BUDGET WORK SESSION OF THE GREENBELT CITY COUNCIL held Wednesday, May 14, 2003, for the purpose of discussing the Green Ridge House sections of the proposed FY 2004 budget.

Mayor Davis started the meeting at 7:35 p.m. It was held in the dining room at Green Ridge House.

PRESENT WERE: Councilmember Rodney M. Roberts and Mayor Judith F. Davis. Councilmember Edward V.J. Putens arrived shortly after the meeting began.

STAFF PRESENT WERE: Michael P. McLaughlin, City Manager; and Kathleen Gallagher, City Clerk.

ALSO PRESENT WERE: Doug Erdman and Lynette McGrath, Community Reality Co., Salva Holloman, Manager; Green Ridge House board members Tom Ward, Aileen Petrone, Hazel Parent, Ruth Burton, and Marian Evans, and many residents of Green Ridge House.

Following introductions, Mr. McLaughlin explained the various hand-outs. He reviewed the accomplishments of the past year, including getting the computer lab up and running, a successful car-sharing program, and a number of repair and replacement items. He reviewed items upcoming for next year, particularly the major capital projects, including replacing all boilers and interior and exterior work. He said that after a number of years of no rent increases, they have been successful in negotiating a rent increase that will increase the revenues for Green Ridge House. It was clarified that this increase would be the government contribution, not the residents’.

There was discussion of a request sent to Council by the board for a $1,000 increase in the line item for social activities. In response to Mr. Putens question, Ms. Burton said this increase would raise that line item to $10,000, which she believed to be quite adequate. Council said it would be pleased to make that change, which is basically a reallocation of Green Ridge House operating expense funding.

Mr. Cassells asked what is covered by the social activity funding controlled by management. Ms. McGrath read a list of items, and Mr. McLaughlin clarified that this category is mostly accounted for by ceramics and aerobics classes.

Mayor Davis commented that it seemed that most of the items from the past problems list have been taken care of, and she said she was pleased to see that the level of problems seemed to have shrunk considerably. She then asked if any of the residents had matters to bring up.

There was considerable discussion of noise created in a number of areas when the air-conditioning comes on, including residents’ rooms and the t.v. area. Ms. McGrath said she would pursue this to see what could be done, including adding sound-proofing as needed.

Mr. Roberts asked about the clothes washers and dryers. The residents stated strongly that the dryers do not work adequately and have not for a long time. Mr. Erdman said they have a contract with an outside vendor for these, and he will look into improving this situation. Ms. Evans said, with others agreeing, that the ventilation in the laundry room is inadequate and that it becomes much too hot.

A resident in unit 116 questioned the statement that had been made that carpet had already been replaced in the units of all residents requesting it, if the condition of the carpet was found to warrant it. She said she had been on the waiting list for a long time. Ms. Holloman said she was on a list to have the work done, and it would be accomplished soon.

Mayor Davis commented again on how well things seemed to be going in comparison with some past years. Ms. McGrath told the residents she enjoys working with them and that they should keep the suggestions and calls coming.

The meeting ended at about 8:15 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,
Kathleen Gallagher
City Clerk

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