At its March 13 regular meeting, the Greenbelt City Council recognized six outstanding educators (see the March 23 issue), introduced the proposed award of a compost recycling contract for first reading and accepted three Forest Preserve Advisory Board reports covering Northway trailhead erosion. Two proposed funds and recommendations to use funds from the Ecology and Science funds to study the hydrology and geology of Canyon Creek in the Forest Preserve were also discussed.
Compost Contract
Councilmember Kristen Weaver introduced for first reading a resolution granting a sole-source contract to Compost Crew to prepare the composting site and collect food scraps for composting under the recently-received grant for a pilot program of curbside collection of food scraps. Previously, there was discussion of issuing a request for proposals for this work but the city determined that it could grant the sole-source contract under Section 2.39(1) of the city code and Section 40 of the city charter.
The compost contract was subsequently adopted at the March 28 council meeting.
Forest Preserve
Council accepted three reports from the Forest Preserve Advisory Board (FPAB). The first two were on the agenda for discussion at the March 27 regular meeting, which was postponed until March 28. The first is an application for funding for a research project to understand the hydrology and geology of Canyon Creek in the Greenbelt Forest Preserve. The second reports on significant erosion of the Northway Trailhead in the Forest Preserve and recommends that Public Works reroute two short sections of the trail to avoid steep inclines, aligning the new trail to shed water and minimize erosion and needs for maintenance. The final report documents FPAB’s support for the research project previously mentioned.
Proclamation
Mayor Emmett Jordan presented a proclamation declaring March National Women’s History Month and recognizing the role of women in the history of Greenbelt.
Administrative Reports
Interim City Manager Timothy George reported that the city’s American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) website has been revamped to make it easier for users to find information. The city expects to update pages weekly. All of the applications for various programs, such as applying for healthcare vouchers, will be available on the site. See engagegreenbelt.org for more information.
George noted that the city has made an offer for the position of assistant planning director. The city has many open positions, including summer help, all of which are listed on the city’s website at greenbeltmd.gov. Users should select “Apply for” in the “I Want to” box on the opening screen, then scroll down to “Jobs with the City.”