Recreation and Park Advisory Board
Meeting Minutes

December 1, 2005
Glenview Mansion

Re:  Approval of Minutes

The Minutes of the October 26, 2005 meeting were approved as presented.

Re:  Citizens Forum

Mark Chittum, resident of 5950 Lemay Road, was present to appeal the tree species that is intended for planting in front of his home.  Mr. Chittum has asked that a Maple tree be planted instead of the Zelkova because of personal aesthetic reasons as well as it is easier to clean up leaves in the fall in the front of his home.  He felt that if a Maple tree was planted it would still be somewhat consistent with the Master Street Tree Plan, as the species is currently located on the cross street of Ridgway.

Mr. Chittium asked how far the replanting would occur from the corner and what makes it Lemay versus Ridgway.  Rob Orndorff replied that we don't plant trees directly on the corner - it is either one street or the other.

Larry Eason inquired about the power line interruption.  Rob Orndorff stated that there are no power lines located on Lemay Road.

Burt Hall stated that Zelkova trees are mostly located on North Washington Street.  Currently there is uniformity on Lemay regarding the Zelkocova trees located on this street.  Rob Orndorff stated that the Twinbrook community was very involved with the process, selection and replacement plan in the Master Street Tree Plan and in order to keep consistency on Lemay the City would need to continue to follow plan.

Mr. Chittum stated that unfortunately he does not recall any literature regarding the street tree process.  He added that concerning the uniformity - on any corner there is going to be a break in the uniformity and given the number of Zelkovas it would enhance the City's species.George Sushinsky stated that he has visited the residence several times and felt that given there are so many other large trees on the street that he did not even notice the Zelkova trees.

Burt Hall stated that one of the basic needs of the MSTP is to have uniformity with street lined trees for Rockville.  The streetscape is not based on individual preferences.

Chip Boylan inquired about the designated trees on the remainder of the street.  Terry Baker inquired if the Zelkova's would be or are planted on the east end of the street.

Rob Orndorff added that the City took a list of acceptable trees for Rockville, addressed all existing trees, ones under power lines, in narrow planting spaces and evaluated all 500 streets of Rockville.

Mr. Chittum finished his appeal stating that although a lot of comments by residents were previously taken into consideration he unfortunately was not part of that discussion.  He also added that if you stop at the stop sign there is potentially going to be three - four different types species at the intersection.  Kate Savage added that this is what makes Rockville’s streets interesting and diversified.

Chip Boylan stated that the Board hears few appeals every year and must stand behind the City’s MSTP.  He also stated that because the plan states certain species are to be planted on a Rockville street then the Board does not have the ability to make the decision to change the specie.  Kate Savage added that any appeal changes that have been made in the past were not a result of a specie change but a location change or the addition/non-planting of a tree.

Larry Eason stated that changing the tree would not add to the site line but only stick out like a sore thumb.

Chip Boyed asked Mark Chittum if he would like to add any last remarks before the Board votes.  Mr. Chittum added that there is no other shade factors in his yard and would the Board consider moving the location of the tree.  Rob Orndorff stated that because this is an open planting location on Lemay, one will need to be replaced in the same exact location.

Larry Eason asked what the schedule date would be for the planting.  Rob Orndorff stated it would be planted in the spring

The Board voted unanimously to approve the intended planting of the Zelkova tree by the City per the MSTP.

Re:  Staff Report

Lew Dronenburg, Civic Center Superintendent was present to brief the Board on the current happenings at the Mansion during the month of December.  Lew Dronenburg also shared with the Board a wonderful complimentary letter that the Mansion received after a recent Thanksgiving Day rental.

The Glenview Mansion Long Range Master Plan was shared recently with various City Boards and Commissions and will now go back to the architects to merge all the comments and to add the additional mechanics. After, it will be shared with the DRC and added into the CIP.

Lew Dronenburg asked the Board to glance at the newly renovated backstairs as they stroll around the Mansion.  Lew Dronenburg also mentioned that they are back to having Artists in Residence in the upstairs of the Mansion.  In the theatre they are in the process of getting new chairs and creating more leg room for the customers.  They are also going to have removable seats in the first row.  The renovation will take place in late march/early April.  New lighting will also be done at this time as well.  The Theatre will host an opening gala to reintroduce people to the Theatre with a new campaign.

