REGULAR MEETING OF THE GREENBELT CITY COUNCIL
held Monday, February 9, 2009.
Mayor Davis called the meeting to order at 8:10 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 McLaughlin, City Manager; John Shay, City Solicitor; David E. Moran, Assistant City Manager; Cindy Murray, City Clerk; and Carolyn Clemens, Assistant Director of Public Works.
Mayor Davis asked for a moment of silence in memory of residents Grace Hamilton, Beatrice Bronstein, Paul Lentz, Rosemarie Mangialardi, Judy Reilly and Gloria Schulstgad and former resident Kathrine Gough. She 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. The motion passed 5-0.
Council thereby took the following actions:
MINUTES OF COUNCIL MEETINGS
Work Session, January 7, 2009
Work Session, January 14, 2009
Work Session, January 21, 2009
Interview, January 26, 2009
Regular Meeting, January 26, 2009
Approved as presented.
RESIGNATION FROM ARTS ADVISORY BOARD: Council accepted with regret the resignation of Pauline Grant from the Arts Advisory Board.
REAPPOINTMENT TO ADVISORY GROUPS: Council reappointed the following individuals to new terms on their advisory boards or committees: David Whiteman, Advisory Committee on Education; Steve Skolnik, Board of Appeals; Janet Jacobs-Parker, Community Relations Advisory Board; and Margaret Cahalan, Recycling and Environment Advisory Committee.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA: Ms. Mach requested Amendment on Economic Stimulus Plan be added as Item #17 and Appointment to Advisory Committee be added as Item #18. Mr. Roberts requested Economic Stimulus Plan Projects be added. Mayor Davis suggested adding the Economic Stimulus Plan as Item #17 in two parts to cover both the amendment and the projects. It was moved by Ms. Mach and seconded by Mr. Herling that the agenda be approved as amended. The motion passed 5-0
PRESENTATIONS: None
PETITIONS AND REQUESTS: None
MINUTES OF COUNCIL MEETINGS:
Executive Session of January 26, 2009: Mr. Roberts moved that the minutes of the executive session of the City Council held Monday, January 26, 2009, be approved as presented. He further requested that the minutes of this meeting reflect that the Council met in executive session at 10:02 p.m. in the Library of the Municipal Building. Council held this closed meeting in accordance with Section 10-508 (a)(7) of the State Government Article of the Annotated Code of Public General Laws of Maryland to consult with legal counsel. Mr. Putens seconded the motion.
ROLL CALL: Mr. Herling - yes
Ms. Mach - yes
Mr. Putens - yes
Mr. Roberts - yes
Mayor Davis - yes
Executive Session of February 2, 2009: Mr. Roberts moved that the minutes of the executive session of the City Council held Monday, February 2, 2009, be approved as presented. He further requested that the minutes of this meeting reflect that the Council met in executive session at 8:05 p.m. in the Council Room of the Municipal Building. Council held this closed meeting in accordance with Section 10-508 (a)(7) of the State Government Article of the Annotated Code of Public General Laws of Maryland to consult with legal counsel. Mr. Putens seconded the motion.
ROLL CALL: Mr. Herling - yes
Ms. Mach - yes
Mr. Putens - yes
Mr. Roberts - yes
Mayor Davis - yes
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS:
Mr. McLaughlin announced Governor O’Malley’s office has contacted the City and indicated the Governor may attend the Kick Off Ceremony for the Health Care Initiative on March 9th at Springhill Lake Elementary School.
Mr. Herling and Mr. Putens commented on the work session with Empirian Village. Mr. Putens said he was concerned that Empirian Village was not continuing the program initiated by AIMCO of providing window guards to residents who requested them.
Ms. Mach noted her attendance at the planning retreat for Clean Air Partners. Ms. Mach announced that Prince George’s Elected Municipal Women were accepting applications for college scholarships until April 15th.
Mayor Davis commented on the MML Legislative Action Committee meeting, the Greener
Greenbelt Initiative meeting and the meeting of mayors of towns and cities within the Fifth
Congressional District held in Greenbelt. She also noted she was speaking at local schools about
the “If I Were Mayor” contest.
