REGULAR MEETING OF CITY COUNCIL HELD
MONDAY, JULY 13, 1998

Mayor Davis called the meeting to order at 8:14 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; W. Bowman Ferguson, Management Analyst; James Craze, Chief of Police and David E. Moran, City Clerk.

Mayor Davis observed a moment of silence for Peter Labukas, Sr., Ruth K. Powell, Clarence B. Hart and Louis Goldstein. She noted that Mr. Goldstein had been at MML and had sent a letter on July 2, thanking the city for some photos. Then, she led the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.

CONSENT AGENDA: Mr. Roberts requested that item 16 be removed. Mr. White requested that the minutes of 6/25 be removed. With these changes, Mr. Roberts moved approval of the consent agenda. Mr. Putens seconded. The motion passed 5 to 0.CONSENT AGENDA: Mr. Roberts requested that item 16 be removed. Mr. White requested that the minutes of 6/25 be removed. With these changes, Mr. Roberts moved approval of the consent agenda. Mr. Putens seconded. The motion passed 5 to 0.

COUNCIL THEREBY TOOK THE FOLLOWING ACTIONS:

MINUTES

Work Session, June 17, 1998
Legislative Dinner, June 19, 1998
Regular Meeting, June 22, 1998
Work Session, June 24, 1998

Approved as presented.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

- PRAB Report #98-2

Moratorium on Biking in Parcel 1 and Surplus School Property

Council accepted this report and placed this matter on the next agenda

- PRAB Report #98-3

Public Skate Facility Referral

Council accepted this report, referred it to staff for further consideration and directed that this matter be considered in conjunction with Capital Projects.

- APB Report #98-05

Sign Request - Lakes at Greenbelt Village
Council accepted this report and placed this matter on the next agenda for consideration. Sign Request - Lakes at Greenbelt Village
Council accepted this report and placed this matter on the next agenda for consideration.

- APB Report #98-06

Spellman Overpass - Request to Address Safety
Council accepted this report and directed staff to perform the actions identified in the report. Spellman Overpass - Request to Address Safety
Council accepted this report and directed staff to perform the actions identified in the report.

- CRAB Report
Council accepted this report and agreed to hold it until CRAB submits its final report.

DONATION TOWARDS IIMC REGION II CONFERENCE IN BALTIMORE: Council authorized a $100 donation towards this conference.

NLC ACTION CALL: Council supported the NLC positions and directed that this support be communicated to Senators Sarbanes and Mikulski. NLC ACTION CALL: Council supported the NLC positions and directed that this support be communicated to Senators Sarbanes and Mikulski.

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

PRESENTATIONS:

MML Award for Excellence: Mayor Davis read the agenda comments. Representatives from GIVES attended the Council Meeting to be recognized. Mr. Taylor explained the GIVES program. Mayor Davis presented the award to the GIVES members.

PETITIONS AND REQUESTS: Sheldon Goldberg of 7848 Jacobs Drive, representing Windsor Green, requested that there be more discussion of the bollards along Hanover Parkway and possible replacement with a concrete divider. PETITIONS AND REQUESTS: Sheldon Goldberg of 7848 Jacobs Drive, representing Windsor Green, requested that there be more discussion of the bollards along Hanover Parkway and possible replacement with a concrete divider. Sheldon Goldberg of 7848 Jacobs Drive, representing Windsor Green, requested that there be more discussion of the bollards along Hanover Parkway and possible replacement with a concrete divider.

Art Abrams of 69-F Ridge Road presented photographs of stored cars on Ridge Road. He indicated that the owner now has 8 cars which tie up parking spaces and are unsightly. Mr. Abrams also reported another vehicle near the 6 Court of Ridge.

Mayor Davis thanked Mr. Abrams and asked Ms. Craze to report on her Department's efforts to address this problem. She reported that APB had been evaluating a requirement that cars move every 72 hours, but this would have a potential negative impact on those who could not move their vehicle because of illness or vacation.

Mr. Putens asked about a possible permit system. Mr. Manzi responded that a permit system could be implemented in this neighborhood. He also stated that State law does not allow a limit on the number of vehicles except for a permit system.

Mr. Roberts asked if Mr. Abrams had approached the owners of the vehicles. Mr. Abrams responded he had attempted to speak to the owner, and that he had not been receptive to his comments. Mr. Roberts expressed a reluctance to pass a law to address a problem with a few people.

Mr. White believed that a time limit for moving a vehicle would be reasonable. He believed that the city was able to address the commercial aspects of this problem. Mr. White asked if the City had explored solutions used by other communities. Mr. Putens stated this has been a problem throughout the city.

Mr. Roberts questioned whether a 72 hour restriction would be effective, because the owner could simply move each of the vehicles. He hoped the city would come up with a solution that actually solves the problem and expressed a willingness to go up and wash the cars.

Roberta McCarthy, stated that APB had spent considerable time evaluating this issue. She suggested that this issue be referred to the Community Relations Advisory Board (CRAB). Mr. Roberts moved that the issue be referred to CRAB. Mr. Turnbull seconded. The motion passed 5 to 0.

Mayor Davis read a letter from Ms. Snyder responding to a newspaper article in The Gazette.

