REGULAR MEETING OF CITY COUNCIL HELD
MONDAY, MAY 24, 1999

Mayor Davis called the meeting to order at 8:15 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, Acting City Clerk

Mayor Davis observed a moment of silence for Lekh Batra, Betty Deist and John Robertson. Then, she led the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.

CONSENT AGENDA: Mayor Davis requested the removal of item 18, the FOGM grant application, from the consent agenda. Mr. Putens moved approval of the consent agenda with item 18 removed. Mr. Turnbull seconded. The motion passed 5 to 0.

COUNCIL THEREBY TOOK THE FOLLOWING ACTIONS:

MINUTES: Minutes from the following meetings were approved as presented:

- Interviews, May 6, 1999
- Work Session, May 6, 1999
- Regular Meeting, May 10, 1999
- Interviews, May 12, 1999
- Work Session, May 12, 1999
- Work Session, May 17, 1999
- Interviews, May 19, 1999

COMMITTEE REPORTS: The following reports from City Boards and Committees were accepted:

- Arts Advisory Board Report
- Board of Elections Report #1999-1
- Youth Advisory Committee Report

PARKING CONCERNS AT RIDGE AND RESEARCH: Council approved staff’s recommendation to invite the involved parties to participate in mediation proceedings.

REAPPOINTMENTS TO PARK AND RECREATION ADVISORY BOARD: Council reappointed Norris G. Jenkins, Lawrence Hilliard, and Mary Geiger to the Park and Recreation Advisory Board.

APPOINTMENT TO YOUTH ADVISORY COMMITTEE: Council appointed Jessica Mealey to the Youth Advisory Committee.

APPROVAL OF AGENDA: Mr. McLaughlin requested the addition of consideration of a funding request by the Greenbelt American Legion post. Mr. White moved that the agenda be approved with the addition. Mr. Putens seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

Mayor Davis presented the budget and requested input from citizens.

Public Safety:

Mr. Turnbull discussed his concern that we are still $44,000 over revenue. He expressed discomfort with the notion of spending fund balance on items that are repeating expenses. Since the City committed to studying compensation issues in depth this year, he expressed his belief that the deferred compensation issue for Police officers should be part of the compensation study. He again stated it is unwise to fund increased expenses out of savings. He did not object to approving an increase in the number of officers who could achieve the rank of Master Patrol Officer.

Mr. Roberts expressed the opinion that future compensation decisions would be made after a determination was made about the future of the MCLEO Retirement Plan. He requested a good comparison be done with other departments so that Council can make an informed decision about the future of the compensation package. Mr. White reiterated that Council should direct staff to study pay scale, salary, retirement, and health benefits of officers. The Council discussed the Master Patrol Officer (MPO) increase and covered details of the budgetary impact.

Sylvia Lewis, who resides at 2 C Gardenway, expressed concern that an ongoing expense is being funded through reserves. She feels it is not good budgetary practice to fund an ongoing expense by using savings from previous years. The Mayor responded that a majority of Council feels that the drawdown is sensible for this one year, knowing that in the future, other options may have to be considered for funding the increased expense. The City Manager noted that there are other one-time expenses in the budget, and that the fund balance drawdown is not specifically targeted for the ongoing police expenditures. Several Council members expressed their reasons for supporting the increases in benefits for Police Officers.

Public Works:

The Mayor highlighted additions in this budget, including a new material storage yard and street sweeper.

Recreation and Parks

The Mayor discussed additional funds to expand the recreation brochure, replace the scoreboard at the Springhill Lake Recreation Center, cleaning staff for the Community Center, increased funding for GAVA, support for winter basketball, and the purchase of a defibrillator. The Mayor reviewed the appropriations budgeted for City contribution groups.

Lowell Owens, 119 Northway, a representative of Citizens to Conserve and Restore Indian Creek (CCRIC), presented a request for funding from the Council in the amount of $500 to $1,000. He described CCRIC’s education mission, along with its other service functions. The Mayor advised that Council would consider the request under Petitions and Requests and would address the request at a future meeting. Mr. Manzi advised that he would review the request and advise Council on any legal ramifications.

Mayor Davis discussed the addition of an irrigation head to water ball fields.

Miscellaneous:

The Mayor outlined the addition of $2,500 for a curator at the Greenbelt Museum.

Mathew K Amberg, 6 E Hillside, inquired as to whether or not the Council would fund additional Police officers. The Mayor described the Council’s position as to why no new officers were added. Mr. Amberg expressed his disappointment with this decision, and reiterated his support for the hiring of additional officers. He disputed the idea that new officers could not be added while simultaneously increasing benefits for existing officers. Council members reviewed the options discussed at the final budget work session.

The Mayor declared the public hearing closed at 9:37 PM.

PRESENTATIONS:

Home and Garden Television Video: Council and the audience viewed a video excerpt from a program aired on Home and Garden Television featuring a Greenbelt home.

Proclamation "60th Anniversary of the Greenbelt Library": Council recognized the 60th anniversary of the Greenbelt Library by issuing a proclamation congratulating the library for providing an essential service. Several representatives from the Library and Friends of the Greenbelt Library were present to receive the proclamation.

Donations towards Statue Renovation: Barbara Simon, 23 K Ridge Road, speaking on behalf of GAVA was recognized to present a donation of $164.00 for the purpose of restoring the Mother and Child Statue.

Recognition of Michael McLaughlin: Mr. McLaughlin was recognized by MML for his work on the MML 1999 Legislative Committee.

PETITIONS AND REQUESTS: The Mayor noted the CCRIC request presented earlier during the budget public hearing, and reminded the audience that it would be reviewed by staff and also the Recycling and Environment Committee.

