City of Hyattsville Hyattsville Municipal Building 4310 Gallatin Street, 3rd Floor Hyattsville, MD 20781 (301) 985-5000 www.hyattsvile.org HIN WALK - III OF HYATTS Summary Regular Meeting https://uso6web.oom.us/webinar/regster/WN.kelomvPos26u1157xz7bng Monday, March 17, 2025 7:00 PM Virtual City Council Robert S. Croslin, Mayor Joseph Solomon, Council President, Ward 5 Joanne Waszczak, Council Vice President, Ward 1 Sam Denes, Ward 1 Danny Schaible, Ward 2 Emily Strab, Ward 2 Kareem Redmond, Ward 3 Edouard Haba, Ward 4 Michelle Lee, Ward 4 Rommel Sandino, Ward 5 ADMINISTRATION Tracey E. Douglas, City Administrator Nate Groenendyk, City Clerk, 301-985-5001, lydlerk@hyattsvle.org City Council Summary Regular Meeting March 17, 2025 WELCOME TO THE CITY OF HYATTSVILLE CITY COUNCIL MEETING! Your participation at this public meeting is valued and appreciated. AGENDA/PACKET: The Agenda/Packet is available for review at the Hyattsville Municipal Building and online at www.hyattsvlle.org prior to the scheduled meeting (generally available no later than the Friday prior to the scheduled Monday meeting). Please note, times given for agenda items are estimates only. Matters other than those indicated on the agenda may also be considered at Council discretion. AMERICANS WITH DISABILITY ACT: In compliance with the ADA, if you need special assistance to participate in this meeting or other services in conjunction with this meeting, please contact the City Clerk's Office at (301) 985-5009. Notification 48 hours prior to the meeting will enable the City to make reasonable arrangements to ensure accessibility to this meeting. AUDIBLE DEVICES: Please ensure all audible devices are turned off or otherwise not audible when the City Council is in session. Thank you. PUBLIC INPUT: If you wish to address the Council during the Public Comment period, please use the "Raise Hand" feature in the virtual meeting interface. Participants may also submit statements electronically via email to fyderkehyattsvle.org no later than two (2) hours prior to the start of the meeting. Submitted electronic statements will be sent to Councilmembers prior to the meeting and will not be read aloud. All participants shall remain respectful in their contributions and associated functions of the virtual meeting interface are not intended for public dialogue or discussion. WAYS TO WATCH THE MEETING LIVE: City Council meetings are broadcast live on cable television channel 71 (Comcast) and channel 12 (Verizon). You may also view meetings live online at hyattsville-md.granicus.com/MediaPlayer.php'camera_id-2 REPLAY SCHEDULE: The meetings will be re-broadcast on cable television, channel 71 (Comcast) and channel 12 (Verizon) daily at 7:00 a.m., 1 p.m., and 8 p.m. Meetings are also able for replay online at www.hyattsvile.org/meetings. CITY NFORMATION: Sign up to receive text and email notifications about Hyattsville events, government, police and programs at www.hyattsville.org/list.aspx INCLEMENT WEATHER: In the event of inclement weather, please call 301-985-5000 to confirm the status of the Council meeting. City of Hyattsville Page 1 of 6 Monday, March 17, 2025 7:00 PM City Council Summary Regular Meeting March 17, 2025 Meeting Notice: The Hyattsville City Council will hold its meeting on Monday, March 17, 2025, remotely via video conference. The Council meeting will be conducted entirely remotely; there will be no in-person meeting attendance. The meeting will be broadcast live on cable television channel 71 (Comcast), channel 12 (Verizon), and available via live stream at www.hyattsville.0rg/meetings. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION: If you wish to address the Council during the Public Comment period, please use the "Raise Hand" feature in the virtual meeting interface. Participants may also submit statements electronically via email to yderkehyattsvle.ors no later than two (2) hours prior to the start of the meeting. Submitted electronic statements will be sent to Councimembers prior to the meeting and included in the official meeting record. Electronically submitted statements will not be read aloud. All participants shall remain respectful in their contributions and associated functions of the virtual meeting interface are not intended for public dialogue or discussion. Members of the public who wish to comment during the virtual Council meeting must register in advance using the link below. https:/us06web.oom.us/webinatr/egister/WN_kelomvPo526u1157x27bng 1. Call to Order and Council Roll Call Call to order at 7:00 PM. 2. Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag 3. Approval of Agenda Approved, Unanimous. 4. Public Comment (7:10 p.m. - 7:20 p.m.) Complete Speaker Card, Limit 2 minutes per speaker Public comments submitted electronically can be found at the end of this summary. 5. City Administrator Update (7:20 p.m - 7:40 p.m.) 6. Presentations (7:40 p.m. 8:20 p.m.) 6.a. Hyattsville CERT Team HCC-271-FY25 For presentation. Sponsors: City Administrator Department: City Administrator Attachments: City of Hyattsville Page 2of 6 Monday, March 17, 2025 7:00 PM City Council Summary Regular Meeting March 17, 2025 6.b. Lower Ward 1 Stormwater Grant Update HCC-273-FY25 Presentation only Sponsors: City Administrator Department: Public Works Attachments: Stormwater Presentation 7. Proclamations Approved, Unanimous. 7.a. Proclamation Declaring March 31, 2025, as Transgender Day of Visibility in HCC-268-FY25 the City of Hyattsville I move that the Mayor and Council adopt a proclamation to declare March 31, 2025, as Transgender Day of Visibility the City of Hyattsville. Sponsors: City Administrator Department: City Clerk Attachments: CM 03.17 National Transgender Day of Visibility Proclamation (1) 7.b. Proclamation Celebrating the 30th Anniversary of the Abundant Life Bible HCC-275-FY25 Church and 10 years of Service of Pastor Dr. Melva T. Covington. I move that the Mayor and Council adopt a proclamation celebrating the 30th anniversary of Abundant Life Bible Church and the 10 years of pastoral service of Dr. Covington. Sponsors: Croslin, Waszczak and Solomon Department: City Clerk Attachments: CM 0317 Abundant Bible Church Pastor Covington.pdf 8. Appointments Approved, Unanimous. City of Hyattsville Page 3 of 6 Monday, March 17, 2025 7:00 PM City Council Summary Regular Meeting March 17, 2025 8.a. Appointment to the Educational Facilities Task Force HCC-277-FY25 I move that the Mayor and Council approve the re-appointment of Kat Schooley (Ward 1) and Daniel Broder (Ward 2) to the Educational Facilities Task Force for a term of two (2) years to expire on March 17, 2027. Sponsors: Waszczak and Sandino Department: City Clerk Attachments: Daniel Broder re-appoint Mar 25 redac Kat Schooly re-appoint Mar 25 redac 8.b. Appointment to the Police and Public Safety Citizens' Advisory Committee HCC-278-FY25 I move that the Mayor and Council approve the re-appointment of Taylor Wilder (Ward 2) to the Police and Public Safety Citizen's Advisory Committee for a term of two (2) years to expire on March 17, 2027. Sponsors: Strab Department: City Clerk Attachments: Taylor Wilder re-appoint Mar 25 redac 9. Consent Items (8:20 p.m. - 8:25 p.m.) Approved, Unanimous. Items listed on the Consent Agenda are considered routine in nature, and are approved in one motion. There will be no separate discussion of these items unless the Mayor/Council request specific items be removed from the Consent agenda for separate action. 9.a. Disbursement of FY25 Education Enrichment Grants HCC-253-FY25 I move that the Mayor and Council authorize the expenditure of $12,000 to support the grant proposals recommended from the Education Advisory Committee and listed in the attached memo for dissemination of the FY25 Education Enrichment Grants. Sponsors: City Administrator Department: Community Services Attachments: Letter to Council 2024-2025 Enrichment Grants (1) 2024-2025 EAC Grant Council Spreadsheet (1) City of Hyattsville Page 4 of 6 Monday, March 17, 2025 7:00 PM City Council Summary Regular Meeting March 17, 2025 9.b. Disbursement of Ward 1 Discretionary Funds HCC-269-FY25 I move the Mayor and Council approve the disbursement of $188 of Ward 1 discretionary funds to Audrey Engdahl to support the Defend Yourself workshop for Hyattsville youth held on March 1, 2025. Sponsors: Denes and Waszczak Department: City Clerk 9.c. National Capital Region Mutual Aid Agreement HCC-274-FY25 I move that the Mayor and Council authorize the City Administrator to enter into the Washington Council of Governments Mutual Aid Agreement authorizing the Hyattsville Police Departmental to participate across jurisdictional boundaries to improve public safety in the National Capital Region. Sponsors: City Administrator Department: Police Department Attachments: NCR MAA Signatures 20240104.pdf 10. Action tems (8:25 p.m. - 8:45 p.m.) City of Hyattsville Page 50 of 6 Monday, March 17, 2025 7:00 PM City Council Summary Regular Meeting March 17, 2025 10.a. Hyattsville Ordinance 2025-01: Revisions to City Code Chapter 108, Taxation HCC-270-FY25 (Introduction and First Reading) In move the Mayor and Council introduce Hyattsville Ordinance 2025-01, an ordinance whereby the City Council amends City Code, Chapter 108, Taxation, to revise the Homestead Property Tax Credit program and the local supplement to the state homeowners property tax credit as follows: Section 108-2: Homestead Property Tax Credit Program Amend the effective date to July 1, 2025 Reduce the taxable assessment cap down from 110% to 106%. Section 108-3: Local supplement to the state homeowners property tax credit Assessed Value Limit - increase to $500,000. Combined Net Worth Limit - increase to $400,000. Combine Gross Income Limit - increase to $90,000. Sponsors: City Administrator Department: City Clerk Attachments: Draft Homestead Tax Credit and Homeowners Supplement Ordinance. Amendment 3.10.25. .3 (002).2.docx CM Haba made a motion that was seconded by CM Denes to amend the ordinance as folllows: Amend Section 108-3 D.2.b to change the percentage from 15% to 30% of the State homeowner's property tax credit granted under Section 9-104. Amendment: Approved, Unanimous Amended Motion: Approved, Unanimous 11. Council Dialogue (8:45 p.m. - 8:55 p.m.) 12. Motion to Adjourn Approved, Unanimous The meeting adjourned at 8:36 PM. Attest: March 19, 2025 Nate Groenendyk, City Clerk City of Hyattsville Page 6 of 6 Monday, March 17, 2025 7:00 PM 3/17/25, 3:14 PM Outlook Public Comment: In SUPPORT of City Ratification of CERT From Erin! Hogeboom Date Mon 3/17/2025 3:01 PM To cityclerk Honorable Mayor and Councilmembers, As a resident of Hyattsville, mother, and participant of Hyattsville's Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), I urge you to approve and ratify this body. CERT strengthens our city's preparedness and resilience in the face of emergencies. CERT is an invaluable asset to any community, and here's why: 1. Enhances Disaster Preparedness - CERT trains residents to respond effectively to natural disasters, severe weather, and other emergencies, reducing the burden on first responders. 2. Supports First Responders - In large scale emergencies, first responders can be overwhelmed. CERT volunteers provide essential support, ensuring resources are used where they are needed most. 3. Strengthens Community Resilience = A well-trained CERT team means more residents are equipped to help themselves and their neighbors, improving overall public safety and reducing harm. 4. Encourages Civic Engagement = CERT fosters a culture of volunteerism and public service, bringing residents together to protect and support their own community. 5. Provides Rapid Response in Critical Situations - Whether it's assisting with evacuations, administering basic first aid, or coordinating communication, CERT teams fill crucial gaps in emergency response. 6. Builds a Safer, More Prepared City - By investing in CERT, Hyattsville demonstrates its commitment to proactive disaster readiness, ensuring we are not just reacting to crises but actively preparing for them. strongly encourage you to move forward with approving and ratifying Hyattsville's CERT program. Our community's safety and resilience depend on it. Thank you for your time and leadership. Warmly, Erin Hogeboom "Some people seem to think that compassion is just a passive emotional response instead of rational stimulus to action. To experience genuine compassion is to develop a feeling of closeness to others 1/2 3/17/25, 3:14 PM combined with a sense of