December 2, 2004
Glenview Mansion
Minutes
Members Present: Terry Baker, Larry Eason, Bob Taylor, Kate Savage, Ben Solomon, Eric Heckman
Members Absent: Chip Boylan, Helen Heneghan, Melissa Moore
Staff Present: Michelle Bean, Chris Heckhaus, Lew Dronenburg
Re: Approval of Minutes
The minutes of the October meeting were approved as presented.
Re: Citizens Forum
Citizen Marsha Douma attended the Park Board meeting to find out how she could go about promoting stronger advocacy for open space in the new Town Center. After attending several Town Center planning meetings she found that there were few advocates to support inclusion of significant open space. Dr. Douma lives in the West End and finds that residents from West End are principally interested in density and traffic, and are less concerned about providing adequate open space. She stated that there was some opposition to creating Renaissance Street and the main concern was traffic. Open space is needed and if not advocated it will be left out of the plans.
Kate Savage stated that both she and Bob Taylor testified at Public Hearings. They were among the citizens who advocated for the Town Center Park that was included in the plan. Early versions of the plan showed almost no open space. They were disappointed that more open space and green space was not included. Kate Savage served on the task force to study development of the Town Center north of Beall Ave., and pushed for as much green space as possible, knowing that in the end some of it will disappear.
Marsha Douma would like to assist the Board in its advocacy for more open/green space. She inquired about what are the best ways f or her and the West End residents to keep pushing for more open space in Town Center. Terry Baker stated that efforts to preserve green space in Town Center have not been as successful as in other areas. It would be beneficial to speak out for more space in later phases of Town Center re-development.
Kate Savage stated that residents have the opportunity to speak at Mayor and Council public hearings and at citizen’s forum at all meetings. There are also drop-in meeting times with each councilmember or the mayor before each meeting.
Bob Taylor thanked Marsha Douma for attending the meeting and for her interest in being an advocate for more open space and encouraged her to attend the Mayor and Council meetings and speak out on this issue.
Re: Staff Report
Lew Dronenburg, Glenview Mansion Superintendent, was present to share with the Board on the happenings at the Civic Center Complex. There are a couple of large projects in progress. A consultant has been hired to design the replacement of the seating in the theater. The staff is considering reducing the total seating by 30-40, which will create more legroom for the visitors. They also are addressing ADA accessibility issues, which is one of the key factors driving the replacement.
Last week the consultant brought back the preliminary plans for the Civic Center Long Range Plan. The plans will be forwarded to the subcommittee as well as the Recreation and Park Advisory Board in the very near future. The plan calls for phased construction in all nine impact areas. There is no money budgeted for the upgrades until 2010. A new program has been instituted for the Mansion rentals during the slow months of January and February. They are offering all non-profit (501(c)(3)) groups the opportunity to hold their fundraisers at the Mansion during these months at discounted rates. To date it has been a strong marketing tool to attract groups that have not considered renting the Mansion before.
The Concert Band, Rockville Chorus and the Nutcracker are all performing during the month of December as well as the opening of the Rockville Art League Juried show. Beginning this Sunday, December 5th will be the Mansion Open Houses. Santa, Mrs. Clause, and Rudolph will be visiting the Mansion on the 13th and during the weekend of the 19th will be the docent tours.
Re: Naming of Village Green in Fallsgrove
The Board recommended the name "Village Green at Fallsgrove" and asked the staff to forward their recommendation to the Fallsgrove community association for their review.
Larry Eason suggested the name Thomas Farm be used for a park or facility within the Fallsgrove development. Staff suggested that areas such as the active park site, currently referred to as Fallsgrove Park, or the site slated for a recreation center would provide naming opportunities.
Re: Proposed CIP
Chris Heckhaus, Recreation and Park Administration Manager, was present to review the Proposed FY06 CIP.
Re: Subcommittee Reports
Citizen Bicycle Advisory Committee - None
Environmental Issues - None.
Fallsgrove & King Farm - Already done.
Glenview Mansion - Already done.
Lincoln Park Community Center - None.
RedGate - None.
Swim Center - Terry Baker shared with the Board the recent Swim Center newsletter. The Swim Center Committee will meet January 12th and make plans for their meeting with the Mayor and Council in support the planned Swim Center fitness room.
TCRC - None.
Town Center Park - None.
Youth Sports - RFL will end its season this Saturday, December 4th with the Super Bowl Football Championships.
Re: Monthly Divisional Reports
Included as FYI.
Re: Old Business/New Business
Kate Savage inquired about the equipment replacement at Elwood Smith playground. She stated that it didn't appear to be old or need to be replaced. Chris Heckhaus stated that Mike Critzer, Parks Services Manager, has a list of future equipment replacements. He is a certified inspector and works closely with the changes in the safety regulations to create the replacement schedule. Playground equipment is generally replaced on a ten to twelve year cycle.
Eric Heckman stated that the RFL league was very happy and pleased with the City staff that worked on Friday and Saturday (Facility Managers at night) evenings for the RFL league.
Re: Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 8:10 p.m. The next meeting is scheduled for Thursday, January 27th at 7 p.m. at City Hall.
