Hyattsville City Council Regular Meeting - May 26, 2026

The Hyattsville City Council met virtually on Tuesday, May 26, 2026 at 7:00 PM. The meeting included public comments, a city administrator update, a presentation on the Formula 2040 Parks Master Plan, adoption of proclamations and appointments, approval of consent items, introduction and first reading of the FY2027 budget, and a discussion on a proposed vacant property registry. The meeting adjourned at 10:23 PM.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Justine Hayward (Ward 3) expressed deep concern about the ICE expansion at the Metro One Building and asked for more communication from the City regarding it.
• Charlotte Francoeur (Ward 2) thanked the Council for passing the immigrant relief fund and asked the Council to prioritize micromobility (e.g., Capital BikeShare) in the City.
• Sarah Harper (Ward 2) asked the Council to push back against the ICE expansion at the Metro One building and requested more communication from the City regarding it.
• Mr. Marshall (Ward 4) stated his opposition to the proposed tax rate increase and asked the Council to remove funding for "The Spot," the immigrant relief fund, Throne portable bathrooms, and the Hyattsville Volunteer Fire Department in the FY27 budget. He also inquired about funding for World Cup watch parties.

City Administrator Update

Deputy City Administrator Debi Sandlin provided updates on city programming, events, and staff acknowledgments, including:

• Public Works Week recap (open house with ~80 attendees, retirement of Lester Graves after 36 years).
• Police Week activities (K9 recognition, survivor pickups, bike ride to honor Corporal Robert King).
• Economic Development Week tour showcasing city assets.
• Community Services initiatives: bilingual oral history project (Golden Voices of Hyattsville), youth mental health campaign, 988 signage project by the Youth Advisory Council, and upcoming events (Summer Jams, Shakespeare in the Park, World Cup watch parties).
• Councilmember Schaible requested an update on the ICE expansion at 6505 Belcrest.

Presentations: Formula 2040 Parks Master Plan

Molly Jackson, Don Herring, and Amol Deshpande from the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC) presented the update to the Formula 2040 Functional Master Plan for Parks, Recreation, and Open Space. Key discussion points included:

• Progress since 2019: 22 miles of new trails, Wi-Fi at 110 parks, $25M in federal grants, 1,624 acres acquired.
• Themes from municipal outreach: low awareness of Formula 2040, staffing constraints, connectivity gaps, safety concerns.
• Councilmembers raised issues of trail lighting, safety call boxes, snow clearing near transit hubs, trash pickup stations, and engagement for the new multi-generational center on Adelphi Road.
• Staff will continue engagement with municipalities and a survey as part of the Land Preservation, Parks and Recreation Plan (LPPRP).

Proclamations

• National Gun Violence Awareness Day Proclamation (recognizing June 5, 2026) was adopted unanimously.

Appointments

• Common Ownership Community Advisory Committee: Council President Joseph Solomon and Council Vice President Kareem Redmond were appointed as Council Liaisons. Mikhail Flom (Ward 2), Saswathi Natta (Ward 3), Kristan Skendall (Ward 2), Kaitlyn Kyle (Ward 5), Leonard Peacock (Ward 3), Diasia Ellerbee (Ward 3), and Zaneeta Daver (Ward 3) were appointed as members for a two-year term ending May 26, 2028. The motion passed unanimously.

Consent Calendar

The following items were approved unanimously without separate discussion:

• Second agreement between WMATA and HPD for overtime.
• Award of Stormwater Infrastructure Repair and Maintenance Contract to NZI Construction, Inc. (not-to-exceed $1,000,000).
• Disbursement of $200 in Mayor discretionary funds for Youth Advisory Council's 988 signage.
• Disbursement of $250 (Ward 1) for Hyattsville Elementary School PTA Pride event.
• Disbursement of $300 (Ward 1) for Arrow Bicycle bike helmet purchase.
• Disbursement of $500 (Ward 1) for Youth Advisory Council's 988 signage.
• Disbursement of $250 (Ward 2) for Youth Advisory Council's 988 signage.
• Disbursement of $1,000 (Ward 2) for community World Cup events at Streetcar 82 and Franklins.
• Disbursement of $500 (Ward 3) for Youth Advisory Council's 988 signage.
• Disbursement of $500 (Ward 3) for Ward 3 community meeting on June 4, 2026.
• Disbursement of $250 (Ward 3) for community event in Gateway West.
• Disbursement of $500 (Ward 3) for beautification in Editor's Park.
• Disbursement of $150 (Ward 3) for community event at University Town Center Apartments.
• Disbursement of $501.73 (Ward 3) for reimbursement to Councilmember Dhokai for PGCC Owl Pantry supplies.
• Disbursement of $250 (Ward 4) for Youth Advisory Council's 988 signage.
• Disbursement of $638.33 (Ward 4) for Ward 4 Spring Meet and Greet.
• Disbursement of $1,350 (Ward 4) for Ward 4 Community Day.

Action Items: FY2027 Budget Introduction and First Reading

Treasurer Ron Brooks and Deputy Budget Director Ben Bosch presented Hyattsville Ordinance 2026-01 for the Fiscal Year 2027 budget (July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2027). Key points from discussion:

• General fund revenues of $34.5 million; property tax rate proposed at $0.63 per $100 of assessed value; operating tax increase from $3.00 to $3.50.
• Total budget across all funds: $41.6 million.
• Council discussed fund balances (most recent audited FY23), past-due audits, anticipated expenses for capital projects (police headquarters, youth center), affordable housing fund, OPEB fund, cybersecurity, traffic calming projects, retiree benefits, and the structural deficit.
• Council President Solomon requested a simplified one-page summary for the second reading. No vote was taken; the second reading will occur at the next meeting.

Discussion Items: Vacant Property Registry

Councilmember Greg Barnes, co-sponsored by Council President Solomon and Council Vice President Redmond, introduced a proposal to establish a vacant property registry. City staff (Jeff Ulysse, Chloe Kauffman, Danny Mears) presented findings:

• 90 vacant commercial units identified citywide (58 in Ward 1, 3 in Ward 2, 17 in Ward 3, 6 in Ward 5).
• Goals: improve safety, reduce blight, increase accountability, encourage rehabilitation.
• Research of ordinances in College Park, Takoma Park, Mount Rainier, and Seat Pleasant.
• Discussion included potential inclusion of residential properties, equity concerns, and crime data correlation.
• Councilmember Strab and Councilmember Lee strongly advocated for including residential properties.
• Councilmember Schaible encouraged robust discussion when the ordinance returns.
• Outcome: The Council voted unanimously to authorize the City Attorney to prepare an ordinance requiring owners of vacant buildings to register properties with the City to reduce blight and ensure minimum safety and security standards.

Council Dialogue

Councilmembers provided brief comments on upcoming ward events, recognition of graduates, and thanks to departing staff member Leslie Riddle.

Key Outcomes

• Adopted National Gun Violence Awareness Day Proclamation (unanimous).
• Approved all appointments to the Common Ownership Community Advisory Committee (unanimous).
• Approved all consent items (unanimous), totaling $6,639.06 in discretionary fund disbursements.
• Introduced and discussed FY2027 Budget (first reading); second reading scheduled for next meeting.
• Authorized City Attorney to draft a vacant property registry ordinance (unanimous vote).