REGULAR MEETING OF CITY COUNCIL
HELD MONDAY, MARCH 13, 2000

Mayor Davis called the meeting to order at 8:05 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 Jane F. Greene, former resident. Then, she led the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.

CONSENT AGENDA: Mr. Putens moved approval of the consent agenda. Mr. White seconded. The motion passed 5 to 0.

COUNCIL THEREBY TOOK THE FOLLOWING ACTIONS:

MINUTES:

- Legislative Dinner, February 23, 2000

- Regular Meeting, February 28, 2000

- Work Session, March 6, 2000

- Interviews, March 7, 2000

Approved as presented.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

Park and Recreation Advisory Board #00-2: Council accepted this report and directed staff to proceed with the RFP.

APPROVAL OF FINAL PAYMENT - LUCENT TELEPHONE EQUIPMENT: Council approved the purchase of Lucent telephone equipment from Knight Manzi at a cost of $11,690.94.

EXTENSION OF DISABILITY BENEFITS: Council approved the extension of disability benefits to Officer Sullivan, but only for 90 days in order to get through the hearing.

APPROVAL OF BOARD OF APPEALS RESOLUTION FOR VARIANCE: Council adopted the Board of Appeals Resolution for Variance application 00-001-V.

REAPPOINTMENTS TO CITY ADVISORY GROUPS: Council reappointed the following individuals for three year terms and directed staff to send reappointment letters.

Alla Lake Advisory Committee on Education

Richard Bates Arts Advisory Board

Susan Hale Whitmore Arts Advisory Board

Steven Skolnik Board of Appeals

Keith Chernikoff Board of Elections

Dorothy Lauber Board of Elections

Janet Jacobs Parker Community Relations Advisory Board

Neal Barnett Recycling and Environment Advisory Committee

Darlene Walter Recycling and Environment Advisory Committee

Pearl Siegel Senior Citizens Advisory Committee

The following members indicated they did not wish to be reappointed. Council accepted their decision and directed staff to prepare letters of appreciation for the Mayor’s signature.

Andrew Nitz Arts Advisory Board

Mary Wade Youth Advisory Committee

APPOINTMENTS TO CITY ADVISORY GROUPS: Council approved the following appointments on this agenda and directed staff to prepare the appropriate appointment letters:

Pamela Moody Advisory Committee on Education

Walter Moody Recycling and Environment Committee

APPROVAL OF AGENDA: Mr. White requested that the tabled motion be added before item 12. Mr. Putens moved that the agenda be approved. Mr. Turnbull seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

PRESENTATIONS:

Capitol Cadillac: Mayor Davis read agenda comments noting that the City had received a generous donation of $1,000 from Capitol Cadillac for the Greenbelt New Year 2000 program. Joe McNeal, Community Center Supervisor, presented a framed Greenbelt New Year 2000 poster to Daniel Jobe, Owner of Capitol Cadillac. Council thanked Mr. Jobe for his dealership’s support of the community.

Announcement of "Ride The Bus Free Day": Mayor Davis read the agenda comments. Terri Hruby, Community Planner, announced that on March 15, passengers can ride Routes 11 & 15 of "The Bus" for free.

PETITIONS AND REQUESTS: There were none presented.

ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS:

Mr. McLaughlin announced that Resolution 861 had expired. He noted that this Resolution was passed in September 1997. It created a task force to study the feasibility of establishing a performing arts center in Greenbelt. This task force was never convened due to a lack of citizen volunteers.

Mr. Putens noted that municipalities were not allowed to aggregate, but suggested that a coalition of Greenbelt organizations may form to aggregate. He requested this issue be added to a future Council agenda.

Mayor Davis asked about the change in the nursing home sign. Mr. McLaughlin responded that staff did not have any information but would investigate.

Mayor Davis reported on the art exhibit by Dr. Alan Leventhal. She reported on the Springhill Lake teen job fair. Mayor Davis commented on the Read across America program on March 2 and March 3.

