City Council

Docusign Envelope ID: BB708D72-E8CE-4839-98EE-2CF7F91C9921 MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL CITY OF SEAT PLEASANT PUBLIC SESSION MONDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2025 7:00P.M. 1. OPENING 1.1.1 Call to Order Council Vice President McCarthy called the meeting to order at 7:01p.m. 1.2. Roll Call Present: Council President Monica Higgs (Excused), Councilmember Garry A. Jones, Councilmember Ashley Kearney, Council Vice President Shireka McCarthy, Mayor Kelly Porter, Councilmember Gerald Raynor, Sr., and Councilmember Kizzie Scott Staff: Dashaun N. Ball, City Clerk, Michael Barber, EJD Director, Carlah Crump, Deputy City Clerk, Ashley Drakeford, Public Engagement Manager, Donald Grant, NCC, Demetrious Harris, Interim City Manager, and Cedric Heyward, Acting Chief of Police. 1.3. Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance- Councilmember Jones gave the invocation. 1.4 Approval of Agenda with modifications to move New Business under 6.1 to 4.4. Motion by Shireka McCarthy, second by Gerald Raynor Sr. Motion Carried Yes: Gerald Raynor Sr, Kizzie Scott, Shireka McCarthy, Ashley Kearney, Garry A Jones 2. CITIZEN COMMENTS o Charlene Smith from Ward III inquired about Seat Pleasant’s job postings, asking if positions, including Accounting Manager and Economic Development Manager, remain open. Specifically, whether the Human Resources and City Manager roles have been filled and if these job openings have been updated online. o Mr. Harris stated that the Human Resources position has been filled, and the Accounting Manager position is still open. Page 1 of 9 Docusign Envelope ID: BB708D72-E8CE-4839-98EE-2CF7F91C9921 o Council President Higgs stated that the application period for the City Manager position had closed, several applications were received, and the Council is now in the process of making a decision. 3. PRESENTATION 3.1 Councilmember Krystal Oriadha-County Council for District VII o Councilmember Oriadha discussed community concerns related to policing in areas adjacent to the City of Seat Pleasant. Noting that as a resident, she is committed to working together with the community to help keep everyone safe. o Councilmember Oriadha stated that she has been meeting with the new Police Chief, Chief Nader, to explore stronger police collaboration, especially in problem areas such as the Sugar Shack location. The county is considering bringing back focused, high intensity policing efforts and extending them from the traditional two- week period to as long as a month to see if a longer presence helps reduce crime. o Councilmember Oriadha highlighted new legislation meant to help with safety and deter crime: o Late-Night Business Safety Plans: Businesses that stay open late now must submit safety plans for police approval. These plans might require on-site security and better-quality cameras. If businesses do not get an approved plan, they will not be allowed to stay open during late hours. o Improved Camera Requirements: Requires certain businesses to have higher-quality surveillance cameras. o Mayor Porter stated his concerns about the “dark spots” where incidents often occur and suggested preventative measures such as artificial intelligence tools and cameras. He proposed working with utility companies to identify and improve lighting in these areas, emphasizing that enhanced lighting can deter unwanted activity and improve public safety. o Councilmember Scott shared that the sidewalk near the church ends suddenly and causes pedestrians to walk in the street. She asked whom she should speak with about getting a sidewalk installed. o Councilmember Oriadha stated that she would add the location to the County’s current sidewalk survey. o Mayor Porter stated that Seat Pleasant faces several stormwater and environmental challenges, including runoff, potential brownfields, land shifting, tree movement, and sinkholes, which could worsen if Page 2 of 9 Docusign Envelope ID: BB708D72-E8CE-4839-98EE-2CF7F91C9921 not addressed. He highlighted the importance of working with Councilmember Oriadha to share information, discuss solutions, and explore funding opportunities through state and federal grants. Mayor Porter also suggested creating a “wish list” of priority environmental and infrastructure projects for the council to present for support. o Councilmember Oriadha offered support for addressing stormwater and infrastructure issues within Seat Pleasant. She said she can assist with state funding, including providing letters of support or coordinating with her colleagues and the delegation. She also encouraged reporting on any county-adjacent areas that impact the city so they can be prioritized in the budget process. o Mayor Porter stated that Seat Pleasant still struggles with being a food desert and does not have enough nearby stores and services to make the community walkable. He shared that residents often mention these concerns and that fixing them is a big priority that he wants to work with Councilmember