Mayor Davis called the meeting to order at 8:14 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 Moran, Assistant City Manager; and Kathleen Gallagher, City Clerk.

Mayor Davis asked that everyone observe a moment of silent meditation in honor of resident Joseph V. Rimar; former residents Thomas J. McDonald and Matthew J. McDonald; and Dorothy S. Pickard, who taught music for many years at Eleanor Roosevelt High School. The Mayor then led the pledge of allegiance to the flag.

CONSENT AGENDA: It was moved by Mr. Putens and seconded by Mr. Herling that the consent agenda be approved as presented. The motion passed 5-0.

Council thereby took the following actions:

MINUTES OF COUNCIL MEETINGS
- Regular Meeting, November 27, 2006
- Regular Meeting, December 11, 2006
- Work Session, December 12, 2006
- Work Session, December 13, 2006
- Legislative Dinner, December 18, 2006
Approved as presented.

YOUTH ADVISORY COMMITTEE, MEMO, 12-29-2006 (STATUS OF THE COMMITTEE): Council accepted this report and agreed to add to the list of work sessions to be scheduled a meeting with YAC and others to discuss it.

REAPPOINTMENTS TO ADVISORY GROUPS: Council appointed Mary X. Chapman to a new term on the Recycling & Environment Advisory Committee and Leah Warner to a new term on the Senior Citizens Advisory Committee.

RESIGNATION FROM ADVISORY GROUP: Council accepted with regret the resignation of Mary Crellin from the Recycling & Environment Advisory Committee.

APPROVAL OF AGENDA: Mr. Herling asked to add “Appointment to Advisory Group” to the agenda as item #19. With that addition, it was moved by Mr. Putens and seconded by Mr. Herling that the agenda be approved. The motion passed 5-0.

PRESENTATIONS

Recognition of Outgoing School Board Member: The City Council recognized Abby Crowley and thanked her for her service on the Prince George’s County School Board from 2002-2006. The Mayor presented Dr. Crowley with a Mother and Child statue. Dr. Crowley thanked the Council and commended the City for its awareness of educational issues and advocacy for its schools, adding that she thought it was not a coincidence that the schools in the Greenbelt area were among the best in the county. She said she was concerned about the ongoing issues of school needs in Greenbelt West and crowding at Eleanor Roosevelt High School.

Firefighter of the Year – Jeremiah Voigt – Proclamation: On November 3, Greenbelt American Legion Post 136, in cooperation with the Greenbelt Volunteer Fire Department & Rescue Squad and the Greenbelt Police Department, hosted its 18th Annual Public Safety Awards Banquet to honor the men and women of the Police and Fire Departments. Jeremiah Voigt was named Fire Officer of the Year for 2006. Mayor Davis read a proclamation recognizing him for this honor.

PUBLIC HEARING – GRANTING OF A NON-EXCLUSIVE FRANCHISE TO VERIZON TO OPERATE AND MAINTAIN A CABLE SYSTEM WITHIN GREENBELT: Mayor Davis read the agenda comments and opened the public hearing for any comments on the proposed agreement to award a non-exclusive franchise to Verizon Maryland, Inc. First, Tara Potter, Verizon vice president for external affairs, gave a presentation on their services. She also introduced Brian Johnson, attorney for Verizon, and Dick Beville, director of governmental affairs.

A number of citizens asked questions regarding Verizon service. Sue Krofchik, 6 Fayette Place, was told by Mr. Beville that an analog television could receive HDTV via a set-top box and that Verizon would use existing wire paths (cable or dish) to run the fiber. Henry Atwell, 8150 Lakecrest Drive, was told that rights of entry would be pursued once the agreement had been signed, though some had already been acquired where owners had property in areas already served. Mr. Beville said one issue is that owners sometimes want something in exchange or have previously entered into an exclusive agreement with a provider. In response to a question from the Mayor, he confirmed that if the owner denied entry, the tenants would need to apply some pressure. He added that failure to acquire right of entry would not be for any lack of effort on Verizon’s part. In response to a question from Bill Jones, 15 Court Ridge, Mr. Beville said that a set-top box is not required for regular broadcast service now, but it will be in 2009. Sheldon Goldberg, 7848 Jacobs Drive, asked a number of questions regarding the pricing of various packages. Abby Crowley, 7926 Vanity Fair Drive, commented that she would rather have the option of purchasing the box; in response to her questions, Mr. Beville confirmed that phone and Internet service would also be offered and that public educational and government channels would continue. Germaine Timmermans, 6907 Lady Anne Court, asked about Comcast’s tendency to drop channels. Mr. Beville said with regular cable, that was usually driven by the ongoing squeezing of bandwidths, but the much greater capacity of optical fiber meant that there would be much less need to drop channels. Bill Orleans also asked several questions.

