March 25, 2004
Croydon Creek Nature Center
Minutes
Present: Terry Baker, Chip Boylan, Larry Eason, Helen Heneghan, Ben Soloman, Kate Savage
Members Absent: Eric Heckman
Citizens Present: None
Staff Present: Burt Hall, Michelle Bean
Re: Approval of Minutes
Minutes were approved as presented.
Re: Citizens Forum
None
Re: Croydon Creek Nature Center
Valerie Oliver, Nature Center Supervisor briefed the Board on current happenings and programs at the center. Recently the center has enjoyed participation from a growing number of 5th, 6th and 7th graders. Presently there are two scouts volunteering their time to the center who are working on constructing a new bird feeding area that they will design for their Eagle Scout projects. The Center is looking to hire an architect to design the fit out of the basement for use as an additional classroom and exhibit center. On a monthly basis, the center currently averages approximately 40 hours from volunteers.
Re: Hard Times Cafe - Chili Sales at the Parks during Adult Softball Games
The Board reviewed the memo from Chuck Miller regarding the proposal to contract with Hard Times Café to provide chili sales at the parks during adult softball games. The Board asked if this was a replacement for an existing food concession, or is this a new program? Burt stated that we only have a concession stand at Dogwood Park. Hard Times is proposing to set up concessions at Welsh and Woodley Gardens Parks during evening softball games. Chip Boylan inquired as to what type of set up they would use. Burt replied that they have a portable concession stand. Chip added that currently vendors such as the ice cream trucks sell in the parks and would Hard Times do the same with their rollup carts/stands? Burt stated that indeed they would and added that no beer would be served. Burt Hall replied that there is a chance that other vendors may be interested in selling in the parks.
Burt Hall asked the Board about the basic concept of having a vendor available during softball games. The city would set up rules and parameters. Terry Baker stated that if we are looking at ways to improve cost recovery, this is a good opportunity. The total one-time payment from the vendor would be $700 for the entire summer. Helen Heneghan inquired if the vendor would be responsible for cleaning up trash generated by the concession. Burt stated that they would be required to clean up the area at the end of each evening.
The Board voted to recommend going ahead with the vendor sales at the two parks, as proposed, for one season. They asked that the staff review the program at the end of the summer and make recommendations for any changes. The Board recommended that, if this is successful, the City should open up the opportunity to other vendors who may be interested. It was also noted that if problems arise which make it necessary to terminate the sales, the fee could be returned on a pro-rated basis.
Re: King Farm 28-Acre Park Design
Burt shared with the Board two schematic designs for the King Farm 28-Acre Park. A public meeting will be held soon to solicit input from residents of the King Farm.
One of the design schemes includes two football fields with stadium lighting, plus a concession stand and 220 total parking spaces. A second design scheme, which is overall a more passive park, would include one full-sized soccer/football field with no lights, and parking for approximately 100 cars. Both schemes feature other park amenities, including an unlighted adult softball field, lighted tennis and basketball courts, playgrounds, sand volleyball, a dog park area, a “Bankshot” basketball court, an inline skating area and a picnic area. The scheme with two lighted fields would serve the needs of the Rockville Football League, allowing Dogwood Park to be used exclusively for baseball. This would mean that the Dogwood fields would not be damaged by use for the football league each year. There would be savings in operating funds that are spent twice each year to switch between baseball and football, and to renovate the fields. The estimated budget to build the park is $2.3 million. The difference in cost between the RFL scheme and the more passive design is about $400,000 because of the irrigation, lighting and additional parking.
Chip stated that if the RFL were to move to King Farm that there might be a group who live nearer to Dogwood and would prefer that the league not re-locate. The Board expressed unanimous support for the design scheme that would accommodate the RFL. Board members agreed that this is one of the last large parks that will be built in Rockville. This amount of land is far larger than a neighborhood park. Even with the RFL facilities included there are six to eight acres of neighborhood-type park located in closest proximity to the adjacent homes. The Board felt that it would be a good idea to provide information on the Board’s position to the Mayor and Council. It is important for the Mayor and Council to understand why the Board supports the RFL scheme, as there may be public testimony from residents. Burt will draft a memo for the Board’s review.
