The Greenbelt City Council held its regular meeting on January 28, 2026, at 7:30 PM. The meeting covered a range of topics including a presentation on the COG DMVMoves regional transit plan, proclamations for Black History Month and International Holocaust Remembrance Day, administrative reports on the recent snowstorm, authorization of a stop sign enforcement contract, discussion of state legislative bills, acceptance of the Council Retreat report, and adoption of the meeting schedule. Consent Calendar - Approved 7-0 the consent agenda including Advisory Planning Board Report 2026-01 on the Draft Prince George’s County Master Plan of Transportation. Public Comments & Testimony - Robert Goldberg-Strassler (resident) requested suspension of snow removal enforcement on sidewalks due to ice. - Bill Orleans (resident) requested to see the City Manager's directive regarding prohibition of anti-union activities. - Michael Hartman (2 Cork Garden Way) expressed concerns about lack of mention of MetroAccess/accessibility in the DMVMoves presentation and asked about transit to Annapolis. - Bill Orleans commented that the DMVMoves task force meetings were not transparent and lacked minutes, and criticized the plan for not including dedicated funding or WMATA taxing authority. Presentations - COG DMVMoves Presentation: Tom Harrington, COG Multimodal Program Planning Director, presented on the DMVMoves plan to address WMATA's capital funding crisis (need for $460 million/year new capital funding, indexed at 3% annual growth) and improve regional transit integration. The plan includes a bus priority network with seven corridors, but none in Greenbelt currently. Discussion included concerns about service reductions in Greenbelt from Metro's Better Bus redesign and the need for better connection to Annapolis. Councilmembers asked about opportunities for input and accessibility. - Black History Month Proclamation: Mayor Jordan proclaimed February 2026 as Black History Month. Dr. Lois Rosado of the Greenbelt Black History and Culture Committee accepted and listed upcoming events. - International Holocaust Remembrance Day Proclamation: Mayor Jordan proclaimed January 27, 2026 as International Holocaust Remembrance Day. Robert Goldberg-Strassler accepted and recited the Kaddish. Administrative Reports - City Manager Josué Salmerón reported on: FY2027 budget preparations, loss of Economic Development Manager John Mason to Prince George’s EDC, Chick-a-Licious ribbon cutting, Resource Fair serving 150 individuals, façade improvement grant, Verizon meeting on cell signal issues, Community Center elevator project (completion July/August), EV charging station permit, Save-As-You-Throw program progress. Also detailed the snowstorm response: crews worked 20-hour shifts, roads cleared, city opened on two-hour delays. Sidewalk clearing enforcement: city works with residents with age/disability exemptions but encourages compliance. Communication efforts praised. Also noted the Elsa-from-Frozen advisory not to walk on frozen lakes. Discussion Items - Resolution to Endorse COG DMVMoves Funding Proposal (First Reading): Council received the presentation and discussed. The resolution was introduced for first reading and will come back for second reading at a future meeting. - Authorization for City Manager to Approve Stop Sign Contract: The city issued an RFP and received five proposals. Staff recommended Obvio Inc. for the automated stop sign enforcement program in school zones. The cameras will be year-round, cost-neutral (monthly fee per camera + per violation fee), with a 30-day warning period before citations ($40 fine). Chief Bowers explained the selection process, privacy protections (data not shared without subpoena), and a 60% drop in violations seen in Berwyn Heights. The contract is one-year renewable. - Discussion on Legislative Bills: Council reviewed the Week 1 legislative summary from Carrington and Associates. They discussed the process for tracking bills, prioritizing, and advocating. Councilmember Pompi noted the rapid progress of bill banning certain firearms (SB287). Council voted 7-0 to reaffirm support for SB342 (Beverage Container Recycling Refund and Litter Reduction Program). - Discussion and Acceptance of Council Retreat Report: The retreat was held December 10 and 15, 2025, facilitated by Tom Reynolds of MML. The report outlines strategic goals in public safety, youth engagement, economic development, transportation, environment, infrastructure, and communications. Council accepted the report 7-0 with an amendment to correct the spelling of Councilmember Weaver's name. They discussed next steps to turn it into an actionable strategic plan and possibly engage the community in a visioning