City Council

Docusign Envelope ID: 5A14F3CA-D47F-4C60-97CE-CAB59AE5A847 MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL CITY OF SEAT PLEASANT PUBLIC SESSION MONDAY, JANUARY 12, 2026 7:00 P.M. 1. OPENING 1.1. Call to Order Council President Higgs called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.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., and Councilmember Kizzie Scott Staff: Dashaun Ball, City Clerk, Michael Barber, EJD Director, Carlah Crump, Deputy City Clerk, Ashley Drakeford, Public Engagement Manager, 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 Gerald Raynor Sr, second by Shireka McCarthy. Final Resolution: Motion Carried Yes: Monica Higgs, Gerald Raynor Sr, Kizzie Scott, Shireka McCarthy, Ashley Kearney, Garry A Jones 1.5 Approval of Closed Session Meeting Minutes for Monday, November 17, 2025 Motion to Approve Closed Session Meeting Minutes for Monday, November 17, 2025 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 Abstain: Kizzie Scott 1.6 Approval of Regular Work Session Meeting Minutes for Monday, December 1, 2025 Motion to Approve Regular Work Session Meeting Minutes for Monday, December 1, 2025 Motion by Gerald Raynor Sr, second by Garry A Jones. Final Resolution: Motion Carried Yes: Monica Higgs, Gerald Raynor Sr, Shireka McCarthy, Ashley Kearney, Garry A Jones Page 1 of 8 Docusign Envelope ID: 5A14F3CA-D47F-4C60-97CE-CAB59AE5A847 Abstain: Kizzie Scott 1.7 Approval of Public Work Session Meeting Minutes for Monday, December 8, 2025 Motion to Approve Public Work Session Meeting Minutes for Monday, December 8, 2025 Motion by Shireka McCarthy, second by Gerald Raynor Sr. Final Resolution: Motion Carried Yes: Monica Higgs, Gerald Raynor Sr, Shireka McCarthy, Ashley Kearney, Garry A Jones Abstain: Kizzie Scott 2. CITIZEN COMMENTS 2.1 Ms. Robinson, Resident of Seat Pleasant, Ms. Robinson stated the following: • Ms. Robinson stated that an incident occurred at her home involving her and her daughter. She had to call the police twice during the incident. Officers Lee and Fowler responded. Officer Fowler was identified as one of the newer officers. • Ms. Robinson stated that she felt uneasy that instead of writing down her driver’s license number and personal information, Officer Fowler took a photograph of her physical driver’s license. She stated that in a previous incident at her home, the officers did not take a picture of her license, only wrote down the information and because of this, she questioned why her license needed to be photographed. • Ms. Robinson stated that she wanted this concern to be put on record and that if her picture or driver’s license information is ever used for anything illegal, she will pursue consequences against the City of Seat Pleasant Police Department. • Steven Franco written comment was read for the record. 3. PRESENTATION 3.1 None. 4. LEGISLATION 4.1. None. 5. REPORTS 5.1 Kelly Porter, Mayor Report: • Mayor Porter stated that his report for December can be viewed on BoardDocs. • Councilmember McCarthy asked the mayor when the Council could expect to receive information from the meeting held on December 29 with County Executive Aisha Braveboy. • Mayor Porter stated that he will have their clerk provide the meeting notes from the meeting. 5.2 Monica Higgs, Council President Report, Ward I • Council President Higgs stated that the report is in BoardDocs. 5.3 Demetrious Harris, Interim City Manager Report o Mr. Harris stated his report can be viewed in BoardDocs. o Councilmember Jones requested to read a letter for the record: Page 2 of 8 Docusign Envelope ID: 5A14F3CA-D47F-4C60-97CE-CAB59AE5A847 • Councilmember Jones requested to read a statement into the record to express appreciation for Mr. Harris as his service as Interim City Manager comes to a close. The statement included the following: o Councilmember Jones personally and sincerely thanked Mr. Harris for his leadership and dedication to the city. o Councilmember Jones stated that Mr. Harris fulfilled the role with humility, professionalism, and a clear commitment to serving the residents of Seat Pleasant. o Councilmember Jones recognized that Mr. Harris’s leadership provided stability, direction, and reassurance to residents, staff, and the Council. o Councilmember Jones acknowledged that the role required personal sacrifice, long hours, and tough decisions. o Councilmember Jones stated that Mr. Harris’s willingness to embrace the responsibilities demonstrated his character and dedication to public service. o Councilmember Jones stated that because of Mr. Harris’s efforts, the City’s work continued with integrity, accountability, and care. o Councilmember Jones thanked Mr. Harris for answering the call to serve the residents of Seat Pleasant. o Councilmember Jones thanked him for his leadership, dedication, and commitment to the City’s progress. o Councilmember Jones wished Mr. Harris continued success and many blessings as he moves forward. 6. NEW BUSINESS 6.1. Approval of Appointment of Ryan Walters to the Ethics Commission. Motion to approve Ryan Walters to the Ethics Commission. • Councilmember McCarthy inquired about the talks about not allowing individuals to serve on more than committee. • Council President Higgs stated that she inquired with Clerk’s department on this matter and was informed that the only prohibitions are when a person is serving on the Personnel Appeals Board. • Councilmember McCarthy stated that moving forward applications to be placed in executive content only. Motion by Shireka McCarthy, second by Garry A Jones. Final Resolution: Motion Carried Yes: Gerald Raynor Sr, Kizzie Scott, Shireka McCarthy, Ashley Kearney, Garry A Jones No: Monica Higgs • Councilmember Jones recommended that once any resident is voted in for a position, they should attend the next public session so that both the residents and the Council have an opportunity to meet them. • Council President Higgs inquired about who is currently serving on board. Page 3 of 8 Docusign Envelope ID: 5A14F3CA-D47F-4C60-97CE-CAB59AE5A847 • Ms. Ball stated with this appointment will make the board complete with five (5) members: 1. Ms. Chawleen Perry- Smith (Ward 3) 2. Mr. William Henderson (Ward 2) 3. Dr. Patrice Copeland (Ward 1) 4. Mr. Ryan Walters (Ward 1) 5. Ms. Barbara Stewart (Ward 5). 