Ms. Mach asked about the status of lights at McDonald Field. Mr. McLaughlin said he would check with the Recreation Department and report back with an answer.
LEGISLATION:
A Resolution to Repeal Resolution 893 and Establish a New Green Advisory Committee on Environmental Sustainability (GreenACES)
Mayor Davis read the agenda comments. Mayor Davis introduced the resolution for second reading and moved its adoption. Mr. Putens seconded.
ROLL CALL: Mr. Herling - yes
Ms. Mach - yes
Mr. Putens - yes
Mr. Roberts - yes
Mayor Davis - yes
The Resolution was declared adopted (Resolution No. 1042, Book 8).
PURCHASE OF OFFICE FURNITURE FOR PUBLIC WORKS: Mayor Davis read the agenda comments. Mr. Putens moved that Council approve the purchase of office furniture for the crew supervisors’ offices in Public Works from Douron, Inc. of Baltimore for a cost of $22,081.24. Mr. Herling seconded. The motion passed 5-0.
Mr. Roberts noted that the furniture for the administrative offices was made out of pressure treated wood. Following discussion, Council asked Staff to determine if better quality furniture was available, and to make the decision to purchase administratively since the purchase would be less than $10,000.
STATE LEGISLATION: Mayor Davis read the agenda comments.
Mr. Putens moved that Council support House Bill 74. Ms. Mach seconded.
The motion passed 5-0.
Mayor Davis moved that Council support House Bill 287. Mr. Putens seconded.
The motion passed 5-0.
Mayor Davis moved that Council support House Bill 130. Mr. Putens seconded.
The motion passed 5-0.
Mr. Herling moved that Council support House Bill 248. Ms. Mach seconded.
The motion passed 5-0.
Ms. Mach moved that Council support Senate Bill 277/House Bill 313. Mr. Putens seconded.
The motion passed 5-0.
FY 2010 BUDGET BRIEFING: Mr. McLaughlin provided a presentation on the preparation of the FY 2010 budget to date.
Council thanked Mr. McLaughlin for the presentation which provided the community with an update of the City’s current and projected financial situation.
Mr. Orleans, Greenbelt, questioned and was provided answers on the tax abatement for Beltway Plaza.
ECONOMIC STIMULUS PLAN:
AMENDMENT TO ECONOMIC STIMULUS PLAN:: Ms. Mach reported that Senator Coburn has proposed an amendment be added to the Economic Stimulus Plan that prohibits the use of funds for a number of projects, including community parks, theaters and beautification projects. She mentioned funding for several of the City’s proposed projects such as playground improvements, the neighborhood conservation project and the renovation of Greenbelt Theater would not be allowed under this amendment.
Ms. Mach moved that Council send a letter opposing Senator Coburn’s amendment to the Economic Stimulus Plan to all local representatives. Mr. Putens seconded. The motion passed 5-0.
ECONOMIC STIMULUS PLAN PROJECTS: Mr. Roberts stated he was concerned funding included in the Economic Stimulus Plan was focused on transportation projects, such as the Intercounty Connector, and other short term projects that did not address long term needs. Mayor Davis mentioned a portion of the funding was for short term “shovel ready” projects, but the remainder would be used for other projects. Mr. Roberts suggested a letter be sent to representatives asking them to use a portion of the funding to address long term needs.
Mr. Roberts moved that Council send a letter to all local representatives requesting a portion of the funding for the Economic Stimulus Plan focus on long term energy efficient projects. Mr. Herling seconded. The motion passed 5-0.
APPOINTMENTS: Ms. Mach moved to appoint Jacquelyn Hair to the Employee Relations Board and Jose Riggins Sr. to the Youth Advisory Committee. Mr. Putens seconded. The motion passed 5-0.
MEETINGS: Council reviewed the meeting schedule.
ADJOURNMENT: A motion to adjourn the regular meeting was made by Ms. Mach and seconded by Mr. Putens. The motion passed 5-0.
Mayor Davis adjourned the regular meeting of Monday, February 9, 2009, at 9:55 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Cindy Murray
City Clerk
"I hereby certify that the above and foregoing is a true and correct report of the regular meeting of the City Council of Greenbelt, Maryland, held February 9, 2009.”
Judith F. Davis
Mayor