CITY COUNCIL KEITH R. SYDNOR Mayor CHRISTINE M. JOHNSON At-Large CHRISTIAN L. PULLEY, CPM City Administrator JAMES KOLE First Ward JOANNE HALL BARR Deputy City Administrator ADRIAN G. SIMMONS First Ward STEPHANIE P. ANDERSON City Solicitor KYLA M. CLARK Second Ward SARA A. GREEN, CPM, CMC MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL OF LAUREL City Clerk JEFFREY W. MILLS Second Ward (301) 725-5300 8103 Sandy Spring Road Council meets second and fourth www.ciyofaurelorg Mondays of each month. Laurel, Maryland 20707-2502 TWENTY-SEVENTH REGULAR MEETING MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL OF LAUREL MONDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2025 6:00 PM VIRTUAL MEETING MINUTES The meeting convened in the Council Chamber of the Joseph R. Robison Laurel Municipal Center at approximately 6:00 pm with Council President Kyla M. Clark presiding. Councilwoman Christine M. Johnson, Councilman James Kole, Councilman Jeffrey W. Mills, Councilman Adrian G. Simmons, and Keith R. Sydnor, Mayor were present. Xerxes led the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America. There were approximately fourteen (14) members of the public in attendance. The following staff members were also present: Christian L. Pulley, CPM, City Administrator, Joanne Hall Barr, Deputy City Administrator, Sara A. Green, CPM, CMC, City Clerk, Bill Bailey, Director, Department of Parks and Recreation, Monta Burrough, Director, Department of Economic and Community Development, Chrissy Cornwell, Director, Department of Community Resources and Emergency Management, Chief Russell E. Hamill, III, Tim Miller, Director, Department of Public Works, S. Michele Saylor, Director, Department of Budget and Personnel Services, Danny Selby, Director, Department of the Fire Marshal and Permits Services, James Cornwell-Shiel, Director, Department of Information Technology, Natalie Williams, Director, Department of Communications, Deputy Chief Mark Plazinski, Marchelle LeBlanc, and Stephanie P. Anderson, City Solicitor. Agenda Item No. 4 was approval of minutes from the February 10, 2025 Regular Meeting. Councilman Mills made a motion to approve the minutes as written. Councilman Kole seconded the motion that was carried on a roll call vote of all Councilmembers present. Next, the Mayor and City Counciimembers provided their reports regarding events and happenings since the last meeting and made announcements regarding upcoming meetings and events. Mayor Sydnor presented a Mayoral Citation and the Key to the City to Mr. Kevin Hymel who had researched, written about, and worked with Tyler Perry on a movie called, "The Six Triple Eight", an all African American, all female unit that served overseas during World War II and had worked to get the Army unit's postal mail system up and running in just 90 days. The group of brave women were able to 1 get the program up and running, ensuring that seventeen million pieces of mail were properly delivered to and from soldiers and their loved ones. Next, Mayor Sydnor and the Laurel City Council presented Mr. Mike Mondy with Proclamation No. 2024-60 recognizing Mr. Mondy's and the Moving In Maryland group of Keller Williams Realty Center for their work in preparing Blessing Baskets during the 2024 holiday season. Agenda Item No. 6 was Mayoral Appointments: Tanéa BrownCAC for Senior Residents and Persons with Disabilities 0224/25-02/24/27 Yolanda Pearson Juneteenth Committee Councilman Kole made a motion to approve the appointments. Councilman Mills seconded the motion that was carried on a roll call vote by all members present. Agenda Item No. 7 was the General Public Hearing. President Clark opened the General Public Hearing at 6:27 pm. Amy Dunham, Montgomery Street Laurel, Maryland 20707 spoke about concerns that she had regarding a social media post in which a Councimember stated that they felt that they were being bullied by the LGBTQ+ community, insinuating that another Councilmember who was a member of the LGBTQ+ community was trying change election laws and targeting the Councilmember. Ms. Dunham expressed that she was disappointed that regardless