MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION
Held Wednesday, April 21, 1999,
For the purpose of meeting with Recreation Department contribution groups to discuss the proposed FY 2000 budget.

The meeting began at 7:44 p.m. It was held in the Multi-purpose Room of the Community Center.

PRESENT WERE: Council members Edward V.J. Putens, Thomas X. White and Mayor Judith F. Davis. Council Members Alan Turnbull and Rodney Roberts arrived later in the meeting.

STAFF PRESENT WERE: Michael P. McLaughlin, City Manager and David E. Moran, City Clerk

Lucy Gorman covered the meeting for the News Review.

Greenbelt Golden Age Club

Bill Souser and Shep Odon appeared representing this group. Mr. Souser reported on the group’s trips during the past year. Mr. Souser noted that the group was requesting the same amount as previous years. Council thanked the representatives for attending.

Senior Softball Team

Burt Kerr appeared representing this group. Mr. Kerr described the program and noted that the team won only one game out of 36, but were graceful losers. He hoped that the team would perform better in the future. Mr. Kerr noted that players must be age 60 to participate. Council thanked Mr. Kerr for attending.

Greenbelt Double Dutch Team

Austin Gibbs appeared representing this group. Mr. Gibbs summarized the activities of the group. He noted that the group holds fundraisers. Mr. Gibbs reported that some team members would be competing at the National competition in Connecticut. Mr. Gibbs noted that the kids come from all over the city and demonstrations occur throughout the city. He stated that 90% of the participants are Greenbelt residents. Mr. Gibbs indicated finding practice space was a challenge. Council thanked Mr. Gibbs for attending.

Greenbelt Boys and Girls Club

James Green and Mel Scites appeared representing this group. Mr. Green reported on the group’s programs. He noted that the group had several successful fund raising activities. Mr. White reported on some concerns from parents about the soccer program. Mr. Scites reported that soccer was the largest program and believed that the complaints would work themselves out. Mr. White hoped the complaints would be addressed. Mr. Green noted he was not aware of any complaints and suggested that complaints be directed to the soccer commissioner, and then if necessary the board. Mayor Davis asked about an expected deficit. Mr. Scites reported that because of spending cuts the deficit would not be as bad as anticipated. Council thanked the representatives for attending.

Greenbelt Aquatic Boosters

Leslie Hilliard and Dave Mathews appeared representing this group. Ms. Hilliard noted that the City’s contribution only covers coaches salaries in the Summer. She explained the group’s activities. Ms. Hilliard expressed a need for more pool time in the Summer. Ms. Davis and Mr. Putens encouraged the use of pools at Greenbriar and Windsor Green.

Greenbelt Labor Day Festival Committee

Rick Ransom, Barbara Ransom and Debbie Cooley appeared representing this group. Ms. Ransom complimented city staff on their efforts in the past. Mr. White asked about the impact of "The Bus" and suggested that staff ask the County to run a Labor Day schedule. Mr. Turnbull relayed comments about the quality of the parade. Ms. Ransom noted there had been a new parade chair midway through the season and believed the parade this year would be better. Council thanked the representatives for attending.

Greenbelt Arts Center

Mary Lou Fisher, Steve Cox, and Virginia Zanner appeared representing this group. Ms. Fisher described some of the group’s activities. The representatives described the youth initiative. Mr. Cox reported on the upcoming shows. Council thanked the representatives for attending.

Greenbelt Little League

Martin Murray, Joe Fulton and Charles Lorenzetti appeared representing this group. Mr. Murray explained the proposal to form a traveling team. Council thanked the representatives for attending.

Greenbelt Association for the Visual Arts

Jessica Gitlis and Barbara Simon appeared representing this group. Ms. Simon referenced her April 15 report and indicated it was a result of meetings with the Recreation Department. Mr. White asked if GAVA and the Arts Coordinator position were mutually exclusive. Mr. McLaughlin responded that Council was hearing GAVA’s recommendation and staff would provide a recommendation by the Recreation budget work session. Mr. McLaughlin noted that the proposed budget did not include GAVA’s $21,000 request. Mr. White stressed the need for more information on how an Arts Coordinator and GAVA might interact. Ms. Simon expressed her vision of a City Arts Coordinator. Mr. Roberts asked about grants that an Arts Coordinator might obtain. Ms. Simon estimated $20,000. Council thanked the representatives for attending.

Greenbelt Concert Band

Tom Cherrix appeared representing this group. Mayor Davis asked about resident participation. Mr. Cherrix noted it had been difficult to recruit Greenbelt residents, but indicated the band would continue to try to recruit resident members. Council suggested strategies for recruitment. Mr. Cherrix expressed a need for the City to have 12 inch risers and Council listed it as an unmet need. Council thanked the representatives for attending.

Greenbelt Babe Ruth

Kelly Ivy and Bob Soneveldt appeared representing this group. Mr. Ivy thanked the city for the batting cages. He requested funds for a prep team that would cover the 13 year olds. The representatives noted that $5,250 was needed during the current fiscal year to start the prep team. Council directed this be added to the 4/26 Council agenda. Mr. Ivy expressed a desire to again fundraise during July 4. Council thanked the representatives for attending.

The meeting ended at 11:06 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