City Council

DocuSign Envelope ID: 4EBC1EBE-CC09-4969-9E39-9AE159B476CA MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL CITY OF SEAT PLEASANT PUBLIC SESSION MONDAY, JANUARY 9, 2023 7:00P.M. 1. OPENING 1.1.1 Call to Order Council President McCarthy called the meeting to order at 7:06p.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 and Councilmember James Wright, Jr. Staff: Jason Deloach, City Attorney, Dashaun Lanham, City Clerk, Myneca Ojo, City Manager, and Kyrthlyn Rhoda, Grants Manager 1.3 Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance Mayor Porter gave the invocation. 1.4 Approval of Agenda It was motioned by Councilmember Sistrunk and seconded by Councilmember Love. Motion by Gloria Sistrunk, second by Hope Love Final Resolution: Motion Carried Yes: Monica Higgs, Hope Love, Gerald Raynor Sr, Kizzie Scott, Gloria L Sistrunk, Shireka McCarthy, James Wright, Jr. 1.5 Approval of Regular Work Session Meeting Minutes for Monday, December 5, 2022 Motion to approve Regular Work Session Meeting Minutes for Monday, December 5, 2022 Motion by Gloria L Sistrunk, second by Monica Higgs. Final Resolution: Motion Carried Yes: Monica Higgs, Hope Love, Kizzie Scott, Gloria L Sistrunk, Shireka McCarthy, James Wright Jr Abstain: Gerald Raynor Sr Page 1 of 9 DocuSign Envelope ID: 4EBC1EBE-CC09-4969-9E39-9AE159B476CA 1.6 Approval of Special Session Meeting Minutes for Monday, December 12, 2022 Motion to Approve Special Session Meeting Minutes for Monday, December 12, 2022 Motion by James Wright Jr, second by Monica Higgs. Motion Carried Yes: Monica Higgs, Hope Love, Gerald Raynor Sr, Kizzie Scott, Gloria L Sistrunk, Shireka McCarthy, James Wright Jr 1.7 Approval of Closed Session Meeting Minutes for Monday, December 12, 2022 Motion to approve Closed Session Meeting Minutes for Monday, December 12, 2022 Motion by Monica Higgs, second by Hope Love. Final Resolution: Motion Carried Yes: Monica Higgs, Hope Love, Gerald Raynor Sr, Kizzie Scott, Gloria L Sistrunk, Shireka McCarthy, James Wright Jr 1.8 Approval of Public Session Meeting Minutes for Monday, December 12, 2022 Motion to approve Public Session Meeting Minutes for Monday, December 12, 2022 Motion by Gloria L Sistrunk, second by Monica Higgs. Final Resolution: Motion Carried Yes: Monica Higgs, Hope Love, Gerald Raynor Sr, Kizzie Scott, Gloria L Sistrunk, Shireka McCarthy, James Wright Jr 2. PRESENTATION 2.1. Skip Gault, Owner of Brownfield  Ms. Rhoda stated that at this point they are awaiting the completion of Phase II for the participation in the Targeted Brownfield Association.  Ms. Rhoda stated that the samples has been delayed until the middle of February 2023. We are currently at a standstill right now until the soil samples are provided.  Ms. Rhoda stated they have the support of the Maryland Department of Planning and the West Virginia Region III for the Brownfield, and Page 2 of 9 DocuSign Envelope ID: 4EBC1EBE-CC09-4969-9E39-9AE159B476CA they will provide different grant opportunities from clean-up, area assessment and to see what opportunities that can be provided.  Councilmember Sistrunk inquired of the agreement the city has with Mr. Gault as far as development of the Brownfield. She is concerned with what the city has been doing and he can sell it to another developer and not the city.  Ms. Rhoda stated that Mr. Gault is very excited about where we are and it has been a long time since someone has expressed interest in the property due to the concerns of the clean-up.  Ms. Rhoda stated that depending on the level of contamination, the city and Mr. Gault will need to think outside the box.  Ms. Rhoda stated that Mr. Gault had thrown out a solar farm to assist the city and residents.  Ms. Rhoda stated that the entrance to the site will be a challenge from Central Avenue due to the topography. It is a unique site, and the brownfield conference was interesting.  Ms. Rhoda stated that he is paying the taxes for the property.  