REGULAR MEETING OF CITY COUNCIL
HELD MONDAY, JANUARY 24, 2000

Mayor Davis called the meeting to order at 8:06 p.m.

ROLL CALL was answered by Rodney M. Roberts, Alan Turnbull, Thomas X. White and by Judith F. Davis, Mayor. Mr. Putens arrived at 8:10 p.m.

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 Clara Brant, William Bingham, and Betty Morgan, former residents. Then, she led the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.

CONSENT AGENDA: Mayor Davis removed item 22. With that change, Mr. White moved approval of the consent agenda. Mr. Turnbull seconded. The motion passed 5 to 0.

COUNCIL THEREBY TOOK THE FOLLOWING ACTIONS:

MINUTES:

- Regular Meeting, January 10, 2000

- Work Session, January 19, 2000

Approved as presented.

TELECOMMUNICATIONS TOWER REQUEST: Council formally opposed telecommunications towers on city property.

LETTER TO SENATOR GREEN REGARDING FUNDING PRIORITIES: Council approved the letter and authorized the Mayor to sign it.

LETTER TO JONES COMMUNICATIONS: Council took no further action on this issue.

RENEWAL OF CITY LIQUOR LICENSES: Council took no position on these renewals.

RESIGNATION FROM ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION: Council accepted Bart Byers’ decision with regret and directed that the appropriate letter of appreciation be drafted for the Mayor’s signature.

APPOINTMENTS TO ADVISORY BOARDS AND COMMITTEES: Council appointed Kim Callinan Taylor to the Advisory Committee on Education and directed staff to prepare the appropriate appointment letter.

APPROVAL OF AGENDA: Mr. Turnbull moved that the agenda be approved. Mr. Roberts seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

PRESENTATIONS:

LGIT SAFETY AWARD: The City received a $1,500 safety grant from the Local Government Insurance Trust (LGIT) to purchase 20 reversing aids for city vehicles. Fitzroy Smith of LGIT presented the award to the City.

PETITIONS AND REQUESTS: There were no petitions or requests presented.

ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS:

POLICE DEPARTMENT PROMOTIONS: Chief James Craze advised Council about some recent promotions in the Police Department. The promotions were: Carl Schinner to Sergeant, Robert Musterman to Corporal and Craig Rich, Ronald Walter, Marty Parker, Mark Sagan, Gerald Potts, Derrick Washington, Scott Kaiser, Seung Lee, John Dewey and Gordon Pracht to Master Patrol Officer.

Chief Craze noted the start of the first Youth Academy at Eleanor Roosevelt High School. Mayor Davis thanked the Chief for the Mobile Data Terminal display.

Mr. Putens asked about reviewing Council Action Request forms on a quarterly basis. Mr. McLaughlin responded that he would be happy to conduct the review.

Mr. White reported on the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) meeting. He summarized the CDBG process and noted that Greenbelt’s request was still intact.

Mayor Davis expressed appreciation to Public Works for their snow removal efforts and for demonstrating the street sweeper.

Next, Mayor Davis noted the various academies available at Eleanor Roosevelt High School and congratulated them for becoming a technology academy.

AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 11.5, "NOISE CONTROL"

Mayor Davis read the agenda comments. Mr. Putens introduced the above titled Ordinance for second reading and adoption. Mr. Turnbull seconded.

ROLL CALL: Mr. Putens - yes
Mr. Roberts - yes
Mr. Turnbull - yes
Mr. White - yes
Mayor Davis - yes

The Ordinance was declared adopted. (Ordinance No. 1188. Book No. 11)

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 resolution for second reading and adoption. Mr. White seconded.

ROLL CALL: Mr. Putens - yes
Mr. Roberts - yes
Mr. Turnbull - yes
Mr. White - yes
Mayor Davis - yes

The Resolution was declared adopted. (Resolution No. 906. Book No. 7)

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 for second reading and adoption. Mr. Putens seconded.

