BUDGET WORK SESSION of the Greenbelt City Council held April 15, 2009, for the purpose of reviewing the Planning and Community Development section of the Proposed FY 2010 budget.
Mayor Davis started the meeting at 8:00 p.m. It was held in the Multipurpose Room of the Greenbelt Community Center.
PRESENT WERE: Councilmembers Konrad E. Herling, Leta M. Mach, Rodney M. Roberts and Mayor Judith F. Davis. Councilmember Edward V.J. Putens was unable to attend.
STAFF PRESENT WERE: Michael P. McLaughlin, City Manager; Jeffrey Williams, City Treasurer; Celia Craze, Director of Planning and Community Development (PCD); and Cindy Murray, City Clerk.
Mr. McLaughlin noted that Ms. Craze had reformatted the PCD section of the budget by identifying accomplishments, issues and management objectives under goals, which includes some of Council’s visioning goals as well as her goals as the Director. He complimented Ms. Craze on this approach.
Ms. Craze reported on the current status of projects, programs and special tasks assigned to the PCD office. She noted the county permitting process is a significant impediment to moving quickly on numerous capital improvement programs.
Council reviewed the PCD section of the budget.
Mayor Davis asked that an increase in fees charged for burglar alarms be added to the budget list for further consideration.
Council then reviewed the Animal Control section of the budget. Mr. Herling asked about the “no kill” policy. Ms. Craze said Greenbelt was the only shelter in the state to follow this policy.
Ms. Craze said the animal control program receives donations from Petsmart, residents and other sources. She commented these funds are used for the spay/neuter program.
Mayor Davis suggested incorporating National Animal Shelter Appreciation Week into current animal shelter programs.
There was considerable discussion regarding current issues with Empirian Village. Ms. Craze noted that Empirian Village had still not submitted for a Use and Occupancy permit. Council recommended a letter be sent to County Executive Jack Johnson and County Councilmembers Ingrid Turner and Thomas Dernoga regarding the issue.
Mr. Roberts asked if the current plumbing in Empirian Village would support washers and dryers in individual units. Ms. Craze said Mr. Sterling would check on this.
Mr. McLaughlin said that Empirian Village had asked to be placed on the agenda for the April 27th meeting to update Council on renovation plans, storefront issues and to appeal infractions. He informed Empirian Village that appeal of infractions was a judicial process, not a council process. It is uncertain at this time whether they will be present at the meeting.
Informational Items
Mayor Davis asked about increasing the City contribution for employee vision and dental insurance. Mr. McLaughlin said he would check into the cost to increase the contribution from 66% to 85% for dental insurance, but noted that vision coverage is included in the current health plan.
Ms. Mach reported the Maryland Municipal League (MML) had received almost 3,000 entries for the “If I Were Mayor” contest, including one entry from Greenbelt Elementary School, 48 entries from Springhill Lake Elementary School and 12 from St. Hugh’s School. She commented she had assisted in reviewing many of the entries.
The meeting ended at 10:35 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Cindy Murray
City Clerk