Public Meetings - Hyattsville, Maryland

The Hyattsville City Council met virtually on Monday, May 11, 2026, at 7:00 PM. All council members were present except Edouard Haba (Ward 4). The meeting covered community concerns over an ICE expansion near the Plaza at Prince George’s, a presentation from the Anacostia Trails Heritage Area (ATHA), the adoption of several proclamations, the approval of consent items, and the unanimous approval of a $65,000 full-time community services caseworker in the FY27 budget. The meeting adjourned at 8:03 PM. Public Comments & Testimony - Justine Hayward (Ward 3) expressed deep concern and disappointment regarding the lack of communication from the Council about the ICE expansion. She urged the Council to improve public messaging and engage with county and state partners to support the immigrant community. - Mr. Marshall (Ward 4) thanked the Police Department and the Department of Public Works for their hard work and service. - Daniel Broder (Ward 2) spoke in support of implementing ranked choice voting in Hyattsville and voiced his opposition to the city’s contract with Flock Safety, citing the company’s cooperation with ICE and data privacy concerns. City Administrator Update City Administrator Tracey Douglas provided updates on street improvement projects, community programming, and the city website. She recognized National Police Week and National Public Works Week, and highlighted a senior legal clinic that provided $63,000 in pro bono services. The city launched a new podcast, “Hyattsville Happenings.” Project Updates (Hal Metzler, Acting DPW Director): - Teen Center: Final use and occupancy received. - 3505 Hamilton St (Police/Public Safety Building): Temporary use and occupancy received; moving to installation phase. - The Spot: Permit under revision; construction to begin after Trolley Trail Day (June 13). - Garage Entrance: Final paving and crosswalk painting underway; opening expected within days. - Ager Road/Nixon Street: Traffic signal installed and awaiting power activation. ICE Expansion Discussion: Staff reported no new information on the expansion. Council President Joseph Solomon noted that the County Executive signed an executive order placing a temporary moratorium on use and occupancy permits for immigration detention infrastructure. Presentations 2026-246 Anacostia Trails Heritage Area (ATHA) Presentation Valerie Woodall, Associate Director of ATHA, presented on the organization’s initiatives, including the 5th Annual Trolley Trail Day on June 13, 2026, which will feature activity hubs in Hyattsville (The Spot and Melrose Skate Park), North Brentwood, Brentwood, and Mount Rainier. She also discussed the “We the People” block party on May 30, the Historic Hyattsville Public Art Tour, and efforts to study extending the Trolley Trail down Route 1 to Mount Rainier. Councilmembers thanked her and inquired about programming beyond the trolley trail corridor. Proclamations (Adopted Unanimously) - Correction noted: The Asian American Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander Heritage Month proclamation was corrected during the meeting to designate May (the agenda had listed April). - Adopted: Jewish American Heritage Month (May), Mental Health Awareness Month (May), National Public Works Week (May 17–23), National Peace Officers Memorial Day & National Police Week (May 10–16), and a proclamation honoring Reverend Dr. Yvonne Penn-Wallace for her years of community service. Consent Calendar Approved unanimously (10-0): - Disbursements: $500 (Mayoral) for Trolley Trail event; $700 (Mayoral) for Summer Soccer Kick-off Watch Party; $250 (Ward 2) for Elementary School PTA Pride event; $250 (Ward 5) for Elementary School PTA Pride event; $250 (Ward 5) for 988 signs; $250 (Ward 5) to Ben Angeloni for a Pride event; $850 (Ward 5) for Ward 5 Budget and BBQ. - MOU: Authorized the City Administrator to execute an MOU with MD Transit Administration Police, New Carrollton PD, Riverdale Park PD, and HPD for Purple Line policing. - Change Orders: Authorized increases to contracts with Adirondack Tree Experts ($55,000), Environmental Quality Resources ($22,000 annually), and Professional Lawn Maintenance Services ($46,000 annually). Key Outcomes - Appointments: The Council unanimously approved the reappointment of Susan Zahran (Ward 1) to the Code Compliance Advisory Committee for a term ending May 11, 2028. - Action Item – Community Services Caseworker (2026-243): The Council unanimously approved a motion to include $65,000 in the FY27 Budget to fund a full-time caseworker in the Department of Community Services. Director Sandra Shephard described the role as providing short-term wraparound case management and referrals for residents facing eviction, homelessness, and mental health crises. The position originated from discussions surrounding a prior $100,000 emergency relief fund for immigrants. Councilmembers credited motion makers Vice President Redmond, Councilmember Dhokai, Council President Solomon, and Councilmember Lee for bringing the initiative forward. - Mayor’s Comment: Mayor Croslin expressed support for the caseworker but suggested the city may eventually need to consider a future tax rate adjustment to ensure long-term fiscal sustainability, citing a recent tax increase in Bowie.