Council President McCarthy stated that she is concerned with spending staff time on this venture as the brownfield does not belong to the city. We can add Mr. Gault to a future agenda. 2.2 Jason Deloach, City Attorney  Mr. Deloach stated that it is his understanding that the city will be going through the Charter Amendment Resolutions tonight.  Mr. Deloach stated that Charter Amendment Resolution CA-23-01- Clarifying that we have five Council Wards and two at-large seats, and the amendment is breaking down the seats.  Mr. Deloach stated that Charter Amendment Resolution CA-23-02 the change is for the minimum age to hold a council seat from 21 to 25.  Mr. Deloach stated that Charter Amendment Resolution CA-23-03 this is the process of filling a vacancy for less than fifteenth months, and the city will continue to fill by appointment.  Mr. Deloach stated that Charter Amendment CA-23-04 Adding a provision under the forfeiture of office, and you cannot be re- appointed unless criminally charged, and they are eligible to run in the next general election.  Mr. Deloach stated that Charter Amendment Resolution CA-23-05 the minimum age for the mayor from 18-25. Page 3 of 9 DocuSign Envelope ID: 4EBC1EBE-CC09-4969-9E39-9AE159B476CA  Mr. Deloach stated that Charter Amendment Resolution CA-23-06 clarifying that the council can remove someone from the board of election at any time.  Mr. Deloach stated that Charter Amendment Resolution CA-23-07 is a basic change to add he/she registered to vote.  Mr. Deloach stated that Charter Amendment Resolution CA 23-08 Addressing the vacancy with more than fifteen months will be filled by Special Election.  Mr. Deloach stated that Charter Amendment Resolution CA 23-09 Preservation of ballots time changed from six months to two years.  Mr. Deloach stated that Charter Amendment Resolution CA-23-10 Entitled Women and it is being changed to Equal Rights.  Mr. Deloach stated that Charter Amendment Resolution CA-23-11 Instituting term limits for two, four year term limits effective in 2024, and the elected officials currently holding office will not be impacted by the change.  Mr. Deloach stated that Charter Amendment Resolution CA-23-12 Inserting an evaluation requirement for the City Manager 3. LEGISLATION 3.1. Charter Amendment Resolution CA-23-01 Amendment of the City Charter for Number, Selection and Term 2nd Reading Motion to Approve Charter Amendment Resolution CA-23-01 Amendment of the City Charter for Number, Selection and Term Motion by Gerald Raynor Sr, second by Gloria L Sistrunk. Final Resolution: Motion Carried Yes: Monica Higgs, Hope Love, Gerald Raynor Sr, Kizzie Scott, Gloria L Sistrunk, Shireka McCarthy, James Wright Jr 3.2 Charter Amendment Resolution CA-23-02 Amendment of the City Charter for Qualifications of a Councilpersons 2nd Reading Motion to Approve Charter Amendment Resolution CA-23-02 Amendment of the City Charter for Qualifications of a Councilperson Motion by Gerald Raynor Sr, second by Monica Higgs. Final Resolution: Motion Carried Yes: Monica Higgs, Hope Love, Gerald Raynor Sr, Kizzie Scott, Gloria L Sistrunk No: Shireka McCarthy, James Wright Jr Page 4 of 9 DocuSign Envelope ID: 4EBC1EBE-CC09-4969-9E39-9AE159B476CA 3.3 Charter Amendment Resolution CA-23-03 Amendment of the City Charter for Filling of Vacancies 2nd Reading Motion to Approve Charter Amendment Resolution CA-23-03 Amendment of the City Charter for Filling of Vacancies Motion by Monica Higgs, second by James Wright Jr. Final Resolution: Motion Carried Yes: Monica Higgs, Hope Love, Gerald Raynor Sr, Kizzie Scott, Gloria L Sistrunk, Shireka McCarthy, James Wright Jr 3.4 Charter Amendment Resolution CA-23-04 Amendment of the City Charter for Forfeiture of Office 2nd Reading Motion to Approve Charter Amendment Resolution CA-23-04 Amendment of the City Charter for Forfeiture of Office Motion by Gloria L Sistrunk, second by Monica