REGULAR MEETING OF CITY COUNCIL HELD
TUESDAY, MAY 26, 1998

Mayor Davis called the meeting to order at 8:05 p.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; Ken Hall, Acting Director of Public Works; Celia Craze. Director of Planning and Community Development; Jeff Williams, City Treasurer; Joe McNeal, Community Center Supervisor and David E. Moran, City Clerk.

Mayor Davis observed a moment of silence for all those who lost their lives while serving in the military. Then, she led the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.

CONSENT AGENDA: Mayor Davis removed item 21. With that change, Mr. Putens moved approval of the consent agenda. Mr. Turnbull seconded. The motion passed 5 to 0.CONSENT AGENDA: Mayor Davis removed item 21. With that change, Mr. Putens moved approval of the consent agenda. Mr. Turnbull seconded. The motion passed 5 to 0.

COUNCIL THEREBY TOOK THE FOLLOWING ACTIONS:

MINUTES

Work Session, April 18, 1998
Work Session, April 20, 1998
Work Session, May 4, 1998
Work Session, May 6, 1998
Work Session, May 13, 1998
Work Session, May 14, 1998

Approved as presented.

AMENDMENT TO 457 DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLAN: Council amended the city's deferred compensation plan to comply with Internal Revenue Code Section 457 and all of it's subsections.AMENDMENT TO 457 DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLAN: Council amended the city's deferred compensation plan to comply with Internal Revenue Code Section 457 and all of it's subsections.

RESIGNATION FROM ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION: Council accepted Ms. Yoho's resignation with regret and directed staff to prepare the appropriate letter of appreciation.RESIGNATION FROM ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION: Council accepted Ms. Yoho's resignation with regret and directed staff to prepare the appropriate letter of appreciation.

REAPPOINTMENTS TO THE PARK AND RECREATION ADVISORY BOARD: Council reappointed Joseph Wilkinson, Lester Whitmer, Tod Chernikoff and Paul Sabol for three year terms.REAPPOINTMENTS TO THE PARK AND RECREATION ADVISORY BOARD: Council reappointed Joseph Wilkinson, Lester Whitmer, Tod Chernikoff and Paul Sabol for three year terms.

APPROVAL OF AGENDA: Mr. Putens moved that the agenda be approved. Mr. Roberts seconded. The motion passed unanimously. APPROVAL OF AGENDA: Mr. Putens moved that the agenda be approved. Mr. Roberts seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

PRESENTATIONS:

Proclamation "Pedestrian Safety Month": Mayor Davis read the proclamation. Acting Lieutenant Doug Sappington and Betty Timer, Booker Hughes, Leonie Penney and Helen Geller, of the Senior Citizens Advisory Committee accepted the proclamation. Proclamation "Pedestrian Safety Month": Mayor Davis read the proclamation. Acting Lieutenant Doug Sappington and Betty Timer, Booker Hughes, Leonie Penney and Helen Geller, of the Senior Citizens Advisory Committee accepted the proclamation.

Proclamation "National Public Works Week": Mayor Davis read a proclamation. Ken Hall, Acting Director of Public Works accepted the proclamation on behalf of the department. Proclamation "National Public Works Week": Mayor Davis read a proclamation. Ken Hall, Acting Director of Public Works accepted the proclamation on behalf of the department.

PETITIONS AND REQUESTS: Art Abrams of 69-F Ridge Road requested an update on the abandoned vehicle problem in the North End of town. Ms. Craze reported that there are no prohibitions on the number of vehicles or time limit for parking there. She noted that the Advisory Planning Board had reviewed this issue and would be submitting a report to Council. PETITIONS AND REQUESTS: Art Abrams of 69-F Ridge Road requested an update on the abandoned vehicle problem in the North End of town. Ms. Craze reported that there are no prohibitions on the number of vehicles or time limit for parking there. She noted that the Advisory Planning Board had reviewed this issue and would be submitting a report to Council. Art Abrams of 69-F Ridge Road requested an update on the abandoned vehicle problem in the North End of town. Ms. Craze reported that there are no prohibitions on the number of vehicles or time limit for parking there. She noted that the Advisory Planning Board had reviewed this issue and would be submitting a report to Council.

