MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION
Held Wednesday, July 28, 1999
For the purpose of meeting with the Attick Park design consultants.

The meeting began at 8:20 p.m. It was held in the Multi-Purpose Room of the Community Center.

PRESENT WERE: Council members Rodney M. Roberts, Alan Turnbull, Edward V.J. Putens, Thomas X. White and Mayor Judith F. Davis.

STAFF PRESENT WERE: David E. Moran, City Clerk; Celia Craze, Director of Planning and Community Development and Hank Irving, Director of Recreation

ALSO PRESENT WERE: Jim Giese, New Review; Lola Skolnik, Chair of PRAB; Sheldon Goldberg, Chair of APB; Linda Ryan, Greenehorne & O’Mara; and Joe Isaac and Ron Lipford; Arel Architects.

Ms. Craze began by stating that Council had approved a contract with G & O in association with Arel Architects. Ms. Craze believed the Council needed to consider whether to have a concession function and/or park ranger office function. She noted that Bill Phelan had discovered original plans for a restroom/concession facility.

Ms. Ryan began by reviewing and summarizing the Attick Park Master plan. She then reviewed the 1937 original plans with the Council.

Mr. Roberts stated that he didn’t support some aspects of the Master Plan. He believed a concession stand was not viable at the lake and stated he would not support it. He also stated that the facility should be located closer to the parking lot.

Mayor Davis suggested that it would be useful to have a facility that could house concessions on special occasions such as July 4.

Mr. White believed that the need for restrooms was driving this process. He believed some thought should be given to a service area that could provide a variety of uses. Mr. White noted he was not tied to a specific location and suggested that the Council provide guidance on functions and then the consultants could provide location options.

Mr. Turnbull agreed that Council should talk about functions. He believed Council should be guided by the historic plans and suggested that restrooms, a ranger/naturalist station, a modest history exhibit, a boat rental facility, a payphone, a security camera and a modestly sized shelter should be included in the facility.

Mr. Putens was glad that the original plans were found. He was not sure about boats on the lake unless the city ran it, because of liability. He suggested a fishing pier, a naturalist station, first aid, a covered picnic area and a small concession area. He suggested a rustic appearance. Mr. Putens stressed the need to bring life back to the lake.

Mayor Davis asked if the 1937 shelter design included restrooms. Ms. Ryan stated no.

Mr. Roberts stated that his colleagues comments were not consistent with the Lake Master Plan. He reference section "II A" in the Master Plan and believed that the Lake needed to remain natural and less developed. He believed the park was bordering on over use. Mr. Roberts believed the 1937 scenario was not good for today’s Greenbelt. He thought it was better to allow vendors to spread out throughout the park.

Ms. Skolnik stated that PRAB’s view was to minimize development at the park. She stated that PRAB’s recent discussions favored the location closer to the parking lot. She stressed the need for restrooms to be built and hoped additional aspects of the project would not hold up restrooms.

Mr. White agreed that the park was over utilized and also agreed that the 1937 plan was not viable. He stated it made sense to have a flexible structure that met other needs, but wanted it to be consistent with the Master Plan.

Mr. Irving favored a facility similar to the Schrom Hills Park facility. He stressed the need for the facility to be fortified to resist vandalism and heavy use. Mr. Irving also stated that more maintenance was needed at the park. He suggested the Jaycees building might be used as a nature center.

Mr. Roberts didn’t want the rangers to have a home; he wanted them out in the parks. Mr. Roberts liked the idea of using the Jaycees building. Mr. Roberts wanted restrooms only at the Attick Park facility.

Ms. Skolnik did not believe that a large facility was needed to accommodate special occasions. She suggested that a portable stage might be used instead of a permanent bandshell.

Mr. Putens stated that he was not looking at a large facility, but believed the facility could meet some additional needs.

Mr. Goldberg asked about boats. Mr. Putens, Ms. Davis and Mr. Roberts stated they were not in favor of boats.

There was discussion about the removable bandshell versus a portable stage.

Ms. Craze noted that the City’s contract with G & O focused on a restroom facility alone and bringing it to a final design.

Mr. Turnbull stressed the desire for boats at Greenbelt Lake. He believed there was a need for boating opportunities in the area.

Mr. Roberts noted consistent problems with intoxicated individuals wanting to use boats. He believed this was a dangerous situation.

Mr. Turnbull hoped that Council would not foreclose boat rentals as an option for the future.

A majority of Council favored the following items being included in the facility: restrooms, a shelter, a payphone, a security camera, a ranger station, a small concession facility and an information kiosk and directed that these item be incorporated into the design.

Council indicated that more facilities were needed than at Schrom Hills Park. They also discussed the need for handicapped accessibility and possible family restrooms.

The meeting ended at 10:22 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