The Hyattsville City Council held a public hearing on the proposed Fiscal Year 2027 (FY27) budget on Monday, May 11, 2026, at 6:32 PM. The meeting was held virtually and lasted approximately 25 minutes, adjourning at 6:57 PM. The primary agenda item was a presentation on the FY27 Budget Overview by City Treasurer Ron Brooks and Deputy Budget Director Ben Bosch. The public comment period was dominated by opposition to the city's contract with Flock Safety, with additional comments on the budget's tax implications. Note on Attendance: Councilmembers Danny Schaible (Ward 2) and Edouard Haba (Ward 4) were absent. The agenda listed Council Vice President Kareem Redmond as representing Ward 3, while the signed meeting minutes listed him as representing Ward 1. Public Comments & Testimony - Alex Koch (Ward 5): Opposed the Flock Safety contract, arguing that a "royalty-free, irrevocable worldwide license" clause in Section 1.4 of the contract undermines the city's claim of ownership over resident data. He alleged that identifying information is not deleted from Flock's servers after the 30-day retention period and urged the council to pause the contract for an independent third-party security review. - Tim Schwedes (Ward 5): Opposed the Flock Safety contract. Citing his background in information technology, he raised concerns about data security vulnerabilities in the platform and requested the council review and ultimately pause or eliminate the relationship with Flock. - Jacob Moschler: Opposed the Flock Safety contract, citing his experience in aviation law and cybersecurity. He raised concerns about the indemnity and warranty terms in the contract, arguing that ongoing lawsuits against Flock expose the city and its taxpayers to significant legal and financial risks. - Luis Walters (Ward 2): Opposed the Flock Safety contract. He argued that the mass collection and storage of location data violates Fourth Amendment protections and that federal lawsuits against cities like Norfolk, San Jose, and San Francisco expose municipalities to significant legal costs and liabilities under Section 1983 civil rights litigation. - Alison Mendoza-Walters: Opposed the Flock Safety contract, citing residential privacy concerns and data security risks, including the potential for cameras to be breached remotely. She stated that over 125 people signed a petition in Hyattsville and over 135 signed a letter in Greenbelt against the cameras, and that over 60 jurisdictions have rejected Flock contracts. - Mr. Marshall (Ward 4): Expressed frustration with the budget process, asserting that the 30-minute, two-minute-per-speaker format provided insufficient opportunity for meaningful public input. He stated that the proposed budget amounts to a year-over-year tax increase. - Mike Bonds (Ward 3): Expressed support for the city administration, acknowledging a reduction in the budget deficit growth compared to previous years, with an increase of approximately $200,000 from the introduced version to the current proposal. Discussion Items - FY27 Budget Overview: Treasurer Ron Brooks and Deputy Budget Director Ben Bosch presented the proposed budget. Revenue is projected at $34.5 million, with real property taxes accounting for 64% ($22.1 million). Expenditures are projected at approximately $36 million, inclusive of salaries, benefits, contractual costs, debt service for vehicle financing, and $1 million in PAYGO capital. The budget anticipates a $1.61 million draw from the general fund balance to cover the gap, inclusive of $138,000 in approved council motions (or $203,540 including a pending community services case worker motion). - Councilmember Inquiries: Council President Joseph Solomon requested a budget version reflecting a 2.5% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for staff. Deputy Budget Director Bosch confirmed he was preparing the updated table. Councilmember Joanne Waszczak corrected the allocation for the Volunteer Shoveling Program from $3,000 to the approved $2,500. Bosch defined the PAYGO program as cash funding provided for capital projects. Key Outcomes - No votes were taken on the budget itself, as this was a statutorily required public hearing. A motion to adjourn by Council President Solomon, seconded by Council Vice President Redmond, passed with 9 in favor, 0 opposed, and 0 abstentions. Councilmembers Schaible and Haba were absent. - City Administration committed to providing the council with updated budget tables reflecting the 2.5% COLA request and the corrected Volunteer Shoveling Program amount before final deliberations.

On Monday, April 27, 2026, the Hyattsville City Council held a virtual regular meeting from 7:03 PM to 10:26 PM. The meeting featured extensive public comment, the adoption of five proclamations, approval of consent agenda items, and action on four FY27 budget initiatives totaling $133,200. The most debated item was the establishment of a $100,000 relief fund, originally targeted at immigrant families impacted by federal enforcement, which was amended to assist all city families experiencing economic distress. The council also discussed funding for a community services caseworker position. Consent Calendar - Ward 5 Discretionary Funds (2026-220): Approved $250 from FY26 Ward 5 discretionary funds to Melange Wellness LLC for the Pond to Pond event held on April 18, 2026. Passed unanimously. - Ward 5 Discretionary Funds (2026-221): Approved $350 from FY26 Ward 5 discretionary funds to support the Riverfront at West Hyattsville's Cinqo on the 2nd event on May 2, 2026. Passed unanimously. Public Comments & Testimony - In favor of the $100,000 immigrant relief fund: 17 speakers (Brian Banks, Stephanie De Lorenzo, John Spillane, Margaret Spicer, Raphael Talisman, Nohely Alvarez, Leidi Garcia from CASA, Alison Mendoza-Walker, Melissa Schweisguth, Kelsey Ryland from PGIRC, Charlotte Francoeur, Kelly Church, Nicole Laemers, Margaret Sharp, Will Hamby-Hopkins, Eleanor Banks, Julian Tavaro, Laura Usher) urged the council to pass the fund, describing fear among immigrant families, detention incidents, and the need for community support. - In favor of senior programs: Anita Williams (Ward 4) requested expanded funding and staffing for senior programming and thanked staff. - In favor of Ward 5 event funding: Ramono Flowers (Ward 5) supported the discretionary funding for the Cinco de Mayo event, emphasizing community engagement. - Opposing the immigrant relief fund: Mr. Marshall (Ward 4) argued against the fund, suggesting any assistance should be distributed by a neutral organization and questioning the city's capacity to take on new programs. - Other: Luigi, a 6-year-old Ward 2 resident, advocated for more public