College Park meeting summaries, agendas, and minutes

College Park advisory groups hold planning sessions; no decisions recorded

Three College Park advisory committees met over the past two weeks, but all were agenda-only sessions with no votes or decisions recorded. The meetings focused on planning for upcoming community events, grant discussions, and routine administrative items.

Recent meetings

Bee City Committee (Aug. 12)

The Bee City Committee met to handle routine business, including approving July minutes and receiving city updates. Members discussed articles for the Municipal Scene newsletter, with a Monarchs article due Aug. 20 and an October article due Sept. 20. They also planned for Good Neighbor Day, including a meadow and purchasing plants.

College Park Seniors Committee (Aug. 12)

The Seniors Committee reviewed fall prevention kits and planned for an Aug. 19 bingo event at Lakeland Community Center. Members discussed the University of Maryland's Age Friendly University designation with Dr. Josanne Francis, and potential focus areas for the 26-27 fiscal year. They also scheduled a Sept. 2 WISE tech support workshop at Lakeland Community Center and a Sept. 22 AARP presentation of a 5-year certificate to the council.

Education Advisory Committee (Aug. 17)

The Education Advisory Committee approved May minutes, received updates on the city tutoring program and book purchases for College Park Day, and selected a chairperson. Members also discussed the Aug. 5 Council meeting on Education and Literacy and the 2026-27 grant process.

Upcoming meetings

Committee for a Better Environment (Aug. 24)

The committee will approve minutes, hear a budget report, and discuss an electric vehicle/bicycle event scheduled for Sept. 26 at the College Park Farmers Market. They will also review a dark skies presentation, tree labeling on the trolley trail, and possible additional signage with Bee City partnership. The committee will consider participating in College Park Day and Good Neighbor Day.

Tree & Landscape Board (Aug. 24)

The board will meet virtually to approve July minutes, hear public works reports, and discuss development updates. They will plan an invasive plant removal grant, vine removal with the Chesapeake Action Network, and games for College Park Day on Oct. 3. They will also discuss Good Neighbor Day on Oct. 24 and a future in-person meeting at the College Park Club House with a tree demonstration walk.

Restorative Justice Commission (Aug. 25)

The commission will handle routine business: attendance, approving minutes, and receiving updates on the Lakeland Legacy project, a plaque update, and research into verifiable sales prices. No decisions or public hearings are listed on the agenda.

All meetings are open to the public. Agendas and minutes are available on the city's website.

College Park boards weigh age-friendly plan, city properties, election review

This week, College Park's Mayor and City Council and several advisory boards met to discuss a range of items, from a proposed plaque in City Hall to a community grant and election procedures. No final decisions have been published yet; all meetings are listed as agenda-only with minutes pending.

Mayor & City Council (Aug. 5)

The council considered a $2,500 Community Service Grant to Impact Humanity, Inc. for Community Impact Day. Members also discussed a proposed plaque in City Hall renouncing systemic racism and declaring support for Black lives. The agenda included the appointment of Dr. Llatetra Brown-Esters as a Class B Director of the College Park City-University Partnership, a letter of support to M-NCPPC for UMD Yale Avenue/Fraternity Road Improvements, and a presentation on the Wellesley Drive Sidewalk Design.

Committee for a Better Environment (July 27)

The committee reviewed a public survey for ideas on two city-owned properties at 8807 and 8811 Rhode Island Avenue in Berwyn; the survey closed July 31. Janet McCaslin reported on city activities and the committee budget. Members discussed the Climate Action Plan, labeling trees on the trolley trail with large signage, and garden events including Good Neighbor Day (Oct. 24) and College Park Day (Oct. 3).

Seniors Committee (July 27)

The Age Friendly College Park Workgroup began drafting a five-year Action Plan, using AARP domains and SMART goals. Domain updates covered communication, health services, housing, and transportation. The committee also planned social participation events for August and September.

