Re: Minutes
The minutes of the October 26th meeting were approved with the following change: In the section on College Gardens Park Design, p. 1., Add after first sentence/first paragraph: A comment was made regarding the City's support for the project at the adjacent College Gardens Elementary School.
Re: Citizens Forum
None
Re: Staff Report
Burt Hall stated that all of the correspondence for the street tree appeal at 811 Woodley Drive was included in the Board's packet for their review. Burt Hall added that he was considering sending a reply letter to Mrs. Stewart regarding her concern that "far too many people are now involved and would consider it a waste of tax-payer dollars to proceed." Since the Board does not receive pay, this statement is incorrect.
Chip Boylan stated that the Bradford pear tree is the planned street tree and that it may be more appropriate to just send a letter with a copy of the approved street tree listing. He added that it might be best to not respond to Mrs. Stewart as the Board would almost certainly deny the appeal anyway, as the City will not remove a healthy tree. The Board concurred that it would be best to let this issue rest.
Kathleen Moran, Civic Center Superintendent was present to share with the Board the current happenings at the Civic Center Complex. At last week’s Open House there were about 400 attendees. The new series of professional performances that the City is presenting will continue in January 2007 at the theater. Kathleen Moran also encouraged the Board to stroll through the Mansion to view all the festive holiday decorations. She also added that she is most appreciative of the Board and their support in the Glenview Mansion long-range plan. Burt complimented the wonderful work decorating the mansion done by Kathleen and former Civic Center Superintendent Lew Dronenburg.
Terry Baker brought up the recent public meeting in which the engineering firm, Apex, presented recommendations regarding the Civic Center long-range plan. The only other Mansion subcommittee member to attend this meeting was Craig Moloney from the HDC. There were some concerns brought up in the meeting, namely the proposal to construct a large traffic circle behind the Mansion to accommodate vehicular movement and handicap parking. Terry raised a concern that Mr. Moloney stated that this recommendation must be approved by the HDC. He does not believe that the HDC has official jurisdiction to approve the plan, but only to comment on it.
Kathleen stated that retaining the circle but reducing its size is being considered. There are some code and fire marshal issues and they are working as well.
Bob Taylor asked if there are a standard number of handicap spots that are required. Kathleen Moran stated that they are proposing a few more than required because of the clientele that the mansion and theatre attract.
Chip Boylan asked why does any board have to approve this and stated that it is ultimately the Mayor and Council’s decision. Bob Taylor stated that we have been looking at this for the past two years and that the Board's recommendations go along way back.
Burt Hall stated that the Board and the HDC does have a common ground with the aesthetics of the grounds of the mansion. The CIP project name has been changed to the Civic Center Accessibility Improvements project to better reflect the type of improvements recommended. Eighty-percent of the project focuses on pedestrian access and ADA improvements.
Larry Eason added that the next Mansion subcommittee meeting will be held within the next few weeks and they hope that Craig Moloney will be in attendance.
Helen Heneghan inquired if the Holiday Open House donation box is left out permanently, or whether is put away during private functions. Kathleen Moran stated that it is normally kept in the upstairs art gallery and that it is not left out for private rentals.
Re: FTPO proposed changes
Postponed until next month's meeting of January 24, 2007.
Re: Cost Recovery
The Board finished reviewing the departments' remaining cost recovery update sheets for each division.
Senior Center Operations Cost Center - George Sushinsky inquired about the money from the home donation and if it is reflected in the Senior Center Operations cost recovery. Burt Hall stated that the proceeds from this donation went to RSI, which is the non-profit organization that supports the Senior Center, so it is not reflected in the City’s revenues or cost recovery calculations.
The Recreation Services cost recovery sheet was not complete. The Board would like to see the final sheet.
Senior Sports and Fitness - Why is Tai Chi free? Also it appears that participation has plummeted in FY 07. Are the numbers year-to-date, if so they should be projected year-end numbers on all sheets for FY07?
Glenview - This sheet has no title.
Youth and Adult Sports - The only fees shown on the Youth Sports chart are for boys and girls basketball. The Board requested a chart showing fees for all youth sports leagues. The Board also asked why the department is not offering sports leagues in some new areas such as adult soccer, youth and adult lacrosse and youth field hockey. Burt stated that the staff has been working on proposals from some new sports leagues that may be responsive to Rockville’s changing demographics.
Re: Tour of the Mansion
The Board had the opportunity to tour the holiday-decorated Mansion with Kathleen Moran as their tour guide.
Re: Subcommittee Reports
Citizens Bicycle Advisory Committee - The I-270 bike/ped bridge is currently under construction. The Twinbrook bike path is also slated to be improved in the near future.
Dog Park - Almost finished.
Environmental Issues - None.
Fallsgrove - Currently conducting the Fallsgrove Park resident survey. The City will report back to Board with results at the next meeting.
Glenview Mansion - Already done.
King Farm – Park is moving along.
Lincoln Park Community Center - None.
RedGate - George Sushinsky reported that he recently played the course. He stated that RedGate has been getting quite a bit of play with the warm weather, and that several greens remain somewhat damaged.
Swim Center – Subcommittee meeting next month.
TCRC - None.
Town Center Park – The Town Center plaza is about two-thirds open. The library grand opening was held last week. George Sushinsky stated that there the streets and sidewalks leading into Town Square are not very good for bicyclists, as they are constructed of cobblestones making it difficult to ride or even to walk. Burt stated that there are no dedicated bike lanes on Maryland Avenue. There is a dedicated 10-foot wide bike lane on Gibbs Street, constructed of concrete. George Sushinsky added that the library is beautiful.
Youth Sports - Already done.
Re: Monthly Divisional Reports
Included as an FYI. Linkages to Learning – In the monthly report it is stated that there are seven students on the counseling waiting list. The Board wondered whether we ever get to these waitlisted children?
Re: Old Business
Helen Heneghan inquired about the project to create a Recreation and Parks foundation. Burt Hall stated that when Chris Henry returns from maternity leave work will resume on this.
Re: New Business
Marsha Douma volunteered to chair the Environmental Issues subcommittee. Burt Hall shared the type of events, initiatives and meetings that might be involved.
Terry Baker inquired about a shipping container that recently appeared at Ritchie Park Elementary School Kate Savage stated that it probably belongs to the Richard Montgomery football team who recently used Ritchie Park facilities for practices due to the school renovation project.
Re: Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 8:42 p.m. The next meeting is scheduled for Thursday, January 25, 2007 at City Hall beginning at 7 p.m.
