Mayor Davis started the meeting at 7:35 p.m. It was held in the Multipurpose Room of the Community Center.

PRESENT WERE: Councilmembers Leta Mach, Rodney M. Roberts, and Mayor Judith F. Davis. Konrad Herling arrived at 7:50 pm. Edward V. J. Putens arrived at 8:10 pm.

STAFF PRESENT WERE: Michael McLaughlin, City Manager, and Greg Varda, Recreation Department.

Council met with the following groups and people to discuss funding requests:

Greenbelt Golden Age Club – Elinor Rimar, Lori Moran, Micki Weidenfeld, and Bob Terrell represented the group. The Club is requesting $5,100 in funds this year, after not seeking funds last year. The City’s money covers the cost of transportation for the group’s day trips.

Greenbelt Concert Band – Tom Cherrix and David Clarke were present to represent the Concert Band. Mr. Clarke noted that the band continually seeks to attract members that reside in Greenbelt. There was a good deal of discussion on looking for ways to attract participation by youth.

Greenbelt Senior Softball – John Benish and Sterling Tropp represented the group. It was noted the percent of players that are from Greenbelt is up to 6 from just 1 or 2 in past years.

Greenbelt Baseball – Greg Fisanich and Marshall Calebaugh represented the group. It was noted that the City is reviewing the requests for the field including lights.

Greenbelt Aquatic Boosters – Erv Beckert represented the group. There was discussion about the club’s fee structure. The City’s money goes primarily to paying coaches’ salaries.

Greenbelt Labor Day Festival Committee – Patti Brothers and Lenny Wertz represented the Festival. It was noted that this coming festival will be the 50th anniversary of the festival. Ms. Brothers described the fund raising efforts being pursued including basket bingo.

Friends of New Deal Café Arts – Barbara Simon, Chris and Barbara Logan represented the group. It was noted there is no general membership to the group. Membership consists of the board members. The contractual line item in its budget is for the performers.

The reason for the requested increase was because the City in past years has put $2,000 towards concert performances in partnership with the New Deal café.

Greenbelt Boys & Girls Club – James Green and five others represented the Club. The Mayor noted that the City continues to work on getting a shed for this Club and the Babe Ruth group. Attendance has been growing. It is noted that dues are planned to be raised due to the dues paid to the County organization going up. It was noted the Club will still have the lowest fees in the County.

Greenbelt Double Dutch – Kim Bradshaw and Austin Gibbs represented the group. It was noted that membership has doubled and the group continues to be very successful in competition. The group has used Springhill Lake Elementary School for some practices and plans to continue with the hope to attract more students.

Greenbelt Arts Center – Bob Thompson, Gretchen Jacobs and Rosalind Niamke represented the group. Council advised that the post office space may become available within two years and the group should start considering if they have an interest in the space. Ms. Jacobs advised the increased request is due primarily to a rent increase that occurred as part of a recently signed 3 year lease.

Greenbelt Babe Ruth League – Bob Sonneveldt represented the group. He noted that the programs are going well but that he is a bit concerned about the number of children coming to the program is dropping off, though there are more than enough to field teams.

The meeting ended at 10:45 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Michael McLaughlin
City Manager

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