BUDGET WORK SESSION OF THE GREENBELT CITY COUNCIL held Monday, May 18, 2009, for the purpose of undertaking a final review of the FY 2010 budget.
Mayor Davis called the meeting to order at 8:11 p.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 McLaughlin, City Manager; David Moran, Assistant City Manager; Celia Craze, Director of Planning & Community Development; Joe McNeal, Assistant Director of Recreation; Kenny Hall, Director of Public Works; Liz Park, Director of CARES; Chief Jim Craze, Capts. Dan O’Neil and Tom Kemp, and Lt. Jim Parker, Police Department.
ALSO PRESENT WERE: Sheldon Goldberg and Bill Orleans.
Mayor Davis presented a proposal for revenue and expenditure changes (see attached) to the proposed budget. She asked if any council members or staff had any concerns with her proposal.
Mr. Putens recommended an additional $400 for funding of contribution groups in order to fully fund the Greenbelt Arts Center request.
There was discussion regarding traffic calming measures on Crescent Road at the St. Hugh’s pedestrian crosswalk. Mr. Roberts said a traffic signal, such as the one located on Ridge Road at Green Ridge House, was needed. Ms. Craze said she did not feel the location would qualify under federal regulation for installation of this type of traffic signal. She said either a rapid flashing beacon signal or a button activated light currently being tested by the Federal Highway Administration should be considered for this location. Mr. McLaughlin said staff will present a detailed proposal on this project at an upcoming Council meeting.
There was Council consensus to proceed with the Mayor’s proposal as amended by Mr. Putens.
Mr. Putens asked if there would be additional Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding. Mr. McLaughlin said the City had been notified that additional CDBG funds were available. He said staff was recommending three projects: $53,000 for street improvements on Springhill Lane and installation of bus shelters throughout Empirian Village, $65,000 for new ultra high efficient rooftop HVAC units at the Springhill Lake Recreation Center, and a project to establish a Strengthening Families program at Springhill Lake Elementary.
Ms. Mach asked about the status of the Wall of Honor project. Mr. McLaughlin said staff needs to revisit the entire project and begin preparatory work as work load permits. Ms. Mach said she would like to see the preparatory work done.
Council thanked staff, department heads and all employees for their work on the FY 2010 budget. Ms. Mach and Mr. Herling noted the need to increase promotion of the postal facility and also the Greenbelt Connection.
Mr. McLaughlin thanked Council and staff for their efforts with the budget during these difficult economic times. He also thanked Council for including pay raises for employees, increasing the city contribution to employee’s dental insurance, and not reducing any employee positions.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:30 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Cindy Murray
City Clerk