Higgs. Final Resolution: Motion Carried Yes: Monica Higgs, Hope Love, Gerald Raynor Sr, Kizzie Scott, Gloria L Sistrunk, Shireka McCarthy, James Wright Jr 3.5 Charter Amendment Resolution CA-23-05 Amendment of the City Charter for Qualification of Mayor 2nd Reading Motion to Approve Charter Amendment Resolution CA-23-05 Amendment of the City Charter for Qualification of Mayor Motion by Hope Love, second by Monica Higgs. Final Resolution: Motion Carried Yes: Monica Higgs, Hope Love, Gerald Raynor Sr, Kizzie Scott, Gloria L Sistrunk No: Shireka McCarthy, James Wright Jr 3.6 Charter Amendment Resolution CA-23-06 Amendment of the City Charter for Removal of Members 2nd Reading Motion to Approve Charter Amendment Resolution CA-23-06 Amendment of the City Charter for Removal of Members Motion by James Wright Jr, second by Gerald Raynor Sr. Final Resolution: Motion Carried Yes: Monica Higgs, Hope Love, Gerald Raynor Sr, Kizzie Scott, Gloria L Sistrunk, Shireka McCarthy, James Wright Jr Page 5 of 9 DocuSign Envelope ID: 4EBC1EBE-CC09-4969-9E39-9AE159B476CA 3.7 Charter Amendment Resolution CA-23-07 Amendment of the City Charter for Registration 2nd Reading Motion to Approve Charter Amendment Resolution CA-23-07 Amendment of the City Charter for Registration Motion by Gerald Raynor Sr, second by James Wright Jr. Final Resolution: Motion Carried Yes: Monica Higgs, Hope Love, Gerald Raynor Sr, Kizzie Scott, Gloria L Sistrunk, Shireka McCarthy, James Wright Jr 3.8 Charter Amendment Resolution CA-23-08 Amendment of the City Charter for Special Election 2nd Reading Motion to Approve Charter Amendment Resolution CA-23-08 Amendment of the City Charter for Special Election Motion by James Wright Jr, second by Monica Higgs. Final Resolution: Motion Carried Yes: Monica Higgs, Hope Love, Gerald Raynor Sr, Kizzie Scott, Gloria L Sistrunk, Shireka McCarthy, James Wright Jr 3.9 Charter Amendment Resolution CA-23-09 Amendment of the City Charter for Preservation of Ballots 2nd Reading Motion to Approve Charter Amendment Resolution CA-23-09 Amendment of the City Charter for Preservation of Ballots Motion by Monica Higgs, second by Hope Love. Final Resolution: Motion Carried Yes: Monica Higgs, Hope Love, Gerald Raynor Sr, Kizzie Scott, Gloria L Sistrunk, Shireka McCarthy, James Wright Jr 3.10 Charter Amendment Resolution CA-23-10 Amendment of the City Charter for Women 2nd Reading Motion to Approve Charter Amendment Resolution CA-23-10 Amendment of the City Charter for Women Motion by Monica Higgs, second by James Wright Jr. Motion Carried Yes: Monica Higgs, Hope Love, Gerald Raynor Sr, Kizzie Scott, Gloria L Sistrunk, Shireka McCarthy, James Wright Jr Page 6 of 9 DocuSign Envelope ID: 4EBC1EBE-CC09-4969-9E39-9AE159B476CA 3.11 Charter Amendment Resolution CA-23-11 Amendment of the City Charter for a New Section Term Limits 2nd Reading  Councilmember Raynor stated that he was approached by several residents in favor of several people being in favor of voting on this matter for referendum.  Council President McCarthy stated that she has received the same feedback from the residents, and if the measures pass, they can file the petition of referendum.  City Attorney stated that the residents can file the referendum with 20% of the registered voters within 40 days of the Charter Amendment Resolution passing.  Councilmember Sistrunk stated that if the residents want to approve this on the ballot during the election the council should not approve it tonight.  