University Park public meetings in 2024

Council

The University Park Mayor and Common Council will consider an emergency ordinance (LR 24-O-11) to amend the FY2024 budget, redirecting remaining American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds from ineligible debt service to eligible town personnel salaries and benefits. The town must encumber the $244,121.26 by December 31, 2024, or return the funds. The ordinance requires approval by at least four council members to take effect immediately.

• Emergency Ordinance LR 24-O-11 to amend FY2024 Budget Ordinance (23-O-03)
• Reallocation of $244,121.26 in ARPA funds from debt service to salaries and benefits
• Deadline to encumber ARPA funds: December 31, 2024
• US Treasury disallowed prior use of ARPA funds for debt service
• Public comment limited to 3 minutes; virtual participation via Zoom

The University Park Mayor and Common Council held a special session on December 16, 2024, and unanimously adopted Emergency Ordinance 24-O-11. This ordinance authorizes the use of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to pay town personnel salaries and benefits for April 1 through June 30, 2024, ensuring the funds are encumbered and paid by December 31, 2024. The agenda was approved unanimously, and there were no public comments.

• Approved agenda as presented (unanimous)
• Adopted Emergency Ordinance 24-O-11 to allocate ARPA funds for salaries and benefits (unanimous)

Trees, Parks & Environment Committee

The committee will discuss lessons learned from the 2024 Community Tree Planting and review updates on the tree inventory and notable tree maps. The meeting also includes a transition of the TPE Chair and a discussion on pollinator meadow opportunities.

• 2024 Community Tree Planting lessons learned
• Tree Inventory updates
• Hanging tags for mulch volcanoes
• Notable Tree Maps
• Pollinator Meadow Collaborative Opportunities

The Trees, Parks & Environment Committee approved the October 9th minutes unanimously and discussed lessons from the 2024 Community Tree Planting, resolving to amend DPW's planting checklist and coordinate with DPW before the next planting. Chair Chris Aubry is stepping down effective 12/31, with Karin Burghardt to take over. The committee also received 100 free plants for a bioretention pond project and discussed tree care actions.

• Approved October 9th minutes (unanimous)
• Resolved to amend DPW FY22 planting checklist to include fencing, staples, zip ties
• Resolved to check in with DPW one week before next Community Planting
• Chair Aubry to step down effective 12/31; Burghardt to become Chair
• Aubry to create dedicated Gmail for tree data recording
• TPE members authorized to deconstruct mulch volcanoes with tags
• Notable Tree Maps completed and posted to UP website
• Received 100 free plants for bioretention pond project

Sustainability Committee

The committee will hear a proposal for town-wide composting, including a statement advocating for a mandatory program. Updates will be given on the pollinator meadow maintenance and other initiatives. The committee may decide to recommend the composting program to the Mayor and Council.

• Proposal for town-wide composting presented by David Brosch
• Steve Hurtt statement supporting mandatory composting program
• Discussion of meadow maintenance policy (addendum B) with seasonal cutting and seeding guidelines
• Update on ENSP Capstone project
• Update on light pollution initiative

Council

The University Park Mayor and Council will consider adopting a budget transfer ordinance moving $10,000 from police salaries to general office expenses for new furniture. They will also discuss a possible council pay increase. The meeting includes public comment and a closed session for personnel matters.

• Adoption of LR 24-O-10 to transfer $10,000 from Police Salaries (P1) to General Office Expenses (G20) for office furniture
• Discussion of council pay increase
• Closed session to discuss personnel matters

Public Facilities & Services Committee

The Public Facilities & Services Committee will meet to review updates on the FWA town hall design. The body also plans to discuss stormwater management.

• FWA town hall design updates
• Stormwater discussion

Helping Hands Committee

The Helping Hands UP committee is meeting to approve October meeting minutes, discuss administrative updates including the number of requests since the last meeting, and review recent and upcoming community events such as the Mary Poppins wrap-up and a lunch at Silver Diner.

• Review and vote on October meeting minutes
• Administrative updates: number of requests, town calendar, website, friendly calls program
• Wrap-up discussion of the Mary Poppins event
• Planning for November lunch at Silver Diner and potential December event
• Note to town listserve about Helping Hands UP to coincide with December newsletter testimonial

Council

The Mayor and Common Council will discuss parking restrictions for renovations at 4207 Sheridan Street and a traffic mitigation RFP. The body will also consider the FY 2024 audit and employee holiday compensation.

• Restricted parking request for the 4200 block of Sheridan Street
• Traffic mitigation RFP request
• Acceptance of Fiscal Year 2024 audit
• Proposed 4-hour parking time limit for EV charging
• Special holiday compensation for town employees

Police, Traffic & Public Safety Committee

The Police, Traffic & Public Safety Committee will hear crime statistics from Captain Graddy, recap a community meeting about a fatality on East/West Highway, and discuss cut-through traffic mediation options for a recommendation to the Town Council.

• Approval of minutes from October 2nd meeting
• Overview of crime statistics and October crime data by Captain Graddy
• Update on speed and stop sign vendor
• Recap of community meeting with Senator Washington and State Highway Administration regarding East/West Highway fatality
• Discussion of cut-through traffic mediation and recommendation for Town Council

Sustainability Committee

The University Park Sustainability Committee is meeting to discuss updates and reports, including a Park Plan RFP and sustainability grant submission, a light pollution initiative, and meadow-related business such as policy, data collection, seed collection, and a seed swap table. The committee will also receive an update on Bee City signage.

