[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6359236,"mediaKeyId","2188018-2a113c21a477f93154d2ac8495f6dee6","parentId",2188018,"title","Board approves minutes, nominates golf-board representative and names officers; retreats to executive session to consider board applicants","audioSeconds",4760,"startMs",11000,"endMs",4771000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2188018-2a113c21a477f93154d2ac8495f6dee6&start=11&end=4771","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2188018-2a113c21a477f93154d2ac8495f6dee6/thumbnail_11000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6359236/St-Marys-County/Maryland/Board-approves-minutes-nominates-golf-board-representative-and-names-officers-retreats-to-executive-session-to-consider-board-applicants","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6359236-0f3d7b651ff00ae4a5f33b64aab16fb4/orig.mp4?Expires=1773579912&Signature=Euv1zEVGRl9sDi3lkirxS-2hoVCM2yRnHahl-rX5RkIKhtLTPHmZCtzjKMJ2FBiyG7Gx3SBGtgxwBh480xonD9QFnY7adlzq7Pxrx9PIXLlLOEkNarzrSlIonQ4P~oUqBksodErNrPDXWeSkT9kTQvn4axHVydiudyrcOYN6hIaFc4VecsKFJYuiDzIvXRITQPznmmRiRk1P34-r0DQc7rqW8616vta5mMZMQTK4VTdbQhqr5VjAoB8YimP-ZrAj7zVVyL0YIeVnDgJ7est5FAQyMAS8Fp0zucQpWfjcnrMDrNBLJbOEvraGNHASCMB3rVa1eBwwT7o4QhBYM0Kr7A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","St. Mary's County, MD","date","2025-01-31T19:50:02Z","article","Minutes and executive session: The board voted to approve the meeting minutes as presented. Later in the meeting the board voted to retire into executive session to review applicants for Recreation and Parks Board vacancies; the purpose was to prepare a recommendation to the Board of County Commissioners, which was expected to fill vacancies at an upcoming meeting.

Appointments and nominations: After returning to open session, board members recommended a replacement for a vacancy on the Wicomico Shores Golf Course Advisory Board. A motion to nominate Patrick Dugan for that seat was made, seconded and approved by voice vote.

Officers: The nominating committee (Sabrina Heck, among others) presented a slate for board officers. The committee recommended Lisa Rush for president and Richard Butler for vice president. Nominations were closed by the board; the slate will take effect at the January meeting.

Recorded procedural actions (from the meeting):
- Motion to approve minutes: moved and seconded; chair announced approval by voice with no nays recorded in the transcript.
- Motion to retire to executive session to discuss applicants: moved, seconded and carried; members reconvened to open session following the executive session.
- Motion to nominate Patrick Dugan to the Wicomico Shores Golf Course Advisory Board: moved, seconded and approved by voice vote.
- Nominating committee presented officer slate (Rush president; Butler vice president); nominations were closed and the slate takes effect in January.

What this means: The board’s executive session was used to consider candidate applications and produce recommendations for the county commissioners; the officer slate and the golf-board nomination will be forwarded and take effect per normal board rules and the commissioners’ appointment schedule.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","12/3/2009 Recreation and Parks Board","oneSentenceSummary","The Recreation and Parks Board approved minutes, moved into executive session to review applicants for board vacancies, nominated Patrick Dugan to serve on the Wicomico Shores Golf Course Advisory Board and closed nominations for board officers (Lisa Rush, president; Richard Butler, vice president).","taxTitle","St. Mary's County, Maryland","taxId",51086,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6359241,"Board hears capital-budget changes: many parks projects deferred pending state bond authority",359,2716000,3075000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2188018-2a113c21a477f93154d2ac8495f6dee6&start=2716&end=3075","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2188018-2a113c21a477f93154d2ac8495f6dee6/thumbnail_2716000.jpg","/articles/6359241/St-Marys-County/Maryland/Board-hears-capital-budget-changes-many-parks-projects-deferred-pending-state-bond-authority","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6359241-0f7a32c9a266b40fcfa748bd68a69bf9/orig.mp4?Expires=1773579912&Signature=feQvCTxIiSm13vyjUqVq37zRZWI~YCNGHlgIPOiPsW4RaYcqS0duVA60sbAjHmrxIZ0hFCW5n1WwFQApO5YlcIOJcEvavMXZY4IfUip4XuXkmtgVdKrLrwjM37rDCyw4m8OlRZTHOEBx1t6dnPYGRYIcv98m2nVAL15Vjog6PcyCd-tEST~~-0a8zxYfcM1yyIrHTEaV3~21F1yj~uotPOzLIFL0VdGoQmsu7Z25MAnMhol-4G0VvSnaD3ZHMI~yPjffd~P9Tz3HDSING1tqfKJRk6tsVCM0mzuNpVWL35T500qSql-VckdSFP7CcZz7ytd-pml~Y1yllmTaGRP1qQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Recreation and Parks staff told the board that several capital projects in the department’s six-year plan have been moved back or removed because St. Mary’s County’s request for additional bond authority appears unlikely to receive support from the state delegation.

