In its meeting on June 27, the Greenbelt City Council tackled the Fiscal Year 2023 annual Project Open Space (POS) request that is due to the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission. The city has been notified that the county will receive a total of $12,606,444 in FY 23 POS funds of which Greenbelt will be receiving $325,246.36, half of which must be allocated to land acquisition projects. Funds are already encumbered for three ongoing projects: the Aquatic & Fitness Center, Buddy Attick Park and Lakecrest tennis court improvements. In addition, city staff propose a new project, the Springhill Lake Recreation Center Outdoor Recreation Amenities. POS proposals also include two development projects – Greenbelt Station Outdoor Recreation Amenities and Youth Center improvements – from the city FY 22 program which are to be carried forward with broader project scopes. This leaves a balance of new and old money totaling more than $700,000 for land acquisition, though none was proposed.
Councilmember Rodney Roberts inquired of Planning and Community Development Director Terri Hruby the proportion of construction to land acquisition for POS funds historically. Roberts stated that climate change will negatively impact Greenbelt, a problem that POS monies could address by preserving woods and open space. Use of POS funds for construction projects instead of preservation of the environment, he said, does nothing to offset the impact of climate change. Resident Bill Orleans, echoing Roberts, remarked that the construction projects could be funded with monies other than POS funds. Council voted 6 to 1 in favor of staff recommendations, with Roberts opposed.
Also concerning environmental projects, Damien Ossi, Forest Preserve Advisory Board co-chair, presented a pilot project for invasive plant management in the Greenbelt Forest Preserve that would remove non-native honeysuckle, Japanese stiltgrass and tree of heaven (Ailanthus). Council approved the proposal.
Principal Honored
Retiring Eleanor Roosevelt High School Principal Reginald McNeill was honored by council for his 29 years of service to the Prince George’s County Public School System. Mayor Emmett Jordan presented a letter expressing council’s appreciation and a plaque to McNeill.
Councilmember Judith Davis commented on how the school has grown and succeeded under his direction. Councilmember Colin Byrd noted that several of our local educational leaders were retiring and drew attention to Roosevelt’s winning STEP team, successful basketball program, and exceptional science and tech program.
New Public Works Director Willis Shafer was welcomed to Greenbelt. Davis remarked on the community spirit of Greenbelt’s Public Works employees that he was about to lead.
Legislative Priorities
Council discussed and voted on the Maryland Municipal League (MML) legislative requests approving submission of council’s permitted three legislative areas of focus that all crucially affect Greenbelt. Davis confirmed that these will be considered during July to be ready for legislative action in the fall:
1) Notice of tax abatement requests. These affect the city by reducing the amount of tax revenue received from the state and currently there is no required prior notice. Davis, a longtime member of the MML legislative committee, noted that this was a new request and felt it was worthy of consideration.
2) Notice of constant yield. This relates to the property owner’s opportunity to be heard on the issue of property tax rates before they are final. Davis said it needs to be reworded so that the average person can understand it.
3) Equity guidelines for analysis of state transportation projects. These require that the Department of Transportation analyze the proportional impacts on local communities before considering alterations or reductions in a capital expansion project related to transportation. Councilmember Kristin Weaver championed its inclusion, supported by Byrd. Roberts confirmed that the state does not currently do this.
The MML identifies priorities for legislation at the state level from submissions from all state municipalities. Jordan commented that all municipalities in Maryland (many of which are rural) are included in MML, but that there is considerable disparity in their needs, and not all are affected by the same factors.
Reparations Progress
The Reparations Commission application was reworded and approved after a meandering discussion about whether to include a fixed deadline in the document and whether answers to some questions, particularly gender identity, should be required. Orleans asked council to think about having a more open process for application consideration and Roberts concurred. Weaver repeatedly urged council to come to a conclusion, appearing increasingly frustrated with the slow pace and extensive digression.
Admin Reports
Interim City Manager Tim George reported progress on the study of comparable salaries and the finalization of parking and other plans for July 4 celebrations. A wider republicizing of the city’s economic development coordinator vacancy had yielded four new potential candidates whose résumés are being vetted. Financial management transition is moving forward and the new system is on track.
George confirmed that American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) money must be encumbered by 2024 and spent by 2026, but in practice that means decisions must be made in 2022 or early 2023.
Although some local jurisdictions have had to cancel July 4 celebrations due to staffing or supply shortages, Greenbelt’s was able to continue as planned. The Buddy Attick parking lot project was halted for the celebration, and was already behind schedule due to rain and supply-chain issues. It will be re-started subsequently and should be finished in about 30 days, though some planting may be delayed until cooler weather.
In closing, council discussed future potential worksessions. Davis suggested that one meeting might include the ethics commission to add conflict-of-interest disclosure for council candidates. She also suggested policing practices, small cells (which are low-powered cellular radio access nodes), mosquito control, Beltway Plaza and Greenbelt Station apartments as topics. Other suggestions included ARPA funding and the Reparations Commission process.