trash cans. Melissa Schweisguth also raised concerns about legacy costs of the proposed AI data tool and opposed discretionary funds for the Riverfront community. Proclamations - Arbor Day Proclamation: Designated April 24, 2026 as Arbor Day in Hyattsville. - Citizenship Celebration Day Proclamation: Recognized May 2, 2026 as Hyattsville Citizenship Celebration Day. - Municipal Clerks Week Proclamation: Recognized May 3-9, 2026 as Municipal Clerks Week. - Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week Proclamation: Recognized May 3-9, 2026 as Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week. - Proclamation Honoring Lieutenant Chris Evans and K9 Officer NOLA: Honored their years of service. All five proclamations were adopted unanimously (11-0). Action Items - 9.a Youth Leadership and Empowerment ($700): Approved 11-0. Creates an annual process for students in grades 6-12 to apply for ceremonial roles as “Mayor”, “Council President”, or “Council Vice-President”. Councilmember Schaible suggested incorporating the winners into regular council meetings. - 9.b Volunteer Shoveling Program ($2,500): Approved 11-0. Supports a standing volunteer program to assist senior residents and those with disabilities with snow removal. Discussion included removal of snowblower component and consideration of providing salt. - 9.c Enhancing Council and Staff Access to Information ($30,000): Approved 10-0-1 (Councilmember Schaible abstained). Funds purchase and implementation of technology to streamline access to city data. Discussion covered long-term costs, public access, and staff due diligence. Councilmember Waszczak requested contacting other municipalities using such technology before issuing an RFP. - 9.d Relief Funds for Impacted Families ($100,000): The original motion provided direct financial assistance to immigrant families whose primary breadwinners were affected by federal immigration enforcement. Councilmember Strab offered an amendment to create the “Hope Fund – Community Stability Program” to assist any city family experiencing economic distress with lost primary income, with program guidelines to be developed by staff and approved by council. The amendment passed 6-5 (Solomon, Waszczak, Schaible, Haba, Lee nay; Croslin, Redmond, Barnes, Strab, Dhokai, Nisbett aye). The motion as amended passed 8-3 (Haba, Lee, Nisbett nay; all others aye). Council will sign an MOU with one or two local nonprofit partners to administer the funds. Staff estimated funds could be disbursed within three to five months. Discussion Items - 10.a Funding for Community Services Caseworker to Support Resident Stability: Councilmember Redmond introduced the proposal for a contracted caseworker to provide wraparound services, assist with the relief fund, and support seniors, homeless outreach, and others. Director of Community Services Shephard noted her current caseload of 60-80 cases since January. Council discussed contracted vs. full-time status and whether the caseworker would handle personal information related to the relief fund. The item was for discussion only and will return to a future meeting. Key Outcomes - Five proclamations adopted unanimously. - Consent items (total $600 in discretionary funds) approved. - Four FY27 budget initiatives approved: Youth leadership ($700), snow shoveling program ($2,500), technology access ($30,000), and economic distress relief fund ($100,000) – totaling $133,200. - Immigrant relief fund amended to apply to all residents facing economic distress, with program details to be developed by staff and approved by council; funds to be administered by third-party nonprofits via MOU. - Caseworker position remains under discussion; council directed staff to further develop the proposal considering legal and operational details. - Council dialogue included thank-yous to staff, Councilmember Haba for his advocacy, and residents for public engagement. Councilmember Nisbett urged respectful discourse, and Councilmember Schaible suggested allowing public commenters to show video to enhance communication. - Meeting adjourned at 10:26 PM.

The Hyattsville City Council held a virtual regular meeting on April 22, 2026, at 7:05 PM. The primary focus was the presentation of the proposed FY27 budget by department heads, including the Police Department, Community Services, Public Works, and the Capital Improvement Plan. Council heard public comment, discussed budget details, and set the stage for upcoming budget initiatives and a public hearing. Consent Calendar - Approval of the agenda: Motion by Councilmember Barnes, seconded by Councilmember Strab, passed unanimously with 8 ayes. Mayor Croslin and Councilmember Haba were absent; Councilmember Nisbett arrived later. Public Comments & Testimony - Mr. Marshall (Ward 4) opposed the proposed $100,000 immigrant resident relief fund, citing a budget deficit, benefit cuts for staff and retirees, and a six-month freeze on vacant positions. He argued the money should pass through a neutral organization if approved. - Melissa Schweisguth (Ward 5) requested clarity on Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) project prioritization, raised concerns that lease financing creates debt, and expressed support for the immigrant relief fund. - Mike Bonds (Ward 3) asked for a more digestible budget format and greater transparency regarding which projects are actually fundable through the CIP. - Scott Wilson (Ward 1) opposed the immigrant relief fund and expressed concerns about the rapid increase in property taxes, noting his tax burden now exceeds his original mortgage payment by 60%. Discussion Items - FY27 Budget and Department Presentations (7:20 PM – 9:00 PM): - Police Department (Chief Towers): Presented an unchanged 84-FTE org chart, notable achievements (9th CALEA accreditation, 23,000+ calls for service year-to-date, 34 firearm seizures including 2 ghost guns, DARE program with 175 graduates, grant-funded CIT co-responder clinician), and priorities (transition to new headquarters, fleet modernization, hiring a crime analyst, full staffing to 55 sworn officers). Discussed the mandatory mental wellness check-in program (twice yearly, separate from a new state-mandated biennial assessment) and recruitment challenges due to competition from neighboring jurisdictions. - Community Services (Director Shephard): Presented an org chart with 13 full-time and 2 part-time employees, accomplishments (food distribution equivalent value of $33,000+ serving 10,632 individuals; 940 frozen meals to seniors; $75,131 in diaper products; 36 events with 170 vendors; 500+ classes/workshops; 305 volunteers providing $59,000 in equivalent hours), and priorities (sustain services, develop