Greenbelt to seek federal earmark and issue RFPs for youth center roof and solar after sewage closure

City Manager Mr. Someron reported the Greenbelt Youth Center was briefly closed because of a sewage backup; staff said crews are working to clear and repair sewer lines so scheduled summer camps can open. The city manager said staff view this as urgent because several summer camps are oversubscribed and start within days.

Mr. Someron told council the city has submitted federal earmark requests for the youth center roof and that the city’s federal delegation previously supported a $250,000 earmark for the project. He said the delegation has endorsed the youth center roof request and the city will pursue funding that could support both a full roof replacement and a rooftop solar generation system. To prepare, the city will issue two requests for proposals: one for full roof replacement and a second for solar panel installation, and staff expects to release both RFPs in the coming weeks.

The manager also reported the city received a signed HUD grant agreement this week to continue funding a service coordinator position for Green Ridge House (see separate item). He said legal review related to NEPA analyses is complete and that staff will provide additional details if council requests them.

Mr. Someron outlined other administrative preparations: vaccine/flu clinic planning in partnership with county and community providers, microchipping plans led by the animal shelter, façade improvement grant work for Roosevelt Center, and safety planning for Fourth of July events (including potential road closures and shuttles to reduce parking demand).