2019 December Senior Staff Meeting Notes

MARYLAND PARK SERVICE

SENIOR STAFF MEETING NOTES

December 11, 2019

Sykesville Historic Switching Tower, Sykesville, MD

Attendees: Nita Settina, Chris Bushman, Amanda Mock, Mary Owens, Christy Bright, Steve McCoy, Patrick Bright, Mary Ironside (next meeting’s manager-of-the-month – Central Region)

REGIONAL REPORTS

Southeast – Patrick Bright

·         St. Clements Island – Discussion about working with stakeholders on hosting a “pilgrimage” event on St. Clements Island on September 19, 2020 and ensuring that safety concerns are addressed.

·         Love Point – Working with NRP and E&C to re-designate the land unit, develop a long-term plan for the property, and manage the agricultural lease and boat slips leased to working watermen.

Central – Steve McCoy

      

·         Elk Neck

o    Staff are currently working out of the shop building; however, another temporary location may be required. A plan for gutting and rebuilding the headquarters building is needed after E&C completes an assessment of the building.

o    The Turkey Point parking lot construction project planning process has begun.

o    Discussion about a potential land acquisition near the park (remainder of Wapiti property).

·         Gunpowder Falls – The long-term lease for the historic Gittings-Baldwin property is back from DGS and we hope to move it forward soon.

Western – Christy Bright

·         Lt. Governor to visit Garrett County – Working with the Secretary’s Office on the development of a State Park tour sometime in February 2020.

·         Discussion about working with Washington County tourism and development officials on the potential acquisition and future use of property across from the entrance of Greenbrier State Park.

·         OHV Trail Width – There is interest among partners in developing more trails that can accommodate full-size vehicles.

·         Cunningham Falls – Discussion about potential expense associated with addressing the impact of blue-green algae blooms and microcystin toxins on park water treatment facilities.

The attendance reporting and customer satisfaction survey results were discussed and reviewed. Regional Managers will work with Park Managers to ensure that all 2019 attendance data trends are thoroughly noted in the spreadsheets and complete by early January.

PLANNING AND CONSERVATION PROGRAMS – Mary Owens

·         Project Review – 370 projects are in the review process (new record volume).

·         Strategic Management Plans – More resources will be posted on the Training Division website. A revised schedule is being developed and will be shared.

·         Invasive Forest Pests – EAB is continuing to spread throughout the State, including the Eastern Shore. Mike Burditt is working on the FY2020 treatment plan, including the identification of specimen ash trees in the newly infested areas. Additional grant funding for EAB is expected in future fiscal years. Also, the spotted lanternfly has spread to the Harford / Cecil County area. They appear to be attracted to rusty metal surfaces. Quarantines and commercial traffic restrictions are being established in the region.

·         Conservation Programs – Discussions underway with the Student Conservation Association on the potential management of certain administrative functions associated with the MCC / CJC program.

·         Artifacts Collections Management Standards – The new policy is out and the standards have been posted on the Training Division website under “Resources.” Kudos to all staff who contributed to the development of these important standards.

ADMINISTRATION – Amanda Mock

·         Personnel – Discussion about the status of several recruitments and pursuit of additional recruitment information.

·         Budget – Revised FY2020 park and program budgets are posted in the projection spreadsheets saved in the Google Drive. Development of the agency’s FY 2021 budget is underway and initiatives are being considered by DBM leadership.

·         2019 Employee Viewpoint Survey – Staff are encouraged to complete the survey, which Cineva Smith sent on December 6.

·         Training Division – Kudos to John Ohler, Wayne Suydam, Cineva Smith, and many others who implemented an outstanding Maintenance School training last month. 

SUPERINTENDENT UPDATE – Nita Settina

·         Reviewed November 2019 Senior Staff Notes and discussed several related follow-up items.

·         Park Websites – The photos and content on various park websites should (1) highlight the most significant / unique park characteristics and (2) be complete and accurate. Regional Managers will work with park staff to ensure that all websites are accurate and up-to-date.

·         State Park Leases – Managers should be reviewing all leases associated with their park. Every year, Park Managers should document in writing and via photos the status of all leases and compliance with the lease terms. Park Managers should review all lease renewals with their Regional Manager prior to submittal of lease renewals to the Superintendent / Assistant Secretary.

·         Energy Efficiency Projects – Kick-off meeting with the Maryland Energy Administration in late December, to reenergize our partnership and to seek to introduce more energy efficiency and renewable projects in State Parks.

·         1% COLA – DBM announced that most permanent employees would be receiving a 1% COLA, rather than the previously announced 0.5% COLA, on January 1, 2020. Details on the application to all employees, including contractual employees, to be provided by HRS.

DEPUTY SUPERINTENDENT UPDATE – Chris Bushman

·         Deputy Superintendent Bushman asked for any policy suggestions and encouraged the solicitation of ideas from field staff.

·         State Park Encroachments – Park staff are strongly encouraged to resolve encroachments through existing regulatory authority, including involving the NRP if necessary, e.g. working with the encroaching party to remove moveable items from park property. Only in instances in which the boundary is in dispute, and the encroaching neighbor has documentation contrary to our documentation, should these matters be elevated to MPS leadership and/or the OAG.

·         Dismissing Seasonal Employees and Volunteers – Park Managers and designated supervisors have the authority to, and are encouraged to, dismiss seasonal employees and volunteers who engage in disruptive / problematic behavior and are not contributing to efficient park operations. These actions will be supported by MPS leadership.

·         Draft Management Concepts / Hunting Regulations – Several MPS staff will be attending the WHS internal stakeholders meeting on December 18 to discuss proposed changes to hunting rules and regulations, including several related to deer management.