Submitted by: Candace B. Hollingsworth
Submitting Department: Legislative
Agenda Section: Consent
Item Title:
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Removing Unjust Penalties in the Municipal Charter and Code - Imprisonment
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Suggested Action:
recommendation
I move that the Mayor and Council direct the City Attorney to remove all existing references to imprisonment or jail as a penalty for violations of the municipal charter and code.
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Summary Background:
The City of Hyattsville Charter and Code contains twelve (12) sections where imprisonment is an authorized penalty for violations of the stated code.
These include violations of codes governing:
- Absentee Voting
- Altering/Tampering with Code
- Cable Franchise (Operation without a Franchise)
- Election Misconduct
- Metered Parking (Tampering with Equipment)
- Noncompliance with Stop Orders
- Peddling/Door-to-Door Soliciting
- Personnel Manual
- Rental Licenses (Authorizing Occupation without License)
- Secondhand Property Dealers
- Unauthorized Use of City Logo and Seals
Imprisonment is an inappropriately harsh penalty for these violations and should be removed from the municipal code.
Next Steps:
Upon Council approval, the City will proceed with review and update of the Charter/Code. The changes will come back to Council in the form of ordinances (or one aggregate ordinance) for discussion and adoption.
Fiscal Impact:
Legal fees.
City Administrator Comments:
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Community Engagement:
The updated City Charter and Code will be posted on the City’s website.
Strategic Goals:
Goal 3 - Promote a Safe and Vibrant Community
Legal Review Required?
Pending