partnerships, transition programs to new teen center, expand volunteer recruitment). Discussed elimination of the ARPA-funded case manager position (cases now handled by current staff, with a possible motion to restore). - Department of Public Works (Acting Director Metzler): Presented achievements (elevator modernization at 4310 Gallatin, alley paving, teen center temporary use permit, park projects), priorities (data-driven decisions, fleet modernization, waste diversion, staff optimization). Discussed the current 3 deployed Throne bathroom units (at Hurick Park, Duck Pond, and 30th Avenue Park), with a fourth proposed in the CIP. Noted difficulty filling mechanic positions and the need to upgrade snow plows. - Capital Improvement Plan (Treasurer Brooks & Deputy Budget Director Bosch): Presented a two-tier CIP: Tier 1 ($3.68 million, with identified funding sources) includes $2.6 million for vehicle lease financing and about $1 million cash for other projects (police, DPW, admin). Tier 2 projects (over $15 million) lack identified funding and would be brought forward as grants or other revenue become available. Council questioned lease financing as debt, the budgeting methodology, and the inclusion of contracted employees. Key Outcomes - Council directed staff to provide detailed fleet management records, Throne usage data, a comprehensive list of direct assistance programs with total city investment (net of grants), and an accounting of contracted personnel across departments. - Council discussed a potential budget amendment to restore a case manager position in Community Services, previously cut due to ARPA funding expiration, citing increased resident needs. - Council debated the appropriate number of Throne bathrooms; currently three, with a fourth proposed. Some members advocated for maintaining or increasing the count (e.g., five), while others were open to the current plan. Further discussion on locations and costing was planned for a future session. - The mandatory police mental wellness check-in program was discussed; some council members questioned its compulsory nature, while others strongly supported it as a critical tool for officer wellness, community policing, and liability prevention. - Council requested further information on the lease financing mechanism for vehicle replacements, including the proposed five-year lease-to-own structure and its impact on debt service. - No formal votes were taken on budget items; the presentation was for information and discussion. Next steps include a Council Budget Initiative meeting on April 27th, a public hearing on May 11th, council amendments on May 20th, and first reading on May 26th. - The meeting adjourned at 9:53 PM.

The Hyattsville City Council met remotely on Monday, April 13, 2026, at 7:04 PM. Councilmembers Edouard Haba (Ward 4) and Kelson Nisbett (Ward 5) were absent. The meeting included presentations on the Climate Action Plan and the Vehicle Replacement Plan, public comment, adoption of a proclamation, board appointments, approval of consent items, and authorization of a public restroom installation at Hyatt Park. All votes passed unanimously (9-0). Consent Calendar - 2026-197: Accepted a $340,000 grant from the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) for the Sanctuary 9% Predevelopment project. - 2026-207: Accepted a $64,000 grant from the Maryland Department of Transportation’s Kim Lamphier Bikeways Network Program to expand bicycle infrastructure. - 2026-198: Authorized disbursement of $169.59 from Ward 3 discretionary funds to Council Vice President Kareem Redmond for community outreach materials. - 2026-203: Approved $500 from Ward 1 discretionary funds to the Hyattsville Community Development Corporation (HyCDC) for Trolley Trail Day engagement activities. Public Comments & Testimony (7:10 PM – 7:20 PM) - Zack Dorner (Ward 2) expressed opposition to merging the Shade Tree Board with the Hyattsville Environment Committee and urged additional support measures for immigrant residents. - Sara Bendoraitis (Ward 2) raised concerns about a code enforcement violation on her property, which serves as a collection and sorting site for HySwap, a free clothing event serving over 500 families per event. She stated that despite a clear walkway, she received a formal violation and requested clearer guidance from the city. - Michael Angeloni (Ward 5) recounted an incident where city vehicles blocked accessible parking at Franklin’s. He urged city employees and contractors to model better ADA compliance and respect for residents with disabilities. - Melissa Schweisguth (Ward 5) urged the council to press climate action plan consultants for evidence-based, quantified impact data to prioritize investments. She also opposed merging the Shade Tree Board with the Environment Committee, citing the unique passion of “tree nerds.” - Greg Smith disagreed with the proposed committee merger and urged the council to continue negotiating a lower price for the Werrlein lower parcel, noting recent court rulings that weakened the developer’s position. - Dan Broder (Ward 2) spoke in favor of ranked-choice voting, supported a lower purchase price for the Werrlein property, urged the city to adopt a fully electric vehicle fleet, and asked the city to remain vigilant against ICE raids. - Mr. Marshall (Ward 4) opposed ranked-choice voting and criticized a proposed $100,000 fund for immigrant relief, questioning the fiscal logic given budget cuts and staff reductions. - Anita Williams (Ward 4) asked the council not to cut senior program budgets and called for expanded programming and staffing. City Administrator Update (7:20 PM – 7:40 PM) City Administrator Tracey Douglas provided updates including: farewells to long-time staff Taylor Roby and Gary Bullis; swearing-in of Officer Canales; DARE graduation for 51 students; spring break youth activities; senior Zumba and digital literacy classes; youth council visit to the State House; Emerson Alley and Gaines Alley road repairs; upcoming Earth Day walk and anniversary festival; and a video honoring public safety dispatchers. In response to a question from Councilmember Schaible, she confirmed that no formal proposal to merge the Shade Tree Board and Environment Committee had been brought to her desk. Discussion Items 7.a. Climate Action Plan Presentation (7:40 PM – 8:25 PM) Environmental Programs Manager Dawn Taft introduced the Hyattsville Climate Action Plan (CAP), developed with MNCPPC planners and consultant Stantec with a $138,000 grant. Consultant Nadia Voght presented key findings: - 431 community survey responses received. - Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions inventory: 48% from transportation, 28% from commercial buildings, 15% from residential buildings, and 1.45% from waste. - Four focus areas: Transportation & Land Use, Buildings & Energy, Green Space & Stormwater, and Municipal Leadership. - A draft vision and goals were presented; final actions will be developed after community input at the April 25 anniversary festival. - The plan is scheduled for completion by end of June 2026, with a final presentation to council in May 2026. Councilmember Schaible asked about a fleet electrification plan. Voght clarified that an EV transition plan recommendation would be included under municipal actions, but a detailed implementation plan was outside the current scope. She offered to follow up offline. 