REGULAR MEETING OF CITY COUNCIL
HELD MONDAY, JANUARY 12, 1998
Mayor Davis called the meeting to order at 8:03p.m.
ROLL CALL was answered by Edward V.J. Putens, Rodney M. Roberts, Alan Turnbull, Thomas X. White and by Judith F. Davis, Mayor.
ALSO PRESENT were Michael P. McLaughlin, City Manager; Robert Manzi, City Solicitor; W. Bowman Ferguson, Management Analyst and David E. Moran, City Clerk.
Mayor Davis observed a moment of silence for Kathy Hinzman, Anne Nelson, Robert Beli and Shirley Grady. Then, she led the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
CONSENT AGENDA: Mr. White requested that the Advisory Committee on Education report be removed. With this change, Mr. White moved approval of the consent agenda. Mr. Roberts seconded. The motion passed 5 to 0.CONSENT AGENDA: Mr. White requested that the Advisory Committee on Education report be removed. With this change, Mr. White moved approval of the consent agenda. Mr. Roberts seconded. The motion passed 5 to 0.
COUNCIL THEREBY TOOK THE FOLLOWING ACTIONS:
MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETINGS
- Regular Meeting, December 8, 1997
- Legislative Dinner, December 10, 1997
- Work Session, December 15, 1997
- Work Session, December 17, 1997
Council approved these minutes as presented.
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
- Recycling Advisory Committee Report
Council accepted this report.
REQUEST FROM ELEANOR ROOSEVELT HIGH SCHOOL: Council approved the waiver of facility rental fees for this event.
APPOINTMENTS TO ADVISORY BOARDS AND COMMITTEE: Council appointed the following individuals to city advisory groups:
Theodore Kowaluk-Advisory Planning Board
Robert Snyder-Recycling Advisory Committee
Carol Malveaux-Park and Recreation Advisory Board
Clara Kuehn-Advisory Planning Board
Jamie Pereira-Youth Advisory Committee
Irv Siegel-Arts Advisory Board
Alla Lake-Advisory Committee on Education
RESIGNATION FROM ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION: Council accepted Jean Snyder’s resignation from the Advisory Committee on Education.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA: Mr. McLaughlin requested that Item 16, Site Plan Golden Triangle be removed from the agenda. Mr. Turnbull moved that the agenda be approved as amended. Mr. White seconded. The motion passed unanimously. APPROVAL OF AGENDA: Mr. McLaughlin requested that Item 16, Site Plan Golden Triangle be removed from the agenda. Mr. Turnbull moved that the agenda be approved as amended. Mr. White seconded. The motion passed unanimously.
MINUTES:
Executive Session of December 8, 1997: Mr. Roberts moved that the minutes of the Executive Session of the City Council held Monday, December 8, 1997 be approved as presented. He further requested that the minutes reflect that the Council met in Executive Session at 7:00 p.m. in the Municipal Building Library and that Council held this closed meeting in accordance with Section 10-508(a)(3) of the State Government Article of the Annotated Code to consider land acquisition. Mr. White seconded. Executive Session of December 8, 1997: Mr. Roberts moved that the minutes of the Executive Session of the City Council held Monday, December 8, 1997 be approved as presented. He further requested that the minutes reflect that the Council met in Executive Session at 7:00 p.m. in the Municipal Building Library and that Council held this closed meeting in accordance with Section 10-508(a)(3) of the State Government Article of the Annotated Code to consider land acquisition. Mr. White seconded.
ROLL CALL:
Mr. Putens - yes
Mr. Roberts - yes
Mr. Turnbull - yes
Mr. White - yes
Mayor Davis - yesADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS: Mr. Turnbull reported that the Maryland Heritage Area Authority has approved the application for the Anacostia Trailways Heritage Area. Mr. McLaughlin announced that the goals retreat will be held in the Patuxent Wildlife Research Center. ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS: Mr. Turnbull reported that the Maryland Heritage Area Authority has approved the application for the Anacostia Trailways Heritage Area. Mr. McLaughlin announced that the goals retreat will be held in the Patuxent Wildlife Research Center.
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
Advisory Committee on Education Report #1-98: Mayor Davis read the agenda comments. Mr. White wanted the city’s testimony to include the issue of Board of Education support for the School Resource Officer program. Mr. Putens requested that the repaving of the Roosevelt parking lot be added as an issue. Mr. Putens moved that Council accept the report and authorize ACE to present the city’s position, including the additional two issues mentioned, at the hearing on January 21. Mr. White seconded. The motion passed 5 to 0.
