Re: Minutes
Minutes of the April meeting were approved as presented.
Re: Citizens' Forum
None.
Re: Staff Report
Kieron Mooney, RedGate Golf Pro was present to share with the Board the recent happenings at the course. RedGate recently purchased gently used furniture and equipment from Avenel, which included clubhouse furniture, deck furniture, several televisions as well as a beverage cart. This fulfilled one of the recommendations of the 5-Year Business Plan, which was to upgrade the ambience of the clubhouse and snack bar.
On hole number 12, the hitting area on either side of the cart path was re-sodded to improve playing conditions. The green was rebuilt on hole number 11, the pond and drainage system upgraded, over 500 new trees were planted and the driving range is being lengthened by 50 yards. It was necessary to have a temporary green on number 11 during the construction period. The regular green opened in early May. Despite the above temporary conditions total golf rounds played are up slightly over last year’s pace.
Unfortunately the very rainy spring has reduced rounds played well below the potential
for the current quarter.
The 5-year business plan for the course is currently in the 3rd year and it has provided the resources to improve playing conditions of all course areas and to market the course in a variety of effective ways.
Kate Savage stated that she was disappointed in the article that recently appeared in the Gazette, and that the course was not positively portrayed. Marsha Douma suggested promoting a “play for free” round of golf. Kieron Mooney stated that the current marketing promotes many different discounted round packages as well as specials throughout the week. He added that giving away a “free” round of golf would likely diminish the quality and appreciation of the course.
Burt informed the board of our newest staff member in the Recreation Division, Jon McClaren, the new Community Recreation Manager, who will supervise the staff who manage Childcare, Kidz Club, Summer Playgrounds and Teens as well as the Skate Park and Climbing gym. His first day of work is Monday, May 19, 2008.
Burt Hall added that 405 street trees were planted this spring, and no appeals were filed. This is an accomplishment for the Forestry/Horticulture division staff.
Re: Hometown Holidays Memo
Burt Hall shared with the Board the schedule of events for the Hometown Holidays event over Memorial Day weekend. He added that the parade route has changed. The new parade route will come down North Washington Street to Beall Avenue, turn left, then right on Maryland Avenue through the new Town Square to the reviewing stand located in front of the new Rockville Library. Chip Boylan, Kate Savage, George Sushinsky, Marsha Douma and Wendy Braund will represent the Board at the Memorial Day Ceremony and in selecting a Recreation and Park Advisory Board parade unit winner.
Re: Recreation Fund Update
Burt Hall shared with the Board the memos regarding the Recreation Fund updates. Lockheed Martin, along with several other businesses, has recently donated toward the fund. Bob Taylor inquired about the recommended $1 or $2 fee that is being added to each program registration. Burt Hall stated that this is already currently being done.
Burt Hall added that the City is going to closely track the financial status of the fund and keep the board informed. Once the fund is back on its feet it will be reevaluated with the possibility of re-establishing the higher per-person, per-family benefits.
Re: Subcommittee Reports
Citizen Bicycle Advisory Committee – Tomorrow is Bike to Work Day.
Croydon Creek Nature Center – Marsha Douma shared with the Board that the spring festival went very well. Marsha Douma brought a sample of the “green” reusable shopping bag to share with the Board. She has suggested that the City sell them with the new Town Center merchants as the sponsors. VisArts is currently selling them at the cost of $6/piece. Terry Baker added that the bags do not stand up and are hard for grocery personnel to fill at the checkout. Marsha Douma responded that the benefits to the environment outweigh this problem.
Environmental Issues – Bob Taylor inquired if the City had any problems with storm water management from all the recent rains. Burt Hall stated that there have not been any significant problems, although several trees have fallen over in the parks. Chip Boylan inquired if the stream cleanup is still on for June 7th. Rob Orndorff will send any final details concerning the stream clean up to Kate Savage to distribute onto the Board.
Fallsgrove – Terry Baker inquired about the amount of tennis courts that will be built in Fallsgrove. Burt Hall replied that there would be two tennis courts installed which will not be lighted.
Glenview Mansion – None.
King Farm - None.
Lincoln Park Community Center – Beginning work on the garden.
Redgate – Already done.
Swim Center – Construction for the meeting/fitness room is going well. The target opening date is January 8, 2009. The next big project is the reconstruction of the outdoor locker room, a FY 09 project. The swim team is still number one in the country in the “Virtual U.S. Swim Championships.” The advisory subcommittee is short one member. Chris Noonan Sturm has been recommended to fill the position. The Board voted unanimously to support the nomination of Strum to the Swim Center Advisory committee.
TCRC - None.
Town Center Park – The board inquired about the impact of the county’s decision with parking at the library and how it will affect the city. Burt Hall stated that instead of the county paying for all the parking fees, the people who visit the library would pay for the hourly parking charges. All of the work on the pavers is complete. The First Friday Rooftop party was very nice. The next restaurant sponsor for the deck party will be Austin Grill.
Youth Sports – George Sushinsky inquired if all softball fields are being mowed. Burt Hall stated that they should be. George stated that the infields at Rockcrest and Hillcrest need attention. Burt replied that he will have the Parks staff take care of this.
Recreation and Parks Foundation – Chip Boylan inquired about the date on which the Mayor and Council will appoint him to the Foundation Board as the Park Board representative. Burt Hall replied that everything would be done at the July worksession.
PROS Plan – The results of the survey will be distributed at next month’s meeting.
Re: Monthly Divisional Reports
Included as FYI.
Marsha Douma inquired about getting notified when the tulip bulbs are removed. Burt Hall stated that he would look into if there were any more available.
Re: Old Business/New Business
Kate Savage inquired about the next College Gardens Park Task Force meeting. Burt Hall stated that the next meeting would take place in early June.
Jack Schore Tennis status – Burt Hall stated that the City has met with Ginny Gong from ICB and found that they were very positive about the leasing of the land for the indoor tennis facility. She suggested that the City should speak with the MCPS Facilities department regarding the construction of the courts. The County staff suggested building the tennis courts at Maryvale Elementary School, where the courts were recently removed. The City is waiting for the proposal from Jack Schore to share with the county school system. Burt Hall added that the Headmaster at Bullis had nothing but rave revues about Jack Schore. Jack Schore is looking at offering a junior clinic to begin his work with the City. Marsha Douma suggested that the City hire a liaison person to work with Jack Schore and the City.
The Mayoral Transition Advisory Group Report will be added to the July meeting agenda. A copy will be sent to Terry Baker via mail.
Suggested June Park Board tour locations: Thomas Farm Community Center, Fallsgrove Park, Mattie Stepanek and Maryvale Park.
Marsha Douma asked if the City would be interested in conducting a piano competition. Burt Hall replied that he thought that is a good idea and will pass it along to the Cultural Arts Commission for their consideration.
Re: Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 8:28 p.m. The next meeting is scheduled for Thursday, June 26, 2008 with a park tour of City facilities.
