July Senior Staff Notes and Message from the Superintendent

Message from Nita

I spent a recent Sunday afternoon at Rocks State Park, shadowing Ranger Lindley Campbell. Throngs of visitors were picnicking along Deer Creek, hiking the trails, and trying to find any place to park so that they could escape the oppressive heat. Once again, I experienced the multitude of responsibilities that you all shoulder and reflected on how fortunate we are to have such dedicated, smart and talented staff – both classified and seasonal -- providing important public service.

Driving home, I also thought about how remarkable it was to see the way the staff at Rocks looks out for one another. Ranger Campbell was routinely checking whether someone needed water or offering to perform a task and save someone from extra effort. The sweltering temps were unable to whither seasonal ranger Kate's smile as she staffed the contact station with support from Assistant Manager Robb Bailey. And, Park Manager Andrew Hangen worked the closing shift at Susquehanna to cover for a seasonal employee who was ill that day.

It was evident that the best antidote for the summer heat, visitation levels and stress that understandably take their toll, is the commitment throughout our workforce to supporting one another. I see evidence of this spirit of solidarity everywhere that I go. Staff is making it a priority to look out for one another, strengthening our staff safety, reducing stress levels and enhancing the quality of our visitor service. There is no question that the number of pages of "happy comments" from our Customer Satisfaction Survey is getting longer. We had 17 pages for just the month of June!

At this time of year, we all take heart in knowing that the final weeks of summer are upon us. A sure sign that the end of summer is near is the annual Conservation Jobs Corps graduation, which was held at North Point State Park, on Friday, July 29. Secretary Belton was on hand to congratulate our CJC youth on their contributions, hard work and perseverance. Thank you to the Youth Conservation Corps program staff and the supporting State Park staff and MCC members for another successful summer! 

In closing, we have all received the sad news about the passing of our Park Maintenance Supervisor, Patrick Rosenberger. Pat was an extraordinary leader of our maintenance team at Elk Neck State Park and a beloved colleague and friend.  His contributions and dedication to the park will never be forgotten. While I was there on Saturday, one of the maintenance staff had carved Pat's name into the beach sand with the tractor. I tried to take a photo, but the letters didn't show up very well. The view was peaceful before the rain arrived. Please keep his wife, Jessica, and son, Patrick, in your thoughts and prayers. It's times like these when we are painfully reminded of what is most important in life.

MARYLAND PARK SERVICE

SENIOR STAFF MEETING NOTES

July 13, 2016

Attendees: Nita Settina, Chris Bushman, Amanda Mock, Mary Owens, Mike Riley, Al Preston, Dave Powell, Alison Woodfield [next meeting’s manager-of-the-month – Western Region]

REGIONAL REPORTS

• SOUTHEAST

1.     Riley and Cooper attended meeting to discuss plans for Love Point State Park. Issues included utilization of stabilization funds.

2.     Partnering with Forest Service at Pocomoke (Milburn Landing) to hold a 50K race event in February 2017.

3.     Bedbug issues continue on Shore and in the South. Will be developing a plan in the off-season to rid cabins of bed bugs.

• CENTRAL

1.     Region is anticipating several retirements in the near future.

2.     Feedback on trash / litter issue and need to reinforce Trash-Free Parks program.

a.     Need to work on efforts to educate visitors.

b.     Owens to follow up with Pease.

• WEST

1.     Herrington Manor Lake is finally full! 

2.     Charging electric cars in electric camp loops?

·       We do not allow people who are not campers to go into camping loops.

3.     Western Maryland Rail Trail (Polys Pond) dam inspection.

·       Dam is in poor condition. Park staff has begun work on removing vegetation and E&C will line up contractors for other repairs.

4.     Parks would like to add electric sites in house.

·       That is permissible, but needs to be coordinated with planned Critical Maintenance projects and reviewed – Contact Owens.

5.     Traffic at Greenbrier (Route 40) is not improving.

·       Meeting was held with MPS, NRP and MSP. Discussions will continue.

6.     Pokémon Go: State Parks are prominently featured as destinations and people are being found in the park after hours.

ATTENDANCE REPORTING

• Monthly attendance figures were reviewed.
• Regional managers were asked to remind Managers of new procedures for reviewing and approving attendance figures (e.g. signing off on monthly figures and communicating issues to Regional Manager prior to senior staff meeting)

CUSTOMER SATISFACTION SURVEY

• June comments were reviewed and discussed.
• Senior staff noted the high number of happy remarks again this month.

