OVERVIEW

The City of College Park utilizes Boards and Commissions to advise the Mayor and Council on a variety of topics in the City. Members of the City’s Boards and Commissions give generously of their time and talents to make valuable contributions to the City.

Some Boards and Commissions are established in the City Charter or City Code, and some are established by Resolution of the Mayor and Council. The City Clerk’s office is responsible for maintaining records for Boards and Commissions, although most are also assigned a Department Staff Liaison.

The Mayor and City Council make appointments to Boards and Commissions when vacancies occur. Some appointments are made based on council district while other appointments are at-large. Most members who serve on the City’s Boards and Commissions are City residents, but in certain cases non-residents are eligible. Some of the City’s Boards and Commissions offer small stipends to its members, but most are strictly voluntary.

The City’s Boards and Commissions are listed below. For detail about vacancies, please contact the City Clerk’s office.

For appointment opportunities, please complete the application and submit to the City Clerk or your district Council representative.

The primary function of this board is to conduct hearings with respect to applications for variances from the strict application of the Prince George’s County Zoning Ordinance and departures from design and landscaping standards, parking and loading standards and sign design standards of the Prince George’s County Zoning Ordinance as well as appeals with respect to violations of the College Park Code for Housing Regulations, Building Construction and Property Maintenance. The Commission may also make recommendations to the Mayor & Council on development applications; land-use issues and plans; grant requests and capital improvements; and may develop a long-range comprehensive plan for the City as directed by the Mayor and Council.

Individuals interested in serving on the Advisory Planning Commission should have a City-wide perspective and interest in planning and housing issues; a track record of civic-mindedness from work on other City projects or committees and some knowledge of the planning and development process and related laws and procedures.

The Advisory Planning Commission is a 7-member commission created in January 1992 to develop a comprehensive, long-range plan for the future development and revitalization of College Park. The Commission is also charged with making recommendations to the Mayor & Council on zoning applications, land use issues and plans, grant requests and capital improvements. The Commission assumed authority for holding hearings for zoning appeals and departures in April 1997. The Planning Department assists the Commission in the execution of these duties.

APC Members
District 1 Christopher Gill Lawrence Bleau, Chair Ben Flamm	District 2 Llatetra Brown Esters	District 3 James McFadden Stephanie Stullich, Vice-Chair	District 4 Santosh Chelliah

Staff Reports

Below are the staff reports for the August 1, 2019, Advisory Planning Commission Agenda. Click on the case number to access the staff report. (Staff reports are posted the Friday before the meeting).


CEO-2019-01	Andrew E. Schenning	4801 Lackawanna St.	Variance from the City Fence Ordinance to erect a 6-foot high, board-on-board fence
CPV-2019-07	Dennis & Meena Bipat	8906 35th Avenue	Side yard setback variance to reconstruct a deck

Final Decisions
CPV-2018-12 9630 Narragansett Pkwy	CEO-2018-03 7018 Wake Forest Dr.
CPV-2019-03 9604 51st Place	CPV-2019-04 5105 Iroquois Street
CPV-2019-06 4610 Guilford Road	CPD-2019-01 9515 Baltimore Ave.

This committee addresses issues related to domestic and wild animals in the City of College Park; works with the City Animal Control Officer to plan activities and initiatives to promote animal welfare; educates the community about responsible pet ownership, wildlife management and pest control; advises the Mayor and Council on animal welfare related issues; coordinates with animal welfare and rescue organizations; assist the City's Animal Control Officer in providing care for sheltered animals and in promoting and facilitating adoptions.

Individuals interested in serving on the Animal Welfare Committee should have interest and expertise in animal care, animal training, animal rescue, or wildlife management.

The Commission reviews and makes recommendations to Mayor & Council on telecommunications services in general, reviews applications and agreements for the use of the City’s rights-of-way by providers of telecommunications services within the City, and develops procedures for approving or denying applications to provide services.

Individuals interested in serving on the Cable Television Commission should have particular interest in the City’s cable franchises, an informed understanding of public cable service, and a willingness to represent the best interests of the community’s cable subscribers to the providers. The College Park Cable Television Commission would like to hear about your experience when calling Comcast or Verizon about your cable service. If you would like to share your experience, please send an email to cabletv@collegeparkmd.gov.