Mayor Davis announced that Census forms were in the mail and encouraged everyone to complete the form and send it in.

Mr. McLaughlin reported on the Greenbriar Phase 1 meeting where he made a presentation. He noted a report would be sent to Council by the end of the week.

A RESOLUTION TO ESTABLISH AN ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON TREES

Mayor Davis read the agenda comments. Mr. Turnbull introduced the above titled resolution. Mr. White noticed a number of trees being removed and requested a report from City staff.

TABLED MOTION: APPROVAL OF PURCHASE - PLANNING & COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT VEHICLE: [Note: This item originally appeared on the 2/7/00 agenda.] Mr. White moved that this item be set before the Council. Mr. Turnbull seconded. The motion passed 5 to 0.

[The item now before Council was a motion to approve the purchase of a Ford Taurus from Maryland Bid #001tt810943 in the amount of $14,868.]

Mr. White reported that he still believed the Taurus was the better vehicle. He stated there was better value and liked the flex fuel option.

Mr. Putens expressed support for the Taurus and also expressed support for the pursuing electric vehicles in the future.

Mr. Turnbull encouraged Council to look at more creative options. He suggested that the Council needs to be more careful with the City’s resources.

Mr. Roberts believed that a Taurus was overkill for an employee assigned to Springhill Lake.

Mayor Davis asked if the City had looked at electric cars. Mr. McLaughlin indicated he would look into this.

Doug Love of 3-D Plateau Place, noted that the Greenbelt Greens had been looking at alternative fuel vehicles.

The motion passed 3 to 2 (Turnbull, Roberts)

REQUEST FROM BICYCLE COALITION: Mayor Davis read the agenda comments.

Bill Clarke, of 108 Ridge Road, appeared before Council. He requested that Council get involved in the project study. He noted that the State Highway Administration proposals were not acceptable to the bike coalition. Mr. Clarke noted that many Greenbelt residents use Route 1.

Mayor Davis believed the City should wait until College Park resolved the issue and that this had been communicated to Greenbelt by College Park at the last 4-Cities meeting.

Mr. White noted that this was a major transportation corridor that connected to Greenbelt Road. He believed it was appropriate for the City to communicate its support and copy the City of College Park.

Mr. Turnbull stated that other municipalities should have a right to weigh in on issues related to State Highways and public roads.

Mr. Putens had no problem communicating the City’s support on this issue.

Mr. Roberts favored the City sending a letter supporting bicycle facilities and that this had been a previous position supported by Council.

Mr. White moved that Council communicate its support for dedicated bicycle lanes and refer to the link-up with Greenbelt Road. Mr. Putens seconded.

Bob Catlyn, a member of the College Park City Council, stated that his Council had not taken a position on this issue yet. He noted that this was a complicated issue. Mr. Caitlin referenced the dedicated bikeway along Paint Branch and one proposed for the Rhode Island Avenue trolley right-of-way.

The motion passed 5 to 0.

REQUEST FROM GREENBELT AMERICAN LEGION: Mayor Davis read the agenda comments.

Harold Lloyd, 7 Greenknolls Place, reported that last year was the first year that the Legion had to conduct fund raising activities. He expected participation from Greenbelt boys to increase this year.

Mr. Putens moved approval of the $500 donation. Mr. White seconded.

Mayor Davis and Mr. Turnbull suggested that the Legion become a contribution group.

The motion passed 5 to 0.

REPORT FROM ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION - LETTER RE: SCHOOL BOUNDARIES: Mayor Davis read the agenda comments.

Mr. Putens noted that the proposal this was a deviation from the Master Plan.

Mr. McLaughlin noted that the Advisory Committee on Education (ACE) was meeting tomorrow with Dr. Metts and asked that Council hold the letter until after Tuesday’s meeting with Dr. Metts.

Mayor Davis proposed stronger language in the letter. Mr. Turnbull was willing to wait until after Tuesday’s meeting but also favored a stronger letter.

