Ellis Beckham

The meeting included discussions and actions on several key items. The Greenbelt Church Creek application was transferred to St. Andrew's Public Service District. There were updates on park and playground activities, including the amended spring baseball season, summer camps, and eSports. The commission discussed the phased reopening plan, the FY 20-21 budget, and potential improvements to the Forest Lakes property. The sale of eTrak Recreation Management Software was ratified, and personnel matters were discussed in executive sessions.

The meeting included a welcome to the new Aquatic Supervisor. Discussions involved the Red Top Park improvements, working with the community, and seeking funding for park enhancements. Updates were provided on HR and finance tasks, recreation programs with high participation numbers, the status of the Family Fitness Plus facility, and new internet providers for the facilities. The commission addressed COVID-19 cases in the camp and the potential for an Omicron variant vaccine. Updates were given on the Forest Lakes Greenbelt Project and the Forest Acres Drainage Project.

The meeting included discussions on the Executive Director's Report, which highlighted upcoming staff evaluations, budget approvals, and summer camp staffing challenges. Department reports covered HR and Finance's ongoing recruitment struggles and fiscal year-end tasks, the Recreation Department's counselor needs and fishing camp cancellations, the Family Fitness Plus Report on hiring an Aquatic Director and the upcoming installation of the morganizer, and the Operations Report on new internet installations and savings, as well as new scoreboards. Unfinished business included COVID-19 updates, capital improvement plans, and updates on the Forest Lakes Greenbelt and Forest Acres Drainage Projects.

The meeting included the introduction of new maintenance teammates. The commission received a presentation of the 2022/2023 audit of St. Andrew's Parks and Playground. The final draft of the 2024-2025 budget, set to be submitted to County Council in March 2024, was presented. Staff is planning a Hall of Fame presentation for John Johnston this spring, with the Opening Ceremony for Spring sports scheduled for April 12, 2024. The department is evaluating a new applicant tracking system and forming a search committee for a new Finance Director. Basketball participation has reached its highest number since 2014, and the 2024 Summer Camp brochure is being finalized. A new 3D printing program has been introduced. A coach was interested in creating a new team for CUSC, but the department decided not to partner with the coach at this time.

The commission discussed combining the November and December meetings due to holiday conflicts and approved a change to Policy 7.9, granting the Executive Director authority to approve membership promotions. A maintenance incident at the fitness center was reported, involving a collapsed pool deck and a slightly injured teammate. The Halloween Carnival's arrangements, winter sports registration numbers, and the potential addition of water aerobic classes were discussed. The purchase of a scoreboard was approved, and updates were provided on the Forest Lakes Greenbelt Project.