process. Meetings Schedule - Council debated a proposed meeting schedule for budget work sessions. A motion to remove a requirement for written questions by a deadline failed 2-5. The original motion to adopt the schedule as presented passed 7-0. Amendments included moving the quarterly update to February 11 (due to snowstorm) and scheduling a meet-and-greet on March 2 or 4. The overall calendar as amended was adopted 7-0. Key Outcomes - Consent agenda approved 7-0. - Resolution to endorse DMVMoves introduced for first reading (will return). - Authorization for City Manager to enter into stop sign contract with Obvio Inc. approved 7-0. - Support for SB342 (bottle bill) reaffirmed 7-0. - Council Retreat Report accepted 7-0 with name correction. - Meeting schedule adopted 7-0 after amendments. - City Manager directed to check living wage compliance for stop sign subcontractors.
Public Meetings - Greenbelt, Maryland
Public Meetings - Greenbelt, MarylandThe Greenbelt City Council held its regular meeting on January 12, 2026, at 7:30 PM. The meeting covered a range of legislative, operational, and planning matters, including adoption of a charter amendment granting collective bargaining rights to Public Works employees, approval of an ordinance regulating EV charging station parking, first readings of three annexation resolutions for BARC/NASA lands, and authorization of contracts for a red-light camera extension and community center elevator modernization. Public comments addressed the charter amendment process, technical issues in the council chamber, and parking concerns. Consent Calendar - Cold Storage Trailer Purchase: Authorized the City Manager to execute a contract for a cold storage trailer for food recovery programs. - Power DMS Subscription: Approved $13,762.13 for PowerPolicy and PowerReady annual subscriptions. - Collision Repair for Police Vehicle: Authorized $14,175.22 payment to Advanced Collision Center for repairs to Police Vehicle 627. - Versaterm Subscription: Approved $11,591.60 for IAPro and BlueTeam software annual subscription. - Standpipe Paint Selection: Authorized the City Manager to convey the City’s preference for Light Blue paint scheme to WSSC. - Community Relations Advisory Board Member Removal: Accepted the board’s recommendation to remove Rev. Ray Raysor due to repeated absences. - Minutes Approval: Approved work session minutes from March 31, 2025, and May 5, 2025, after removing the May 7, 2025, work session minutes for a correction (motion passed 7-0). Public Comments & Testimony - Petitions and Requests: - Alexander Barnes, Jr. (resident): Requested removal of a parking space on Westway that obstructs driver and pedestrian views at the crosswalk. - Brian Ottems (resident): Expressed concerns about moving too fast on the charter amendment for Public Works collective bargaining; requested more time for public education and noted difficulty finding the proposed amendment text and notice details. - Susan Smithers (resident, reading a letter from a public works support group): Advocated for the charter amendment and urged the city to terminate its agreement with the law firm Jackson Lewis, citing high hourly rates and a focus on union avoidance. - Bill Orleans (resident): Questioned technical issues with the council room studio and criticized a closed session on December 8, 2025, for discussing an Open Meetings Act violation, which he argued should have been public. - Public Hearing on Charter Amendment (Collective Bargaining for Public Works): - Trent Leonard (resident): Expressed full support, reading quotes from Public Works employees (Nate, Robbie, Luisa Robles, Rafael, DeWan) who desire union representation for better benefits, voice, and protection. Also read a letter from Greenbelt FOP Lodge 32 endorsing the effort. - Michael Canavan (resident, 40-year resident): Expressed excitement about the charter amendment, noting a shift in management openness and hoping for better compensation for snow emergencies and CDL requirements. - Bill Orleans (resident): Argued that the charter amendment should cover all city employees, not just Public Works, calling the limited scope “dumb” and wasteful; also reiterated concerns about retaining Jackson Lewis for bargaining. - Alexander Barnes (resident): Cautioned that unions are not always positive, citing personal experience with delayed benefits, and asked council to ensure the outcome is fair for all employees. Discussion Items - Charter Amendment – Collective Bargaining Rights for Public Works Employees (2nd Reading, Adoption): - Councilmember Pompi introduced the resolution. City Manager Salmerón explained the bifurcated approach: addressing Public Works now while scheduling a work session on January 