Oriadha to improve these issues. o Councilmember Oriadha stated that getting strong enforcement from some agencies has been challenging inside the Beltway and in District 7. She also stated there is now a better opportunity to build stronger partnerships with the new County Executive and Police Chief. o Councilmember Oriadha stated that she has held joint meetings with business owners, the Chief, and police commanders to address issues and create lasting solutions, including MOUs that allow police to trespass individuals when needed. Community walks and similar efforts are already happening in other neighborhoods. She is ready to set up the same kind of meeting with the Chief of Police for Seat Pleasant and work with the city on improvements, even if some business owners are not fully on board. o Councilmember Kearney inquired whether there is a timeline for implementing the required security plans under the new legislation, which still needs supporting infrastructure, and whether there have been any successes or lessons learned from the intensive security efforts previously done in the Walker Mill area. o Councilmember McCarthy stated that she wants an MOU that ensures proper enforcement of laws, including code enforcement, in Seat Pleasant. She expressed concern that if the problem business were within Seat Pleasant, it would have been addressed long ago. She noted that this business has been an ongoing issue since 2006 with little action taken, while most other businesses in the city comply because nuisance laws are strict and effectively enforced. Page 3 of 9 Docusign Envelope ID: BB708D72-E8CE-4839-98EE-2CF7F91C9921 o Councilmember Oriadha stated that constituents expect laws to be enforced and stress the importance of having adequate staffing and resources for enforcement. Prince George’s County sometimes loses personnel to higher-paying jurisdictions. She stressed that without enforcement, businesses have little incentive to comply with regulations. o Councilmember Scott inquired about the role of the city and the County in relation to more tobacco stores coming to the area, emphasizing the need to explain that Seat Pleasant is not solely responsible for these establishments, to avoid resident misconceptions. o Councilmember Oriadha clarified that permits for tobacco stores and 24-hour convenience stores are issued through DPI, not by the City or County Council. She noted legislation was passed to notify municipalities when applications are filed and additional laws were enacted to limit oversaturation by regulating floor space dedicated to tobacco products. She highlighted enforcement challenges with DPI, upcoming deadlines requiring stores to relocate or adjust operations, and emphasized the need for accountability and collaboration with DPI. o Councilmember Oriadha further stated that LED lights are now prohibited countywide, regardless of business type. She noted past enforcement challenges but explained that legislation was updated to ban LED lights completely. She reiterated that enforcement is the responsibility of DPI and expressed confidence that compliance will improve under new county leadership. o Councilmember Jones inquired whether there is any legislation that allows for nuisance businesses to be shut down if they continue to operate in a disruptive manner. o Councilmember Oriadha stated that she had drafted legislation to address nuisance businesses but was advised by legal counsel that it could not be enacted as written. She explained that she has been working with the Attorney General’s office for over a year to clarify what can be done legally. Her goal is to create a system where repeated violations within a set timeframe could lead to revoking a business permit, while ensuring the legislation can withstand court challenges. She highlighted progress already made, including raising fines from $1,000 to $5,000, applying violations to property taxes, and securing authority to charge higher tax rates on abandoned properties. Oriadha noted that additional authority from the State is still needed to Page 4 of 9 Docusign Envelope ID: BB708D72-E8CE-4839-98EE-2CF7F91C9921 strengthen enforcement and reiterated her commitment to pursuing measures that would allow permits to be revoked for businesses with multiple violations. o Councilmember Oriadha stated that while the Blue Line Corridor may not be completed by the end of her term, her goal is to ensure major projects are solidified, construction begins, and investment dollars are directed to this side of the corridor. She emphasized that this area serves as a gateway from Washington, D.C., and has been overlooked in past planning, with no projects previously slated for District 7, including Capitol Heights and Seat Pleasant. Oriadha noted that new county leadership has committed to changing this, with pending projects such as developments near the Addison Road Metro Station, senior housing and the Missional Love rebuild near Old Central, and townhome development, which she described as