MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION
held Wednesday, May 13, 1998
for the purpose of meeting with contribution groups to
review their budget requests.

The meeting began at 7:40 p.m. It was held in the Multi-Purpose Room of the Greenbelt Community Center

PRESENT WERE: Council members Edward V.J. Putens, Rodney M. Roberts, Alan Turnbull Thomas X. White and Mayor Judith F. Davis.

STAFF PRESENT WERE: Michael P. McLaughlin, City Manager and David E. Moran, City Clerk

 Greenbelt Golden Age Club

Irene Hensel, John Taylor and Shepard Oden appeared representing the Club. Ms. Hensel noted that the Club was requesting the same amount for travel. Mr. Taylor summarized the trips that the Club had taken over the past year. Ms. Hensel noted that the Club meets every Wednesday and that about 65 people attend the meetings. Ms. Hensel also indicated that the Club is growing.

Greenbelt Association of Visual Arts (GAVA)

Jessica Gitlis and Barbara Simon appeared representing the group. Ms. Gitlis stated that GAVA hoped to use the $2,000 to purchase a second kiln. She indicated that GAVA had already purchased 6 easels with their own money. Ms. Simon noted that the programming had been very successful.

Greenbelt Senior Softball

Bert Kerr appeared representing the group. He reported that the team plays 39 games in a season and noted that the group is open to people over 60. Mr. Kerr noted that the group needed ice packs.

Greenbelt Little League

Martin Murray and Oliver Calebaugh appeared representing this group. Mr. Murray noted that Little League had been in existence for 45 years. Mr. Murray indicated that the League had instituted a disciplinary procedure. He indicated there were some field maintenance needs and a drainage problem at McDonald Field. In response to a question about fields, Mr. Murray indicated that while there is always talk about the need for more fields, his group=s needs were being met.

Greenbelt Aquatic Boosters

Leslie Hilliard and Dave Mathews appeared representing this group. Ms. Hilliard summarized the programs activities that they sponsored. She indicated they needed a portable computer. Council suggested a wish list that could be advertised or distributed to local companies. Ms. Hilliard noted they had experienced problems recruiting a coach because of the low salaries and may need to request a greater contribution in future years.

Greenbelt Arts Center

Mary Lou Fisher and Connie Arnold appeared representing this group. Ms. Fisher noted that 7 productions were scheduled for next season and 2 youth programs. She also indicated that GAC was planning to try to interpret some of their programs. Ms. Fisher stated that GAC was actively pursuing grants. She reported about the flooding problems at the facility and indicated it had happened three times. Council asked staff to investigate and get the problem corrected. Ms. Arnold described the grant request for the youth initiative. Mr. White requested a more specific description and breakdown before the final budget session on May 20. There was discussion regarding the Arts Center Task Force. Council asked staff to provide GAC with information.

Greenbelt Youth Double Dutch

Nicole Gibbs appeared representing this group. She summarized the group's activities.

Greenbelt Concert Band

Tom Cherrix and David Clarke appeared representing this group. Mr. Cherrix noted some of the concerts that the band had played. He indicated the membership was stable. In response to a question, Mr. Cherrix indicated that the bandstand needed to be more acoustically sound.

Greenbelt Labor Day Festival Committee

Rick Ransom and Ed Cook appeared representing this group. Mr. Ransom noted that last year they had the biggest single attendance day ever. Mr. Cook noted that some of the booth renters were not complying with the financial requirements. He indicated that the Committee had tightened it=s requirements. Mr. Cook noted that Committee spends $75,000, not including the city=s contribution, to put on the Festival. Mr. Ransom stated that the shuttle had been very successful. There was discussion regarding the size of the Festival and comments that it was getting "too big."

Greenbelt Boys and Girls Club

Sherri Fletcher and Margo Datcher appeared representing this group. Ms. Datcher summarized the Club's activities, particularly recruitment and advertising efforts. They noted that additional volunteers and Board members were coming forward.

Greenbelt Babe Ruth League

Bob Sonneveldt and Kelly Ivy appeared representing this group. Mr. Ivy stressed the need for lighted fields and/or additional fields in the city. He suggested lighting the rest of the fields at Braden. They believed that the number of kids in the city were increasing. Mr. Ivy also stated the need for additional batting cages. Council asked staff to explore conversion of volleyball courts into cages and lighting the existing cage. There was considerable discussion regarding the need for fields and lights and possible locations.

The meeting was adjourned at 11:15 p.m.

Respectfully Submitted,

David E. Moran
City Clerk

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