City Council

DocuSign Envelope ID: 9AF800E8-0652-49E2-BCA2-BFEF557FF5E4 MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL CITY OF SEAT PLEASANT REGULAR WORK SESSION MONDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2022 6:00P.M. 1. OPENING 1.1 Call to Order Council President McCarthy called the meeting to order at 6:04p.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 (Late Arrival 7:10pm) Staff: Beverly Barber, Human Resources Manager, Dual Belnavis, Acting Director of Environmental Justice, Beverly Barber, Human Resources Manager, Demetrious Harris, Acting Chief, Dashaun Lanham, City Clerk, Stanley Mosley, Interim City, Kyrthlyn Rhoda, Grants Manager, Lorrie Scarfo, Acting CFO, and Channelle Smith, Staff Assistant 1.3 Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance: The invocation was given by Mayor Kelly Porter 1.4. Approval of Agenda Motion to approve the Regular Work Session Agenda Motion by Gerald Raynor, Sr, second by Hope Love Final Resolution: Motion Carried Yes: Monica Higgs, Hope Love, Shireka McCarthy, Gerald Raynor Sr, Kizzie Scott 2. PRESENTATIONS 2.1 Central Avenue Update by State Highway Administration  Mr. Peter Campinedes along with Randall Scott, Winstina Hughes and Benjamin Beerman attended the Regular Work Session to discuss the safety concerns along Central Avenue and East Capitol Street.  Mr. Campinedes stated that the Deputy Chief Harris had contacted his office regarding the safety concerns with the accidents to include fatalities. Page 1 of 8 DocuSign Envelope ID: 9AF800E8-0652-49E2-BCA2-BFEF557FF5E4  Mr. Campinedes addressed the concerns of speeding and approved for a Speed Camera to be installed on Central Avenue.  Mr. Campinedes stated that they are looking to reduce the lanes from six to four on Central Avenue as they had done MLK, which is referred to a road diet.  Mr. Campinedes stated that there are two needs that need to be met Maryland 214 (Central Avenue) is classified as a suburban activity center, and it must have access to the most vulnerable users, pedestrians, and bicyclist. We have Capitol Heights Metro as a transient and Davey Street has had three fatalities. We had received request for Davey Street and Coolidge Street.  Mr. Campinedes stated that the speed study from 2017 to 2022 demonstrates speeding continues along Maryland 214. The study shows that they have speed over 45MPH, and the speed limit is 30 MPH. They are proposing a removing the existing traffic signal on Maryland Park Drive and installing traffic signal at Central Avenue and Coolidge Street. It is enough demands for traffic coming off Coolidge Street for the light to be installed.  Mr. Campinedes stated that the road diets will calm the traffic on Maryland 214 and install bike lanes and a buffer to provide a more comfortable riding experience. The lanes will be narrowed to ten-foot lanes with the convertible buffer.  Mayor Porter inquired of the bike lanes once the lanes come across Addison Road along Central Avenue?  Mr. Campinedes stated that they are reviewing the roads to determine if there are opportunities to provide bike lanes and able to repurpose a lane in a six-lane highway. They are looking to narrow the lanes from Hill Road to Addition Plaza Shopping Center. They do want to provide connectivity.  Mayor Porter stated that he wanted to know if they would elevate the road for cyclist and pedestrians.  Ms. Hughes stated that the Transportation Alternative Program link was placed in the chat for review.  Mayor Porter inquired if they were familiar with the MAG-LEV train and the impact that it would have on the community.  Mr. Campinedes stated that there are no plans to have the MAG-LEV come through Seat Pleasant. The County Council expressed that they do not want the project to move forward in anyway.  Mr. Campinedes stated that the Blue Line Corridor is currently working on the roadway. Page 2 of 8 DocuSign Envelope ID: 9AF800E8-0652-49E2-BCA2-BFEF557FF5E4 3. REPORTS 3.1 Mayor’s Report  Mayor Porter stated that his written report can be viewed on BoardDocs  Mayor Porter stated that the report will be more impactful as time move forward in reference to the things that the office will be involved in.  Mayor Porter stated that he attended the LGAC conference in Shepherdstown, WV. They will be addressing the funding  Mayor Porter stated that they discuss the grant programs and the impact on the Water along the Chesapeake Bay Trail. They discuss how the local government will provide funding to the local government. 3.2 City Manager Report  Mr. Mosley stated that the report is uploaded in BoardDocs,  Mr. Mosley stated that he expects that he will hear from the council as the weeks move forward.  Mr. Mosley stated that he wanted to address the Bus Circulator with the Mayor of Cheverly and four people from the District of Columbia.  Mr. Mosley stated that they would like and opportunity to talk with the mayor and council to discuss what the property will be used for to train CDL drivers, and the vehicles that will be idling at the location.  Mr. Mosley stated that we need to bring the three cities together, Fairmount Heights, Cheverly, and Seat Pleasant. 