Mr. Putens asked if going back to cable once you had fiber optic was possible. Mr. Beville said Verizon would want to keep the fiber for voice and thus would not want to revert to copper wire but that customers could purchase services à la carte.

Mr. Herling asked about the designation of business hours in the agreement. Mr. Beville explained that those hours referred to the taking of orders and such; for service, the hours would be 24/7.

Mr. Roberts asked if a set-top box would be required even if one had an HDTV. Mr. Beville said yes.

Mayor Davis asked how often they would be permitted to change rates. Mr. Beville said that since they are not regulated, competition would regulate. The Mayor also noted that the Federal Communications Commission had recently made a ruling that could impact the whole agreement.

Mr. Putens stressed the importance of good service in the equation. Mayor Davis then closed the public hearing and resumed the regular meeting.

PETITIONS AND REQUESTS: Germaine Timmermans, 6907 Lady Anne Court, said that she had been very surprised to learn that Greenbelt’s City Councilmembers were paid only $5,000 per year, with the Mayor receiving an additional $1,000. She said it had been 14 years since the last increase and that she thought Greenbelt citizens should be supportive of a substantial increase. Mayor Davis thanked her for her research and for raising the topic. She said the suggestion had been made on several other occasions but that it had always been in a year of budgetary bind and had been put off. She said it was very gratifying to have some notice that it had been so long and that Council would discuss it during the budget period. She explained that a Council would not raise its own salaries but rather would raise those of the next elected City Council. Mr. Putens also thanked Ms. Timmermans, saying it was very kind of her. Ms. Mach also expressed appreciation, noting that although there are many other compensations for the work, Council appreciates the recognition of the time and work it puts in. Mr. Roberts said he did not see the point of increasing the salaries unless it would encourage more people to run for office. He said he did not do it for the money. He also disputed the appropriateness of having any substantial difference in compensation for the Mayor and other Councilmembers. Mr. Putens said that aspect could be discussed later. Mr. Herling thanked Ms. Timmermans. He said that everyone on Council serves for reasons other than the money and that “you get back more than you give.”

MINUTES OF COUNCIL MEETINGS

Executive Session of December 20, 2006: Mr. Roberts moved that the minutes of the executive session of the City Council held Wednesday, December 20, 2006, be approved as presented. He further requested that the minutes of this meeting reflect that the Council met in executive session at 8:20 p.m. in the Senior Classroom of the Community Center. Council held this closed meeting in accordance with Section 10-508 (a)(9) of the State Government Article of the Annotated Code of Public General Laws of Maryland to discuss the City’s draft labor code. Mr. Putens seconded the motion.

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

ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS

At Mr. McLaughlin’s request, Mr. Moran described the new video conferencing equipment in the Council Room, which was obtained and installed through a Homeland Security grant for the purpose of improving communication among jurisdictions during an emergency. The Mayor pointed out that this was yet another benefit of the City’s membership in the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (COG).

Mr. McLaughlin announced that George Rogala had retired from the Recreation Department with 31 years of service. He also confirmed that Captain Michael Craddock would be retiring at the end of January.

Ms. Mach mentioned the COG annual meeting and luncheon and a PGCMA meeting at which Obie Pinckney proposed that the organization should discuss some of the inappropriate behavior that took place at the November election. She also announced that she had been elected the vice chair for Maryland of the COG Metropolitan Washington Air Quality Committee.

Mr. Herling mentioned Greenbelt New Year.

Mayor Davis said that three Councilmembers, Mr. McLaughlin, and Mr. Moran had attended the COG annual meeting and luncheon. She also mentioned the City’s employee holiday lunch, the City Council’s Legislative Dinner, and Greenbelt New Year. She also announced she had been appointed to COG’s Ad Hoc Green Building Advisory Committee and had been named the vice chair for Maryland of the Chesapeake Bay Policy Committee.

LEGISLATION

An Ordinance Granting a Non-Exclusive Cable Television Franchise to Verizon Maryland, Inc. (“Franchisee”) to Operate and Maintain a Cable System Within the City of Greenbelt, Maryland; Approving a Franchise Agreement and Authorizing the Mayor to Sign the Franchise Agreement on Behalf of the City

Mayor Davis read the agenda comments. Mr. Herling 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. 1277, Book 12).

Mr. McLaughlin thanked Beverly Palau for all her work on this endeavor.

A Resolution to Negotiate the Purchase of Conservation Services for the Bas Relief Friezes and Mother and Child Statue with Conservation Solutions, Inc. of Washington, DC, at a Lump Sum Cost of $29,064

Mayor Davis read the agenda comments. Ms. Mach introduced the resolution for second reading and moved its adoption. Mr. Putens seconded the motion. The Mayor noted that there is an item on the Council Action Request Report asking that the lighting on the front of the Community Center be evaluated in conjunction with the bas-reliefs project. Mr. McLaughlin confirmed that this would happen.

