Subject: Fwd: South Fork Catoctin Creek Park
From:
Date: Wed, 25 Oct 2006 21:56:16 EDT
To: scott

 

Subject: South Fork Catoctin Creek Park
From: Greg Wagner
Date: Wed, 25 Oct 2006 08:09:48 -0700 (PDT)
To: Larry Ferrigno , Jim Wiley , John Chapman , John Chapman , Rob Lohr , Martha Semmes , Steve Plante , Maureen Gilmore , John Demary , John DeMary , Liam McGranahan , Patrick Childs

Lot's of things going on with a lot of fronts. I wanted to refocus this effort if possible to drive to a resolution asap.  After reading excerpts from 1996 Council minutes, it is evident we lost an opportunity (Catoctin Meadows creek bed and access off of N690) due to a host of reasons not the least of which seems to be lack of a clear plan of action to be taken.  With that, I offer the following.
 
1. Complete the draft of the agreement for granting a permanent easement to the Town or other entity for a linear park (as part of the 1997 County plan and Town's current plans) and placing it as a conservation easement.  If the terms aren't right, let's fix it.  I sent draft language out over a month ago to staff to work out the details and get something to the HOAs to ruminate on.  POC: Martha and Maureen  Target: 6 Nov Ways and Means (Policy); Sent out to HOAs at same time for review/comment
 
2. Master plan the linear park (include details plans i.e. nature trail where known).  It needs to be integrated for the entire length and include all the features we've been discussing (access points, connections, trail routes, facilities (benches, walkways, markers, etc.), classroom area.  Without a master plan, it is difficult to answer specific questions, make changes, apply for grants, begin work, get the community involved, etc., etc.  This will also help us determine what property is missing and what we may need to do to acquire land through Town or private group (see #3 below).  POC: Parks and Rec   Partners: LVHS and John Chapman Target: Preliminary Plan by Jan 07
 
3. File for 501c3 status as a development coalition or the Conservancy Coalition.  This gets the Town out of it directly, formalizes the partnerships and offers a means for fundraising and grants not available to private citizens or government.  POC: Rob & Patrick looking for volunteer legal assistance   Partners: Parks and Rec and Tree Commission and LVHS  Target: Feb 07 filing
 
4. Setup monthly or biweekly meetings (virtual teleconf is fine) of partners to check and balance each other and keep moving forward.  POC: Rob   Partners: all less HOAs until agreement is signed
 
I know we need to prioritize these in respect to other initiatives but working together on a common plan we can get this done and move on to other things.  Feedback?
 
Greg