significant opportunities for growth and revitalization. o Councilmember Jones asked for clarification on DPIE and Park & Planning. Who they are, who they report to, and their role in county government. o Councilmember Oriadha stated that DPIE has two divisions: permitting and enforcement, with inspections occurring in both areas. She noted that DPIE operates under the executive branch of government. She also stated that Park and Planning consist of two sections: recreation, which manages park facilities, and planning, which oversees zoning and development through the planning board. She added that Park Police provide security at parks and recreation centers and emphasized that Park and Planning is cross-jurisdictional, working jointly with Montgomery County under separate directors for planning and recreation. o Councilmember Jones inquired about the process for road paving in the county, asking who determines which roads are selected for paving and how those decisions are made. o Councilmember Oriadha explained that the Department of Public Works and Transportation recently created a new system to evaluate roads, moving away from the past practice of dividing road repair funds evenly across districts. While intended to be fairer, she expressed concern that the system could leave some districts out if their roads are not ranked as priorities. To increase transparency, she introduced legislation requiring the department to present its proposed road list before the council’s committee, allowing members to review and suggest changes before contracts are signed. She emphasized that Page 5 of 9 Docusign Envelope ID: BB708D72-E8CE-4839-98EE-2CF7F91C9921 while final decisions remain with the department, this process ensures both councilmembers and residents are informed in advance. o Councilmember Jones inquired about the committees that Councilmember Oriadha was a part of. o Councilmember Oriadha stated that she is the Chair of Education, Workforce and Development; serves on Government, Operations and Fiscal Policy; is Vice Chair of Planning, Housing and Economic Development; and Vice Chair of the General Assembly Committee. She added that she serves on all committees except TIE and sits on Health and Human Services and Public Safety. o Councilmember Raynor inquired about support for federal employees in the central part of the county, stating that Councilmember Ed Burroughs was able to secure funding from MGM for residents in Temple Hills, Camp Springs, and Washington. He asked about the probability of providing similar assistance for residents on this side of the county. o Councilmember Oriadha explained that the MGM impact funds, totaling $10 million, are legally restricted to District 8 as part of the original agreement when MGM was built. She commended Chair Burroughs for ensuring the funds are now used for community services rather than diverted elsewhere. While District 7 does not have access to those impact funds, Oriadha highlighted initiatives she has implemented to support residents, including monthly food distribution for seniors and federal workers, a utilities assistance program, legislation giving laid-off federal workers hiring preference for county jobs, and efforts to establish a satellite office with Employ Prince George’s focused on training and job preparedness. o The Council will reach out to schedule a working meeting within the next two weeks with Councilmember Oriadha to discuss the vision for a public safety MOU. o 4. LEGISLATION 4.1. Ordinance O-26-04 Amendment of Chapter 67-Property Maintenance Code. o Ordinance O-26-04 Amendment of Chapter 67-Property Maintenance Code was introduced Monday, November 3, 2025, and read by the City Clerk. o Motion by Shireka McCarthy, second by Ashley Kearney. o Final Resolution: Motion Carried Page 6 of 9 Docusign Envelope ID: BB708D72-E8CE-4839-98EE-2CF7F91C9921 o Yes: Monica Higgs, Gerald Raynor Sr, Shireka McCarthy, Ashley Kearney, Garry A Jones o Abstain: Kizzie Scott 4.2. Ordinance O-26-05 Amendment of Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Budget for Internal Revenue Service’s Overpayment. o Ordinance O-26-05 Amendment of Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Budget for Internal Revenue Service’s Overpayment was introduced Monday, November 3, 2025, and read by the City Clerk. o Motion by Shireka McCarthy, second by Garry A Jones. o Final Resolution: Motion Carried o Yes: Monica Higgs, Gerald Raynor Sr, Shireka McCarthy, Ashley Kearney, Garry A Jones o Abstain: Kizzie Scott 4.3. Ordinance O-26-06 Amendment of Chapter 10- Code Enforcement o Ordinance O-26-06 Amendment of Chapter 10- Code Enforcement was introduced Monday, November 3, 2025, and read by the City Clerk. o Motion by Shireka McCarthy, second by Gerald Raynor Sr. o Final Resolution: Motion Carried o Yes: Monica Higgs, Gerald Raynor Sr, Shireka McCarthy, Ashley Kearney, Garry A Jones o Abstain: Kizzie Scott 4.4. Emergency Ordinance O-26-07 Amendment of Fiscal Year 2025- 2026 Budget for Special Election to fill Ward