City Council Meeting Preview: April 26

The College Park City council will convene for it's twice-monthly meeting Tuesday at 8 p.m.

A 30-minute public hearing will be held at 7:30 p.m.

Meetings and worksessions are held in the Council Chambers on the second floor of City Hall, located at 4500 Knox Rd.

Public Hearing on Ordinance Granting Certain Zoning-Related Powers to the City of College Park

Residents are invited to come to City Hall at 7:30 p.m. to share their thoughts on whether some zoning authority should be handed over to to the city from the county. This would grant the city the power to make certain zoning decisions, including review of alternative compliance from landscaping requirements, certification, revocation, and revision of nonconforming uses and minor changes to approved special exceptions.

Presentation of Maryland Day

Saturday is the University of Maryland's annual "Maryland Day," a celebratory open house with a bevy of activities for families and community members of all ages. The university will present its plans for this year's festivities to the council Tuesday night.

Presentation of the Annual Committee for a Better Environment (CBE) Green Awards

The CBE will be presenting the winners of this year's Green Awards. Winners were selected based on their commitment to preserving the environment, specifically in the following four categories: 1) Environmental 3-Rs (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle), 2) Environmentally Friendly Landscaping and Beautification, 3) Conservation of Natural Resources and 4) Other Environmental Achievements.

The winners will each take home $100 worth of green merchandise.

Recognition of the Lakeland STARS Program on its 15th Anniversary

Lakeland STARS, a program that pairs underprivileged students at Paint Branch Elementary with University of Maryland student tutors and volunteers, is celebrating it 15th anniversary this year. Those involved in the program will be recognized at Tuesday's meeting.

Introduction of the FY 2012 Budget Ordinance

After two grueling all-day Saturday worksessions, the city council is ready to introduce the FY 2012 budget. We'll be writing plenty of stories on the budget in the coming weeks, so stay tuned. Also, a public hearing on the budget will be held on May 10 at 7:15 p.m.

Resolution in Opposition to Two Amendments Proposed to be Added to the City Charter by Means of Petition

We about the council's view on the two petitions circulating the city from the Prince George's Property Owners Association. Tonight, the city will vote on a resolution to officially oppose the petitions, one of which seeks to cap the amount of tax revenue the city can collect, and the other which would require uniform treatment of both rental property and owner-occupied property.