City Council

Docusign Envelope ID: 320B582A-053D-4FAE-AF7C-A5307E2C730B MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL CITY OF SEAT PLEASANT REGULAR WORK SESSION MONDAY, JANUARY 5, 2026 6:00P.M. 1. OPENING 1.1 Call to Order Council President Higgs called the meeting to order at 6:01p.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., Councilmember Kizzie Scott (Excused Absence) 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, 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 Regular Work Session Meeting Agenda. Motion by Gerald Raynor, Sr., second by Shireka McCarthy. Final Resolution: Motion Carried Yes: Monica Higgs, Gerald Raynor, Sr., Shireka McCarthy, Ashley Kearney, Garry A Jones 2. PRESENTATIONS 2.1. Nkosi Bradley, President, Quadrant Partners, spoke on behalf of Ivan Cloyd, CEO, presented their vision for economic development along the Blue Line Corridor, including a project at 5701 Martin Luther King Jr. Highway, aiming for 79-81 housing units and significant community space. o Mr. Bradley stated that the purpose of the presentation was primarily to introduce the development team and provide an initial overview of the project. o Mr. Bradley stated that the project is in an early conceptual stage and is not a finalized proposal. o Mr. Bradley stated that based on preliminary architectural considerations, the site could accommodate 79–81 total units. It would include residential units, retail space, and community or residential common areas. o Mr. Bradley stated that parking will be a major consideration. o Mr. Bradley stated that they are interested in working collaboratively with the City of Seat Pleasant as the project moves forward. Page 1 of 14 Docusign Envelope ID: 320B582A-053D-4FAE-AF7C-A5307E2C730B o Mr. Bradley stated that the team is engaged with local nonprofit and community-based organizations on other projects and expects to explore similar partnerships for this development. 3. CITIZEN COMMENTS 3.1. Ms. Madoka asked the following two (2) questions: o whether the proposed building designs would meet LEED certification standards and incorporate green building initiatives, including green roofs, green space on balconies, and other sustainable elements integrated into the architectural and structural design of the multi-unit buildings. • Mr. Bradley responded that sustainability is a priority for the development team and that green building practices would be incorporated into the project. Also, the [LEED] certification would be pursued as part of the development process. • Mr. Bradley stated that, because the project is focused on food access, the team is planning to include a green rooftop garden. o Ms. Madoka inquired whether native plantings would be integrated into the project’s landscaping. • Mr. Bradley responded that the project is still in the conceptual and economic review phase, and the team has not yet fully engaged with the project architect to determine design details at that level. • Mr. Bradley stated that the use of native plant species is more cost-effective and easier to maintain over time and said that such plantings would be considered as the project develops. 4. REPORTS 4.1 Mayor 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 December. 4.2 City Manager Report o Mr. Harris stated that the digital sign has been installed and operational and will be working with Public Engagement to develop policies and format guidelines for content displayed to better promote City events and activities. o Mr. Harris stated that these guidelines will be provided to the Council. o Mr. Harris stated that his priority is the FY 2027 budget to include providing the department heads with updated financial actuals. o Mr. Harris stated that a zero-based budgeting approach is being used, which allows departments to itemize and justify expenditures starting from zero. o Mr. Harris stated that the city received the December 2025 Risk Management Services Award from LEGIT. o He stated that the City was awarded two (2) State of Maryland grants totaling $380,000, including funding for the Good Park Revitalization Project and the Epiphany Project. The grant awards represent a significant advancement for the City’s economic development efforts. o Mr. Harris stated that he sent an email to Council regarding 214 Corridor from the State Highway Administration and that staff can provide talking points if Council would like to Page 2 of 14 Docusign Envelope ID: 320B582A-053D-4FAE-AF7C-A5307E2C730B further address or communicate the impacts of the proposed bike lanes between Southern Avenue and Ritchie Road could have. o Mr. Harris stated that while safety would be the focus of the discussions, the economic development impacts should be considered, especially