• Park Plan RFP and sustainability grant submission update
• Light pollution initiative discussion
• Meadow policy and data collection (May 31, 2025)
• Seed collection event (Nov 16 at 11am) and table at Seed Swap (Jan 25, 11am-3pm)
• Bee City signage update

Council

The University Park Mayor and Common Council will vote on adopting two ordinances: one establishing a school loading zone and another authorizing stop sign camera monitoring. They will also introduce an ordinance to update the personnel manual to reflect the town administrator's new role, and introduce a budget ordinance transferring $10,000 from police funding to general office expenses for furniture. Additionally, the council will consider the proposed 2025 meeting schedule.

• Adoption of School Loading Zone Ordinance LR 24-O-07
• Adoption of Stop Sign Camera Monitoring Ordinance LR 24-O-08
• Introduction of LR 24-O-09 amending personnel manual for town administrator duties
• Introduction of LR 24-O-10 to transfer $10,000 from Police & Public Safety (P1) to General Government (G20) for office furniture
• Consideration of proposed 2025 council meeting schedule

Public Facilities & Services Committee

The Public Facilities & Services Committee is meeting to discuss options for the redevelopment of the Town Hall.

• Discussion of Town Hall redevelopment options

Helping Hands Committee

The Helping Hands Committee will vote on September meeting minutes and review administrative updates, including 13 ride and 5 service requests since the last meeting, and plans for disposing of the town bus. The committee will also wrap up the fall party and plan a November outing to Mary Poppins at the Goddard Space Flight Center.

• Vote on September meeting minutes
• 13 rides and 5 services requested since last meeting
• Plans for disposal of town bus
• Wrap-up of fall party
• November 17 outing to Mary Poppins at Goddard Space Flight Center

Council

The Mayor and Common Council will meet to discuss the introduction of a stop sign camera monitoring ordinance and a budget transfer. The body will also consider an alcohol permit for a local brewer at the upcoming UPCA Chili Cookoff.

• Introduction of Stop Sign Camera Monitoring Ordinance LR 24-O-08
• Alcohol permit request for Streetcar 82 to sell beer at the UPCA Chili Cookoff on November 10
• Discussion of Budget Transfer Ordinance
• Discussion of Personnel Manual revisions

Public Facilities & Services Committee

The Public Facilities & Services Committee is meeting to discuss Frederick Ward Associates' responses following the October 3, 2024 special meeting on the Town Hall redevelopment. The agenda contains only this discussion item; no votes or decisions are scheduled.

• Discussion of Frederick Ward Associates' follow-up to the October 3 Town Hall redevelopment special meeting

Trees, Parks & Environment Committee

The Committee on Trees, Parks, and Environment will review and respond to its CY23 Annual Report from Town Council. Members will also receive updates on the ongoing tree inventory, efforts to address mulch volcanoes, and the Notable Tree Maps. Additionally, the group will discuss standardizing data entry for the Healthy Trees, Healthy Cities app and select a new chair.

• Review of TPE's CY23 Annual Report and Town Council response
• Update on tree inventory project
• Discussion of hanging tags for mulch volcanoes
• Update on Notable Tree Maps
• Standardizing field input for Healthy Trees, Healthy Cities app

Council

The Mayor and Common Council will meet to discuss environmental regulations and local parking changes. The body is deciding on a ban of artificial mulch on town property and the adoption of an electric vehicle charger permit system.

• Consideration of a ban on dyed or artificial mulch on town property and rights of way
• Adoption of Legislative Resolution 24-O-06 regarding an electric vehicle charger permit system
• Consideration of a restricted parking request in the 4200 block of Sheridan Street
• Adoption of Legislative Resolution 24-O-07 to change student loading zone hours
• Adoption of final FY24 budget transfers

Police, Traffic & Public Safety Committee

The Police, Traffic & Public Safety Committee will review minutes from June and August meetings, receive an update from Captain Graddy on the 911 duty cell phone, and discuss a letter to County Council member Eric Olsen and State Senator Alonzo Washington regarding a noise abatement monitoring system. The committee will also consider a recommendation to the Town Council to move forward on stop sign cameras, and discuss ways to curb cut-through traffic and speeders, with follow-up on Toole Design.

• Review and approval of June 20th and August 12th meeting minutes
• Update from Captain Graddy on the 911 Duty Cell Phone
• Discussion of a letter to County Council member Eric Olsen and State Senator Alonzo Washington for a noise abatement monitoring system
• Recommendation to Town Council to move forward on stop sign cameras
• Discussion of how to curb cut-through traffic and speeders, with follow-up on Toole Design

Sustainability Committee

The Sustainability Committee will discuss updates on the Park Plan RFP, a light pollution initiative including a grant application and material for a future council meeting, support for Meadow and Meadow Day, and Bee City signage. The committee will also provide input to the rules committee on a leaf blower ordinance. No formal votes are expected; these are discussions and updates.

