Re: Minutes
The minutes of the January 23 meeting will be corrected to reflect Larry Eason’s correct email address as theeasons@comcast.net. Also, Terry Baker reminded the Board of the 50th Anniversary City ownership of Glenview in the project update report and not Chip Boylan.
Re: Citizens Forum
Mr. Anderson of 13108 Ardennes Ave., was scheduled to attend the meeting to appeal the planting of a street tree in front of his home, but did not show up. Staff will contact Mr. Anderson and invite him to the next meeting.
Re: 50th Anniversary of Rockville's Acquisition of Glenview Mansion
Larry Eason suggested that we celebrate historical events in Rockville and the U.S. from the year 1957, and/or have Civil War re-enactors from the same year as the Mansion was built and end the evening with fireworks.
Helen Heneghan suggested that we do not do fireworks and instead hold a concert with a tea to go along with the Mansion theme. She stated Mansion people are not popcorn people. Kate Savage mentioned that this was originally a farm and is filled with great history, which should be recounted. Bob Taylor also stated that the Mansion has metamorphosed into much more and we should show the growth of the City’s use of the Mansion as well. Chris Henry added that it is also the 50th anniversary of the Rockville Concert Band, as well as the Sister City relationship with Pinneberg, Germany.
Terry Baker suggested that we showcase the years of 1957 through 2007 with movie clips, music, and maps to show what Rockville, the Town Center, etc. used to look like. Helen Heneghan suggested to Terry Baker to stop by City Hall to find additional information. Larry Eason stated that there are also some Lyon ancestors still alive. Terry Baker will pass all of these suggestions onto the Mansion Subcommittee.
Re: Foundation 501(c)3
Chris Henry presented to the Board the Foundation 501(c)(3) milestones. Terry Baker asked if Chris Henry will come back to the board in May to update the board after the Mayor and Council approval of the concept plans for establishing the foundation..
Re: Coyote Policy
Steve Mader, Parks and Facilities Superintendent was present to brief the Board on the latest draft of the City’s Coyote Management Policy. Steve Mader explained that the City has used considerable MD DNR information for reference.
Helen Heneghan inquired if we received any feedback from the Rockville Reports article concerning coexisting with coyotes. Steve Mader mentioned that the reports just went out and we have not received inquiries any as of yet.
The policy has been sent to other area jurisdictions for review before it will be finalized as the City’s policy.
Re: Subcommittee Reports
Citizen Bicycle Advisory Committee – currently working on the next Ride for Rockville.
Dog Park - Chip Boylan inquired if the road was considered part of the dog park and would we need to wait until it was completed.
Environmental Issues- None
Thomas Farm Community Center – Staff and our architectural firm are currently working on the detail design as well as conducting testing for installation of a geothermal heating/cooling system. Kate Savage added that geothermal energy will be used in the new Richard Montgomery High School facilities. Bob Taylor asked why geothermal has not been used in past City buildings. Chris Henry stated that in the past it was very expensive relative to the cost of energy, that the technology is now more proven, and there is now a two- to three- year payback period predicted. The City is also looking at doing testing at City Hall and the Swim Center to see if they are viable facilities for geothermal energy. Kate Savage inquired about how much space the tubing would require. Chris Henry explained that they take up a lot of room, but are usually located under parking lots. After completion the wells do not need to be touched again, only new ones would need to be drilled in approximately twenty years. Staff is is looking to go out to bid in summer 2006 and construction is expected to take one year. Expected to open in September 2007.
Glenview Mansion - Meeting next week.
King Farm – The Model Railroad group is currently occupying the space and the City is working with the Public Works department to make some changes for upgrades/construction. Mattie Stepanek sculpture got support from the Cultural Arts Commission. Attached letter from the CAC Chairman John Moser to Bob Balkam, Mattie Stepanek Foundation board member providing the CAC’s support.
Lincoln Park Community Center- Kate Savage mentioned that there was an exciting article in the Reports about Nina Herndon, Teen Program Supervisor, and her new course for teens on how to write a resumes, etc. The course was a three series class. She was only able to do the first class in the series because of low enrollment. There were approximately fifteen persons signed up. Not all attended regularly.
RedGate – A meeting was recently held with the Golf Pro and the Advisory Board. They are working diligently for the opening season, which begins April 1, 2006. Twenty-five new annual passes have already been sold. There was a players meeting held on March 22nd. Superintendent, Ray Evans stated at the meeting that all projects are going well and should be completed by April 1. George Sushinksy stated that the committee discussed course conditions and what could be done to improve last season’s situation, in which conditions were not as good as in past years. Members of the RedGate Advisory Committee suggested that the regulars, approximately 100-400 players, could volunteer to assist with course maintenance activities. It was also suggested that the City employees could volunteer their time as well to help. Financial report is going to be presented to the Mayor and Council in late March.
Swim Center - None
TCRC - None
Town Center Park - Terry Baker stated that Marsha Douma is moving forward with proposals for enhancements to greenways in and around Town Center, which includes the idea of “spokes” venturing out from Town Center, special signage, etc. Ms. Douma is applying for a grant for the greenways.
Youth Sports - None.
Re: Monthly Divisional Reports
Included as FYI.
Re: Old Business
Bob Taylor asked if we could set a deadline for finding a teen Park Board member and if none are found then move on to get an adult replacement. Kate Savage mentioned that she was going to bring up the position at the last Richard Montgomery PTA meeting but it was snowed out. The next meeting is going to be held in two weeks where she will bring it up.
Re: New Business
None.
Re: Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 8 p.m. The next meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. at the Pump House on March 23, 2006.
