WORK SESSION OF THE GREENBELT CITY COUNCIL held Wednesday, February 8, 2006, for the purpose of meeting with the State Highway Administration.

Mayor Davis started the meeting at 8:05 p.m. It was held in the Senior Classroom 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 and David E. Moran, Assistant City Manager.

ALSO PRESENT WERE: Charlie Watkins, District Engineer and Lee Starkloff, Assistant District Engineer, State Highway Administration; Carol Griffith, News Review and Bill Orleans, Greenbelt resident

The meeting began with introductions. Mayor Davis noted that Mr. Watkins was retiring from the State Highway Administration (SHA).

Status of Pedestrian Countdown Signal: Mr. Starkloff stated that the signal had been approved and was in design phase now. He believed the signal would be installed later this year. Mayor Davis noted that the post office was opening later this month and this signal would help residents trying to walk to the new post office. Mr. Starkloff agreed to try and speed up the process.

Condition of Greenbelt Road in Front of Greenway Center: Mr. Watkins indicated that a permanent repair could not be made until after July 1. Mr. Watkins agreed to have his maintenance crews look at a temporary repair.

No Right Turn Sign before Greenway Center: Mr. Starkloff noted this was not SHA’s sign and he had issued a work order to have it removed.

Installation of Sidewalk on South Side of Greenbelt Road: Mr. Starkloff stated that there was a steep drop off which would probably require a retaining wall. Mr. Watkins suggested that SHA get a consultant to evaluate what was required and what it costs. He believed that it might qualify for transportation enhancement funds.

Status of Repairing Signs for B/W Parkway: Mr. Starkloff indicated that a work order had been issued to repair the leaning sign. He indicated he would look into the missing sign.

Battery Back-ups for Traffic Signals: Mr. Starkloff reported that Howard County was beginning to install these. He noted that the batteries last between 7 and 8 hours. He indicated that upgrading a signal to a battery backup costs $25-30,000. Ms. Mach asked about LED conversion of signals. Mr. Starkloff responded that SHA was upgrading a certain number per year.

Other Projects along Greenbelt Road: Mr. Watkins indicated that improvements to the Cherrywood Lane & Edmonston Road intersection were issued a notice to proceed. Mr. Watkins noted milling and resurfacing of 193 from Southway to Hanover Parkway would occur this year. He also noted that a project to install a double left turn lane on 193 at Hanover.

Traffic Light at Frankfort Drive: Mayor Davis reiterated the City’s desire for a traffic signal. Mr. Starkloff responded that a signal warrant study was underway. Mr. Herling asked if the warrants threshold was too high. Mr. Starkloff explained that engineers are looking at patterns and also whether drivers take unnecessary risks.

Other Issues: Mr. Roberts asked about State funding for noise barriers. Mr. Watkins responded that this administration was not a big fan of the noise wall program. He indicated there were very specific criteria for noise barriers.

Mr. Putens asked whom motorists should call to report signal outages. Mr. Watkins responded that anyone could call the SHA office.

Mr. Orleans asked about the NASA/Good Luck road project. Mr. Starkloff responded that the NASA project has been through SHA approval. Mr. Orleans expressed disapproval with SHA’s position to not remove snow from sidewalks. Mr. Watkins responded that it was a matter of State law that the property owner, or County or City was responsible.

Mayor Davis thanked Mr. Watkins for his efforts and assistance over the years. She indicated that he would be missed. Mr. Watkins thanked the City for working with him and for always being gracious.

Other Business

Council Members made several announcements.

The meeting ended at 10:10 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