Restorative Justice Commission (July 28)

The commission discussed a scholarship applicant proposal under Education, received a plaque update, and planned for Lakeland Day and Lakeland Legacy updates.

Board of Elections Supervisors (Aug. 6)

The board reviewed issues from a previous state election, including voter check-in and turnout. Mary Barnes presented a 2-year election cycle evergreen plan. Members discussed updates to election manuals, forms, and candidate packets, and set meeting dates through Dec. 2, 2027. New and returning members were introduced, including Chair Tonia James.

Coming up

• **Seniors Committee (Aug. 12):** Discussion of UMD's Age Friendly University designation with Dr. Josanne Francis, planning for fall prevention kit distribution and the College Park Day volunteer schedule, an Aug. 19 bingo event at Lakeland Community Center, a Sept. 2 WISE tech support workshop, and a Sept. 22 AARP presentation of a 5-year certificate to the council.

College Park Roundup: Boards Discuss Housing, Environment, and Justice; Council to Vote on Grant and Plaque

Most College Park advisory boards and commissions met over the past two weeks, but minutes have not yet been published for any of those sessions. That means no formal decisions can be confirmed from the recent meetings — only the items that were scheduled for discussion. The next concrete actions residents can watch come at the Aug. 5 Mayor & City Council meeting, where a $2,500 community grant and a City Hall plaque are on the agenda.

Recent Meetings: What Was Scheduled

Tree & Landscape Board (July 20) — Agenda items included development updates for The Boulevard, an invasive plant removal grant presented by Alec Lynde or Dutch Nagelvoort, a food and tree garden letter from Todd Reitzel, the Great Trees of College Park Initiative, and planning for educational events including vine removal, College Park Day (Oct. 3), and Good Neighbor Day (Oct. 24). Minutes are not yet published.

Housing Authority (July 23, two meetings) — The Affordable Housing Coalition's quarterly teleconference was set to approve April 23 minutes, discuss a fundraising event planned for October or November 2026, and consider a proposed change to the organization's bank account. The Board of Commissioners meeting was scheduled to acknowledge invoices over $4,000, approve June 25 minutes, review check registers and financial statements, and hear CEO updates on repositioning and property management. No August meeting is scheduled; the next is Sept. 24, 2026. Minutes for both meetings are not yet published.

Seniors Committee / Age Friendly Workgroup (July 27) — Domain updates were scheduled on communication, health services, housing, and transportation. The group planned to begin drafting a five-year Action Plan using AARP domains and SMART goals, and to plan August and September social participation events. Minutes are not yet published.

Committee for a Better Environment (July 27) — A public survey seeking ideas for city-owned properties at 8807 and 8811 Rhode Island Avenue in Berwyn was set to close July 31. Other items included a budget report from Janet McCaslin, discussion of the Climate Action Plan, tree labeling on the trolley trail, garden events, and Bee City updates. Minutes are not yet published.

Restorative Justice Commission (July 28) — Scheduled items included a plaque update, a scholarship applicant proposal under Education, Lakeland Day planning, and Lakeland Legacy updates. Minutes are not yet published.

Coming Up

Mayor & City Council — Wednesday, Aug. 5: The council will consider a $2,500 Community Service Grant to Impact Humanity, Inc. for Community Impact Day, and a proposed plaque in City Hall renouncing systemic racism and declaring support for Black lives. Also on the agenda: appointment of Dr. Llatetra Brown-Esters as a Class B Director of the College Park City-University Partnership, a letter of support to M-NCPPC for UMD Yale Avenue/Fraternity Road Improvements, and a presentation on Wellesley Drive Sidewalk Design.

Board of Elections Supervisors — Thursday, Aug. 6: The board will review state election issues regarding voter check-in and turnout, hear a 2-year election cycle evergreen plan presented by Mary Barnes, discuss updates to election manuals and candidate packets, establish meeting dates through Dec. 2, 2027, and introduce members including Chair Tonia James.