AN ORDINANCE TO AUTHORIZE AND EMPOWER THE CITY OF GREENBELT, MARYLAND, TO CONTRACT WITH NATIONSBANK, N.A. TO BORROW NOT MORE THAN FOUR HUNDRED THOUSAND DOLLARS ($400,000) FOR THE PUBLIC PURPOSE OF ACQUIRING COMPUTER HARDWARE AND SOFTWARE FOR PUBLIC SAFETY PURPOSES DESCRIBED HEREIN PURSUANT TO THE AUTHORITY OF SECTION 59, CONTRACTS OVER ONE YEAR, OF THE CITY CHARTER
Mayor Davis read the agenda comments. Mr. Roberts introduced the above titled ordinance for second reading and final passage.
ROLL CALL:
Mr. Putens - yes
Mr. Roberts - yes
Mr. Turnbull - yes
Mr. White - yes
Mayor Davis - yesThe ordinance was declared passed. (Ordinance No. 1164, Book No. 11)
A RESOLUTION TO AUTHORIZE THE NEGOTIATED PURCHASE OF A VOICE LOGGING RECORDER FOR THE POLICE DEPARTMENT
Mayor Davis read the agenda comments. Mr. Putens introduced the above titled ordinance for second reading and final passage.
ROLL CALL:
Mr. Putens - yes
Mr. Roberts - yes
Mr. Turnbull - yes
Mr. White - yes
Mayor Davis - yesThe Resolution was declared passed. (Resolution No. 864, Book No. 7)
GREEN RIDGE HOUSE PARKING: Mayor Davis read the agenda comments. Ms. Craze reviewed the designs with the Council. She stated that Scenario I provided: the most parking, was preferred by the residents and allowed for future expansion. Ms. Craze noted that a land use agreement from GHI was required since the access road would encroach onto GHI property. GREEN RIDGE HOUSE PARKING: Mayor Davis read the agenda comments. Ms. Craze reviewed the designs with the Council. She stated that Scenario I provided: the most parking, was preferred by the residents and allowed for future expansion. Ms. Craze noted that a land use agreement from GHI was required since the access road would encroach onto GHI property.
Mr. Roberts asked how people would enter the building from the rear lot. Mr. Ferguson indicated there are secure entrances in the back of the building. Mr. Putens asked if the city had received feedback from GHI. Ms. Craze responded that GHI had not taken formal action on the project, but the concept had been presented to them.
Mr. White asked about the impact on trees and cost for Scenario II. Ms. Craze indicated that only 3 small trees would be impacted and the cost was $66,000. Mr. White asked about the number of spaces needed. Ms. Craze responded that the trend at Green Ridge is more vehicles. She noted that valet parking had been discussed and was not favored by the residents.
Mr. Turnbull stated his recollection that GHI had concerns regarding the proposals particularly Scenario I because of the access road near 20 court. Ms. Davis asked if a new lot would eliminate the need for a permit system. Mr. Ferguson believed a permit system would need to continue.
Mr. Roberts asked about encroachment on wooded areas. Ms. Craze responded that the access road was impacting the tree line. Mr. Roberts wondered if one-way roads could be used on both sides of Green Ridge House. Ms. Craze stated that option could be evaluated, but she didn’t think the city would gain that much due to grading and the required width of a one-way road.
Ms. Craze expressed the need to conduct engineering studies because staff wasn’t sure exactly what the encroachment and impacts were. Mr. Putens wanted to provide enough parking to meet the resident’s needs but also wanted to minimize the environmental impact. Mr. Turnbull felt there were alternatives that still needed to be explored and believed the city had other options.
Mr. White noted that the only complaint he had heard was complaints about visitors not having a place to park. He asked if GHI had discussed other physical alternatives. Ms. Craze responded that rear parking was the only alternative that had serious consideration. Mr. White was concerned about significant tree loss.
Mr. Roberts asked if stormwater management was needed. Ms. Craze indicated that the amount of runoff would not trigger stormwater requirements. Mr. Putens believed the key was to get GHI to agree.
Marion Evans, Green Ridge resident, expressed frustration that the problem has been going on for over 4 years and did not seem to be getting solved. She believed every resident was entitled to a space in the parking lot. Pearl Colton, Green Ridge resident, stated that there were 100 units at Green Ridge so there was definitely a need for more spaces. Thelma Massey, Green Ridge resident, said they have been waiting for 4 years.
Ms. Davis was concerned about the safety of a one-way road. She also had a problem with telling people they could not have a car. Mr. Turnbull did not believe the Council was ready to make a decision because there were other alternatives that needed to be explored. Mr. Roberts indicated a willingness to engineer scenario 1 and mark the site with flags. He also wanted to explore and mark a possible access road on the other side of the building.
Mr. Putens moved approval of engineering services, up to a limit of $5,000, to mark the area to answer access and tree loss questions including a driveway on the other side of the building and then, have Council visit the site to see the impacts. Mr. Roberts seconded. Mr. White hoped that this issue could be discussed with the GHI Board of Directors. The motion passed 4 to 1 (Turnbull).
Mr. Roberts moved the addition of a short term parking space in the present lot. Mr. Putens seconded. Mr. Turnbull asked that Council be provided with the management plan for that short-term spot. The motion carried 5 to 0.
