The meeting began at 8:00 p.m. It was held in the Senior Classroom of the Community Center.

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

STAFF PRESENT WERE: Michael P. McLaughlin, City Manager; David Moran, Assistant to the City Manager; Jeffrey Williams, City Treasurer; Kenneth Hall, Public Works Director; Bill Phelan, Assistant Public Works Director; Carolyn Clemens, Superintendent of Operations; and Anne Marie Belton, Executive Associate.

ALSO PRESENT WERE: Amy Boyes, Gazette Newspapers; Virginia Beauchamp, Greenbelt News Review; Sheldon Goldberg, Greenbelt East Advisory Committee; Cindy Murray; Antoinette Conrad; and William Smith.

Accomplishments - Mr. Hall began the meeting by highlighting a few of the department’s accomplishments in fiscal year 2002. They included upgrading the center part of the Braden ball field complex, the composting facility at Northway Field, the reorganization of the Parks crew, and the hiring of a Superintendent of Operations.

Issues and Services - Mayor Davis inquired about the garages in Roosevelt Center. She noted that the doors and appearance of them appears poor. Mr. Hall responded by saying that the City is co-owner with Joe Alusio, owner of Greenbelt Auto and Truck, and that the City is coordinating improvement efforts with Mr. Alusio.

Mr. McLaughlin pointed out the department’s initiative of researching the use of paper bags for yard waste as opposed to plastic bags. Switching to paper bags would enable the department to recycle more yard waste and increase the amount of compost for citizen use.

Administration - Mr. Hall gave Council an update on the development of the new Public Works facility. The architect was asked to redraw the plans to incorporate a "green building" type building. This type of building would be environment friendly and feature items such as automatic flushing toilets, solar panels, and rain gardens. Mr. Hall stated that it is possible for the architect to be ready to go issue a bid by September or October. Mr. White suggested the department seek grant funding through the Environmental Protection Agency.

Streets - Mr. Putens asked about the possibility of citizens in Greenbelt East requesting the Public Works department to repair their driveway aprons, sidewalks, and stoops. Mr. Hall stated that when repair work on City streets was done in Lakewood the original bid included an opportunity for citizens to piggy back on the City’s price. This option could also be extended to residents in Greenbelt East.

Waste Collection and Disposal - Mayor Davis inquired about adding a recycling drop off center in Greenbelt East. She suggested placing it on the road next to the dog park.

Mr. McLaughlin pointed out to Council that there is a proposed increase to the quarterly waste collection fee of $1.30 per quarter. Mr. Hall noted that the department will also be reanalyzing the waste collection service for commercial customers.

Parks - Council inquired about the status of the request for the City to construct a shelter at Greenspring Park. Mr. Hall said that the type of structure that the home owners association would like to have, a pavilion, is too large for the park. Mr. Hall also informed Council that the home owners association indicated that they would like to have electricity at the site. A submeter would need to be purchased and it would be quite expensive. Mr. Phelan suggested that the City purchase a large pavilion type piece of equipment for organizations in the City. Mayor Davis suggested that the department contact the home owners association president and meet at the site to discuss the possibilities.

Mr. White inquired about the department’s unmet needs. Mr. Hall identified a need for additional non-classified staff in the amount of $25,000 and a few more Nextel phones. After a lengthy discussion of unmet needs, Mr. White suggested creating a separate list of new initiatives and items submitted to the City Manager that remained unfunded in the proposed budget to City Council.

Informational Items -

Mr. McLaughlin informed Council that the ACE Reading Club reception will begin at 6 p.m.

On April 20, 2002 Council is requested to be at Greenbelt Lake by 11:45 a.m. as a part of the Earth Day festivities.

Mr. McLaughlin distributed a memo to Council on the boiler room door for the Community Center.

The meeting ended at 10:33 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,
Anne Marie Belton
Executive Associate

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