BUDGET WORK SESSION OF THE GREENBELT CITY COUNCIL held Monday, May 15, 2006, for the purpose of reviewing the Green Ridge House section of the proposed FY 2007 budget.

 Mayor Davis called the meeting to order at 7:40 p.m. at Green Ridge House.

 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 McLaughlin, City Manager; Christal Parker Batey, Community Resource Advocate; and Kathleen Gallagher, City Clerk.

 ALSO PRESENT WERE: Salva Holloman, Community Manager, Green Ridge House; Lynnette McGrath, Property Manager and William McClain, Director of Property Management, Community Realty.

 Patrick Mills, president of the Green Ridge House (GRH) Residents Association, welcomed the City Council and staff. Following introductions, Mayor Davis asked Mr. McLaughlin to review the budget information.

 Mr. McLaughlin first reviewed the accomplishments for the current year. During the second year of the project to replace heating and cooler convector units, 12 were replaced and upgraded; this is expected to be a 9-10-year project. New canopies were placed at the front, side and rear of the building; replacement for the patio balcony canopy is budgeted for the upcoming year. A year has been completed of having a Service Coordinator for the GAIL program located at GRH. New crepe myrtles were planted and new umbrellas were installed in the patio area. New lobby furniture was purchased for the 2 nd and 3 rd floors.

 Mr. McLaughlin then reviewed the issues and services anticipated for FY 2007. He noted that rent increases had occurred for the last several years and one is likely for this year. Increased rents benefit GRH by adding revenues, but residents’ payments remain capped at 30% of income.

 The functionality of the computers in both the office and the community room has been a problem but will continue to be worked on.

 At the time the budget was prepared, the program to modify bathtubs had been dropped because it had not been used. Subsequently, applications were received, and it is planned to put the funding back into the FY 2007 budget.

Capital expenditures for FY 2007 include upgrading the fire alarm and emergency notification system, upgrading the security system, replacing the patio balcony canopy, replacing the big-screen t.v. in the community room, refurbishing the greenhouse, and continuing the stove and refrigerator replacement program.

 Under reserves, Mr. McLaughlin said that the balance, which has hovered a little above $1 million for a number of years, is expected to dip slightly beneath that amount this year. He said it would still be a very healthy balance and that the reason for having it was to spend it on capital needs.

 Councilmembers received clarification on several items in Community Realty’s more detailed budget. In response to Mayor Davis’s question on whether increasing electricity by $6,000 was enough, Mr. McClain said they were optimistic because they belong to a cooperative. Ms. McGrath explained that the amount budgeted for carpet cleaning was used on an “as needed” basis.

 Mayor Davis observed that the replacement of the big-screen t.v. had been budgeted for last year. Ms. McGrath explained that they had been able to repair the one in the community room and now expected to move that one to the dining room and buy a new one for the community room.

 Mr. Herling asked about the status of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development contract and was told it would run to 2013.

 Marian Evans asked about putting canopies on the 2 nd and 3 rd floor porches, since protection from sun is needed there. The Mayor referred the question to management, and Ms. McGrath said she had been thinking roll-out awnings might be more useful there. There was general agreement among residents that this was a better idea.

 Barbara Hardesty, secretary of the Residents Association, said they had requested more “red outlets” for connecting to the emergency generator but were told there was not enough capacity. She said the existing generator produces quite an odor when it come on. She asked if replacing it for both these reasons was a possibility. Mr. McLaughlin said he would put it high on the list for next year. He noted that Community Reality was also considering tapping into the natural gas line to power the generator.

 In response to resident questions, it was clarified that computers in the community room and the grills outside were intended for general use.

 Mary Taylor asked when the air-conditioning would be turned on. Ms. McGrath said it had been delayed this year because repair work had taken longer than expected and parts were needed for the cooling tower. Marty Wolfe added that the parts had been received and that it should be working by the end of the week. In response to a question from Marian Evans, Ms. McGrath explained that the heat and air-conditioning were switched at about the same time every year but that some regard was paid to weather conditions. Mr. Putens suggested that residents might buy or rent the portable air-conditions that can be used without installation into a window. Ms. McGrath said she had no problem with that as long as the electrical capacity was adequate. Someone else asked if residents could purchase ceiling fans and have them installed in bedrooms. Ms. McGrath said that, too, would be fine, as long as the power was adequate.

 Ms. Evans stated that there had never been anyone to provide instruction on the proper use of the exercise equipment. She expressed concerns about safety and said she thought more people would use the equipment if they could get instruction. Mr. McLaughlin said he and Ms. Batey would talk with Recreation Department staff, including the therapeutic recreation supervisor, to see if staff might be able to assist on a limited basis.

 A resident said there is a need for a large-capacity washer for comforters and the like. There was discussion of the fact that when this question had been raised before, it was decided not to do it because two regular washers would have to be eliminated to make space for it. Another resident suggested eliminating a sink area instead.

 Duane Bowman said that people drive too quickly coming in to the parking lot. Speed bumps were suggested, but someone else mentioned that they are hazardous for anyone with a walker or cane. The Mayor suggested that the residents discuss the possibilities at a residents’ meeting. Mr. Putens suggested that if there are repeat offenders, they be reported to management. It was also mentioned that non-residents use it as a turnaround.

 Noting that the items remaining appeared to be more appropriately directed to management than to Council, Mr. Mills suggested adjournment. He thanked Council for coming.

 The meeting was adjourned at 8:15 p.m.

 Respectfully submitted,
 Kathleen Gallagher
City Clerk

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