BUDGET WORK SESSION of the Greenbelt City Council held Wednesday, May 7, 2003 for the purpose of reviewing the Recreation Section of the FY 2004 Proposed Budget.

Mayor Davis started the meeting at 8:05 p.m. It was held in the Multipurpose Room of the Community Center.

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

STAFF PRESENT WERE: Hank Irving, Director of Recreation; Joe McNeal and Julie McHale, Assistant Directors of Recreation; Di Quynn-Reno, Community Center Supervisor; George Rogala, Aquatic & Fitness Center Supervisor; Karen Haseley, Therapeutic Recreation Supervisor; Nancy Wilmont, Greenbelt’s Kids Supervisor; Jeff Williams, City Treasurer; Dee Allen, Accountant; Michael P. McLaughlin, City Manager and David E. Moran, Assistant to the City Manager.

ALSO PRESENT WERE: Clement Lau; and Al Gieger, Greenbelt News Review

Members of the Recreation Department gave a presentation which provided an overview of staffing, accomplishments, issues and services, management objectives and performance measures for each budget unit within the Recreation Department.

Under Recreation Administration, Mr. White raised questions about the operation of the Skate Park and the need for staff. He noted the skate park was being treated differently than other outdoor Recreation facilities like the tennis courts. Staff responded that the nature of the facility required supervision.

Under Community Center, Mr. Putens suggested that staff consider a fee structure for homeowner associations. He also requested a breakdown of fee waivers/City usage for the facility.

Under Greenbelt Kids, Mr. White asked if there was collaboration between this program and ACE or Greenbelt CARES. Ms. Wilmont responded that there was collaboration with ACE, but more could be done with CARES.
Under Therapeutic Recreation, there was considerable discussion about switching the caterer for the senior lunch program. It was noted that this was not funded in the budget.
Mr. White expressed concern about Earth Day, the Celebration of Spring, and the Public Works Open House being held on the same Saturday. He also stated that the Recreation budget work session needed to be split into two meetings. Mr. Roberts noted that some people work weekends and have difficulty attending events. Mayor Davis indicated that there are activities and events going on most every weekend. Council agreed that the Recreation Budget Work Session should be split into two evenings.

Council discussed the reduction in hours at Recreation facilities. Mayor Davis requested information on the number of users at the Aquatic & Fitness Center between 10 and 10:30pm.

Information Items

Mayor Davis announced that CB-12 had passed with one of PGCMA’s amendments.

The meeting ended at 11:25 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