Councilmember Love stated that she feels that the residents voted for the elected officials, and she does not feel that it should be changed. Motion to Approve Charter Amendment Resolution CA-23-11 Amendment of the City Charter for a New Section Term Limits Motion by Monica Higgs, second by Gerald Raynor Sr. Final Resolution: Motion Failed Yes: Monica Higgs No: Hope Love, Gloria L Sistrunk, Shireka McCarthy, James Wright Jr Abstain: Gerald Raynor Sr, Kizzie Scott 3.12 Charter Amendment Resolution CA-23-12 Amendment of the City Charter for the City Manager 2nd Reading Motion to Approve Charter Amendment Resolution CA-23-12 Amendment of the City Charter for the City Manager Motion by Monica Higgs, second by Gerald Raynor Sr. Final Resolution: Motion Carried Yes: Monica Higgs, Hope Love, Gerald Raynor Sr, Kizzie Scott, Gloria L Sistrunk, Shireka McCarthy, James Wright Jr 4. REPORTS 4.1 Council President Report  Council President McCarthy stated that she attended the Young Elected Official Conference, and she elected as Fellow by Barbara Jordan and Delores Herschel leadership academy the training was at no cost to the city, and she attend the conference in early December. Page 7 of 9 DocuSign Envelope ID: 4EBC1EBE-CC09-4969-9E39-9AE159B476CA The conference was about developing leadership styles and how to become a better leader. 4.2 Kelly Porter, Mayor Report  Mayor Porter stated that his report in BoardDocs and it was a quiet month.  Mayor Porter stated that he attended Santa with Badge and was elected to serve on the Board of Maryland Mayors Association. 4.3 Myneca Ojo, City Manager  Ms. Ojo stated that the report was submitted in BoardDocs, and she would like to add a little to the report.  Ms. Ojo stated her first couple of weeks with the Administration on December 19, 2022, she had an opportunity to meet with the staff and department heads and cursory of some of the process. She met with the Council President, Mayor, and Councilmembers.  Ms. Ojo stated that she has met with LGIT regarding the complaints and met with the auditors.  Ms. Ojo stated that she met with HR to discuss the CFO position and they had received eighty applicants and she had requested a thirty day stay to allow her to evaluate the department.  Ms. Ojo stated that HR will be working on a compensation study for the city and a single payout policy.  Ms. Ojo stated that DPW had worked on vegetable garden by the McDonald’s.  Ms. Ojo stated that she had met with Finance Department and Police Department on Payroll to streamline the payroll.  Ms. Ojo stated that she met with the Public Engagement Manager, and she will be placing the annual events on the calendar and the geo mapping.  Councilmember Higgs inquired of the status of the sign?  Ms. Ojo stated that she has not received an update on the status of the sign, but she will check into it and get back with Councilmember Higgs on tomorrow. 5. CITIZEN COMMENTS  Ms. Katrina Robinson, Addison Rd stated that she had two questions. She stated that she’s not sure if the city had received a report on the speed camera for Baltic and Addison, as it appears to be out. Page 8 of 9 DocuSign Envelope ID: 4EBC1EBE-CC09-4969-9E39-9AE159B476CA  Ms. Robins stated that she had submitted a request for her motion light and she did not receive a response. Also, she wanted to say that Councilmember Love for the beautiful Prayer Breakfast held on Saturday, November 5, 2022.  Council President McCarthy stated that Mr. Mosley needs to respond to this request this week and Ms. Lanham can send the e-mail to Ms. Ojo and Mr. Mosley to respond to Ms. Robinson. 6. UNFINISHED BUSINESS 6.1. None 7. NEW BUSINESS 7.1 None 8. ANNOUNCEMENTS 8.1. 445th General Assembly Session, Wednesday, January 11, 2023- April 10, 2023. Council President stated that MML has invited the council to attend the Opening Reception on that evening. 8.2. Vision Board Party, Saturday, January 14, 2023, Seat Pleasant Activity Center, 5720 Addison Rd., Seat Pleasant, MD 20743 at 11:00am. Council President McCarthy stated that this is her annual event and if the council had magazines to provide for the event. 8.3. Regular Work Session, Monday, February 6, 2023, by Zoom Video at 6:00pm, Meeting link details are available on the city's website, Seat Pleasant, MD. 9. ADJOURN: 9.1 The meeting adjourned at 8:32pm Submitted by, Dashaun N. Lanham, CMC City Clerk Page 9 of 9