REGULAR MEETING OF THE GREENBELT CITY COUNCIL held July 10, 2006.

Mayor Davis called the meeting to order at 8:06 p.m.

ROLL CALL was answered by Councilmembers Konrad E. Herling, Leta M. Mach, Edward V. J. Putens, Rodney M. Roberts, and Mayor Judith F. Davis.

ALSO PRESENT were Michael P. McLaughlin, City Manager; John F. Shay, Jr., City Solicitor; David E. Moran, Assistant City Manager; and Kathleen Gallagher, City Clerk.

Mayor Davis asked that everyone observe a moment of silence in honor of resident and Greenbelt Pioneer Lucille Love Howell; residents Joyce Abell, Neil McLeod, and Robert W. Wood, Sr.; and former resident Joseph Allen Markowich. She also asked to remember former Public Works employee Norman Lockerman, Jr., and Barbara Luther's father, Max Dach. She then led the pledge of allegiance to the flag.

CONSENT AGENDA : Mayor Davis asked to remove the minutes of the June 19, 2006, regular meeting from the consent agenda. It was moved by Mr. Putens and seconded by Mr. Herling that the consent agenda be approved as amended. The motion passed 5-0.

Council thereby took the following actions:

MINUTES OF COUNCIL MEETINGS

- Work Session, June 21, 2006

Approved as presented.

RESIGNATION FROM ADVISORY GROUP : Council accepted the resignation of Rachel Quinton from the Youth Advisory Committee.

APPROVAL OF AGENDA : Mayor Davis asked to add to the agenda as item #19 " Greenbelt Station Update." It was moved by Ms. Mach and seconded by Mr. Putens that the agenda be approved with that addition. The motion passed 5-0.

PRESENTATIONS

Meals on Wheels - Presentation of Check : Because of its service to Greenbelt residents, the City made a donation of $600 to Meals on Wheels of College Park for this fiscal year. Don Byrd, director of the organization, received the check from the City Council. The Mayor said she was glad it had been brought to the City's attention that Meals on Wheels was serving Greenbelt residents. Mr. Byrd described the program and its funding sources. He thanked Council for the donation, which he said he hoped to use to reduce temporarily the cost of meals to clients.

The Year of the Museum - Proclamation : In recognition of the 100 th anniversary of the American Association of Museums, this year has been declared the "Year of the Museum" nationally. Stephen Oetken, president of the Friends of the Greenbelt Museum , and board member Lynn Tucker received a proclamation from the Mayor. Noting that the volunteer docents are the linchpin of the museum's success, Mr. Oetken said he wanted to dedicate the plaque to Lucille Howell for her work as a docent. He also announced that the museum had succeeded in raising the $100,000 in gift money needed to full the requirements for the challenge grant it received from the National Endowment for the Humanities.

PETITIONS AND REQUESTS : Doug Love, 3-D Plateau Place , and Bill Orleans presented a petition to Council on behalf of the Prince George 's County Peace & Justice Coalition. The petition was described as a petition from citizens asking that Greenbelt express to NASA/Goddard a position of support for NASA scientists, including Dr. James Hansen, to be allowed to speak unimpeded regarding their views and their research results. The petition was motivated by the claim that Dr. Hansen, lead climate scientist and director of the NASA Goddard Institute for Space Science , had been censored by the government . Mr. Orleans indicated that it was the wish of the Coalition that the City Council address this at their last stakeholder meeting with NASA/Goddard officials, but they had seen no notification of the meeting in order to make this request. Mayor Davis said the petition would be referred to staff and decided upon later.

Bill Huber, 2-A Southway, made three requests. He said the meditation corner at the southeast corner of the Community Center, where there are now three benches, is in need of a trash can. He asked that an ashcan be placed at the main entrance of the Community Center. His third request was for a bandstand-gazebo to be placed on the front lawn of the Community Center. He estimated the price to be $25,000-$35,000, which he thought could be raised privately. He said it could be used not only for concerts but for other City events. The Mayor noted that the third request was a much more complex one than the other two.

