College Park public meetings in 2022

Tree & Landscape Board

The Board approved the meeting agenda and the November meeting minutes. Members reviewed and approved progress on the draft annual report, which is to be finalized by December 31st.

• Approved December 19, 2022 agenda (Unanimous)
• Approved November meeting minutes as amended (Unanimous)
• Approved work on the annual report (5-0-0)

Housing Authority

The Board confirmed Arelis Perez as Chairperson and Robert Catlin as Vice Chairperson for FY 2023. The Board also approved the November 30, 2022 financial reports and the November 17, 2022 meeting minutes.

• Confirmed Arelis Perez as Chairperson for FY 2023 (consensus)
• Confirmed Robert Catlin as Vice Chairperson for FY 2023 (consensus)
• Approved November 30, 2022 financial reports (4-0)
• Approved November 17, 2022 meeting minutes (4-0)
• Scheduled Executive Director evaluation meeting for December 18, 2022 (consensus)
• Approved December 15, 2022 agenda (unanimous)

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Tribute Committee

The Committee detailed the 2023 event theme, panelist lineup, and program schedule. Plans were established for a children's book giveaway and a January food drive at City Hall.

• Approved December 14, 2022 agenda (4-0-0)
• Approved November 9, 2022 meeting minutes (4-0-0)
• Set 2023 event theme as 'Urgency of Now One Community, One Love'
• Selected panelists: Dr. Karen Dorsey, Dr. Adam Payne, Kenny Young, and Ram Surendren
• Approved distribution of books 'Martin’s Big Words', 'We March', and 'Gandhi, Ikeda, and King' in January
• Scheduled food drive to run from January 1st through the end of the month

Bee City USA

The committee approved the annual report and work plan to be sent to City Council. Members reviewed the submission of the Mayor’s Monarch Pledge renewal and noted the City Council's approval of a No Mow Month resolution and funding for five bee hotels.

• Approved agenda (5-0-0)
• Approved November 9, 2022 minutes (5-0-0)
• Approved annual report and work plan for submission to City Council (5-0-0)

Mayor & City Council

The Council renewed the cable franchise agreement with Comcast and approved the installation of speed humps on Branchville Road. They also updated the City Ethics Code to comply with state law and approved several grants for local fire departments. A proposed ordinance to increase the City Manager's contract awarding limit was postponed.

• Approved renewal of cable franchise for Comcast of Maryland, LLC (7-0)
• Approved installation of speed hump(s) on Branchville Road (7-0)
• Adopted Ordinance 22-O-12 to update City Ethics Code per state law (7-0)
• Approved $75,000 in FY2023 Fire Department Capital Equipment Grants (7-0)
• Approved $150,000 in ARPA funded grants for three fire departments (7-0)
• Authorized $254,585 contract amendment with Hitachi Vantara for utility poles and cameras (7-0)
• Approved letter to EPA supporting findings on leaded aviation fuel dangers (7-0)
• Postponed Ordinance 22-O-11 regarding purchasing procedure dollar limits (6-0-1)

Animal Welfare Committee

The committee approved a letter requesting the Mayor and City Council grant honorary membership to Kennis Termini. Members also accepted the meeting agenda and the amended minutes from October 27, 2022.

• Approved agenda (7-0-0)
• Approved amended October 27, 2022 minutes (6-1-0)
• Approved motion to submit letter for Kennis Termini's honorary membership (7-0-0)

Mayor & City Council

The Council agreed to move the consent agenda to the front of meetings and add council comments to the end of every agenda. Several items, including a security camera expansion and a 'No Mow' month resolution, were referred to next week's consent agenda. A proposal for city-wide online tutoring was referred back to a future worksession.

• Removed Revitalization Tax Credit from agenda (8-0)
• Approved amended agenda (8-0)
• Consensus to move Consent Agenda to the front of meetings
• Consensus to add Council Comments to the end of every agenda
• Consensus to utilize a hybrid agenda for all meetings
• Consensus to schedule Council vote immediately following Public Hearings
• Removed 'principles of the Maryland Advocates for Sustainable Transportation' and 'Discussion of a Human Relations Commission' from Master List
• Adjourned into Closed Session to discuss City Manager's evaluation (8-0)

Advisory Planning Commission

The Advisory Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on a variance application to convert an attic into livable space, creating a 2.5-story dwelling at 4806 Harvard Road. The commission will also vote on the draft 2022 Annual Report and receive an update on development activity. The meeting includes routine procedural items such as agenda approval, minutes approval, and public remarks.

• CPV-2022-05: Variances to convert attic into livable space at 4806 Harvard Road (applicants: Quintin and Charlota Jones)
• Approve Draft 2022 Annual Report
• Update on Development Activity

Education Advisory Committee

The Committee approved two grant applications for local schools. One grant supports afterschool meals and the other funds field trips and assemblies.

