Re: Approval of Minutes
The minutes were approved as presented.
Re: Citizens Forum
Citizen and Rockville University graduate, Jan Norman was present to observe the Recreation and Parks Advisory Board. Ms. Norman stated that she is attending all of the Rockville Boards before applying to one, which suits her best. Ms. Norman also mentioned that she is a person with disabilities and has greatly appreciated and benefited through the City Rockville programs that she has participated in.
Re: Recreation and Park Advisory Board Member
Melissa Moore, current Recreation and Park Advisory Board member has not been able to attend any meetings since September 2004 due to a school conflict. The Board discussed her appointed volunteer position with the group and agreed that it would be best for her to resign in light of her current school conflict. The City will send a letter requesting her resignation so that the city may have an opportunity to appoint another resident to the Board. Ben Solomon suggested that the Board would be very interested in her return to the when her school obligation is complete and an opening becomes available. The City will begin the process of finding another Board member to replace Melissa Moore.
Re: Tree Maintenance in Forest Preserves
Chip Boylan reminded the Board of Susan Nolde’s presentation several months back regarding the process of maintaining trees in the Forest Preserve area and their visit to the site of damaged trees, which was an issue. Several residents in the Forest Preserve neighborhood visited the environmental committee meeting to discuss the removal of trees and requesting that the Board revisit the policy. The Environmental Commission is a new Board, which has recently been resurrected, to review the recent tree issue concerns of Bill Hickman.
On July 11th, Burt Hall, Steve Mader, Susan Nolde and Chip Boylan attended the environmental meeting regarding the tree maintenance issue in Forest preserves. Chip Boylan originally recommended that the Board invite the same group of residents to the Board meeting to discuss further the removal of approximately 15 trees in the forest preserve. The area in which these trees are located also cover a wide region.
The city spends less than 5% of our total resources in our forest preserves. The majority of the City’s time is spent with our street trees and emergencies with existing trees. The forestry department was maintaining trees when they found the 15 trees in mentioned that were hazardous or dead. These trees exist near a heavily used path and were removed. The removal of these trees is what brought the attention of three citizens in the Woodley Gardens and Watts Branch area. It was also mentioned that there were numerous trees (100 leaners) that could be removed based on this information.
Chip Boylan stated that he did not feel comfortable representing the citizens who are for the removal of trees and their replacement.
The City Attorney’s office had two issues concerning the trees Burt Hall stated. One issue is that a tree would actually fall and hurt someone when walking through the forest preserve. The other issue is the risk knowing that we have a hazardous tree and if it does fall on someone than the city is liable and could face up to millions of dollars in legal fees.
Bob Taylor suggested that we explain again to the M&C the Boards position on city tree issues.
The Environmental Commission recently met on Monday, January 24, but Burt Hall did not have the minutes as of yet. As soon as he receives them he will forward to the Board. Terry asked if the commission would have jurisdiction on this. Burt Hall stated that they do not have a position but they were asked to give an opinion and that is what they intend to do.
Kate Savage stated that she felt the issue was more related to the use of the bobcat taking the tree down versus the actual removal of the tree. Burt Hall reminded the board that the bobcat was required because of the condition of the tree. The tree was a leaner and not safe to send an employee up to take it down. The Risk Manager, City Manager and R&P Director will be meeting next week to discuss this issue. Burt Hall stated that his intention is not to attend a funeral if a falling tree versus a million dollar proposal killed them.
This agenda item will be addressed again at the February meeting.
Re: Town Center Green Space
Terry Baker reminded the Board that at the December meeting, Marsha Douma attended to share her concerns about the lack of green space in the new Town Center. Terry Baker suggested that the Board create a subcommittee to help the endeavor.
Kate Savage is currently on the Town Center 2 committee in order to express her concern about the lack of green space and how they will need to create more green space on the behalf of the Board. She realizes that the developer is not going to handover the 1-acre parcel of land and that they are going to have to fight for more green space.
Bob Taylor inquired about the previous town center plans, which showed green space. Kate Savage shared with the Board that they are still in the planning stages and are gong to keep attending in order to save the green space.
Terry Baker asked if there was any formalization of the group. Burt Hall stated that this was a Task Force initiated by the M&C. Kate Savage shared with the Board the process of the planning of the town center. Terry Baker asked if Marsha wanted to inquire further on this Board whom should she contact. Burt Hall suggested that she contact Art Chambers. Burt Hall also shared with Terry Baker that he thinks that creating a subcommittee for the town center green space would be a good idea.
Chip Boylan stated that there is a citizen committee already created but would need to b reactivated. Terry Baker inquired if this committee will be back in action when there is more action at the centers. He does not want to recreate another committee if one is already done and create more work. Kate Savage will forward to Burt Hall the names of the task force members for Burt Hall to pass on to the Board. Chip Boylan also mentioned that there might be a space available for Marsha to join the group since the task force will eventually go on for a while and some members may no longer keep on. Burt Hall will contact Art Chambers for additional information concerning Marsha’s participation on the committee.
