REGULAR MEETING OF CITY COUNCIL HELD
MONDAY, JUNE 7, 1999
Mayor Davis called the meeting to order at 8:07 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, Senior Management Analyst and David E. Moran, City Clerk. Mr. Manzi arrived at 8:44 p.m.
Mayor Davis observed a moment of silence for Jacqueline Hales, Harry Merryman, Murray Shapiro and Agnes Simpson, and also Roy Dabney. Then, she led the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
CONSENT AGENDA: Mr. Turnbull removed items 18 and 19. With these changes, 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, May 19, 1999
Approved as presented.
APPOINTMENTS TO CITY ADVISORY GROUPS: Council appointed the following individuals to City Advisory Groups and directed staff to prepare the appropriate appointment letters:
Richard Bates Arts Advisory Board
Susan Whitmore Arts Advisory Board
Bridget Osborne Park and Recreation Advisory Board
Diane Ronchi Public Safety Advisory Committee
Beverly Lynch Public Safety Advisory Committee
Julian Weiss Recycling and Environment Committee
Gerald Madison Senior Citizens Advisory Committee
APPOINTMENT OF COUNCIL LIAISON TO PUBLIC SAFETY ADVISORY COMMITTEE: Council appointed Mr. Putens to this position.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA: Mr. Putens moved that the agenda be approved. Mr. Turnbull seconded. The motion passed unanimously.
PRESENTATIONS:
Introduction of Park Rangers: Hank Irving, Director of Recreation, introduced the City’s four new Park Rangers: Chris Cherry, Julie Green, Troy Plater and Christine O’Hagan. Mr. Irving explained the new program.
PETITIONS AND REQUESTS: There were none presented
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS: Mr. McLaughlin noted that Mr. Manzi would be late.
Mr. Irving provided an update on the Greenbelt Day celebration and described the various activities. He thanked the Legion for their support and help with the program. Mr. White noted that the Legion’s appreciation for the city’s $500 donation.
Mr. Irving also reported on Greenbelt night with the Baysox on Friday, June 18.
Mayor Davis referenced the Grad Night celebration. Mr. Irving noted that the program had been in place since 1993. Mr. White suggested that the City submit the Grad Night program for an award.
ADOPTION OF THE BUDGET: Mayor Davis read the agenda comments.
Mr. Turnbull moved the following changes to Licenses & Permits. Mr. Putens seconded. The motion passed 5 to 0.
Acct Line Description From To Change
321 21 Residential Property Fees $270,000 $279,500 $9,500
TOTAL LICENSES & PERMITS $497,500 $507,000 $9,500
Mr. Turnbull moved the following changes to Revenue from Other Agencies. Mr. Putens seconded. The motion passed 5 to 0.
Acct Line Description From To Change
332 01 State Aid for Police Protection $454,400 $484,400 $30,000
TOTAL REV. FROM OTHER AGENCIES $773,600 $803,600 $30,000
Mr. Turnbull moved the following changes to Total General Fund Revenues. Mr. White seconded. The motion passed 5 to 0.
Acct Line Description From To Change
TOTAL GEN. FUND REVENUES $14,497,600 $14,537,100 $39,500
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 $228,700 $232,200 $3,500
TOTAL ADMINISTRATION $344,000 $347,500 $3,500
Mr. White moved the following changes to Police. Mr. Putens seconded. Mr. Turnbull stated that the change to Line 28 was premature. He believed this should be part of the upcoming study and favored holding this matter. Mr. White believed that this item was long overdue. Mr. Turnbull stressed that changes should be made in a thoughtful way. Mr. Roberts asked if new police officers are required to go with McLeo retirement. Mr. Williams responded that all officers had to go with McLeo. Mr. Roberts agreed that the issue should have been held until the study was completed, but also saw it as an equity issue. Mr. White moved the following changes to Police. Mr. Putens seconded. Mr. Turnbull stated that the change to Line 28 was premature. He believed this should be part of the upcoming study and favored holding this matter. Mr. White believed that this item was long overdue. Mr. Turnbull stressed that changes should be made in a thoughtful way. Mr. Roberts asked if new police officers are required to go with McLeo retirement. Mr. Williams responded that all officers had to go with McLeo. Mr. Roberts agreed that the issue should have been held until the study was completed, but also saw it as an equity issue.
Sylvia Lewis commended the Council for the planned study. She stressed that the review should be comprehensive and did not favor a piecemeal increasing of the deferred compensation prior to this study. Ms. Lewis stated objections to using reserves for operating expenses.
Mayor Davis noted that Council prefers not to use reserves in this manner, but the fund balance was healthy. She referenced a memorandum from the City Manager showing additional one-time expenditures.
Mr. Turnbull again noted that the deferred compensation increase should wait until completion of the study. Mr. White reiterated that the City should have the same program for all employees.
