BUDGET WORK SESSION of the Greenbelt City Council held Monday, April 30, 2007, for the purpose of reviewing the Recreation section of the Proposed FY 2008 Budget.

Mayor Davis started the meeting at 7:39p.m.  It was held in the Council Room of the Municipal Building.

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; Jeff Williams, City Treasurer; Hank Irving, Director of Recreation; Julie McHale and Joe McNeal, Assistant Directors of Recreation; Nicole DeWald, Arts Supervisor, Di Quynn–Reno, Community Center Supervisor; Karen Haseley, Therapeutic Recreation Supervisor; Greg Varda, Recreation Supervisor; Stephen Parks, Aquatic and Fitness Center Supervisor and David E. Moran, Assistant City Manager.

ALSO PRESENT WERE: Clement Lau, Sheldon Goldberg and Thomas X. White, News Review.

There were introductions.  Mr. Irving introduced Stephen Parks, the new Aquatic & Fitness Center Supervisor. 

Mr. Irving began by noting the Department’s budget increase was small (1.7%) but there were a number of new initiatives.  There was a presentation of photos of various Department activities throughout the year.

FY 2007 Accomplishments

There was discussion about the skate park.  Mr. McNeal noted there had been two injuries last week (a broken arm and a dislocated ankle).  Mr. Roberts favored efforts to increase the use of protective gear (pads) at the skate park. 

Mr. Herling asked about the Park Ranger program.  Mr. McNeal responded that the rangers patrol all City park areas, however their availability (number of hours) was limited. 

Ms. Mach asked about the status of “paired positions.”  Staff responded that this was under review.  She asked about the Braden Field shed.  Mr. McNeal responded staff was still working on this project and that permits would be needed. 

Mr. Lau noted that the Eleanor Roosevelt swim team had not attended two meets during the winter months as was indicated in the Budget document.  He suggested that movable starting blocks be added at the indoor and outdoor pools.  

Issues & Services - FY 2008

Mr. Irving noted the strategies to increase revenue and the need for balance.  Mr. Herling asked about the amount of time the Department spends on marketing.  Mr. Irving responded about 20% across all the accounts.  Mr. Herling stated the need for a marketing staffer to help with this effort.  Council discussed the balance between resident and non-resident participation in Recreation programs.

Mayor Davis stated that the skate park was open and going well.  Mr. Irving and Mr. McNeal indicated that skate park operating procedures were still under review. 

Program Offerings

Mayor Davis asked about the Business Person’s Lunch and staff explained how this program worked.  Ms. Mach asked about the criteria for listing an organization as a “Community Partner.”  Ms. McHale responded that it was based upon cooperative relationships with these groups.  Council commented on some of the new events under “Holiday and Special Events.”

Departmental Accounts

Council reviewed the Administration and Recreation Center budgets.

Under Aquatic & Fitness Center, Mayor Davis noted that employee passes were down.  Ms. McHale indicated that this would be looked at as part of the wellness programs.  Mr. Putens asked for a list of passes and programs that could be provided to employees.    

Under Community Center, Council expressed interest in showing movies on the Community Center lawn, at Roosevelt Center, or at Braden Field.  Mr. Roberts asked staff to think about how they might use the Fire Station for recreation programming if it became available. 

Under Greenbelt’s Kids, Mayor Davis noted that attendance numbers were increasing. 

Next, Council reviewed Therapeutic Recreation.  Ms. Haseley discussed the challenges with using vans for trips.  She reported it was difficult to get drivers and proposed using bus trips instead of van trips.  She noted shopping trips were going well and filling up a van.

Council reviewed the Leisure & Fitness account.

Under Arts, Mayor Davis noted the positive comments from the Maryland State Arts Council.  Ms. DeWald commented on the impact of the window renovation and its impact on the studio artists.  

Council reviewed the Special Events and Parks accounts.   

The meeting ended at 11:15 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,
 David E. Moran
Assistant City Manager

 

 

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