City Council

Docusign Envelope ID: A24423AE-D78F-4BE0-A4DE-52CB69C7FAC2 MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL CITY OF SEAT PLEASANT REGULAR WORK SESSION MONDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2025 6:00P.M. 1. OPENING 1.1 Call to Order Council President Higgs called the meeting to order at 6:03p.m. 1.2 Roll Call Present: Council President Monica Higgs, Councilmember Garry A. Jones, Councilmember Ashley Kearney, Council Vice President Shireka McCarthy, Mayor Kelly Porter, Councilmember Gerald Raynor, Sr. (Early Departure 8:36p.m.), Councilmember Kizzie Scott Staff: Dashaun Ball, City Clerk, Michael Barber, EJD Director, Carlah Crump, Deputy Clerk, Ashley Drakeford, Public Engagement Manager, Donald Grant, NCC, Demetrious Harris, Interim City Manager (VIRTUALLY), Cedric Heyward, Acting Chief of Police, Betty Logan, Chief Financial Officer and Kyrthlyn Rhoda, Grants Manager. 1.3 Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance: Councilmember Jones gave the invocation. 1.4. Approval of Agenda Motion to approve the agenda. Motion by Gerald Raynor Sr, second by Ashley Kearney. Final Resolution: Motion Carried Yes: Monica Higgs, Gerald Raynor Sr, Kizzie Scott, Shireka McCarthy, Ashley Kearney, Garry A Jones 2. PRESENTATIONS 2.1. Karen Mierow and John Marks, Maryland-National Capital Park, and Planning Commission o Introduced Josephine Selva Kumar from Prince George's County Planning Department, the new supervisor. Page 1 of 9 Docusign Envelope ID: A24423AE-D78F-4BE0-A4DE-52CB69C7FAC2 o Karen Mierow shared the Missing Middle Housing Initiative presentation and its importance for creating diverse housing options in Prince George's County. o John Marks presented data on income levels and housing affordability, noting that rising rent costs have contributed to a shortage of approximately 10,000 housing units. He emphasized the importance of better serving middle-income families who are often overlooked in current housing policies. He highlighted the role of the Federal Housing Administration in financing affordable housing and underscored the need for regulatory changes to support a wider variety of housing types that can meet the diverse needs of the community. 3. CITIZEN COMMENTS 3.1. There were no Citizen Comments for the Regular Work Session held on Monday, December 1, 2025. 4. REPORTS 4.1 Mayor’s Report o Mayor Porter stated his report can be viewed in BoardDocs. o Mayor Porter provided an overview of his report for the month of November. o Mayor Porter requested the council assistance with getting the Boards and Commissions filled. 4.2 City Manager Report o Council Member Kearney inquired about the City’s grant calendar, highlighting external delays with project scopes and the department head’s contingency plans. o Mr. Harris referenced the recent approval of the community block grant and ongoing concerns with grant timelines and processes. o Mr. Harris stated the current approach may not be the best solution and plans to work with Ms. Rhoda and coordinate further with the police department. o Mr. Harris plans to have discussions at the beginning of the year to align grant efforts with the strategic plan, and address concerns raised by the Council. o Mr. Harris intends to meet with departments during budget preparation to improve understanding and reduce recurring issues. o Grants Report: Ms. Rhoda provided an overview of the report for the month of November. Page 2 of 9 Docusign Envelope ID: A24423AE-D78F-4BE0-A4DE-52CB69C7FAC2 The exterior of the property, located at 6224 Foote Street, is completed. The MD250 Commission application was submitted, the project charge program ideas were submitted in October with communication by email. The programs will run from January to June. The Cultural HUB is establishing a committee that will address community needs. o Ms. Rhoda stated the Cultural Hub Committee will organize structured activities with participation from community members and external stakeholders, focusing on outreach, Hispanic cultural celebrations, school events, collections, and classes. o EJD Report: Mr. Barber stated that the report can be viewed in BoardDocs and provided an overview of the report with leaf removal, 192 trash can repairs, completed Ward 1 & 2 for the hanging wires, the fleet maintenance is working to prepare for the snow. They are ordering a brine machine to eliminate the usage of salt that will make it easier to clear the streets. o Finance Report: Mrs. Logan stated that her report can be viewed in BoardDocs and provided an overview of the conversion of the Budget