The motion passed 4 to 1 (Turnbull).
Acct Line Description From To Change
210 03 Police Officers (More MPO’s) $2,453,700 $2,471,700 $18,000
210 28 Benefits $1,074,200 $1,088,200 $14,000
TOTAL POLICE $5,384,500 $5,416,500 $32,000
Mr. Roberts moved the following changes to Public Works Administration. Mr. White seconded. The motion passed 5 to 0.
Acct Line Description From To Change
310 92 Construction-Mat. Storage Yard $0 $7,000 $7,000
TOTAL PUBLIC WORKS ADMINISTRATION $493,000 $500,800 $7,000
Mr. Putens moved the following changes to Street Maintenance. Mr. White seconded. The motion passed 5 to 0.
Acct Line Description From To Change
340 91 New Equipment $35,000 $26,000 ($9,000)
TOTAL STREET MAINTENANCE $542,400 $533,000 ($9,000)
Mr. Turnbull moved the following changes to Recreation Administration. Mr. Putens seconded. The motion passed 5 to 0.
Acct Line Description From To Change
510 37 Public Notices $31,100 $34,700 $3,600
TOTAL RECREATION ADMINISTRATION $421,400 $425,000 $3,600
Mr. White moved the following changes to Recreation Administration. Mr. Putens seconded. The motion passed 5 to 0.
Acct Line Description From To Change
530 91 New Equipment-Scoreboard $0 $2,000 $2,000
TOTAL SPRINGHILL LAKE RECREATION $421,400 $425,000 $3,600
Mr. Roberts moved the following changes to Community Center. Mr. Turnbull seconded. The motion passed 5 to 0.
Acct Line Description From To Change
545 06 Repair/Maintain Building $60,800 $70,800 $10,800
545 26 Center Leaders $58,000 $59,200 $1,200
545 30 Professional Services $1,700 $22,700 $21,000
545 53 Recreation Equipment $3,500 $4,300 $800
545 91 New Equipment $0 $3,400 $3,400
TOTAL COMMUNITY CENTER $628,700 $665,100 $36,400
Mr. Turnbull moved the following changes to Other Recreation. Mr. Putens seconded. The motion passed 5 to 0.
Acct Line Description From To Change
560 22 Organization Leaders $5,800 $6,000 $200
560 68 Contributions $58,900 $62,100 $3,200
TOTAL OTHER RECREATION $159,800 $163,200 $3,400
Mr. Putens moved the following changes to Parks. Mr. White seconded. The motion passed 5 to 0.
Acct Line Description From To Change
600 91 New Equipment $0 $6,000 $6,000
TOTAL PARKS $771,800 $777,800 $6,000
Mr. White moved the following changes to Greenbelt Museum. Mr. Putens seconded. The motion passed 5 to 0.
Acct Line Description From To Change
975 30 Professional Services $7,500 $10,000 $2,500
TOTAL MUSEUM $11,500 $14,000 $2,500
Mr. White moved the following change to Total Expenditures. Mr. Putens seconded. The motion passed 5 to 0.
TOTAL EXPENDITURES $15,057,400 $15,144,800 $87,400
Mr. White moved the following changes to Appropriation of Fund Balance. Mr. Putens seconded. The motion passed 5 to 0.
Acct Line Description From To Change
Undesignated & Unreserved $559,800 $607,700 $47,900
TOTAL APPROPRIATION $559,800 $607,700 $47,900
Mr. Roberts moved the following changes to Replacement Fund. Mr. White seconded. The motion passed 5 to 0.
Acct Line Description From To Change
91 120 Administration $0 $9,600 $9,600
TOTAL REPLACEMENT FUND $408,300 $417,900 $9,600
AN ORDINANCE TO ADOPT THE GENERAL FUND, CEMETERY 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 2000, BEGINNING JULY 1, 1999 AND INCLUDING JUNE 30, 2000
Mayor Davis read the agenda comments. Mr. White 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. White introduced the above titled Ordinance for second reading and adoption. Mr. Putens seconded.
ROLL CALL:
Mr. Putens - yes
Mr. Roberts - yes
Mr. Turnbull - yes
Mr. White - yes
Mayor Davis - yes
The Ordinance was declared adopted. (Ordinance No. 1184. Book No. 11)
Mr. McLaughlin thanked Council for their effort on the budget. Mayor Davis thanked the City staff and the other members of Council.
AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 8, "ELECTIONS", OF THE GREENBELT CITY CODE FOR THE PURPOSE OF REQUIRING DISCLOSURE OF CAMPAIGN EXPENDITURES AND APPOINTMENT OF A TREASURER
Mayor Davis read the agenda comments. Mr. White introduced the above titled ordinance.
A RESOLUTION TO ESTABLISH A TASK FORCE TO STUDY THE FEASIBILITY OF ESTABLISHING AN ASSISTED LIVING FACILITY IN GREENBELT
Mayor Davis read the agenda comments.
