REGULAR MEETING OF CITY COUNCIL
HELD MONDAY, JANUARY 10, 2000
Mayor Davis called the meeting to order at 8:12 p.m.
ROLL CALL was answered by Edward V.J. Putens, Rodney M. Roberts, Alan Turnbull, Thomas X. White and by Judith F. Davis, Mayor.
ALSO PRESENT were Michael P. McLaughlin, City Manager; Robert Manzi, City Solicitor; and David E. Moran, City Clerk.
Mayor Davis observed a moment of silence for Alvin Rakowski, resident, Steve Gingell, resident and city employee, and Joseph Leroy Clark, Sherrod East and Jane M. Hawes, former residents. Then, she led the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
CONSENT AGENDA: Mr. Putens moved approval of the consent agenda. Mr. Putens seconded. The motion passed 5 to 0.
COUNCIL THEREBY TOOK THE FOLLOWING ACTIONS:
MINUTES:
- Legislative Dinner, December 9, 1999
- Regular Meeting, December 13, 1999
Approved as presented.
BRAE BROOKE DRIVE RE-VEGETATION PLAN: Council approved the re-vegetation plan for Brae Brooke Drive.
APPROVAL OF FACILITY RENTAL WAIVER: Council approved the waiver of facility rental fees for this event.
APPROVAL OF DEPARTURE #99-0001-DSDS - GREENBELT THEATER MARQUEE: Council adopted the resolution of the Advisory Planning Board for departure application 99-0001-DSDS by consent, as required by the zoning ordinance. (TH)
REMOVAL FROM SENIOR CITIZENS ADVISORY COMMITTEE: Council removed Ms. Bolling from the Senior Citizen Advisory Committee based upon her request and directed that the appropriate appreciation letter being drafted for the Mayor’s signature.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA: Mr. Roberts added "Appointment to Advisory Boards and Committees." With that change, Mr. Putens moved that the agenda be approved. Mr. Turnbull seconded. The motion passed unanimously.
PRESENTATIONS:
Greenbelt New Year Committee: Earl Keppler, Chairman of the Greenbelt New Year Committee, reported on the Greenbelt New Year 2000 program. He noted that the program was a tremendous success. Mr. Keppler reported that 948 tickets were sold, with about 1,500 attending including volunteers and performers. He noted that the New Deal Café grossed $1,500 in food sales. Mayor Davis thanked Mr. Keppler and the members of the Committee. Council remarked that the event was very successful.
PETITIONS AND REQUESTS: Sheldon Goldberg of 7848 Jacobs Drive, asked if there was any interest in fighting to get channels 45 & 54 back on the cable network. Mr. McLaughlin noted that the City had not received other complaints about this issue. Mr. Putens suggested that the City write a letter to Jones Communications.
Next, Mr. Goldberg referenced The Bus Route 15. He noted that he received an announcement about the Bus without indication of stops and times. Mr. McLaughlin noted that County staff was pleased with the ridership response so far. Mr. Turnbull asked if the City could post timetables at the bus stops.
MINUTES:
Executive Session, December 8, 1999: Mr. Roberts moved that the minutes of the Executive Meeting of the City Council held Wednesday, December 8, 1999 be approved as presented. He further requested that the minutes of this meeting reflect that the Council met in Executive Session at 7:36 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 (1999 Replacement Volume) to consult with legal counsel to obtain legal advice. Mr. Putens seconded.
ROLL CALL: Mr. Putens - yes
Mr. Roberts - yes
Mr. Turnbull - yes
Mr. White - yes
Mayor Davis - yes
Executive Session, December 15, 1999: Mr. Roberts moved that the minutes of the Executive Meeting of the City Council held Wednesday, December 15, 1999 be approved as presented. He further requested that the minutes of this meeting reflect that the Council met in Executive Session at 8:10 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 (1999 Replacement Volume) to consult with legal counsel to obtain legal advice. Mr. White seconded.
