City Council

Docusign Envelope ID: 0F3EF2CF-74C5-4A81-8FCB-BD128B871E81 MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL CITY OF SEAT PLEASANT PUBLIC SESSION MONDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2025 7:00 P.M. 1. OPENING 1.1. Call to Order Council Vice President Shireka McCarthy called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.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 Motion to Approve Agenda Motion by Garry A Jones, second by Gerald Raynor Sr. Final Resolution: Motion Carried Yes: Gerald Raynor Sr, Kizzie Scott, Shireka McCarthy, Ashley Kearney, Garry A Jones 1.5 Approval of Regular Work Session Meeting Minutes for Monday, November 3, 2025 Motion to Approve Regular Work Session Meeting Minutes for Monday, November 3, 2025 Motion by Garry A Jones, second by Gerald Raynor Sr. Final Resolution: Motion Carried Yes: Gerald Raynor Sr, Shireka McCarthy, Ashley Kearney, Garry A Jones Page 1 of 7 Docusign Envelope ID: 0F3EF2CF-74C5-4A81-8FCB-BD128B871E81 Abstain: Kizzie Scott 1.6 Approval of Public Work Session Meeting Minutes for Monday, November 10, 2025 Motion to Approve Regular Work Session Meeting Minutes for Monday, November 10, 2025 Motion by Garry A Jones, second by Gerald Raynor, Sr. Final Resolution: Motion Carried Yes: Gerald Raynor, Sr, Shireka McCarthy, Ashley Kearney, Garry A Jones Abstain: Kizzie Scott 1.7 Approval Special Session Meeting Minutes for Monday, November 17, 2025 Motion by Gerald Raynor Sr, second by Garry A Jones. Final Resolution: Motion Carried Yes: Gerald Raynor Sr, Shireka McCarthy, Ashley Kearney, Garry A Jones Abstain: Kizzie Scott 1.8 Approval of Closed Session Meeting Minutes for Monday, November 17, 2025 The City Council agreed to delay the approval of the Closed Session Meeting Minutes until January 5, 2026. 2. CITIZEN COMMENTS 2.1 Ms. Harrison, Resident of Seat Pleasant, requested assistance with ongoing drainage and property maintenance violations affecting her home and shared the following: • Ms. Harrison, I am a resident of Seat Pleasant. I am here tonight because I need your help ensuring that Code Enforcement fully enforces the county’s drainage and property maintenance codes. For several years, I have been dealing with severe water-runoff issues coming from my neighbor’s property. Both her downspouts and her French drains were directing water onto my property, causing flooding, erosion, and structural damage. Some of the downspouts were relocated, but they were moved to the front yard and directed toward a 30-year-old pine tree instead of being taken to the street, creating another hazard due to water Page 2 of 7 Docusign Envelope ID: 0F3EF2CF-74C5-4A81-8FCB-BD128B871E81 saturation around the roots. The French drains and downspouts were redirected, but the one in the back still has a flexible hose attached to it, which means it can easily be placed back into the French drain at any time and start flooding my property all over again. Additionally, the retaining wall that separates our properties has been damaged and collapsed because of this water issue. It had to be removed as it became hazardous for my family, and it now needs to be replaced. As a result of these drainage issues, I have suffered more than $60,000 in documented damage. I filed a civil lawsuit regarding the damage, and that case has been settled. However, Code Enforcement has said the case was resolved, but the drainage conditions that caused the damage still exist, and a civil settlement does not fix a code violation. I am asking that the Code Enforcement case be reopened and that a GPR specialist be sent out to locate and verify the underground French drain system. I am also requesting that the code be fully enforced and properly inspected so this issue can finally be resolved and does not continue to put my property at risk. 3. PRESENTATION 3.1 None. 4. LEGISLATION 4.1. Ordinance O-26-08 Amendment of Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Budget for Economic Development Grant Balances and City Clerk Election. 2nd Reading Motion to Approve Ordinance O-26-08 Motion by Gerald Raynor Sr, second by Garry A Jones. Final Resolution: Motion Carried Yes: Gerald Raynor Sr, Shireka McCarthy, Ashley Kearney, Garry A Jones No: Kizzie Scott 4.2. Ordinance O-26-09 Amendment of Chapter 150-Vehicles and Traffic for Speed Enforcement Monitoring. 2nd Reading Motion to Approve Ordinance O-26-09 Motion by Gerald Raynor Sr, second by Garry A Jones. Final Resolution: Motion Carried Yes: Gerald Raynor Sr., Shireka McCarthy, Garry A Jones No: Kizzie Scott, Ashley Kearney Page 3 of 7 Docusign Envelope ID: 0F3EF2CF-74C5-4A81-8FCB-BD128B871E81 4.3. Ordinance O-26-10 Amendment of Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Budget for Seat Pleasant Public Safety New Complex and Economic Development Grant, 1st Reading. o Ordinance O-26-10 Amendment of Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Budget for Seat Pleasant Public Safety New Complex and Economic Development Grant were introduced Monday, December 8, 2025, and read by the Deputy City Clerk. 5. REPORTS 5.1 Kelly Porter, Mayor Report: • Mayor Porter stated that his report for November can be viewed on BoardDocs. • Mayor Porter expressed condolences to the family and friends of former member James L. Wright, Jr., and a formal Proclamation is being prepared for the family. • Mayor Porter shared that Mrs. Perry, Ward 3, passed on December 7 and a Proclamation will be prepared. • Mayor Porter reported on ongoing efforts to recruit citizens to serve on various committees. He stated that four (4) applications have been submitted, but volunteers are still needed. 5.2 Monica Higgs, Council President Report, Ward I • Council Vice President McCarthy did not read the Council President report but stated that it is in BoardDocs. 