The meeting began at 7:35 p.m. It was held in the Council Room of the Municipal Building.

PRESENT WERE: Council members Edward J. Putens, Rodney M. Roberts, Thomas White, and Mayor Judith F. Davis. Alan Turnbull arrived at 8:25 p. m.

STAFF PRESENT WERE: Michael McLaughlin, City Manager, and Hank Irving, Recreation Director.

The following groups appeared before Council to discuss their activities and respond to any questions about their requests. Council also thanked each of them for appearing and for their work in the community.

Greenbelt Golden Age Club - The Club was represented by John Taylor, Ima Davis, Bob Terrell, and Ernie Varda. It was noted that membership is increasing. It was noted that the $5,100 contribution was not listed and should be. City staff will look for way to establish a line for travel.

Greenbelt Boys & Girls Club - James Green, Nicole Hall, Alicia Boone, Tonya Hyson and others represented the club. It was noted their listed request has been increased to $15,000 and that their numbers are growing, particularly basketball. Girls basketball began this year. New proposals for fund raising were identified, including possible imposing a parent participation requirement. The budget for supplies and rental includes some money to rent additional gym space, due to the growth in basketball.

Greenbelt Labor Day Festival Committee - The committee was represented by Patti Brothers and Lenny Wertz. It was noted the festival was quite successful last year. Mayor Davis suggested placing temporary benches at designated bus stops to aid the riders and help designate the bus stop.

Greenbelt Double Dutch - Kim Bradshaw and Shikon Scroggins represented the group. It was noted that the percentage of Greenbelt residents is dropping, but the group is going to work with the schools to recruit more Greenbelt residents. A great majority of funds go towards travel costs due to the need to travel for tournaments.

Greenbelt Arts Center - Phyllis Kay and Ray Flynn represented the Center. The Center is asking for $22,500 which is $1,200 more than last year’s request. The need for volunteers was stressed. The Center expects a better year next year than this year. They saw a drop off in attendance in the fall, possibly tied to the tragedy of September 11, but have seen an increase in recent months.

Greenbelt Senior Softball - Jerry Jenkins represented the group. The request is for $1,000, the same as past years.

Greenbelt Aquatic Boosters - Mark Otto represented the group. It was noted that the percentage of Greenbelt residents is a bit low. The Boosters do not have an explanation. Mr. Otto noted the top problem for the group is additional parental involvement because swimming is already very parental intensive because of the need to run meets.

Greenbelt Baseball - The league was represented by Joe Fulton and Martin Murray. There are 8 major (formerly Little) league teams, 4 minor (coach pitch) teams, and 4 t-ball teams. The FY 2003 request is $400 more than in the past to help support the fall league. Mr. Fulton noted that 5 of the current coaches played in the league as children.

Greenbelt Concert Band - The band was represented by David Clarke and Tom Cherrix. Mr. Clarke noted that the band is now getting requests to perform. The band would like to see improved lighting on the Community Center stage.

Greenbelt Writers Group - Marsha Barrett and Paul Wassman represented the group. The request this year is for $300 to provide funds to pay for a speaker. It was noted that the group published its third anthology.

Greenbelt Babe Ruth League - Kelly Ivy and Bob Sonneveldt represented the association. It was noted that membership is expected to be up 50%. They are requesting $9,000. Other items requested included having the bases replaced and a shed or storage area to store dirt, tools and possibly lawn mowers. Council noted the Boys and Girls Club asked for something similar, and asked them to see if their needs coincided. Council wants to make sure the shed is sensitive to the aesthetics of the area and to run it past the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board.

Under other matters, Council agreed to meet in executive session to consider a personnel matter on Wednesday evening, May 8, 2002, after the Green Ridge House budget work session.

The meeting ended at 10:30 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,
Michael McLaughlin
City Manager

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