ROLL CALL: Mr. Putens - yes
Mr. Roberts - yes
Mr. Turnbull - yes
Mr. White - yes
Mayor Davis - yes
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS: Mr. McLaughlin thanked the volunteers and city staff for their efforts on the Greenbelt New Year program. Next, he thanked staff and the citizen committee for their Y2K preparation efforts.
Mr. McLaughlin reported on the City’s holiday party and noted that 28 employees received recognition for 10 or more years of service. Next, Mr. McLaughlin referenced a letter from Dr. Metts inviting Council to a press conference.
Mayor Davis reported that SHL Elementary held a celebration on 12/21/99 and noted that every student and teacher participated and it was a fantastic event. She also reported on a forum that Council Chair Dorothy Bailey held.
A RESOLUTION TO ESTABLISH A TASK FORCE TO DESIGN AND IMPLEMENT A PROGRAM TO CELEBRATE THE MILLENNIUM YEAR IN GREENBELT
Mayor Davis read the agenda comments. Mr. Putens introduced the above titled resolution for second reading and adoption. Mr. Roberts seconded.
Bertram Donn of 19 Woodland Way suggested that the Resolution be amended to declare the first decade of the new Century as a decade of non-violence. He noted this appeal went to the United Nations and was adopted unanimously by them.
Mr. White suggested that Mr. Donn’s proposal be referred to the Task Force. Mayor Davis wanted it referred to CRAB as well.
ROLL CALL: Mr. Putens - yes
Mr. Roberts - yes
Mr. Turnbull - yes
Mr. White - yes
Mayor Davis - yes
The Resolution was declared adopted. (Resolution No. 905. Book No. 7)
Mr. White moved that Mr. Donn’s suggestion be referred to the Millennium Task Force and CRAB. Mr. Putens seconded. The motion passed 5 to 0.
AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 11.5, "NOISE CONTROL"
Mayor Davis read the agenda comments. Mr. Putens introduced the above titled resolution.
Mr. Turnbull asked if section c-1 would stand up to enforcement. Ms. Craze noted that there was an element of subjectiveness applied by an inspector when enforcing this ordinance. Mr. Manzi noted that court decisions on noise ordinances had been mixed.
Mr. Roberts asked if this would apply to radios played in parks. Ms. Craze responded yes.
Mr. Turnbull asked how this could relate to dog barking. Ms. Craze noted that dog barking was covered under the animal control ordinance and also under the general prohibition in the noise ordinance.
Fred Gasper of 6718 Village Park Drive suggested the City be more specific and measure the noise decibels using noise meters. Ms. Craze responded that staff possessed these devices and planned to use them in certain cases.
Mr. Donn asked if leaf blowers would be covered. Mr. Manzi indicated that unless it was an unreasonable use it would be allowed. Mr. Turnbull noted that some communities had passed restrictions on leaf blowers and invited interested residents to call the city offices.
Mr. Donn and Mr. Gasper suggested that the City regulate the sound level made by leaf blowers.
A RESOLUTION TO ESTABLISH PENALTIES FOR VIOLATION OF CHAPTER 11.5, "NOISE CONTROL"
Mayor Davis read the agenda comments. Mr. Putens introduced the above titled ordinance.
A RESOLUTION TO AMEND RESOLUTION 899 A RESOLUTION TO PURCHASE CERTAIN GOODS AND SERVICES FROM VARIOUS VENDORS WHEN TOTAL FISCAL YEAR PURCHASES FROM EACH VENDOR EXCEED TEN THOUSAND DOLLARS
Mayor Davis read the agenda comments. Mr. White introduced the above titled resolution.
PETITION REGARDING HANOVER PARKWAY: Mayor Davis read the agenda comments.
Ms. Craze reported that the Hanover Parkway roundabout will be painted next week and if the design works, the roundabout will be installed in March.