MINUTES:

Minutes of June 25, 1998: Mr. White suggested changes as follows: change the date from "July" to "June"; on page 2 change "retaining wall" to "sound barrier" and "I-295" to Baltimore-Washington Parkway". Mr. White moved approval of the minutes with these changes. Mr. Putens seconded. The motion carried 5 to 0.Minutes of June 25, 1998: Mr. White suggested changes as follows: change the date from "July" to "June"; on page 2 change "retaining wall" to "sound barrier" and "I-295" to "Baltimore-Washington Parkway". Mr. White moved approval of the minutes with these changes. Mr. Putens seconded. The motion carried 5 to 0.

ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS: ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS:

Report on Maryland Municipal League Conference: Mayor Davis read the agenda comments. Mr. White noted that the session on Electric Deregulation had been interesting. He also believed the Gubernatorial forum had been useful. He noted that other municipal officials had approached him to discuss relationships among each other and Council-to-citizen relationships. Report on Maryland Municipal League Conference: Mayor Davis read the agenda comments. Mr. White noted that the session on Electric Deregulation had been interesting. He also believed the Gubernatorial forum had been useful. He noted that other municipal officials had approached him to discuss relationships among each other and Council-to-citizen relationships.

Mr. Putens suggested that other members attend the conference. He stated that this year there were a significant number of Prince Georgians on the MML Board. Mr. Putens noted that many discussions occur that would not be possible in other settings

Mayor Davis appreciated the Mayor's session. She reported on a session on community policing and a session on youth initiatives.

Mr. McLaughlin reported on both the "electronic village" session and the session on "keeping your cool". Ms. Palau reported on the website in Blacksburg and indicated that much of the access available on their site was also accessible through Greenbelt's web site.

AN ORDINANCE TO ADD A NEW CHAPTER 20 TO THE GREENBELT CITY CODE ENTITLED "ZONING" TO PROVIDE THAT THE CITY OF GREENBELT MAY GRANT DEPARTURES FROM DESIGN AND LANDSCAPING STANDARDS, PARKING AND LOADING STANDARDS, SIGN DESIGN STANDARDS AND VARIANCES FROM LOT SIZE, SETBACK AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS OF THE PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY ZONING ORDINANCE

Mayor Davis read the agenda comments. Mr. White introduced the above titled ordinance for second reading and passage. Mr. Putens seconded

ROLL CALL:

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

The ordinance was declared passed. (Ordinance No. 1170, Book No. 11)

A RESOLUTION TO REPEAL AND REENACT WITH AMENDMENTS RESOLUTION NUMBER 708 TO ADOPT REVISED STANDING RULES FOR THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF GREENBELT, MARYLAND

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

NEW PHONE SYSTEM - MUNICIPAL BUILDING: Mayor Davis read the agenda comments. Mr. Ferguson provided a briefing on the proposed new phone system. NEW PHONE SYSTEM - MUNICIPAL BUILDING: Mayor Davis read the agenda comments. Mr. Ferguson provided a briefing on the proposed new phone system.

Mr. Putens expressed concern about the loss of a personal touch through voice mail and indicated he hated it. Mr. Roberts also disliked the use of voice mail. Mr. Turnbull stressed the need for a voice mail policy that would not allow it to be abused.

Mr. Turnbull wanted to see some evidence that this in fact was a good bargain for the city. Mr. White stated that voice mail was a necessary tool for city employees. Mr. McLaughlin agreed with Council that a live person would always be the first point of contact for residents.

BRIEFING ON COMMUNITY POLICING: Mayor Davis read the agenda comments. Chief Craze presented a report on this subject. He summarized each item within the Community Policing program. Council expressed a desire to hold a work session on this issue. BRIEFING ON COMMUNITY POLICING: Mayor Davis read the agenda comments. Chief Craze presented a report on this subject. He summarized each item within the Community Policing program. Council expressed a desire to hold a work session on this issue.

NLC POLICY PROPOSALS AND RESOLUTIONS: Mayor Davis read the agenda comments. Mr. White suggested looking at the satellite dish/monopole issue and possible electric deregulation. Ms. Davis suggested telecommuting. Mr. Putens suggested the FOLIA issue and federal bankruptcy laws. Mr. Putens moved that these five areas be developed into policy proposals. Mr. White seconded. The motion carried 5 to 0.

DISCLOSURE OF CAMPAIGN EXPENDITURES: Mr. Turnbull moved that this issue, along with limits on campaign expenditures, be referred to the Board of Elections. Mr. Roberts seconded. The motion carried 5 to 0

MEETINGS: Mr. Putens moved to hold an Executive Session on 7/15. Mr. White seconded. The motion carried 5 to 0.

There was considerable discussion regarding holding a work session with GHI. Mr. Putens moved that the Council Meeting be moved from 8/10 to 8/17. Mr. White seconded. The motion carried 5 to 0.

Council scheduled a work session on 8/12 to discuss GRH parking alternatives and a work session on with GHI regarding GRH parking on 8/24. Council set the Public Hearing on Annexation for 9/10.

Council scheduled a work session on 8/20 with NPS or George Christacos. Council added ethics to the work session on 7/27.

ADJOURNMENT: Mr. Putens moved to adjourn the meeting. Mr. Turnbull seconded. The motion carried 5 to 0. Mayor Davis adjourned the regular meeting of July 13, 1998, at 11:25 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 July 13, 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