WORK SESSION of the Greenbelt City Council held Wednesday, June 6, 2007, for the purpose of meeting with representatives of Greenbelt Park.

 Mayor Davis started the meeting at 8:00 p.m. It was held in the Senior Classroom of the Community Center.

 PRESENT WERE: Councilmembers Konrad E. Herling, 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: Gayle Hazelwood, Superintendent, National Capital Parks East and Fred Cunningham, Greenbelt Park Manager

 Mayor Davis asked about the National Park Service (NPS) Centennial (2016) Challenge program. Ms. Hazelwood responded that the “Challenge” would engage in philanthropic activities to connect with communities, create new partnerships, maintain infrastructure and develop creative and collaborative efforts to enhance Park activities. She noted this would be an ongoing effort as NPS approached the centennial.

 Mr. Roberts asked if there was any limit to the type of activities (i.e., stream restoration). Ms. Hazelwood responded that it could be anything. Mr. Roberts asked if the funds had to be matched. Ms. Hazelwood responded that yes it has to be a dollar for dollar match. She also stated that funds could be used to address needs adjacent to a park.

 Mr. Putens suggested that perhaps the City and Greenbelt Park could partner on a ranger program that could serve in both Greenbelt Park and Buddy Attick Park. Ms. Hazelwood believed this was a possibility and suggested a number of models (student community service, interns, youth conservation corps, etc.). Mr. Cunningham noted that most junior rangers at Greenbelt Park come from the Greenbelt area.

 Mr. Cunningham stated that the Park Police were conducting a campaign “Smooth Operator” to address speeding on the Baltimore-Washington Parkway. Ms. Hazelwood reported that unfortunately, the Parkway has the worst accident and fatality rate among all the parkways in the nation. Mayor Davis asked about dealing with speeding motorcycles. Mr. Cunningham noted that police agencies were prohibited from chasing motorcycles unless they were involved in a felony.

 Mr. Cunningham discussed some of the improvements to Greenbelt Park and the campground there.

 Mayor Davis asked about public safety problems at the park. Mr. Cunningham noted that there are occasionally problems on the trail. He indicated that park police increase patrols during the summer.

 Mr. Herling asked about the number of campground users. Ms. Hazelwood responded that campground use was on the increase.

 Mayor Davis asked if there were other ways the City could help Greenbelt Park. Ms. Hazelwood believed that the relationship was good, but suggested a brainstorming session to generate ideas for the Centennial Challenge. Mr. Putens believed something could be done with the Four Cities Coalition. Mr. McLaughlin suggested that maybe the Anacostia Trails Heritage Area group could participate. He also referenced a push by former Senator Sarbanes for a War of 1812 trail.

 Mayor Davis asked about any insect/pest problems. Ms. Hazelwood stated no problems at Greenbelt Park, but there was some evidence in outlying areas that gypsy moths were coming back.

 Mayor Davis stated that things were going well and thanked Mr. Cunningham and Ms. Hazelwood for attending.

 Other Business

Mayor Davis announced the groundbreaking for the new professional building at Doctors Hospital. She commented on the Public Works facility project and expressed her opinion that the City should complete the project and not cut back on any elements, especially the “green” components. Mr. Herling agreed. Mayor Davis reported on an offer by Ms. Craze to conduct a public meeting on the status of Greenbelt Station. Council favored scheduling this meeting.

 The meeting ended at 9:15 p.m.

 Respectfully submitted,

 David E. Moran
Assistant City Manager

 

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