Greenbelt City Council Regular Meeting – April 13, 2026

The Greenbelt City Council held its regular meeting on April 13, 2026, from 7:30 p.m. to 11:15 p.m., presided over by Mayor Pro Tem Kristen L.K. Weaver (with Mayor Emmett V. Jordan absent due to travel). The meeting included proclamations, a detailed presentation on the city's License Plate Reader Camera (LPRC) program, a public hearing on a proposed utility tax rate, adoption of revised council standing rules, discussions on collective bargaining rights and ordinance, and other business items. Several votes were taken, with all motions passing 6-0 unless otherwise noted.

Consent Calendar

• Advisory Planning Board Bylaws: Council accepted the bylaws adopted January 7, 2026.
• Reappointment: Janet Mirsky was reappointed to the Advisory Committee on Education (ACE).
• Resignation: Kim Kash's resignation from the Charter Review Committee was accepted with regret.
• CivicPlus Payments: Payment of $30,195.90 for 12 contracted services (agenda management, website, etc.) was authorized.
• Note: The meeting schedule was removed from the consent agenda and handled separately under Item 19.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Collective Bargaining Requests: Michael Canavan (Public Works), Emily White and Anna Fernandez (Parks & Recreation) requested that the council recognize collective bargaining agents based on signed authorization cards (card check) rather than an election, citing past intimidation. John Berry (UFCW 1994) supported card checks, arguing elections can allow employer influence.
• License Plate Reader Cameras (LPRC): Christine Wilkin (Greenbelt Resistance Network) presented a petition with 115 signatures expressing concerns about data storage, access, AI use, and lack of transparency. Diana McFadden (Ridge Road) praised the police but worried about exploitation of surveillance for political targeting. Dr. Lois Rosado supported card checks and questioned the placement of speed cameras (6 in west vs. 2 in center city). Michael Hartman thanked the council for addressing concerns.
• LPRC Presentation Discussion: Bill Orleans (Greenbelt resident) quoted Benjamin Franklin on trading liberty for security and questioned data sharing via MCAC with federal agencies. Laura Rosenthal (Court Garden Way) noted the presentation did not read the written response to the petition and raised concerns about MCAC compliance with state immigration law. Brian Voice (6 Ridge Road) emphasized potential for future abuse. Michael Hartman asked technical questions about stop-sign and speed camera coverage. Cynthia N (online, Laurel Hill Road) and Kathy Legendre (online) offered opposing views on surveillance.
• Public Utility Tax Hearing: Laura Rosenthal and Bill Orleans asked clarifying questions about the tax (applied to utility companies, not residents) and comparison with other municipalities. No other public comments were made.
• Collective Bargaining Discussion: Jay Davis (Greenbelt East) urged treating Public Works as first responders and noted delays. Bill Orleans stressed the inherent right of workers to organize and strike. Trent Leon (Laurel Hill Road) proposed changing "may" to "shall" in code to ensure the labor commissioner presents voluntary recognition options to council.