Mr. White moved that a letter be sent to Dr. Iris T. Metts, the School Superintendent, opposing the merger of Roosevelt and Duval high schools. He also urged that all ramifications be considered and the public be provided with an opportunity for input and discussion before any decisions are made, including that the letter wait until after the forum w/Dr. Metts. Mr. Putens seconded. The motion passed 5 to 0.

BUS STOP AT MD 193 AND GREENWAY CENTER: Mayor Davis read the agenda comments.

Larry Glick, representing the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), asked Council for more specific information. Council reported safety hazards associated with the bus stop.

Mr. Glick noted that WMATA cannot relocate bus stops. They must work with the agency who controls the right-of-way. He also stated that WMATA does not do crosswalks, guard rails, shelters or signage.

Mr. Glick suggested that the stop be moved to the east, but not removed. He noted that the State Highway Administration (SHA) was the responsible agency for the right-of-way and they would have to approve any changes.

Mr. Roberts stated that it was only a matter of time before someone is injured. Mr. Roberts favored guard rails or another barrier to protect the users of the site. He requested WMATA’s support of the guard rail.

Mr. Glick indicated that he could request someone from the safety office to participate in the meeting. Mr. Roberts stressed this was clearly an unsafe location.

Mr. White expressed appreciation to Mr. Glick for coming out. He believed the Council should involve the delegation in a meeting of all the problems.

Mr. Glick suggested that the meeting take place on site at the bus stop.

Mr. Putens stressed that the bus stop was unsafe. He noted that busses used to enter Greenway Shopping Center and stated that this was a safer approach. He wanted WMATA to make safety a higher priority.

Mr. Glick stated that the Greenway Center management had requested that WMATA not enter the shopping center. He stated that eliminating the stop was not a real option.

Mr. Turnbull thanked Mr. Glick for coming out. He indicated that this should be pursued at a staff level, but stressed that the present site could not be mitigated. He favored moving the stop to Hanover Parkway. Mr. Glick believed this stop was too far away.

Mr. Turnbull requested that the pedestrian coordinator from SHA also be present at this meeting.

Mayor Davis and Mr. Putens noted that there are other bus stop locations in the City that are also unsafe.

Council agreed to add this to their list of work sessions to be set.

RENEWAL OF SIGN PERMIT - BELLE POINT COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT: Mayor Davis read the agenda comment.

Mr. White moved that Council renew the permit for a temporary real estate advertising sign for the Belle Point commercial development for a period of six months, with the condition that the applicant maintain a landscaped area at the base of the sign. Mr. Putens seconded.

Mr. Roberts expressed opposition to the sign and noted the developer had not created proper landscaping. He believed the developer had adequate visibility.

Mr. Turnbull expressed opposition and noted that the developer had gotten 10 months out of a six month permit.

Mr. Putens stated that perhaps the Council should ask for a landscape plan and hold off on action until the next meeting.

Mr. Roberts objected to the use of city resources to continue this process and favored removing the sign.

The motion passed 3 to 2. (Roberts & Turnbull)

AWARD OF BID - GREEN RIDGE HOUSE PARKING: Mayor Davis read the agenda comments.

Mr. Putens moved that Council award the contract for the Green Ridge House Parking Lot Expansion project to Applicators, Inc. for a lump sum price of $58,879.95. Mr. White seconded.

Mr. Turnbull indicated his opposition to the project and asked about the status of a parking cap at Green Ridge House. Ms. Hruby responded that a cap was not one of the management options chosen by Council. She noted that a review of the parking management plan was forthcoming and Council could implement a cap if desired.

Mr. Roberts asked if staff was taking action to protect trees. Ms. Hruby noted the contractor was obligated to protect the large trees.

The motion passed 4 to 1 (Turnbull).

LETTER TO GOVERNOR REGARDING METROLAND DEVELOPMENT: Mayor Davis read the agenda comments.