Management System has begun with the pulling of five years of data from QuickBooks. The final data will be pulled down 3 days before the March 2nd start date. There will be a meeting with Mr. Harris next week to discuss processes. o Mrs. Logan stated that the FY24 audit will be completed before Christmas and the FY25 audit will be completed on May 1, 2026, to ensure that the city will be on track by October 26, 2026. The FY26 audit is to be completed by October 31st of next year. o Mrs. Logan stated that the Finance department provided FY25 financial statements to all departments for the proposed FY27 budget. The budget timeline will be finalized in the next two weeks. The Revenues can be found on page 2 and provided the balances and revenue received for the month of November. o Council Member Kearney inquired about the City’s grant calendar, asking how external delays in project scopes affect timelines and whether monthly expenditure changes will be integrated into reports or sent separately. o Mrs. Logan stated that the monthly expenditure changes will be sent separately. o Public Safety Report: o Chief Heyward reported that public safety has lost three sworn officers in the past 30 days, with another departure expected soon, resulting in a consistent 13–14 vacancies among sworn personnel, while administrative Page 3 of 9 Docusign Envelope ID: A24423AE-D78F-4BE0-A4DE-52CB69C7FAC2 staff positions remain filled. He noted one recent loss in NCC, adding to staffing challenges. o Chief Heyward stated that violations are addressed as they occur and are not widespread, though a recurring issue involves individuals placing traffic cones, barriers, and trash cans in roadways to block spaces. These matters are being addressed with assistance from EJD and were characterized as nuisances rather than crimes. o Public Engagement Report: o Ms. Drakeford stated that the department assisted with food distribution giveaway, and they were able to provide over five hundred baskets. They are working with Central High School in support of their Attendance Rally and providing gift cards to assist with attendance participation. o Ms. Drakeford reported that GoGov communications, including text messages and voicemails, have become more consistent due to the additional capacity added to the Public Engagement Department since October. o Ms. Drakeford shared that the department was featured on DC News Now as one of the food giveaways. o The Council President requested for announcements to be provided to the Staff Assistant to be placed on the Council Calendars with details. They requested the total number of registrants for the GoGov and if the calls are still being made to the residents. o Council Member McCarthy wants to see the total number of people, number of accounts using the City’s app, and the total accounts currently receiving text messages. o Ms. Drakeford stated that she will share data from the app in upcoming reports and can provide a follow-up. She confirmed that calls are still being made and explained that if you get a text message, you will not get a phone call. There are about 260 contacts that receive voicemail calls. o Councilmember Jones inquired about a QR code for residents to sign up for the GoGov. o Ms. Drakeford stated the app can be downloaded from the Apple or Google Play store and Smart Seat Pleasant. o Mayor Porter suggested using multiple communication methods to ensure residents are aware of City activities. He suggested exploring collaboration with the Activity Center’s call board. He also mentioned the past success of block captains in spreading information through word of mouth and suggested a future mailer promoting the city app as a possible next step. Page 4 of 9 Docusign Envelope ID: A24423AE-D78F-4BE0-A4DE-52CB69C7FAC2 o Councilmember Kearney requested website analytics and data on the number of doors knocked. She also asked for an update on the city website, specifically on the planned GIS integration and related follow-up. o Ms. Drakeford stated that she will follow up on specific website analytics since there are several types available. Engagement with events added to the calendar could be tracked. The top page engagement is traffic and camera citations. She mentioned Ms. Ball might be able to pull older reports, since page hit data used to be included and could add it back in reports. o Ms. Drakeford stated that a door-knocking campaign for public engagement will start close to January, once new associates finish onboarding. The associates have already been helping at events and producing bilingual flyers in