6.2 Approval of Appointment of Ryan Walters to the Economic, Planning and Growth Advisory Commission Motion to approve Ryan Walters to Economic Planning and Growth Advisory Commission Motion by Shireka McCarthy, second by Garry A Jones. Final Resolution: Motion Carried Yes: Monica Higgs, Gerald Raynor Sr, Kizzie Scott, Shireka McCarthy, Ashley Kearney, Garry A Jones • Council President Higgs inquired about who is on this Commission. • Ms. Ball replied that Ryan Walters would be the first person. • Councilmember Scott inquired whether the individual being considered had expressed interest in serving on any specific committee. • Mayor Porter stated that he would like the individuals to serve on other committees, but it has been difficult to find residents willing to serve. This is why he issued the public plea for participation and emphasized that the applicants under consideration are the only ones who responded. 6.3 Approval of Appointment of Ryan Walters to the Charter Review Committee Motion to approve the Appointment of Ryan Walters to the Charter Review Committee. Motion by Shireka McCarthy, second by Gerald Raynor Sr. Final Resolution: Motion Carried Yes: Monica Higgs, Gerald Raynor Sr, Kizzie Scott, Shireka McCarthy, Ashley Kearney, Garry A Jones Approval of Appointment of Ryan Walters to the Charter Review Committee • Councilmember Scott inquired if there is a Chair for the Committee and will there be one. • Council President Higgs stated that no one is on the Committee and that all Committee will have a Chair. 6.4 Approval of Appointment Robert Wood to the Charter Review Committee Motion to approve the appointment of Robert Wood to the Charter Review Committee Motion by Shireka McCarthy, second by Garry A Jones. Final Resolution: Motion Carried Page 4 of 8 Docusign Envelope ID: 5A14F3CA-D47F-4C60-97CE-CAB59AE5A847 Yes: Monica Higgs, Gerald Raynor Sr, Kizzie Scott, Shireka McCarthy, Ashley Kearney, Garry A Jones 6.5 Approval of Appointment of Brianna Meadows to the Charter Review Committee Approval of Appointment of Brianna Meadows to the Charter Review Committee Motion by Shireka McCarthy, second by Gerald Raynor Sr. Final Resolution: Motion Carried Yes: Monica Higgs, Gerald Raynor Sr, Kizzie Scott, Shireka McCarthy, Ashley Kearney, Garry A Jones • Councilmember McCarthy exercised a point of personal privilege, and the Governmental Affairs and Technology committee was behind the effort. • Councilmember McCarthy stated that the committee invested significant time and effort, holding numerous meetings with substantial discussion. • She stated that the Council agreed that operational efficiency is one of its priorities. • She stated that achieving operational efficiency requires a governing document that is efficient and makes sense. • She explained that establishing the Charter Review Committee is the first step toward having a government truly run by the people. • She expressed appreciation to the three (3) new members of the Charter Review Committee. • She thanked the Council, the Mayor, and the Government Affairs and Technology Committee for their support and contributions. • She stated that the committee needs additional members, noting that: o The full membership is ten (10). o A quorum requires seven members (7) and four (4) more members are needed. • She issued a public plea for interested residents to sign up for the Charter Review Committee. • She stated that information can be provided to interested applicants, or they may reach out to the mayor directly. • She thanked the Government Affairs and Technology Committee, the new committee members, the mayor, and the Council. • Councilmember Jones inquired about the stipends being provided by the Ethics Commission and wanted to know if there are other committees that receive stipends? • Ms. Ball stated that there are four committees that receive stipends. • Mayor Porter thanked the Government Affairs Committee for creating detailed rubric to vet committee applicants. • Mayor Porter stated that the rubric helped identify several qualified individuals who will be valuable moving forward. Page 5 of 8 Docusign Envelope ID: 5A14F3CA-D47F-4C60-97CE-CAB59AE5A847 • Mayor Porter reiterated the continued need for resident participation on City committees. • Mayor Porter encouraged the public and Councilmembers to recruit additional volunteers. • Mayor Porter acknowledged the challenge residents face when volunteering without compensation or recognition. • Mayor Porter stated that he plans to bring forward a proposal during the budget process to explore stipends or other forms of recognition for committee service. 