Baltimore County Board of Recreation and Parks met Oct. 10.
Here is the minutes provided by the board:
The regular monthly meeting of the Baltimore County Recreation and Parks Board was held on Wednesday, October 10, 2018, at 6:00 p.m., at Oregon Ridge Lodge, Cockeysville, Maryland. In attendance were Chuck Munzert, chairman, Greg Heitner, vice chairman; board members Leslie Monfred, Skip Hammond, Robbie Leonard, Chip Hiebler and Dylan Sloan. Recreation and Parks department staff included Barry F. Williams, director and Bob Smith, chief, Recreation Services.
After a delay due to traffic, at 6:15 p.m., Director Barry F. Williams addressed those in attendance regarding the format of the meeting.
Call to Order:
Chairman Chuck Munzert called the meeting to order at 6:17 p.m.
Approval of Minutes:
Vice Chairman Greg Heitner motioned to approve the September board meeting minutes, Robbie Leonard seconded, and all were in favor.
Old Business:
Regarding the Maryland Equine Resource Council (MERC) proposal, Mr. Munzert reported that some members of the Board of Recreation and Parks recently toured the Ag Center. He stated that it is important for all board members to tour the facility/grounds. After speaking to many in-person, reading the many online posts and written comments, Mr. Leonard made a motion to wait for the next administration, and meet with the Maryland Agricultural Resource Council (MARC). Mr. Leonard stated that there was lots done without community input. See item under “Action.” Chip Hiebler read a statement he prepared for the record. In summary, Mr. Hiebler stated that he and other board members have read many comments, letters and posts, and heard testimony both for and against the MERC proposal. Mr. Hiebler stated that he believes there are two separate issues the board is being asked to rule on: the MERC proposal, and the Hunt Valley Gateway Equine Park (HVGEP) (a county funded study involving the Ag Center, Oregon Ridge Park and Shawan Downs). Mr. Hiebler noted that neither of the parties have agreed to either a final study or a final plan. With that said, Mr. Hiebler stated that there is only one issue for board members to vote on and that is the MERC proposal. When a final study to create the HVGEP is presented to the board, it will receive the same level of consideration.
Skip Hammond stated that he has nothing to report regarding standard operating procedures for recreation/nature councils.
Mr. Williams informed board members that he met with Assistant State’s Attorney Adam Lippe regarding Bengies-Chase Recreation Council concerns, and Owings Mills Recreation Council concerns. Mr. Williams stated that these issues are still ongoing; they have not been resolved.
Regarding the meeting with the State’s Attorney, Mr. Williams stated that Mr. Lippe is pleased to come speak to the recreation/nature councils. Discussion ensued. Board members suggested having the regular monthly meeting of the Board of Recreation and Parks on November 14 at 6:00 p.m., and the meeting with the State’s Attorney at 7:00 p.m. These meetings could take place at Oregon Ridge Lodge. In addition to inviting the council presidents, board members suggested inviting the treasurers and vice presidents, too.
New Business:
Mr. Hiebler reported on a motion that was passed at the Liberty Road Recreation Council (LRRC) meeting on September 19, which stated that the council would pay leadership fees, for both travel basketball teams out of the general fund. Mr. Hiebler stated that this would bankrupt the LRRC. He stated that there are +$5,000 in fees that the council is refusing to pay. Mr. Hiebler stated that passing this vote would violate their by-laws and general board policy. Bob Smith replied stating that the department suspended all permits for the travel leagues. Mr. Hiebler proposed the Board of Recreation and Parks strongly recommend an independent outside audit of both travel basketball programs. He will discuss with the council. Mr. Hiebler stated that five of the nine LRRC executive board members are affiliated with these basketball teams. Discussion ensued.
Mr. Heitner sent board members all documents regarding the Baltimore County Skateboard Council proposal, for review, prior to tonight’s meeting. Mr. Hiebler commented that their by-laws could be the model for all other councils, stating that they are exquisite. He applauded the effort that Bill Felter and other members of the group have made. Mr. Heitner made a motion regarding the proposal. See item under “Action.” Board members were invited to attend the 40th Anniversary Celebration at Sandy Hills Skate Park, on Saturday, October 13. Mr. Heitner thanked Mr. Felter and members of the skateboard group, stating that he looks forward to working with them. Mr. Felter thanked the board, and invited them to attend the next council meeting on Monday, October 22, at the Towson Library. The meeting will begin at 7:00 p.m. Brief discussion ensued.
The council will fall under the auspices of Mr. Heitner.
Action:
Mr. Leonard motioned to table the MERC proposal vote until indefinitely, or at least until January 2019. Mr. Munzert seconded the motion and all were in favor.
Mr. Heitner motioned to accept the Baltimore County Skateboard Council as a recognized council of the Board of Recreation and Parks. Mr. Hiebler seconded the motion and all were in favor.
Comments by Individual Citizens:
Bill Marlow thanked board members for reading all comments submitted regarding the MERC proposal, stating that this is important to both sides.
Adjournment:
There being no further business, Mr. Leonard moved to adjourn the meeting, Mr. Hammond seconded the motion, and all were in favor. The meeting adjourned at 6:44 p.m.
http://resources.baltimorecountymd.gov/Documents/Recreation/boardminutes/2018/181010minutes.pdf
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