MINUTES OF COUNCIL MEETINGS : In the minutes of the June 19, 2006, regular meeting, the Mayor asked to change the reference to Danny Blake as a "former employee" to indicate that he had been a police officer. She also corrected the name of the event she attended at the Greenbelt Elementary School to say "sixth-grade celebration." Ms. Mach asked to add that she had attended the installation of the anti-littering sign on Kenilworth Avenue . It was then moved by Mr. Putens and seconded by Mr. Herling that the June 19, 2006, minutes be approved with these changes. The motion carried 5-0.

ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS

The following items and events were mentioned:

Mr. McLaughlin : the groundbreaking for the skateboard park will be held at 7:30 p.m. on July 17, preceding Council's 8:00 p.m. work session; a proposal was submitted to the Maryland Department of Natural Resources for upgrades on two playgrounds in Windsor Green; a flier will be hand-delivered to homes in Lakeside this week to notify residents of the work session with Washington Gas on July 24.

MML Conference : Mayor Davis, Mr. Putens, Ms. Mach, Mr. Herling, Mr. McLaughlin, and Mr. Moran attended the Maryland Municipal League (MML) annual conference in late June, and they shared information about activities they attended. Mr. Putens also announced that Mayor Davis had been reelected to the MML board. Mr. McLaughlin announced that Mr. Shay was elected president of the Maryland Municipal Attorneys Association.

Ms. Mach : attended the Greenbelt East Advisory Committee meeting last week, at which Charlene MacAdams of Greenwood Village extended appreciation for the playground maintenance done so far, as well as for City assistance in improving visibility for cars exiting the development.

Mayor Davis : offered thanks to everyone involved in the Lake Park clean-up prior to July 4 and to County Councilmember Douglas Peters, who found $80,000 in supplementary funding for the School Resource Officer for FY 2006 and provided grants of $25,000 each for the Greenbelt Arts Center and the Greenbelt Foundation.

LEGISLATION

Ordinance to Amend Chapter 12, "Parks and Recreation," of the Greenbelt City Code in Order to Update Section 12-78, "Rules Governing Operation," with Regard to Use by Children of One-Person Boats and Use of Personal Flotation Devices

Mayor Davis read the agenda comments. Mr. Roberts introduced the ordinance for second reading and moved its adoption. Mr. Putens seconded the motion.

ROLL CALL: Mr. Herling - yes
Ms. Mach - yes
Mr. Putens - yes
Mr. Roberts - yes
Mayor Davis - yes

The ordinance was declared adopted (Ordinance No. 1274, Book 12).

A Resolution to Repeal Resolution 983 and to Establish Admission Fees and Pass Rates for the Greenbelt Aquatic and Fitness Center, Effective September 5, 2006

Mayor Davis read the agenda comments. Mr. Putens introduced the resolution for second reading and moved its adoption. Mr. Herling seconded the motion.

ROLL CALL: Mr. Herling - yes
Ms. Mach - yes
Mr. Putens - yes
Mr. Roberts - yes
Mayor Davis - yes

The resolution was declared adopted (Resolution No. 1004, Book 8).

A Resolution to Negotiate the Purchase of a Refuse Truck from GranTurk Equipment Company, Inc., of Baltimore, Maryland, at a Cost of $132,554

The Mayor read the agenda comments. Ms. Mach introduced the resolution for first reading and then moved that the City Council's Standing Rules be suspended in order that it might be introduced for second reading and be adopted tonight. Mr. Putens seconded the motion.

ROLL CALL: Mr. Herling - yes
Ms. Mach - yes
Mr. Putens - yes
Mr. Roberts - yes
Mayor Davis - yes

Ms. Mach introduced the resolution for second reading and moved its adoption. Mayor Davis raised the issue of making the purchase early in order to save $10,000 by avoiding new federal regulations. She asked if there was a way to evaluate the impact of the new regulations. Mr. Roberts said he believed the new regulations related to running low-sulfur fuel and would have minimal impact. Mayor Davis asked that in the future Council be given more information on this aspect when it is relevant to the decision. Mr. Orleans made a number of alternate suggestions on how the vehicle could be purchased. Mr. Herling seconded Ms. Mach's motion.

