City Council

Docusign Envelope ID: AE0428E9-532F-4D0C-9BA7-F1CA177AACB8 MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL CITY OF SEAT PLEASANT PUBLIC SESSION MONDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2026 7:00P.M. 1. OPENING 1.1.1 Call to Order Council President Higgs called the meeting to order at 7:01p.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., and Councilmember Kizzie Scott, Councilmember Aretha Stephenson Staff: Dashaun N. Ball, City Clerk, Michael Barber, EJD Director, Ashley Drakeford, Public Engagement Manager, Angela French-Bell, City Manager, Demetrious Harris, Chief of Police, 1.3. Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance- Councilmember Jones gave the invocation. 1.4 Approval of Agenda Motion by Gerald Raynor Sr, second by Aretha Stephenson. Final Resolution: Motion Carried Yes: Monica Higgs, Garry A Jones, Ashley Kearney, Shireka McCarthy, Gerald Raynor Sr, Aretha Stephenson No: Kizzie Scott 1.5 Approval of Regular Work Session Meeting Minutes for Monday, January 5, 2026 Motion to Approve Regular Work Session Meeting Minutes for Monday, January 5, 2026. Motion by Aretha Stephenson, second by Gerald Raynor Sr. Final Resolution: Motion Carried Yes: Monica Higgs, Garry A Jones, Ashley Kearney, Shireka McCarthy, Gerald Raynor Sr, Aretha Stephenson Abstain: Kizzie Scott Page 1 of 9 Docusign Envelope ID: AE0428E9-532F-4D0C-9BA7-F1CA177AACB8 1.6 Approval of Public Work Session Meeting Minutes for Monday, January 12, 2026 Motion to Approve Public Session Meeting Minutes for Monday, January 12, 2026. Motion by Aretha Stephenson, second by Gerald Raynor Sr. Final Resolution: Motion Carried Yes: Monica Higgs, Garry A Jones, Ashley Kearney, Shireka McCarthy, Gerald Raynor Sr, Aretha Stephenson Abstain: Kizzie Scott 1.7 Approval of Special Session Meeting Minutes for Wednesday, January 21, 2026 Motion to approve Special Session Meeting Minutes for Wednesday, January 21, 2026. Motion by Gerald Raynor Sr, second by Aretha Stephenson. Final Resolution: Motion Carried Yes: Monica Higgs, Garry A Jones, Ashley Kearney, Shireka McCarthy, Gerald Raynor Sr Abstain: Kizzie Scott, Aretha Stephenson 1.8 Approval of Closed Session Meeting Minutes for Wednesday, January 21, 2026 Motion to approve Closed Session Meeting Minutes for Wednesday, January 21, 2026. Motion by Aretha Stephenson, second by Gerald Raynor Sr. Motion Carried Yes: Monica Higgs, Garry A Jones, Ashley Kearney, Shireka McCarthy, Gerald Raynor Sr Abstain: Kizzie Scott, Aretha Stephenson 2. CITIZEN COMMENTS o Stephen Sturdivant stated that he would like to know the city’s preparation for the snow and the execution for the snow once it started to fall, and the week after. They were informed to move their vehicles and park in the driveway, and everyone removed their cars except for the homes at the end of the block, they should have been able to plow curb to curb, and this was not done. o Mr. Barber, EJD Director, stated that the plan has the residents to park on the even side, but unfortunately, all residents did Page 2 of 9 Docusign Envelope ID: AE0428E9-532F-4D0C-9BA7-F1CA177AACB8 not comply, and they had contractors and they decided to plow down the middle of the street. We did not want to tow the car, and for this work, everyone needed to move the cars. o Mayor Porter stated that Mr. Barber explained the plan effectively, and this was unusual circumstances to address the ice storm, and the city will have an alternate plan to address this issue in the future. We are still addressing the rigid temperature. o Councilmember Jones stated that he wanted to thank Mr. Barber and his team for clearing the streets and most of the county streets are not plowed, and the contractor cleared the curbs in three days. Some of the state roads are still not plowed, and I thank the EJD staff who did not go home for three or four days during the storm. 3. PRESENTATION 3.1 Central Avenue-Blue/Silver Line Sector Plan and Sectional Mao Amendment Project Update-Elena Perry and William Skibinaki Mr. Skibinski, Elena Perry, Mr. McClune, Project Supervisor o Mr. Skibinski stated that the Sector Plan area details the blackline on the map for the Central Avenue Blue/Silver Line with Seat Pleasant being shown in Orange, and the Town of Capitol Heights in Yellow with few metro stations. o Ms. Perry stated that the team attended events and handed out information, and they hosted a pop-up event, and they heard the need for the grocery store and activities for seniors and youth. o Ms. Perry identified the key policy recommendations Land Use, Economic Prosperity, Transportation and Mobility and Natural Environment, Housing and neighborhoods, community heritage, culture and design, health communities, and public facilities. o Ms. Perry stated that the vision and focus with Addison Road-Seat Pleasant vision Statement-The area surrounding the metro station can be surrounded by mixed use with retail and promoting multi transportation. o MD 704 MLK Hwy-three to four mixed use buildings with retail and compared to the metro station, anchored by public parks, and tree planting and extended the WB&A to DC will enhance the transportation. o Mr. Skibinski provided the implementation plan and the proposed zoning changes. Page 3 of 9 Docusign Envelope ID: AE0428E9-532F-4D0C-9BA7-F1CA177AACB8 o The rezoning changes that will affect seat pleasant AG to ROS, change