In November 2018, the Mayor and Council established a Charter Review Commission to explore the length of the elected term for the Mayor and Councilmembers, specifically moving from two- to four-year terms, and whether those terms would be staggered for Councilmembers. Resolution 18-R-23 established the Charter Review Commission to solicit citizen input, deliberate with all due care, prepare a report with its findings, and deliver that report to the Mayor and Council by May 31, 2019.

The Charter Review Commission (“Commission”) is charged with the following duties and responsibilities:

To review and evaluate the length of the terms for the offices of Mayor and Councilmembers.
Specifically, the Commission shall:
- Evaluate the pros and cons of lengthening the term for the office of Mayor and Councilmembers to four years, and in the case of Councilmembers, of having staggered or concurrent terms;
- Solicit resident input regarding these matters by holding no less than two public forums, one to be held at City Hall and one to be held at Davis Hall, with the same rules of procedure applying to both;
- Conduct other research as deemed appropriate and desirable by the Commission to inform a report of their findings on this specific topic;
- Prepare an information report that does not recommend or advocate for any particular outcome, but rather discusses the benefits and concerns associated with changing the length of the elected terms and the staggering of the terms; makes statements that are neutral and intended to inform the electorate on the topic; analyzes the public comment received from any public outreach; and provides objective information that the Mayor and Council can use to weigh their decision.
To review and evaluate any additional provisions of the City Charter and City Code related to these topics that the Commission believes are appropriate.
To deliver their final report to the Mayor and Council no later than May 31, 2019, setting forth the objective evaluation of the Charter Review Commission.

To provide public comment, please visit www.collegeparkmd.gov/crccomment.

Public Comment	Charter Review Commission Meetings
Written Comments - Jan. 22 - Feb. 11, 2019 Public Forum #1 Transcript Written Comments - Feb. 19 - Mar. 12, 2019 Written Comment Cards - March 11, 2019 Written Comments - Mar. 12 - Mar. 15, 2019 Written Comments - Mar. 15 - April 5, 2019 Written Comments - April 5 - 19, 2019 Public Forum #2 Transcript Written Comments - April 20 - 30, 2019	Meeting Minutes - March 4 , 2019 Meeting Minutes - February 11, 2019 Meeting Minutes - January 7, 2019

Final report - MAY 31, 2019

Public Documents

Mayor and Council

Resolution 18-R-23, Establishing the Charter Review Commission
Minutes of the 1/27/18 Council Retreat: Council discussion of 2018 priorities
2/13/18 Council Meeting Staff Report: Council discussion of 2018 priorities
Minutes of the 2/13/18 Council Meeting when 2018 priorities were adopted
8/8/18 Worksession Staff Report: Discussion of staggered four-year terms
Minutes of the 8/8/18 Worksession Discussion of staggered four-year terms
10/16/18 Worksession Staff Report: Discussion of staggered four-year terms
Minutes of the 10/16/18 Worksession Discussion of staggered four-year terms

Other

MML Survey of Municipal Election Terms with Population Added

The College Park Citizen Corps Council (CPCCC) works closely with local public safety programs such as College Park Neighborhood Watch and the Community Emergency Response Team (C.E.R.T.), to provide training and education to make College Park safer, stronger, and better prepared to respond to threats of terrorism, crime, public health issues and disasters of all kinds. The CPCCC promotes volunteerism, and strengthens the Citizen Corps programs at the neighborhood level, such as CERT teams and Neighborhood Watch groups; identifies training opportunities for special skills and interests, develops targeted outreach for special needs groups; organizes special projects and community events; encourages cooperation and collaboration among community leaders; and captures smart practices and report accomplishments.

Individuals interested in serving on the Citizens Corps Council should have interest in emergency management, first responder training, crime prevention, emergency medical services, or emergency communications.

The College Park Seniors Committee was established for the purpose of encouraging and supporting successful aging in the community. The committee’s responsibilities are to support the development of a community-based, volunteer neighborhood network, evaluate issues needing more resources, and identify legislative priorities relating to the senior community. Individuals interested in serving on the College Park Seniors Committee should have an expertise in senior issues and/or community-building/networking.

