WORK SESSION/LEGISLATIVE DINNER of the Greenbelt City Council held Tuesday, February 12, 2002, at Harry Browne’s Restaurant in Annapolis, for the purpose of discussing legislative issues.

Mayor Davis convened the meeting at 8:25 p.m.

PRESENT WERE Council members Edward V. J. Putens, Rodney Roberts, Alan Turnbull, Thomas X. White, and Mayor Judith F. Davis.

STAFF PRESENT WERE Michael P. McLaughlin, City Manager; Robert Manzi, City Solicitor; David E. Moran, Assistant to the City Manager; and Kathleen Gallagher, City Clerk.

ALSO PRESENT WERE State Senator Leo Green; State Delegates Mary Conroy, Jim Hubbard and Joan Pitkin; and County Councilwoman Audrey Scott.

Mayor Davis welcomed the legislators and thanked them for attending. The Mayor reviewed the City's 2002 Legislative Program with the legislators, who discussed the status of these items. Some of the points made included the following:

Bond Bills: Senator Green said the City has priority on the Springhill Lake Recreation Center bond bill, but because it is a very tough year for the state budget, nothing should be assumed. Mayor Davis asked that he notify the City of the hearing dates.

Full Planning and Zoning Authority for Municipalities: It is important that broad and diverse support be demonstrated for this issue by Mayors and municipalities.

Funding for Acquisition of Jaeger Tract: Mayor Davis noted that, thanks to Senator Green’s earlier suggestion to the City, Senator Pinsky and Delegate Gaines have introduced bills for this funding.

Youth Services Bureaus: Senator Green said Prince George’s County did not file a necessary proposal that could have provided funding for YSBs in Greenbelt and Bowie, and he suggested the City look into it. He said there is still funding of up to $250,000 available, but it is for innovative programs rather than for a YSB’s ongoing programming.

Greenbelt Middle School Renovation: It will not be known until the end of the session what the Board of Public Works will do.

Speed Monitoring Cameras: A Senate bill has been introduced on this.

Noise Barriers: Senator Green said the City’s request for this consideration had not yet been received but that he believed county matching money would be available.

Car-Sharing: Mayor Davis reported to the delegation on the City’s project with ZipCar and noted that this is the first such municipal effort in Maryland.

Law Enforcement Equipment Fund: Senator Green said for this to be funded, the Governor would have to put it in the budget.

Banning of Items Used for Drug Paraphernalia: The Mayor noted that Mr. Manzi has said the City does not have the authority to legislate on this matter, which may result in a request later for the state to re-examine it.

Senator Green commented on a bill he has introduced related to Naturally Occurring Retirement Communities (NORCs). He also asked for Council’s opinions on various options on the question of restructuring the county school board.

The Mayor thanked the legislators for coming and for their work on the City’s behalf. The legislators thanked Council for its hospitality.

The work session was adjourned at about 9:45 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,
Kathleen Gallagher
City Clerk

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