July 2021 Senior Staff Meeting Notes

 MARYLAND PARK SERVICE

SENIOR STAFF MEETING NOTES

July 12, 2021

NRP Broadneck Office, Annapolis, MD

 

 

Attendees: Nita Settina, Amanda Mock, Mary Owens, Christy Bright, Steve McCoy, Patrick Bright, Wayne Suydam, and Maddy Williams. (Next Visiting Manager of the Month – Western Region)

REGIONAL REPORTS

Southeastern – Patrick Bright

·        Assateague – Tropical Storm Elsa appeared to prompt a realignment of the sand in the swimming area effectively decreasing rip tides. Discussion about the cleaning contract as well as seeking a concessions contract in the future.

·        Sandy Point – The Secretary of DNR visited the park this weekend.

·        Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad – Continued challenges with securing seasonal staff for the Visitor Center and Bill Burton Fishing Pier.

·        Employee Field Day – Will be hosted by the Southeastern region on September 29th at Sandy Point State Park.

 

Central – Steve McCoy

           

·        Patuxent River – Maryland Department of Transportation and Maryland Historical Trust supporting implementation of an archeological study of Howard Greenbury properties.

·        Patapsco Valley – Discussion about the General Assembly-required study on parking at select areas of the park. Continued challenges associated with high visitation on the weekdays. Recent meeting with CSX resulted in a strong interest in improved collaboration between DNR and CSX.

·        Gunpowder Falls – NRP coverage at the Hammerman Area continues to be a challenge and the park will continue to seek assistance from the county police and NRP. Site visit next week to develop a plan to address a structural beam issue at the Trolly barn.

·        Fair Hill – Positive continuing assessment of Five Star course, and still on track for the mid-October event.

·        Bohemia River – Currently planning for a late Fall 2021 soft opening of the park.

·        Trail Guides – Park staff should work through Dan Hudson to access park trail data and formatting advice if they would like develop park trail guides.

 

Western – Christy Bright

 

·        Invasive Species Pocket Guide – Development of an invasive species identification guide is nearing completion.

·        City of Hancock – Meeting in several weeks with the Mayor and a new grant project consultant to discuss pending projects such as the retaining wall.

·        Rocky Gap – The casino not pleased with hosting the fireworks show at the amphitheater, and is interested in securing permission to do future shows at the dam. Park Service is not in favor of this request.

·        Dans Mountain Pool – Continued challenges with hiring sufficient staff to operate the pool.

·        August 28, 2021, Women's Equality Day Celebration - Discussion about the agenda and participants.

 

All Regions

 

·        The Attendance Reporting and customer satisfaction survey results were discussed and reviewed.  Staff are encouraged to look for little things that can improve customer service, like changing slightly moldy curtains, fixing bathroom door latches, and ensuring adequate hooks in cabins and comfort stations.

 

 

PLANNING AND CONSERVATION PROGRAMS – Mary Owens

 

·        To date, 230 new projects have been submitted for project review in 2021.

·        Strategic Management Plans (SMP) – The SMPs for Assateague, Janes Island and Cunningham Falls are nearing completion. The next SMP priorities are Rocky Gap, Swallow Falls, Deep Creek Lake and Bohemia River.

·        Conservation Corps Programs – The Maryland Conservation Corps graduation is planned for August 5^th at Wye Island. The Conservation Jobs Corps program graduation is scheduled for August 3^rd at Sandy Point from 11-1pm. 

·        Park Quest 2021 – The 14th season of Park Quest rolling forward and visitors are supportive of self-serve approach.

 

 

ELECTRIC VEHICLE INFRASTRUCTURE – Wayne Suydam

·        Discussion about the development of electric vehicle (EV) charging stations and the availability of EVs. Two companies are on State contract that provide EV charging stations. Interest in developing the infrastructure necessary to support the use of EVs in the future.

 

ADMINISTRATION – Amanda Mock

·        Classified and Seasonal Hiring – Discussion about the operating and financial impact of the unexpected increase to $15 in the State contractual minimum wage. Discussion about the status of several recruitments.

·        PEPs are due to Barbara Knisely no later than July 27^th.

·        Finance – Discussion about the status of FY 2021 closeout and the status of uploading the FY 2022 budget.  The FY 2022 vehicle replacement and heavy equipment priority lists were discussed.  The park reservation management service RFP is still with DoIT for review.

·        Glamping Pilot Procurement – Likely going to pursue a small “pilot” glamping program at Big Run.

 

SUPERINTENDENT UPDATE – Nita Settina

·        The June 2021 Senior Staff Retreat Notes were reviewed, and related follow-up items were discussed.

·        Senior staff deeply appreciates all the work by staff over the July 4^th weekend. Staff did a fantastic job handling heavy visitation and responding to many emergencies. Staff are also commended for supporting Leave No Trace efforts, including several Smokey the Bear appearances throughout the State.

·        Fall Managers Meeting – Discussion about the agenda, themes, invited speakers and distribution of awards.

·        Kudos to many park staff ensuring cabin entrance codes / keys are changed in a timely manner to ensure visitor privacy and security.

·        Only 56 more days until Labor Day!