Purpose and Goals
The Committee for a Better Environment (“CBE”) serves the City by addressing environmental concerns that affect the quality of life of its residents. The Committee and its activities are chartered by the Mayor & Council with the goal of providing guidance and leadership to the municipal government, as well as service and outreach to the community.

Sustainable Maryland
Sustainable Maryland Certified is an initiative of the Environmental Finance Center at the University of Maryland that is designed to support Maryland’s 157 municipalities as they look for cost-effective and strategic ways to protect their natural assets and revitalize their communities. Using best practices in resource areas like water, energy, planning, health, food, and economy, a municipality can earn points toward sustainability certification. The City received initial certification as a Sustainable Maryland Certified Community at an awards ceremony at the Annual Maryland Municipal League Fall Conference on October 18, 2013 and has been continually re-certified in the years since. The Committee for a Better Environment serves as the City's designated Sustainable Maryland Green Team. Click here for a copy of the current report.

Activities
In addition to its original role in promoting beautification, CBE sponsors Earth Day activities in College Park, and supports other local environmental projects, such as tree plantings and cleanups. Through its workshops, CBE offers residents an opportunity to increase their environmental awareness about a wide variety of topics—including gardening and sustainable landscaping, energy efficiency, recycling, and more. To read the CBE's report on the SMART program, please click here.

The Committee also partners with other local organizations, including the College Park Arts Exchange (CPAE) and the College Park Community Library (CPCL), to educate and inform residents of all ages about environmental issues. Occasionally, CBE addresses planning and development concerns in the City. Examples of topics include: commuter issues; noise and light abatement; bicycle and pedestrian trails; and stormwater management.

Permaculture Garden
The City has a pilot permaculture garden along the Trolley Trail in the Berwyn neighborhood between Greenbelt Road and Tecumseh Street and plans to extend the garden south along the trail in the future.

Gardening Tips & Brochures
For tips on growing lawns, pruning trees, and landscaping, the CBE and Tree and Landscape Board (TLB) created a variety of brochures to help residents. To view them, please click here.

Budget
Each year, the City appropriates $8,600 for CBE to implement its programs and fund its activities. The money in the budget is targeted to specific goals outlined in its charter..

Composition
CBE consists of City residents with an interest in improving our environment and quality of life. The Committee elects its own Chair.

Meetings
With few exceptions, CBE meets on the fourth Monday of each month at 7 p.m. at Davis Hall, 9217 51st Avenue. The City Clerk maintains a schedule of CBE meeting dates and times as a matter of public record. Citizens who wish to propose items to the agenda should contact the Chair at least two weeks before the Committee meeting.

Contact
For more information, contact the CBE's staff liaison, Janet McCaslin City Sustainability Coordinator at jmccaslin@collegeparkmd.gov.

College Park Green Awards

Awards are given for reducing, reusing, and recycling as well as environmentally friendly landscaping and beautification, conservation of natural resources, and other environmental achievements, such as energy-saving practices. Nominations are accepted and awarded on a rolling basis.

City residents, businesses, and other organizations who are chosen for an award will be honored with a certificate of recognition from the City, and a $100 check from the City.

Categories of awards
1. Environmental 3-R’s ‘Reduce - Reuse - Recycle’
2. Environmentally Friendly Landscaping and Beautification
3. Conservation of Natural Resources
4. Other Environmental Achievements

Nomination
Anyone may nominate an eligible resident, organization, or business in the City.

Send entries to jmccaslin@collegeparkmd.gov.

For more information about the Green Awards, click here.

The next decennial census will occur in the spring of 2020 and the Mayor and Council have determined it is in the public interest to ensure an accurate and complete census count.

The Complete Count Committee is charged with developing and executing an outreach strategy and action plan to raise awareness of the 2020 Census and increase participation by City residents. The Committee will identify hard-to-count populations, neighborhoods with low census participation rates, and potential barriers to resident participation, and develop and implement strategies to address these obstacles. The Committee’s recommendations shall also address grassroots outreach, marketing campaigns, promotional events and materials, and the use of City resources for outreach activities.

