BUDGET WORK SESSION of the Greenbelt City Council held April 4, 2007, for the purpose of reviewing the Planning & Community Development and Capital Projects sections of the proposed FY 2008 Budget.

Mayor Davis started the meeting at 8:10 p.m. It was held in the Multipurpose Room 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; Celia Craze, Director of Planning & Community Development; Terri Hruby, Assistant Director of Planning; Jim Sterling, Assistant Director of Community Development; and David E. Moran, Assistant City Manager.

 ALSO PRESENT WERE: Sheldon Goldberg, Derek Thompson, James Giese, News Review

 Ms. Hruby presented a powerpoint presentation summarizing FY 2007 planning accomplishments and outlining planning objectives for FY 2008. Mr. Sterling summarized the FY 2007 community development accomplishments and presented the management objectives for FY 2008. Mr. Sterling also listed the issues being faced by the department in FY 2008.

 There was discussion about the recent fires at Springhill Lake. Mr. Sterling noted that code violations existed in the wiring that connected the sub-meter system.

 Next, Council reviewed each page of the budget section. Mayor Davis asked about the Greenbelt East traffic calming program. Ms. Craze noted they were considering other strategies such as speed humps instead of circles, due to budget constraints and other challenges. Council stressed the need to return to the Windsor Green community with any alternative proposals.

 Mr. McLaughlin asked if Council supported the direction of the City’s animal control program was headed. Mayor Davis supported the program. Mr. Roberts expressed concern that enough enforcement might not be being done. Ms. Craze stressed her belief that ultimately two FTE’s for animal control would be needed.

 Capital Projects: Council reviewed this section of the budget.

 The meeting ended at 11:29 p.m.
 Respectfully submitted,

 David E. Moran
Assistant City Manager

 

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