in relation to development along the Blue Line corridor. o Mr. Harris stated that departments were given a deadline of December 30th to submit their SOPs. o Mr. Harris stated that that once reviewed, the SOPs will be shared with the Council and the appropriate committees. o Mr. Harris stated that he needs 30 days to complete his review and that the materials should be provided before the second meeting. Public Safety Report: o Mr. Heyward stated that his written report was provided in BoardDocs and noted that it was extensive due to the high volume of activities. o Mr. Heyward recognized Community Engagement Officer Miller and stated that many of the events were planned and attended by him. Also, Officer Miller operates as a one- person department and commended him for his outstanding work and dedication to the community. o Mr. Heyward stated that Neighborhood Code Compliance (NCC) is currently down to one inspector and noted that the city is working diligently to fill vacancies to prevent burnout of the remaining inspector. o Mr. Heyward stated that there are still businesses unable to renew their licenses due to outstanding tax issues and that staff are working with the Office of Finance and the State to resolve these matters. o Mr. Heyward stated that the city is in a critical staffing situation that may affect public safety and without additional staffing, the city is approaching the risk of being unable to provide 24-hour public safety coverage. Public Engagement Report: o Ms. Drakeford stated that the department has been focused on standardizing the City’s branding to ensure a consistent and unified message for the residents. o Ms. Drakeford provided the Council with a one-pager of the Strategic Plan to highlight for the residents that work that was done over the last 6-8 months of the year and the Strategic Plan document for 2026-2030. o Ms. Drakeford stated that the department has been working with Economic Development and the Staff Assistant for the MD 250 grant to expand programming for the MD 250 grant and the Seat Pleasant Youth and Leadership Academy, both to start in January. o Ms. Drakeford stated that the MD 250 program is an eight-week residents’ academy designed to provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of City operations. The goal of this year is to try to have more engaged residents. o Ms. Drakeford stated that the department has two (2) bilingual staff members and that all digital communications will be provided in both English and Spanish. o Ms. Drakeford stated that the department will always have someone who can provide translation services at every event. Page 3 of 14 Docusign Envelope ID: 320B582A-053D-4FAE-AF7C-A5307E2C730B o Ms. Drakeford stated that the city has begun updating the website, including adding pages for new programs and posting the Strategic Plan for public access. o Councilmember Jones inquired about strategies the city can use to reach all taxpaying residents and ensure they are aware that they reside in the City of Seat Pleasant, rather than being identified as living in Capitol Heights. o Ms. Drakeford recommended meeting with the EJD team to discuss potential solutions, including signage and other outreach opportunities, to better identify and promote Seat Pleasant to residents. o Councilmember Kearney inquired whether the Harvest of Health Thanksgiving Food Drive served five hundred individual residents, five hundred unique households, or represented a general participant count. o Ms. Drakeford stated that was the head count for the attendees. Human Resources: o Dr. Breeden stated that she successfully completed the employee benefits transition, with all systems aligned, payroll deductions verified, and outdated coverage discontinued. o Dr. Breeden stated that benefits enrollment has been modernized, transitioning from paper-based enrollment to online enrollment through the payroll system. o Dr. Breeden stated that December efforts focused on recruitment, noting vacancies in the Police Department, Finance, and Economic Development. o Dr. Breeden stated improvements to the application intake and distribution process to better support hiring managers and that additional recruitment strategies are being explored to expand outreach beyond the city website and MML to include platforms such as ZipRecruiter and Indeed. o Dr. Breeden stated that she developed comprehensive SOPs covering recruitment, employee relations, performance management, separations, and training to promote consistency and accountability across departments. o Dr. Breeden stated that February priorities include employee engagement, professional development, improved onboarding, and the development of a manager training program. o Councilmember