Members/Composition:
Committee members shall be representative of a cross-section of community residents willing to serve until the completion of the 2020 Census and able to help implement creative strategies to motivate resident participation. The Committee shall select a Chair from among its members. A quorum for purposes of conducting business shall be a majority of the appointed members. The Committee will request assistance from City staff as needed to develop and execute their outreach plan.

The purpose of the Education Advisory Committee is to support, strengthen and promote the schools that College Park students attend by pursuing the following goals:

Informing the community and the City on education issues and opportunities.
Improving the image of our schools and other educational opportunities in College Park.
Promoting parental and community involvement.
Facilitating University of Maryland involvement.
Building partnerships with other College Park entities (i.e. College Park City-University Partnership, local school PTAS, etc.).
Implementing the Pilot EAC report.

Individuals interested in serving on the Education Advisory Commission should have interest and/or expertise in the education through high school of the City’s youth.

The Commission encourages high ethical standards of conduct by City officials and employees. This is accomplished by disclosure requirements as set forth in the City Code for elected officials, certain employees, and candidates for elective City office. The City Code establishes the role and authority of the Ethics Commission.

Individuals interested in serving on the Ethics Commission should have interest and expertise in ethical standards and local government.

Advisory Opinions

Any person subject to Chapter 38, Ethics, of the Code of the City of College Park, may request an advisory opinion from the City's Ethics Commission concerning the application of the provisions of Chapter 38 or of Chapter 34, §§34-9 and 34-11 through 34-17 inclusive. Such request shall be in writing. The Commission shall respond to the request within 60 days, or as soon thereafter as is practical, provided that the Commission's interpretation of these provisions is based on the facts provided or reasonably available to it.

Requesting an Advisory Opinion
A request for an advisory opinion must be in writing (letter or email) to the College Park Ethics Commission, 4500 Knox Road, College Park, MD 20740, or by email to cpmc@collegeparkmd.gov. Please provide as much factual information as you have that might be relevant. Please include your day time telephone number, mailing address, or email address in case the Ethics Commission has questions. Your identity will be kept confidential, but a redacted version of the response to your inquiry shall be a public record.

Advisory Opinions Issued

2017-01 - The City of College Park Candidates’ Debate Workgroup has asked the Ethics Commission for an advisory opinion regarding whether, under Chapter 34, Article III, Fair Election Practices, of the College Park Code, some candidates for City elective office may pay the fee of a videographer selected by the debate organizer to film the debate or the rental fee for the debate venue when one or more candidates are unwilling to pay their proportional share of the fees.

2016-03 - November 17, 2016: Councilmember Kabir requested a waiver of section 38-11(D) of the Ethics Chapter of the College Park Code regarding his employment as an Adjunct Professor with the University of Maryland.

2016-02 - October 12, 2016: Advisory opinion regarding whether Councilmember Kabir's part-time employment with the University of Maryland requires him to recuse himself from voting on matters relating to a proposed project involving a partnership between the City and University of Maryland to establish a child care facility on a City-owned property providing child care services to City residents and University employees.

2016-01 - August 30, 2016: Should a Councilmember have to recuse him or herself from participating in a vote on a development matter if that Councilmember has no interest in the development other than the fact that the Councilmember lives in a certain proximity to the development.

2014-01 - March 26, 2014: Advisory opinion on if the selection of the spouse of an employee of the Department of Planning, Community & Economic Development is permissible.

2013-01 - February 23, 2013: Advisory opinion regarding if incumbent candidates for office may distribute their City-supplied business cards with campaign literature.

2012-01 - November 16, 2012: Advisory opinion regarding whether a Councilmember may be employed as an Administrative Assistant to a Prince George’s County District Councilmember.

2012-R - October 23, 2012: 12-R-21 – Resolution of the Mayor and Council of the City of College Park, Maryland, to approve an Ethics Commission Regulation concerning Outside Employment.

11-01 - May 10, 2011: Advisory opinion regarding potential conflicts of interest relating to a member of the College Park Cable Television Commission participation in matters relating to public access television.

10-01 - August 20, 2010: Advisory opinion regarding the propriety of the Youth, Family and Senior Services Director running for a seat on the Prince George’s County Board of Education or serving as a member of the Board while retaining her position with the City.