Re: Gift and Memorial Dedication Program
The Gift and Memorial Dedication program was included for the Board’s review.
Re: Subcommittee List
Final version included as FYI.
Re: Subcommittee Reports
Citizen Bicycle Advisory Committee - The Planning Commission recently held a public hearing on the Bikeway Master Plan Update. Fifteen people testified all of whom expressed support for the updated plan. The Planning Commission voted unanimously to recommend approval by the Mayor and Council of the Bikeway Master Plan Update. The next steps are a Mayor and Council public hearing followed by adoption.
Environmental Issues - A bid was sent out for the College Gardens experimental storm water management, which involves decentralized efforts, by residents to control runoff using such things as rain barrels. Conversion of the current pond in College Gardens Park is now off the table. Burt suggested that the Board might want to have a representative sit in on these meetings. Burt will alert the Board about any upcoming meetings.
Fallsgrove & King Farm - The shed that rests on both the city property and King Pontiac’s property to the north is currently being taken down. The other structures approved for removal have all been demolished. Staff is working on renovating the hay-drying shed that will be converted to a picnic shelter. Parks Supervisor Diane Fasolina searched the Internet and found a company that does barn restorations. She sent them pictures and they initially said that they could repair the barn for $20,000, far less than other cost estimates obtained by staff. The company visited the site and will send a final quote soon. If the price is near their original quote of $20,000 the city will have them restore the barn. Funding for the Fallsgrove Park has been moved back to FY07. FY06 is the anticipated year for the building of the West Rockville Community Center.
Glenview Mansion - A meeting was held on the 8th of March. The subcommittee is reevaluating the selection process of Chairman for the group. A new umbrella stand is going to be placed next to the front door for visitors. Two different styles of stands will be purchased and after a trial use one will be selected for permanent use at the Mansion. Terry Baker thanked Lew Dronenburg for providing him with a briefing on the work of the Mansion Subcommittee and spending two hours with him going over the materials.
Lincoln Park Community Center - None.
RedGate - None.
Swim Center - Lighting is being replaced in the pool and locker rooms as part of the energy study. Construction of the sprayground will begin shortly and be ready for opening in May.
TCRC - None.
Town Center Park - There will be a worksession on Monday, March 29th to present the results of the study on Art and Art-Related Activities in Town Center.
Youth Sports - None.
Re: Monthly Divisional Reports
Included as FYI.
Helen Heneghan inquired about the Senior Center eliminating the waiting list for the non-residents for the center. Everyone on the list was called and the center took those that were still interested but unfortunately many had either moved away or passed away.
Re: Old Business/New Business
Helen Heneghan asked if the inspectors could site the trespassers in the old Giant parking lot. There is a lot of broken glass and trash in this area. Burt said that he would relay this concern to the Code Enforcement staff.
Helen Heneghan also mentioned that next week is the Stoneridge book sale. She is willing to pick the books up herself and bring them to the appropriate center if needed. She just needs to find out what types of books, sciences, math, etc. are needed at our centers. Burt said he would ask Phil Bryan whether our book supply needs replenishing.
Chip Boylan received an application from a possible candidate who is applying to join the Board. A copy of her application and resume will be added to the next Board meeting agenda.
Helen Heneghan is planning to nominate the Nature Center for a Peerless Rockville Historic Preservation Award. The nominating committee is planning a tour and she would like the committee to have a chance to visit inside the center during this time.
Larry Eason attended a neighborhood meeting for Burgundy Estates. He complimented Horticulturist Rob Orndorff for providing an excellent presentation on upcoming events and programs provided by the Recreation and Parks Department.
Re: Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 8:53 p.m. The next meeting is scheduled for Thursday, April 22nd at the Lincoln Park Community Center beginning at 7 p.m.
