At the September 14 worksession, the Greenbelt City Council continued in its efforts to prioritize how the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds will finally be spent.
An urgent new addition to the list was the needed infrastructure repairs to the city’s outdoor pool, built in 1937. A recent inspection at the mechanics area, separate from the public area, revealed deteriorated concrete and rusting steel rebar. Repairs would need to be done as soon as possible to enable the pool to reopen on Memorial Day. Public Works Director Willis Shafer estimated the cost of the repairs, which would include the use of an engineering firm for an assessment and quality control, at $500,000. The bidding process would need to be fast-tracked to begin the project in time to allow the proper curing of the concrete during the colder months. Shafer hopes to begin the project by December. He said that ARPA funds are eligible for this effort. Council and staff were clear on the project’s urgency, as the pool is a key recreational facility.
Mayor Emmett Jordan suggested creating a tree canopy replacement fund, in order to address the large number of trees that were downed by recent storms. His concept was that the city’s homeowner associations, condo associations and apartment complexes would pull from this fund. The amount suggested was $100,000. Councilmember Rodney Roberts was skeptical that an adequate number of trees (which should be in the thousands) could be provided at this amount, preferring to rely on natural growth and feeling that apartment complexes have plenty of resources to address this themselves. Most of council was amenable to the fund, with Shafer saying that some sort of an arrangement with a tree-planting firm could be negotiated at a reduced price.
ARPA funds to the upcoming reparations committee were posited, but it was decided to table it until the next city budget session as their possible expenses are still a long way away.
Four items having to do with bike and pedestrian improvements, bus stop accessibility and street, sidewalks, curb, gutter and Americans with Disabilities Act improvements were joined under a single umbrella, as they are all related to one another.
$850,000 for HVAC improvements to the Youth Center and the Community Center (specifically to areas in the lower level which were not addressed in improvements done eight years ago) was deemed a necessity. Shafer explained that air purification would be an element to any quality HVAC system.
$500,000 was suggested for healthcare vouchers to go to residents in need. Jordan expressed that it would serve low-income residents (this distinction would need to be defined) and those who often have to pay co-pays and deductibles. Roberts was concerned about the city’s ability to make significant and lasting impact in this area with these funds. Jordan and Councilmember Ric Gordon saw this as only a temporary measure, with grants being a possible way to continue it.
Some of the items on the working list were deemed to be more like goals than specific projects to be funded, such as addressing aging and green infrastructure.
Addressing the city’s ballfields, at $2,350,000, was debated. Recreation Director Greg Varda said that the main issue is field management, as any upgrades could be negated in a short period of time from over-usage. Jordan asked for specific costs for each of the city’s field improvements.
Interim City Manager Timothy George said that the city’s space study is in its final draft and after a review by staff will be presented at the Monday, September 26, council meeting.
An $80,000 study focused on providing a citywide broadband upgrade was discussed. While considered a useful assessment, IT Director Dale Worley and council said that broadband is not something many jurisdictions are pursuing and that upcoming technology will potentially render it obsolete. Wireless service is proving to be the current trend.
$100,000 was suggested for improvements to outdoor amenities at the Youth Center and Springhill Lake Recreation Center (SLRC). According to Varda, improvements to the basketball court and a possible pavilion at SLRC would require a detailed assessment of the area as to how these would be situated.
George said the city’s website will soon include a comprehensive listing of all ARPA expenditures, proposals and costs that residents can view.
While it was pointed out that the city does not have a significant number of homeless, council advised seeking advice from Greenbelt CARES as to how to best fund assistance to these residents.
Both Roberts and resident Bill Orleans emphasized that ARPA funds should mostly be used for “people projects,” like rental and eviction assistance and not construction projects. Councilmember Judith Davis countered that infrastructure is a people project, as it enhances quality of life.
$100,000 was put forth for programs that would bring more business to the city and encourage residents to shop at local retailers and dine at local restaurants. This might take the form of mailers, social media ads or videos. Resident Michael Hartman stressed that the three major business centers in the city, these being Greenway Center, Beltway Plaza and Roosevelt Center, would benefit from this approach.
The installation of solar charging stations for mobile devices at city parks was deemed useful, with the cost of $75,000.
Worley said that the goal of IT is to create an integrated, citywide system of CCTV and alarm systems. $1M was put forth, with Shafer noting that currently the Youth Center, Community Center, the Aquatic & Fitness Center and SLRC require these upgrades.
Varda said that the Buddy Attick Park Master Plan has been funded and a request for proposals is in the works.
Various ideas and cost amounts using ARPA were debated including increasing public art in the city, with approaches like cash-prize competitions, mini-grants and commissions.
Roberts cautioned that the rough estimates for the many projects proposed will likely go over budget, potentially leading to funding problems over time.
Jordan responded that the city will be vigilant in monitoring expenditures, acknowledging Roberts’s fears. He stressed though that “this is a one-time opportunity” and there was a “need to think broadly” in order to make these funds benefit as many residents and concerns as possible. He said that the outpouring of input from all quarters has “been really inspiring. The ARPA issues will come up for a vote as soon as September 27, according to Jordan.”