21, 2026, to discuss a broader charter amendment for all city employees. Councilmember Fritz noted a typographical error in the strikeout language (not currently in the charter). Council debate included support for moving forward without delaying Public Works, while some members (Orleans, Barnes) expressed a preference for a single, all-encompassing amendment. Councilmembers Weaver and Pope argued that the “all employees” language was not complete, necessitating separate action. The resolution passed 7-0. Next steps include a 45-day waiting period, city code amendment, and a third-party vote among Public Works employees. - Ordinance – Parking Regulations for Electric Vehicle Charging Stations (2nd Reading, Adoption): - Mayor Pro Tem Weaver introduced the ordinance. City Manager Salmerón explained it authorizes the city to cite non-EV vehicles (internal combustion engine) parked in EV charging spaces, aligning with state law. It also allows enforcement against EVs parked but not actively charging. The ordinance passed 7-0. - Annexation Resolutions for BARC/NASA Areas 1, 2, and 3 (1st Reading): - Three separate resolutions were introduced to annex approximately 2,262 acres of federally owned, tax-exempt land: Area 1 (223 acres), Area 2 (843 acres), and Area 3 (1,196 acres). The annexations are intended to protect the public lands, strengthen partnerships with USDA and NASA, and influence future development. No consent from property owners is required under Maryland law. The resolutions were read and scheduled for second reading on February 23, 2026. - Red-Light Camera Agreement Extension with Verra Mobility: - Authorized the City Manager to execute a one-year extension. The contract shifts from a per-citation to a per-site fee structure, providing fixed costs amid declining citation revenue. Council discussed the safety focus, declining fine revenues (from $650,000 in FY22 to an estimated $475,000 in FY26), and the value of year-to-year flexibility for technology updates and camera repositioning. Motion passed 7-0. - Community Center Elevator Modernization Contract with Schindler: - Authorized a $222,271 contract funded by a $200,000 state bond bill and $22,271 from the capital budget. The elevator modernization is expected to take six weeks, with work beginning in June and completing by mid-September. Council discussed the need to relocate programs from the second floor during construction, as no alternative accessibility (e.g., stair lift) is funded. Motion passed 7-0. - Administrative Reports: - City Manager Salmerón reported on upcoming events (Chickalicious ribbon-cutting Jan 15, Fresh Start Resource Fair Jan 18), the kickoff of the Charter Review Task Force, legislative consultant meetings, 2027 budget preparation, Save As You Throw program (500 stickers sold, 576 warnings issued, no monetary fines for first three weeks), strong EV charger usage after fee implementation, and citywide power fluctuations causing equipment failures. Staff is following up with PEPCO for a formal response. - Closed Session Statement (December 8, 2025): - Council approved the statement of record for a closed session held to discuss personnel matters, obtain legal advice, and consult on pending litigation. Actions taken included removing a board member (6-0-1, Jordan abstaining), giving direction on an Open Meetings Act violation, and direction on a pending legal case. The motion passed 7-0. - Council Reports and Meeting Schedule: - Mayor Pro Tem Weaver reported from the Transportation Planning Board meeting (Dec 17, 2025): the Visualize 2050 plan passed without South Side express lanes; enhanced mobility grant funding for older adults and people with disabilities was awarded, with next opportunity in 2027. Council approved the revised meeting schedule (January–June 2026) with an added legislative discussion on February 11, 2026. Council also discussed condensing budget work sessions and adding a legislative update after crossover. Key Outcomes - Charter Amendment Adopted (7-0): Resolution 2124 amends §3-22 of the City Charter to authorize collective bargaining with representatives of non-managerial Public Works employees. Effective after 45 days; city code amendment and employee vote to follow. - EV Parking Ordinance Adopted (7-0): Ordinance 1408 authorizes regulation of plug-in parking, allowing fines for non-EV vehicles parking in EV charging spots and for EVs parked but not actively charging. - Annexation Resolutions Introduced: Three resolutions (BARC Areas 1, 2, and 3) received first reading; second reading and adoption scheduled for February 23, 2026. - Contracts Authorized (both 7-0): Red-light camera agreement extension with Verra Mobility (per-site fee structure) and elevator modernization contract with Schindler ($222,271) approved. - Consent Agenda Approved (7-0): All routine items passed, including removal of May 7, 2025 work session minutes from approval. - Meeting Schedule Approved: Includes a legislative discussion on February 11, 2026, and a work session on inclusive collective bargaining language on January 21, 2026. - Next Steps: Work session on broader collective bargaining for all city employees (January 21, 2026); budget preparations continue; staff to follow up on power fluctuations with PEPCO.
