BUDGET WORK SESSION OF THE GREENBELT CITY COUNCIL
held Wednesday, May 11, 2005, for the purpose of meeting with
Contribution Groups to discuss the proposed FY 2006 budget.

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

PRESENT WERE: Councilmembers Konrad Herling, Leta Mach, Rodney M. Roberts, and Mayor Judith F. Davis. Edward V. J. Putens arrived at 7:45 pm.

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

ALSO PRESENT WAS: Al Geiger, Greenbelt News Review.

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

Greenbelt Golden Age Club – No one from the Club attended.

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. A new member from Greenbelt has begun to play with the group. A suggestion was made to find a way to put an edge on the risers used by the band to keep chairs from falling off.

Greenbelt Aquatic Boosters – Erv Beckert represented the group. Mayor Davis commented that she was impressed with the increase in Greenbelt membership. Mr. Beckert noted an expected sizeable increase in membership in the coming year.

Greenbelt Arts Center – Jeff Landou and Gretchen Jacobs represented the group. It was noted that the Center apparently will have a deficit for last year and this year. The Center is aware of this and is attempting to work through deferring projects versus doing projects such as a new lighting system in phases. Attendance has been good.

Greenbelt Baseball – Greg Fisanich, John White and Joe Fulton represented the group. Mayor Davis asked whether the complaint about litter had been addressed. The representatives said it had. This year they are serving about 140 children.

Friends of New Deal Café Arts (FONDCA) – Barbara Simon, Ray Stevens and Chris Logan represented the group. Mayor Davis observed that the proposed budget shows a deficit. Ms. Simon and Mr. Logan explained it is to carry over funds to support their biggest concert, which occurs in July. Ms. Simon said they are working on a report on accomplishments. She also said that FONDCA will be making a push to raise its visibility in other sections of the city. Mayor Davis noted they are asking for $400 more to support an additional concert. Ms. Simon responded that they are only asking for an additional $100. The other $300 comes from Greenbelt New Year.

Greenbelt Labor Day Festival Committee – Patti Brothers and Lenny Wertz represented the Festival. Most of the entertainment is booked, including Herman’s Hermits along with the Nighthawks.

Greenbelt Senior Softball – Bert Kerr and Eli Flan represented the group. It was suggested the group seek a sponsor to help fundraising. The new Silver Diner in Beltway Plaza was suggested.

Greenbelt Boys & Girls Club –Aleasha Boone, Sherelle Watkins, Kim Paz and Victor Wainwright represented the Club. The Board has emphasized fund raising and has established relationships with Safeway, Giant, Party City and Three Brothers among other. It was noted that fees needed to be raised. This is in response to higher fees from the County and the fact that fees had not been raised for six years.

Greenbelt Double Dutch – Kim Bradshaw and Yolanda Roth represented the group. It was noted that Greenbelt membership has increased from 40% to 60%. Concerns about conditions at the Springhill Lake Recreation Center when full-time staff is not there were raised. If the City cannot provide additional money, the group will have to fund raise.

Greenbelt Babe Ruth League – Bob Sonneveldt represented the group. It was noted that the population served is growing.

The meeting ended at 10:35 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