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

PRESENT WERE: Council members Alan Turnbull, Edward V.J. Putens, Thomas X. White and Mayor Pro Tem Rodney Roberts.

STAFF PRESENT WERE: Michael P. McLaughlin, City Manager, Karen Haseley, Therapeutic Recreation Supervisor and David E. Moran, Assistant to the City Manager

ALSO PRESENT WERE: Jackie Shabe-Rochefort, Helen Geller, Betty Timer, Marianne Olah, Ruth Edwards, Bunny Fitzgerald, Phyllis Budin and Leonie Penney, Senior Citizens Advisory Committee; Evelyn Hughes, Booker Hughes, Jim Cassels, Amy Boyes, The Gazette, and Judy Bell, News Review

Mr. Roberts thanked everyone for coming. He began by reviewing the issues raised at the Open Forum on September 22.

Congregation at Roosevelt Center

Mr. Roberts noted the steps the City had already taken at Roosevelt Center including: moving benches near the overpass, installing two new lights and repairing broken lighting. He stated that a code of conduct was being developed.

Ms. Rochefort suggested establishing a police substation and parking police vehicles at the Center. Ms. Olah presented information from Hunting Ridge about a neighborhood watch program.

Mr. Putens suggested that the City hire retired police officers to supplement the existing force.

Mr. White stated that problems at the Center had lessened over the Winter. He noted that on a previous Saturday there had been considerable activity by patrons at the Center attending a movie, Arts Center performance, etc. Mr. White indicated that this level of use by patrons improved the situation at the Center. Mr. Turnbull agreed, noting that people behave better when there are crowds of people at the Center.

Members of the Committee asked about increased police presence. Mr. McLaughlin responded by reporting that between the assigned bike patrol and regular patrol, an officer was there three hours per day.

Ms. Penney suggested that the City take advantage of free measures first before spending money. Ms. Rochefort suggested that the City park extra police cars at the Center.

There was discussion about activities for the youth including the proposal to build a skate park. It was stated that there are some youth who will not want structured activities, but want to just "hang out."

Solicitations and Scams

It was noted that any solicitors in the City are required to have a City-issued permit. Mr. McLaughlin stated that the permits are issued by the Police Department and he signs off on them.

Mr. White indicated there was Federal legislation to prohibit telephone scams and suggested the City monitor that law and support it.

School Transportation Issues

Mr. Roberts stated that there had been initial problems with bus transportation at the start of the school year. Ms. Hughes reported that the problem had gotten better.

Mr. Hughes noted a problem with vehicles passing school buses when they are stopped and their lights are flashing. He also indicated that people run the stop signs at Lakeside and Lakecrest.

A suggestion was made that citizens report this activity to the Police Department and the police issue a letter to the violator. Mr. McLaughlin agreed to investigate this suggestion.

Trash Issues

Mr. Roberts noted that the City planned to conduct a study of trash containers in City parks and open spaces.

DC Handicapped Parking Laws

Ms. Haseley summarized the new DC laws. She provided a handout giving information. She noted that persons with handicapped tags could park in designated handicapped spaces that were not metered.

The meeting ended at 9:45 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