Re: Historic Designation of Glenview Mansion
John Moser recently contacted Chip Boylan about moving the Glenview Mansion into a National Register in order to avoid the designation of the Mansion to the HDC. Kate Savage inquired if the Historic District Commission was leading this. Chip Boylan pointed out that his personal opinion is to not have the M&C appoint any city property to another designation or group.
Change the zoning to a local historic district. Burt reviewed the districts with the Board and the ones that they are interested in.
R&P Advisory Board, HDC, Docents, & CAC are current members.
What would it do to the Mansion with this. The grounds and the outside of the house (7 categories) would be affected.
Local historic district - take tree down, gutters, etc. to have anything down to property. Under the National registry you commit to making decisions to the ground and exterior. It is a far less intrusive situation to have the house on the National Register versus the location historic district. It is prestigious.
The entire 5-acre King Farm area is going to be recommended into the historic district. Beall Dawson is in the local historic district, Dawson Farm Park, generally
We have had 4 groups on equal ground with the subcommittee working on issues concerning the grounds and agreed to all changes. They would have no control over the interior of the house (rentals, meetings, etc.) only the exterior. The M&C can take the HD to court to over rule. The HDC had a worksession with the M&C and recommended that they put the Mansion into the local historic district. John Moser envisions that by putting the Mansion into the National Register it would hit them off at the pass. Larry does not feel that putting the mansion into the HDC or the national register would suffice the HDC and future Mansion improvements.
At this point Chip asked the board if they wanted to take any action at all. Larry asked what did John want us to do. Chip stated that John would like us to join on board to the National Register.
Kate stated that wouldn't we have a better job of fighting with our documents instead of joining but not really being on board.
Would this give the HD a back door Bob asked. Burt stated that only if the M&C put it into the local historic district.
Chip recommended that the board is concerned about this being step down the wrong path. The Board will hold off on making decisions and see what they have to offer. Burt suggested that we share again with the m what we have had for the past 20 years and show them how the group has worked.
Re: FY06 Operating Budget
Included as an FYI.
Re: Subcommittee Reports
Car Show - None
Citizen Bicycle Advisory Committee - None
Dog Park - Kate Savage stated that a student from Beall Elementary, Jack Lucky, is very interested in joining the Dog Park Task Committee. The student has researched the project and would like to present his work and details to the M&C or to the person who could help him get involved. Burt Hall suggested to Kate Savage that Jack contact him directly.
Environmental Issues - None
Fallsgrove – The city is awaiting the budget numbers for the Fallsgrove Park.
Glenview Mansion - Already done. The committee met last Monday to review the progress on the contract that is redesigning the parking.
King Farm - The pole barn will be turned into a picnic farm. We have a contract for the pole and we are waiting for a contract from JBG. They intend to submit once they are approved. There is a meeting next week concerning the King Farm basketball courts.
Lincoln Park Community Center - None.
RedGate - They are running a little bit ahead than they were last year. They are currently closed right now due to the snow.
Swim Center - The committee met last week mostly to review the budget. Mark Eldridge shared with the committee that the revenues are up and it is going to be a good year as well as for next year. It was suggested by Mark Eldridge that the swim team parents be allowed to use the fitness equipment during their children’s practice time. The subcommittee suggested that a new membership type plan be created for this purpose. Bob Taylor mentioned that he does not like the idea of not having persons monitoring the center while equipment is being used. Burt Hall explained that there is city employee at the center should an emergency arise. The committee also prepared a draft petition to the M&C regarding the planned meeting/fitness room. Terry Baker is looking for any comments that the Board may want to add. There has also been renewed interest in adding a bubble over the outside pool.
TCRC - Center is busy and is very well used.
Town Center Park - Already done.
Youth Sports - Basketball underway.
Re: Monthly Divisional Reports
Included as FYI.
Re: Old Business/Old Business
Per Chip Boylan, Helen Heneghan will report back to the Board on various Dog Parks and Bicycle Paths along the Panama Canal.
Chip Boylan also inquired on Helen Heneghan's behalf about the replanting the trees along the Welsh Park area.
Burt Hall shared with the Board the recent emails that he has received concerning the dedication of the King Farm 28 acre site to Mattie J.T. Stepanek Park at King Farm. We will add this agenda item to the February meeting.
Chip Boylan reminded the Board that Ben Solomon is a senior this year and that we should begin to look for a replacement member.
The Board recommended location sites for the 2005 R&P Advisory Board meetings. A new meeting schedule will be distributed at the February meeting.
Re: Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 9:02 p.m. The next meeting is scheduled for Thursday, February 24 at 7 p.m. at the King Farm Community Center, Community Room.