3.3. Departmental Reports Environmental Justice Department  Mr. Belnavis stated that his report is in BoardDocs, the DPW Lots and city properties has been maintained. The trash pick-up daily, alleyways are cleaned. The tree removal project with DPW and ARP has begun the work in the park in Ward III. The department is fully staffed. They are continuing with the fall beautification project, cleaning of the seven dog stations. The street sweeping will begin after the rain stops. They are using 30-40 gallons per week. They will be receiving a new electric vehicle to assist with savings on gas for the department.  Mayor Porter stated that inquired on the report of usage of the EV station at Town Hall, and if there is a percentage that the city receives from the station.  Mayor Porter stated that their areas that can be black topped and this will assist with the keeping the maintenance down. Human Resources Department Page 3 of 8 DocuSign Envelope ID: 9AF800E8-0652-49E2-BCA2-BFEF557FF5E4  Ms. Barber stated that the department has been diligent in getting the vacant position filled. We have filled the vacant position in EJD, the Public Engagement, Outreach Coordinator positioned are filled.  Ms. Barber stated that the CFO and City Manager positions are still vacant.  Ms. Barber stated that we have not had any workers compensation or changes to benefits. City Clerk Department  Ms. Lanham stated that during the quarterly reporting period. The clerk attended fourteen meetings with the council, three MML Board meetings, three ethics commission meetings.  Ms. Lanham stated that the city had received nine PIA request, and eight of the requests had been closed with one pending. The details for the department responses. The bulk of the request pertains to Police worn body camera.  Ms. Lanham stated that the Business Personal Property Tax Report is included in BoardDocs at the beginning of FY23 we mailed thirteen invoices in the first quarter totaling $111,922.10 we collected $228,777.05 this number encompass FY22 numbers. We had collected for FY22 $1, 683,364.28 with outstanding balance of $122,185.70, FY21 we collected $1,649,901.01 with outstanding amount of $106,841.  Ms. Lanham stated that the city is due money for each fiscal year, and the delinquent businesses are reported in January to the Clerk of the Circuit Court.  Ms. Lanham stated that the Staff Assistant was hired on July 25, 2022, and she had come in hitting the ground running with administrative staff. Finance Department  Ms. Scarfo stated that the Finance department they are trying to catchup on the delinquent bills and correcting the sync errors for Quick Books.  Ms. Scarfo stated that they are working on the FY20 Audit by closing the prior years and has been communicating with the Auditor.  Ms. Scarfo stated that the newly hired Accounting Manager is familiar with municipal laws and websites. She will be assigning more work to her in the future.  Ms. Scarfo stated that she in the process of transferring the accounts from her Jessica to herself. Grants Division Report Page 4 of 8 DocuSign Envelope ID: 9AF800E8-0652-49E2-BCA2-BFEF557FF5E4  Ms. Rhoda stated that her report has been uploaded in BoardDocs and she is willing to answer any questions of the council.  Ms. Rhoda stated that they are doing logistically stuff that falls under the tree removal program. Goodwin Park is Phase I and starting with removing all the dead trees around the park and replacing the fence. They removed the old storage unit and replaced the items into the new unit. The parking lot will be fixed. The trees will be replaced. They will be fixing the storm water pipe that has been blocked with sediment. The Pepco pole is down, and they will be coming to fix the down poles. The pole by the EJD fence will be replaced. The tree by the entrance to the park will be a challenge as the roots had grown into, he neighbors. They will be putting a fence between the park and the neighbor. The basketball court will be replaced.  Ms. Rhoda stated that the re-imagining Goodwin Park is apart of ARP. The EJD department met with Right Tree, Right Place and they will be replanting the trees in Goodwin Park.  Ms. Rhoda stated that for every electric vehicle we purchase a car will be sold to replenish the funds in the ARP.  Ms. Rhoda stated that will be getting a dog park in Goodwin where the tennis court is currently located.  Ms. Rhoda stated that the with the storm drainage, it will have some type of pipe to prevent it from draining into the park. Apollo will be the mascot for the dog park.  Mr. Mosley stated that the Right Tree, Right Place Program is about putting trees in areas that do not have a lot of trees. Some of the wards do not need to have trees and the crate myrtle tree is a straight tree that will be cut across the top.  Mr. Mosley stated that the electric vehicles that are being places is about replacing the energy usage. They will have a vehicle for the Council and the Office of the Mayor.  Mr. Mosley stated that the boot camp thirty is the energy efficiency grant will have more charging stations in the city and the income will come directly to the city and not Pepco.  Mr. Mosley stated that when filling a vehicle up at $1.25 versus $3 a gallon every two weeks at 14 gallons.  