2021 January Senior Staff Meeting Notes

 MARYLAND PARK SERVICE

SENIOR STAFF MEETING NOTES

January 13, 2021

Via Google Hangout Meeting

 

Attendees: Nita Settina, Amanda Mock, Mary Owens, Christy Bright, Steve McCoy, Patrick Bright, and Rob Dyke. (Next visiting Manager of the Month – Southeast Region)

REGIONAL REPORTS

Western – Christy Bright

 

·        Cunningham Falls – Discussion about pending agreement with the Maryland Technology Internship Program and McDaniels College to hire students through the seasonal hiring process and secure partial reimbursement for their salary costs.

·        Camp Baker - DNR negotiations about the future use and management of this property are ongoing.

·        Wolf Den Run – Camping opened and one camper has braved the weather to date. Discussion about the potential designation of snowmobile trails on park land.

Southeastern – Patrick Bright

·        Assateague – Construction project finally completed and new signs being installed throughout the park.

·        Pocomoke River – The Nassawango golf course property was officially acquired by the State and park staff are working to secure the property and develop a management plan.  The local YMCA is not interested in managing the park pool. Some discussion about eliminating free access to the pool for all campers. 

·        Southern Parks – Discussion about the poor status of park roads, and the potential need to place barriers that prevent drivers from swerving off roads and prompting further erosion.

 

Central – Steve McCoy

           

·        Managed Hunts – The Fair Hill NRMA and Seneca Creek State Park managed hunts were cancelled by the Office of the Secretary in response to park-specific resource-protection data, staffing issues and health concerns. The Gunpowder Falls State Park managed hunt at Sweet Air is still scheduled to occur.

·        Fair Hill NRMA – Discussion about the use of the park’s Walls Hall by Cecil County for COVID testing. The draft use agreement with the county is being reviewed by the DNR Office of the Attorney General.

·        Gittings Baldwin Lease – Waiting for feedback on a draft proposed lease document from the prospective lessee.

 

Patapsco Valley State Park – Visiting Park Manager Rob Dyke

 

·        Park staff met with DNR Wildlife and Heritage Service about accelerating degradation of trails throughout Soldiers Delight. Senior Staff discussion about the use of temporary 4x4 boards to temporarily help reduce the impact. More information forthcoming from Dan Hudson.

·        Sorenson Property – Repair and renovation of the house is underway and installation of a new HVAC system is expected in the near future.

·        Bathhouse Design Options – Park staff are reviewing several bathhouse designs to potentially serve as region / statewide templates and will be discussing them in greater details at a meeting on Friday.

 

All Regions

 

·        The Attendance Reporting and Customer Satisfaction Survey results were discussed and reviewed. 

·        NRP Officer of the Year – Regional Managers provided nomination recommendations to the Superintendent, and a final recommendation will be shared with NRP in January.

·        COVID-19 Response – Discussion about personnel developments, ensuring adequate PPE supplies, access to vaccinations for MPS employees, and operational issues at several parks. 

 

PLANNING AND CONSERVATION PROGRAMS – Mary Owens

 

·        Signs and Branding – Many park staff are working on proofs for new park entrance signs. Mary Owens is waiting for feedback from MCE on whether signs can be created within 30 days and whether an improved protective coating is possible.  Discussion about the draft Maryland Park Service Sign Library developed by Erin Thomas and the need to provide feedback by the end of the week. The sign library will be shared in the form of a Google Drive shared folder with the workforce upon completion.

·        Projects – Currently working on Point Lookout State Park water and sewer improvement project.  There are many State park utility projects ongoing at this time. Managers should attend utility meetings to help ensure project implementation prompts minimal impact on park operations.

·        Strategic Management Plans – Planning staff hope to give additional attention to several draft plans which are close to completion.

·        Invasive Species – MCC planning efforts are underway for a Hemlock Woolly Adelgid project in the Spring. Emerald Ash Borer and Spotted Lanternfly efforts for 2021 are still under development. 

·        Conservation Corps Programs – Agreement finalized with the Student Conservation Association for operation of select components of the CJC program this summer. Several potential CJC program models, involving different numbers of participants, are being discussed for Summer 2021. 

·        Park Programming and Interpretation – The 2021 First Day Hike program may be an even better tradition for the future, with self-guided hikes and the option to hike over several days, which provides flexibility for poor weather and reduces crowd sizes.  Senior staff commends all staff who organized 2021 First Day Hikes – it was a very successful and well implemented effort.  The Create Your Own State park program is being refreshed and rebranded for 2021. 

·        Trash Free Parks - Discussion about a revived use of Leave No Trace (LNT) messaging, protocols and logos to better manage trash at State Parks. The use of LNT “hot spot teams” may be a useful approach in areas especially impacted by trash.

ADMINISTRATION – Amanda Mock

·        Classified and Seasonal Hiring –Seasonal hiring announcements are being posted on Jobaps. Discussion about the status of filling several classified position vacancies.  Since the hiring eligibility lists have expired for the long-term contractual (LTC) Park Services Associate and LTC Park Technician recruitments, new recruitments must be initiated.

·        PEPs – PEPs due to Barbara Knisley by January 25^th. 

·        Budget – Headquarters staff will be developing a mid-fiscal year assessment of expenditures and revenues. Park and Program Managers should be updating their monthly FY 2021 budgets via the Google projection worksheets. The Governor’s proposed FY 2022 budget will be released next week.

·        Chainsaw Guidelines - New chainsaw guidelines have been developed. Thank you to the team for their active participation in the development of this important document that seeks to protect the health and safety of our staff and visitors. The new guidelines will be posted on the Training Division Resource website.  Also, the Training Division will schedule a briefing for staff interested in learning more about the new guidelines and asking questions.

·        Uniform Boot Policy Change - Senior staff approved a uniform policy change to allow dark brown boots to be worn with the Casual and Work Uniforms. This change was prompted by feedback from the field about difficulties finding black boots that are good for certain activities, like trail work. This policy is subject to Park Manager discretion and is effective immediately.  

·        Same Day Camping Reservation Cancellations - In hopes of reducing the need for in-person customer interaction, discussion about allowing customers to make same-day camping reservation cancellations via the Internet and call center. Currently, these same-day cancellations must be made in-person at the park. Senior Staff defers to Park Managers to determine whether their parks will maintain the current approach or shift to offering same day cancellations via the internet and call center.  

·        2021 legislative Session – The 90-day legislative session has begun, and Amanda Mock conveyed advance appreciation to everyone for responding quickly to her bill and legislative information requests. 

SUPERINTENDENT UPDATE – Nita Settina

·        The December 2020 Senior Staff Notes were reviewed, and related follow-up items were discussed.

·        Discussion about the development of statewide 2021 program and operational priorities and the importance of developing annual priorities to move the needle forward throughout the Maryland Park Service. Some related discussion about the development of a statewide interpretive plan. Park Managers are encouraged to develop and share their annual priorities.