MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION
Held Wednesday, January 13, 1999,
For the purpose of meeting with the Greenbelt East Advisory Coalition (GEAC).

The meeting began at 8:05 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; David E. Moran, City Clerk and Celia Craze, Director of Planning and Community Development

ALSO PRESENT WERE: Sheldon Goldberg, Charlene MacAdams, Dorothy Pyles, Fred Gasper, Ron Brooks, Pat Kennedy and Sam Johns, News Review

New Post Office Status
Council advised that the postal service is still planning a new facility at Hanover Parkway and Ora Glen Drive. Progress is pending settlement of a lawsuit on the covenants.

NYLCARE Parking/future plans
GEAC members stated that overflow parking by NYLCare employees on Ora Glen Drive continues to be a problem. Council discussed the problem and possible solutions including the possibility of stripping a portion of Ora Glen Drive. Mr. Roberts asked staff to investigate that the site met the zoning requirements.

Metro Station Plans/SMA
Mayor Davis briefed everyone on the status of the planning process. She stressed that any plans hinged on a Beltway interchange. She noted that the Council was meeting with developer representatives on January 20.

Ms. McAdams asked about any discussion of incorporation into one of the municipalities. Mr. White stated that it hadn't been discussed, and it was really up to the developer to make an overture to the city.

Lakes at Greenbelt Village Status
Mr. Gasper reported that his association was continuing to pursue unresolved issues with Paragon. Mr. Roberts asked if Paragon was still seeking temporary Use and Occupancy Permits. Ms. Craze responded that temporary permits were necessary during the Winter. Ms. Craze and Mr. Gasper agreed that things were better in terms of the quality of "finish" work.

Roosevelt High School Lights
GEAC and Council indicated that rumors continued about lights. Everyone noted that they had not been contacted recently about the lights. Council directed staff to send a letter to the School Board asking that the city be kept advised about the lights.

Traffic Signal at Greenbelt Road & Frankfort Drive
Mr. Goldberg reported that GEAC was surveying members about their continued support for this light. There was discussion about the MD 193 resurfacing project.

Pitkin Townhouse Bill
Concerns were expressed that this bill applied only to townhouses. Ms. Craze noted that the city was aggressively pursuing unlicensed rental dwellings. Mr. Roberts asked what the city might due to discourage rentals. Ms. Craze noted that about one percent of owned units are rentals and did not believe this was a significantly high number.

Police Substation in Greenbelt East
Mayor Davis stated that the program was not working out as envisioned. Mr. Goldberg stated the expectation that officers would do paperwork at the substation and the bike patrol would stop in. Mr. McLaughlin stated there had been staffing shortages in the bike patrol area. Mayor Davis asked that the Police provide an update on the bike patrol.

Status of Street Lights on Hanover Parkway
Ms. Craze reported that there are 7 remaining lights to be installed on Hanover Parkway. They have been delayed because they cost double what was originally estimated. Ms. MacAdams expressed considerable frustration over the delay in getting the lights. Ms. Craze stated that the city was seeking additional funds from the developer of The Lakes at Greenbelt Village to complete the lighting project.

Round-About on Hanover Parkway
Ms. Craze presented the plan for the roundabout on Hanover Parkway and noted that resurfacing of the area was also included. There was discussion about a safe pedestrian crossing. Ms. Craze responded that a pedestrian crossing would be included in the project.

Greenbrook Lake Paths
Ms. Craze stated that these paths were part of the Phase 2 of Schrom Hills. Council asked that these be referred to PRAB.

Agent for Non-Resident Owners
Ms. Pyles reviewed the problems that generated the need for non-resident owners to designate a local agent. It was noted that the city's code enforcement ordinance was being amended to give the city this authority.

Milling of Sidewalks
Mayor Davis stated this was a cost factor that would be discussed at budget time. Council asked that the staff see if there was a more cosmetic way to complete the work.

Residential Burglar Alarms
Ms. Craze reported that 38% of false alarms are residential. She stated that staff was looking into establishing a registration program that would enable staff to help residents solve false alarm problems. Mr. Putens expressed concern about a residential alarm program. GEAC expressed a desire to have a presentation on staff's proposal. Mr. Roberts wanted to know the number of residential alarm systems. Mr. Turnbull did not believe there was a compelling reason to have residential alarms registered, but was interested in a program that would educate repeat offenders.

Memorial Status
Mr. McLaughlin reported that Council was awaiting a report from CRAB.

Newspaper Vending Machines
Mr. Goldberg stated that the situation had improved. Mr. McLaughlin noted that the city was working on having the boxes removed that did not distribute newspapers.

Bollards on Hanover Parkway
There was agreement that the bollards were working but there was some concern about their aesthetics.

Mayor Davis thanked everyone for attending.

The meeting was adjourned at 11:10 p.m.

Respectfully Submitted,

David E. Moran, CMC

City Clerk

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