• Park Plan RFP update
• Light pollution initiative: grant application and council agenda material
• Report on responsibilities and support for Meadow and Meadow Day
• Bee City signage updates
• Input to rules committee on leaf blower ordinance

Helping Hands Committee

The Helping Hands Committee will review and vote on August meeting minutes, discuss administrative updates including ride counts and bus status, and plan upcoming events such as the fall party on October 20. The meeting is open to the public.

• Review and vote on August meeting minutes
• Discussion of fall party plans for October 20
• Update on number of rides provided since last meeting
• Recap of September lunch at Cedars of Lebanon and Cantler's Restaurant
• Information on Mary Poppins outing at Goddard Space Flight Center on November 17

Policy, Rules & Municipal Structure Committee

The Policy, Rules & Municipal Structure Committee will meet to discuss several topics including potential charter amendments, revisions to rules of procedure, and updates to the leaf blower policy. Other agenda items include a privacy policy and a meadow policy. The meeting is a work session; no final decisions are expected.

• Charter Amendments
• Rules of Procedure revisions (meeting efficiency, committee work, budget/CIP oversight)
• Leaf Blower policy updates
• Privacy policy discussion
• Meadow policy discussion

Public Facilities & Services Committee

The Public Facilities & Services Committee will hold a meeting to discuss options for redeveloping the Town Hall. No votes or decisions are scheduled; the agenda is limited to this discussion topic.

• Discussion of Town Hall redevelopment options

Council

The University Park Mayor and Common Council will decide on adopting an electric vehicle charger permit system with annual fees of $500 and a $400 subsidy for residents, consider a restricted parking request on the 4200 block of Sheridan Street, and discuss amending a contract with NZI Construction Corp. to include seven projects. The meeting also includes final FY24 budget transfers, funding for a garage feasibility study, and an amendment to student drop-off zone hours.

• Adoption of Legislative Resolution 24-O-06 instituting EV charger permit system: $500/year annual permit, $10/day daily permit, $400 subsidy for residents and UPES staff
• Consideration of restricted parking request for the 4200 block of Sheridan Street
• Consideration of amending contract with NZI Construction Corp. to include seven projects
• Consideration of FY25 funding for a garage feasibility study
• Consideration of final FY24 budget transfers and a budget transfer for a farewell event

Trees, Parks & Environment Committee

The University Park Trees, Parks & Environment Committee will discuss drought response and repercussions, review the status of an advisory letter on dyed mulch, and hear updates on the CY23 annual report and a work session recording street trees on Woodberry Road using the Healthy Trees/Healthy Cities app. The committee will also consider creating standardized conventions for input fields in that app.

• Drought response and repercussions
• Advisory letter on dyed mulch – status update
• CY23 annual report status with Town Council
• Work session report on recording street trees on Woodberry Road via Healthy Trees/Healthy Cities app
• Need for standardized input conventions in Healthy Trees/Healthy Cities app

Sustainability Committee

The University Park Sustainability Committee will hold a regular meeting with roll call, approval of minutes, and updates. The main items are a proposal to launch a light pollution awareness campaign and a discussion on setting priorities for the coming year.

• Proposal for a light pollution awareness campaign (presented by Bekah)
• Discussion on priorities for the upcoming year (led by Ralph)

Helping Hands Committee

The Helping Hands Committee will review and vote on July meeting minutes, discuss administrative updates including Village Rides and website revamp, and plan upcoming events such as a fall party date selection.

• Vote on July meeting minutes
• Village Rides – Carol designated as backup
• Website revamp update
• Recap of August lunch at Terrapin Grill
• Fall party – date selection

Council

The Mayor and Common Council will meet for a work session to discuss the Capital Improvement Plan. The meeting includes a closed session to consult with counsel for legal advice.

• Discussion of Capital Improvement Plan
• Closed session for legal advice

The council held a worksession to discuss the Capital Improvements Program (CIP), covering projects like police cameras, streetlights, and town hall renovations. No formal votes were taken on these items; the only actions were approving the agenda and entering closed session. The council deferred traffic measures for College Heights Drive pending completion of a WSSC sewer project.

• Approved agenda as presented (unanimous)
• Approved closed session to consult with counsel (unanimous)
• Deferred College Heights Drive traffic measures pending WSSC project completion
• Moved PD01 police camera project to FY26 after grant not received

Council

The Mayor and Common Council will meet to discuss the introduction of a permit system for EV charging stations on Queens Chapel Road. The body will also consider a resolution for Angela Lawrence.

• Introduction of Legislative Resolution 24-O-06 to establish EV charger permits: $500 annual fee, $10 daily fee, and a $400 subsidy for residents and staff
• Proposed restriction of all commercial vehicle use at EV charging stations
• Consideration of a resolution for Angela Lawrence

Police, Traffic & Public Safety Committee

The Police, Traffic & Public Safety Committee will review June meeting minutes, hear from Wayne Jenkins of Verra Mobility regarding traffic enforcement technology, and discuss police duty cell phone use and parking enforcement with Captain Graddy.