• Approved $2,250 grant to College Park Academy for afterschool free and reduced lunches (5-1-1)
• Approved $8,000 grant to Paint Branch Elementary for field trips and assemblies (6-0-1)
• Approved October 17, 2022 meeting minutes (5-0-2)

Restorative Justice Commission

The Commission approved the October 27, 2022, meeting minutes. Members received a research presentation on the historic designation assessment timeline and process for the Lakeland community. Committee reports detailed ongoing efforts regarding truth and reconciliation, community engagement, and transformative justice.

• Approved October 27, 2022, meeting minutes (12-0-0)

Tree & Landscape Board

The Tree and Landscape Board overturned a denial to allow the removal of a Southern Magnolia tree. The owner must plant two replacement trees within one year. The Board also approved the October meeting minutes.

• Approved removal of Southern Magnolia tree (5-0-0)
• Required planting of two replacement trees within 1 year (5-0-0)
• Approved October 19, 2022 meeting minutes as amended (Unanimous)
• Decided not to submit a Municipal Scene article for December

Mayor & City Council

The City Council approved a new redistricting plan for councilmember elections and authorized several infrastructure contracts. An ordinance to approve a Comcast Cable Franchise Agreement was introduced, with a public hearing scheduled for December.

• Adopted redistricting plan 'October Plan 1' (8-0)
• Postponed redistricting 'Map 3A' indefinitely (8-0)
• Approved $152,381.46 contract with Trinity Wiring and Security Solutions for City Garage video security (8-0)
• Approved $138,537 contract amendment with NZI Construction Corporation for Cherokee Street sidewalks (8-0)
• Approved $34,850 contract amendment with Wallace Montgomery for Hollywood Streetscape project (8-0)
• Approved Class C Appointments to the College Park City University Partnership (8-0)
• Introduced Ordinance 22-O-06 to approve Comcast Cable Franchise Agreement (8-0)

Bee City USA

The Bee City Committee approved a presentation for the City Council advocating for No Mow Month to become permanent in College Park. The committee also approved the October 12, 2022, meeting minutes and the current agenda. Members discussed preparations for Good Neighbor Day and the 2023 work plan.

• Approved agenda (7-0-0)
• Approved October 12, 2022, minutes with amendment to American Legion contact name (7-0-0)
• Approved sending updated No Mow Month presentation to City Council packet (7-0-0)

Mayor & City Council

The City Council approved $125,000 in ARPA grants for five food service organizations and awarded hospitality funds to the Cambria Hotel and The Hotel at UMCP. A revised grant for GrillMarx UMD, LLC was approved for $249,999 with a conditional trigger for additional funds. Two ordinances were introduced to update purchasing procedures and the City Ethics Code.

• Approved $25,000 ARPA grants each to five local food service delivery organizations (7-0-1)
• Awarded $150,000 ARPA funds to 8321 College Park Hotel LLC / Cambria Hotel (8-0)
• Awarded $249,999 ARPA funds to GrillMarx UMD, LLC, with $100,001 more conditional on lack of other applicants by Jan 1, 2023 (6-1-1)
• Awarded $300,000 ARPA funds to The Hotel At UMCP, LLC (7-0-1)
• Approved $89,285 emergency expenditure for safety barrier fence at Municipal Parking Garage (8-0)
• Approved $84,393 contract amendment for basketball court at Calvert Hills Playground (8-0)
• Introduced Ordinance 22-O-11 to increase City Manager non-bid contract threshold from $30,000 to $150,000
• Introduced Ordinance 22-O-12 to align City Ethics Code with Maryland Public Ethics Law

Advisory Planning Commission

The College Park Advisory Planning Commission will hold a hybrid meeting to consider a variance application for a home addition and improvements at 9703 52nd Avenue. The commission will also review and discuss the draft 2022 Annual Report and receive an update on development activity. A possible closed session is listed to consult with counsel for legal advice.

• CPV-2022-04: Variance for construction of an addition and improvements at 9703 52nd Avenue (applicants Stevens and Elizabeth Miller)
• Review and discuss the Draft 2022 Annual Report
• Update on Development Activity (see attachment)
• Possible closed session to consult with counsel for legal advice

The Advisory Planning Commission recommended approval of a variance for a front canopy and rear addition at 9703 52nd Avenue. The commission also deferred approval of its 2022 Annual Report until the December meeting. Staff provided an update on the proposed Aviation Landing development in the Discovery District.

• Recommended approval of variance CPV-2022-04 for lot coverage and front yard setback at 9703 52nd Avenue (4-0-0)
• Approved meeting agenda (4-0-0)
• Approved October 6, 2022 minutes (4-0-0)
• Deferred approval of 2022 Annual Report until December meeting

College Park Seniors Committee

The committee approved the meeting agenda and the October 5, 2022, minutes. Members discussed distributing the AARP Livability Draft Plan to Civic Associations for feedback and reviewed aging-in-place strategies presented by Hyattsville Aging in Place. No other substantive policy decisions were made.

