WORK SESSION of the GREENBELT City Council held Wednesday, January 22, 2003, for the purpose of reviewing the Senior Citizens Advisory Committee’s Open Forum Report.

The meeting began at 8:04 p.m. It was held in the Senior Classroom of the Greenbelt Community Center.

PRESENT WERE: Judith F. Davis, Mayor; Rodney Roberts, Edward V. J. Putens, Thomas X. White, Council members. Alan Turnbull, Councilmember, arrived at 9:01 p.m.

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: Pearl Siegel, Marianne Olah, Phyllis Budin, Betty Timer, Leah Warner, Bunny Fitzgerald and Booker Hughes, Senior Citizens Advisory Committee.

Mayor Davis welcomed everyone and there were introductions.

Ms. Siegel, Committee Chair, began by reviewing the report point by point. There was discussion about the Greenbelt Connection service and the need for it to travel outside of Greenbelt to shopping malls. Ms. Haseley responded that the Recreation Department was beginning to schedule shopping trips. Concerns were expressed about some service problems on Sunday. Mr. McLaughlin responded that an employee had been terminated and procedures had been put in place for back-up coverage. Ms. Haseley talked about Recreation trips to shopping malls that are being programmed.

Ms. Timer noted the topic at the “not for seniors” forum would be a panel on transportation issues and requested help in arranging a panel. Staff indicated they could help with agency contacts and noted that the forum would be televised. Mr. Putens suggested a “consumer protection” forum.

Next, the Bereavement Support Group was discussed. Ms. Siegel noted that she and Mrs. Penney were establishing a group in Greenbelt using the Patuxent Widowed Persons Service.

Traffic and speeding issues were discussed. Traffic circles at other locations were suggested. Mr. McLaughlin noted the success of pedestrian crosswalk signs and also the speed camera initiative.

It was reported that the Coop Manager had responded to the question about trash pickup at the Center. Ms. Siegel suggested that people need to be told the practical reasons for certain practices.

Mayor Davis reviewed the miscellaneous issues and reported on staff responses to each issue. There was considerable discussion of emergency preparedness.

Council Action Requests

Council reviewed the Council Action Requests (CAR) Report. Mr. McLaughlin provided an update on each request and Council provided further direction on several items.

City Manager Evaluation Tool

Council agreed that the new tool was acceptable.

Information Items

Council discussed several matters, including planning legislation. Mayor Davis reported on a conversation with Mayor Brayman and a recent PGCMA meeting. Mr. McLaughlin reported that AIMCO wanted to present their improvement plans for Springhill Lake. He noted a proposal that the City showcase the CARES program to County Executive Johnson. Mr. McLaughlin presented a draft agenda for the upcoming work session with the School Board.

The meeting ended at 10:40 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