forty-seven to IE to CN, Change 52-RSF-65 to ROS. The master planned Roadways width, lane configuration, parking, and bike lanes. Pedestrian and cyclist facilities bike lanes will be painted red and new crosswalks and sidewalks. Potential Placemaking Activation Sites to create public engagement spaces. o Recommended New Parks, Recreation and Open Space: Park connecting Capitol Heights Metro to Town Hall, the parks are designed to connect Central Avenue trail across the corridor, connect a path to Addison Plaza Station. o The joint public hearing is scheduled for March 10, 2026, and the planning Board adoption in Spring and Council adoption to mid late fall of 2026. o Ms. Rhoda inquired if there will be consideration to change the northeast quadrant to change the designation from LTOC to LTOE to provide residential mixed use. o Mr. Skibinski stated that any rezoning not included in the plan, they will take any testimony provided and take a look and make recommendations to the council and the ultimate decision is the County Council and the approval of the plan. They need to allow the process to continue. o Keyana Simmons-Inquired about any plans to attract businesses to the hire and any incentives to hire residents to the business once they are established. o Mr. Skibinski stated that they have the desire to attract local businesses and there are taxes breaks available to local businesses to attract and retain local businesses in the area. o Ms. Keyanna Simmons stated that there are plans to diversify the businesses in the area to avoid carry-outs and the same businesses. o Mr. Skibinski stated that zoning determines the type of business that can be approved for the area but cannot approve of the type of business. o Councilmember Stephenson requested the traffic calm for the busy highway to provide safety and control traffic. o Mr. Skibinski stated that the plan does not detail everything that will happen, but the SHA is looking to conduct a road diet and decrease the number of lanes on central avenue to dedicate and protect bikers and pedestrians and new paths for pedestrians and cyclists. Page 4 of 9 Docusign Envelope ID: AE0428E9-532F-4D0C-9BA7-F1CA177AACB8 o Mr. Sturdivant stated that he could not follow the Economic redevelopment at Capitol Heights Metro was included in the process and Addison Road-Seat Pleasant Metro is a heavily traveled area for pedestrians and wanted to know if a bridge would be built. o Mr. Skibinski stated that the idea of the bridge was floated but not considered, and there is a chapter focus area that will review each station and provide visions, policy, and strategies with urban planning. WMATA is leading the plans at Capitol height station. the bridge will require municipal support, SHA, and MDOT it will be a lot of agency and coordination for this to happen. o Mr. McClune stated that the preliminary plan captures what the city and the residents wanted to see. He encouraged the attendance at the March 10th meeting to submit a document in writing, and they are required to respond. o Ms. Perry stated that it is in the plan to look into the bridge, but it will take a lot of coordination and funding to make this happen. o Councilmember Jones inquired if there will be any existing homes or buildings that will be impacted. o Mr. Skibinski stated that there will not be an immediate or eminent domain impact, but letters were provided to share rezoning information. o Councilmember Jones inquired about the plan for the Addison-Seat Pleasant Parking garage, as the garage is not being used. o Mr. Skibinski stated that the garage is under WMATA, and as the parking diet at Capitol Heights maybe shifted to Addison-Seat Pleasant Metro. o Councilmember Jones stated that there were three zoning changes on page 19 for city owned land, the location and time for the joint planning meeting on March 10, 2026, will be at the Wayne Curry Building at 6:00pm. o Mr. Skibinski stated that the project plan can be viewed and downloaded on the project site. 67th and Baltic zone change thirty- four, change forty-seven is properties on the Southern side of MLK, and change 52 Goodwin Park that will reduce development potential. o Councilmember Raynor inquired about the address of the March 10th meeting 1301 McCormick Dr, Largo, MD. o Councilmember Raynor inquired who developed the plan? o Mr. McClune stated that the staff, mayors, and residents developed the plan. o Councilmember Raynor inquired about the trail? Page 5 of 9 Docusign Envelope ID: AE0428E9-532F-4D0C-9BA7-F1CA177AACB8 o Ms. Perry stated that the Central Avenue Connected trail will be multiple trails to connect the metro stations and community gathering spaces and Park and Recreation is designing the trails. The Chesapeake Trail will be included. o Councilmember Jones inquired if they could provide the residents and the council with the department of planning role is to determine the type of retail that can go whereas it is based upon the zoning. We have gas station and duplication of retail, and we have too many gas stations or storage units. o Mr. McCune stated that there are two different things, the master plan provides the tools and legislative ease to develop by right, and we cannot state in the plan to not allow a specific business, and this is a group effort of the county, the mayor and council to attract healthy business options with a variety of business