The Greenbelt City Council held a regular meeting on December 8, 2025, at 7:30 PM, presided over by Mayor Emmett V. Jordan. The council addressed a wide range of agenda items including collective bargaining rights for public works employees, electric vehicle charging station regulations, membership in the Prince George's County Municipal Association (PGCMA), cell service issues, a traffic calming study, and Maryland's new EV charger tax. Numerous votes were taken, including several unanimous decisions. Consent Calendar - Parks and Recreation Advisory Board Report 26-1 (Dog Park at Northway Fields): Council accepted the report. - Council Meeting Minutes: Approved minutes from October 14, October 27, November 10 (Charter), and November 17, 2025. - Reappointment to Advisory Board/Committee: Approved reappointment of James Drake to the Advisory Planning Board (APB). - Council Letter to PGCPS: Approved a draft letter to Prince George's County Public Schools regarding community engagement. - Authorizing City Manager to Execute a Contract with CPJ for Survey Services: Approved a contract with Charles P. Johnson & Associates, Inc. for metes and bounds descriptions. - Items F (Fireworks display contract) and G (Natural gas supply renewal) were initially part of the consent agenda but were removed for separate discussion and later approved separately (see Key Outcomes). Public Comments & Testimony - Michael Hartman (resident) expressed concerns about the environmental and noise impacts of the 2026 Independence Day fireworks display and questioned the city's reliance on fossil fuels, urging a concrete plan for decarbonization. - Michelle Whitaker (Executive Director, Ranked Choice Voting Maryland) petitioned the council to implement ranked choice voting (RCV) for the 2027 election, providing resources and noting that Greenbelt voters approved Question One by a two-to-one margin in November 2025. She urged action in early 2026. - Louise Weismann (resident) emphasized the importance of unionization for public works employees and argued for broadest possible charter amendment language (all city employees), recounting her personal and family history with unions. - Bill Orleans (resident) pointed out a discrepancy between the agenda (mentioning both public works and city employees) and the resolution (only public works employees), urging the council to include all city employees in the collective bargaining amendment. - Additional speakers during the collective bargaining discussion included a LIUNA organizer (Robbie) who supported the public works amendment but also favored broader language; John Appia Duffel, who cited strong community support for worker rights; Dami, a political organizer, who argued for including all workers; and others advocating for universal coverage. Discussion Items - Charter Amendment: Collective Bargaining Rights (item moved to 10): Two options were presented: one granting bargaining rights to Public Works employees only (Exhibit A), and another extending rights to all non-managerial, non-professional city employees (Exhibit B). Council debated the scope. Councilmember Pompi and Fritz supported the broader amendment, citing human rights and efficiency. Mayor Pro Tem Weaver and Councilmember Pope argued for starting with Public Works to avoid legal complications and to move quickly on their request. Councilmember Knesel raised concerns about the broader language potentially delaying progress for Public Works. After public comment, council voted 6–1 to proceed with the first reading of the amendment limited to Public Works employees, with plans for a January 14 work session to discuss expanding rights to all employees. - Ordinance: Parking Regulations for EV Charging Stations (1st Reading): Introduced to regulate parking in front of municipal building EV charging stations. - Resolution: EV Charging Fees and Operating Procedures (2nd Reading and Adoption): Adopted to authorize the City Manager to implement fees (initially set at PEPCO network rate of 17 cents/kWh) and adjust as needed to cover costs. Discussion included concerns about cost recovery and comparisons to other chargers. - PGCMA Membership Dues: Debate centered on budget transparency