WORK SESSION of the Greenbelt City Council held Wednesday, April 20, 2005, for the purpose of reviewing the Public Works section of the Proposed FY 2006 Budget.

Mayor Davis started the meeting at 8:07 p.m. It was held in the Multipurpose 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; Jeff Williams, City Treasurer; Dee Allen, Accountant; Kenny Hall, Director of Public Works; Bill Phelan, Assistant Director of Public Works; Carolyn Clemens, Superintendent of Operations; Cindy Murray, Recycling Coordinator; Karl Skaggs, Crew Leader; and David E. Moran, Assistant City Manager.

ALSO PRESENT WAS: Thomas White, News Review

Mr. Phelan presented a slide show which featured pictures of City employees and recently completed projects. Council reviewed the accomplishments for FY 2005. Mayor Davis asked about the City’s recycling rate. Ms. Murray responded that the rate was 48%.

There was discussion about the number of trees planted by the City. Mr. Phelan noted budget pages listing the number of trees which had been replanted. Council asked about the playground agreement. Mr. Phelan stated that there was $50,000 in the Capital Projects budget to do 3-4 Greenbelt East playgrounds and that staff would seek grant funding for this purpose as well. It was noted that the budget had not been approved, the agreements had not been signed, and Windsor Green had not yet told the City which playgrounds would be included.

Council asked about the use of biodiesel fuel. Mr. Phelan referenced an April 18 memo and indicated that biodiesel did not appear to have the environmental benefits. Mayor Davis suggested adding the $9,000 cost for biodiesel to the list of budget changes.

Mayor Davis asked about contractual tree and landscaping work. Mr. Phelan indicated that this extra contractual work had been beneficial. Mayor Davis asked to put the $30,000 in contractual landscaping and tree work that was added in FY 2005 on the list. Mayor Davis asked about the reason for overtime costs. Mr. McLaughlin explained that this was largely due to situations like snow storms and special events on the weekends.

Under Streets, Mr. McLaughlin noted that there would be a $40,000 cut in Highway User Revenues and that it could be an additional $46,000 if the City was not eligible for a new grant program designed to mitigate these cuts.

Under Waste Collection, Mayor Davis asked about increasing commercial refuse rates and charging for bulk trash. Mr. McLaughlin stated that an increase in commercial rates would not yield a significant increase. Mayor Davis asked if the City could increase refuse rates higher. Staff noted that the City’s current rates were competitive.

Mayor Davis asked about the $1,500 for new landscape planters. Mr. Phelan said this was in response to the Roosevelt Center market survey, which indicated that more color plantings were needed.

Council also reviewed the Parks, Traffic Control, Municipal Building and Greenbelt Connection budgets.

Mr. Skaggs stated that many employees in Public Works were concerned about the change from 85% City/15% Employee to 80% City/20% Employee health insurance payment. It was noted that 80/20 brings the City in line with other jurisdictions. Mr. Roberts favored eliminating positions rather than cutting benefits. He asked that three positions (playground agreement worker, FY 2005 recreation coordinator and the FY 2005 code enforcement/animal control officer) be added to the list of potential budget changes.

Other Business

Councilmembers made several informational announcements. Mr. McLaughlin noted that at this point the Metroland agreement would not be on the agenda of the next regular Council Meeting.

The meeting ended at 11:25 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