*Note: All six recent meetings listed above were agenda-only; minutes had not been published as of this roundup. Readers should consult official College Park meeting records for confirmed outcomes.*

College Park Council Approves 48th Place Sidewalk; Reviews $258,753 Elevator Contract

The College Park Mayor and Council approved construction of a new sidewalk on 48th Place and authorized a study of a potential rental registry at their July 14 meeting, according to agenda summaries. Minutes for all recent meetings have not yet been published, so final vote tallies are not available.

Sidewalk Approved on 48th Place

The Council approved construction of a new sidewalk along the north side of 48th Place between 47th Avenue and Muskogee Street. A contract amendment of $96,191.64 with NZI Construction Corporation was listed on the same meeting agenda for that sidewalk project.

The Council also approved a request for staff to study the potential creation of a rental registry covering all rental properties in the city. Council members reviewed biennial updates to Council Rules and Procedures and issued proclamations for American Legion Child & Youth Month, Autism Awareness Month, and Volunteer Appreciation Month.

The same agenda included proposed installations of stop signs to create all-way stops at Delaware Street and 48th Place, and at Delaware Street and 48th Avenue. A purchase of three solar-powered outdoor electronic signs from Soofa, priced up to $117,000, was also listed. A proposal to expand the JTCC-Junior Tennis Champions Center was on the agenda. Outcomes for those items are not yet confirmed because minutes have not been published.

Parking Garage Elevator Modernization Under Review

At the July 7 meeting, the Council considered a proposed contract of $258,753.00 with TK Elevator Corporation to modernize the elevator in the College Park Municipal Parking Garage. The Department of Public Works recommended the upgrade because original parts for the 2009 system are no longer manufactured. Procurement would use Sourcewell contract #050224.

That meeting agenda also listed a $63,392 contract for two electric 2027 Chevrolet Bolt sedans, an Accela software renewal for code enforcement and permitting costing $51,578.28, presentations on live entertainment licenses for The Lakelander, Looney's Pub, and Dog Haus Biergarten, and discussion of LDR-142-2026, a County Accessory Dwelling Units ordinance.

Events Board Reviews Spring Activities, Plans Summer

The City Events Advisory Board met July 6 to review Friday Night LIVE events from May 8 and June 12, the Spring Street Fair on May 17, and a Graphic Novelist Gareth Hinds talk on May 21. Upcoming events discussed include Game Nights on July 23 and August 6, and a ribbon cutting at Duvall Field on July 31. The board also received an update on the City Recreation position.

Bee City Committee Focuses on Pollinator Planting

The Bee City Committee met July 8 to discuss plant giveaway logistics, pollinator planting maintenance, and the Good Neighbor Day application. The agenda included scheduling for tarp placement and tree/shrub planting, Municipal Scene article deadlines for August and September, and approval of previous meeting minutes. No binding decisions or budget items were listed.

Bicycle and Pedestrian Committee Reviews Safety Projects

The Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee agenda for July 16 included a presentation by Michael Jackson of MDOT SHA on shared-use path best practices, a proposed bike rack expansion, and the Metzerott Road to MD 193 pedestrian safety CIP project.

Coming Up

• **Tree & Landscape Board** — July 20: Discussion of development updates for The Boulevard, an invasive plant removal grant, the Great Trees of College Park Initiative, and planning for College Park Day on October 3 and Good Neighbor Day on October 24.
• **Housing Authority** — July 23: Regular monthly meeting including acknowledgment of invoices over $4,000, financial report reviews, and CEO updates on repositioning and property management. The next Housing Authority meeting is scheduled for September 24, 2026, with no August meeting.

College Park roundtable: $258,753 parking garage elevator contract heads council agenda; sidewalk and street safety items up next

College Park's elected bodies and advisory boards met the week of July 6, but residents should note that minutes have not yet been published for any of those sessions — only agendas are available. That means the items below reflect what was scheduled for discussion or action, not confirmed outcomes. The largest dollar item on any agenda was a proposed $258,753 contract to modernize the elevator in the College Park Municipal Parking Garage.