• Approved agenda for November 2, 2022 (unanimous)
• Approved October 5, 2022, minutes (unanimous)
• Decided to distribute AARP Livability Draft Plan to Civic Associations and Advisory Boards via email

Mayor & City Council

The Council held a worksession to discuss city events, 2023 legislative priorities, and potential ARPA fund allocations for three hospitality businesses. No final votes were taken on funding or legislative priorities, though three ARPA grant requests were moved to a future agenda.

• Approved amendment to agenda order (8-0)
• Adopted amended agenda (8-0)
• Moved ARPA grant requests for The Hotel, Cambria Hotel, and GrillMarx to next week's agenda
• Added short-term rental regulation to future agenda (8-0)
• Added Roanoke Place and 51st Avenue traffic study to future agenda (8-0)

Housing Authority

The Board approved a $25,000 match for a FEMA grant to build capacity for the College Park Affordable Housing Authority Coalition. The Board also approved September financial reports and a payment to Kelly Associate Services.

• Approved $25K match for FEMA grant (4-0)
• Approved September 30, 2022 financial reports (4-0)
• Approved September 9, 2022 special meeting minutes (4-0)
• Approved September 22, 2022 regular meeting minutes (4-0)
• Approved $9,487.68 invoice for Kelly Associate Services (4-0)

Restorative Justice Commission

The Commission voted to allow Lakeland residents impacted by urban renewal to serve as voting volunteers on committees. The body also established a requirement for the City to allow Commission review of University of Maryland studio plans before enactment. Meeting dates for November and December were adjusted.

• Approved adding Lakelander volunteers to committees (17-0-0)
• Approved September 22, 2022 meeting minutes (15-0-0)
• Moved November meeting to November 17, 2022 (16-1-0)
• Voted to recess for the December meeting (14-3-0)
• Required City to provide Commission opportunity to review and provide feedback on University of Maryland studio plans before enactment (17-0-0)

Animal Welfare Committee

The committee approved the meeting agenda and the minutes from August 25, 2022. Members discussed the hiring of a committee member as a part-time shelter assistant and scheduled upcoming Municipal Scene articles.

• Approved meeting agenda (7-0-0)
• Approved August 25, 2022 minutes (7-1-0)
• Scheduled Rabies/Microchip clinic for November 13 from 10:00am-1:00pm

Mayor & City Council

The City Council introduced two separate redistricting ordinances, 'October Plan 1' and 'Map 3A,' for council member elections. Public hearings for both plans are scheduled for November 15. The Council also approved several advisory board appointments and authorized funding requests for the FY’24 M-NCPPC budget.

• Introduced Redistricting Ordinance 22-O-09 ('October Plan 1')
• Introduced Redistricting Ordinance 22-O-10 ('Map 3A')
• Authorized Mayor to send funding requests to Prince George’s County Planning Board for FY’24 M-NCPPC budget (8-0)
• Appointed Councilmembers Whitney and Rigg to the Community Services Grants and Sponsorships Subcommittee (8-0)
• Approved advisory board appointments for Nikesha Pancho, Isaiah Warfield, Vilay Senthep, Karyn Keating, Woei-Nan Bair, and Brooks Boliek (8-0)
• Approved amendments to City Recreational Facilities and Parks and Recreation Rules and Regulations (8-0)
• Approved minutes from October 5, 2022 Worksession and Special Session (8-0)

Committee for a Better Environment

The committee discussed the upcoming food scrap curbside pickup program, which begins November 15, 2022, with 189 registered applicants. The initial cutoff to apply for the first pickup is November 7. Other updates included the city's recertification as a Sustainable Maryland Silver community, progress on the Better Bag Ordinance, and plans for Good Neighbor Day on November 12. No formal votes were taken on substantive policy changes.

• Approved September 26, 2022 minutes (10-0-0)
• Approved agenda (9-0-0)
• Adjourned meeting (10-0-0)

Redistricting Commission

The Redistricting Commission will meet to review comments provided by the City Council during the October 5, 2022 meeting. The commission will decide on a formal response and determine the next steps for the redistricting process.

• Discussion of Council comments from October 5, 2022
• Decision on Commission response and next steps

Advisory Planning Commission

The Advisory Planning Commission will meet to review and approve comments regarding the Draft College Park Age-Friendly Action Plan. The body will also receive an update on development activity.

• Review and approval of comments on the Draft College Park Age-Friendly Action Plan
• Update on development activity

Redistricting Commission

The Redistricting Commission is meeting to review comments and requests made by the City Council during the September 27, 2022 meeting. The commission will decide on a response and determine next steps.

