MEMORANDUM

TO: City Council

FROM: David J. Deutsch, City Manager

SUBJECT: Status Report/Council Poll

DATE: July 27, 2006

Status Report

1. Equipment Acquisition

The Parks and Grounds Department has identified a replacement for Tractor 325. The Fiscal Year 2007 amount allocated is $47,200. The purchase amount is $42,120.00 which includes a $6,000 trade-in. This unit is available on a Maryland State Bid #0001B6900441. The replacement is a 2006 Bobcat 5600 Work Machine. As provided in Section 62 of the City Charter, this will serve as the required seven-day notice of intent to purchase this vehicle. If Council has no objection, we will issue a purchase order on August 4, 2006.

2. Pointer Ridge Shopping Center

The settlement on the purchase of the center by Mr. Rappaport is now slated for September 1st. He said there were some minor issues that needed to be resolved, which is why the closing was moved from the earlier date.

3. Hohensee Property Postponement of Settlement

The City and the Trust for Public Land were scheduled to settle on this property sale by August 7th. The Trust will immediately transfer this property to the Maryland- National Capital Park and Planning Commission upon closing with the City. However, the arrangement to sell tree mitigation rights to Toll Brothers, as previously approved by City Council, has not yet been finalized between the City, the Commission and Toll. It is prudent for the City to get these arrangements in place prior to relinquishing this property. All parties are still in agreement that the sale of these tree mitigation rights is positive for all parties. However, additional time is necessary to finalize these arrangements. Therefore, the parties intend to push the settlement date back to August 31st. A meeting is being arranged between the City, the Commission and Toll to bring this matter to conclusion. Staff will continue to keep Council updated concerning this item.

4. Contract Police Contract

Prince George’s County has not approved the new contract for the Bowie Contract Police Program. It is expected to be on the September 5th Agenda.

5. American Red Cross Blood Drive

The Bowie Baysox, the City, and the American Red Cross are teaming up to hold a Blood Drive this Saturday, July 29 from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Bowie Senior Center. Donors will receive two tickets to a future Baysox game and a t-shirt from the Red Cross. Walk-ins are welcome, although appointments are recommended. To schedule a donation appointment, call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE.

6. D’Iberville Trip

Eight City staff members returned last weekend from a tiring but rewarding week in D’Iberville, Mississippi where they worked on restoration and rebuilding projects. Proceeds from a Bowie staff yard sale in May were presented at a D’Iberville City Council meeting to benefit the employees whose homes had been destroyed by Hurricane Katrina. Donations from Bowie businesses, churches, clubs, and individuals were presented to the D’Iberville Volunteer Foundation to assist with rebuilding. A short presentation on the experience will be made to Council at your September 5th meeting.