Council proposes meeting with Pepco to address utility bill concerns

The College Park City Council convened on April 1, 2025, to discuss various pressing issues affecting the community, including utility concerns and mental health resources for students. The meeting began with a request for updates from the office of Fire Chief Miss Green, but council members expressed frustration over the lack of communication regarding a previously requested meeting.

Council Member McGee proposed a discussion on the impact of utility companies, particularly Pepco, on residents, noting that many are struggling with high bills. She suggested that the four cities collaborate to address these issues, as Pepco had previously canceled a meeting with the council due to scheduling conflicts. The council agreed that understanding utility costs is crucial, especially in light of recent job losses in the area.

Additionally, McGee raised the idea of discussing composting initiatives in North County, emphasizing the need for local solutions that reduce travel for residents. The council acknowledged the importance of these topics and agreed to include them in future meetings.

The council also addressed a request from Council Member Hernandez regarding mental health resources for students living in local housing complexes. Hernandez proposed sending a letter to these complexes, encouraging them to display information about available mental health services. The council unanimously supported this initiative, recognizing the importance of accessible mental health resources for students.

In other discussions, the council reviewed the scheduling of a future meeting originally set for April 24, which has been moved to May 1 at the request of Greenbelt. The meeting will be held in a hybrid format, allowing for both in-person and virtual attendance.

Lastly, the council discussed the status of a future agenda item concerning the voting rights of 16 and 17-year-olds, with plans to revisit this topic in the upcoming week. They also sought updates on a pedestrian island project on Greenbelt Road, expressing concerns about delays in communication from the State Highway Administration.

Overall, the meeting highlighted the council's commitment to addressing community concerns, particularly regarding utilities and mental health, while also ensuring effective communication with local agencies. The council plans to follow up on these discussions in future meetings.