Spanish and English. o Ms. Drakeford stated that she will follow up on the GIS integration for the city website. o Councilmember Kearney shared the need for a more coordinated strategy and economic development plan that ties events to what is relevant for residents’ year-round. She stressed that engagement should focus on meaningful issues, not just activities, and wanted to put this on the record since it was a critical point that resonated with many people. o Clerk’s Department Report: o Mrs. Ball stated that her report can be viewed in BoardDocs and highlighted activities from November. She reported that about seven agendas were completed, and several meetings were attended. She noted a meeting with Mayor Porter regarding board vacancies. o Mrs. Ball stated that two boards terms are ending next year. The Personnel Appeals Board letters were sent to current members, with updates pending. The Charter Review Committee Board, which was established for one year, will expire in February. No applications have been received from the board. o Mrs. Ball stated that two applications were received from a person outside of city’s boundaries, and a letter was sent to the applicant regarding the requirements to serve on city’s Boards and Commission. o Mrs. Ball reported on Public Information Act requests, noting 53 year-to-date, with ten received in November. We fulfilled two, while others remain pending. While the information is free, requests requiring more than two hours of staff time may incur fees. The response times have improved, and requests are being completed within the required time limit. o Mrs. Ball stated that the Ward 2 vacancy was advertised on November 14th. Several packets were picked up, but only one was submitted by the 5:00p.m. deadline. The Board of Supervisors of Elections and the Clerks Department Page 5 of 9 Docusign Envelope ID: A24423AE-D78F-4BE0-A4DE-52CB69C7FAC2 will meet tomorrow to review the application and confirm eligibility before notifying the candidate in writing, and they will provide a report to the Council next week. o Mrs. Ball stated that the Clerks Department prepared an annexation process document for department heads to review, which was discussed in a meeting on November 6th. 4.3. Council Committee Reports 4.4 Economic, Planning, Development & Housing Committee-Councilmember Gerald R. Raynor, Sr. o The committee did not meet during the reporting period. 4.5 Finance & Budget Committee-Councilmember Monica Higgs o Council President Higgs reported that the committee met on November 24th to discuss the Police Department draft Retirement and Retention Plan and priority legislation. o Councilmember Scott inquired about the legislative priority for the city and about the survey responses. o Councilmember McCarthy stated that the lobbyists submitted a survey only to the council regarding the use of funds. Residents had no input in the process. The survey listed a couple of priorities and gave an option for each to add in their own priorities. o Councilmember McCarthy stated that a bond bill would involve the city requesting money from the state for a Police Station. o Councilmember Jones stated there is a need for a new Police Station. The Chief could provide a tour to show the working conditions. He emphasized that the City cannot expect to attract and retain the best employees without offering strong salaries, benefits, and proper working conditions. He also stated that if the city cannot provide these essentials, then it cannot fulfill its responsibility to staff and residents. 4.6 Governmental Affairs & Technology Committee-Councilmember Shireka McCarthy o The committee did not meet during the reporting period. 4.7 Human Services Health & Education Committee-Councilmember Ashley Kearney o The committee did not meet during the reporting period. Page 6 of 9 Docusign Envelope ID: A24423AE-D78F-4BE0-A4DE-52CB69C7FAC2 4.8 Public Safety Committee-Councilmember Kizzie Scott o Councilmember Scott stated that the committee met on November 25th. Topics discussed included the automated enforcement amendment, commercial business district recommendations, one-way street vehicle traffic, and speed humps on 70th and 71st Street. The committee also briefly discussed the Fresno Street Speed Hump Petition. o Councilmember Scott stated there is follow-up work in progress, and the committee will meet again to develop new ordinances for businesses. o Councilmember Scott stated that safety issues in the community are a priority, including vehicle traffic, speed humps, and cars going the wrong way on one-way streets. Research