WORK SESSION of the Greenbelt City Council held Wednesday, February 19, 2003, for the purpose of meeting with County Executive Johnson.

Mayor Davis started the meeting at 7:50 p.m. It was held in the Council Room of the Municipal Building.

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

STAFF PRESENT WERE: Michael P. McLaughlin, City Manager, and David E. Moran, Assistant to the City Manager.

ALSO PRESENT WERE: Jack Johnson, County Executive; Obie Pinckney, Municipal Liaison; and Judy Bell, Greenbelt News Review

Mayor Davis welcomed Mr. Johnson and then everyone introduced themselves. She noted that the first nine items on the agenda were issues identified by the Johnson administration that the City supports.

School Funding and School Construction: Mr. Johnson stated his belief that PG 414 would pass and help provide needed funds for the schools. He noted that there were several amendments under discussion. Mr. Johnson also discussed possible leaseback arrangements for school construction and renovation. Council stressed the need for Greenbelt Middle School to be renovated.

Continued Investment in Established Communities: Mayor Davis reported on the CDBG funding situation. She referenced the change in CDBG funding priorities. Mr. Johnson stressed that municipalities should be able to determine their own needs and priorities.

Protect State Aid: Mayor Davis noted the reductions in state aid, particularly highway-user revenues. Mr. Johnson indicated that the county was also losing funds. He said his budget priorities included code enforcement, street repairs and environmental funding.

Safer Communities: The use of radar cameras was discussed as a way to reducing speeding in local communities.

Improve Healthcare: Mr. Johnson stressed his desire to improve healthcare in underserved neighborhoods. He noted that this would help relieve the burden on hospitals.

Protecting Seniors: Mayor Davis reported on the City’s Assistance in Living Program and also reported on the GIVES program. Mr. Johnson stressed that the county was willing to help successful programs by providing small $30,000-$40,000 grants. Mr. Turnbull noted that a major need for seniors was healthcare. He also indicated that any Greenbelt program would be innovative.

Livable Communities: Mr. Johnson stressed this aspect of his initiative. He complemented Greenbelt on its appearance and landscaping. Mr. Johnson noted that during his campaign people responded to this initiative.

Support Open Space: Mayor Davis stressed the need for open space to make communities livable. She expressed concern about the Greenbelt Station plan, pointing out that it was not “smart growth” Mr. Roberts said that by the developers own account, 90% of trips would be vehicular. Mr. Johnson said that he was not specifically familiar with the plan.

Gaming: Mayor Davis expressed the City’s opposition to legalizing slot machines in Maryland. Mr. Johnson stated that a 3% share of revenues was not enough to cover the impacts to the county. Mr. Roberts said that Greenbelt residents were willing to pay more taxes, when a project was properly explained and justified. Mr. Johnson said that taxes were a trust issue and that the county needed to rebuild trust.

Planning and Zoning: Mayor Davis stated that Greenbelt, Bowie and College Park had excellent planning departments and a strong track record of making quality decisions. Mr. Putens noted the inequities statewide. Mr. Johnson reported on legislation that would change the role of M-NCPPC. He also expressed concern about annexation. Mr. White responded that most municipalities were built out so annexation was not an issue. Mr. White stressed that this was a win/win for the county.

ICC & Kenilworth: Mayor Davis stressed the City’s opposition to the ICC and Kenilworth extended. She also stressed the need for mass transit and transportation alternatives. Mr. Johnson expressed support for transportation alternatives.

CB-40: There was considerable discussion of the Adequate Public Facilities test and how it should be applied. Council members stressed the need to revitalize older communities. Mr. Johnson reported on an idea that would create a renovated model home in older established neighborhoods.

M-NCPPC Funding: Mayor Davis noted that M-NCPPC was cutting back on the funding it provided to Greenbelt. Mr. Johnson indicated that more control over M-NCPPC was needed and that they operated without elected control.

COG Dues: Council asked Mr. Johnson to considering restoring the one-half payment of dues. Mr. Johnson noted the county’s fiscal difficulties, but indicated a willingness to look at this issue.

Mayor Davis thanked Mr. Johnson for his willingness to meet and noted the change from the previous administration. Mr. Johnson expressed a willingness to meet in the future. He expressed appreciation for Greenbelt’s consideration of his initiatives.

The meeting ended at 9:30 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