• Review and approval of June 20th meeting minutes
• Wayne Jenkins from Verra Mobility to present on traffic enforcement
• Discussion of police duty cell phone with Captain Graddy
• Discussion of police enforcement of parking with Captain Graddy

Helping Hands Committee

The Helping Hands Committee will review June meeting minutes and discuss administrative updates. The body will recap a July lunch and plan upcoming events, including a Fall 2025 Service Day and a September event at the Goddard Space Flight Center.

• Vote on June meeting minutes
• Website revamp update
• UP Service Day (Fall 2025) planning with resident Dave Tully
• Mary Poppins event at Goddard Space Flight Center in September
• Village Rides backup coordination

The Helping Hands UP committee met via Zoom and approved the June 26 minutes. They discussed administrative updates, including Carol's training as backup for Village Rides and the website revamp. No formal decisions were made on events; most items remain pending further information.

• Approved June 26 meeting minutes
• Confirmed Carol as backup for Village Rides service requests
• Website revamp update: link to be shared for testing; launch expected in weeks
• August lunch location still to be determined
• University Park Service Day planned for fall 2025; Helping Hands participation discussed
• Mary Poppins tickets: HHUP may cover cost depending on price; more info pending
• Crab Picking Social: date and location not yet set
• Fall Party: planning postponed to September; will follow last 2 years' template

Public Facilities & Services Committee

The Public Facilities & Services Committee will discuss updates to the Town Hall site redevelopment, proposed clarifications to the Stormwater Acceptance Program memorandum of understanding (MOU) criteria, and next steps for installing an electric vehicle charging station. These are discussion items only; no final decisions are scheduled for this meeting.

• Stormwater Acceptance Program MOU criteria updates/clarifications
• Town Hall site redevelopment updates
• Charging station next steps

Council

The University Park Mayor and Common Council will consider approving Legislative Resolution 24-O-05 updating police discipline procedures. The council will also discuss appointing a permanent town administrator, considering committee appointments, a mayor pro tempore appointment, an electric vehicle charger policy, and charter amendments for the administrator position. A special exception permit request will be reviewed.

• Approval of Legislative Resolution 24-O-05 Police Discipline
• Consideration of special exception permit request
• Appointment of Town Administrator
• Consideration of Electric Vehicle Charger Policy
• Consideration of Charter Amendment and Code Changes for Town Administrator position

Trees, Parks & Environment Committee

The committee will discuss updates on the Tree Tags/Mapping subcommittee and timing for advisory letters regarding dyed mulch and invasive species. Members will also review the 2024 Ward Survey via Healthy Trees/Healthy Cities.

• Tree Tags/Mapping subcommittee update
• Advisory letters regarding dyed mulch and invasives
• 2024 Ward Survey via Healthy Trees/Healthy Cities
• CY23 Annual Report presentation timing

Sustainability Committee

The committee will review May minutes and receive updates on street painting and meadow preparation. The meeting also includes discussions regarding the recognition of styrofoam recyclers and potential new members.

• Update on Street Painting
• Meadow Preparation update
• Recognition of styrofoam recyclers
• Discussion of potential new members: Kate Jackson, Bekah Holloway, Holly Halifax

Council

The Council is discussing potential changes to the Town Charter and Code regarding the Town Administrator position. The meeting also includes the approval of a Town Administrator contract and an extension for the Interim Town Administrator. Additionally, the Council will address the appointment of an Interim Police Chief.

• Discussion on Town Administrator role amendments
• Approval of Town Administrator contract
• Contract extension for Interim Town Administrator
• Appointment of Interim Police Chief

Council

The University Park Mayor and Common Council will hold a special meeting via video conference. The agenda includes consideration of speed humps on Pineway and the approval of a contract extension for the Interim Town Administrator. A closed session is also scheduled to discuss personnel matters.

• Consideration of Pineway speed humps
• Approval of contract extension for Interim Town Administrator
• Closed session regarding personnel matters

Helping Hands Committee

The Helping Hands Committee will review June meeting minutes and receive an update on the PGCVC Maryland grant report. The agenda also includes discussions regarding website updates and upcoming community events.

• Vote on June meeting minutes
• PGCVC Maryland grant report update
• Website revamp update
• July 4th parade invitation discussion
• September event at Goddard Space Flight Center

Police, Traffic & Public Safety Committee

The committee will hear a presentation on stop sign cameras and discuss noise pollution detection technology. Members will also discuss electric vehicle charger fees and receive updates regarding traffic and infrastructure.

• Presentation on Stop Sign Cameras by Dhruv Maheshwari from Obvio
• Discussion of TaceVia noise pollution detection and enforcement
• Review of duty cell for off-hours police contact
• Discussion of EV charger fees proposed by Councilmember Sweet
• Updates regarding traffic calming, stormwater, and infrastructure

Council

The Council will consider introducing an ordinance to update a state law reference regarding the Police Accountability and Discipline Act. The agenda also includes resolutions recognizing Police Chief Harvey Baker and Mayor Joel Biermann.

• Introduction of Ordinance LR 24-O-05
• Resolution for recognition of Police Chief Harvey Baker
• Resolution for appreciation of Mayor Joel Biermann

Trees, Parks & Environment Committee

The committee will discuss finalizing the format for Town tree GPS data collection and plan the 2024 Community Tree Planting. The agenda also includes updates on tree mapping and discussions regarding dyed mulch and homeowners' insurance concerns.