PLANNING AND CONSERVATION PROGRAMS (Owens)

• DRAFT Schedule for Strategic Management Plans was distributed to group.
• Larger Parks / complexes will work on plans in phases.
• Regional Managers will meet with Park Managers to discuss and make changes for submission to Owens.
• Wrapping up the plans submitted by 5 pilot Parks (New Germany, Fort Frederick, Susquehanna, Smallwood, Tuckahoe). Will be reviewed by senior staff and sent back to parks for any changes, then will be submitted to AS Anthony for review before public distribution.
• Razing Priorities: New list distributed to senior staff, reviewed and updated.
• Direct Energy Solar Partnership with Friends of State Parks: Owens in contact with company about installation of panels at Soldier’s Delight visitor center. Will check back in with Friends to clarify the role of the MPS.
• Goose Management: Owens is working with managers on goose management, review of depredation permit, etc.

ADMINISTRATION (Mock)

• Personnel:
1. Several long-term contractual positions are being approved by DBM J
2. Central and Western Regional Manager interviews in process
3. Tuckahoe and Pocomoke Park Manager interviews being scheduled
4. Waiting to hear back from HRS on new CFO selection
5. New planner to start soon
• Will work for Owens
• Announcement coming out soon
6. Veterans Conservation Corps LTC positions approved (Point Lookout)
7. MCC crew leader recruitment ongoing
• Workday Timekeeping: Staff doing a great job in Workday!
1. Mock is asking that staff / supervisors / managers read all instructions before contacting Barb Knisely.
2. Seasonal employees are working through the process.
• Budget: Thanks to everyone for helping to close out FY16 (e.g. corporate card logs).
1. Looking ahead to FY17 – still looking into allocations
2. $1.6 million dollar increase over FY15
3. $1.9 million for concessions (back up to previous years).
4. FY18 budget will be in beginning stage of development this summer.
• Governor’s Customer Service Promise: Mock has asked parks to post the “promise” poster. DNR will be purchasing nicer versions in the near future.
• Day-Use Customer Satisfaction Survey DRAFT: Reviewed by senior staff – Mock will provide feedback to Day-Use Workgroup.
• Updates on uniform orders.
• Reservation system: Going through procurement and reviewing bids. New contract anticipated to be in place by the end of March 2017.
• Minimum two-night reservations: Still receiving complaints from those who want to camp one night but have to pay for two.
1. Senior staff is discussing options (e.g. if customer wants a Friday or Saturday night, they have to reserve two consecutive nights from Thursday – Sunday).
2. Regional Managers to seek feedback from managers.
• Discounts / Deals: Park staff cannot offer discounts / fee reductions to visitors, volunteers, etc. without superintendent approval.
1. Cannot circumvent / divert revenue derived from facility use fees
2. Opens MPS up to allegations of cronyism / impropriety

DEPUTY SUPERINTENDENT UPDATE (Bushman)

• MPS / NRP Meetings: Significant progress being made – keep it up.
• Policy Issues: Generator policy has been revised
• Regional Managers to review with managers and seek final feedback
• Implementation will be delayed until after current camping season – effective January 1, 2017.
• New policy will be posted on website / reservation system site, so customers will be made aware as they make reservations for next season.
• Hunting Area Signs: Reviewing signs for parks to:
• Alert hunters that they are in a multi-use area
• Alert other park users that they are in a hunting area

SUPERINTENDENT UPDATE (Settina)

• Certificates of Service: Certificates (years of service) distributed
• Park Advisory Commission: Updates on commission - September 19 meeting
• Fall Managers Meeting:
1. Settina asked for ideas from the group for activities, topics, speakers, recognition and awards, field trips, etc.
2. Sandy Point, Greenbrier, and Patapsco will present program on Trash-Free Parks
• Office of Communications: Asking that MPS assign a staff member in HQ to keep a file of all publications created by parks (library). Mock suggested that a folder be created on the ‘P’ drive where managers can drop files (virtual library).
• Park Signs: Park Manager Erin Thomas has proposed developing a plan to create templates for signs that all parks can use when making new signs, posters, etc. She also plans to inventory our sign-making supplies statewide.
• Department Reorganizations:

1.     Some unit reorganizations are happening

·       Phase I – Aquatic Resources units

·       Phase II – Land Resources units

·       Phase III – Licensing and Registration / FAS

2.     Integrated Policy and Review unit dissolved

·       Shane Johnston will be coming to MPS

3.     Boating Service unit dissolved – now Fishing and Boating Services

EVERYONE DID A GREAT JOB ON THE JULY 4^TH WEEKEND!!!

THANKS TO PARK STAFF HELPING OUT WITH CJC SUMMER PROGRAM!!

• Graduation – July 29 – North Point State Park