5.3 Demetrious Harris, Interim City Manager • Mr. Harris stated the new marquee sign has been installed and staff training on its operation will occur over the next 1–2 weeks. • Mr. Harris stated the EJD is completing the winterization of equipment for snow response. • Mr. Harris stated the new HR Director has been on the job for one week and is preparing to launch a standardized onboarding and payroll- integrated training system in January. • Mr. Harris stated the Administration will need to schedule time in January with the Government Affairs Committee to review updates to seven or eight job descriptions and wants the Council to receive the documents two weeks prior to the next Council meeting to allow time for review and feedback. Page 4 of 7 Docusign Envelope ID: 0F3EF2CF-74C5-4A81-8FCB-BD128B871E81 • Mr. Harris announced that the Police Department is planning a joint, citywide awards ceremony, tentatively set for January 9. • Mr. Harris stated that the Budget Calendar needs adjustment and the internal department budgeting begins this week, with instructions to be presented at the upcoming executive roundtable. • Mr. Harris reported that Discount Mart and Best One have both been sold to new owners but will continue operating as the same businesses, with NCC inspections underway. • Council Vice President McCarthy stated that before reviewing any additional job descriptions, the Council must receive the standard operating procedures (SOPs) for each department, as well as all relevant contracts. • Council Vice President McCarthy stated that it is difficult to evaluate duties, responsibilities, and salary levels without clear documentation of which tasks are handled by staff versus contracted out, noting this request has been made repeatedly. • Council Vice President McCarthy stated that no further job descriptions will be placed on the agenda until the SOPs and contracts are provided. • Mr. Harris stated that He explained that the administration is at capacity with competing tasks and must prioritize requests but will work toward providing the documents. • Mr. Harris stated that the new City Manager will be starting in February and could work on the SOPs to help with their transition. • Council Vice President McCarthy stated that this work must be completed before Mr. Harris leaves his position. • Councilmember Scott stated that the council supports the request for SOP’s and contracts. • Councilmember Kearney asked for clarification regarding the SOP’s and contracts. • Councilmember Scott requested an update on 24-hour old tobacco store site and whether any new tenants were moving in. • Acting Chief Heyward stated that an application had previously been submitted, but the city requested certain changes and clarifications from the applicant. • Acting Chief Heyward stated that the shopping center owner/property manager has since identified a new potential tenant, expected to operate a convenience-type store rather than a tobacco-focused business. Page 5 of 7 Docusign Envelope ID: 0F3EF2CF-74C5-4A81-8FCB-BD128B871E81 • Acting Chief Heyward stated that the prospective tenant has not yet submitted required documentation for licensing, permits, or operational review, so the City does not have full information on the planned business model. • Councilmember Jones requested an update on the new laundromat. • Mr. Harris stated that no additional information has been received beyond what was shared at the last meeting but will follow up. 6. NEW BUSINESS 6.1. None. 7. UNFINISHED BUSINESS 7.1. None. 8. ANNOUNCEMENTS 8.1 PAL Christmas Party, Thursday, December 18, 2025, Seat Pleasant Activity Center, 5720 Addison Rd., Seat Pleasant, MD 20743, at 4:00p.m. 8.2 Santa with A Badge, Sunday, December 14, 2025, Seat Pleasant Elementary School, 6411 G St., Seat Pleasant, MD 20743 at 8:00am 8.3 Light Up Your Holidays, Judging begins on Friday, December 19, 2025- Monday, December 22, 2025, Winners will be announced on Tuesday, December 23, 2025, 8.4 Santa Tour, Tuesday, December 23, 2025, Seat Pleasant Police Department, 6011 Addison Rd., Seat Pleasant, MD 20743, at 5:00pm 8.5 Ward IV Constituent Holiday Party, Saturday, December 20, 2025, from 1:00pm-4:00pm, location: Seat Pleasant Elementary, 6411 G Street. 8.6 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. 8.7 Vision Board Party, Saturday, January 10, 2026, Seat Pleasant Activity Center, 5720 Addison Rd., Seat Pleasant, MD at 12:00p.m. Page 6 of 7 Docusign Envelope ID: 0F3EF2CF-74C5-4A81-8FCB-BD128B871E81 8.8 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. 8.9 448th Maryland General Assembly Convenes, Wednesday, January 14, 2026, at 12:00 noon. 8.10 Regular Work Session, Monday, February 2, 2026, Seat Pleasant City Hall- Council Chambers, 6301 Addison Rd., Seat Pleasant, MD at 6:00p.m. Hybrid and by Zoom Video at 6:00pm. Meeting Link details will be on the city's website. Council Vice President McCarthy stated that December 19th will be the Homegoing service for Former Councilmember James L. Wright, Jr. Residents can contact the City Hall to get the details of the service. Councilmember Jones gave the closing invocation. 9. ADJOURN: 9.1 The meeting adjourned at 8:00pm Submitted by, Dashaun N. Ball, CPM, MMC City Clerk Page 7 of 7 Certificate Of Completion Envelope Id: 0F3EF2CF-74C5-4A81-8FCB-BD128B871E81 Status: Completed Subject: Complete with Docusign: 25-12-08 Public Session Meeting Minutes.docx Source Envelope: Document Pages: 7 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 12:32:20 PM dashaun.lanham@seatpleasantmd.gov Signer Events Signature Timestamp Dashaun N. Ball Sent: 1/13/2026 12:34:30 PM dashaun.lanham@seatpleasantmd.gov Viewed: 1/13/2026 12:34:42 PM City Clerk Signed: 1/13/2026 12:34:48 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 12:34:30 PM Certified Delivered Security Checked 1/13/2026 12:34:42 PM Signing Complete Security Checked 1/13/2026 12:34:48 PM Completed Security Checked 1/13/2026 12:34:48 PM Payment Events Status Timestamps