Phil (Recreation and Parks staff) said the county’s capital program assumed the ability to borrow roughly $25–30 million over several years; county management and analysts say the county has capacity and a double-A bond rating, but staff said the delegation signaled limited support for additional bonding this cycle. As a result, many projects previously scheduled for FY11–13 were shifted to FY14 or later, and some projects were removed from the CIP.

Examples of changes noted by staff: Chaptico Park design and construction was moved from FY11–13 to FY14–16; tennis court improvements were shifted to FY14 with the plan to consolidate several years of repair into one year; the Elms Beach Park improvement project and a proposed Indian Bridge Park project were removed from the six-year CIP; small museum projects (Drayton African American Schoolhouse and Saint Clement’s Island Museum improvements) were deferred; parking and access work was moved out several years.

Staff said they will pursue every available funding source, including program open-space funds, recreational trails grants (small grant amounts cited), federal transportation funding, and targeted smaller grants; they cautioned that program open-space funds are limited in the near term.

Why it matters: The timing of capital improvements will affect neighborhoods and park users; staff said maintenance and renovation projects (tennis and basketball courts) were prioritized over construction of new parks because postponing maintenance increases long-term costs.

Next steps: The Board of County Commissioners will hold budget work sessions beginning Dec. 22; Recreation and Parks staff invited board members to provide comments to pass along to the commissioners during the capital-budget process.","Staff reported that, because the county’s request for additional bond authority lacks clear state support, multiple park projects were deferred from FY11–13 to later years or removed from the six-year plan.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6359246,"Officials outline 3 Notch Trail progress, federal funding and easement challenges",355,1238000,1593000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2188018-2a113c21a477f93154d2ac8495f6dee6&start=1238&end=1593","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2188018-2a113c21a477f93154d2ac8495f6dee6/thumbnail_1238000.jpg","/articles/6359246/St-Marys-County/Maryland/Officials-outline-3-Notch-Trail-progress-federal-funding-and-easement-challenges","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6359246-27145e454ef8a73b65151e06268898ca/orig.mp4?Expires=1773579912&Signature=N0HaKWQ4sxK46gyFulmXaytyhXqXv1LA-aWvZX9O4fUAJ21smHBcpWMmP4lvgdHnriGQgfaTVScE1n2Xyd3-NlidwNfENjcrHTHUIxkH9PNRBEjbCF7nsrfEzDHjWrbEETzR2JM3mAGMyQ3lObdh6Ixgq6npLRfM2lSaDG55mYMh5LYgHQwrKoeo2bHjVwq-pAUjSY5FCPPWpVlVHgPOe1eK1~oH3b9LHRFrgMv0nv7tZpHyNo65o88gXKK1JykbP791yN0fK6IDDggEzHDPebtOXeC~rLmxQPzyg5a323tmR1ql8nLIfc76cjcPbECFMuKOsu~oPr9XGh~noW4G2g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","County staff provided an update on the 3 Notch Trail project, describing completed private- and publicly-built sections, an upcoming three-mile construction package supported in part by federal transportation funds, and remaining right-of-way and easement challenges.

Phil (Recreation and Parks staff) reviewed the trail’s phasing and key milestones. He said phases 1 and 2 (about three miles near New Market and Charlotte Hall) are complete, and several private developments built segments in the California–Lexington Park area. Phase 4a, constructed with county funds, is complete from Walmart to Chancellor’s Run Road.

Phase 5: Phil said the next major section is about three miles—from John Baggett Park in Laurel Grove to Route 5 near the Wawa—and the department hopes to get State Highway Administration approval on plans in January and be out to bid this winter. \"This section of the trail involved almost $800,000 in federal transportation funds. It's about half of the cost of this section of the trail,\" Phil said. He said construction could start in spring and take roughly a year, with the goal of opening the section by fall 2011 (as stated in the presentation schedule).

Right-of-way and easements: Staff said substantial work remains between Wildwood and Laurel Grove, where parts of the trail would use a relocated right-of-way or utility corridors. Phil said SMECO (the electric cooperative) has shown conceptual support to use an alternate right-of-way, but SMECO does not hold fee title to all parcels and some use easements across private properties; the county would need to negotiate easements with roughly 6–10 property owners to complete those connections.

Funding and timeline uncertainty: Phil warned that fiscal conditions have slowed private development that would have completed some privately funded segments; he said some future construction is contingent on development timelines, county capital funding and grant awards. Staff said they are requesting design funding in next year’s budget and hope for construction funding in a future fiscal year, but stressed timelines are subject to the county’s capital-budget process and state and federal approvals.

Access and amenities: John Baggett Park was identified as a primary trailhead. Until additional trail segments are completed, existing facilities such as the Charlotte Hall Library, visitor center and Northern Senior Center will serve as parking and restroom locations for users.