MINUTES:

Executive Session, April 28, 1998: Mr. Roberts moved that the minutes of the Executive Session held Tuesday, April 28, 1998 be approved as presented. He further requested that the minutes reflect that the Council met in Executive Session at 8:12 p.m. in the Municipal Building Library and that Council held this closed meeting in accordance with Section 10-508 (a)(4) and (7) of the State Government Article of the Annotated Code of Public General Laws of Maryland (1995 Replacement Volume) to consider a matter that concerns the proposal for a business or industrial organization to locate, expand or remain in the State and to consult with legal counsel. Mr. Putens seconded. Executive Session, April 28, 1998: Mr. Roberts moved that the minutes of the Executive Session held Tuesday, April 28, 1998 be approved as presented. He further requested that the minutes reflect that the Council met in Executive Session at 8:12 p.m. in the Municipal Building Library and that Council held this closed meeting in accordance with Section 10-508 (a)(4) and (7) of the State Government Article of the Annotated Code of Public General Laws of Maryland (1995 Replacement Volume) to consider a matter that concerns the proposal for a business or industrial organization to locate, expand or remain in the State and to consult with legal counsel. Mr. Putens seconded. Mr. Roberts moved that the minutes of the Executive Session held Tuesday, April 28, 1998 be approved as presented. He further requested that the minutes reflect that the Council met in Executive Session at 8:12 p.m. in the Municipal Building Library and that Council held this closed meeting in accordance with Section 10-508 (a)(4) and (7) of the State Government Article of the Annotated Code of Public General Laws of Maryland (1995 Replacement Volume) to consider a matter that concerns the proposal for a business or industrial organization to locate, expand or remain in the State and to consult with legal counsel. Mr. Putens seconded.

ROLL CALL:

Mr. Putens - yes
Mr. Roberts - yes
Mr. Turnbull - yes
Mr. White - yes
Mayor Davis - yes

ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS: Acting Lt. Sappington briefed Council on an accident Saturday. A 2-year old child had fallen in an apartment building. The Maryland State Police helicopter was called in and landed on Braden Field to evacuate the youth. ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS: Acting Lt. Sappington briefed Council on an accident Saturday. A 2-year old child had fallen in an apartment building. The Maryland State Police helicopter was called in and landed on Braden Field to evacuate the youth.

COMMITTEE REPORTS: COMMITTEE REPORTS:

Arts Advisory Board Report #98-1: Mr. Roberts moved that Council accept the report. Mr. Putens seconded. The motion passed 5 to 0.Arts Advisory Board Report #98-1: Mr. Roberts moved that Council accept the report. Mr. Putens seconded. The motion passed 5 to 0.

Youth Advisory Committee Report #1998-1 & 1998-2: Mr. Turnbull moved that Council accept these reports and consider them on a future agenda pending receipt of a report from PRAB. Mr. Putens seconded. The motion passed 5 to 0.Youth Advisory Committee Report #1998-1 & 1998-2: Mr. Turnbull moved that Council accept these reports and consider them on a future agenda pending receipt of a report from PRAB. Mr. Putens seconded. The motion passed 5 to 0.

ADOPTION OF THE BUDGET: Mayor Davis read the agenda comments. She noted that a number of changes were supported at the final budget work session on May 20. Mayor Davis stressed that Council had taken the changes very seriously. ADOPTION OF THE BUDGET: Mayor Davis read the agenda comments. She noted that a number of changes were supported at the final budget work session on May 20. Mayor Davis stressed that Council had taken the changes very seriously.

Mr. Roberts moved the following changes to Taxes. Mr. Putens seconded. The motion passed 5 to 0.

Acct. Line Description From To Change
311 10 Real Property $5,993,300 $6,118,100 $124,800
312 10 Personal Property $88,800 $90,700 $1,900
312 11 Public Utilities $253,000 $258,300 $5,300
312 12 Corporate Property $1,400,000 $1,429,200 $29,200
TOTAL TAXES 10,581,200 $10,742,400 $161,200

Mr. White moved the following changes to Revenue from Other Agencies. Mr. Putens seconded. The motion passed 5 to 0.

Acct Line Description From To Change
331 54 COPS Grant $0 $100,000 $100,000
TOTAL REV FROM OTHER AGENCIES $662,5000 $762,500 $100,000
TOTAL GEN. FUND REVENUES
$13,721,400 $13,982,600 $261,000

Mr. Putens moved the following changes to Administration. Mr. White seconded. The motion passed 5 to 0.

Acct. Line Description From To Change
120 01 Salaries $227,100 $231,100 $4,000
TOTAL ADMINISTRATION $349,500 $353,500 $4,000

Mr. Turnbull moved the following changes to Finance and Administrative Services. Mr. Putens seconded. The motion passed 5 to 0.

Acct. Line Description From To Change
140 30 Actuarial Study $25,100 $30,100 $5,000
TOTAL FINANCE & ADMINISTRATIVE $505,800 $510,800 $5,000

Mr. Roberts moved the following changes to Community Development. Mr. Turnbull seconded. The motion passed 5 to 0.