ROLL CALL: Mr. Herling - yes
Ms. Mach - yes
Mr. Putens - yes
Mr. Roberts - yes
Mayor Davis - yes

The resolution was declared adopted (Resolution No. 1005, Book 8).

A Resolution to Negotiate the Purchase of Services for the Rehabilitation of Windows at the Community Center with MarChuk Construction of Vienna , Virginia , at a Cost Not to Exceed $463,100

The Mayor read the agenda comments for this resolution and the following one. She asked whether the City should be represented at the state Board of Public Works meeting where the purchase would be considered. Mr. McLaughlin said staff would inquire, but the last time it was recommended that no one come in order that the item could be treated routinely and discussion kept to a minimum. Mr. Roberts introduced the resolution for first reading and then moved that the City Council's Standing Rules be suspended in order that it might be introduced for second reading and be adopted tonight. Mr. Putens seconded the motion.

ROLL CALL: Mr. Herling - yes
Ms. Mach - yes
Mr. Putens - yes
Mr. Roberts - yes
Mayor Davis - yes

Mr. Roberts introduced the resolution for second reading and moved its adoption. Mr. Putens seconded the motion.

ROLL CALL: Mr. Herling - yes
Ms. Mach - yes
Mr. Putens - yes
Mr. Roberts - yes
Mayor Davis - yes

The resolution was declared adopted (Resolution No. 1006, Book 8).

A Resolution to Negotiate the Purchase of Architectural Services Required for the Rehabilitation of Windows at the Community Center with Vitetta Group, Inc., of Philadelphia , Pennsylvania , at a Cost Not to Exceed $42,000

Ms. Mach introduced the resolution for first reading and then moved that the City Council's Standing Rules be suspended in order that it might be introduced for second reading and be adopted tonight. Mr. Herling seconded the motion.

ROLL CALL: Mr. Herling - yes
Ms. Mach - yes
Mr. Putens - yes
Mr. Roberts - yes
Mayor Davis - yes

Ms. Mach introduced the resolution for second reading and moved its adoption. Mr. Herling seconded the motion.

ROLL CALL: Mr. Herling - yes
Ms. Mach - yes
Mr. Putens - yes
Mr. Roberts - yes
Mayor Davis - yes

At the Mayor's request, Joe McNeal, Assistant Director, Recreation, described expectations for this phase of the project. Mr. McLaughlin also thanked Mr. McNeal for his work in coordinating not only this project but also the skateboard park.

The resolution was declared adopted (Resolution No. 1007, Book 8).

A Resolution to Authorize the Negotiated Purchase of Certain Goods and Services from Various Vendors as Enumerated Herein When Total Fiscal Year Purchases from Each Vendor Exceed Ten Thousand Dollars ($10,000)

Mayor Davis read the agenda comments. Mr. Putens introduced the resolution for first reading. Mr. McLaughlin said the name of the company doing the caisson work on the observatory was "Drenner" and that this would be corrected in the list before returning to Council for second reading. Mr. Love was referred to Terri Hruby, Assistant Director, Planning, for more specific information on the cost of the work for the observatory.

PROPOSED FEDERAL CIP IMPROVEMENTS - FY 2007-2012 : Mayor Davis read the agenda comments. Mr. Herling made a motion that the City submit a letter to the National Capital Planning Commission stating that the City has no objection to the Federal Capital Improvements Program for FY 2007-2012. He further moved that the letter also reiterate the City's strong interest in being kept informed of progress being made on the Goddard Space Flight Center "Facilities Master Plan Road Upgrade" project, particularly as it relates to environmental issues. Mr. Putens seconded the motion. Mayor Davis suggested asking Ms. Hruby to state an appropriate schedule that could be mentioned in the letter for the updates. Mr. Roberts announced he would vote against the item because he opposes the realignment of Soil Conservation Road altogether. The motion carried 4-1 (Roberts).