• GPS data collection for Town trees
• 2024 Community Tree Planting planning
• Tree Tags/Mapping subcommittee update
• Homeowners' Insurance concerns Google Form
• Dyed Mulch on street trees

Policy, Rules & Municipal Structure Committee

The Policy, Rules & Municipal Structure Committee will discuss draft personnel policies and a possible new meeting venue. The agenda also includes the transition of the Committee Chair role.

• Discussion and consideration of new personnel policies drafts
• Discussion of possible new meeting venue
• Transition of Committee Chair role

Council

The Council will consider a PEPCO permit for overhead work and pole replacements along several local streets. Members will also review a bid for architectural and engineering services regarding alterations to the town garage at 4201 48th Street. The meeting includes a discussion regarding the DOC Developer Tool.

• PEPCO utility permit for Feeder 14479 reliability improvement project
• Bid for architectural and engineering services for 4201 48th Street (Town Garage)
• Discussion of DOC Developer Tool

Helping Hands Committee

The Helping Hands UP Committee is meeting to review and vote on April's minutes, receive an update on a Prince George's County Village Connections grant report, and discuss recent and upcoming events including a May lunch recap and a June Olive Garden outing. The meeting is open to the public.

• Vote on April meeting minutes
• PGCVC Maryland grant report update
• May lunch at Silver Diner recap
• June lunch at Olive Garden planned
• Discussion of 4/27 Business Meeting/Social ideas

Council

The University Park Mayor and Common Council will meet remotely to consider proclamations for Pride Month and Juneteenth, readopt a budget transfer ordinance for police and public works, and discuss the FY2025 budget and reallocation of a non-profit donation. The meeting includes public comment and reports from town staff.

• Readoption of Ordinance 24-O-03: $65,000 for unmarked police vehicle, $35,000 for public works projects
• Consideration of FY2025 budget (Legislative Resolution 24-O-04)
• Pride Month and Juneteenth proclamations
• Reallocation of non-profit donation
• Public comment limited to 3 minutes per speaker

Trees, Parks & Environment Committee

The Committee on Trees, Parks, and Environment will discuss maintenance scheduling for the bio-retention pond at Woodberry/College Heights. The meeting also includes subcommittee updates regarding tree mapping and the Route 1 Corridor coalition. Additionally, members will address community tree planting surveys and homeowners' insurance concerns.

• Bio-retention pond maintenance at Woodberry/College Heights
• Tree Tags/Mapping and Route 1 Corridor subcommittee updates
• Rescheduling the 2024 Community Tree Planting survey
• Homeowners' insurance concerns via Google Form
• Discussion on protecting trees on public land and dyed mulch

Development Overview Committee (DOC)

The Development Overview Committee will meet to finalize a proposal for a one-page set of standard questions to send to developers before meetings. The agenda includes approval of the agenda and the main discussion item, with no other substantive business listed.

• Finalize proposal for standard developer questions
• Approval of agenda
• Call to order and adjournment

Sustainability Committee

The committee will review updates regarding Council meeting budget priorities. The agenda also includes a discussion on painting and traffic calming for 44th Street.

• Update on Council Meeting budget priorities
• 44th Street painting/calming

Council

The University Park Mayor and Common Council will hold a regular session to consider proclamations for Police Week and Public Works Week, approve a Pepco permit for the Feeder 14479 reliability project, and continue discussion of the Fiscal Year 2025 budget. Public comment is limited to three minutes per speaker.

• Consideration of Police Week Proclamation
• Consideration of Public Works Week Proclamation
• Approval of Pepco permit for Feeder 14479 reliability project
• Discussion of Fiscal Year 2025 budget

Policy, Rules & Municipal Structure Committee

The University Park Town Council's Policy, Rules & Municipal Structure Committee is meeting to review prior minutes, discuss monthly observances and flag proclamations, and consider new policies for Town staff conference attendance and sustainable purchases. The meeting is open to the public via Zoom.

• Review of minutes from last meeting
• Discussion of monthly observances and flag flying/proclamations
• Policies for Town staff conference attendance
• Policies for sustainable purchases
• New business

Helping Hands Committee

The Helping Hands UP committee is meeting to review and vote on March's minutes, get an update on a Maryland State Grant, and finalize plans for the upcoming Membership/Volunteer Business Meeting on April 27. The meeting is open to the public.

• Vote on March meeting minutes
• Update on Maryland State Grant
• Recap of April 20 Town Recycling event
• Finalize plans for April 27 Membership/Volunteer Business Meeting at PG County Community Center, 2:00-3:30 pm, with afternoon tea for ~30 attendees

Council

The University Park Mayor and Common Council is holding a budget worksession to review the Mayor's proposed Fiscal Year 2025 budget. The meeting is conducted remotely via video and audio conference, with public participation allowed. No votes or decisions are listed on the agenda; it is a discussion and review session.

• Review of Mayor's proposed FY2025 budget
• Remote meeting via Zoom and audio-only dial-in
• Public participation via video/audio conference

Trees, Parks & Environment Committee

The Trees, Parks, and Environment Committee will discuss the 2024 Community Tree Planting and updates regarding Arbor Day. The meeting also includes discussions on homeowners' insurance concerns and a new subcommittee for municipal tree advocates.