of PGCMA. Several councilmembers expressed concerns, but Mayor Jordan argued for engagement. Motion passed 6–1, with a friendly amendment to send a letter outlining expectations. - Cell Phone Service Issues: Council discussed persistent poor service, especially in northern and eastern areas. Scheduled a work session for January 5, 2026 to explore solutions including small cell towers and inviting Verizon. - Traffic Calming Study: Greenbelt Center City: Planning Director Jaime Fearer presented the study covering 22 projects on five roadways. The study recommends short-term (paint, signage, flex posts) and long-term (capital improvements like speed humps, curb bump-outs, raised crosswalks) measures. Council accepted the study and supported implementation (7–0). Questions raised about accessibility and prioritization. - Maryland’s $150 EV Charger Tax: Council discussed the new annual fee of $150 per charging port starting January 1, 2026. Council voted 7–0 to direct the legislative contractor to seek parity with gas pump fees ($20) or an exemption for public entities. - Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments Appointments: Council approved 2026 committee assignments, including appointing Councilmember Fritz to the Climate, Energy, and Environment Policy Committee. Key Outcomes - Approval of Consent Agenda (as amended): Passed 7–0 (items F and G removed for separate discussion). - Human Rights Day Proclamation: Declared December 10, 2025 as Human Rights Day in Greenbelt. - Closed Session Statement (Nov 12, 2025): Approved 7–0. - Charter Amendment: Collective Bargaining for Public Works Employees – 1st Reading: Approved 6–1 (Councilmember McKinney opposed). The resolution was read into the record. A work session on broader employee rights scheduled for January 14, 2026. - EV Parking Ordinance – 1st Reading: Introduced. - EV Charging Fees Resolution – 2nd Reading and Adoption: Approved 7–0. - PGCMA Membership Dues: Approved 6–1 (Councilmember McKinney opposed), with a letter to express concerns. - Traffic Calming Study Acceptance: Approved 7–0. - Maryland EV Charger Tax Response: Approved 7–0, directing legislative contractor to seek parity/exemption. - COG Appointments: Approved 7–0. - Fireworks Display Contract: Approved 7–0 for $22,000 with Innovative Pyrotechnic Concepts, LLC. - Natural Gas Supply Renewal: Approved 7–0 at a rate of 58.58 cents per therm. - Closed Session: The council entered closed session at approximately 10:53 PM for personnel and legal matters, with no return to open session.
On November 17, 2025, the Greenbelt City Council convened at 7:30 PM for a regular meeting. Key topics included public petitions on unionization and cell service, adoption of the Economic Development Strategic Plan, approval of legislative support contracts, appointment of a Charter Review Task Force, and scheduling of collective bargaining discussions. Several items were postponed to the December 8 meeting. Consent Calendar - Approved Advisory Planning Board reports on traffic calming studies (Center City and Hanover Parkway). - Accepted Advisory Committee on Education reports approving a grant request and up to $9,994 for emergency food assistance programs. - Appointed Nicole Brown to the Advisory Planning Board (Councilmember Fritz abstained on this item). - Granted a floating holiday to city employees. - Authorized the City Manager to approve computer replacement and equipment purchases. - Removed the "Meetings" item from the consent agenda to be added as a later agenda item. The consent agenda was approved 6-0-1 (Fritz abstained). Public Comments & Testimony - Trent Leon-Lierman, resident, urged the Council to expedite the charter amendment for Public Works unionization and alleged management intimidation, including threats of layoffs and firing. - Susan Smithers, resident, petitioned for a public meeting with all cellular carriers to address poor service and safety, suggesting expert input from NIH or the American Cancer Society. - Bill Orleans, resident, supported collective bargaining rights for all city employees and criticized past intimidation. - Adam Green, resident and emissary of the Piscataway Indian Nation, requested the Council read and act on the full reparations report submitted to the Assistant City Manager. - Nick Lianos, resident, noted the need for additional cell towers in Old Greenbelt, particularly near the elementary school, proposing T-Mobile and other internet options. - Michael Hartman, resident, suggested rearranging the council chambers to bring residents closer to the dais. Discussion Items - Update on Collective Bargaining Petition by Public Works Employees (Special Order 11): City Manager Josué Salmerón apologized for reported