7.b. Vehicle Replacement Plan Presentation Deputy City Administrator Debi Sandlin, Acting DPW Director Hal Metzler, and Police Chief Jarod Towers presented: - Total city fleet: 118 vehicles (56% police, 33% DPW). Average age 7.2 years; three vehicles are 19 years old. - DPW: 42 vehicles; 50% are more than one year past replacement schedule (target: light/medium duty 7 years, heavy duty 5–10 years). A multi-year smoothing plan would level costs at $800,000–$1 million annually. - Police: 66 vehicles; 40 vehicles (61%) are 8+ years old as of FY27. Replacement cost for 40 vehicles estimated at $3.4 million. Proposed plan: 18 vehicles in FY27, 18 in FY28, then 10 per year to reach a sustainable 7-year cycle. - Challenges with electric vehicles (EVs) were discussed: a police EV pilot had reliability issues (e.g., an $18,000 battery failure under warranty), limited charging infrastructure, difficulty finding qualified technicians, and long repair times. Chief Towers noted that other Maryland departments currently recommend against patrol EV use. A $120,000 grant for charging stations was received. - A new fleet management system (Fleetio) is being implemented to track maintenance, costs, and alerts. - Discussion covered take-home vehicle policies, sharing of vehicles across departments, leasing options, and the importance of lead times (e.g., 18–24 months for trash trucks). 11.a. Installation of Portland Loo at Hyatt Park Council authorized an expenditure not to exceed $195,000 to NZI Construction for installation of a Portland Loo public restroom at Hyatt Park, pending contract extension with Prince George’s County. The portable restroom unit was purchased earlier with CARES Act funds. Installation costs include sewer, water, and electrical connections. Annual operating costs are low (electricity and cleaning only); water/sewer costs are waived under a 1920 agreement with WSSC. Staff noted tree preservation measures (trenchless technology, root treatment). A state bond will cover the first installation, with funds remaining for a second unit at another park. Key Outcomes - Votes (all unanimous 9-0): Approval of agenda, minutes, proclamations, appointments, consent items, and the Portland Loo authorization. - Directives: Staff will continue refining the Climate Action Plan and engage the community at the April 25 festival. The Vehicle Replacement Plan will return as part of budget discussions; staff will explore leasing models and further evaluate EV feasibility. - Next Steps: Final Climate Action Plan presentation to council in May 2026. Portland Loo installation expected late summer 2026, pending WSSC permit.

The Hyattsville City Council held a regular virtual meeting on April 8, 2026, from 7:04 PM to 9:40 PM, with the primary focus being the introduction of the Fiscal Year 2027 budget. City Administrator Tracey Douglas, Treasurer Ron Brooks, Deputy Budget Director Ben Bosch, and department heads presented an overview of the proposed budget, which projects general fund revenues of $34.6 million and expenditures of $36.0 million, leaving a $1.4 million gap to be covered by general fund reserves. The council also heard three public comments. Public Comments & Testimony - Mr. Marshall (Ward 4) expressed opposition to the proposed $100,000 immigrant relief fund, arguing it is a bad idea and that any such program should be administered by an organization neutral on immigration issues, not CASA. - L. Parikh (Ward 2) voiced concerns about the rising cost of employee benefits and asked how the city plans to manage those costs. - Melissa Schweisguth (Ward 5) expressed support for the $100,000 immigrant relief fund, but also raised concerns about drawing down from the general fund in the FY27 budget and requested more clarity around the tracking of PAYGO funds that offset the Capital Improvement Plan. Discussion Items - FY27 Budget Overview and Gap Closure: Staff presented the budget as a balanced financial plan aligned with the city's strategic goals. The initial projected gap of $4 million was reduced to $1.4 million through a combination of measures: $1 million in transfers from special revenue funds (parking and speed camera programs), $700,000 from a six-month vacancy hold on current open positions, $300,000 from revised property tax revenues, $300,000 from increasing the operating property tax rate from $3.00 to $3.50 per $100 of assessed value (for FY27 only), $400,000 in grant offsets, and other smaller adjustments. The remaining $1.4 million will be drawn from general fund reserves. The proposed budget also includes a 2% cost-of-living adjustment for staff. - Department Presentations: Department heads presented priorities for FY27, including: - Administration: Focus on data-driven decision making, equity mapping dashboard, and community engagement. - Emergency Operations: CERT team expansion, opioid settlement usage, and Narcan training. - Parking: Request for a new part-time parking enforcement position; plans to increase rates to align with market, expand pay-by-app, and increase patrols in commercial areas. - Finance: Completion of FY24 audit, priority for an A2 bond rating presentation, and developing a property tax classification review for future cycles. - City Clerk: Transition of a part-time admin clerk to a full-time committee coordinator; preparation for the 2027 citywide election. - Human Resources: Updated compensation and classification study, expansion of wellness programs, and a full benefits audit. - Economic Development: Implementation of the new strategic plan, updated economic development strategy, possible Tax Increment Financing (TIF) exploration, and enhanced facade and corridor programs. Notable development updates: West Hyattsville Phase 2, St. Jerome's Academy, and the 7-Eleven redevelopment opened. - Code Compliance: Realignment of staff; emphasis on a new permit management system to improve efficiency; request for increased training for code officers. - Council Dialogue and Questions: Councilmembers asked