of what was going on between Councilmembers, that the Councimember. would falsely accuse an entire community, a group who had historically been bullied themselves, as bullying anyone was deeply concerning to the community. Next, Brian Cox, Chief, Laurel Volunteer Fire Department (LVFD) Station 10, 7411 Cherry Lane Laurel, Maryland 20707 provided information on the number of calls that LVFD had completed just in 2025 sO far, noting that they were always running calls and serving the community. Chief Cox also noted that LVFD did a lot of community events in Laurel. Chief Cox thanked the Mayor and City Council for their great working relationship with the City over the years and that LVFD hoped to continue that relationship and support into the future. There was no one else who signed up to speak. President Clark closed the General Public Hearing at 6:33 pm. Next, Agenda Item No. 8 was the Second Public Hearing with Possible Action on Resolution No. 3- 2025- A Resolution of the Mayor and City Council of Laurel, Maryland Declaring Support for the Preservation of the Federal Tax Exemption of Municipal Bonds. President Clark read the title of the Resolution into the record for the second reading. Councilman Kole presented the proposed resolution and noted that after a discussion with Councilman Simmons who was concerned with the dollar figure that was noted in the fourth WHEREAS" of the resolution, it had been amended to remove the dollar figure completely from the paragraph and that Councilman Simmons was in favor of the edit. President Clark opened the Public Hearing at 6:36 pm. There was no one that was signed up to speak. President Clark closed the Public Hearing at 6:36 pm. Councilman Simmons made a motion to approve Resolution No. 3-2025 as amended. Councilwoman Johnson seconded the motion that was carried on a roll call vote of all Councilmembers present. Mayor Sydnor concurred with the vote. There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at approximately 6:37 pm. Approved: Date: - march 10,2025 Au d Sara A. Green, CPM, CMC City Clerk 2 CITY COUNCIL KEITH R. SYDNOR Mayor CHRISTINE M. JOHNSON At-Large CHRISTIAN L. PULLEY, CPM City Administrator JAMES KOLE First Ward JOANNE HALL BARR Deputy City Administrator ADRIAN G. SIMMONS First Ward STEPHANIE P. ANDERSON City Solicitor KYLA CLARK Second Ward SARAA. GREEN, CPM, CMC MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL OF LAUREL City Clerk JEFFREY W. MILLS Second Ward 8103 Sandy Spring Road (301) 725-5300 Council meets second and fourth Laurel, Maryland 20707-2502 www.ciyofaurel.org Mondays of each month. TWENTY-SEVENTH REGULAR MEETING MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL OF LAUREL MONDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2025 6:00 PM AGENDA In-Person Meeting Watch the meeting on Laurel TV streaming live in your web browser at https-llaureltv.orgwatch-live or locally Laurel TV can be found on Comcast Channel 996 (HD), 71 (SD) or Verizon Fios Channel 12. 1. Call to Order = Kyla M. Clark, President 2. Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America- Mayor Keith R. Sydnor 3. Roll Call- Sara A. Green, CPM, CMC, City Clerk 4. Approval of Minutes February 10, 2025 Regular Meeting 5. Report of the Mayor and City Council 6. Mayoral Appointments Appointments Tanéa Brown CAC for Senior Residents & Persons w/Disabilities 02/24/25-02/24/27 Yolanda Pearson Juneteenth Committee 7. General Public Hearing 8. Second Public Hearing with Possible Action on Resolution No. 3-2025- A Resolution of the Mayor and City Council of Laurel, Maryland Declaring Support for the Preservation of the Federal Tax Exemption of Municipal Bonds. 