WSSC CONSTRUCTION EASEMENT: Mayor Davis read the agenda comments. Ms. Craze stated that staff had negotiated with WSSC to try and minimize impacts on the park. She introduced John Mitchell, the Project Manager. Mr. Mitchell reviewed the plans with Council. WSSC CONSTRUCTION EASEMENT: Mayor Davis read the agenda comments. Ms. Craze stated that staff had negotiated with WSSC to try and minimize impacts on the park. She introduced John Mitchell, the Project Manager. Mr. Mitchell reviewed the plans with Council.
Mr. Mitchell reported that the entire pipe was not being relined. Council was concerned about this aspect of the project and believed that this would lead to WSSC needing to return at a later date to reline the rest of the pipe. In response to a question from Mr. Putens, Mr. Mitchell indicated that approximately 70-75% of the pipe in the park area was being replaced.
Mr. Putens wanted WSSC to do this right the first time. Mr. Turnbull agreed and also appreciated WSSC’s willingness to work with staff and address the city’s concerns. Ms. Davis listed the items that WSSC had agreed to. Mr. Roberts also appreciated WSSC working with the staff.
Mr. Roberts moved that Council approve temporary construction access for the 96" water main repair project, subject to the conditions of the agreement. Mr. Turnbull seconded. Sheldon Goldberg asked if the Hanover Parkway was total or partial. Mr. Mitchell responded that Hanover was a total replacement. Ms. Davis noted that the city would be watching this project closely. Mr. White was very concerned that WSSC was only doing a partial fix. The motion passed unanimously.
Mr. Putens moved that Council send a letter to WSSC requesting that they reconstruct the entire pipe, particularly in Greenbelt. Mr. White seconded. The motion carried 5 to 0.
DOG PARK REPORT: Mayor Davis read the agenda comments. Ms. Craze summarized the comments from the Greenbelt Dog Park Association (GDPA). She recommended that the capital items be considered as part of a site plan for the park. DOG PARK REPORT: Mayor Davis read the agenda comments. Ms. Craze summarized the comments from the Greenbelt Dog Park Association (GDPA). She recommended that the capital items be considered as part of a site plan for the park.
Kris White, GDPA, reported that the city was still the first and only dog park in Maryland and she indicated that GDPA receives requests from all over the country for information on the park. There are over 100 permit holders. She highlighted some of the success stories at the park. Ms. White requested consideration of a bigger area and stressed the need for lighting so people could use the park in the evenings. She indicated that drainage on the site was a problem.
Mr. Putens had a problem with non-resident usage. He felt there needed to be more evaluation of the park. He was willing to make an accommodation for short-term visitors. Mr. Turnbull liked the idea of permits for non-residents and felt it could be controlled through the number of permits issued. Ms. Davis was not ready for non-resident use but was willing to consider a short-term pass for visitors. Mr. White questioned why responsibility for the dog park was under the Planning and Community Development office. Sheldon Goldberg asked that GEAC receive a copy of the recommendations.
Mr. Roberts moved that Council authorize the continued operation of the dog park, subject to the responses of staff to the recommendations of the GDPA. Mr. Putens seconded. The motion passed unanimously.
ON-CALL PAY - PUBLIC WORKS: Mayor Davis read the agenda comments. Mr. Putens moved that Council establish an on-call procedure, as outlined in the comments, for the Public Works Department. Mr. Roberts seconded. Mr. White asked that the take-home policy be reviewed to see how this new program would fit. Ms. Davis asked that Council be provided with the take-home policy. The motion passed 5 to 0.
CABLE TELEVISION RENEWAL PROCESS: Mayor Davis read the agenda comments. Mr. Turnbull moved that Council authorize staff to initiate the "formal" process as outlined in Ms. Palau’s memo. Mr. White seconded. The motion passed unanimously.
CITYLINK WEBSITE: Mayor Davis read the agenda comments. Mr. Ferguson provided a demonstration of the new website to Council. Council was very pleased and commended staff for their efforts in creating the website. Mayor Davis read the agenda comments. Mr. Ferguson provided a demonstration of the new website to Council. Council was very pleased and commended staff for their efforts in creating the website.
MEETINGS: Council scheduled a work session on beaver management for January 21. They scheduled a work session on expanded planning and zoning authority for February 2. Council set the work session on volunteer service recognition and memorial garden for February 4. They scheduled a work session with GHI on February 11 at 7:30 p.m. Council set aside February 18, 25 & 26 for a mid-term legislative dinner.
ADJOURNMENT: Mr. Turnbull moved to adjourn the meeting. Mr. White seconded. The motion carried 5 to 0. Mayor Davis adjourned the regular meeting of January 12, 1998, at 11:26 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
David E. Moran
City Clerk"I hereby certify that the above and foregoing is a true and correct report of the regular meeting of the City Council of Greenbelt, Maryland, held January 12, 1998."
Judith F. Davis
Mayor