BUDGET WORK SESSION of the Greenbelt City Council held Monday, April 4, 2005, for the purpose of reviewing the General Fund Summary and General Government sections of the proposed FY 2006 budget.

Mayor Davis started the meeting at 8:05 p.m. It was held in the Council Room of the Municipal Building.

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; Jeff Williams, City Treasurer; Deirdre Allen, City Accountant; and David E. Moran, Assistant City Manager.

ALSO PRESENT WERE: Charles Haggelgans; and Jim Giese, News Review.

Mr. McLaughlin began by announcing that the City has received the MML Award for Excellence for the Greenbelt Assistance in Living program. The award will be presented at the MML Summer Conference. Mayor Davis announced that the City had been awarded “Tree USA” status again. She also congratulated Eleanor Roosevelt High School for being recognized in the Washington Post.

Mr. McLaughlin began referencing the chart which indicates the impact of the assessment and proposed tax increase on an average home. Under revenues, he distributed an article indicating that a new theater would be built in Hyattsville and also indicated that Highway User Revenues were still under attack. Mr. McLaughlin discussed the General Fund Summary.

Mr. Putens asked if the City could look at future years (FYs 07, 08 and 09) to see if there was tax relief in the future. Mr. McLaughlin responded that the City Treasurer had previously presented a report which did not show any future relief. He indicated this was the structural problem that the City was facing. He said staff would update that report and get it to Council.

Mr. Williams provided an overview of revenues. He reviewed a two-page list which provided revenue highlights. Mayor Davis expressed a desire to consider reducing road resurfacing projects if the Highway User Revenues are reduced by the state. Next, Mr. Williams provided an overview of expenditures.

Mr. McLaughlin discussed accomplishments and issues and services under General Government. Council reviewed each section of the General Government budget. Under City Council, Mayor Davis suggested cutting the $5,000 for community visioning. Under General Government, Mr. McLaughlin noted a $3,100 cost to participate in the Council of Government’s Regional Performance Consortium. Under Elections, there was discussion about costs for notices and machine rental that used to be paid by the county. Council expressed a desire to raise this issue with County Councilmember Peters. Under Public Information, Mr. McLaughlin noted that the Greenbelt Access Television (GATE) contribution was not increased. Council discussed increasing the GATE contribution if the franchise fees come in over budget.

Mayor Davis requested a list of completed Council Action Requests broken down by Department. She also requested a report on diversity in the workforce.

Other Business

Mr. Herling inquired about a Recycling & Environment Advisory Committee recommendation that a task force be set up on pesticide use. Mr. McLaughlin reported that there was not any notable progress at the Metroland meeting with the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority. He also referenced an e-mail on the planning and zoning bill being considered by the General Assembly. Mayor Davis discussed a letter in the News Review regarding skate park issues.

The meeting ended at 10:50 p.m.

Respectfully submitted

David E. Moran

Assistant City Manager

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