McCarthy stated that several vacant positions are not consistently listed on the city website or MML and emphasized the need for complete and consistent job postings across platforms. o Councilmember Kearney inquired whether Dr. Breeden had an opportunity to review the Seat Pleasant Police Department’s recruitment and retention plan. o Dr. Breeden responded that it is a large document and she is still reviewing the Plan. Finance Report: o Ms. Logan stated that the Finance Department was extremely busy during the month of December. o Ms. Logan stated that the FY 2024 audit has been completed and has received the final financial statements dated December 2025 for review. The city will receive an unqualified audit opinion, which is the highest opinion received on an audit. o Ms. Logan stated that FY 2025 budget instructions and the budget calendar were distributed in December. The proposed departmental budgets are due to the City Manager and CFO. Page 4 of 14 Docusign Envelope ID: 320B582A-053D-4FAE-AF7C-A5307E2C730B o She stated that Finance assisted multiple residents with questions related to property tax bills as the residents sometimes confuse the City’s Finance Department with Prince George’s County Finance. o Ms. Logan stated that Finance issued financial statements to the Council and City Manager for the month of October for the first four months of FY 2026, with comparative data from FY 2024 through October FY 2025. o Ms. Logan stated that Expenditure reports were provided for October and November, including reports from Bill.com and the City’s bank accounts. o Ms. Logan recommended that Council consider revisiting the 30-day reporting requirement outlined in the Resolution. Additional time is needed to complete bank reconciliations and financial analysis for red light and speed camera accounts, and to review the letters received from the vendor. o Ms. Logan stated that, as of December 26, approximately $6.7 million in revenues was held in the City’s bank accounts. o Councilmember McCarthy stated that Prince George’s County provides a tax pamphlet that explains tax rates, how taxes are calculated, and how tax revenues are used and suggested that this information could be incorporated into City campaigns and public engagement efforts to better educate residents outside of the Citizen Academy. o Councilmember McCarthy inquired about the recommended reporting timeframe, noting that if reporting takes 15 to 20 days, leaving an additional 10 days, then what reporting timeframe would be suggested. o Ms. Logan recommended a reporting timeframe of at least 45 days after the end of the previous month. o Ms. Logan stated that the bank reconciliation reports may not be received until the second or third week of the month. The city receives only the net amount after vendor fees are deducted for the red light and speed camera revenues. o Ms. Logan stated that for County reporting purposes, the City must gross up the transaction to 100%, meaning both the net revenue received by the City and the vendor’s deducted fees must be recorded as revenue and expenditure. o Ms. Logan stated that the gross-up process, along with delays in receiving vendor letters, can extend the reconciliation and reporting timeline. o Councilmember Jones inquired whether the city receives actual figures from vendors or uses a formula to calculate the grossed-up amounts after fees are deducted. o Ms. Logan stated that the city receives actual numbers, not estimates. The vendors provide letters detailing the amounts deducted for fees, and those letters are used to gross up the total revenue to reflect 100% of the transaction after expenditures are deducted. o Councilmember Jones inquired whether any delinquent businesses had not paid their bills. o Ms. Logan stated that there are no delinquent businesses. The outstanding personal property taxes must be paid before business licenses are renewed. One business is on a payment plan and if payments are missed, NCC will temporarily shut down the business. o Councilmember Jones inquired about the status of the new software. o Ms. Logan stated that she has been meeting monthly with the vendor and it is on track to go live with the new software in March, with a goal date of March 2. o Councilmember Kearney asked for a summary on the month of October. Page 5 of 14 Docusign Envelope ID: 320B582A-053D-4FAE-AF7C-A5307E2C730B o Ms. Logan stated that the City’s revenues exceeded expenditure. She stated that actual revenues for the month were a little over $3 million and that the net of revenues over expenditure was approximately $1.7 million. o Councilmember stated that the purpose of tracking monthly actuals was to improve projections and asked what higher October revenues might indicate