clerk Lanham explained that the live meeting occurs while the council is in the meeting. This is not what the citizens are asking for as they stated in-person, but it will allow the citizens to see the meeting without logging into zoom.  Council President McCarthy inquired about the boards going back in the community to inform the residents of the meeting.  Mr. Mosley stated that he cannot speak about the boards prior to COVID-19, but the city is purchasing electronic boards for each of the wards. They have Page 10 of 12 DocuSign Envelope ID: 772974BF-1A1C-487A-A58A-530B0A3295EE ordered two energy efficient boards that will let the residents see the information during the day and night.  Councilmember Scott inquired of the number boards that the city had.  Council President McCarthy stated that we had one for each ward.  Councilmember Raynor stated that Ward IV and Ward V will need to have two signs due to the size of the wards. It will need to be a sign on Seat Pleasant Drive and Highland Gardens.  Mr. Mosley stated that he agrees that some wards will need more than one due to the egress of the citizens. We will look at the budget to see if we can get more one boards.  Mayor Porter stated that the city had ten yellow ten boards and lettering and they may have been displaced with the moving and renovations.  Mayor Porter inquired of the VMS Boards for the city.  Chief Harris stated that the city has four VMS Boards.  Council President McCarthy stated that she would like the meeting signs out for next week meeting.  Mr. Mosley stated that they will look for the signs. 8. ANNOUNCEMENTS 8.1 Charter Amendment Public Hearing, Monday, September 12, 2022, by Zoom Video at 6:00pm, Meeting link details are available on the city's website, Seat Pleasant, MD 8.2 Public Session, Monday, September 12, 2022, by Zoom Video at 7:00pm. Meeting link details will be on the city's website, Seat Pleasant, MD 8.3 Councilmember At-Large Vacancy Candidate Packet Due, Friday, September 23, 2022, at 5:00p.m. to the City Clerk's Office 8.4 Regular Work Session, Monday, October 3, 2022, by Zoom Webinar at 6:00pm, Meeting Link details are available on the city's website, Seat Pleasant, MD 8.5 Public Session, Monday, October 10, 2022, by Zoom Video at 7:00pm. Meeting Link details will be on the city's website. Seat Pleasant, MD 9. ADJOURN: 9.1 Adjourn-The meeting adjourned at 7:39pm Submitted by, Page 11 of 12 DocuSign Envelope ID: 772974BF-1A1C-487A-A58A-530B0A3295EE Dashaun N. Lanham, CMC City Clerk Page 12 of 12