08-01 - June 24, 2008: Advisory opinion regarding the propriety of certain outside employment arrangements of two City employees.

06-01 - June 19, 2006: Advisory opinion regarding campaign assets remaining after a completed election.

99-1 - June 24, 1999: Advisory opinion regarding if “X” could serve on the Local Development Corporation and the Advisory Planning Commission. “X” serves on a sub-committee of the Local Development Corporation and has been appointed to the Advisory Planning Commission.

98-2 - November 17, 1998: Advisory opinion on Councilmembers obtaining a cellular phone via the State Contract.

98-1 - June 4, 1998: Advisory opinion regarding actions to be taken against citizens/employees who failed to file an annual Conflict of Interest statement.

97-1 - May 16, 1997: Advisory opinion based on the Ethics Commission interpretation and application of §38-11 Conflicts of Interest of the Ethics Code.

96-1 - July 9, 1996: Advisory opinion about recusing one’s self from voting on an issue before the Board of Housing Hygiene when the inquisitor had testified before the Noise Control Board about the same issue.

95-1 - December 7, 1995: Advisory opinion of whether a conflict of interest would exist if either the Mayor or a member of Council was a private and opposing party in litigation against the City.

94-2 - June 23, 1994: Advisory opinion regarding City staff distributing parking ticket coupons to each freshman who attends orientation.

94-1 - February 4, 1994: Advisory opinion regarding an appointee to the Steering Committee since the appointee is an owner of rental property.

93-1 - October 26, 1993: Advisory opinion on certain Elections and Ethics Code issues regarding a campaign contribution and campaign expenditure.

92-3 - November 13, 1992: Ethics Commission was asked to investigate alleged violations of the City’s election law. The Ethics Commission dismissed the complaint.

92-2 - June 1992: Advisory Opinion response to a letter raising various questions relating to campaign finance reporting.

92-1 - November 1992: Investigate alleged violations of the City’s Election laws. The Ethics Commission dismissed the complaint on procedural grounds.

91-1 - December 1991: During a recent election campaign, a Conflict of Interest Statement was signed by an agent for one of the candidates, and the Ethics Commission was asked for an advisory opinion as to its validity.

90-1 - October 1990: Advisory opinion as to whether an ethical problem exists when an elected member of Council of a municipal government, elected in a non-partisan election, is also a duly elected and simultaneously sitting member of a partisan Central Committee.

88-2 - October 31, 1988: Advisory opinion as to whether or not a conflict of interest exists for a member of the College Park Cable Television Commission who is employed as a systems manger with the Washington Post, which has cable holdings none of which are in this geographical area.

88-1 - March 1, 1988: Advisory opinion as to whether or not a conflict of interest exists for a College Park businessman who is a member of the College Park Economic Development Committee and of the College Park Design Review Board, and who expects to be named as a Director of a new bank locating in College Park.

87-1 - April 1987: Advisory opinion involving one serving as Chairman of a City Board and at the same time serving as an officer for a youth activity club.

85-2 - November 1985: Advisory opinion as to whether or not a conflict of interest exists for a citizen who is a member of the College Park Economic Development Committee and also a member of the College Park Design Review Board.

85-1 - April 1985: Advisory opinion as to whether or not a member of the College Park Airport Authority, who is also a member of a flying club, ought to refrain from voting on an issue pertaining to flying clubs.

83-2 - October 25, 1983: Advisory opinion as to whether a Councilmember should abstain from voting on a matter related to zoning.

83-1 - January 31, 1983: Advisory opinion as to whether a Councilmember attending a briefing on Litton’s plans and an accompanying dinner violates the Ethics Law.

Advisory Opinions Issued to City Staff
Human Resources - February 17, 2010: Advisory opinion regarding vendors providing door prizes.	Human Resources - March 23, 2010: Advisory opinion regarding solicitation of gifts.
Youth Family and Senior Services - March 2, 2012: Advisory opinion regarding solicitation of donations.	Planning Department - March 26, 2019: Advisory opinion regarding solicitation of gifts.

