Hyattsville City Council Meeting - May 20, 2026

The Hyattsville City Council held a regular meeting on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, at 7:04 PM. The virtual meeting included public comment, a presentation on traffic calming and stormwater projects, an action item supporting a World Cup watch party, and a discussion item adjusting the employee COLA. The council entered closed session to discuss a City Administrator contract extension.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Michael Sponseller (Ward 5) raised concerns about the FY27 budget and property tax increases, criticizing the 'double taxation' of West Hyattsville Riverfront residents whose streets have not been adopted by the City, forcing them to pay for their own maintenance while paying full city taxes.
• Jonathan Gold (Ward 5) opposed the proposed Nicholson Street connector, arguing it would complicate emergency vehicle access and negatively impact the neighborhood with through traffic and parking issues.
• Mr. Marshall (Ward 4) requested timelines for pothole repair on 42nd Avenue and sidewalk installation on Route 1. He voiced opposition to several budget items (including "The Spot," the immigrant relief fund, "Thrones" bathrooms, and the Hyattsville Volunteer Fire Department) and supported the employee COLA increase. He also inquired about city precedent for supporting extended business hours.

Discussion Items

Traffic Calming Projects (Strategic Analyst Lesley Riddle, PM Allie O'Neill)

• Staff presented a bundled plan for multiple traffic-calming petitions across the city:
  • 41st Place & Decatur: High satisfaction rating (3.4 out of 4) for a 2025 sidewalk project. A follow-up community meeting is scheduled.
  • Lancer & Longfellow: Three speed humps to be installed following resident feedback against bump outs.
  • 4000 Block Nicholson: Temporary speed cushions recommended to be made permanent due to significant speed reductions.
  • Stanford Street: Four permanent speed humps proposed after concerning maximum speeds were recorded.
  • Gumwood Drive: No immediate action recommended, but will be monitored for traffic diversion.
  • 43rd Street, Oglethorpe & 43rd Avenue: Recommended lowering the school zone speed limit and installing a permanent speed table.
  • Nicholson Street Connector: Temporary connection cost provided. Councilmember Nisbett inquired about community outreach; staff confirmed three prior meetings and additional future outreach planned.
• Lower Ward 1 Stormwater Improvements: Staff announced the kickoff of construction using an approximately $1 million EPA grant for culvert replacements, bioswale upgrades, and rain garden improvements. Councilmember Waszczak discussed the degraded outfall at Buchanan and Banner, which staff confirmed is part of the design scope.

FY27 Budget Amendment: COLA Increase

• Council President Solomon moved to increase the employee Cost of Living Adjustment from 2% to 2.5% in the FY27 budget. City Administrator Tracey Douglas confirmed the budget can accommodate the adjustment. Council Vice President Redmond expressed strong support for ensuring staff received the increase.

Action Items

World Cup Watch Party Support

• Councilmember Danny Schaible introduced a motion for the City to send a letter of support to the Board of Licensed Commissioners for Streetcar 82 owner Mark Burke to extend business hours on June 12th and 25th for U.S. Men's National Team World Cup watch parties. Staff noted potential issues with using the "World Cup" branding but fully supported the intent. Councilmember Strab emphasized the events are intended as community events. The motion passed unanimously (10-0).

Key Outcomes

• Agenda Approval: The agenda was approved unanimously with an amendment adding the World Cup support letter.
• COLA Increase Vote: The motion to increase the COLA to 2.5% passed unanimously (10-0).
• Closed Session Vote: The council voted unanimously (10-0) to enter closed session to discuss employee performance and compensation under Maryland General Provisions Article Section 3-305(b)(1). Councilmember Edouard Haba (Ward 4) was absent for all votes.
  • Outcomes from Closed Session (per minutes):
    • A motion to separate the City Administrator's compensation package into six components failed (2-8, with Councilmembers Schaible and Strab in favor).
    • A motion to remove post-retirement consulting and orderly transition provisions passed (10-0).
    • A motion to approve the City Administrator's contract extension with an annual base salary of approximately $220,000 passed (10-0).
    • The meeting adjourned at 8:49 PM.