Mr. White suggested changing the language. Mr. Putens wanted to see this issue moving. Ms. Davis hoped this would be done in a timely manner.
Mr. Turnbull stressed that the Resolution be adopted as quickly as possible. Mr. Manzi noted that the rules could be suspended at the next meeting.
A RESOLUTION TO REPEAL RESOLUTION 868 AND ESTABLISH NEW SERVICE CHARGES FOR GARBAGE, TRASH AND RECYCLING COLLECTION IN THE CITY OF GREENBELT, MARYLAND EFFECTIVE JULY 1, 1999
Mayor Davis read the agenda comments. Mr. Putens introduced the above titled resolution.
AWARD OF CONTRACT - DESIGN SERVICES FOR ATTICK PARK RESTROOM FACILITY: Mayor Davis read the agenda comments. AWARD OF CONTRACT - DESIGN SERVICES FOR ATTICK PARK RESTROOM FACILITY: Mayor Davis read the agenda comments.
Mr. Roberts asked which original plans were referenced in the comments. Mr. McLaughlin responded that these were the 1936 plans.
Mr. White asked for copies the minutes from the 1998 Capital Projects work session. He asked if those minutes referenced a concession facility.
Mr. Roberts believed the process was out of whack, because Council did not know what this facility was going to be and where.
Mr. McLaughlin stressed the importance of using the consultant to help answer some of those questions.
Mr. Putens also expressed concern about the direction, but hoped that Council could move forward. He hoped that the facility could be multi-use.
Mayor Davis also wanted this to move forward.
Mr. Roberts agreed that the City needed a restroom facility at the Lake. He also believed a concession stand was not economically viable. Mr. Roberts favored limiting the scope by asking the consultant to only look at site feasibility.
Mr. Turnbull expressed concern about pursuing a design without knowing what they wanted. He noted that he had not yet ruled out concessions based on the accident. Mr. Turnbull believed the city should step back and reevaluate.
Mr. White moved that City Council authorize the selection of Greenhorne & O’Mara, in conjunction with Arel Architects, to provide the first phase (preliminary design and space planning - 2 phases of G & O proposal) preliminary design for the Buddy Attick Park restroom facility, in accordance with their proposal dated March 11, 1999, at a price not to exceed $15,500. Mr. Putens seconded.
Mr. McLaughlin stressed that one of the first activities of the consultant would be to meet with Council and the public to resolve some of the issues.
The motion passed 3 to 2 (Roberts & Turnbull).
PROGRAM OPEN SPACE ALLOCATION: Mayor Davis read the agenda comments. PROGRAM OPEN SPACE ALLOCATION: Mayor Davis read the agenda comments.
Mr. Putens moved that Council approve the City’s FY 2000 Annual Program for Program Open Space. It may be amended later if needed. The Annual Program must be submitted by Tuesday, June 15, 1999 to Prince George’s County for inclusion in the County’s submittal to the State. Mr. White seconded. The motion passed 5 to 0.
UNDERTAKE STUDY ON CITY PAY SCALE, EMPLOYEE SALARIES, HEALTH BENEFITS AND RETIREMENT PLAN : Mayor Davis read the agenda comments.
Mr. Turnbull asked what Council was consenting to. He believed that Council consent was not needed. Mr. White noted that Council consent was needed, because Council cannot take actions at the work session.
Mr. Roberts asked about the cost of this study. Mr. McLaughlin expected it to be an in-house study.
Mr. Putens moved that staff be directed to undertake this study. Mr. Turnbull seconded. The motion passed 5 to 0.
COUNTY LOCAL BUS SERVICE: Mayor Davis read the agenda comments. COUNTY LOCAL BUS SERVICE: Mayor Davis read the agenda comments.
Mr. Turnbull asked about the timeline for Routes 14 and 15. He also asked about the funding prospects. Ms. Hruby responded that the County was ready to proceed on Route 11 at the end of June. She noted that Route 14 would probably be deleted and indicated that staff was working on a modified Route 15 which could include parts of the Center City.
Mr. Putens moved that City Council communicated its support for the proposed TheBus Route 11 and requested the County proceed with implementation of Route 11. Mr. Turnbull seconded. The motion passed 5 to 0.
MEETINGS: Council set aside July 26, 27, 28 and 29 for work sessions and directed staff to schedule historic district, meeting with Greenhorne & O’Mara, and Financing Alternatives for 3 of those 4 nights.
ADJOURNMENT: Mr. Putens moved to adjourn the meeting. Mr. Turnbull seconded. The motion carried 5 to 0. Mayor Davis adjourned the regular meeting of June 7, 1999, at 11:04 p.m
Respectfully Submitted,
David E. Moran, CMC
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 June 7, 1999."
Judith F. Davis
Mayor