• Discussion of Council comments from September 27, 2022
• Decision on Commission response and next steps

Redistricting Commission

The Redistricting Commission is meeting to discuss public comments and finalize draft district maps. The body will determine the number of maps and preference rankings to present to the Council on September 27, 2022.

• Discussion of public comments and requests from presentations and website
• Review of draft district maps and preference rankings
• Finalization of the report and presentation for City Council

Redistricting Commission

The Commission is presenting draft new district maps and discussing the methodology used to determine if redistricting is required. Following this presentation, the Commission will present its findings to the City Council on September 27th.

• Presentation of Draft New District Maps
• Summary of Methodology to Determine if Redistricting is Required

Redistricting Commission

The Redistricting Commission is holding a public presentation regarding the draft revised City Council districts. The meeting includes an overview of the commission's charge and a presentation of the proposed new district maps.

• Presentation of Draft New District Maps

Redistricting Commission

The Redistricting Commission is meeting to review draft district maps created by D.W. Rowlands and ARCBridge Consulting. The body will confirm which maps to post on the website and plan the presentation format for the September 1st meeting.

• Discussion of draft district maps by D.W. Rowlands and ARCBridge Consulting
• Confirmation of maps for website posting and September 1st presentation

Advisory Planning Commission

The Advisory Planning Commission is meeting to consider a request for variances from the Prince George’s County Zoning Ordinance. The body will also receive an update on development activity.

• CPV-2022-03: Variance request for property improvements at 5004 Navahoe Street (Applicant: Willie Sellers)

Redistricting Commission

The Commission will discuss draft new district boundaries and decide on website options for maps and public comments. The meeting also includes confirming future public meeting dates and report deadlines.

• Discussion of draft new district boundaries
• Decision on website options for Commission maps and public comments
• Confirmation of public meeting dates and report due date

Redistricting Commission

The Commission will review estimated population data and discuss draft district boundaries and guidelines. The meeting also includes an introduction of ARCBridge, Inc. consultants.

• Introduction to ARCBridge, Inc. consultants
• Updates of Estimated Population
• Discussion of draft district boundaries and guidelines

Redistricting Commission

The Redistricting Commission is meeting to update estimated population and voter data per district. The body will also introduce consultants from ARCBridge, Inc. and schedule upcoming public meetings.

• Update of estimated population including UMD data and new development
• Introduction of ARCBridge, Inc. consultants
• Scheduling of public meetings

Redistricting Commission

The Redistricting Commission is meeting to review current population and voter data per district. The body will also discuss the need for consulting assistance and whether to authorize staff to negotiate an agreement.

• Presentation by DW Rowlands on population and voters per district
• Discussion on consulting assistance and staff authorization for agreement negotiations

Advisory Planning Commission

The Advisory Planning Commission will meet to hear a presentation regarding the redevelopment of 7131 Baltimore Avenue. The body will also receive an update on development activity.

• Proposed redevelopment plan for 7131 Baltimore Avenue (formerly District 3 Social House)

Redistricting Commission

The commission is beginning its charge to review city council districts following the decennial census. The meeting includes discussions on population criteria, data collection from the University of Maryland and County Board of Election Supervisors, and the selection of a chair.

• Review of council district reapportionment per 22-R-04
• Discussion of population and resident inclusion criteria
• Data collection planning with University of Maryland and County Board of Election Supervisors
• Selection of a Commission Chair

Advisory Planning Commission

The Advisory Planning Commission will meet virtually to consider a variance request. The agenda includes a proposal to construct a 6-foot-high fence at 5011 Fox Street.

• Variance to construct a 6-foot-high fence at 5011 Fox Street

Advisory Planning Commission

The commission will meet to receive updates on planning and development activity. Discussions include a new zoning ordinance and specific development plans for the city.

• New Zoning Ordinance effective April 1
• Adelphi Road Purple Line Sector Plan
• College Park Age-Friendly Development Plan
• Status of Development Review Applications

Advisory Planning Commission

The Advisory Planning Commission is meeting to review a variance request for a property addition and discuss a specific ordinance with city staff. The meeting also includes the introduction of a new member and a general update on development activity.

• Variance request CPV-2022-02 for an addition at 6909 Rhode Island Avenue
• Discussion of Ordinance 21-0-15 with Department of Public Services Staff
• Introduction of new member Mike Meadow

Advisory Planning Commission

The Advisory Planning Commission is meeting to consider a variance request for a residential deck and review the 2021 Annual Report. The body will also discuss meeting formats and the implications of Ordinance 21-0-15. The meeting includes the election of a Chair and Vice-Chair.

• CPV-2022-01: Variance request for a rear deck at 5007 Quebec Street
• Review of Draft 2021 Annual Report
• Review of Ordinance 21-0-15
• Election of Chair and Vice-Chair