SENIOR STAFF MEETING NOTES
February 9, 2022
Tawes Office Building
Attendees: Nita Settina, Amanda Mock, Mary Owens, Christy Bright, Steve McCoy, Andrew Hangen, Patrick Bright and Erin Thomas. (Next Visiting Manager of the Month – Eastern Region).
PLANNING AND CONSERVATION PROGRAMS – Mary Owens
To date, 70 projects have been submitted for project review in 2022. All project review requests should be submitted to Shane Johnston.
MPS does not intend to authorize the use of honeybee hives in future leases. Experts recommend that honeybee hives not be placed in natural areas to reduce interactions with native bumble bees. In addition to significant forage competition, pollen is a vector for disease transmission between honeybees and bumble bees
University of Maryland Vehicles – Discussion about the future use of these vehicles and that the rental rates are increasing. The use of these vehicles (speed checks, location and tickets) is very closely monitored and documented by the University.
EV Charging Stations – Efforts are underway with the state contractor Greenlots to establish charging infrastructure in the South and Central Regions.
Historic Resources – Installation of the exhibit at the Fort Frederick Visitor Center is underway.
Interpretation –The 2022 Park Quest theme is pollinators and meadow habitat, and parks have been tasked with proposing quests.
REGIONAL REPORTS
Central – Steve McCoy
Bohemia River – Currently planning for an April 22nd grand opening of the park, and there are no plans to do a soft opening prior to April.
Seneca Creek – Discussion about remediation and planning around the Capital Skeet and Gun Club site. Discussion about planning efforts associated with the Patuxent River State Park historic sites.
Gunpowder Falls – Discussion about a potential bike concession at Hammerman.
Establishment of a New Workgroup – Regional Manager McCoy will be developing a workgroup to create strategies and recommendations for enhancing engagement with all visitors.
South and Conservation Programs – Patrick Bright
Greenwell Foundation Agreement – Regional Manager Bright and park staff are working with the OAG to develop a new lease / operating agreement.
Newtowne Neck – Discussion about developing an interpretative and site plan for the Breton beach parking area.
Conservation Programs – Discussion about scaling back some of the MPS Training Division-provided MCC training in the future and utilizing other training resources.
West – Christy Bright
Weverton-Roxbury Trail – Discussion about surveying properties associated with the trail and DNR’s involvement with this project.
Cunningham Falls – The park’s sewer bill payment exceeds $120k currently, and two more bills are expected this year. MES efforts are underway to address infiltration, but additional funding will required to pay the two future sewer bills.
Greenbrier – Discussion about preparations for the February 22nd visit by the Governor and Lieutenant Governor.
Western Maryland Rail Trail – Discussion about expansion of the trail to include National Park Service federal land.
Park Manager Erin Thomas
Ranger Thomas is reformatting the MPS policy manual into two separate manuals: (1) external policies that are available for public review, and (2) internal MPS/DNR policies that are available for just internal staff review.
East – Andrew Hangen
Assateague – Discussion about the failed cleaning and food concession procurements and strategies for moving forward in 2022.
Pocomoke River – Discussion about the status of the Milburn Landing road project and concerns about fixing the road edge to ensure safety.
Bill Burton Fishing Pier – Discussion about how to handle seasonal staffing, due to the pier closure and uncertain future operating status.
Cypress Branch – The new park is on track for an April 2022 grand opening; however, significant facility work and road maintenance still must be completed.
All Regions
In 2021, park attendance reached 20.6 million visitors, only approximately one million less than in 2020, which was a historic high. The new 2022 visitation spreadsheet is available for park staff to update.
The January 2021 customer service survey results were reviewed.
Park Inspection Reports – The Regional Managers should be working with Park Managers to develop updated Park Inspection Reports using the new form.
ADMINISTRATION – Amanda Mock
Finance –The Governor’s proposed FY 2023 budget was released. The FY 2022 park/program Google budget projection spreadsheets should be updated through January 2022 to facilitate mid-year assessments. Discussion about the outcome and status of service procurements.
Personnel – Discussion about the status of various recruitments, the recruitment process, and recent guidance from DNR Human Resources.
Park Reservation Service – The Board of Public Works approved a two-year extension of the CAMIS contract, through March 2024.
2022 Legislative Session – Discussion about several bills and MPS feedback on certain bills.
Employee Field Day – Scheduled for Wednesday, September 28, 2022, (likely) in the Eastern Region.
SUPERINTENDENT UPDATE
Storm Response - Parks are encouraged to revisit their snow removal plans and review storm preparation plans with their Regional Managers.
The January 2022 Senior Staff Meeting Notes were reviewed.
Discussion about the Spring 2022 Managers meeting.
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