Acct. Line Description From To Change
205 91 New Equipment-Computer $3,500 $4,800 $1,300
TOTAL COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT $295,900 $297,200 $1,300

Mr. White moved the following changes to Police. Mr. Putens seconded. The motion passed 5 to 0.

Acct. Line Description From To Change
210 03 Police Officers $2,275,200 $2,383,600 $108,400
210 05 Police Safety Aides $16,600 $24,600 $8,000
210 27 Overtime $250,000 $273,600 $23,600
210 28 Benefits $992,200 $1,052,200 $60,000
210 33 Insurance $229,700 $233,500 $3,800
210 45 Training $30,600 $35,400 $4,800
210 48 Uniforms $47,000 $51,000 $4,000
210 50 Motor Vehicle Maintenance $77,000 $83,800 $6,800
210 51 Radio Maintenance $22,000 $23,800 $1,800
210 52 Training Equipment $19,300 420,900 $1,600
210 53 Police Equipment $47,400 $53,000 $5,600
210 65 Motor Vehicle Fuel $57,800 $62,600 $4,800
210 91 New Equipment $175,200 $181,700 $6,500
210 94 Transfer - Replacement Fund $0 $12,000 $12,000
TOTAL POLICE $5,020,600 $5,272,300 $251,700

Mr. Putens moved the following changes to Public Works Administration. Mr. White seconded. The motion passed 5 to 0.

Acct. Line Description From To Change
310 91 New Equipment $0 $8,000 $8,000
310 93 Major Maintenance $0 $3,000 $3,000
TOTAL PUBLIC WORKS ADMINISTRATION $489,100 $500,100 $11,000

Mr. Turnbull moved the following changes to Maintenance of Multi-Purpose Equipment. Mr. Roberts seconded. The motion passed 5 to 0.

Acct. Line Description From To Change
320 91 New Equipment $0 $6,500 $6,500
TOTAL MAINT. OF MULTI-PURPOSE $249,400 $255,900 $6,500

Mr. Roberts moved the following changes to Aquatic & Fitness Center. Mr. Putens seconded. The motion passed 5 to 0.

Acct. Line Description From To Change
540 93 Major Maintenance $0 $12,000 $12,000
TOTAL AQUATIC & FITNESS CENTER $734,300 $746,300 $12,000

Mr. White moved the following changes to Community Center. Mr. Putens seconded. The motion passed 5 to 0.

Acct. Line Description From To Change
545 01 Recreation Coordinator $114,000 $139,400 $25,400
545 06 Repair/Maintain Building $58,000 $66,800 $8,800
545 28 Employee Benefits $51,800 $64,600 $12,800
545 91 New Equipment $0 $8,000 $8,000
TOTAL COMMUNITY CENTER $552,400 $607,400 $55,000

Mr. Putens moved the following changes to Other Recreation. Mr. White seconded. The motion passed 5 to 0.

Acct. Line Description From To Change
560 68 Contributions $51,900 $58,900 $7,000
TOTAL OTHER RECREATION $138,700 $145,700 $7,000

Mr. Turnbull moved the following changes to Parks. Mr. Putens seconded. The motion passed 5 to 0.

Acct. Line Description From To Change
600 91 New Equipment $0 $5,200 $5,200
TOTAL PARKS $738,000 $743,200 $5,200

Mr. Roberts moved the following changes to Greenbelt Museum. Mr. Turnbull seconded. The motion passed 5 to 0.

Acct. Line Description From To Change
975 30 Professional Services $5,000 $7,500 $2,500
TOTAL MUSEUM $8,500 $11,000 $2,500

Mr. White moved the following changes to Non-Departmental. Mr. Putens seconded. The motion passed 5 to 0.

Acct. Line Description From To Change
980 Reserve Appropriation $102,000 $57,500 ($44,500)
TOTAL NON-DEPARTMENTAL $345,000 $300,500 ($44,500)

Mr. Putens moved the following changes to Appropriation of Fund Balance. Mr. Roberts seconded. The motion passed 5 to 0.

Acct. Line Description From To Change
Undesignated & Unreserved $450,000 $505,500 $55,500
TOTAL $450,000 $505,500 $55,500

Mr. Turnbull moved the following changes to Replacement Fund. Mr. Roberts seconded. The motion passed 5 to 0.