• Approval of March 13, 2024 meeting minutes
• Update on Town Hall availability for in-person meetings
• Tree Tagging Subcommittee update
• 2024 Community Tree Planting discussion
• Google Forum regarding homeowners' insurance concerns

Council

The University Park Mayor and Common Council will consider approving Ordinance 24-O-03, which transfers $65,000 to buy a new police cruiser and $35,000 for public works projects, including drainage and bridge repairs. The council will also discuss a trap-neuter-spay program, a food truck, a surplus police vehicle, a driveway access license agreement, a stormwater engineering bid, a street closure, a grant application, a county zoning bill, and introduce the FY2025 budget.

• Ordinance 24-O-03: $65,000 police vehicle purchase and $35,000 public works projects
• Consideration of Trap Neuter Spay (TNR) program
• Consideration of UPCA food truck
• Consideration of surplus police vehicle
• Introduction of FY2025 budget (Legislative Resolution 24-O-04)

Development Overview Committee (DOC)

The Development Overview Committee is meeting to continue discussing a proposal to create a one-page set of standard questions to send to developers before meetings, and to discuss CB-015-2024. The agenda includes approval of the agenda and adjournment, with no other substantive items listed.

• Proposal for a one-page set of standard questions for developers
• Discussion of CB-015-2024

Sustainability Committee

The University Park Sustainability Committee is meeting to approve minutes, receive updates on the town budget priorities, the Sustainability Action Plan, stream cleanup/Meadow Day, and the Home Sustainability Scorecard, and to discuss new business. The agenda is largely routine updates and discussion items, with no formal votes or public hearings listed.

• Update on Council Meeting re: budget priorities
• University Park Sustainability Action Plan update
• Stream Cleanup/Meadow Day update
• Home Sustainability Scorecard update and possible rename

Policy, Rules & Municipal Structure Committee

The University Park Policy, Rules & Municipal Structure Committee is meeting to discuss next steps for developing rules of procedure for the Town Council, as directed by a motion passed on 3/18/24. The committee will also hear a guest speaker about a stray animal care program policy and take up new business.

• Next steps for 3/18/24 Council motion directing committee to draft rules of procedure for Council consideration
• Stray animal care program policy discussion with guest speaker Karina Nelson from A Cat's Life Rescue
• Approval of minutes from prior meetings
• New business

Council

The University Park Mayor and Common Council will hold a remote regular session on April 1, 2024. They will consider appointing Lynn Davidson to the Helping Hands Committee, a Vegweek proclamation, a Pepco permit for a reliability project, a FY2024 budget adjustment, and introduce the FY2025 budget. A closed session will follow to discuss real property acquisition.

• Consideration of appointment to Helping Hands Committee
• Consideration of Vegweek Proclamation
• Consideration of Pepco Permit for Feeder 14479 Reliability Improvement Project
• Consideration of Fiscal Year 2024 Budget Adjustment
• Introduction of Fiscal Year 2025 Budget

Helping Hands Committee

The Helping Hands UP committee is meeting to review and vote on January and February meeting minutes, discuss administrative matters, plan upcoming social events including a March lunch at Denny's and an April lunch at Riviera Tapa's, and consider a membership/volunteer business meeting on April 27. The agenda also includes budget discussions and criteria for disseminating the TAF fund. The meeting is open to the public.

• Review and vote on January and February meeting minutes
• March Lunch Gathering at Denny's
• April Lunch at Riviera Tapa's
• Membership/Volunteer Business Meeting on April 27 at PG County Community Center, 2:00-3:30 pm, expected 30 attendees, afternoon tea
• Discussion of TAF fund dissemination criteria

Public Facilities & Services Committee

The Public Facilities & Services Committee will discuss flooding issues in Ward 5, including its impact on residents, background, proposed solutions, and next steps. They will also receive an update on the Town Hall site redevelopment. The meeting is open to the public via Zoom.

• Discussion of flooding in Ward 5, including impact, history, and proposed solutions
• Update on Town Hall site redevelopment
• Zoom meeting details provided for public participation

Council

The University Park Mayor and Common Council will meet remotely to consider appointing Casey Kelby to the Helping Hands Committee, approving a recruitment packet for a full-time Town Administrator, and developing rules of procedure. The meeting also includes public comment, committee reports, and department updates. A closed session on personnel matters will follow the regular session.

• Appointment of Casey Kelby to Helping Hands Committee
• Approval of Town Administrator Recruitment Packet for full-time position
• Development of Rules of Procedure
• Public comment limited to 3 minutes per speaker
• Closed session on personnel matters following the meeting

Trees, Parks & Environment Committee

The committee will discuss setting a date for a beta test of the public tree inventory using the Healthy Trees, Healthy Cities app. Members will also review updates on outreach efforts and the Tree Tagging Subcommittee. The agenda includes discussions regarding Arbor Day and mini fern groves.

