MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION
Held Wednesday, February 10, 1999,
For the purpose of discussing Year 2000 Issues.

The meeting began at 8:10 p.m. It was held in the Multi-Purpose Room of the Community Center.

PRESENT WERE: Council members Rodney M. Roberts, Alan Turnbull and Mayor Judith F. Davis. Mr. Putens arrived at 8:15 p.m.

STAFF PRESENT WERE: Michael P. McLaughlin, City Manager; David E. Moran, City Clerk and W. Bowman Ferguson, Senior Management Analyst

Mr. McLaughlin began by summarizing the Y2K problem. He recommended that Bo Ferguson be assigned as liaison to work with the Y2K preparedness group.

Mayor Davis suggested that the group contact the News Review. One of the members indicated that the group had been having difficulty getting News Review coverage.

Mr. Kane proposed a town meeting in the beginning of April. Council agreed that this was a good idea.

Mr. Roberts asked why the group believed that Pepco or WSSC was not ready. Mr. Kane believed that major utilities would be ready. He stated his belief that the problem was more insidious with small and medium sized manufacturing businesses failing. Mr. Kane believed it would be a build up of these little failures that would produce the problem.

Mr. Kane stressed the group’s interest focused on education and community preparedness. He requested that the city support the group’s efforts. Mr. Snyder suggested that the city advisory committees could help with community awareness.

Mr. Kane spoke to the issue of emergency services. He stated that hospitals needed to be checked to make sure they are compliant. Financial services, food supplies, and waste disposal were also discussed.

Mr. McLaughlin noted that the city was in the process of replacing its two major computer systems, police and finance. Mr. Putens believed that there would be some problems, but believed the city would be OK. Mr. Turnbull stressed that if the city prepared and nothing happened it would be an opportunity to bring people together.

Mr. Ferguson stressed that the city’s emergency preparedness plan was not scenario based, but was designed to be a flexible, low tech plan that could be used in any emergency scenario or situation.

Council members expressed support for the group’s efforts and offered city assistance in the form of a liaison, use of city space and possible co-sponsorship of activities. Council agreed to meet with the group again after the town meeting. Council thanked the group for their efforts.

The meeting was adjourned at 9:35 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