Re: Minutes

The minutes from the April 27 meeting were approved with two corrections.  1)  p. 4/para. 3:  re: King Farm Park as Local Historic District. Change sentence to read:  "The Board commented that the city staff member from the Community Planning and Development Services Department who presented the proposal to designate the Farmstead as historic was unprofessional in her discussion with the board."  2)  p. 5/para. 7:  Re:  Millennium Trail Ribbon Cutting and I-270 Bridge Groundbreaking.  In first sentence change "reorganization" to "recognition."

Head Golf Professional Kieron Mooney and Golf Course Superintendent Ray Evans were present to brief the board on RedGate Golf Course operations and issues.  Kieron stated that the staff is very pleased that the Mayor and Council approved the five-year Business Plan for RedGate’s financial recovery.  The plan provides additional funds for marketing, equipment both new and replacement, personnel and for some improvements such as resurfacing cart paths, ventilation fans on two greens and resurfacing three greens.  He showed the board the new advertising poster and explained the programs designed to build up the base of regular RedGate players.  Kieron also explained the plans to advertise in various Asian newspapers, including Thai, Korean and Chinese papers.

Ray Evans stated that the course is in the best shape it has been in ten years.  Chip Boylan inquired whether the dry spring has helped the course or hurt it.  Ray answered that not enough rain is preferred over too much given that irrigation can replace lack of rain.  Chip asked whether the irrigation system is fed from the City’s water system.  Ray answered that most irrigation water comes from the ponds on the course and from a well, although City water is used to refill the ponds when they get too low. 

Chip Boylan asked where the driving range is located.  Ray explained where it is and mentioned the option to extend its length to make it more attractive as a practice facility.  The plan to extend the range is tied to the improvement project for the City’s Gude Drive maintenance yard.  Burt Hall mentioned the possibility of adding lights to the driving range and explained that this would require a lighted parking area; RedGate’s parking lot is not currently lit.  One possibility would be to lease parking from the adjacent office building located on Taft Ct. 

Eric Heckman suggested that the staff purchase advertisements in the Washington Golf Monthly and Pros and Hackers magazines, adding that it is possible to negotiate favorable pricing with these publications.  Kieron Mooney responded that RedGate has already placed ads in both magazines. 

Chip Boylan inquired whether there was any funding for equipment replacements in the five-year business plan.  Ray Evans responded that the plan includes funds to replace all major equipment, as well as to purchase a greens roller and fans for two putting greens. 

Eric Heckman inquired whether RedGate has a junior program.  Kieron Mooney responded that RedGate has special low fees for junior players, clinics, a junior golf team and summer camps.  Kate Savage asked what the ages for junior players are.  Kieron responded age ten to seventeen.

Ray Evans stated that the business plan also includes funds for tree removals where trees are negatively affecting course playability, as well as for replacing trees that are removed.

Larry Eason inquired as to whether the new PGA Restaurant could serve as a conduit to RedGate.  Kieron Mooney responded that we have posters up in their bathrooms. 

Chip Boylan asked how much a bucket of range balls costs.  Kieron responded that RedGate has the lowest prices around:  $6 for a large and $4 for a small bucket.

Re: Katie Grant Street Tree Appeal

The board was informed by Horticulturist Rob Orndorff that he had come to an agreement with Katie Grant of 6 Eton Overlook on the location for the third street tree planting.

Re: Board and Member Orientation on June 1, 2006

The agenda materials contained a memo from the City Clerk informing the board of New Member Orientation session scheduled for June 1, 2006.  Chip Boylan mentioned that he attended a previous session and found it valuable.  Eric Heckman expressed interest in attending.

Re:  Trash Can in Rockcrest Park

Bob Taylor suggested at the April meeting that a trash can in Rockcrest Park be moved away from the bike path to reduce the incidences of broken glass on the path.  The Board was informed that staff took care of this request.

 Re:  RedGate Business Plan

The Board agreed this agenda item was discussed as part of the Staff Report. 

Re:  RedGate – Merchandiser of the Year Award

The Board commended Head Golf Professional Kieron Mooney for this outstanding award.  Eric Heckman commented that this is a tough business with all of the competition from the Internet and from the many large volume sports equipment stores.

Re:  Hometown Holidays

Burt Hall handed out brochures, printed in Spanish and English, with the schedules for Hometown Holidays and explained plans for the upcoming event.  Chip Boylan and Kate Savage volunteered to attend the parade and to represent the Board in selecting the Recreation and Park Board Award for the parade units.

Re: Subcommittee Reports

Citizen Bicycle Advisory Committee – All agreed that the Millennium Trail dedication and groundbreaking for the I-270 Bike/Ped bridge was a nice event.  Burt Hall mentioned that the new signs and mile markers for the Millennium Trail will soon be installed.

Dog Park – Chip Boylan asked about the time frame for completion of the dog park.  Burt Hall responded that it should be completed this fall along with Phase 1 construction of Stepanek Park.

Environmental Issues – none

Fallsgrove – The board discussed the sightings of coyotes around Rockville, as well as foxes.

Glenview Mansion – Burt Hall informed the Board that the playground installation is held up as the parkland has not been deeded to the City yet and the developer will not give permission to construct the playground until the land is transferred.

King Farm - none

Lincoln Park Community Center - none

RedGate – already done

Swim Center – Terry Baker informed the Board that the lockers in the women’s indoor locker room will be replaced this August.  He also mentioned that during FY 2007 there will be a feasibility study of converting the indoor pools to a geothermal heating system.  

TCRC – none

Town Center Park – The Board commented on the planting of the significant tree in the plaza and asked about including the Town Square on the June tour meeting.  Burt Hall said he would look into setting that up. 

Youth Sports – Eric Heckman reported that the RBBA season is going fine.  He explained a scam that was reported in the Gazette involving a youth collecting money illicitly with an explanation that the funds would go to the Rockville Football League.  Eric explained that the RFL does not do this type of fundraising.

Re:  New Business

Terry Baker stated that the May meeting always is scheduled during the week before Hometown Holidays, which adds an extra stress on the City staff who must work all of Memorial Day Weekend.  Terry suggested that in future years the May meeting be held on the third Thursday of the month.  The Board agreed by consensus.

Larry Eason expressed kudos for Michelle for her production of the April minutes, which were a challenge due to the length of the meeting and the complexity of the discussion. 

Following discussion of options for the June Park Board tour meeting, it was decided to focus on Stepanek Park and Town Center.