• Beta test for cloud-stored public tree inventory data collection
• Updates on outreach efforts including TREEMENDOUS and newsletters
• Discussion of the Tree Tagging Subcommittee
• Planning for Arbor Day and mini fern groves
• Approval of February 2024 meeting minutes

Sustainability Committee

The University Park Sustainability Committee is meeting to discuss supporting Veg Week, review a prototype of the University Park Home Sustainability Scorecard presented by the HCIM team, and receive updates on budgets and 9 Pond. The committee will also discuss potential budget priorities to put forward.

• Presentation of University Park Home Sustainability Scorecard prototype
• Discussion on supporting Veg Week
• Update on Council meeting re: budgets
• Update on 9 Pond
• Discussion on potential budget priorities

Council

The University Park Mayor and Common Council will consider appointing Carol Bourne to the Helping Hands Committee and decide whether to support five state legislative bills (SB 155, HB 282, HB 364, HB 912, SB672) covering noise monitoring, speed camera technician rules, traffic control devices, a doorbell camera pilot program, and automated enforcement citation mailing. The meeting is held remotely via Zoom.

• Appointment of Carol Bourne to Helping Hands Committee
• Support for SB 155 (noise abatement monitoring systems)
• Support for HB 282 (speed monitoring system technician statements)
• Support for HB 364 (traffic control device monitoring in Prince George's County)
• Support for HB 912 (Safe Neighborhoods Pilot Program, $5 million appropriation)

Public Facilities & Services Committee

The Public Facilities & Services Committee will follow up on the February 22 town hall site redevelopment meeting with Frederick Ward Associates. They will discuss providing a more focused list of absolute needs, factoring feasibility and costs, based on the architects' programming documents.

• Follow-up discussion on town hall site redevelopment with Frederick Ward Associates
• Review of architects' programming documents interpreting stated needs
• Agreement to provide a more focused list of absolute needs

Helping Hands Committee

The Helping Hands Committee is meeting to review and vote on January minutes, discuss administrative items including Village Rides and a membership/volunteer business meeting, and review recent and upcoming social events. The committee will also discuss the budget and other business such as Temporary Assistance Fund criteria and a website audit. The meeting is open to the public.

• Vote on January meeting minutes
• Village Rides meeting discussion
• Membership/Volunteer Business Meeting scheduled for April 27 at PG County Community Center, 2:00-3:30 pm, with afternoon tea for 30 attendees
• February lunch at Cocineros and March lunch at Denny's
• Temporary Assistance Fund criteria discussion

Public Facilities & Services Committee

The Public Facilities & Services Committee will hear updates on the Town Hall site redevelopment project and discuss potential stormwater funding. Members will review the architect's initial programming report and aim to select 2-4 priority locations for stormwater fixes, with discussion on who should assess feasibility and cost.

• Town Hall site redevelopment project update from Frederick Ward Associates
• Review of FWA's initial programming report
• Discussion of potential stormwater funding source
• Selection of 2-4 priority stormwater fix locations
• Suggestion to focus on areas from R, K & K report rather than church parking lot off Baltimore Avenue

Council

The University Park Mayor and Common Council will meet remotely on February 20, 2024, to consider three new business items: approving food truck permits for the Spring Egg Hunt, increasing the solar inverter replacement contract, and sending a letter to the Planning Board regarding the Library Apartments project. The meeting also includes public comment, reports from the mayor, council, and staff, and a closed session for personnel matters.

• Consideration of food truck permits for Spring Egg Hunt on March 24, with parking on Queens Chapel Road near the Town Field
• Solar inverter contract amendment: replace 3 inverters and install touch safe fuses, total $40,115 including as-built drawings, or $29,540 without
• Transfer of additional funds ($5,986 or $16,561) from G32 to G24 for solar array maintenance
• Consideration of letter to Planning Board supporting Library Apartments Detailed Site Plan DSP-01002-04
• Closed session for personnel matters

Trees, Parks & Environment Committee

The Trees, Parks & Environment Committee is discussing its 2024 goals and schedule, including plans to publicize and enforce the revised Tree Ordinance, test a cloud-based tree inventory app, and plan the annual community tree planting. The committee will also approve minutes from November 2023 and decide on meeting format (Zoom vs. Town Hall).

• Approve minutes from November 2023 meeting
• Plan to publicize and enforce revised Tree Ordinance via newsletter, listserv, and resident guide
• Beta test Healthy Trees, Healthy Cities app for public tree inventory
• Plan annual Community Tree Planting
• Tag ~35 trees for Tree Trail, estimated $210 with shipping

Police, Traffic & Public Safety Committee

The Police, Traffic & Public Safety Committee will review parking enforcement statistics and discuss potential speed cameras for Queens Chapel Road and College Heights Drive. Members will also discuss the possibility of conducting engineering or traffic calming studies for Pineway and Tennyson Road/40th Avenue.

• Parking enforcement statistics report
• Speed camera discussion for Queens Chapel Road and College Heights Drive
• Traffic volume discussion
• Potential traffic calming study for Pineway and Tennyson Road/40th Avenue

Development Overview Committee (DOC)

The University Park Development Overview Committee will meet by teleconference to continue discussing a proposal for a one-page set of standard questions to send to developers before meetings, and to discuss consolidating subcommittee discussions on nine ponds. The committee may also render a verdict on the Library Apartments project, though this is listed as an agenda item.