for the City’s overall fiscal year outlook and upcoming budget process. o Ms. Logan stated that the City now has actual financial data through December and will use that information to project revenues and expenditures for the remainder of the fiscal year. o Councilmember Kearney inquired whether additional context could be added to the report, such as comparisons to the same period in the prior fiscal year, rather than waiting until budget season to discuss trends. o Ms. Logan stated that the City has already submitted financial statements comparing October 2024 to October 2025 and noted that those statements show the City is in a stronger financial position in FY 25 than it was at the same point in FY 24. o Councilmember Kearney stated that a brief executive-style summary would be helpful to quickly understand the implications of the data for budget planning and departmental review. o Ms. Logan agreed to include clearer narrative notes and a concise executive summary in future financial reports to explain variances and trends. o Mr. Harris stated that the CFO has resigned and the posting will end in March. EJD Report: o Mr. Barbar stated that Waste Management and DPW operations have been busy due to Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s holidays. o Mr. Barber stated that as leaf season ends, crews are focused on street cleaning and collecting remaining leaves. o Mr. Barber reported the completion of multiple asphalt and sidewalk projects, including: • Sidewalk repairs in front of McDonald’s • Sidewalk improvements along MLK • Repaving the alley behind Shirley Corner • Major work on James Farmer Boulevard • Sidewalk work on 69th Street o Mr. Barber stated that on December 13, DPW provided a late emergency response due to a snowstorm and commended staff for their efforts. o Councilmember Raynor inquired whether there is a plan in place to address sidewalk conditions throughout the community. o Mr. Barber stated that DPW is currently focusing on sidewalk and street repairs and noted that there are several additional locations to be addressed. The work is ongoing and repairs are being made as quickly as possible. o Councilmember Jones inquired about the status of the Seat Pleasant sign. o Mr. Barber stated that he was unable to provide an updated quote as planned due to the holiday and weather conditions. He stated that the previous quote was outdated and that he would get a more accurate quote before providing an update. Page 6 of 14 Docusign Envelope ID: 320B582A-053D-4FAE-AF7C-A5307E2C730B o Councilmember Jones inquired when road projects previously identified could begin depending on weather conditions. o Mr. Barber stated that work is already in progress and that the start of additional road projects depends on warmer weather. If temperatures remain above 50 degrees, crews can proceed with road work. o Mr. Harris stated that multiple quotes have been received for several projects and that many of the costs are extremely high. Projects such as sidewalk repairs and related infrastructure work are particularly expensive. o Mr. Harris asked the Councilmembers to report specific issues as they are identified so staff can obtain quotes and be better prepared. o Councilmember McCarthy inquired whether potholes or sinkholes are considered safety hazards and a public safety issue, and if so, whether speed camera funding could be explored as a potential source to supplement funding for pothole and sidewalk repairs. o Mr. Harris stated that the fund cannot be used in the manner suggested, as it is already allocated through the approved budget. o Mr. Harris stated that the city currently has approximately $100,000 allocated for road repairs and that about 20% of that funding has already been expended. o Mr. Harris stated that with proper forecasting staff should be able to identify needed adjustments and bring those recommendations to the Council as issues arise. o Councilmember McCarthy stated that during the last budget cycle, the Council discussed increasing the $100,000 allocated for road repairs but decided not to do so. o Councilmember McCarthy stated that current conditions indicate that an increase may emphasize the importance of placing this discussion on the record and revisiting it during upcoming budget deliberations. Grants Report: o Ms. Rhoda stated that two (2) awards were received related to the Epiphany project. o Ms. Rhoda stated that each building went into foreclosure individually, allowing acquisition of two (2) buildings, but additional funding was needed for the remaining two (2). o Ms. Rhoda stated that the funding is structured as a pass-through grant because NED (National Economic Development) funds can only be applied for by a nonprofit or