ROLL CALL: Mr. Putens - yes
Mr. Roberts - yes
Mr. Turnbull - yes
Mr. White - yes
Mayor Davis - yes

The Resolution was declared adopted. (Resolution No. 907. Book No. 7)

AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 12, "PARKS AND RECREATION", BY ADDING A NEW ARTICLE VII, "TREES"

Mayor Davis read the agenda comments. Mr. Putens introduced the above titled Ordinance

Mr. White asked about the make-up of the tree committee and how staff would recruit "a rep who has professional knowledge in a related field." Mr. Phelan noted that someone with a background in plant science is desired and believed there were plenty of such people in the community.

Mr. Turnbull stated the City should strive for someone with professional experience. He believed Council would be able to make the judgement call.

Mr. Roberts expressed concern about finding the "expert" and also about the expert dominating the committee.

Mr. Turnbull asked if this committee was on par with other advisory committees. Mr. McLaughlin responded the Committee was intended to carry out the items in the ordinance.

Ms. Lauber stated that the GHI Woodlands Committee might provide a good member.

Mr. Roberts asked about the City’s policy regarding tree replanting. Mr. Phelan reported that the City installs many more trees than it removes.

Mr. White noted that this ordinance would have been a good candidate for a work session.

Mr. Turnbull suggested that language be added that would define the type of committee and to allow members of other advisory groups to be members.

Mr. White and Mr. Putens expressed concern about modifying the policy for this group.

There was considerable discussion of the tree committee.

Mr. Roberts asked about the workload of the committee. Mr. Phelan responded that the group would probably need to meet quarterly.

There was additional discussion on the committee issue. A majority of Council directed staff to leave the committee issue in, but clarify the issue regarding a representative with expertise.

OUTDOOR PRESENTATION STAGE: Mayor Davis read the agenda comments.

Rick Ransom, of the Greenbelt Labor Day Festival Committee (GLDFC), noted that GLDFC had suffered a financial loss at last year’s festival. Mr. Ransom noted that a moveable stage seems to be the preferred option.

Mayor Davis suggested this might be a good 4-Cities joint purchase and suggested adding it the upcoming agenda.

Wayne Williams of 7-H Crescent Road, noted that the initial idea was for a permanent facility. He relayed that as this idea evolved, the need for a facility at many locations throughout the city became apparent. Mr. Williams noted that having our own stage would provide availability and better stability and wiring.

Mr. White noted that more information is needed and suggested a master plan that could investigate options.

Mr. Roberts favored a portable stage and requested that the need be documented for other activities that require a stage.

Mr. Turnbull suggested a business plan or needs study might be required and also thought a master plan might bias the permanent facility.

Mr. Putens believed a needs assessment was necessary. He noted it could be used by groups who didn’t have their own Community Center.

Mr. White noted a needs assessment was different than a master plan.

Mr. White moved that staff provide a needs assessment for a bandstand structure and/or a mobile stage and that it be considered in the upcoming budget. Mr. Putens seconded. The motion passed 5 to 0.

ASSISTED LIVING TASK FORCE REPORT: Mayor Davis read the agenda comments.

Alexander Barnes, Vice-Chair of the task force, briefed Council on the group’s activities to date. He described the task force’s recommendation.

Mayor Davis noted that this position would provide "assistance in living."

Council directed that this item be considered in conjunction with the budget process.

MARYLAND HISTORICAL TRUST HERITAGE MUSEUM PROGRAM: Mayor Davis read the agenda comments.

Sandra Lange, President of FOGM, requested the City’s support.

Mr. White asked if the grant would fund a full-time position. Katie Scott Childress responded yes and described the grant program.

Mr. Roberts noted that this was a budget request and felt uncomfortable making the decision at this time.

Mr. White asked what department the position would be in. Mr. McLaughlin believed it should be in the City Manager’s office and elaborated on the "heritage tourism" aspects of the position.