to serve the community. It is the residents, and the city to hold EDC and County Council accountable to attract the businesses and make this happen. o Councilmember Kearney thanked them for sharing the plan and inquired if Dean Turnbull is still employed with them, as he stated that there is one million allocated for park renovations. o Ms. Perry stated that it is coordinated with the Parks Department, but they do not have any information to share on the improvement in the parks. o Ms. Keyana Simmons inquired about securing the funding to ensure that the plan is seen through fruition consistent funding. o Mr. Skibinski stated that this is an all-hands-on deck working with community association, and they are going to have a plan oversight committee, funding grants with the coordination of various property owners and consolidating parcels and looking for potential mixed-use development. The funding is looking everywhere from tax breaks, grants, smaller scale projects and retail area, and capital improvement programs, and a developer to invest in the community. Working with the community, municipalities, EDC, County and obtaining funding from the County, Federal funding to private investors. o Mr. McCune stated that the plan has hundreds of actions that they want to develop and they can guide the city in getting it the CIP and taking ownership of the plan hundreds of it down. He encouraged the city and the residents to continue to communicate with the project team. o Mr. McCune stated that he cares deeply about the community and the area is small, but it is most important to the gateway, and he Page 6 of 9 Docusign Envelope ID: AE0428E9-532F-4D0C-9BA7-F1CA177AACB8 encourages the council and residents not to miss the opportunity to testify, and they need the city support to make sure this is an important plan. o Councilmember Stephenson inquired if they could do advertisements to assist the city in attracting some businesses. o Mr. McCune stated that there are elements in the plan to attract businesses and they have a place making sections to assist with activating spaces. They will be absolute to assist with advertising. o Mayor Porter stated he appreciated the presentation for the Central Avenue corridor, and we will continue to be at the helm to push the projects through and we are ready to make movement now. 4. LEGISLATION 4.1. Ordinance O-26-11 Amendment of Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Budget for Police Department Salary Increase and City Clerk Professional Development Increase 2nd Reading. Ordinance O-26-11 Amendment of Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Budget for Police Department Salary Increase and City Clerk Professional Development Increase was introduced Monday, February 2, 2026, and read by the City Clerk. Motion to Approve Ordinance O-26-11 o Motion by Shireka McCarthy, second by Gerald Raynor Sr. o Final Resolution: Motion Carried o Yes: Monica Higgs, Garry A Jones, Ashley Kearney, Shireka McCarthy, Gerald Raynor Sr o No: Kizzie Scott o Abstain: Aretha Stephenson 5. REPORTS 5.1 Kelly Porter, Mayor Report: o Mayor Porter stated that the report can be viewed in BoardDocs and he would like to say a special thank you to the staff, Public Works and other staff that assisted with the weather event. o Mayor Porter stated that we had a lot of shifts in the electoral district in the county, state and towns, and people do not know who their representatives are, and we can do a better job with providing the information to the citizens. Activity is what will help us learn how they will operate. We need to be on the fast track while learning to get what we want. Page 7 of 9 Docusign Envelope ID: AE0428E9-532F-4D0C-9BA7-F1CA177AACB8 5.2 Council President Report- Council President Monica Higgs, Councilmember Ward I o Councilmember President Higgs stated that the report can be viewed in BoardDocs with one change of the meeting with Councilmember Stephenson and the City Clerk was held on February 5, 2026. 5.3 Demetrious Harris, Interim City Manager o Mr. Harris stated that the report can viewed in BoardDocs, and he can answer any questions. o Mayor Porter stated that he wanted to say Welcome to the new parties Councilmember Stephenson and the new City Manager Ms. French- Bell. He set in on meetings, and they hit the ground running. o Mayor Porter thanked Mr. Harris for all that he did with the parties that he brought on. 4 6. NEW BUSINESS 6.1. None 7. UNFINISHED BUSINESS 7.1. None 8. ANNOUNCEMENTS 8.1 Councilmember McCarthy is hosting "Talk About It Tuesday" on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, South Pride Seafood, 6224 Central Ave., Seat Pleasant, MD 20743, from 6:00pm-8:00pm CM McCarthy stated that this will be heavy on the budget discussion. 8.2 Councilmember Kearney is hosting an "African American Read-In and Black Children" on Thursday, February 26, 2026, Seat Pleasant Activity Center, 5720 Addison Rd., Seat Pleasant, MD 20743, from 5:30pm-7:30pm CM Kearney stated that the reading is for all ages and registration is online. 8.3 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. 8.4 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. Page 8 of 9 Docusign Envelope ID: AE0428E9-532F-4D0C-9BA7-F1CA177AACB8 8.5 2026 NLC Congressional City Conference will take place from March 16-18, 2026, in Washington, D.C. 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