MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION held Monday April 30, 2001, for the purpose of discussing the CARES, Miscellaneous and Other Funds.

The meeting began at 8:07 p.m. It was held in the Council Room of the Municipal Building.

STAFF PRESENT WERE: Michael P. McLaughlin, City Manager; Carol Leventhal, Director of Greenbelt CARES; Jeff Williams, City Treasurer; Katie Scott Childress, Museum Curator; and David E. Moran, Assistant to the City Manager

ALSO PRESENT WERE: Leola Johns, Washington Ear; Sylvia Lewis, Greenbelt Homes Inc.; Barbara Havekost and Mary Linstrom, FOGM; Amy Boyes, The Gazette and Barbara Young, Greenbelt News Review

Washington Ear

Ms. Johns thanked the City for its past support. She noted that nine City residents use Washington Ear’s radio reading service and two use the dial-in service. Mr. Putens thanked Washington Ear for their efforts. Mr. Turnbull asked about funding from the County and other municipalities. Ms. Johns responded that the County provides funding, but other municipalities do not.

Greenbelt Museum

Ms. Havekost reviewed the Museum’s strategic plan. Mr. Turnbull noted the $5,500 contribution from FOGM and asked if it would be a long-term commitment. Ms. Havekost responded that it was what FOGM could afford this year. Mr. McLaughlin indicated this was part of FOGM’s match to the curator grant.

Mayor Davis asked about the Museum’s role in the Anacostia Trails Heritage Area (ATHA). Mr. McLaughlin responded that he expected the Curators to play a greater role in ATHA.

Greenbelt CARES

Ms. Leventhal noted that Prince George’s County had indicated that the City would no longer be eligible for a $4,000 in grant for school discussion groups. She indicated that CARES had a full compliment of volunteer counselors.

Mayor Davis asked about the GED number going down. Ms. Leventhal responded that it was in part due to higher non-resident fees, but also noted that it was difficult for people to complete the program.

Miscellaneous & Other Funds

Mr. McLaughlin reviewed the Non-Departmental budget and the Fund transfers sections of the budget.

Mr. Moran responded to questions about the Cemetery and the report on possible cemetery expansion. Mayor Davis requested additional information on the cost of a structure to hold urns.

Mr. McLaughlin reviewed the Debt Service Fund and the Replacement Fund.

Mr. Williams explained the new Special Projects Fund. Council liked the idea.

Mr. McLaughlin stated that staff was recommending that the Temporary Disability Reserve Fund be allowed to drop to $50,000. Next, he reviewed the Unemployment Compensation Fund.

Mr. McLaughlin reviewed the Agency Funds. Council asked that these funds be categorized based on City funded versus privately funded.

Information Items

Mayor Davis noted that Chef Lou’s had held their grand opening. Mr. Moran presented a draft letter to the Prince George’s County Redistricting Commission. Council agreed to send the letter.

The meeting ended at 10:10 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