questions on several topics: - The red light and speed camera program revenue declines attributed to changed driver behavior and reduced activity. - The nature of the grant writer position (full-time contractor vs. employee). - The impact of the hiring freeze on services, with staff explaining cross-training and operational gapping. - Clarification that the $50,000 fire department stipend continues as in prior years. - The decision to not pursue a property tax classification change or rate increase in FY27; the matter was postponed to future years for further study. - A request for additional detail on the sustainability of fund transfers from speed camera and parking funds, with staff outlining a four-year draw down plan to maintain a 25% operating reserve in those funds. Key Outcomes - Agenda Approved: The council unanimously approved the meeting agenda at the start of the meeting. - Budget Timeline: The budget introduction was the first of two budget meetings. The next departmental budget presentation (covering Police, Community Services, Public Works, and the Capital Improvement Plan) is scheduled for April 22, 2026. - No Tax Increase: Council President Solomon confirmed that there is no proposed or discussed increase to the overall tax rate for FY27, and the discussion on property tax classification changes will continue with staff to potentially return in a future budget cycle. - No Final Budget Vote: No vote was taken to adopt the FY27 budget; it remains in discussion. The council will continue its review before adoption later in the spring. - Council Dialogue: No formal actions took place during the council dialogue portion at the end of the meeting. - Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned at 9:40 PM by unanimous consent.

The Hyattsville City Council held a regular virtual meeting on March 23, 2026. Key actions included the adoption of the 2026-2031 Strategic Plan 'Stepping Forward,' the creation of the Common Ownership Community Advisory Committee and the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Committee, and the approval of consent items supporting stormwater resiliency and opioid remediation. Public testimony was heavily focused on a proposed emergency relief fund for immigrant families, with several speakers urging support and one speaker opposing the measure. The Council also received a presentation on a city data analytics project and held a work session discussion on the FY27 budget, which highlighted a projected deficit and explored potential tax classification changes. Consent Calendar - The Council approved the Consent Agenda unanimously. - Item 10.a: Authorized an expenditure not to exceed $103,100 to the Low Impact Development Center (LIDC) for continuing coordination and project management of the Lower Ward 1 Resiliency Projects. - Item 10.b: Amended the FY26 Special Revenues Funds Budget to appropriate $33,975.64 in National Opioid Settlement Funds for opioid remediation. Public Comments & Testimony - Robert Oerter (Ward 1): Expressed strong support for creating a $100,000 emergency grant fund for immigrant families, highlighting that a third of the community is foreign-born and that the city can afford to support them. - Stephanie DeLorenzo (Ward 1): Founder of Route One Mutual Aid, spoke in favor of the emergency relief fund. She described her grassroots organization feeding 80 to 100 families weekly and stated they were "exhausted and broke," urging the council to pass the funding to show that local government is willing to protect residents. - Ninfa Amador Hernandez (We Are Casa): Urged the Council to support the fund, citing that over 4,000 individuals were arrested by ICE in Maryland in 2025, an over 300% increase from 2024. - Eleanor Banks: Spoke in favor of using tax dollars to help immigrants in the community. - Bette Dickerson (Ward 2): Spoke in favor of expanding senior programming. - Mr. Marshall (Ward 4): Expressed total opposition to city funding being set aside for those affected by ICE enforcement. He argued the city has a budget crisis and should not spend taxpayer dollars on this issue, stating that if funding is allocated, it should be administered by a neutral organization, specifically opposing We Are Casa as the distributor. Presentations & Reports City Administrator Update City Administrator Tracey Douglas provided updates on city events and welcomed Debi Sandlin back to the city's economic development team. Hal Metzler provided an update on the Lower Ward 1 Stormwater Project, a grant-funded initiative totaling just over $1 million, noting construction is anticipated to begin after May and be completed by November 2026. Reginald Bagley reported that the Maryland State Highway Administration is expected to provide preliminary approval for the Canvas apartments parking garage signalization plan by the end of April 2026. Dewberry Data Analytics Project Presentation Amanda Byrd and Claire Kolman of Dewberry presented findings from a 10-month project evaluating the city's data collection and analysis capabilities, requested by the Race and Equity Committee. Key recommendations included creating a centralized software licensing tracker, expanding GIS data collection for departments like Public Works, standardizing data storage to reduce silos, expanding the IT committee's focus to data analytics, and providing ongoing staff training on Microsoft tools. Action Items 2026-2031 Strategic Plan "Stepping Forward" The Council unanimously adopted the 2026-2031 Strategic Plan. Staff noted the plan received over 300 inputs from community feedback. Discussion focused on the plan as a living document supported by a public-facing implementation dashboard to track progress and inform annual budget priorities. Creation of Hyattsville Common Ownership Community Advisory Committee The Council voted 10-0-1 to create the committee (Councilmember Waszczak abstained). Waszczak expressed concern about creating a permanent committee based on housing type. Council Vice President Redmond and Council President Solomon argued that the unique ongoing needs of HOA and condo communities justified a standing committee rather than a temporary task force. Creation of the CERT Committee The Council unanimously approved making the Hyattsville Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) an official city committee. Reginald Bagley stated the official designation is needed to access advanced FEMA trainings and qualify for additional funding, which will be requested in the FY27 budget. Discussion Items FY27 Budget Discussion Treasurer Ron Brooks and Deputy Budget Director Ben Bosch led a work session on the FY27 budget. The current services expenditure baseline is $36.97 million against