Title
Motion to convene in Executive Session pursuant to Section 3-305(b)(1)(i),(7), and (8), General Provisions Article, Annotated Code of Maryland, in order to discuss the appointment, employment, assignment, promotion, discipline, demotion, compensation, removal, resignation, or performance evaluation of an appointee, employee, or official over whom it has jurisdiction and consider pending or potential litigation and to consult with counsel to seek legal advice, specifically: (1) to consider and discuss the appointment(s) for the Prince George’s County Cannabis Reinvestment and Restoration Board in accordance with law; and (2) to be briefed by counsel as to, and to discuss, the status of cases in the Circuit Court for Prince George’s County, Maryland, the Appellate Court of Maryland, and the Supreme Court of Maryland, to maintain confidentiality regarding the current status of ongoing litigation and as to the Council’s position on pending litigation.
Background
Topic Discussed
The Chair read the following closing statement/motion to convene in executive session: “Motion to convene in Executive Session pursuant to Section 3-305(b)(1)(i),(7), and (8), General Provisions Article, Annotated Code of Maryland, in order to discuss the appointment, employment, assignment, promotion, discipline, demotion, compensation, removal, resignation, or performance evaluation of an appointee, employee, or official over whom it has jurisdiction and consider pending or potential litigation and to consult with counsel to seek legal advice, specifically: (1) to consider and discuss the appointment(s) for the Prince George’s County Cannabis Reinvestment and Restoration Board in accordance with law; and (2) to be briefed by counsel as to, and to discuss, the status of cases in the Circuit Court for Prince George’s County, Maryland, the Appellate Court of Maryland, and the Supreme Court of Maryland, to maintain confidentiality regarding the current status of ongoing litigation and as to the Council’s position on pending litigation.” The Executive Session was held.
On 10/15/2024, a motion was made by Council Member Ivey, seconded by Council Member Burroughs, to convene into Executive Session. The motion carried by the following vote: Aye: 10, Ivey, Harrison, Dernoga, Blegay, Burroughs, Fisher, Hawkins, Olson, Oriadha and Watson
Beginning Time: 1:41 p.m.
Ending Time: 1:57 p.m.
Members Present: CM Ivey, CM Harrison, CM Blegay, CM Burroughs, CM Dernoga, CM Fisher, CM Hawkins, CM Olson, CM Oriadha, CM Watson
Others Present: Jennifer Jenkins, Colette Gresham, Karen Zavakos, Donna Brown, Rajesh Kumar
Topics Discussed:
I. Consult with Counsel to seek legal advice; to discuss pending potential litigation - Md. Code Ann., Gen’l Provisions, § 3-305 (b)(1)(i), (7, 8)
A. Fairwood Square/Frank’s Nursery --C-16-CV-23-003272, In the Matter of The Imgard H. Hawkins By-Pass Trust (the "Hawkins Trust") --- DSP 22028
Counsel provided an update to Members concerning the recent disposition of the matter before the Circuit Court for Prince George’s County, in which the District Council’s Order of Denial was upheld upon Judicial Review of its decision.
B. CMA Consolidated Cases -- ACM-REG-1469-2023, 12405 Crain Holdings LLC, et al v. Prince Georges County Council ---CR-136-2021
Counsel provided an update to Members concerning the request by Petitioners/Appellants to enter into discussions characterized as ‘settlement’ negotiations and sought direction from the body.
C. Suffrage Point (formerly Magruder Pointe) -- C-16-CV-22-000629, In the Matter of Julie Wolf et al.---CSP-18002
Counsel provided an update to Members concerning the recent disposition of the matter before the Circuit Court for Prince George’s County, as to the Conceptual Site Plan approval for the development, and sought direction as to whether an appeal of the Circuit Court’s disposition is desired by the body. Counsel further noted that Applicants’ counsel has already noted an appeal from the Circuit Court judgment.
II. Discuss the appointment of persons over whom the Council has jurisdiction - Appointment to the Cannabis Reinvestment Board
-The Council Administrator provided a brief summary of the required appointment (CB-088-2023) of 9 members to the board, and reviewed the potential candidate profiles received to date:
A. James E. McDowell, Jr.
B. Santina Huff
C. Ifiok Inyang
D. Natalie Dorris
E. Crystal Carpenter
F. Rande S. Atcherson
G. Bianca Mills
H. Dr. Valencia Campbell
I. Dr. Rachel Jordan
Upon review of the array of candidates, on MOTION by Council Member Ivey, seconded by Council Member Burroughs, the Council VOTED 9-0-1 (CM Hawkins abstaining) to approve the nominees for the Cannabis Reinvestment Board.
MOTION by Council Member Ivey, seconded by Council Member Oriadha carried for adjournment.