REGULAR MEETING OF CITY COUNCIL HELD
MONDAY, JULY 12, 1999

Mayor Davis called the meeting to order at 8:11 p.m.

ROLL CALL was answered by Edward V.J. Putens, Rodney M. Roberts 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.

Mayor Davis observed a moment of silence for Victoria Rose Dobbin and Owen Coy Cowder. Then, she led the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.

CONSENT AGENDA: Mr. Putens moved approval of the consent agenda. Mr. Roberts seconded. The motion passed 5 to 0.CONSENT AGENDA: Mr. Putens moved approval of the consent agenda. Mr. Roberts seconded. The motion passed 5 to 0.

COUNCIL THEREBY TOOK THE FOLLOWING ACTIONS:

MINUTES:

- Regular Meeting, May 24, 1999

- Work Session #2, June 2, 1999

- Regular Meeting, June 7, 1999

- Regular Meeting, June 21, 1999

- Work Session, June 22, 1999

Approved as presented.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

Park and Recreation Advisory Board Report #99-3: Council accepted this report and directed that it be placed on a future agenda.Park and Recreation Advisory Board Report #99-3: Council accepted this report and directed that it be placed on a future agenda.

Arts Advisory Board Report #99-1: Council accepted this report. Arts Advisory Board Report #99-1: Council accepted this report.

BOARD OF APPEALS RESOLUTION FOR VARIANCE #99-0002-V: Council adopted the Board of Appeals Resolution for variance application 99-0002-V.

AWARD OF PURCHASE - 2 PICK-UP TRUCKS: Council approved the purchase of the two trucks from Lanham Ford, plus radios, light bars and a lift gate unit for one of the trucks at a cost of $35,083.

ACCEPTANCE OF REVISED JOB DESCRIPTION - COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT INSPECTOR: Council accepted the revised job description.

RESIGNATION FROM ADVISORY PLANNING BOARD: Council accepted Ms. McCarthy’s decision with regret and directed that the appropriate letter of appreciation be drafted for the Mayor’s signature.

PAYMENT FOR ATTENDANCE AT MML BOARD RETREAT: Council approved the expenditure of approximately $300 for Mayor Davis’ expenses in attending the MML Board retreat.

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:

OATH OF OFFICE - NEW POLICE OFFICERS: Chief Craze introduced five new police officers. Four of the officers were hired using a Federal Community Oriented Policing (COPS) matching grant. The fifth officer fills a vacancy in the department. OATH OF OFFICE - NEW POLICE OFFICERS: Chief Craze introduced five new police officers. Four of the officers were hired using a Federal Community Oriented Policing (COPS) matching grant. The fifth officer fills a vacancy in the department.

Mayor Davis administered the oath of office to each of the following new officers:

- Marvin Marks

- Luis Gonzalez

- Craig Kayton

- Beatrice Sullivan

- Michael Downey

ANACOSTIA TRAILS HERITAGE AREA: Patricia Parker, Executive Director of the Anacostia Trails Heritage Area, made a presentation on the status of the program. ANACOSTIA TRAILS HERITAGE AREA: Patricia Parker, Executive Director of the Anacostia Trails Heritage Area, made a presentation on the status of the program.

Sheldon Goldberg, raised a question about why all of Greenbelt was not included in the Heritage Area. Ms. Parker responded that all of Greenbelt should be included in the boundaries and would investigate this.

Mayor Davis reported on the meeting with Senator Sarbanes and indicated that each municipality was to present one "brag" and three "wishes." She noted that Greenbelt "bragged" about the funding it has put into the Roosevelt Center. She further noted that the City’s "wishes" were: federal funding for Roosevelt Center improvements, funding for wetlands acquisition, and funding for the City’s museum. Mayor Davis thanked staff for helping put the presentation together

PETITIONS AND REQUESTS: There were no petitions or requests presented at this meeting. PETITIONS AND REQUESTS: There were no petitions or requests presented at this meeting. There were no petitions or requests presented at this meeting.

MINUTES:

Executive Session, June 21, 1999: Mr. Roberts moved that the minutes of the Executive Meeting of the City Council held Monday, June 21, 1999 be approved as presented. He further requested that the minutes of this meeting reflect that the Council met in Executive Session at 7:35 p.m. in the Municipal Building Library, and that Council held this closed meeting in accordance with Section 10-508 (a)(7) of the State Government Article of the Annotated Code of Public General Laws of Maryland (1995 Replacement Volume) to consult with legal counsel to obtain legal advice. Mr. Putens seconded. Executive Session, June 21, 1999: Mr. Roberts moved that the minutes of the Executive Meeting of the City Council held Monday, June 21, 1999 be approved as presented. He further requested that the minutes of this meeting reflect that the Council met in Executive Session at 7:35 p.m. in the Municipal Building Library, and that Council held this closed meeting in accordance with Section 10-508 (a)(7) of the State Government Article of the Annotated Code of Public General Laws of Maryland (1995 Replacement Volume) to consult with legal counsel to obtain legal advice. Mr. Putens seconded.