Acct. Line Description From To Change
91 210 Police Equipment $159,400 $173,400 $14,000
TOTAL REPLACEMENT FUND $287,400 $301,400 $14,000

AN ORDINANCE TO ADOPT THE GENERAL FUND, DEBT SERVICE FUND, REPLACEMENT FUND, TEMPORARY DISABILITY RESERVE FUND, UNEMPLOYMENT COMPENSATION RESERVE FUND, GREEN RIDGE HOUSE FUND, CAPITAL PROJECTS FUND, AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT FUND BUDGETS FOR THE CITY OF GREENBELT, MARYLAND, TO APPROPRIATE FUNDS AND ESTABLISH REAL ESTATE AND PERSONAL PROPERTY TAX RATES FOR THE FISCAL YEAR 1999, BEGINNING JULY 1, 1998 AND INCLUDING JUNE 30, 1999

Mayor Davis read the agenda comments. Mr. Roberts introduced the above titled ordinance for first reading and suspension of the rules. Mr. Putens seconded.

ROLL CALL:

Mr. Putens - yes
Mr. Roberts - yes
Mr. Turnbull - yes
Mr. White - yes
Mayor Davis - yes

Mr. Roberts introduced the above titled ordinance for second reading and final passage. Mr. Putens seconded. Mr. White noted that the tax rate was being raised from $1.44 to $1.47. He indicated that while it was difficult to raise taxes, he believed it was necessary to maintain the quality of life. He noted that the Police Department had presented a unique grant opportunity to help fund four additional officers for community policing.

Mr. Putens stressed that Council did not make these decisions lightly. He also noted that residential pool fees were not being increased. Mayor Davis noted that the Aquatic & Fitness Center was almost self-supporting and the Community Center was on the way.

Mr. Roberts stated that the budget process involved "Give & take@. He expressed concern about the process this budget cycle and hoped that the process would be modified in the future to allow more public input on the final changes. Mayor Davis indicated that while the process had been open to the public, Council would be looking at ways to improve the process.

Mr. Turnbull agreed with Mr. Roberts and hoped that changes in the process could occur next year.

ROLL CALL:

Mr. Putens - yes
Mr. Roberts - yes
Mr. Turnbull - yes
Mr. White - yes
Mayor Davis - yes

(The Ordinance was declared passed. Ordinance No. 1166, Book No. 11)

Mayor Davis thanked the city staff, Council and citizens for the participation in the process. Mr. McLaughlin thanked Council for their efforts on the budget.

A RESOLUTION EXTENDING THE TERMS OF THE CABLE FRANCHISE GRANTED TO JONES COMMUNICATIONS OF MARYLAND, INC. AUTHORIZING THE CONSTRUCTION, OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE OF A CABLE TELEVISION SYSTEM IN THE CITY OF GREENBELT

Mayor Davis read the agenda comments. Mr. White introduced the above titled resolution for second reading and final passage. Mr. Putens seconded. Sheldon Goldberg, 7848 Jacobs Drive, expressed disappointment with Jones.

ROLL CALL:

Mr. Putens - yes
Mr. Roberts - yes
Mr. Turnbull - yes
Mr. White - yes
Mayor Davis - yes

(The Resolution was declared passed. Resolution No. 867, Book No. 7)

A RESOLUTION TO REPEAL RESOLUTION 863 AND ESTABLISH NEW SERVICE CHARGES FOR GARBAGE, TRASH AND RECYCLING COLLECTION IN THE CITY OF GREENBELT, MARYLAND EFFECTIVE JULY 1, 1998

Mayor Davis read the agenda comments. Mr. Putens introduced the above titled resolution for first reading.

RECONSIDERATION OF LAKECREST TENNIS COURT REPAIR WORK: Mayor Davis read the agenda comments. Mr. McLaughlin noted that several people had asked staff about when the courts would be completed. Mr. Hall also indicated that he had received inquiries regarding when the courts would be completed. RECONSIDERATION OF LAKECREST TENNIS COURT REPAIR WORK: Mayor Davis read the agenda comments. Mr. McLaughlin noted that several people had asked staff about when the courts would be completed. Mr. Hall also indicated that he had received inquiries regarding when the courts would be completed.

Mr. Putens moved approval of replacing both tennis courts at an additional estimated cost of $38,325 and that it be funded from the Capital Projects Fund. Mr. White seconded. Mr. Turnbull expressed appreciation for a funding mechanism other than use of Program Open Space funds. The motion passed 5 to 0.

SELECTION OF TREE FOR ROOSEVELT CENTER RENOVATION: Mayor Davis read the agenda comments. Ms. Craze noted that she had spoken with Ms. Arnold and Ms. Arnold supports selection of a native tree. SELECTION OF TREE FOR ROOSEVELT CENTER RENOVATION: Mayor Davis read the agenda comments. Ms. Craze noted that she had spoken with Ms. Arnold and Ms. Arnold supports selection of a native tree.

