WORK SESSION of the Greenbelt City Council
Held Wednesday, January 7, 2004
For the purpose of discussing the Community Center Windows project

Mayor Davis started the meeting at 8:09 p.m. It was held in the Senior Game Room of the Community Center.

PRESENT WERE: Councilmembers Konrad E. Herling, Leta M. Mach, Edward V.J. Putens, Rodney M. Roberts and Mayor Judith F. Davis.

STAFF PRESENT WERE: Michael P. McLaughlin, City Manager; Joe McNeal, Assistant Director of Recreation and David E. Moran, Assistant to the City Manager.

ALSO PRESENT WERE: Hy Myers, Chief Restoration Architect with Vitetta; Thomas X. White; and Al Geiger, News Review.

The Mayor began with introductions.

Mr. McNeal provided a brief history of the window project and some of the challenges the City had faced over the past five years. He indicated that this window was a demonstration project done with a Maryland Historical Trust (MHT) grant. He also stated that he was pleased with the final product but noted that these were restored 67 year old windows.

Mr. Myers gave a presentation. He noted that the structure of the windows had to be reinforced. Mr. Myers also commented on how the lintels had rusted and caused damage to the bricks. Mr. Myers noted that moving forward each lintel would be evaluated on a case by case basis. He indicated that some of the lintels were replaced during the 1990 renovation.

Mr. Myers reported on the damage to paint and walls from water infiltration. He also reported on replacement of portions of the metal frames. Mr. Myers summarized the advantages of the project.

Mr. Roberts asked about the final cost of the project. Mr. McNeal indicated the final cost would be within the $40,000 budget. Mayor Davis asked about the cost of restoring the rest of the windows and how long it would take. Mr. Myers responded that there should be cost savings due to economies of scale. He indicated each window should take about 4 weeks. Mr. Myers and Mr. McNeal stressed that many problems requiring coordination between the Marchuk, Vitetta and MHT had been resolved during the demonstration project which should allow future window restorations to move faster. It was noted that the City did not have enough funds to restore all the failing windows in the building

Mr. McNeal pointed out some film, which improves energy efficiency, that had been placed on one of the windows as a test. He indicated that MHT had not approved the film yet. Council did not like the film.

Council asked about how staff would choose which windows needed to be replaced. Mr. McNeal responded that there would be many factors to consider including: structural issues, use of spaces and aesthetics. Mr. McLaughlin indicated that the City intended to negotiate a contract with Marchuk for the remaining work and Council expressed support for this approach, though it would require State approval as well.

Council was pleased with the demonstration window and indicated a desire to move forward as soon as possible.

Other Business

Mr. McLaughlin distributed information on the upcoming Springhill Lake Charette.

The meeting ended at 9:05 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