• Proposal for a one-page set of standard questions for developers
• Consolidation of subcommittee discussions on 9 ponds
• Possible verdict on Library Apartments

Council

The University Park Mayor and Common Council will meet remotely on February 20, 2024, to consider three new business items: approving food truck permits for the Spring Egg Hunt, increasing the solar inverter replacement contract, and sending a letter to the Planning Board supporting the Library Apartments project. The meeting also includes public comment, reports from staff and committees, and approval of prior minutes. A closed session on personnel matters will follow.

• Consider food truck permits for Spring Egg Hunt on March 24, with parking on Queens Chapel Road or Tennyson cul-de-sac; fee waiver proposed
• Solar inverter contract amendment: replace 3 inverters and add as-built drawings, total $40,115, with $16,561 transfer from stormwater to solar maintenance
• Draft letter to Planning Board supporting Library Apartments Detailed Site Plan DSP-01002-04, a 209-unit building with 728 parking spaces
• Approve minutes from February 3 retreat and February 5 meeting
• Public comment limited to 3 minutes per speaker; comments by email due by 12 p.m. on February 20

Council

The University Park Mayor and Common Council are holding a follow-up retreat to review prior meeting notes and discuss committee roles, council meeting structure, communication protocols, and the recruitment of a new town manager. The meeting is open to the public in person only, with no public comment accepted.

• Review of October retreat notes
• Discussion of committee roles, structure, and processes
• Council meeting structure and efficiencies
• Communication protocol review
• Town manager recruitment discussion

Helping Hands Committee

The Helping Hands UP committee is meeting to review November's minutes, discuss administrative items including a Maryland State Grant and town demographics, plan upcoming events, and review the budget. They will also consider criteria for the Temporary Assistance Fund. The meeting is open to the public.

• Review and vote on November meeting minutes
• Discussion of Maryland State Grant
• Proposal for Membership/Volunteer Business Meeting
• Review of Temporary Assistance Fund criteria
• Planning for January and February lunch gatherings

Public Facilities & Services Committee

The joint Public Facilities & Services and Police, Traffic & Public Safety Committee will discuss installing a raised crosswalk on Queen's Chapel Road, weighing benefits like reduced speeds and improved pedestrian/cyclist yielding against costs and stormwater concerns. They will also select two locations for stormwater upgrades using ARPA funds and receive a Town Hall update.

• Discussion of raised crosswalk on Queen's Chapel Road
• Select two locations for stormwater upgrades using ARPA funds
• Town Hall update

Council

The University Park Mayor and Common Council will consider introducing Ordinance LR 24-O-02, a mid-year FY2024 budget amendment that shifts funds between departments and moves infrastructure projects into designated reserves. They will also vote on approving PEPCO pruning and removal permits for vegetation management. The meeting is held remotely via video/audio conference.

• Introduction of Ordinance LR 24-O-02 FY24 Budget Amendment, including transfers like $10,500 from General Government salaries to insurance, website, and recording secretary
• Approval of PEPCO pruning and removal permits SP-2024-02 and SP-2024-03, with arborist supervision cost estimated at $8,000-$12,000
• Transfer of $1,146,000 to SWM Design & Engineering, $454,047 to Town Hall, and $50,000 to Park Upgrades into designated reserve funds
• Increase Prior Years Surplus by $2,898,052 to align with FY2023 audit, bringing total fund balance to $5,570,313
• Public comment limited to 3 minutes; comments can also be emailed to the Town Clerk by 12 p.m. on January 16, 2024

Development Overview Committee (DOC)

The Development Overview Committee will discuss creating a one-page set of standard questions to send to developers before meetings, aiming to improve consistency and proposal quality. They will also receive updates on the 9 Ponds and turbid stormwater issues. The meeting is procedural and includes agenda approval and adjournment.

• Proposal for standard developer questions on stormwater, sustainability, schools, recreation, and micromobility
• Update on 9 Ponds and turbid stormwater
• Meeting held via teleconference

Policy, Rules & Municipal Structure Committee

The University Park Town Council Committee on Policy, Rules & Municipal Structure is meeting to discuss updates on the leaf blower policy and rebate program, as well as a stray animal care program. The meeting is open to the public and includes a new business item.

• Leaf blower policy and rebate update
• Stray animal care program
• New business

Council

The University Park Mayor and Common Council will hold a regular session to consider several items: approving a contract extension for the Interim Town Administrator through June 30, 2024, at a salary of $74,880; approving a $25,000 fund transfer for solar inverter replacement; setting the 2024 Town general election date and poll hours; and establishing a no-parking zone on the 6600 block of 44th Avenue. The meeting will be conducted remotely via video/audio conference, with public comment limited to three minutes per speaker.

• Approval of Interim Town Administrator contract extension to June 30, 2024, with six-month salary of $74,880 plus benefits
• Transfer of $25,000 from Capital Projects--ARPA SWM Design & Engineering (6085-09) to General Government--Solar Array Maintenance (6101-01) for solar inverter replacement
• Setting 2024 Town general election date as May 7, 2024, with poll hours 1:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
• Consideration of a no-parking zone on the 6600 block of 44th Avenue, 30 feet north of Underwood Street intersection
• Public comment period for residents to speak on agenda items