MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION
Held Thursday, April 6, 2000
For the purpose of meeting with Representatives of GEAC.

The meeting began at 8:07 p.m. It was held in the Windsor Green Community Building.

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 ; Thomas Kemp, Police Lieutenant; Celia Craze Director of Planning and Community Development; and Mike Mesol, Police Officer

ALSO PRESENT WERE: Ray Mooney, Hunting Ridge; Pravina Mateoo, Greenwood Village; Charlene MacAdams, Greenwood Village; Judith & Derek Thompson, Windsor Green; Sheldon Goldberg, Windsor Green; Dorothy Pyles, Greenbriar; Ralph Edinger, Windsor Green.

Mayor Davis described the stakeholder process.

Police Service

Lt. Kemp announced that the Police Department had implemented a full-time dedicated bike unit. He announced that Officer Mesol would be concentrating in Greenbelt East and working out of the Windsor Green substation. Lt. Kemp noted that these dedicated bike officers were not subject to routine calls from dispatch.

Mr. Putens noted that kids walking home from school were creating problems for the community.

Officer Mesol noted that most of these kids were non-residents. He encouraged residents to notify the Police about problem areas.

Mr. Roberts applauded the creation of this bike unit.

Ms. Thompson asked if the schedule would address after school hours. Officer Mesol noted his intention to be in the area Tuesday-Friday from 3 to 5. Lt. Kemp noted that Officer Mesol would bring consistency to the neighborhood and its specific problems.

Mr. Goldberg asked if the five officers approved in FY 99 were on board. Lt. Kemp responded that one of the officers had dropped out of the academy and another officer had just come on board.

Mr. Turnbull also applauded the creation of the bike unit.

Noise Ordinance

Ms. Craze commented on the revisions to the noise ordinance.

Ms. Thompson asked if soliciting violated the City Code. Lt. Kemp noted that this did violate City Code. Ms. Craze clarified the handbill ordinance.

Mr. Putens asked if the "Officers as Agents" program was working. Lt. Kemp responded that the program was working but was not quite as effective as originally hoped when the program was initiated.

Lt. Kemp stated that the substation would be utilized more. He noted that the term substation implied more usage than the facility accommodated.

New Post Office Status

Mayor Davis stated that the City was still trying to get it moving, but there was nothing that the City was able to report.

NYLCare Site - Future Plans/Tenant

Ms. Craze reported that some AETNA employees will move from the site by end of year, but others will remain as some operations are expected to remain at site.

Greenbelt Metro/Smith/Interchange

Mayor Davis stated that Council had opposed the interchange and had also sent a letter to the Governor urging acquisition/ protection of 145 acres of environmentally sensitive areas. She reported that other communities have expressed support for acquisition/protection of at least 111 acres.

Mr. White encouraged letters of support from GEAC or the individual associations. He also referenced the City’s suit against USDA and again welcomed support.

In response to a question, Mayor Davis stressed that the City wanted the Federal Government to follow its own laws. Mr. Roberts stressed that anyone building in Greenbelt must follow environmental laws. Mr. Putens stated the City was trying to protect its rights.

Greenspring II & Lakes at Greenbelt Village - Completion

Mayor Davis reported that Greenspring II is complete and that two buildings remain to be built in Lakes at Greenbelt Village. Mr. Goldberg asked if there were still construction problems at the Lakes at Greenbelt Village. Ms. Craze noted that it was a constant struggle.

Eleanor Roosevelt Lights

Mayor Davis stated that there has been no mention of this project for at least a year.

Police Substation at Windsor Green

Mayor Davis indicated this item had been referenced earlier.

Hanover Parkway Reconstruction/Roundabouts - Circles

Ms Craze reported that reconstruction between Megan Lane and Greenbrook Drive had begun this week. She also reported that a discussion about roundabouts was on the April 10 agenda.

Mr. Turnbull asked if the City was going to do a second round testing on the redesigned roundabout. Ms. Craze responded that no, the plan was to construct the improved circle. She described the proposed modifications to the roundabout.

Mr. Goldberg noted the Circle was too narrow. Ms. Mooney asked about the bollards near Hunting Ridge. Ms. Craze reported these would be reinstalled.

Greenbrook Lake Paths

Mayor Davis stated that the paths near Greenbrook Lake were slated for construction in 2003.

Memorialization

Mayor Davis reported that the garden would be installed near the alle. She suggested that Ms. MacAdams meet with Bill Phelan.

Newspaper Vending Boxes

Mayor Davis stated that phone calls had been made to newspaper coalition representatives for follow-up on a proposed agreement. She also referenced problems with the free boxes. Several Council members expressed support for removing these free boxes and take our chances in court.

Electric Deregulation

Mayor Davis noted that the legislation allowing municipal aggregation had failed. There was discussion about the City and various Homeowner’s associations forming a coalition to purchase electricity. Residents were encouraged not to sign long-term deals.

TV/Phone/Internet Completion/Availability

Mayor Davis reported that the franchise with Comcast calls for system to be upgraded to include phone and Internet access. She also noted that the City expects to reach agreement within the year with Starpower to provide a competitive cable system with Internet access also within 2 years.

Gas Station Entrance to Greenway Center - Paving/Ownership

Mayor Davis noted that Combined Properties has temporarily patched roadway, but they had not yet taken over ownership.

Lien Law Bill

Mayor Davis announced that the bills had died in committee this year.

Sunrise Property

Mayor Davis indicated that the City Council has had discussions with current owners about the City’s interest in this property.

Other Issues

Ms. Pyles asked about the status of the Nursing Home. Mayor Davis indicated that the City had not received any new information.

The meeting ended at 9:55 p.m.

Respectfully Submitted,

David E. Moran

Assistant to the City Manager

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