9. Adjournment CITY OF LAUREL Item 6. OFFICE OF THE MAYOR 8103 Sandy Spring Road, Laurel, MD 20707 Phone: 301-725-5300 ext. 2125 . Fax: 301-725-6831 Keith R. Sydnor Mayor February 10, 2025 MEMORANDUM TO: Kyla Clark, Council President Laurel City Councilmembers FROM: Keith R. Sydnor, Mayor HRP SUBJ: Mayoral Appointment plan to make the following appointments at the February 24, 2025, Mayor and City Council meeting. APPOINTMENTS Tanéa Brown CAC for Senior Residents and Persons with Disabilities 02/24/25 - 02/24/27 Yolanda Pearson Juneteenth Executive Committee I look forward to your confirmation of these appointments. ec: Sara A. Green, CPM, CMC, City Clerk Email: aureimayorleureimdus Twitter: @LaurelMayor Website: www.ilyofaurelorg 2 Item 8. CITY OF LAUREL, MARYLAND RESOLUTION NO. 3-2025 A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL OF LAUREL, MARYLAND DECLARING SUPPORT FOR THE PRESERVATION OF THE FEDERAL TAX EXEMPTION OF MUNICIPAL BONDS. Sponsored by Councilman James Kole WHEREAS, the tax-exempt municipal bond market is a widely used source of capital for states, local governments, tribes, territories, and non-profit borrowers that finances a tremendous share of the nation's public infrastructure; and WHEREAS, state and local governments finance about three-quarters of the public infrastructure in the United States and use tax-exempt bonds to do sO, with the federal government providing only about one-quarter of the investment; and WHEREAS, federal tax exemption for municipal bonds, dating back to the 1800s and incorporated into the modern tax code in 1913, has been crucial for state and local governments to affordably finance critical infrastructure projects; and WHEREAS, awevemp-bonde-aler-sowadwamupierafesd244. meaning.hatforewerydolaromoww-sahewas24tihbwowngewingeasisawngetheraby demonstrating the efficiency and effectiveness of - this exemption in facilitating infrastructure- tax-exempt bonds offer borrowers significant cost savings on their borrowing expenses, thereby demonstrating the efficiency and effectiveness of this exemption in facilitating infrastructure investment; and WHEREAS, tax-exempt bonds provide for essential infrastructure projects, such as roads, bridges, utilities, broadband, water and sewer systems, and hospitals, which are vital to the health and well-being of our community such that without such bonds, the cost of borrowing would be more expensive thereby causing an increase in taxes and fees that would place an undue burden on taxpayers; and WHEREAS, the Mayor and City Council of Laurel, Maryland finds and determines that tax-exempt municipal bonds provide an opportunity for economic development along its path, better facilitate the movement of agriculture products, equipment, and other goods, and increase safety. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Mayor and City Council of Laurel, Maryland that the Mayor and City Council hereby encourages the Maryland Congressional Delegation to assist the City of Laurel, Maryland by preserving the tax- exempt status of municipal bonds by supporting and ensuring the protection of the federal tax exemption of municipal bonds. AND, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this Resolution shall take effect on the date of its adoption and that copies of this Resolution shall be furnished to all members of the Maryland Congressional Delegation. 1 3 Item 8. ADOPTED this day of 2025. ATTEST: SARA A. GREEN, CPM, CMC KYLA M. CLARK City Clerk President of the City Council APPROVED this day of 2025. KEITH R. SYDNOR Mayor 2 Item 8. CITY OF LAUREL, MARYLAND RESOLUTION NO. 3-2025 A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL OF LAUREL, MARYLAND DECLARING SUPPORT FOR THE PRESERVATION OF THE FEDERAL TAX EXEMPTION OF MUNICIPAL BONDS. Sponsored by Councilman James Kole WHEREAS, the tax-exempt municipal bond market is a widely used source of capital for states, local governments, tribes, territories, and non-profit borrowers that finances a tremendous share of the nation's public infrastructure; and WHEREAS, state and local governments finance about three-quarters of the public infrastructure in the United States and use tax-exempt bonds to do sO, with the federal government providing only about one-quarter of the investment; and WHEREAS, federal tax exemption for municipal bonds, dating back to the 1800s and incorporated into the modern tax code in 1913, has been crucial for state and local governments to affordably finance critical infrastructure projects; and WHEREAS, tax-exempt bonds offer borrowers to achieve a multiplier effect of 2.11, meaning that for