Re:  Comprehensive Zoning Revision

Burt Hall shared with the Board the Comprehensive Zoning Revision Overview.  The key area that will affect Recreation and Parks are optional method (to allow developers to get additional density in exchange for amenities - Rockville Pike redevelopment and we let them build a 12 story if they built a theatre.)  Where this applies to Parks in making sure that in the list of optional methods that there is a dedication for park open space.

The other issue is that all parks should be put into another zone instead of the current Zone-60.  According to Planning, putting Parks into a park zone that recognizes it is a difficult and hard to do.  If the Board puts these items on the table upfront then they will have to react to them.  The Mayor and Council worksession and taskforce formation will take place in early 2006.  Rockville is mostly a residential neighbor and the M&C will want to continue to keep it a community neighborhood.  Burt Hall will continue to alert the Board on when to submit their comments and concerns to the Planning Commission.  18% of the land in the City are parks.  In the early part of next year the Board will invite Somer Cross, Planner II, to attend a Park Board meeting to guide them on creating opportunities to keep park open space.

Re:  Coyote Policy

Burt Hall shared with the Board the draft “Coexisting with Coyote Policy.”  Kate Savage stated that she felt the policy is very positive and certain measures will encourage us to follow through with certain actions as required.

George Sushinsky added that under the trapping and euthanzing section we don't explain the specifics of euthanizing. Burt Hall also shared with the Board that once they become indigenous they would always be around.  As an apex predator they will take fawns and the goose population.  Chip Boylan stated that the Board supports the Coyote Policy. 

Re:  Beaver Policy

Included as FYI.

Re:  Thomas Farm Community Center Design

Burt Hall shared with the Board the Thomas Farm Community Center draft site plan.  Chip Boylan added that the process for the presentation of Thomas Farm Community Center design meeting went very well.

The Center is currently funded for approximately $3.M  The City is very carefully looking at the cost side.  The POS money jumped from $170 to $530,000 so we are using the additional money for Stepanek Park and any additional leftover money will be used for Center.  It is expected to be under construction in mid June/July and will take a year to complete.

Re:  Mattie Stepanek Park construction concerns

Included as FYI.  The playground, dog park, the pathway, benches and fields will be graded (does not include the lights for the field) and will be completed in the first phase.  The Dog Park is tied into the completion of the street and should be done in the spring.  Currently the City is negotiating with the contractor and the grading. 

Re:  Subcommittee Reports

Citizen Bicycle Advisory Committee  - George Sushinsky inquired about the signage for the bike path on Twinbrook Parkway and it’s continued route - it seems to go nowhere.

Dog Park  - The City has heard from some citizens in the Fallsgrove area requesting the use of their parkland to create an additional dog park.  The City asked the two residents involved to gather more residents to support this request.

Environmental Issues  - Already done.

Fallsgrove - Already done.

Glenview Mansion  - Next subcommittee meeting is scheduled for January 9th, 2006.

King Farm  - Chip Boylan commented that the Rockville Reports stated the Farmstead project is going to be reviewed for returning to HDC - check Rockville reports for wordage.  The City is going back to them to obtain the hay drying shed.  The building code does not allow the City to use the shed because of safety reasons.  The City will need to go to the HDC for go-ahead to tear down and rebuild a replica.  The same thing will have to be done with the little houses on the farm.

Lincoln Park Community Center  - None.

RedGate  - There is a meeting scheduled on December 14th at the Glenview Mansion Cottage.  George Sushinsky will attend on behalf of the Board.Swim Center - None.

TCRC - None.

Town Center Park  - None.

Youth Sports  - None.

Re:  Monthly Divisional Reports

Included as FYI.

Re:  Old Business

Progress report on 501c3 meeting. Chris Henry will attend next month’s meeting with a progress report on the 501(c) 3 report.

Re:  New Business

The Board would like to meet at the New Town Center Park as one of their meeting locations for next year.

Chip Boylan stated that he was reappointed as the Chairman for the Board but stated that we should change the Chairman seat every year.

Re:  Adjournment

The meeting was adjourned at 8:56 p.m.  The next meeting is scheduled for Thursday, January 26, 2006 at City Hall beginning at 7 p.m.