intimidation, stated he had addressed it with managers, and confirmed a draft charter amendment would be ready shortly. Council members expressed frustration with delays and emphasized urgency. The city manager also discussed ongoing management training and anti-harassment efforts. - Approval of the Economic Development Strategic Plan (EDSP): Economic Development Manager John Mason presented the plan, built on over a year of stakeholder engagement, outlining eight strategic components including small business resiliency, connectivity, retail revitalization, and branding. Council praised its accessibility and measurable goals. The plan was adopted unanimously (7-0). - Parking Regulations for EV Charging Stations: The Council discussed a draft ordinance to restrict EV charging spaces to actively charging vehicles, with fines proposed to align with state law. First reading scheduled for December 8. - Stop Sign Camera RFP Update: Staff reported that a second pilot is underway and an RFP will be issued due to increased market competition. A contract is expected in January. - Legislative Support Services Contracts: Council authorized the City Manager to execute contracts with Carrington & Associates for state legislation and LA Perez, LLC for county legislation, at $18,000 each annually (total $36,000). Motion passed 7-0. - Approval of 2026 Bond Bill Legislative Priorities: Council approved two projects: Buddy Attick Park Walking Trail and Stage ($300,000) and Schrom Hills Park Athletic Field Lights ($400,000). Motion passed 7-0. - Council Liaison Assignments: Council assigned liaisons to all ten advisory committees, with Councilmember Fritz taking the Arts Advisory Board. Motion passed 7-0. - Charter Review Task Force Nominations: Council appointed nine resident applicants to the task force, with Councilmembers Fritz and Weaver serving as liaisons. Motion passed 7-0. - Prince George's County Municipal Association (PGCMA) Membership Dues: After discussion about the organization's finances and governance, Council voted to table a decision on the $1,800 dues to the December 8 meeting. Motion passed 7-0. - Council Letter to PGCPS: Council directed staff to draft a letter to Prince George's County Public Schools requesting better notification of public engagement meetings, following a missed notification about Spring Hill Lake Elementary. Key Outcomes - Consent agenda approved 6-0-1 (Fritz abstained). - Economic Development Strategic Plan adopted unanimously (7-0). - Legislative support contracts approved (7-0). - 2026 Bond Bill priorities approved (7-0). - Council liaison assignments approved (7-0). - Charter Review Task Force appointed (7-0). - PGCMA dues tabled to December 8 (7-0). - Staff directed to draft letter to PGCPS. - Draft charter amendment for collective bargaining expected soon; work session to be scheduled.
The newly sworn-in Greenbelt City Council held an administrative work session on November 12, 2025, at 7:30 PM to discuss legislative priorities, bond bill requests for the District 22 dinner, legislative advocacy contracts, and the council retreat. The session was led by Mayor Emmett Jordan. Public Comments & Testimony - Resident Mr. Orleans questioned the need for a paid legislative contractor, arguing the city should rely on its state delegation and municipal associations. - Resident Jay Davis of Greenbelt East urged council to maintain representation on the NLC Environment, Energy, and Natural Resources (EENR) committee. Councilmember Kristen Weaver subsequently offered to apply for the committee. Discussion Items - Legislative Priorities & Bond Bills: City Manager Tim Salmarone reviewed the shared District 22 legislative priorities. The group agreed to add a priority supporting immigrant rights initiatives. Greenbelt will present on economic development and LED streetlights at the December 2nd District 22 dinner. - Bond Bill Requests: Council debated multiple projects. Top consensus emerged for the Buddy Attic Park walking trail and stage ($350,000). Strong support was also expressed for adding lights at Schram Hill Park and the Spring Hill Lake Pocket Park, though logistical concerns about land ownership were raised. Council suggested exploring funding for bus stop accessibility improvements and real-time digital signage. - Legislative Advocacy Contractor: A council survey indicated a 60% preference for a multi-provider model. The City Manager reported finalizing negotiations for a second vendor focusing on county legislation to stay within the $40,000 budget, despite efficiency concerns raised by Councilmember McKinney. - Council Retreat: The retreat was moved from Dec 6th to a weekday evening in mid-December (Dec 10th, 12th, or 15th) to improve attendance. Discussion