Mr. Putens expressed concern about the tree splitting under the weight of snow. Ms. Bradley-Papp responded that she consulted nurserymen and arborists and they were not aware of the tree splitting in that manner. Mr. Roberts asked about the size of these trees. Ms. Bradley-Papp responded that the maximum height was 50 feet, but that these trees would not grow that high because of their confined root system.

Ms. Bradley-Papp stressed that she and Mr. Phelan had looked at many trees, particularly native trees and this was the only tree that met the criteria.

Mr. Putens moved approval of the substitution of the Zelkova for the London Plane Tree as the mall tree. Mr. White seconded. The motion passed 4 to 1 (Roberts).

FY 1999 PROGRAM OPEN SPACE ANNUAL PROGRAM: Mayor Davis read the agenda comments. Mr. Putens moved staff recommendation. Mr. White seconded. FY 1999 PROGRAM OPEN SPACE ANNUAL PROGRAM: Mayor Davis read the agenda comments. Mr. Putens moved staff recommendation. Mr. White seconded.

PARKING MANAGEMENT STUDY: Mayor Davis read the agenda comments. Mr. Turnbull noted that because he had a contact who specializes in this area and his contact indicated that he was the only person who does this type of work, he was supportive of the recommendation. Mr. White suggested contacting the Marriott Corporation and the Soldier's Home near Washington Hospital Center. PARKING MANAGEMENT STUDY: Mayor Davis read the agenda comments. Mr. Turnbull noted that because he had a contact who specializes in this area and his contact indicated that he was the only person who does this type of work, he was supportive of the recommendation. Mr. White suggested contacting the Marriott Corporation and the Soldier's Home near Washington Hospital Center.

Mr. Turnbull hoped that staff would look at other facilities that had been located in existing residential neighborhoods. Mr. Putens thanked staff for their creative approach.

ON-CALL PAY FOR CRISIS INTERVENTION COUNSELOR: Mayor Davis read the agenda comments. Mr. Putens moved approval of extension of the city's on-call policy to the Crisis Intervention Counselor position at a total of $2,400. Mr. Roberts seconded. The motion carried 5 to 0.ON-CALL PAY FOR CRISIS INTERVENTION COUNSELOR: Mayor Davis read the agenda comments. Mr. Putens moved approval of extension of the city's on-call policy to the Crisis Intervention Counselor position at a total of $2,400. Mr. Roberts seconded. The motion carried 5 to 0.

REVIEW OF HANOVER PARKWAY BOLLARDS: Mayor Davis read the agenda comments. Mayor Davis asked about the condition of the bollards. Ms. Craze indicated that a structural solution was possible. Mr. White suggested that Council get GEAC's reaction. REVIEW OF HANOVER PARKWAY BOLLARDS: Mayor Davis read the agenda comments. Mayor Davis asked about the condition of the bollards. Ms. Craze indicated that a structural solution was possible. Mr. White suggested that Council get GEAC's reaction.

Mr. Putens moved that the bollards remain in place until the Council's work session on traffic calming. Mr. White seconded. The motion carried 5 to 0.

MEETINGS: Council directed staff to schedule a work session with Springhill Lake or George Christacos on June 10. Council asked staff to prepare a statement for presentation at the public forum on the Greenbelt Metro Area Sector Plan and Sectional Map Amendment. The entire Council indicated they would attend Memorial Day ceremonies at Centerway. MEETINGS: Council directed staff to schedule a work session with Springhill Lake or George Christacos on June 10. Council asked staff to prepare a statement for presentation at the public forum on the Greenbelt Metro Area Sector Plan and Sectional Map Amendment. The entire Council indicated they would attend Memorial Day ceremonies at Centerway.

ADJOURNMENT: Mr. Putens moved to adjourn the meeting. Mr. Turnbull seconded. The motion carried 5 to 0. Mayor Davis adjourned the regular meeting of May 26, 1998, at 10:30 p.m ADJOURNMENT: Mr. Putens moved to adjourn the meeting. Mr. Turnbull seconded. The motion carried 5 to 0. Mayor Davis adjourned the regular meeting of May 26, 1998, at 10:30 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 May 26, 1998."

Judith F. Davis
Mayor

City of Greenbelt, Maryland
City Offices, 25 Crescent Road, Greenbelt, MD 20770
Phone: 301-474-8000 FAX: 301-441-8248