Recreation and Park Advisory Board
Meeting Minutes

 March 24, 2005
 King Farm Community Center 

Re: Approval of Minutes

The minutes were approved as presented.

Re: Citizens Forum

Re: Naming of King Farm 28-Acre Park

Bob Balkam, resident of King Farm, and Andy Gordon, King Farm resident and President of the King Farm Assembly were present to discuss the naming of the King Farm 28-acre park to the Mattie J.T. Stepanek Park.  Both gentlemen shared with the Board that Mattie, who passed away in June of 2004 after a long struggle with a rare form of muscular dystrophy, lived in King Farm with his mother, Jeni.  In addition to writing five books of poetry, all of which were on the New York Times Bestseller List, Mattie was a friend of the famous and powerful.  He was a guest on Oprah Winfrey Show, the Larry King Show and the Today Show.  Mattie had been the National Goodwill Ambassador for the Muscular Dystrophy Association for three years.  Each of those years he was on the Jerry Lewis Telethon For Muscular Dystrophy.  Former President Jimmy Carter delivered the eulogy at Mattie’s funeral and Oprah Winfrey also spoke.  President Carter told the congregation that since leaving the White House he had visited 122 countries, he had met prime ministers, kings, queens and presidents, but Mattie was the most remarkable person he had ever met.  At the time of his death, Mattie left two manuscripts, one a collection of poems and one he had written with President Carter, to be titled Just Peace:  A Vision of Hope.  Mattie’s mother, Jeni, has also expressed her enthusiastic support for naming the park for her son.  She is quoted in an article from The Town Courier as follows:  “Mattie was somebody who stood for the future….what love is about…..I hope it happens so his spirit of peace, friendship and community will live for a long time.” 

In Mattie’s honor, the residents of King Farm would like to have a statue erected of Mattie with his dog next to a chess table.  The community is currently working on establishing a foundation in his name to help cover the cost of the statue in addition to the funding from the City from the Arts in Public Places Fund project.

Bob Balkum also note that Mattie loved King Farm and visiting with others in the neighborhood.  Although the community only knew him for 1-½ years, they were greatly touched by his spirit.

Chip Boylan inquired if the King Farm Assembly and Association signed off on the naming and if they represented the entire community.  Andy Gordon stated that they had all the leadership of all the organizations but they did not feel that they had the authority to move forward with it.  The community group is going through a transition at this time.  Both neighborhood groups are elected members, the Home Association and the Assembly.

Chip Boylan reminded the Board that recently the community was polled by the City regarding the naming of the park and the City received 235 responses with the outcome of the 12-acre park to be named King Farm Park.  Helen Heneghan stated that she is not fully sure that we received any surveys from naming other parks such as Mary Trumbo Park.

It was suggested by Burt Hall that the president of the Assembly, the Association, and others (names on signature page) present to the M&C a letter of the recommendation.

Kate Savage inquired about getting 100% buy in from the community although she realizes that it is hard to get everyone on board.  She also stated that we did receive e a lot of positive feedback regarding the naming of the park.

Helen Heneghan motioned that she would like to recommend naming the King Farm Park in the name of Mattie J.T. Stepanek in Mattie’s honor.

Re: Tree Maintenance Policies for Forest Preserves

Susan Nolde, City Forester, was present to discuss the recommendations of the final report from the Environment Commission.  Although the changes that have been made will be somewhat of a hardship for staff, they are guidelines which the Forestry department can work with.

The staff has recommended additions to the following two sections:

• Under the application section, Forestry staff recommended the application be applied based on the level of interest from the adjacent communities.  The Forestry Division will send a letter to the HOA’s surrounding each Forest Preserve to determine if the HOA wants to be included in this process.  If the HOA does not express interest, we would not complete the notification section.
• Under Imminent hazard, we recommend that immediate removal occur for trees scoring a 7 or higher.

Susan Nolde noted that she would prefer not to have an exact number under the imminent hazard.

Terry Baker stated that it would be great if we notified the neighborhood but what about the persons walking through the forest - shouldn't the trees be also marked.  Burt Hall stated that it does not improve the City's liability by marking the tree.  Susan Nolde stated that as soon as a tree is found that should be removed, they take immediate action to do so.

Helen Heneghan reminded the Board that Susan Nolde is the professional and will act immediately on all street and parkland tree issues.  Burt Hall stated that he does not think that the civic associations are going to any concern with us not sending notification.

Terry Baker motioned that we recommend the policy including the suggested changes from the Parks Department.  Bob Taylor suggested that the scoring state to 6 but then withdrew his recommendation.

Comments reflect that we do have great faith in Susan's ability to make the decision and professional opinion.