Mr. White moved that the following actions/strategies be taken in response to Mr. Gasper’s petition:
1. Pedestrian safety – Upon completion of the Schrom Hills Park roundabout, investigate other suitable locations on Hanover Parkway for similar combination traffic calming/intersection control/pedestrian crossing applications.
2. Bus shelters – Place Hanover Parkway bus stops on construction list to be considered with other locations during annual bus shelter construction program.
3. Hanover Parkway repavement – Consider allocation of funds for repavement of Hanover Parkway during upcoming capital budget process.
Mr. Turnbull seconded.
Council discussed bike lanes along Hanover Parkway.
Mr. Goldberg asked if there was a particular proposal regarding repaving Hanover Parkway. Mr. McLaughlin noted that Hanover Parkway would be considered when all city roads are reviewed. Mr. Goldberg asked that additional painting be done.
Mr. Gasper noted that the City had a work session with City Council and referenced a plan he presented for bike lanes. He suggested the City consider hiker/biker trails. Mr. Gasper noted that overall he was pleased with the actions taken by the City. He also suggested shelters on Hanover Parkway, particularly near Hunting Ridge.
Council directed staff to tale another look at the Hanover Parkway Plan.
The motion passed 5 to 0.
COMPARISON STUDY OF SALARY AND BENEFITS: Mayor Davis read the agenda comments.
Mr. Putens stated that he was impressed with the process that was being used. Mayor Davis asked how often this would be done. Mr. McLaughlin responded that the City performed these studies as needed.
Mr. White suggested that the City ask about benefits that other jurisdictions might offer which are not offered by Greenbelt. He also thought the question about retirement should be stated in terms of percent of salary.
Mr. Turnbull hoped the Council would get a clear comparison of total compensation for employees in certain job classes.
STATE LEGISLATION - PROPOSALS TO MODIFY TEXT AMENDMENT PROCESS: Mayor Davis read the agenda comments.
PG/MC-23-00: Mr. Roberts believed that a 30-day period would be sufficient. He noted text amendments were harming the County. Mr. Roberts indicated that this was not a perfect solution, but would help the situation.
Ms. Craze noted that there were good text amendments and bad text amendments. She listed some of the amendments that had occurred.
Mr. Turnbull stated that while this was not a perfect solution, it was needed to deal with the problem.
Mr. Putens suggested that the bill be amended to allow two windows of opportunity per year.
Mr. Roberts moved that Council support this bill. Mr. White seconded. The motion passed 5 to 0.
PG/MC-24-00: Mr. Turnbull moved that Council support the bill. Mr. White seconded. The motion passed 5 to 0.
CONSIDERATION OF PROHIBITION ON PANHANDLING: Mayor Davis read the agenda comments. Mayor Davis noted that she had received concerns from residents.
Mr. Putens moved that the issue be referred to the Public Safety Advisory Committee for review and comment. Mr. Roberts seconded.
The motion passed 5 to 0.
BOARD & COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS: Mr. Putens moved that Matt Gregory be appointed to the Youth Advisory Committee and A. Lillian Johnson to the Arts Advisory Board. Mr. White seconded. The motion passed 5 to 0.
MEETINGS: Mr. Putens moved that the regular meeting on February 14 be moved to February 7. Mr. White seconded. The motion passed 5 to 0 .
There was considerable discussion regarding a request from Chip Reed for an Executive Session. Following the discussion Council directed staff to contact Mr. Reed and request an open meeting on the matter.
Council scheduled a tentative meeting with Mr. Reed on February 1 or February 10. Council also set aside February 23, 24, and March 7 for a work session on advisory group issues, stakeholder meeting with Springhill Lake and the mid-term legislative dinner.
ADJOURNMENT: Mr. Putens moved to adjourn the meeting. Mr. Turnbull seconded. The motion carried 5 to 0. Mayor Davis adjourned the regular meeting of January 10, 2000, at 11:40 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 January 10, 2000."
Judith F. Davis
Mayor