responsibility for their welfare." -Dalai Lama 3/17/25, 3:26 PM Outlook The report of the city debt and capital investment funds From Tatjana Hrubik Vulanovic Date Mon 3/17/2025 3:24 PM To cityclerk Ward 5 Cc Good afternoon, Mayor and City Council members, This year, many residents, as well as some council members, have voiced concerns about overspending. There has also been repeated mention of the need for greater financial transparency. To assist with this, I've compiled the table below, based on the audited budget reports. City revenue has increased by 44%, while the debt has risen by 83%. The debt now stands at roughly twice the amount of the city's revenue (200%). Ift this trend in the city's finances is deemed acceptable, it is important for the Mayor, City Administrator, and City Treasurer to confirm it. This will help residents gain a clear understanding of the situation. Note 1: Audited reports for FY23 and: 24 are not available (by law theyshould! be published by the Octorbr 1 of each year) Note 2: OPEB means "Other post-employment benefits of govemment employees. Pensions are representedseparately Total Genera al Outsanding 1.General 2.Capital 4. Compensated Year Revenue jobligation lease 3.OPEB s. Pensions Fund Debt (sum 1- bonds obligations absences 5) 2017 16,762,485 26,717,350 7,757,307 100,183 6,503,082 478,620 10,978,158 2018 18,298,370 35,847,044 5,640,442 1,125,133 18,208,280 537,246 9,335,943 2019 18,592,712 38,688,725 5,512,975 806,122 21,272,080 522,011 10,575,537 2020 20,726,491 51,790,391 17,049,010 482,440 22,520,750 650,727 11,087,464 2021 20,726,491 55,195,850 15,921,498 500,724 26,278,627 620,683 11,874,318 2022 24,190,405 48,927,485 15,842,073 207,696 21,683,741 714,099 10,479,876 % growth 44.31 83.13 2017-2022 The table above (or one similar to it) should be included in the FY26 budget report, with data for FY23, FY24, and estimates for FY25 added. If these trends are typical for municipalities, the City Administrator can confirm this in the report comments. The most appropriate place to include the table would be in the Revenues, Expenditures, and Changes in Fund Balances" section. Another point raised on March 3 was the disclosure of Capital Improvement funds. These should also be presented in the "Revenues, Expenditures, and Changes in Fund Balances" section, using a table format rather than being summarized at the end of the budget report in pie and bar-chart form. Capital expenditures are frequently financed by increasing the city's debt, which makes it concerning that such a large amount has been spent in just one year. 1/2 3/17/25, 3:26 PM Hyattsville Capital Proposed budget % Proposed to Fund # FY25 Proposed spendi in one Expenditures for 2025-2029 year (2025) Total 41,835,820 13,496,370 32.26 Parking Compliance ?? 465,700 272,700 58.56 Police Department ?? 9,242,500 4,181,130 45.24 Highway &Streets ?? 17,760,000 3,985,000 22.44 Sanitation ?? 450,000 90,000 20.00 Cable TV ?? 500,000 100,000 20.00 Public Works General ?? 5,900,000 2,300,000 38.98 Building &Grounds 2,295,000 1,500,000 65.36 Maintenance ?? Administration ?? 222,620 67,540 30.34 Parks ?? 5,000,000 1,000,000 20.00 All funds, including capital investment funds, should have designated fund numbers sO that any expenses submitted to the council can be easily linked to the specific fund covering the expenditure. I trust the Mayor and Council will agree that incorporating the proposed two tables and assigning a fund number to each expenditure will enhance financial transparency as they make decisions about spending. am confident that this approach will help residents better understand the city's finances, reducing concerns about unknown debt and capital investments. Best regards, Tatjana Hrubik-Vulanovic P.S. During the meeting on March 3, City Treasurer Mt. Brooks mentioned that the city's debt is a result of excessive spending by city councils. However, he did not specify the amount of the debt or define which city expenses are considered "excessive. " It would be very helpful if Mr. Brooks could provide examples of such excessive spending, SO that the current council can work to eliminate or avoid these practices in the future. 2/2