PUBLIC HEARING OF THE GREENBELT CITY COUNCIL held Tuesday, April 28, 2009, on Voting Reform.
Mayor Davis started the public hearing at 7:03 p.m. in the Springhill Lake Recreation 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 McLaughlin, City Manager; Robert Manzi, City Solicitor; Steve Silvestri, Outside Counsel; and Cindy Murray, City Clerk.
Following introductions, Mayor Davis announced this was the first meeting in the third series of public hearings scheduled by Council concerning suggestions for changes to the City’s current election process. She explained that this series of public hearings would focus primarily on whether or not to expand the City Council from five to seven members, which is the latest suggestion offered by several citizens at previous hearings and in email messages.
Mayor Davis stated the City Council had not taken any position on this matter, nor would it take a position tonight. She said the public hearing this evening is one more opportunity for the Council to listen to all participants and to gather information.
Mayor Davis commented that Greenbelt has always welcomed discussion, with many differing viewpoints, and asked everyone to be respectful and open-minded throughout the evening. She asked all audience members who wished to speak to sign in and encouraged individuals who did not want to speak publicly to write or email their comments to Council.
Mayor Davis said additional public hearings would be held on Wednesday, April 29th, 7:00 p.m., at the Community Center and Thursday, May 7th, 7:00 p.m., at Windsor Green Community Center.
Mayor Davis then opened the floor to speakers in the audience.
Mr. Orleans, Greenbelt, asked what the cost had been to the City to date on the voting reform issue. Mr. McLaughlin said he didn’t have an update at this time but would provide it at a later public hearing.
There were no other speakers.
The meeting ended at 7:10 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Cindy Murray
City Clerk