government entity, and the recipient is a private entity. o Ms. Rhoda stated that staff will be working closely together to administer the pass- through funding. o Ms. Rhoda stated that mandatory award training is tentatively scheduled for January14th and both grant technicians will attend. o Ms. Rhoda o Ms. Rhoda stated that the Departmental Grant Request Form is an updated version of the form developed prior to the pandemic. The new form will help guide grant requests, improve coordination, and support data collection. o Ms. Rhoda stated that all grant requests should align with the City’s Strategic Plan. o Ms. Rhoda stated that funding was not received from the Maryland Affordable Housing Trust due to the request being limited to pre-development costs. o Ms. Rhoda stated that staff plan to start over on the grant for the 6224 Foot Street project. Page 7 of 14 Docusign Envelope ID: 320B582A-053D-4FAE-AF7C-A5307E2C730B o Ms. Rhoda stated that during the pandemic, the city prioritized Fourth Street over 69th Street, as the 69th Street project was delayed due to COVID impacts. o Ms. Rhoda provided an update on Addison Station and stated that Mr. Dull is experiencing serious health issues and is unable to actively participate. Mr. Dull’s son is assisting, but his progress remains limited due to other commitments. o Ms. Rhoda stated that while a site tour may not be necessary, a letter to the County still is being created by Mr. Dull and his son. o Ms. Rhoda stated that the Master Plan needs to be accepted by the County, so they can see what the plan is as a point of reference, because it is not a part of the 2035 Sector. o Mr. Harris inquired as to why the Master Plan needs to be accepted within the Sector Plan and how its acceptance by the County impacts the City’s economic development planning. o Ms. Rhoda stated that the Master Plan needs to be accepted by the County so it can be recognized within the sector planning process. It allows the County to understand the City’s current and potential economic development plans. o Councilmember McCarthy stated that the Master Plan was developed two Councils ago and believes a review should occur before requesting County acceptance of the Master Plan and questioned whether it is appropriate to move forward at this time. o Councilmember McCarthy suggested the possibility of advancing individual projects from the Master Plan through alternative means, such as submitting a memo to the County and attaching the current Strategic Plan, rather than submitting the full Master Plan. o Councilmember McCarthy addressed concerns regarding Mr. Gault’s illness and noted that his son is managing most of his affairs. Requested clarification on the legal implications of continuing discussions under those circumstances before proceeding further. o Councilmember McCarthy stated that the City applied for two (2) additional Maryland 250 grants, including funding for a youth field trip to Annapolis and a Black Civic Leadership Academy. $1,000 was awarded to one Academy, the city has not yet received responses to the other grant applications. o Councilmember McCarthy stated that she saw the dollar amounts for the two (2) awards and confirmed that one award is $200,001 and the other is $180,000. o Councilmember McCarthy stated that the revised grant form must be reviewed by the Governmental Affairs Committee before being used. She noticed a minor error and wants to ensure the form is fully correct. o Councilmember McCarthy stated that all related grant forms be submitted together for review at the same time. o Councilmember McCarthy stated that Ms. Rhoda will be invited to the committee meeting to provide input before moving forward. o Clerk Report: o Ms. Ball stated that December was a heavy month due to multiple committee meetings. o Ms. Ball stated that the department prepared two (2) proclamations: one for former Councilmember James Bright and one for Ward Three resident Mrs. Perry, for presentation by Mayor Porter at the respective funerals. o Ms. Ball stated that the department prepared four (4) ordinances and one (1) resolution, with two (2) items appearing on the agenda. Page 8 of 14 Docusign Envelope ID: 320B582A-053D-4FAE-AF7C-A5307E2C730B o Ms. Ball stated that the department received six (6) new Public Information Act (PIA) requests in December and had seven (7) outstanding at the time of the report. 