ROLL CALL: Mr. Putens - yes

Mr. Roberts - yes

Mayor Davis - yes

Executive Session, June 22, 1999: Mr. Roberts moved that the minutes of the Executive Meeting of the City Council held Tuesday, June 22, 1999 be approved as presented. He further requested that the minutes of this meeting reflect that the Council met in Executive Session at 7:27 p.m. in the Municipal Building Library, and that Council held this closed meeting in accordance with Section 10-508 (a)(7) of the State Government Article of the Annotated Code of Public General Laws of Maryland (1995 Replacement Volume) to consult with legal counsel to obtain legal advice. Mr. Putens seconded. Executive Session, June 22, 1999: Mr. Roberts moved that the minutes of the Executive Meeting of the City Council held Tuesday, June 22, 1999 be approved as presented. He further requested that the minutes of this meeting reflect that the Council met in Executive Session at 7:27 p.m. in the Municipal Building Library, and that Council held this closed meeting in accordance with Section 10-508 (a)(7) of the State Government Article of the Annotated Code of Public General Laws of Maryland (1995 Replacement Volume) to consult with legal counsel to obtain legal advice. Mr. Putens seconded.

ROLL CALL: Mr. Putens - yes

Mr. Roberts - yes

Mayor Davis - yes

ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS: Mr. McLaughlin began by reporting that the City had received a Y2K grant from the State of Maryland for $18,500 for reimbursement for the new police and finance computer systems. ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS: Mr. McLaughlin began by reporting that the City had received a Y2K grant from the State of Maryland for $18,500 for reimbursement for the new police and finance computer systems.

Chief Craze reported on the closure of the ramp from Greenbelt Road (MD 193 West) onto Southway. He indicated that there had been several accidents on this ramp, particularly when the pavement is wet. He reported that the City would work with SHA to re-mill the road.

Mr. McLaughlin announced that city facilities are available during periods of extreme heat and residents can utilize city facilities as needed. He noted that if needed the City’s Emergency Plan could be activated.

Mr. Putens asked if there was an update on the bump at Greenway Center driveway near the Exxon. Mr. McLaughlin responded that he would ask the County for an update. Next, Mr. Putens asked about the maintenance of Chi-Chi’s, particularly grass mowing and exterior maintenance. Ms. Craze responded that she would ask an inspector to look into it. Finally, Mr. Putens asked about the new retirement system. Mr. McLaughlin reported that the retirement study committee had looked at this issue and made recommendations and this report would be shared with Council in several weeks..

Mayor Davis reported on the Kreative Kids Camp show and noted how enjoyable it was. Mayor Davis also noted that she saw the Greenbelt fireworks and it was a wonderful show and thanked city staff for their efforts.

Next, the Mayor reported on the MML convention and indicated it was good opportunity to network with other officials. Mr. Putens, Mr. McLaughlin and Mr. Moran, who also attended the conference, reported as well.

Finally, Mayor Davis presented the Insured Worker’s Insurance Fund’s annual report and noted that it contained a picture of our Aquatic and Fitness Center and a picture of Theresa Barfield, the city’s Human Resource Specialist.

A RESOLUTION TO AUTHORIZE THE NEGOTIATED PURCHASE OF CERTAIN GOODS AND SERVICES FROM VARIOUS VENDORS AS ENUMERATED HEREIN WHEN TOTAL FISCAL YEAR PURCHASES FROM EACH VENDOR EXCEED TEN THOUSAND DOLLARS ($10,000)

Mayor Davis read the agenda comments. Mr. Roberts introduced the above titled resolution for second reading and adoption. Mr. Putens seconded.

Doug Love of 3-D Plateau Place asked for several of the items.

ROLL CALL: Mr. Putens - yes

Mr. Roberts - yes

Mayor Davis - yes

The Resolution was declared adopted. (Resolution No. 899. Book No. 7)

A RESOLUTION FOR THE NEGOTIATED PURCHASE OF EXTERIOR SIGNAGE OF THE GREENBELT THEATER

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

Mr. Roberts asked if the design of the sign would be consistent with the historic perspective. Ms. Craze responded that efforts would be made to mimic the original design.

Paul Sanchez asked if his current letters for the changeable copy box could be used. Ms. Craze responded that the city would work to try to accommodate his existing letters.

Robert Snyder asked if there was going to be a guarantee on the sign. Ms. Craze responded that there was a basic one-year guarantee.

UPDATE ON GREENBELT THEATER - PAUL SANCHEZ: Mayor Davis read the agenda comments.

Paul Sanchez, operator of the Greenbelt Theater, reported that this was the first year the theater turned a profit. He summarized the results of the film festival and thanked Mr. Ferguson and Ms. Schaffer for their efforts.

He noted plans to install a new sound system, replace the seats and improve the bathrooms. Mayor Davis asked about concession/lobby improvements instead of seat replacement. Mr. Ferguson responded that seat replacement was one of the major items identified in patron surveys.

Mr. Sanchez thanked the Council and indicated that the theater was doing a lot better than it had in the past.

