Hyattsville City Council Meeting, March 9, 2026: Jenoptik Approved, Drone Show Fails, Immigrant Fund Debated

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.