11 PIA requests were fulfilled in December, bringing the total to sixty-two requests for the year, with fifty-eight fulfilled. The average PIA turnaround time is approximately 19 days, an improvement. o Ms. Ball stated that the Department contacted the audiovisual vendor regarding playback issues and that the vendor will be onsite on Friday to update the Tricaster. o Ms. Ball stated that microphone system limitations remain an issue, as only two (2) microphones function simultaneously and an upgrade may be needed. o Ms. Ball stated that two (2) proposals for upgrading the microphone system have been received and will be discussed with the City Manager before presentation to Council. o Ms. Ball stated that several Boards and Commissions applications were received and included in the report, and that Mayor Porter requested the applications be presented to Council for consideration next week. Related documentation will be uploaded once Mayor Porter provides information. o Ms. Ball stated that the Department completed the proposed FY 27 Clerk’s Department budget and will meet with the mayor regarding his budget. o Ms. Ball noted that the Department worked with the Government Affairs Committee on a policy that will be brought before the Council at a future meeting. o Councilmember McCarthy inquired about the two (2) vacancies on the City of Seat Pleasant Board of Supervisors of Elections and asked for an update. o Ms. Ball stated that the Board of Supervisors of Elections currently has its Chair in place and that the upcoming election will be staffed by the Chair and one poll worker, as it is a small, non-citywide election. o Ms. Ball noted that the next election is scheduled for 2028 and that the city has successfully conducted the last two elections with only two Board members. o Ms. Ball stated that the vacancies are advertised every month in the city newsletter, but residents have not been responding to the requests to fill the Boards and Commissions. 4.3 Council Committee Reports 4.4 Economic, Planning, Development & Housing Committee - Councilmember Gerald R. Raynor, Sr. o The Economic, Planning, Development and Housing Committee did not meet during the reporting period. 4.5 Finance & Budget Committee - Councilmember Monica Higgs o Council President Higgs stated that the report from the meeting is available in BoardDocs. o Council President Higgs stated that the Finance and Budget Committee met on Monday, December 15, 2025, via Zoom to discuss the FY 2027 Council proposed budget. The meeting included herself, Councilmember Jones, Council Vice President McCarthy, Ms. Ball (Clerk), Ms. Crump (Deputy Clerk), and Ms. Miller (Staff Assistant). 4.6 Governmental Affairs & Technology Committee - Councilmember Shireka McCarthy o Councilmember McCarthy stated that the report is on BoardDocs. Page 9 of 14 Docusign Envelope ID: 320B582A-053D-4FAE-AF7C-A5307E2C730B o Councilmember McCarthy stated that the Governmental Affairs Committee met twice during the month of December. o Councilmember McCarthy stated that committee members included herself, Councilmember Raynor, and Councilmember Kearney, and prospective staff from each department that was necessary. o Councilmember McCarthy stated that the committee reviewed the Opioid Abatement Policy Plan, with Ms. Logan providing an overview and the Police Chief participating in the discussion. o Councilmember McCarthy stated that the committee discussed contractual services and purchasing best practices to improve operational efficiency as stated in the Strategic Plan. o Councilmember McCarthy stated that they focused on how contracts are procured and how purchasing practices are implemented. o Councilmember McCarthy stated that once policy documents are finalized, a cross-memo will be provided to the Finance Committee to ensure coordination between policy and budget considerations. Although policy falls under Governmental Affairs and budgeting under Finance, she wanted to ensure Finance is aware of the committee’s direction and requests. o Councilmember McCarthy stated that the Opioid Abatement Plan will be brought forward for Council approval at tonight’s meeting to outline how the funds will be used. o . 4.7 Human Services Health & Education Committee - Councilmember Ashley Kearney o The Human Services Health and Education Committee did not meet during the reporting period. 4.8 Public Safety Committee - Councilmember Kizzie Scott o The Public Safety Committee did not meet during the reporting period. 4.9 Environmental Justice & Transportation Committee - Councilmember Garry A. Jones o The Environmental Justice and Transportation Committee did not meet during the reporting period. 