Mr. Reed thanked Council for their interest in this matter. He also thanked College Park and CCRIC for their commitment and effort to negotiate in good faith.

Mr. Reed made a slide presentation to Council. Council expressed concern over development of the failed mitigation site. Mr. Reed stressed that this was the beginning of the process and that the City would have additional opportunities in the future to challenge the development proposal. Mr. Reed reported that the developer was not asking for the City to support the concept plan and would also expect full participation from the City in any future process.

Mayor Davis asked Mr. Reed about his concerns with the 138 acres. Mr. Reed indicated that his proposal was for 111 acres.

Mr. Roberts indicated that the sector plan called for 138 acres and believed that the Council would be making a mistake by accepting less than this amount.

Mr. Reed responded that this was only the beginning of the process and that he was not seeking Council approval of the concept plan.

Mr. Turnbull stated that the City should send a letter supporting smart growth transit oriented development and encourage as much environmental protection as possible. He also did not believe that the City could come to an agreement with its sister cities.

Mayor Davis favored specifying a number of acres so that there would be a minimum amount preserved.

Mr. Reed indicated that the current proposal was for 111 acres and suggested that the City support that number along with an indication that it favored additional preservation through other means.

Mr. Turnbull indicated that the decision about the number of acres would be negotiated between the Governor and the owner.

Mr. Putens asked Mr. Reed about the purpose of the letter. Mr. Reed responded that the purpose of the letter was to encourage the preservation/donation of 111 acres and to support smart growth development on the site.

Mr. Putens stated that he was not willing to commit to a number at this time. Mr. Reed stated that he could not comment on what was satisfactory to the Governor.

Mr. Turnbull suggested a letter inviting the Governor to preserve the entire Smith property and develop the WMATA property.

Mayor Davis indicated this was the exact proposal presented to the Governor and the Governor responded that there would have to be development on both the northern and southern ends of the combined site.

Mr. Roberts indicated that the development of the pristine wetlands could not be considered smart growth.

Mr. White stated that the developer asked the 4-Cities and CCRIC about a possible agreement on environmental preservation that could be communicated to the Governor. He noted that the Greenbelt position was more consistent with the Sector Plan and favored advocating for at least 138 acres based on the sector plan.

Mayor Davis suggested modifications to the 2nd to the last paragraph. Mr. White also noted the last sentence of the 1st paragraph should be deleted.

Mr. Roberts believed the letter was premature and suggested that the City continue to try to work out an agreement between the three communities.

Kate Spencer, Chair of CCRIC, commended Council for their consideration of 138 acres and their strongly worded letter. She stressed CCRIC’s opposition to the connector road. She stressed that the Governor’s preservation should be independent of any development proposal and suggested this be a condition included in the City’s letter.

Mr. Turnbull expressed support for incorporating Ms. Spenser’s cautions about linking the protection of land with a specific proposal.

Mr. White directed staff to make changes to the letter as discussed earlier in the meeting.

Council agreed to schedule a work session with College Park and Berwyn Heights to try and develop a joint letter.

STATE LEGISLATION: Mayor Davis read the agenda comments.

Mr. Putens moved that Council support HB 1126. Mr. Turnbull seconded. The motion passed 5 to 0.

Council agreed to hold off until the next meeting to allow staff and Council an opportunity to review the bills.

SELECTION OF AUDITOR: Mayor Davis read the agenda comments.

Mr. White moved continuation of Keller Bruner. Mr. Putens seconded. The motion passed 5 to 0.

MEETINGS: Council rescheduled the work session with GEAC for April 6. Council set aside May 24, May 31 and June 19 for possible work sessions.

ADJOURNMENT: Mr. Turnbull moved to adjourn the meeting. Mr. White seconded. The motion carried 5 to 0. Mayor Davis adjourned the regular meeting of March 13, 2000, at 1:02 a.m. on March 14, 2000

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 Monday, March 13, 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