II Vacancy. o Ms. Ball explained that the memo concerns filling the Ward Two vacancy following the passing of Councilman Hope Love. Under the charter, if a vacancy occurs with 15 months or more remaining in the term, a special election must be held. The council must direct the Board of Supervisors of Elections to proceed, and because the election must occur within 75 days of the vacancy, an emergency ordinance is required. She noted that the vacancy began on November 4, making January 18, 2026, the deadline for the special election. Additionally, she clarified that funds were placed in Administration contingency rather than the Clerk’s budget to align with this process. o Emergency Ordinance O-26-07 Amendment Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Budget was introduced Monday, November 10, 2025, and read by the Deputy City Clerk. Page 7 of 9 Docusign Envelope ID: BB708D72-E8CE-4839-98EE-2CF7F91C9921 o Motion by Kizzie Scott, second by Shireka McCarthy. o Motion Carried o Yes: Monica Higgs, Gerald Raynor Sr, Kizzie Scott, Shireka McCarthy, Ashley Kearney, Garry A Jones 5. REPORTS 5.1 Kelly Porter, Mayor Report: o Mayor Porter stated that his report for October can be viewed on BoardDocs. 5.2 Council President Report- Council President Monica Higgs, Councilmember Ward I o Council President Higgs provided an overview of her reports for October. o Councilmember Kearney inquired if there is an update on the 20743 Coalition on the budget and the $40,000 overages. o Council President Higgs stated that the meeting was scheduled for Wednesday, November 12, 2025, but will be postponed due to Seat Pleasant attending the service for Councilmember Love. 5.3 Demetrious Harris, Interim City Manager o The City Manager and Departmental Reports can be viewed on BoardDocs. o Councilmember Kearney inquired about the contingency cost center being reduced. o Mr. Harris stated that the amendment from contingency is normal and not concerning, as funding will be replaced with the sale of Foote Street Property, which will require a budget amendment. o Councilmember Kearney requested a line-by-line close-out statement or memo be provided by next month, detailing the status of the process to show where things stand and where the process was left off. 6. NEW BUSINESS 6.1. None 7. UNFINISHED BUSINESS 7.1. None 8. ANNOUNCEMENTS Page 8 of 9 Docusign Envelope ID: BB708D72-E8CE-4839-98EE-2CF7F91C9921 8.1 Veteran’s Day Wreath Laying Ceremony, Tuesday, November 11, 2025, Seat Pleasant Veteran’s Park, 5720 Addison Rd., Seat Pleasant, MD 20743 at 10:30am. 8.2 Let’s Talk About It Tuesday, Tuesday, November 18, 2025, Guanacaste Restaurant, 5948-B MLK, Seat Pleasant, MD 20743, at 6:00pm-8:00pm 8.3. Councilmember Kearney is hosting a “Turkey Trot” on Saturday, November 22, 2025, Birchleaf Park, 801 Birchleaf Ave., Seat Pleasant, MD 20743, from 9:00am-11:30am 8.4. Regular Work Session, Monday, December 1, 2025, Hybrid, Seat Pleasant City Hall, 6301 Addison Rd., Seat Pleasant, MD, at 6:00p.m., Meeting link details can be found on the city's website. 8.5 Public Session, Monday, December 8, 2025, Hybrid, Seat Pleasant City Hall, 6301 Addison Rd., Seat Pleasant, MD, at 7:00p.m., Meeting link details can be found on the city's website. Councilmember Jones provided the closing prayer. 9. ADJOURN: 9.1 The meeting adjourned at 8:57pm Submitted by, Dashaun N. Ball, CPM, MMC City Clerk Page 9 of 9 Certificate Of Completion Envelope Id: BB708D72-E8CE-4839-98EE-2CF7F91C9921 Status: Completed Subject: Complete with Docusign: 25-11-10 Public Session Meeting Minutes.doc Source Envelope: Document Pages: 9 Signatures: 1 Envelope Originator: Certificate Pages: 1 Initials: 0 Dashaun Ball AutoNav: Enabled City of Seat Pleasant EnvelopeId Stamping: Enabled 6301 Addison Rd Time Zone: (UTC-08:00) Pacific Time (US & Canada) Seat Pleasant, MD 20743 dashaun.lanham@seatpleasantmd.gov IP Address: 162.247.193.70 Record Tracking Status: Original Holder: Dashaun Ball Location: DocuSign 1/13/2026 1:39:11 PM dashaun.lanham@seatpleasantmd.gov Signer Events Signature Timestamp Dashaun N. Ball Sent: 1/13/2026 1:42:39 PM dashaun.lanham@seatpleasantmd.gov Viewed: 1/13/2026 1:42:49 PM City Clerk Signed: 1/13/2026 1:42:56 PM CITY OF SEAT PLEASANT Signature Adoption: Pre-selected Style Security Level: Email, Account Authentication (None) Using IP Address: 162.247.193.70 Electronic Record and Signature Disclosure: Not Offered via Docusign In Person Signer Events Signature Timestamp Editor Delivery Events Status Timestamp Agent Delivery Events Status Timestamp Intermediary Delivery Events Status Timestamp Certified Delivery Events Status Timestamp Carbon Copy Events Status Timestamp Witness Events Signature Timestamp Notary Events Signature Timestamp Envelope Summary Events Status Timestamps Envelope Sent Hashed/Encrypted 1/13/2026 1:42:39 PM Certified Delivered Security Checked 1/13/2026 1:42:49 PM Signing Complete Security Checked 1/13/2026 1:42:56 PM Completed Security Checked 1/13/2026 1:42:56 PM Payment Events Status Timestamps