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

The resolution was declared adopted (Resolution No. 1010, Book 8).

An Ordinance to Amend Chapter 13, “Personnel,” of the Greenbelt City Code for the Purpose of Adding a New Article VIII, “Labor Code”

Mayor Davis read the agenda comments. Mr. Putens introduced the ordinance for first reading.

The Mayor asked whether it would be permissible for members of Council to continue to make donations to the Fraternal Order of Police (F.O.P.). Mr. McLaughlin said his understanding was that they could, as long as they did it as individuals. She also asked whether the provision that there be no compulsory membership or dues precluded an agency fee. Mr. McLaughlin said he did not believe it did.

Mr. McLaughlin asked that it be noted that Robert Dowling and John Rogers were present representing the F.O.P.

PLAYFUL CITY USA PROGRAM: Mayor Davis read the agenda comments. Kristen Mehr, Director of National Advocacy for KaBoom! was unable to attend the meeting, but Ms. Mach indicated that she had been impressed with her upon meeting her at the National League of Cities (NLC) annual conference. As a result of talking with Ms. Mehr about the program, she concluded that it was very much in the Greenbelt tradition, given Greenbelt’s emphasis on playgrounds and recreation. She said the organization has a good track record. They attracted so much interest at the NLC conference that they decided to bring interested people together at their own conference (UPlay!) in New Orleans in February. To encourage attendance, they are providing scholarship assistance to cover partial costs. Ms. Mach said she thought the benefits to Greenbelt would outweigh the balance of the cost. For example, the program offers challenge grants for both building playgrounds and refurbishing fields. The next deadline is February 28, and cities who attend the conference will receive some preference. Two scholarships of $600 each could be made available to Greenbelt representatives. There was some discussion of whether it would be well-advised to send a staff member from Recreation or Public Works in addition to sending Ms. Mach.

In response to questions, Mr. McLaughlin said there would be funds to cover the approximately $500 per person that would be needed to supplement the scholarships. He said he would consider whether sending a staff person would be advisable.

It was moved by Mr. Putens and seconded by Mr. Herling that Council authorize Ms. Mach and, if determined to be appropriate by the City Manager, a City staff member to attend the U Play! conference to explore possibilities for Greenbelt in the Playful City USA program. Mr. Roberts said he did not think it was necessary to send two people. The motion carried 4-1 (Roberts).

APPOINTMENT OF COUNCILMEMBERS TO BOARDS AND COMMITTEES: Mayor Davis read the agenda comments. It was moved by Mr. Putens and seconded by Ms. Mach that appointments to the City Council advisory groups continue as they are currently:

Advisory Planning Board - Mr. Putens
Arts Advisory Board - Mr. Roberts
Community Relations Advisory Board - Mr. Putens
Park & Recreation Advisory Board - Mr. Herling
Advisory Committee on Education - Ms. Mach
Public Safety Advisory Committee - Mr. Putens
Recycling & Environment Advisory Committee - Mr. Herling
Senior Citizens Advisory Committee - Ms. Mach
Youth Advisory Committee - Mr. Roberts

Friends of the Greenbelt Museum Board - Mayor Davis
Greenbelt Access Television Board - Mr. Herling

Mr. Putens moved, and Ms. Mach seconded, that appointments to COG’s policy boards and sub-committees also continue as they are currently:

Board of Directors - Mayor Davis
Alternate - Mr. Roberts
Transportation Planning Board - Mr. Roberts
Alternate - Mr. Herling
Metropolitan Washington Air Quality Comm. - Ms. Mach
Alternate - Mr. Herling
Metropolitan Development Policy Committee - Mr. Herling
Alternate - Ms. Mach
Human Services Policy Committee - Mr. Putens
Public Safety Policy Committee - Mr. Putens
Chesapeake Bay Policy Committee - Mayor Davis
Alternate - Mr. Putens
Aviation Policy Committee - Mr. Moran

Both motions passed 5-0.

APPOINTMENT TO ADVISORY GROUP: Mr. Herling made a motion that Barbara Dobyns be appointed to the Arts Advisory Board. Mr. Putens seconded, and the motion carried 5-0.

MEETINGS: Council reviewed the meeting schedule. The Mayor asked to add the following stakeholder meetings to the list of meetings to be scheduled: Greenway Center, Greenbelt Park, and the Prince George’s County Economic Development Corporation. It was noted that there would be a Four Cities meeting on Tuesday, January 30, in College Park.

ADJOURNMENT: A motion to adjourn the meeting was made by Ms. Mach and seconded by Mr. Herling. The motion carried 5-0. The Mayor adjourned the regular meeting of January 8, 2007, at 10:50 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 January 8, 2007.

Judith F. Davis
Mayor

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