Discussion Items

• Proclamations: The council declared National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week (April 12–18), Animal Control Appreciation Week (April 12–18), Arbor Day (April 24), and Earth Day (April 22). Chief Bowers and staff accepted the telecommunicators proclamation; environmental coordinator Kevin Carpenter-Driscoll updated on Earth Day events (April 25, kayak cleanup, shoreline planting).
• License Plate Reader Camera Presentation: Chief Bowers presented an overview of the city's LPR program (16 cameras at 12 sites, $175,000 from ARPA). He explained data collection (plate data stored locally <24 hrs then transferred to MCAC; context camera images stored 30 days, deleted if not evidence), security (only trained PD staff access, annual audits, facial recognition disabled), and legal standards (warrant not needed for public space imagery; state law restricts use to legitimate law enforcement purposes). He noted successes including solving a homicide and locating an endangered missing person. Proposed additional sites (Walker Drive, Ivy Hill, Greenbelt Road, Good Luck) were discussed. Councilmember Knesel expressed strong opposition to increased surveillance, particularly in rental and minority-majority neighborhoods. Councilmember Fritz raised concerns about Hyundai/Kia theft vulnerabilities and noted technology is one part of a holistic strategy. Councilmember McKinney requested clarity on data privacy governance. Chair Peggy Higgins of the Advisory Committee Advancing Public Safety (ACAPS) confirmed the committee unanimously supported the revised general order 717 after deliberation.
• Administrative Reports – Geospatial Roadmap: City Manager Salmerón reported on the completed GIS strategic plan, which will improve project updates, budget equity, and operational efficiency. Councilmember Weaver requested making the information more accessible to the public.
• Public Hearing – Proposed Utility Tax Rate: The public hearing was held on a proposed rate of $2.50 per $100 of assessed value for Fiscal Year 2027. City Manager Salmerón explained the tax applies to utility operating property (land, buildings, poles, wires) and does not directly impact residents. The rate matches Berwyn Heights and Capital Heights, below Bladensburg ($3.25), and is expected to generate approximately $110,000 annually. Council will formally consider the rate at a later date.
• Legislation – Resolution 2109 (Standing Rules): The resolution to repeal and reenact with amendment was adopted on second reading (roll call: 6-0). The revised rules will take effect at the next meeting. Some public commenters raised concerns about restrictions on spontaneous comments.
• Amended Declaration of Covenants – 7010 Greenbelt Road (Greenbelt Crossing): Council approved the revised agreement for recording in land records (6-0). The amendment formalizes approval for 95 age-restricted condominium units (market rate). Director Hruby provided an update: first building expected to be completed by end of 2026, second in spring 2027, with four buildings total. A community meeting will be held closer to opening.
• Discussion – Proposed Charter Amendment on Collective Bargaining: Council discussed a proposed amendment covering all full-time, non-exempt, non-managerial, non-confidential employees with three bargaining units: sworn police officers, Public Works employees, and all other departments. City Manager Salmerón noted the need to define "full-time" (possible use of 500-hour threshold from Maryland State Retirement), and that both labor attorneys (Jackson Lewis) and City Solicitor must review language. Councilmember Fritz raised questions about defining full-time; Councilmember Weaver suggested using "regular employee" instead. The amendment will be brought back for a vote after legal review.
• Discussion – Collective Bargaining Ordinance: Council reviewed draft code language. Councilmember Pompi proposed substituting "City" with "City Council" in Section 13-237(C2) to clarify that the council decides on voluntary recognition via card check. Councilmember Fritz objected to the no-strike provision (Section 13-239) being applied to all workers, arguing it should be limited to public safety employees. Councilmember Pope expressed concern that expanding the no-strike debate could delay progress. City Manager noted the team is still working on defining confidential employees and part-time eligibility. The code will return for further discussion.
• Council Referral to Board of Elections – Ranked Choice Voting: Council approved a motion (6-0) to refer to the Board of Elections to implement ranked choice voting for the 2027 municipal elections.
• Letter of Support – County Bill CB-031-2026 (Immigration Detention Facilities): Council approved sending a letter of support for the bill prohibiting building permits for immigration detention facilities (5-0-1, Councilmember Pope abstained).
• Meeting Schedule: Council approved a motion (6-0) to recess in July (weeks of July 20 and July 27) and August (weeks of August 17 and August 24).

Key Outcomes

• Consent Agenda: Approved as amended (6-0).
• Agenda: Approved as presented (6-0).
• Resolution 2109 (Standing Rules): Adopted (6-0) on second reading.
• Amended Declaration of Covenants (Greenbelt Crossing): Approved (6-0).
• Council Referral (Ranked Choice Voting): Approved (6-0).
• Letter of Support (CB-031-2026): Approved (5-0-1).
• Meeting Schedule Recess: Approved (6-0).
• Collective Bargaining Items: No vote taken; staff directed to incorporate suggested language changes (card check option for council, review of the no-strike clause, and definition of part-time/confidential employees) and return with revised charter amendment and code language for future action.
• License Plate Reader Cameras: No formal action taken; staff will update the city website with presentation slides and written answers, and continue social media outreach on stop-sign cameras.
• Public Utility Tax: Public hearing held; no vote taken at this meeting. Council will consider final adoption at a subsequent regular meeting.