Burt Hall presented to the Board the updated Cost Recovery Report, with FY 05 Actuals for all Recreation and Parks department Cost Centers.
Burt Hall presented to the Board the plan to initiate a Senior Center long-range plan as well as establishing a task force.
Burt Hall presented to the Board a proposal to reestablish the RedGate Golf Course Advisory Committee. The RedGate staff solicited volunteers for participation among regular players and via a flyer at the clubhouse. A mixed group of golfers representing various playing groups was proposed, including seniors, high handicappers, low handicappers and women golfers. The first Advisory Committee meeting is scheduled on November 9th. George Sushinsky volunteered to serve on the committee as the Recreation and Park Board representative.
Burt Hall shared with the Board the letter from Marty and Penny Trusty expressing concerns about beaver activity in Upper Watts Branch Park. Over the past three years the beavers have cut down a lot of mature and small trees in the area. The damaged area is approximately 1/2 acre. The letter requested that the beavers be relocated, as it is inappropriate for beavers to be cutting trees in a City Forest Preserve area.
Bob Taylor inquired about the City’s options. The City’s policy is based on tolerance and co-existence unless there is a conflict involving private property, such as the beavers harming privately owned trees, or flooding private property. Burt Hall mentioned there are some ways to deal with flooding caused by the beavers without removing them. The method is to install a PVC pipe through the dam to drain the pond.
Unfortunately, when this has been tried in the past, the beavers blocked the pipe with sticks within about 24 hours. Beavers will also eventually vacate if their damn is regularly disturbed. Usually, however, they relocate up or downstream. There is no option to trap and relocate beavers within the State of Maryland or elsewhere. If trapped they must be euthanized.
Kate Savage inquired if it was hurting our storm water management and Burt Hall replied that no it is actually a benefit to storm water management. Burt Hall stated that the City replied to the Trustys stating that we are going to leave them alone for now but and continue to monitor the situation. The letter stated that the policy would be reviewed by the Recreation and Park Advisory Board meeting and the Environmental Commission. Burt Hall would like the Board to both review the policy and to make a recommendation regarding the application of the policy to this current issue situation in Upper Watts Branch Park. The Board agreed to postpone taking any action at this time and to discuss these issues at the December meeting. Burt Hall added that the letter also stated that beaver activity is part of the normal forest ecosystem.
Larry Eason inquired as to the City’s policies if there was a bear sighting in a City Park? Burt Hall stated that the Maryland DNR has regulatory control over all furbearing animals and would make the decisions on what to do in such a case.
A resident Marsha Douma submitted a proposal to the City to create more green space in the new Town Center and to connect greenspaces nearby Town Center. Burt Hall stated the Mayor and Council have also expressed interest in creating more green space within Town Center, particularly in the area north of Beall Avenue. Burt added that this is something that Recreation and Parks could work towards in the FY07 budget, if supported by the Board.
Burt Hall asked the Board about their impression of the proposed measured mile around Town Center. Terry Baker stated that he had mixed feelings about the measure mile but did like the idea to add more park space and to tie neighborhoods together, creating additional convenient recreational opportunities for citizens.
Burt Hall stated that there would be challenges in finding land to create additional parks; however once a plan like this is in place, it increases the likelihood of identifying opportunities that may have otherwise been missed. Terry Baker stated that this is a nice concept. Helen Heneghan asked if staff would notify the Planning Commission as well. Burt replied that they would be informed.
The Board expressed support for the concept. Burt Hall will begin the steps to review and outline the possible next steps.
Re: Dog Park Design Issues
Burt Hall shared with the Board that a new park is being constructed in the Fallsgrove neighborhood, and some of the residents of that community have expressed interest in adding a Dog Park. Burt Hall also thanked Terry Baker for sharing the Dog Park article.
Re: Recreation Fund Participants
Included as FYI.
Re: Historic District Designation of the Pump House
This was included as a confirmation from last month.
Re: Subcommittee Reports
Citizen Bicycle Advisory Committee – A meeting is scheduled for next month.
Dog Park - Already done.
Environmental Issues - None.
Fallsgrove/Thomas Farm Community Center – There was a meeting last month that Chip Boylan attended. There were approximately 20 persons whom attended. The community was very pleased with the presented concept.Glenview Mansion – A meeting was held three weeks ago. The committee is looking into purchasing a new conference room table. They are also working on the back stairs from the first to second floor. The Sycamore tree on the driveway to the Mansion is declining and will eventually have to be removed.
King Farm - Burt Hall stated that the construction of Mattie Stepanek Park has begun.
Lincoln Park Community Center - Kate Savage stated that she loves reading the monthly reports and seeing all the programs and activities that are currently going on.
RedGate - Helen Heneghan inquired if the course greens are cured. Burt Hall stated that the course is back in shape after the recent drought.
Swim Center – The meeting and fitness room is under planning. Since the money was put into the CIP several years ago the construction costs have increased significantly. Profit Company bid on the meeting/fitness room but came at nearly double the anticipated price. The proposal for design of the facility will need to be re-advertised. The Advisory Board suggested supplemental outside funds such as the 5013(c) fund.
TCRC - None.
Town Center Park - The City is currently looking into the stage cover design for the Town Plaza and will have some designs for the Board to review in the near future.
Youth Sports - The RFL had a successful Homecoming event celebrating their 40th Anniversary.
Re: Monthly Divisional Reports
Included as an FYI.
Re: Old Business
Helen Heneghan inquired if Phil Bryan's could find a member for the Board from the teen groups within the Recreation Department.
Re: New Business
Car Show celebrated the event with 50 T-birds. Kate Savage thanked Mike Henry for letting RM use their stage for a Homecoming Party at the school before they traveled to Blake for the dance.
Re: Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 8:18 p.m. The next meeting is scheduled for Thursday, December 1st at Glenview Mansion.