7. UNFINISHED BUSINESS 7.1. Approval of 20743 Coalition Bylaws and Budget • Mr. Maurcus Robinson provided an update regarding the 20743 Coalition bylaws. During the final 20743 Coalition meeting held in October 2025, the bylaws were presented to the full body, or to all members who were able to attend. • Several coalition members recommended adjustments to the language, particularly to strengthen transparency regarding processes occurring during Joint Planning Committee (JPC) meetings. • Additional recommendations were made concerning the operation of JPC subcommittees, including matters related to communications and budget and financial processes. • Further updates involved clarifying the section on municipal contributions, specifically: o The City of Seat Pleasant suggested including language requiring that municipal contributions be held in a single joint bank account. o This account would allow community partners to invoice funds for work carried out in alignment with the 20743 Coalition’s wants to see. • Mr. Robinson stated that these points represent the updates reflected in the revised bylaws language. • Councilmember Jones inquired about how often the JPC meets and the dates. • Mr. Robinson stated that the JPC meets once a month and the entire body of the 20743 Coalition we aim to meet quarterly. • Mr. Robinson stated that the coalition typically schedules upcoming meeting dates during the 20743 Coalition meeting. He noted that at the most recent meeting, a new full convening date for the Coalition had not yet been set. However, the JPC continues to operate on its recurring meeting schedule, which can be provided if needed. • Mr. Robinson stated that the full 20743 Coalition meeting of 2026 could take place in the next few months, following the completion of several ongoing tasks. These tasks include the renewal of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), finalizing the updated bylaws, and completing the budget. He explained that these items must be finalized in order for the coalition to move forward with renewing the MOU for another year of collaborative work. • Councilmember Higgs stated that the JPC typically meets on the second Wednesday of every month. • Councilmember Higgs stated that full 20743 Coalition meetings are held quarterly, with the schedule varying depending on availability. She noted that some meetings occur on weekends and others on weekdays, and that the most recent full coalition meeting was held virtually on a Saturday morning. • Councilmember Jones inquired about the budget period. Page 6 of 8 Docusign Envelope ID: 5A14F3CA-D47F-4C60-97CE-CAB59AE5A847 • Motion to approve the 20743 Coalition Bylaws and Budget • • 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 • No: Kizzie Scott 8. ANNOUNCEMENTS 8.1 448th Maryland General Assembly Convenes, Wednesday, January 14, 2026, at noon. 8.2 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. 8.3 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. 8.4 Talk About It Tuesday, Tuesday, February 17, 2026, South Pride Seafood, 6224 Central Ave., Seat Peasant, MD 20743. from 6:00p.m.-8:00p.m. • Councilmember McCarthy encouraged residents to attend the upcoming discussion. She noted that while there will be some new information presented, some material will be familiar to those who have attended previous sessions. She added that the budget will definitely be discussed and expressed hope that residents will participate. 8.5 African American Read-In, Thursday, February 26, 2026, Seat Peasant Activity Center, 5720 Addison Rd., Seat Pleasant, MD 20743. Time: - 5:30p-8:00pm • Councilmember Kearney announced that the upcoming event will be an early evening activity. • Councilmember Kearney stated that the event is planned by residents, particularly youth leading the community’s literacy initiative. • She explained that part of the event will include the African American Read-In, established by the Black Caucus of the National Council of Teachers of English to emphasize literacy during Black History Month. • Councilmember Kearney stated that last year the city launched the library at Goodwin Park during Black Children’s Book Week, and this year’s event will combine both efforts. • Councilmember Kearney stated that the event is designed to engage participants of all ages and promote a community-wide focus on reading. • Councilmember Kearney stated that the event will include multiple activity stations, including: o opportunities for participants to record themselves and bring stories to life using AI and storytelling tools, o opportunities to meet authors, Page 7 of 8 Docusign Envelope ID: 5A14F3CA-D47F-4C60-97CE-CAB59AE5A847 o spaces for participants to create art inspired by books, and o opportunities to donate curated books that support and center Black children. o Councilmember Kearney emphasized that the event aims to celebrate literacy, creativity, and community involvement. 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. • Councilmember McCarthy encouraged the Mayor and Council to participate in the reception on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, at the Calvert House. There are a lot of changes taking place within our delegation. • Councilmember Jones reminded the Council and residents about the upcoming public informational workshop hosted by the State Highway Administration: o The workshop will take place tomorrow, Tuesday, January 13, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Central High School. o SHA will be discussing plans for redeveloping Central Avenue from Southern Avenue to Ritchie Road. o Once funding is secured, SHA anticipates beginning construction or implementing changes in 2028 and that SHA will be available at Central High School, as they were last year, to explain the proposed changes and answer questions. • PGCMA meeting will be held on Thursday, January 15, 2026. 9. CLOSING: 9.1 The closing invocation was given by Councilmember Jones. 10. AJOURN 10.1 The meeting adjourned at 7:57. Submitted by, Dashaun N. Ball, CPM, MMC City Clerk Page 8 of 8