Mr. Turnbull stated that Mr. McLaughlin’s description was one of an economic development director instead of a curator. He also asked why FOGM would give up control of the curator.

Ms. Lange responded that there are trade-offs and described the pros and cons. She noted that the long range goal was to have a full-time, city staff person.

Mayor Davis and Mr. Roberts believed that what Mr. McLaughlin described was not a curator. Mr. Roberts stated that Council was being put on the spot to make a decision and believed this position should be considered at budget time.

Mr. White asked if this had been authorized by the FOGM Board. Ms. Lange responded yes. Mr. White indicated that Mr. McLaughlin’s description helped justify the position.

Mr. White moved that Council express support for FOGM’s proposal at this time, with the understanding that it is conditional pending further consideration and development of the proposal through the budget process. Mr. Turnbull seconded.

Mr. Turnbull noted that having FOGM in place helped generate outside support and maintain the Museum’s independence. Ms. Lange responded that the City and FOGM cooperate now.

Mr. Putens noted that this was heading towards a "full-time" position.

Mr. Roberts expressed opposition to the motion because it was inconsistent with the grant.

Mayor Davis also believed this was inevitable and requested the City develop a job description.

Mr. White asked about the level of the City’s financial commitment to the curator position at this point. Mr. McLaughlin responded that the city would need to send a letter. Mr. White requested a Council review of the letter.

The motion passed 4 to 1 (Roberts).

NEIGHBORHOOD SPEED WATCH PROGRAM: Mayor Davis read the agenda comments.

Chief Craze noted this was a part of community policing. Council expressed support for the program.

Mr. Turnbull had to leave the meeting at 11:00 p.m.

Mr. Roberts moved that Council approve the Neighborhood Speed Watch Program. Mr. Putens seconded. The motion passed 4 to 0.

2000 CENSUS: Mayor Davis read the agenda comments.

Mr. Putens moved that Mayor Davis be appointed as the representative to the Prince George’s County Census 2000 Committee. Mr. White seconded. The motion passed 4 to 0.

Celia Craze, Director of Planning and Community Development, reported on the City’s efforts to ensure an accurate Census count. She noted that census data collected was confidential. Ms. Craze reported on the uses for the census figures, including funding decisions and designation of legislative and school districts.

Ms Craze described the forms and how the data would be collected. She also noted that the City would be working to assist persons who needed help in completing their forms.

Mayor Davis expressed the importance of the Census activity. She made several suggestions for getting the word out regarding completing and returning census forms.

REQUEST FROM WILDLIFE SOCIETY: Mayor Davis read the agenda comments.

Mr. Roberts expressed opposition to offshore oil drilling and was not inclined to support the legislation.

Mr. Moran noted that the legislation was designed to direct federal revenues from the drilling offshore drilling leases to environmental programs and conservation efforts.

Mr. Putens moved that Council approve the letter. Mr. White seconded. The motion passed 3 to 1 (Roberts)

AWARD OF PURCHASE - POLICE VEHICLES: Mayor Davis read the agenda comments.

Mr. White moved that Council approved the purchase of 4 police vehicles from Norris Ford of Baltimore in accord with bid number 001IT810944 at a cost of $82,771. Mr. Putens seconded. The motion passed 4 to 0.

STREET FURNITURE: Mayor Davis read the agenda comments.

Mayor Davis noted that her only interest was in combined newspaper boxes.

Mr. Roberts hoped the city would send a letter to Metro expressing opposition to bus shelter advertising.

Mr. Putens moved that the city establish a policy of no bus shelters with street advertising. Mr. White seconded. The motion passed 4 to 0.

MEETINGS: Council scheduled an Executive Session for February 10.

ADJOURNMENT: Mr. White moved to adjourn the meeting. Mr. Putens seconded. The motion carried 5 to 0. Mayor Davis adjourned the regular meeting of January 24, 2000, at 11:45 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 24, 2000."

Judith F. Davis
Mayor

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