The Mayor presented an official communication from GHI announcing the results of their referendum on Historic District designation and requesting that the City vigorously pursue the process to consider the designation.

Jean Snyder, 12 A Hillside, presented a request to protect woods near Northway fields from damage from Public Works material storage. Council and the Manager agreed that if materials cannot be stored there without causing damage to the habitat, then the policy of storing materials there should be revised.

ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS: Mr. Turnbull asked if the Four Cities position in opposition to the current developer’s proposal for the Greenbelt Metro Station was binding or if the individual City Council’s needed to ratify their positions in regular meetings? Mr. White responded that the group reached an understanding and agreement on certain issues among the four City Councils but those official positions would have to be affirmed by the Councils. Council members discussed their recollections of the discussion at the Four Cities meetings and recalling what positions were taken.

The Mayor reported on the cookout held Thursday, May 20, to publicize the activities of the Youth Advisory Committee.

The Mayor reported on a meeting that she attended to kick off the Census 2000 project in Prince George’s County.

The Mayor reported that her 6th Grade students took a field trip to Greenbelt and thoroughly enjoyed their experience. She encouraged other teachers to bring students to Greenbelt for field trips.

AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 11, "MOTOR VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC", OF THE GREENBELT CITY CODE FOR THE PURPOSE OF MAKING A TECHNICAL CORRECTION TO ORDINANCE 1180

The ordinance was introduced for second reading and adoption by Mr. Roberts and seconded by Mr. Putens.

ROLL CALL:
Mr. Putens - yes
Mr. Roberts - yes
Mr. Turnbull - yes
Mr. White - yes
Mayor Davis - yes

PRESENTATION ON ANACOSTIA TRAILS HERITAGE AREA: Mr. McLaughlin announced that this presentation would be postponed due to illness of Ms. Patricia Parker, the director.

AWARD OF CONTRACT- DESIGN SERVICES FOR ATTICK PARK RESTROOM FACILITY: Mayor Davis read the agenda comments. Mr. White suggested that all future references to this project include discussion of a concession facility with the restroom facility. He also inquired whether the scope of work would include determining the location of the facility. Mr. McLaughlin noted that a location was discussed in the Lake Park Master Plan. Regarding scope of work, Mr. White inquired whether this contract would affect the location of the band shelter. Mr. McLaughlin said the contract would be evolutionary and would consider many aspects of the park design as the project progresses.

Mr. White moved the staff recommendation. Mr. Putens seconded. Mr. Roberts asked if this decision would result in a firm commitment to building a restroom/concession combination facility. Mr. McLaughlin responded that the issue would still be open to discussion when the architect’s plans are returned. Mr. Turnbull expressed concern with the bidding process, feeling that some bidders were dismissed for inadequate reasons. He requested that the decision be postponed so that Council can consider all proposals. Mr. White recalled that the decision to combine a restroom and concession facility was the product of a Council work session and asked that the issue be researched. Mr. White requested that it be referred to PRAB. Mr. McLaughlin affirmed that it would be done the next day. Mr. Roberts asked what the timeline for completion of this project. The manager responded that there was no specific timeline for the project. Mr. Roberts moved to postpone this motion to the next Council meeting. Mr. Turnbull seconded the motion. The motion to postpone carried 5-0.

CHANGES TO FINANCIAL REPORTING REQUIREMENTS FOR CITY COUNCIL CANDIDATES: The Mayor read the agenda comments. Mr. White commented that he supported the Election Board’s recommendation. Mr. Turnbull moved the staff recommendation. Mr. White seconded the recommendation. The Mayor proposed an amendment that the ordinance require that the name of the treasurer be included on all campaign materials, including signs, ads and reports. Mr. Manzi concurred that the Mayor’s suggestion would be appropriate. Mr. Turnbull accepted the amendment. The motion, as amended, passed 5-0.

INTENT TO PURCHASE TWO PICK-UP TRUCKS FOR PUBLIC WORKS: The Mayor read the agenda comments. Mr. White moved the staff’s recommendation. Mr. Putens seconded the motion. Mr. Turnbull applauded staff’s initiative at moving forward with the purchase to achieve cost savings. The motion passed 5-0.

SUPPORT FOR FOGM GRANT APPLICATION FOR WALKING TOUR PANELS: The Mayor read the agenda comments (this item was removed from the consent agenda.) The Mayor informed Council that she removed this item from the consent agenda to specifically suggest that Schrom Hills be strongly considered as a possible location for the placement of one of the walking tour panels. Mr. Putens moved staff’s recommendation. Mr. Turnbull seconded. Sandra Lange, 7310 Lois Lane, Lanham, commented that Schrom Hills would not fit seamlessly into the walking tour concept because it is located far from the center of town, but could still be considered along with other sites. The motion carried 5-0.

FUNDING REQUEST FROM THE AMERICAN LEGION: The Mayor read a letter from the American Legion requesting $500 in funding for a baseball team. Mr. White moved the appropriation. Mr. Putens seconded. The motion passed 5-0.

MEETINGS:

The Mayor reviewed upcoming meetings. The Mayor requested that Council meet to discuss the City Manager’s evaluation after the Statue Renovation meeting. Council agreed to hold an executive session to discuss the manager’s evaluation at that time.

The mayor requested an executive session on June 2 to meet with the City Manager. Thursday, June 24, was selected for the Standing Rules work session. Wednesday, June 23, was reserved for Capital Projects prioritization. Council tentatively selected June 9, 1999, at 7:30 PM for an Executive Session to discus the USDA lawsuit. The CRAB work session will be pushed back to 8:30 PM on June 9.

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 24, 1999, at 11:14 p.m.

Respectfully Submitted,
W. Bowman Ferguson, Acting 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 24, 1999."

Judith F. Davis
Mayor

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