Ms. Rhoda stated that she wanted to thank everyone for the getting the Outreach Coordinator onboard.  Ms. Rhoda stated that the food give-away will resume in November and December with the assistance of the police department. Page 5 of 8 DocuSign Envelope ID: 9AF800E8-0652-49E2-BCA2-BFEF557FF5E4  Mayor Porter inquired if the ARP funds can be used for storage? Cold and temperature storage units.  Ms. Rhoda stated that they are on the list and Mr. Belnavis will be removing the items. The items may had belonged to the former mayor and the boxes will be labeled third floor.  Councilmember Sistrunk apologized for being late to the meeting. Police Department  Acting Chief Harris stated that his report is in BoardDocs, and he can certainly take any questions.  Chief Harris stated that the department has been addressing the call volumes  Chief Harris thanked everyone for attending the meet and greet  Chief Harris stated that they are working on the Key control for the city and the order had placed.  Chief Harris stated that they had done a lot in the quarter, Award Ceremony, Ward II Fish Fry.  Chief Harris stated that they are looking forward to the Trunk or Treat on October 31, 2022.  Chief Harris stated that they did receive one camera that was installed on October 3, 2022.  Mr. Mosley stated that is two things that is happening at the Fire Department is a training course and they are interested in selling the department. He will be meeting with representatives from the Fire Department. Council Committee Reports  The City Council did not have any committee reports for the month of September. 4. CITIZEN COMMENTS 4.1. Jamie Himbrick stated that she had sent an e-mail regarding the ARP assistance, and she was told that they could have their own contractors, as she is being told they must use the contractor the city is recommending. She would like to know the protocols regarding the ARP funding, as she has been going through this since April. Council President McCarthy stated that the city will provide a written response but would like for Ms. Himbrick to understand that the ARP funding is federal, and the guidelines must be adhered to federally and the city as well. Page 6 of 8 DocuSign Envelope ID: 9AF800E8-0652-49E2-BCA2-BFEF557FF5E4 Mr. Garry Jones had a question regarding the cut-down of lanes on Central Avenue would cut down on the traffic. 5. LEGISLATION 5.1 Ordinance O-23-01 Amendment of Chapter 54-Animal was introduced and read by the City Clerk on Monday, October 3, 2022. 5.2. Ordinance O-23-02 Amendment of Chapter 18-Ethics was introduced and ready by the City Clerk on Monday, October 3, 2022. 6. UNFINISHED BUSINESS 6.1. Charter Amendment Resolution CA-22-05 Discussion  It was motioned by Councilmember Sistrunk and seconded by Council Love to table until Monday, October 10, 2022. The motion carried and was unanimously approved by the Council. 7. NEW BUSINESS 7.1 Council Committee Assignment  Council President McCarthy stated that the committee list can be found in BoardDocs with a vacant chair and two vacant committee chairs. 7.2 Mayor's Office Replacement Request  Council President McCarthy stated that the mayor has written a memorandum to the Council to request the replacement of a chair and couch due to the condition.  Mayor Porter stated that the city had inquired if the replacement can be funded with the ARPA funds, and it could not be utilized for this purpose.  Councilmember Sistrunk stated that she does not see enough time to justify to spending money for the furniture.  Council President McCarthy requested for Mayor Porter to designate the cost center and cost to purchase the items and bring it back to the council next week. 7.3 Letter of Support for CB-97-2022  Mayor Porter read the support letter he would like to provide the County Council Chair Mel Franklin for the Letter of Support.  The council agreed to submit the letter of support 8. ANNOUNCEMENTS Page 7 of 8 DocuSign Envelope ID: 9AF800E8-0652-49E2-BCA2-BFEF557FF5E4 8.1. Councilmember-At-Large Public Hearing, Monday, October 3, 2022, by Zoom Webinar at 7:30pm, Meeting Link details are available on the city's website, Seat Pleasant, MD 8.2 MML Fall Conference, Sunday, October 9, 2022-Wednesday, October 12, 2022, Annapolis, MD 8.3 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 8.4 Ward V Breakfast Meeting, Monday, October 17, 2022, Seat Pleasant Volunteer Fire Department, 6305 Addison Rd., Seat Pleasant, MD 20743 RSVP required with Councilmember Sistrunk or Ms. Smith from 9:30am- 11:30am 8.5 Ward II Prayer Breakfast, Saturday, November 5, 2022, Seat Pleasant Activity Center, 5720 Addison Rd., Seat Pleasant, MD 20743 from 10:00am- 12:00pm RSVP Required with Ms. Smith to attend the event 8.6 Regular Work Session, Monday, November 7, 2022, by Zoom Webinar at 6:00p.m., Meeting Link details are available on the city's website, Seat Pleasant, MD 8.7 Public Session, Monday, November 14, 2022, by Zoom Webinar at 7:00p.m., Meeting Link details are available on the city's website, Seat Pleasant, MD 9. ADJOURN: 9.1 Adjourn-The meeting adjourned at 8:07pm Submitted by, Dashaun N. Lanham, CMC City Clerk Page 8 of 8