a general fund revenue baseline of $32.9 million, leaving a gap of approximately $4 million. - Gap Reduction Goal: Staff set a goal to reduce the gap to under $3 million through a combination of tax increases and expenditure reductions or delays. - Tax Scenarios: Bosch presented three scenarios for tax classification changes targeting multifamily (apartment), commercial, and industrial properties while keeping single-family and townhouse residential rates unchanged, aiming to generate between $500,000 and $1.5 million in additional revenue. - Constraints: Brooks highlighted legal hurdles in creating new subclassifications (e.g., for vacant properties or condos) within the current budget cycle. If not resolved, the fallback is either a broad-based rate increase or deeper spending cuts. - Council Feedback: Councilmembers requested a five-year lookback on year-end balances and detailed projections of new expenses. Councilmember Waszczak raised equity concerns about focusing tax increases solely on multifamily and industrial properties. Councilmember Schaible expressed interest in a vacancy tax surcharge. Key Outcomes - Strategic Plan Adopted: The 2026-2031 "Stepping Forward" Strategic Plan was unanimously approved. - New Committees Created: The Common Ownership Community Advisory Committee (passed 10-0-1) and the CERT Committee (passed unanimously) were officially established. - Consent Items Approved: $103,100 authorized for Lower Ward 1 Resiliency Projects; $33,975.64 in Opioid Settlement Funds appropriated. - Proclamations and Appointments: Proclamations for Autism Awareness Day (April 2) and National Public Health Week (April 6-12) were adopted. Danielle Sykes was appointed to the Education Advisory Committee. - FY27 Budget Path Forward: The Council reviewed a $4M budget gap. Staff aim to introduce a proposed budget on April 8, 2026, with potential tax increases targeting commercial, industrial, and multifamily properties. A public hearing is scheduled for May 11, 2026, if tax rate changes are pursued. - Public Testimony on Emergency Fund: Multiple residents spoke on a proposed $100,000 emergency relief fund for immigrant families, which remains an outstanding item for a future vote.

The Hyattsville City Council met virtually on March 18, 2026 at 7:04 PM to discuss the Fiscal Year 2027 budget gap and potential modifications to property tax classifications. The meeting, led by Council President Joseph Solomon in the absence of Mayor Robert S. Croslin, focused on a $4.07 million projected gap between revenues and expenditures and explored options to adjust tax rates across different property types. The session concluded at 8:56 PM. Public Comments & Testimony - Anita Williams (Ward 4): Expressed concern about high taxes and lack of affordable housing. She also asked whether the City could install a solar farm to offset utility costs. - Melissa Schweisguth (Ward 5): Urged Council to implement a special tax rate on vacant properties and apartments, citing examples from Mount Rainier and Upper Marlboro. She asked that residential property tax rates not be raised. Discussion Items - Treasurer Ron Brooks and Deputy Budget Director Ben Bosch presented the proposed FY27 general fund budget, showing revenues of $32.9 million and expenditures of $36.97 million, creating a $4.07M gap. Personnel costs make up about 66% of expenditures. - The team outlined a draft ordinance to create seven new property tax classifications (residential subdivision, townhouse, multifamily residential, commercial, industrial, vacant, and non-owner occupied) to allow different tax rates. Currently all real property is taxed at $0.63 per $100 of assessed value. - Three scenarios were presented to partially close the gap by raising taxes on multifamily, commercial, and industrial properties while holding single-family and townhouse rates flat. For example, raising apartment rates by 15 cents per $100 would yield $900,000; commercial by 2 cents yields $160,000; industrial by 20 cents yields $54,000. A back‑of‑the‑envelope calculation showed that a 1‑cent increase across all categories would generate about $150,000 from residential, $70,000 from townhouses, $60,000 from multifamily, $80,000 from commercial, and <$10,000 from industrial. - Councilmembers raised several questions and concerns: - Councilmember Waszczak asked for historical data on revenue mixture over the past five years and expressed concern that increased taxes on apartments could be passed on to renters, working against the Council's affordable housing goals. - Councilmember Schaible shared research showing that three large multifamily properties in Hyattsville were assessed at only 61‑65% of their recent sale prices, arguing these properties are under‑assessed and have frequently appealed their assessments. - Councilmember Redmond inquired about the structural nature of the annual gap and whether solving for FY27 would prevent future shortfalls. Staff acknowledged that expenditure growth (especially personnel costs) exceeds revenue growth and that multi‑year strategies are needed. - Councilmember Barnes asked about the treatment of vacant properties as subcategories across all classifications and whether other municipalities (like Mount Rainier, Tacoma Park, Frederick) had adopted similar tiered systems. - Councilmemmber Haba proposed adding categories for utilities and vacant land, and suggested three subcategories (owner‑occupied, non‑owner‑occupied, vacant) for single‑family, tounhouses, and condos. - Councilmember Nesbitt raised the possibility of a small business property tax rate; staff noted that property tax is tied to the asset, not the business, and exploring credits or other mechanisms might be more feasible. - Councilmember Strab asked about differentiating short‑term rentals and chronically vacant properties by time horizons. - Staff clarified the timeline: a first reading of the classification ordinance is targeted for April 13, with a public hearing on May 11. Council President Solomon emphasized that the setting of actual tax rates will occur separately after the ordinance is passed. Key Outcomes - No formal votes were taken on tax rates or the ordinance; the discussion was a work session to gather council input. - Staff will return on March 23 with additional analysis on historical revenue mixtures, impacts on renters, treatment of vacant and non‑owner‑occupied properties, and comparisons with other municipalities. - Councilmember Nisbett stated he would not support any new expenditures until the budget gap is resolved. - The meeting adjourned at 8:56 PM via a motion by Councilmember Haba, seconded by Councilmember Schaible, voted unanimously (10‑0, with Mayor Croslin absent).

