MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION
Held Wednesday, January 19, 2000
For the purpose of meeting with representatives of the Clergy

The meeting began at 8:10 p.m. It was held in the Multi-Purpose Room of the Community Center.

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

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

ALSO PRESENT WERE: Kevin Hammett, Janet Jacobs-Parker, Jim Fischer, Dan Hamlin, James Sturdivant, Dolores Downs, Mary Linstrom, Barbara Wells, Jaco ten Hove, Robert J. Lewis, Shabnam Ahmadzadeh and Firoozeh Sturdivant

Mayor Davis welcomed everyone to the meeting. She distributed the National League of Cities (NLC) pamphlet on racism. There were comments on the diversity in the community. Ms. Wells suggested that the city hold a Martin Luther King event. Ms. Jacobs-Parker suggested Springhill Lake was a possible location.

Mr. Hove reported on some of the actions taken by his organization. He suggested Council demonstrate leadership by "modeling" for the community.

Mr. Hammett reported on study circles and the possibility of holding one in Greenbelt. He suggested the City take the Community Pledge and advertise it in the community.

Ms. Parker stated that the City needed to do more to make Springhill Lake feel welcome. There was considerable discussion about Springhill Lake and the services there. Mr. Sturdivant noted the separation by Kenilworth Avenue and compared it to "railroad tracks" which often separate communities. It was noted that transportation and scholarships are available to camp programs. Mr. White suggested that the SHL Recreation Center tailor information about scholarships and transportation.

Mr. Hamlin raised a concern about the City’s building permit fee and requested that the Council consider exemptions for non-profit groups. He did not believe the Community Church had received any service for the fee paid. Council suggested that the City Manager respond to Mr. Hamlin.

Mayor Davis distributed the CARES referral list. Ms. Parker explained the GIVES program. Mayor Davis encouraged contributions towards the City’s Emergency Relief Fund. Ms. Sturdivant asked if there was a language bank as part of GIVES. Mr. Fisher suggested that the City solicit funds from businesses for the emergency relief fund.

There was discussion about the Clergy Association. Mr. Hamlin reported that the group was alive and well. Mayor Davis encouraged promotion of the upcoming Census.

There was considerable discussion about invocations at public gatherings.

Next, there was discussion about the change in racial make-up in Prince George’s to a majority African-American and Greenbelt’s role in the County.

Mayor Davis thanked everyone for coming. The meeting ended at 10:05 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