5. LEGISLATION 5.1 Ordinance O-26-10 Amendment of Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Budget for Seat Pleasant Public Safety New Complex and Economic Development Grant, 2nd Reading. Motion to Approve O-26-10 Amendment of Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Budget for Seat Pleasant Public Safety New Complex and Economic Development Grant. Motion by Shireka McCarthy, seconded by Garry A Jones. Final Resolution: Motion Carried Yes: Monica Higgs, Gerald Raynor Sr, Shireka McCarthy, Ashley Kearney, Garry A Jones 5.2 Resolution R-26-08 Appointment of A New City Manager Motion to Approve Resolution R-26-08 Appointment of the New City Manager Motion by Shireka McCarthy, seconded by Ashley Kearney. Final Resolution: Motion Carried Yes: Monica Higgs, Shireka McCarthy, Ashley Kearney No: Gerald Raynor Sr, Garry A Jones Page 10 of 14 Docusign Envelope ID: 320B582A-053D-4FAE-AF7C-A5307E2C730B 6. UNFINISHED BUSINESS 6.1. Updated FY27 Budget Calendar o Ms. Logan stated that the updated budget calendar was distributed and the budget instructions were issued on December 12, and departments had from December 15 through January 2 to begin preparing their proposed draft budgets. o Ms. Logan stated that the proposed draft budget request was due today. o Ms. Logan stated that from January 19–23, she and the City Manager will review the initial budget requests. o Ms. Logan stated that from January 26–30, meetings will be held with department managers to discuss their proposed budget requests. o Ms. Logan stated that during January 26–30, meetings will also be held with the Mayor and the Finance and Budget Committee to discuss budget requests. o Ms. Logan stated that by February 6, department heads will submit revised budget requests based on discussions with the City Manager. o Ms. Logan stated that from February 9–27, Finance will prepare the proposed draft FY 27 budget for review by the City Manager. o Ms. Logan stated that from March 2–6, the proposed draft FY 26–27 budget will be presented to the City Manager. o Ms. Logan stated that from March 9–20, the proposed draft budget will be finalized and publicized, with coordination between Finance, the City Manager, and the Public Engagement Manager. o Ms. Logan stated that on March 16, department PowerPoint budget presentations will be submitted to the City Manager for review. o Ms. Logan stated that on March 23, the proposed draft FY 27 budget will be submitted to the City Clerk for presentation to the Mayor and City Council. o Ms. Logan stated that on April 6, 2026, the proposed draft FY 26–27 budget will be presented to the City Council, with department heads providing presentations. o Ms. Logan stated that on April 13, 2026, a public budget hearing will be held with the Mayor, City Council, City Manager, and department heads present to receive resident input. o Ms. Logan stated that on April 18, budget hearings will be held throughout the day, with citizens able to provide comments during an open public meeting. o Ms. Logan stated that from April 20–24, Finance and the City Clerk will incorporate Council-recommended changes into the proposed budget. o Ms. Logan stated that on May 27, the revised budget will be submitted to the Mayor and City Council. o Ms. Logan stated that on May 4, the first reading of the FY 26–27 budget will occur. o Ms. Logan stated that on May 11, the second reading of the FY 26–27 budget is scheduled, with anticipated approval. o Ms. Logan stated that if approved, on May 12 the City Clerk will present the budget to the mayor for review and signature. o Ms. Logan stated that the April 18 budget review is an open public meeting, and residents may attend throughout the day. 7. NEW BUSINESS Page 11 of 14 Docusign Envelope ID: 320B582A-053D-4FAE-AF7C-A5307E2C730B 7.1 Approval of the Seat Pleasant Police Department Recruitment and Retention Plan o Mr. Heyward stated that he met with both the Public Safety Committee and the Finance Committee over the past several months regarding a recruitment and retention plan requested by the Council. o Mr. Heyward stated that the plan is lengthy but provides detailed information to support Council decision-making for the future of the Seat Pleasant Police Department. o Mr. Heyward stated that since 2016, the department has experienced an attrition rate of approximately 88%, with more than eighty-five officers hired during that time and only twenty-four officers currently remaining. o Mr. Heyward stated that the high turnover is due to officers leaving for departments that offer higher salaries and better benefits, noting that terminations or disciplinary separations were minimal. o Mr. Heyward stated that the department currently has fourteen vacancies. o Mr. Heyward stated that currently there are twenty-four officers: himself, command staff (two captains and one lieutenant), three recruits currently in the police academy who are not yet deployable, and one officer on duty status due to an on-the-job injury. o Mr. Heyward stated that after accounting for those exclusions, the department has approximately ten officers available to provide 24-hour coverage, which he described as