The Hyattsville City Council held a regular meeting on March 9, 2026, at 7:00 PM virtually. Mayor Croslin was absent, with Council President Solomon presiding. Key outcomes included the passage of a contract for automated stop sign enforcement, the failure of a motion to fund a drone show for the anniversary, and the referral of a proposed $100,000 immigrant relief fund to the Race and Equity Task Force. The meeting adjourned at 11:08 PM. Consent Calendar The council approved multiple routine items, including $9,500 for Education Enrichment Grants, a $50,000 recreation grant from M-NCPPC, a $6,850 historic preservation grant, and $250 each in Ward 1 and Ward 5 discretionary funds for senior programming at Friendship Arms Apartments. Public Comments & Testimony Relief for Immigrant Families: Several speakers advocated for the proposed $100,000 emergency relief fund. Miranda Carter requested a larger allocation. Charlotte Francoeur emphasized the need for an accessible application process and rapid fund distribution. Sarah Harper requested the city provide multilingual Know Your Rights cards. Ben Simasek asked that families with children be prioritized. Lisbeth Melendez-Rivera also voiced strong support. Tatjana Hrubik-Vulanovic supported the fund but simultaneously expressed concerns about the city's past-due audits and suggested forming a committee to monitor finances. Trail Safety: Melissa Schweisguth requested the council include a call for lights and security cameras on the Chillum Park bridge in its letter to M-NCPPC. Jenoptik Contract: Chris Gagnon and Melissa Schweisguth spoke against the automated stop sign enforcement contract, with Gagnon citing constitutional concerns and a potential administrative burden and requesting a separate public hearing. HOA Committee: Leia Dickerson spoke in favor of creating an HOA committee. Melissa Schweisguth suggested a temporary task force over a permanent committee and requested explicit condominium representation. Senior Programming: Edna Little, Michelle Smith, Bette Dickerson, and Councilmember Michelle Lee (speaking personally) advocated for increased funding and expansion of senior services, mental health support, and age-friendly programming. Drone Show: Chris Gagnon supported the shift to a drone show but worried about tripling the budget. Melissa Schweisguth opposed the expenditure as fiscally irresponsible. Proclamations The council unanimously adopted proclamations designating March 19, 2026 as Women in Public Office Day, March 31, 2026 as Transgender Day of Visibility, and March 2026 as Women's History Month. Appointments The council unanimously appointed Councilmember Kelson Nisbett as the council liaison to the Race and Equity Task Force. Discussion Items Anniversary Festival Drone Show (11a) Although listed for discussion, a motion was made and voted on. Councilmember Waszczak made a motion to include up to $30,000 in the FY27 budget for a drone show to replace fireworks for the 141st Anniversary in April 2027, citing improved accessibility for sensory-sensitive residents, reduced harm to pets, and lower environmental impact. Grants and sponsorship were proposed to offset the cost. Councilmembers raised concerns about the significant increase from the usual $7,500 budget. The motion failed (4 ayes, 1 nay, 5 abstentions). Immigrant Relief Fund (11c) Councilmember Haba proposed a $100,000 fund in the FY27 budget for direct financial assistance to immigrant families impacted by federal enforcement actions, to be administered through a partner organization. The council extensively debated the criteria, sustainability, and fiscal precedent, with some members preferring to strengthen existing programs or fund legal services. Proponents argued it was a direct and necessary response to an immediate community crisis. It was ultimately agreed to refer the proposal to the Race and Equity Task Force for further review and input before bringing a formal allocation to a vote. HOA Advisory Committee (11d) Council Vice President Redmond outlined a proposal for an advisory committee to address shared challenges among homeowners associations, such as discrepancies in city services. Discussion focused on whether the committee should have a representative from every HOA or use a smaller rotating sample, whether condominiums should be explicitly included, and whether it should be structured as a task force. The council agreed to continue refining the proposal for a future meeting. CERT Committee (11e) Emergency Services Manager Bagley requested the council formalize the CERT leadership as a committee, which is the final step required for FEMA recognition and to operate under the city's liability insurance. Bagley noted the team has 25 trained members and runs initiatives like the File of Life kit. Discussion touched on funding needs for equipment and training. The council agreed to consider formal adoption at a future meeting. Key Outcomes - Jenoptik Contract (Approved): The Council authorized a three-year contract for an automated stop sign enforcement pilot program. The program will feature a speed threshold for violations rather than zero tolerance, a 30-day warning period at each location, public notification, and a camera lease structure that decouples cost from citation revenue. - M-NCPPC Trail Safety Letter (Approved): Authorized the mayor to send a letter to M-NCPPC prioritizing safety and maintenance improvements on the Northwest Branch and Sligo Creek trails, with discussion including collaboration with WMATA and neighboring municipalities. - Environmental Committee Funding (Approved): Approved $4,000 in the FY27 budget for the Environmental Committee to produce educational materials and conduct community engagement events. - Proclamations (Approved): Unanimously adopted proclamations for Women in Public Office Day, Transgender Day of Visibility, and Women's History Month. - Drone Show (Rejected): A motion to include up to $30,000 in the FY27 budget for a drone show failed on a vote of 4-1-5.