of standing rules was deferred as homework. - Budget Process: The City Manager provided an overview of the FY2027 budget timeline, requesting early council input on strategic priorities, major projects, and potential revenue changes. - NLC Committees: Councilmembers stated their NLC committee application preferences. Key Outcomes - Bond Bill Priorities: Council agreed to prioritize the Buddy Attic Park walking trail/stage for bond bill funding, with lights at Schram Hill Park and the Spring Hill Lake Pocket Park as secondary options to be refined. Greenbelt will present on economic development and LED streetlights at the District 22 dinner. - Legislative Advocacy Model: Council directed staff to finalize a second contract for legislative advocacy, splitting state and county duties, within the $40k budget. - Retreat Scheduling: The council retreat will be rescheduled to a weekday evening in December (Dec 10th, 12th, or 15th) and may be split into two sessions. - Closed Session: Council unanimously voted 7-0 to enter a closed session for city manager goal setting. - EV Charging Stations: City EV charging stations will be free to the public for three weeks starting November 13, 2025.
The Greenbelt City Council met Monday, October 27, 2025, from 7:30 p.m. to 9:14 p.m., with Mayor Emmett V. Jordan presiding and all seven councilmembers present. Acting City Manager Liz Park stood in for City Manager Josuê Salmerón. The Council approved consent items, adopted an arts grant ordinance, transmitted comments on the state transportation program, discussed a rental-license renewal proposal, and approved public statements on ICE activity and hateful flyers. Consent Calendar - The consent agenda was approved 7-0 after Council removed Meetings from it and added it as agenda item 15. - Approved meeting minutes of March 24, April 14, and April 28, 2025, and the stakeholder list. - Adopted Standard Operating Procedures for Advisory Boards and Commissions and approved changes to the application for interest and reappointment application process. - Authorized the City Manager to purchase a replacement mower at a cost of $25,500. Agenda materials described the identified mower as a 2019 John Deere 7200A Precision Cut reel mower with 13 engine hours, while the minutes describe the authorized replacement as Unit 443 - 2014 Kubota Zero Turn Mower; the record is inconsistent. - Accepted Greenbelt Arts Advisory Board Report 26-1, granting Poetry in the Garden Recognition Group status. - Accepted Park and Recreation Advisory Board Report 25-2, granting the Greenbelt Badminton Club Basic Certification status. - Accepted a resignation item from the Advisory Committee on Education. The agenda states Janet Mirsky submitted an email resignation for Michael Burchik; the minutes state the Council accepted the resignations of Janet Mirsky and Michael Burchik, a discrepancy not discussed in the meeting. Public Comments & Testimony - Christine Wilkin, a Greenbelt resident, asked the Council and police to investigate a sign on a bench that read ICE is coming for you, Latinos leave now, calling it hateful and divisive. She said a second sign had been found and that photos were sent to the Greenbelt Resistance Network. - Laura Rosenthal, a resident, said residents had not received closure on an earlier issue involving Greenbelt National Park and that Ann Healy's bystander training had received insufficient city publicity; she said it took nine days for an email to go out and it was not posted on the city Facebook page. - During CTP discussion, a public speaker said the Transportation Planning Board had answered no to a proposed Virginia Southside tolled lanes project but implied a future yes, and urged Greenbelt to request an emphatic no from state officials at the November 4 tour. - During discussion of the ICE statement, Michael Hartman proposed adding language about businesses creating private safe-haven spaces, Frankie Fritz explained that hate speech alone is generally not criminal but can be tracked as a hate-bias incident, and Laura Rosenthal asked for public copies of follow-up communications to Congressman Ivey and the District 22 delegation. Presentations & Proclamations - Mayor Jordan proclaimed October 2025 as Cooperative Month. Representatives from Greenbelt's seven cooperatives accepted the proclamation and described cooperative events. The proclamation cited more than 40,000 cooperative businesses nationwide, more than two million jobs, and annual sales of more than $652 billion. - The Council approved the Statement of Record for the closed session held October 15, 2025, at 6:35 p.m. in the Municipal Building Library for legal advice. The roll-call motion passed 7-0. Legislation - Ordinance No. 