AWARD OF PURCHASE - FOUR CITIES STREET SWEEPER : Mayor Davis read the agenda comments. It was moved by Mr. Putens and seconded by Ms. Mach that the City Council authorize the purchase of the Schwarze A4000 Sweeper from Atlantic Machinery, Inc., of Silver Spring per its bid #SPO500-01-D-0096 at a cost of $109,972. After a few clarifications provided by Kenny Hall, Director, Public Works, the motion passed 5-0. Mr. McLaughlin complimented Mr. Hall on his successful work in coordinating this project for the City.

GREENBELT STATION UPDATE : The Mayor said she had added this item to the agenda in order to discuss a City response to the actions taken by the County/District Council in acting on the conceptual site plan for the north core of Greenbelt Station. Mr. McLaughlin read a July 10 memo from Celia Craze, Director, Planning and Community Development, enumerating the changes and commenting on the effect of each from the City's viewpoint. It was recognized that some of the changes were positive ones. The concern of Council, however, was with the process more than with the end result, since there was no consultation with either Greenbelt or any other interested local jurisdiction, and the changes represented the action of only one member of the County Council. Mr. Putens added that there was also a very quick, coordinated vote of the Council, with Ms. Craze being given no opportunity to speak and with only Mr. Peters, who said he was not informed in advance of what was going to occur, voting in opposition. The Mayor asked Council to agree to meet in executive session with the City Solicitor following the regular meeting to take advice on how to proceed. Mr. McLaughlin reminded Council that if reconsideration were to be requested, there would be a 30-day time limit on doing so. Mr. Roberts proposed that Council return to public session after the executive session in order to be able to take prompt action on a response. Everyone agreed.

MEETINGS : Council reviewed the meeting schedule. Mayor Davis asked that the City's delegation, the Advisory Planning Board, and the Community Relations Advisory Board all be invited to the July 31 work session on affordable housing. She also asked to schedule a stakeholder meeting with Beltway Plaza .

MOTION TO GO INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION : At about 10:10 p.m., Ms. Mach moved that Council recess the regular meeting in order to convene an executive session in the library accordance with Section 10-508 (a) (7) of the State Government Article of the Annotated Code of the Public General Laws of Maryland to consult with counsel regarding making a response to action taken by the District Council on the conceptual site plan for the north core of Greenbelt Station. Mr. Herling seconded.

ROLL CALL: Mr. Herling - yes
Ms. Mach - yes
Mr. Putens - yes
Mr. Roberts - yes
Mayor Davis - yes

RETURN TO PUBLIC MEETING : At 10:45 p.m., Council resumed the public meeting in the Council Room. Ms. Mach moved that Council send to the chair of the District Council a letter strongly expressing the City's dissatisfaction with the lack of appropriate process that was employed in considering this matter, with the letter to be copied to all other interested parties, including the Town of Berwyn Heights and the City of College Park . Mr. Putens seconded the motion, which passed 5-0.

Mr.Orleans then asked many questions of Council, to which Council replied, and he offered his judgments on the appropriateness of Council's having decided to hold an executive session and on the methods used by the District Council.

SKATEBOARD PARK ANNOUNCEMENT IN NEWS REVIEW : Everyone supported Mr. Putens' suggestion to place a short article in the News Review this week, announcing the groundbreaking on Monday and briefly explaining the reasons for the more recent delay.

ADJOURNMENT : A motion to adjourn the meeting was made by Ms. Mach and seconded by Mr. Putens. The motion carried 5-0. The Mayor adjourned the regular meeting of July 10, 2006, at 10:55 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,
Kathleen Gallagher
City Clerk

"I hereby the certify that the above and foregoing is a true and correct report of the regular meeting of the City Council of Greenbelt, Maryland, held July 10, 2006. "

Judith F. Davis
Mayor

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