unacceptable. o Mr. Heyward stated that staffing shortages have required him and his command staff to personally cover shifts to prevent further burnout among remaining officers. o Mr. Heyward stated that he joined the department in 2020 and has implemented significant leadership and cultural changes, resulting in improvements in officer behavior, professionalism, and appearance. o Mr. Heyward stated that the recruitment and retention plan outlines multiple strategies, beginning with increasing officer pay. o Mr. Heyward stated that he recently lost two officers in one week to other municipalities due solely to compensation concerns and the need to support their families. o Mr. Heyward stated that the plan proposes a five-year implementation, with FY 27 focused on salary increases, and that the cost is modest compared to the ongoing expense of repeatedly recruiting and training new officers. o Mr. Heyward stated that funding for the plan could come from automated enforcement revenues and regardless of funding source, the city must maintain a police force to meet community expectations and service demands. o Mr. Heyward estimated the total cost of the proposed plan at $500,000, as outlined in the five-year plan. o Mr. Heyward stated that the proposed salaries align with those recommended in the compensation study and fall near the midpoint of comparable municipalities. o Mr. Heyward stated that the goal is not to lead the region in salaries but to remain competitive enough to retain officers. o Mr. Heyward stated that the plan was developed with input from HR consultants and includes staff interviews conducted by an HR firm to ensure the recommendations reflect officer needs rather than personal opinion. o Mr. Heyward stated that the report was shared with prior HR leadership and acknowledged that current HR staff are still reviewing it due to its length. Page 12 of 14 Docusign Envelope ID: 320B582A-053D-4FAE-AF7C-A5307E2C730B o Mr. Heyward stated that the officer with 19 years of service deserves appropriate recognition and compensation. Motion to Approve the Seat Pleasant Police Department Recruitment and Retention Plan Motion by Shireka McCarthy, seconded by Gerald Raynor Sr. Motion Carried Yes: Monica Higgs, Gerald Raynor Sr, Shireka McCarthy, Ashley Kearney, Garry A Jones 7.2 Approval of the Opioid Abatement Plan o Ms. Logan stated that the Opioid Abatement Plan is required by the State for the city to receive both state funding and additional funding from Opioid distributors. o Ms. Logan explained that the purpose of the plan is to reduce overdose deaths and connect individuals and families in the Seat Pleasant community with treatment, education, and harm-reduction resources. o Ms. Logan stated the four objectives of the plan: • Increase the ability of first responders, youth, and community members to intervene in opioid overdose emergencies. • Help prevent and reduce the number of overdose deaths in the Seat Pleasant community. • Increase awareness of available community resources. • Connect individuals affected by opioid use and addiction with local treatment centers. o Ms. Logan stated that the plan will be implemented by the Police Department through educational and training programs. o Ms. Logan stated that funding to support the plan will come from opioid distributors, with additional funding provided by the State. o Ms. Logan stated that the plan must be approved before the end of the month for the city to qualify for and receive additional state grant funding. Motion to Approve the Opioid Abatement Plan Motion by Ashley Kearney, second by Garry A Jones. Final Resolution: Motion Carried Yes: Monica Higgs, Gerald Raynor Sr, Shireka McCarthy, Ashley Kearney, Garry A Jones 8. ANNOUNCEMENTS 8.1 Vision Board Party, Saturday, January 10, 2026, Seat Pleasant Activity Center, 5720 Addison Rd., Seat Pleasant, MD at 12:00p.m. 8.2 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. Page 13 of 14 Docusign Envelope ID: 320B582A-053D-4FAE-AF7C-A5307E2C730B 8.3 448th Maryland General Assembly Convenes, Wednesday, January 14, 2026, at 12 Noon MML reception at 6:00pm. 8.4 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. 8.5 Public Session, Monday, February 9, 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. 8.6 Regular Work Session, Monday, March 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. 8.7 Public Session, Monday, March 9, 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. 8.8 2026 NLC Congressional City Conference will take place from March 16-18, 2026, in Washington, D.C. 9. CLOSING 9.1 Councilmember Jones gave the closing prayer. 10. ADJOURNMENT 10.1 The Meeting adjourned at 8:30pm Respectfully submitted, Dashaun N. Ball, CPM, MMC City Clerk Page 14 of 14