Mayor & City Council — July 7

The council agenda listed a proposed contract of $258,753.00 with TK Elevator Corporation to rehabilitate and modernize the Municipal Parking Garage elevator. The Department of Public Works recommended the upgrade because original parts for the 2009 system are no longer manufactured. Procurement would use Sourcewell contract #050224.

Other items on the agenda:

• A contract of $63,392 for two electric 2027 Chevrolet Bolt sedans.
• An Accela software renewal for code enforcement and permitting costing $51,578.28.
• Presentations on live entertainment at The Lakelander, Looney's Pub, and Dog Haus Biergarten.
• Discussion on LDR-142-2026, regarding a County Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU) Ordinance.

Because minutes are not yet published, it is not possible to confirm which items were voted on or approved.

City Events Advisory Board — July 6

The board's agenda called for a review of recent city events, including Friday Night LIVE on May 8 and June 12, the Spring Street Fair on May 17, and a Graphic Novelist Gareth Hinds Talk on May 21. Upcoming events listed for discussion were Game Nights on July 23 and August 6, and a ribbon cutting at Duvall Field on July 31. The board was also scheduled to receive an update on the City Recreation position. No votes or budget figures appear on the agenda.

Bee City USA Committee — July 8

The committee agenda focused on plant giveaway logistics, including where to buy plants and a possible informational card. Members were set to discuss pollinator planting maintenance, scheduling for tarp placement, and tree and shrub planting. Other items included the Good Neighbor Day application deadline, upcoming Municipal Scene article deadlines for August and September, and review of previous meeting minutes. No binding decisions or budget items were listed.

Coming up

• **Mayor & City Council — July 14:** The agenda includes a $96,191.64 contract amendment with NZI Construction Corporation for a new sidewalk on 48th Place; installation of stop signs to create all-way stops at Delaware Street and 48th Place and at Delaware Street and 48th Avenue; purchase of three solar-powered outdoor electronic signs from Soofa up to $117,000; and a proposal to expand the JTCC-Junior Tennis Champions Center.
• **Housing Authority — July 23:** The Board of Commissioners is scheduled to acknowledge invoices over $4,000, approve June 25 meeting minutes, review check registers, bank reconciliations, and financial statements, and hear CEO updates on repositioning and property management. The next Housing Authority meeting after this one is scheduled for September 24, 2026, with no August meeting.
• **City Events Advisory Board Game Nights:** July 23 and August 6, with a ribbon cutting at Duvall Field on July 31, according to the board's July 6 agenda.

College Park roundup: Council to weigh $258,753 elevator contract; recent committee minutes still pending

College Park's Mayor and Council will consider a contract of up to $258,753 with TK Elevator Corporation to modernize elevators at the Municipal Parking Garage at its July 7 meeting — the largest dollar item on the current council agenda. The same meeting includes a $63,392 contract for two electric 2027 Chevrolet Bolt sedans and a $51,578.28 renewal of Accela software used for code enforcement and permitting.

No votes have been recorded yet on any of these items; they are listed on the upcoming agenda for review.

Recent meetings: agendas only, minutes not yet published

Six city bodies met between June 22 and June 25, but minutes have not been published for any of them. What follows is drawn from the agendas only, so outcomes — whether items were approved, amended, or postponed — are not yet in the record.

Seniors Committee (June 22). The Age Friendly College Park Workgroup was scheduled to discuss its five-year strategic approach and plan a July 1 Ice Cream Social under the social participation domain. Updates were listed on housing, transportation, communication, health services, and a Municipal Scene article.

Committee for a Better Environment (June 22). Agenda items included proposed uses for city-owned properties at 8807 and 8811 Rhode Island Avenue in the Berwyn neighborhood, large signage for tree labeling on the trolley trail, Climate Action Plan updates, and Bee City and Tree and Landscape Board partnerships.