The College Park Housing Authority was established in City Code Chapter 11 Article I, but it operates independently under Article 44A Title I of the Annotated Code of Maryland. The Housing Authority administers low income housing at Attick Towers. The Mayor appoints five commissioners to the Authority; each serves a five-year term; appointments expire May 1. Mayor administers oath of office. One member is a resident of Attick Towers. The Authority selects a chairman from among its commissioners. The Housing Authority is funded through HUD and rent collection, administers their own budget, and has their own employees. The City supplements some of their services.

The Board oversees and coordinates recreational activities and special events, such as the Fourth of July celebration and fireworks, concerts in the park, and other planned events provided by the City for the residents of College Park. The Board also coordinates recreational facilities and events with the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission and the University of Maryland.

Board members are appointed by City Council members. Individuals interested in serving on the Recreation Board should have related interest and expertise such as entertainment, recreation, sports, social activities, organizational skills, media relations, etc.

The Director of Public Services acts as staff liaison to the College Park Recreation Board. The Board plans and coordinates various activities such as the annual Fourth of July Concert & Fireworks, the College Park Blues Festival, children's holiday parties and several other activities, with volunteer, event partners, and City staff support.

The Board educates and encourages citizens to use safe and desirable installation, removal and maintenance practices in order to promote healthy trees, shrubs and ground cover on private and public lands within City limits.

Individuals interested in serving on the Tree and Landscape Board should have interest and expertise in gardening, landscaping, surrounding environment, trees, and wildlife habitat.

The College Park Tree and Landscape Board and/or its members are involved in a variety of initiatives and projects throughout the City:

Tree City USA status by meeting four core standards of sound urban forestry management: maintaining a tree board or department, having a community tree ordinance, spending at least $2 per capita on urban forestry and celebrating Arbor Day. As part of its Tree City USA requirements, the Board is involved with an annual Arbor day celebration. Arbor Day is an annual observance that celebrates the role of trees in our lives and promotes tree planting and care.

The City's Department of Public Works and Tree & Landscape Board created the City’s first Tree Inventory. The City's Vegetation Management Plan outlines the current practices regarding turf maintenance, landscape maintenance and week control, and outlines how the City's Department of Public Works cares for College Park's public space landscapes, parks and tree canopy.

Alice Kennington Memorial Tree Fund
The Alice Kennington Memorial Tree Fund is a unique program of the City of College Park that endeavors to increase the urban forest and enhace the beauty of the City. The goal of the Fund is to increase the urban forest and enhance the beauty of the City. The Memorial Tree Fund receives charitable gifts from donors, which may be used for Municipal tree planting. It is named in honor of Ms. Alice Kennington, a long-time resident of College Park, who lived in a historic home on College Avenue. During her life, Ms. Kennington was active in many committees and projects, including the Old Town Civic Association and the Advisory Planning Commission.

In September 1998, City Council approved the Memorial Tree Fund policies developed by its Tree and Landscape Board, which outlined the purpose and guidelines for management of the Fund. Shortly after establishment of the Fund, Ms. Kennington passed away. The terms of her estate provided a donation of $20,000 for the Fund. In November 2001, the Tree and Landscape Board voted unanimously to recommend that the Fund be renamed in honor of Ms. Kennington and her remarkable gift. The name change was approved by Council in early 2002.

To contribute, please contact the City's Horticulturist or the City Clerk for more information.

About the Board
The Tree & Landscape Board works with the City’s Department of Public Works to:

Enhance the beauty of College Park.
Advice City staff on landscape issues within City limits
Ensure that the trees, shrubs, and ground covers located on public property are properly installed, maintained, and removed, if necessary.
Prevent landscape conditions that may result in injury to persons using the public ways and areas or damage to public property.
Limit the spread of diseases or pests.
Encourage City residents to adopt practices that promote and protect healthy trees, shrubs and ground covers on private land.

The Board works closely with the City's Committee for a Better Environment, which addresses environmental concerns that affect the quality of life for College Park residents.

OVERVIEW

Upcoming Meetings

Education Advisory Committee Meeting

Housing Authority Meeting

Animal Welfare Committee Meeting

Recreation Board Meeting

Commitee for a Better Environment

Complete Count Committee Meeting

Staff Reports

Person of Record

Final report - MAY 31, 2019

Public Documents

College Park Green Awards

Advisory Opinions

Related Documents