Kevin Denny, a resident of Bowie and President of the Friends of the Greenbelt Theater (FOGT), stated that he an his wife loved the theater and wanted to see it improved. Susan Jones, Vice President of FOGT also thanked the City.

PETITION FROM ELIZABETH CHANDLER: Mayor Davis read the agenda comments and noted that the Ms. Chandler presented this petition on June 21 which requested the City’s support on reforming the County’s Animal Control program.

Mr. Roberts moved that the City send a letter supporting Ms. Chandler’s position. Mr. Putens seconded. Karl Hille noted that Ms. Chandler was presenting the petition to the Hyattsville City Council.

Doug Love suggested that the City needed to promote dog day care.

Robert Snyder stated that adoption was not always the solution to every situation. He stressed that euthanasia was often done in a humane way.

Mayor Davis noted that the euthanasia rate in Prince George’s County was higher than other jurisdictions. Mr. Roberts believed it was a shame that animals are put down and indicated that there are wonderful animals at the pound available for adoption.

Aubrey Moore of 9-C Parkway Road, reported that there were problems in the County with vicious animals. He also noted that the population in the County was growing, but the funding for Animal Control was not growing.

The motion passed 3 to 0.

LETTER TO SCHOOL BOARD REGARDING PROPOSED CHANGES IN BUS TRANSPORTATION: Mayor Davis read the agenda comments.

Council discussed the proposed changes. Mr. Roberts stated that initially he thought the School Board was on the right track to fund teacher salaries over transportation.

Mayor Davis stressed concerns about the short notice given to parents and the lack of time to make alternate arrangements.

Mr. Putens moved that Council approve the sending of the letter with the city’s concerns. Mr. Roberts seconded. The motion passed 3 to 0.

Mr. Putens moved that Council take up item number 20. Mr. Roberts seconded the motion passed 3 to 0.

BENCH PROPOSAL FROM ANDREW CANTER: Mayor Davis read the agenda comments.

Mr. Roberts favored additional benches at Greenbelt East and Springhill Lake

Mr. Putens moved that the city agree to assist with the installation of 6 benches at the following locations: on Crescent Road by the Municipal Building, along the Braden Field path, along interior walkway between Eastway and Gardenway, two at the sculpture garden and by the entrance to the Community Center by the Nursery School. Mr. Roberts seconded. The motion passed 3 to 0.

APPROVAL OF JOB DESCRIPTIONS - ARTS COORDINATOR & ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF RECREATION: Mayor David read the agenda comments. APPROVAL OF JOB DESCRIPTIONS - ARTS COORDINATOR & ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF RECREATION: Mayor David read the agenda comments.

Mr. Putens moved that Council approve the Arts Coordinator job description. Mr. Roberts seconded. Mr. Snyder asked if the Arts Coordinator would address the issue of artist tenants at the Community Center. The motion passed 3 to 0.

Mr. Putens moved that Council approve the reclassification. Mr. Roberts seconded. The motion passed 3 to 0.

COUNTY LOCAL BUS SERVICE - REVISED ROUTE 15: Mayor Davis read the agenda comments. COUNTY LOCAL BUS SERVICE - REVISED ROUTE 15: Mayor Davis read the agenda comments.

Mayor Davis asked about specific routing of Route 15. Mr. McLaughlin described the proposed Route 15.

Mayor Davis asked if Route 15 could run through the Greenbriar community. Ms. Craze responded that they didn’t want to compete with Metro. Mr. Razewski indicated that specific streets could be evaluated.

Mr. Roberts expressed a desire to look at the NASA route. Ms. Davis also favored trying the NASA route.

Mr. Putens moved approval with consideration given to a pass through Greenbriar and a NASA route. Mr. Roberts seconded.

Council thanked the County for working with the community on this issue.

The motion passed 3 to 0.

PAYMENT TO CITY SOLICITOR: Mayor Davis read the agenda comments.

Mr. Roberts moved that Council authorize an additional $17,000 in compensation for Mr. Manzi to cover the additional services he has provided. Mr. Putens seconded. The motion passed 3 to 0.

REQUEST FROM COG TO SUPPORT AMENDMENT TO S 492: Mayor Davis read the agenda comments. Mr. Roberts expressed concern that there was no communication between COG and Senator Sarbanes.

Mr. Roberts moved that Council oppose the COG amendment. There was considerable discussion about the best way for the City to communicate its position to COG.

Then Mr. Roberts moved that the City send a letter saying that Senator Sarbanes does not support the COG amendment and the city is supporting the Senator and cannot support the COG amendment. Mr. Putens seconded. The motion passed 3 to 0.

MEETINGS: Council set a work session on financing alternatives for July 26. Council asked the City Clerk to identify two dates for work sessions in August for Capital Office Park and NASA. Mr. McLaughlin noted that staff was now thinking that holding the Roosevelt Center/Statue re-dedication on Labor Day was a bad idea, because it should stand on its own. Council agreed.

ADJOURNMENT: Mr. Putens moved to adjourn the meeting. Mr. Roberts seconded. The motion carried 5 to 0. Mayor Davis adjourned the regular meeting of July 12, 1999, at 11:20 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 July 12, 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