Helen and Kate inquired about the recent removal of trees that occurred at Montgomery College.

Re: Tree Appeal

Mr. Julian Silk of 2189 Stratton Avenue was present to express his concern about the type of replacement tree that will be planted in front of his home.  The Street Tree Master Plan indicates that trees planted on Stratten Avenue will be cherry trees.  Mr. Silk would like to change the replacement tree with good allergy trees.

Mr. Silk will be present again at the April meeting to further discuss his appeal and request.

Re: Community Garden Plot Proposal

Burt Hall shared with the Board the recent proposal regarding a new community garden plot.  A similar process as the dog process drives this issue.  Currently, staff is putting together a group who will work with staff and the Board to find an additional location for a 20-plot lot.  Many residents who live in close proximity to Watkins Mill Park even benefit from the current locations of the plots.

Helen Heneghan inquired about cost of the program.  Burt Hall stated that at the direction of the City Manager, we will charge a fee that includes the cost of creating the area, which includes start up and rentals intended.  They would like to open the plots in Spring 2006. 

Kate Savage suggested the area behind the King Farm Farmstead be considered.  The Board will be asked to review again in the future as it moves forward.

Re: National Historic Register Requirements

Chip Boylan distributed a memo from John Moser regarding the site enhancement and utilization report to the Board.  The historic district would prefer that the entire park be considered under the HDC.

Currently there are no administrative authorities or requirements that go along with historic registers.  They have no authority to say what to do with your property although you must go along with the guidelines of the National Historic which are the same as the Historic District Commission.

Any building over 50 years old that you would like to have removed must have a permit to remove it in Rockville.  The City went for recommendation to the HDC about removing several small sheds and barns.  All were approved with the exception of the main barn.

Given the potential expense, which could be up to several million dollars, Chip Boylan stated that if the city is going to spend this kind of money then we should have authority over the buildings versus the HDC.  We thought that the idea of preserving it and subdividing it would be the best option.

Re: Phase II Town Center Advisory Committee

Included as FYI.

Kate Savage also brought to the meeting several maps and follow-up material for the Board to review.  She explained again that out of all of the property, none was owned by the City.  Kate Savage's job on the Board and Subcommittee is to protect the green space in Town Center and/or acquire more to be included as part of the Center.

Helen Heneghan inquired about any set backs such as condos that could be surrounded by green space.

Marsha Douma inquired about the building height trade for green space.  Burt Hall stated that this is called optional method zoning.

Re: Dog Park - Jack Lucky

Included as an FYI.

Re: Marsha Douma

Marsha Douman, West End resident was present to express her interest in joining the Park Board. 

Re: Recreation and Parks Fees

Included as an FYI.

Re: Mayor and Council - Park Board Attendance

All of the M& C will be invited to the next Recreation and Park Advisory Board meeting.

Re: Public Participation for design of Thomas Farm Community Center

Burt Hall stated that we are looking for at least one Board member to sit in on the Thomas Farm Committee.  Chip Boylan and Helen Heneghan both agreed to participate on the task force for Thomas Farm.

Re: Subcommittee Reports

Citizen Bicycle Advisory Committee - Bridge project is very close for redesign and going out to bid.  Estimated cost is $3.1M.

Dog Park - The road will be in before the park is completed.  Completion date is expected for one year from now.

Environmental Issues - Already done.

Fallsgove - Already done.

Glenview Mansion - None.

King Farm - Andy Gordon reminded Burt Hall that the community wished to install dog waste containers.  He also stated that they would be willing to install dog pots and have King Farm pay for the removal of the waste. Burt Hall stated that they would be willing to work the neighborhood on this issue.  The community is also working on creating an email "hot spot" to voice an area of concern for dog “offenders.”  Burt Hall also stated that the City had previously installed mutt mitts and will continue to install additional mutt mitt stations around various areas within the City.

Lincoln Park Community Center - None.

RedGate - None.

Swim Center - It was noted in the monthly report that the heat in the pools have been much more consistent than previous years.  The fitness center is still the main priority with the subcommittee and they are working on various ways to promote and keep it on the M&C agenda.  Kate Savage inquired about the replacement of the slide in the outdoor pool.  Terry Baker and Burt Hall will check with Mark about the scheduled upgrade date.

TCRC - None.

Town Center Park - Already done.

Youth Sports - None.

Re: Monthly Divisional Reports

Included as FYI.

Re: Old Business

None

Re: New Business

The Board voted and will recommend to the Mayor and Council that Marsha Douma be appointed as a member of Recreation and Park Advisory Board.

Re: Adjournment

The meeting was adjourned at 8:56 p.m.  The next meeting is scheduled for Thursday, April 28 at 7 p.m. at the Croydon Creek Nature Center.