Hyattsville City Council Regular Meeting - April 27, 2026

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.