every dollar, borrowers achieve $2.11 in borrowing cost savings thereby demonstrating the efficiency and effectiveness of this exemption in facilitating infrastructure investment; and WHEREAS, tax-exempt bonds provide for essential infrastructure projects, such as roads, bridges, utilities, broadband, water and sewer systems, and hospitals, which are vital to the health and well-being of our community such that without such bonds, the cost of borrowing would be more expensive thereby causing an increase in taxes and fees that would place an undue burden on taxpayers; and WHEREAS, the Mayor and City Council of Laurel, Maryland finds and determines that tax-exempt municipal bonds provide an opportunity for economic development along its path, better facilitate the movement of agriculture products, equipment, and other goods, and increase safety. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Mayor and City Council of Laurel, Maryland that the Mayor and City Council hereby encourages the Maryland Congressional Delegation to assist the City of Laurel, Maryland by preserving the tax- exempt status of municipal bonds by supporting and ensuring the protection of the federal tax exemption of municipal bonds. AND, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this Resolution shall take effect on the date of its adoption and that copies of this Resolution shall be furnished to all members of the Maryland Congressional Delegation. 1 5 Item 8. ADOPTED this day of 2025. ATTEST: SARA A. GREEN, CPM, CMC KYLA M. CLARK City Clerk President of the City Council APPROVED this day of 2025. KEITH R. SYDNOR Mayor 2 6 playoral Citation Presentedto Kevinifymel In recognition ofyour outstanding contribution to preserving and honoring the history ofthe 6888th CmtrafPatafDiredtony Battalion, the only alAfrican American, alffemale unit to serve overseas during WorlWar II. your dedication to researching andwriting about the courageous women ofthe Women Army Corps brought long-overdue recognition to their invaluable service andi inspired (Tyler Perry's creation ofthe Netflix film The Six Triple Eight. your work ensured that the incredible story ofthese brave women who, in just 90 days.processed over 17 million pieces ofmail, Gfting the spirits ofcountless troops was sharedwith the world. Without your efforts, their legacy may have remained hidden far (onger. On behaff of the City of Laurek, I extend our deepest gratitude and commendy you for your commitment to preserving this vitalpart also of American history. your storytelling has not only educated but inspiredfuture generations to recognize the oftenoverlooked heroes who have shaped our nation. Congratulations' February 24, 2025 Redk Rebn Keith R. Sydnor Mayor City of Laurel PROCLAMATION 2024-60 WHEREAS, Mike Mondy and the Moving in Maryland group of Keller Williams Realty Center have demonstrated exceptional community leadership through the creation of the Laurel Blessing Baskets initiative since 2023; and WHEREAS, this initiative embodies the spirit of Thanksgiving by providing essential holiday meal supplies and household necessities to families in the Greater Laurel area; and WHEREAS, each Blessing Basket thoughtfully includes a complete Thanksgiving meal kit comprising a gift card for a turkey, traditional side dishes, cooking supplies, and additional household essentials; and WHEREAS, this program not only provides material support but also strengthens our community bonds and promotes the values of giving and gratitude; and WHEREAS, the initiative creates opportunities for other community members to participate in meaningful acts of service by contributing to these Blessing Baskets; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT PROCLAIMED that the City of Laurel hereby recognizes and commends Mike Mondy and the Moving in Maryland group for their outstanding service to our community through the Laurel Blessing Baskets initiative. BE IT FURTHER PROCLAIMED that we thank all citizens for supporting this worthy cause and contributing to making each holiday a time of joy and abundance for all Greater Laurel families. Kedl egs Keith R. Sydnor Mayor