is being done to ensure compliance with state laws and to make sure any ordinance fits the needs of the community. o Councilmember Jones inquired about the process of getting speed bumps. o Council President responded that a traffic study would need to be completed. o Chief Heyward stated that the previous attempt to install speed humps was handled under the prior Police Chief’s administration. A report indicated that the Police Department had done a traffic or roadway study, though he was unsure who conducted it. He stated that no one on his current staff has the expertise to complete a study. Following the recent committee meeting, he reached out to a firm to determine the cost of conducting roadway and traffic studies in areas requesting speed humps. He has a meeting scheduled with the firm tomorrow and will provide the cost information to his supervisor afterward. 4.9 Environmental Justice & Transportation Committee-Councilmember Garry A. Jones o The committee did not meet during the reporting period. 5. LEGISLATION 5.1 Ordinance O-26-08 Amendment of Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Budget for Economic Development Grant Balances and City Clerk Election 1st Reading o Ordinance O-26-08 was introduced by the City Council and the First reading was concluded by the City Clerk. 5.2. Ordinance O-26-09 Amendment of Chapter 150-Vehicles and Traffic for Speed Enforcement Monitoring 1st Reading o Ordinance O-26-09 was introduced by the City Council and the First reading was concluded by the City Clerk. Page 7 of 9 Docusign Envelope ID: A24423AE-D78F-4BE0-A4DE-52CB69C7FAC2 6. UNFINISHED BUSINESS 6.1. None. 7. NEW BUSINESS 7.1 Fiscal Year 2027 Budget Calendar o Mrs. Ball presented the draft budget calendar to the Council and stated that the calendar includes additional budget review dates for the departmental budget during the week. o The City Council agreed to review the budget on Saturday and requested a chart of recommended changes for the current budget to be reviewed with the proposed FY27 budget. 8. ANNOUNCEMENTS 8.1 Public Session, Monday, December 8, 2025, Hybrid by Zoom Webinar at 7:00p.m., Meeting Link details are available on the city's website, 6301 Addison Rd., Seat Pleasant, MD 8.2 PAL Christmas Party, Thursday, December 18, 2025, Seat Pleasant Activity Center, 5720 Addison Rd., Seat Pleasant, MD 20743, at 4:00p.m. 8.3 Santa with A Badge, Friday, December 19, 2025, Seat Pleasant Elementary School, 6411 G St., Seat Pleasant, MD 20743 at 8:00am 8.4 Ward IV Constituent Holiday Party, Saturday, December 20, 2025, from 1:00pm-4:00pm, Seat Pleasant Elementary School, 6411 G St., Seat Pleasant, MD 20743. 8.5 Light Up Your Holidays, Tuesday, December 23, 2025, judging from 5:00pm- 7:00pm. 10th Annual Light UP Your Holidays, Judging December 19-23, 2025 Three prize levels first place, $100, 2nd Place $50, 3rd Place $25 8.6 Santa Tour, Tuesday, December 23, 2025, Seat Pleasant Police Department, 6011 Addison Rd., Seat Pleasant, MD 20743, at 5:00pm 8.7 Regular Work Session, Monday, January 5, 2026, Seat Pleasant City Hall- Council Chambers, 6301 Addison Rd., Seat Pleasant, MD, Hybrid and Zoom Webinar at 6:00p.m. Page 8 of 9 Docusign Envelope ID: A24423AE-D78F-4BE0-A4DE-52CB69C7FAC2 8.8 Vision Board Party, Saturday, January 10, 2026, Seat Pleasant Activity Center, 5720 Addison Rd., Seat Pleasant, MD at 12:00p.m. 8.9 Public Session, Monday, January 12, 2026, Seat Pleasant City Hall-Council Chambers, 6301 Addison Rd., Seat Pleasant, MD, Hybrid and by Zoom Webinar at 7:00p.m., Meeting Link details are available on the city's website. 8.10 448th Maryland General Assembly Convenes, Wednesday, January 14, 2026, at noon. 9. CLOSING 9.1 The Closing invocation was provided by Councilmember Jones. 10. ADJOURNMENT 10.1 The Meeting adjourned at 8:53pm Respectfully submitted, Dashaun N. Ball, CPM, MMC City Clerk Page 9 of 9 Certificate Of Completion Envelope Id: A24423AE-D78F-4BE0-A4DE-52CB69C7FAC2 Status: Completed Subject: Complete with Docusign: 25-12-01 Regular Work Session Meeting Minutes.docx 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 12:24:27 PM dashaun.lanham@seatpleasantmd.gov Signer Events Signature Timestamp Dashaun N. Ball Sent: 1/13/2026 12:26:14 PM dashaun.lanham@seatpleasantmd.gov Viewed: 1/13/2026 12:27:02 PM City Clerk Signed: 1/13/2026 12:27:12 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 12:26:14 PM Certified Delivered Security Checked 1/13/2026 12:27:02 PM Signing Complete Security Checked 1/13/2026 12:27:12 PM Completed Security Checked 1/13/2026 12:27:12 PM Payment Events Status Timestamps