Restorative Justice Commission (June 23). The commission was set to approve April meeting minutes, receive updates on Lakeland Legacy outreach efforts, and discuss plaque and merchandise items.

Ethics Commission (June 24). The commission was scheduled to review which board and committee members failed to file required financial disclosure statements and to discuss possible conflicts of interest.

Board of Elections Supervisors (June 25). Listed items included updating election training manuals and process procedures, reviewing mobile ballot box procedures, evaluating vendor Requests for Information for spring 2027, and discussing potential charter changes to align with Vote 16. Succession planning for the secretarial role and Board Chief was also on the agenda.

Housing Authority (June 25). The Board of Commissioners was scheduled to review and approve finance reports, approve May 21, 2026 minutes, hear the Chief Executive Officer's report, acknowledge invoices over $4,000, and hold a public comment period for residents.

Coming up

• **July 6 — City Events Advisory Board.** Review of Friday Night LIVE (May 8 and June 12), the Spring Street Fair (May 17), and a Graphic Novelist Gareth Hinds talk (May 21). Upcoming events include Game Nights on July 23 and August 6 and a ribbon cutting at Duvall Field on July 31. An update on the City Recreation position is also listed.
• **July 7 — Mayor & City Council.** Contracts listed above, plus presentations on live entertainment licenses for The Lakelander, Looney's Pub, and Dog Haus Biergarten, and discussion of LDR-142-2026 regarding a County Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU) Ordinance.

All recent meeting details above are drawn from published agendas. Minutes, when posted, will provide the official record of what was decided.

City Council to consider $258,753 elevator upgrade for parking garage

The College Park Mayor and City Council are scheduled to review a contract of up to $258,753 with TK Elevator Corporation to modernize the elevator at the Municipal Parking Garage at their July 7 meeting, according to the agenda. The proposal is part of a slate of spending items that also includes two electric vehicles for $63,392 and a software renewal for $51,578.

Recent meetings

Seniors Committee sets five-year plan

The Age Friendly College Park Workgroup met June 22 to discuss a strategic approach for the next five years, covering communication, health services, housing, social participation, and transportation. An ice cream social is planned for July 1 under the social participation domain.

Environment committee eyes future of Berwyn properties

The Committee for a Better Environment on June 22 reviewed proposals for city-owned parcels at 8807 and 8811 Rhode Island Avenue. The agenda also included Climate Action Plan updates, Bee City partnerships, and installing tree-labeling signage on the trolley trail.

Restorative Justice Commission advances Lakeland outreach

At its June 23 meeting, the commission planned to approve April minutes and receive updates on Lakeland Legacy outreach, plaque designs, and merchandise.

Ethics Commission flags missing disclosure filings

The Ethics Commission met June 24 to examine which board and committee members had not filed required financial disclosure statements and to review possible conflicts of interest. No determinations have been published.

Elections board updates manuals, eyes Vote 16 alignment

On June 25, the Board of Elections Supervisors discussed revising candidate applications, training manuals, and mobile ballot box procedures. The board is also evaluating vendor requests for information ahead of spring 2027 and considering charter amendments to align with the Vote 16 initiative.

Housing Authority reviews finances

The College Park Housing Authority Board of Commissioners convened June 25 to review financial statements, approve May 21 minutes, acknowledge invoices exceeding $4,000, and hear a report from the chief executive officer. A public comment period was included for residents.

Coming up

• **City Events Advisory Board** (July 6): Will review the Spring Street Fair and Friday Night LIVE events, discuss upcoming Game Nights on July 23 and August 6, and plan a ribbon cutting at Duvall Field on July 31.
• **Mayor & City Council** (July 7): In addition to the elevator contract, the council will consider a $63,392 purchase of two electric 2027 Chevrolet Bolt sedans, a $51,578.28 Accela software renewal, live entertainment license presentations for The Lakelander, Looney’s Pub, and Dog Haus Biergarten, and a discussion on proposed county accessory dwelling unit legislation. No votes have been taken; the agenda sets the scope for deliberations.