1407, authorizing a supplemental appropriation to the General Fund for Arts Program Support from the Maryland State Arts Council FY26 grant, was adopted 7-0. The agenda states the ordinance increased the FY26 arts grant-funded expenditure line by $27,401 to $30,701, a figure that conflicts with the agenda's stated final grant award of $78,101 and initially expected revenue of $50,700. The ordinance was declared adopted and filed. Discussion Items - Draft FY 2026-2031 Maryland Consolidated Transportation Program (CTP): Planning Director Terri Hruby presented the staff-drafted letter. Staff attended the October 21 pre-tour meeting and planned to attend the November 4 county tour. The agenda described the draft CTP as an $18.9 billion six-year capital budget and also as a $300 million increase from the $21.2 billion Final FY 2025-2030 CTP, figures that are inconsistent as written; the increase was attributed to new or increased state transportation fees and taxes. Councilmembers Roberts, Pope, and McKinney supported adding language voicing concern about the burden of these fees and taxes; Councilmember Weaver cautioned that MDOT may not be the right audience. Hruby said she would revise the letter and recirculate it within two days. The Council approved the motion 7-0 to transmit the letter requesting that the MD 193 Greenbelt Road Streetscape Improvement project be added to the CTP with planning and engineering funding, that funding be programmed for Segments 1-4 of the Greenbelt East Trail, and that the City's opposition to I-495 widening alternatives be restated, along with support for US 1/Baltimore Avenue reconstruction, the I-495 Greenbelt Metro interchange, zero-emission buses and transit initiatives, and bicycle/pedestrian programs. - HOA/Condominium Rental License Renewal Amendment: Mayor Jordan presented a draft proposal that would require HOA or condo association approval before an annual residential rental license renewal is granted. He described it as addressing nuisance issues and a perceived loophole in the City Code. Councilmember Pope supported the concept but urged safeguards and consultation with HOA/condo boards and management companies; Mayor Pro Tem Weaver suggested meeting with HOAs and COAs before finalizing. Planning Director Hruby noted the code currently has no such requirement and that HOAs may lack authority in their governing documents; she also noted roughly 770 single-family and condo units in the city have rental licenses. The item was informational and no vote was taken. Other Business & Special Orders - The Council voted 7-0 to special-order agenda item 16, Press Release/Public Comment Draft Letter, before Council Reports. - ICE Activities Press Release: The Council approved a public statement responding to reported ICE and U.S. Park Police operations along the Baltimore-Washington Parkway. The statement said the city has no authority over federal agencies but is committed to protecting residents' rights and dignity, condemned racial profiling and pretextual stops, and highlighted Know Your Rights trainings and legal clinics with CASA, including the CASA hotline 1-855-678-2272. The motion passed 7-0. - Hateful Flyers Response: Councilmember Pompi presented a draft letter condemning flyers circulating in the community that told Latinos to leave. Council edited the draft to avoid repeating the hateful phrase and to name solidarity with Latino neighbors. The motion to issue the response statement carried on a voice vote. - Meeting Schedule: The Council agreed to cancel the December 3, 2025 work session because of the December 1 meet-and-greet, December 2 legislative dinner, and December 6 retreat. Council Reports & Activities - Councilmembers reported attending many community events between October 15 and 27, including the Utopia Film Festival, Greenbelt CARES GED Graduation, Diwali Celebration, Beltway Plaza Trunk or Treat, Pumpkin Walk, and District 22 bystander intervention training. - Mayor Jordan noted this was the final regular meeting of the two-year term, thanked Council and staff, and wished everyone well in the upcoming election. Key Outcomes - Consent agenda approved 7-0 as amended. - Agenda approved 7-0 as amended, adding items 15 and 16. - Closed-session Statement of Record approved 7-0. - Ordinance No. 1407 adopted 7-0. - CTP letter approved 7-0; staff to recirculate revised draft within two days. - ICE press release approved 7-0. - Hateful flyers response statement approved by voice vote after edits. - No work session on December 3, 2025. - HOA/condo rental license renewal amendment referred for further staff and legal review, with future input from HOA/condo boards and management companies contemplated. The meeting adjourned at 9:14 p.m.