What’s next: Staff will pursue approvals with the State Highway Administration, coordinate with SMECO and property owners on easements, and pursue federal and program open-space grants to assemble construction funding.","Staff reviewed completed trail segments, a three-mile construction section planned with federal funds, and potential easement negotiations with 6–10 property owners for future links.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6359251,"County and Southern Maryland program form Saint Mary’s County Youth Football League; Pax River Raiders remain in Calvert County",226,777000,1003000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2188018-2a113c21a477f93154d2ac8495f6dee6&start=777&end=1003","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2188018-2a113c21a477f93154d2ac8495f6dee6/thumbnail_777000.jpg","/articles/6359251/St-Marys-County/Maryland/County-and-Southern-Maryland-program-form-Saint-Marys-County-Youth-Football-League-Pax-River-Raiders-remain-in-Calvert-County","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6359251-92aa1da0c7df23b116a3ccc9d960199f/orig.mp4?Expires=1773579912&Signature=h3ITrvobg8hejFf76qlEV~pualaCoT0YGv0ZN6xdKGyKjGR8hadGrnDt6qFv5fpUPRXa9qcxNsoRAvaShrGr01qiRK9OHQ7GRmZ4l6VOMviWk0VIKjOU5QVnhCS2S-EVAedNAGA--WU4zv7mh~lxkQO~AyZ9mC8w2irfTLQqMHk6zLVCfNlq433EwVSR8PjDY5n82xO76i3MMnfwTaFEwn8uA~wK4SH-fushRSrUXMjX2iR7PFBlpBHFuWJRID9V3qjUR2XW2xSNg~wS-KJDOCtWz~NIKx-MaSbC5Y7p9t~53zpPj0fcEb0OA7bU2PxDzyS9K1Y3~qVSOXtn-YJ5Sg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Recreation and Parks staff announced a partnership this month to form the Saint Mary’s County Youth Football League, a club-based league administered by the county with volunteer clubs organizing teams.

Arthur (Recreation and Parks staff) said the county had met with leadership of the Southern Maryland Youth Football Program and clarified earlier concerns raised by an email from Pat Murphy (league representative). \"We were able to work through, I think, all of the issues and concerns,\" Arthur said.

The county said the new league will use a club model and anticipates participation from existing clubs including Mechanicsville, Hollywood and Lexington Park. A planning meeting with Southern Maryland football leadership was scheduled for Dec. 9 to begin next-year planning.

Pax River Raiders: Arthur recognized the Pax River Raiders and Chris Pickston for their work but said the Raiders have chosen to continue participating in the Calvert County–administered program. \"The door remains open\" for them to join the Saint Mary’s County league in the future, Arthur said. County staff said they will discuss setting a ceiling on the number of teams the Raiders can field in each age/weight division so both programs maintain viable competition and avoid one program monopolizing players.

Why it matters: The change creates a county-administered structure for youth football and shifts some administrative duties to Recreation and Parks staff (serving as league commissioners). Staff emphasized volunteer-run clubs will do registration, fundraising and team organization.

Next steps: County staff will meet with Pax River Raiders leadership to discuss maximum team limits per division and will continue outreach to existing clubs and volunteers.","Recreation staff announced a new county-based youth football league built on a club model; Pax River Raiders chose to remain in Calvert County while discussions continue on team ceilings per division.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6359256,"St. Mary’s Recreation and Parks launches online registration, text alerts and online volunteer background checks",132,71000,203000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2188018-2a113c21a477f93154d2ac8495f6dee6&start=71&end=203","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2188018-2a113c21a477f93154d2ac8495f6dee6/thumbnail_71000.jpg","/articles/6359256/St-Marys-County/Maryland/St-Marys-Recreation-and-Parks-launches-online-registration-text-alerts-and-online-volunteer-background-checks","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6359256-83c3b82cd9086c245022c9336562d84e/orig.mp4?Expires=1773579912&Signature=nRzzW39cVcoFVZFlW2IoL0ECCeQpBI29euT9O1-hfXdODtWo2tOtBpbEgnNBu-wlOmLIyptIvsBiIwN-iH8C4zwWeM51yhzSfOfWPJYiYX8BT3rEw6yBJ0z9RPfzD8jygiqpYXUKZizanBbgsnmSC6DiRfTOBuj0tFJ12t3TVtNR2frcGxkK-4DIDegBsovv-m2Yeqgxxkh7ntuIQzSyTo~o1tO~5ra7d8LLVx5GAfwXAGLQ-GA-tXIek5Hm33Oz5FxYxM97n2ROoMFc6K8f2O6LuBIojE5BKhwc5Nc9eJvlmUX5QVhzDvGtWB2TDfHnSss9JD1KXWAoBSYtd8d7Sw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","St. Mary’s County Recreation and Parks began online program registration and payments this week, staff told the board, and also rolled out email listservs and a new text-messaging alert system for program notices and cancellations.

The department said the online registration portal allows users to create a household account and pay for classes and childcare online. “We began with online registration for the very first time,” Arthur (Recreation and Parks staff) said, adding that first-time users should allow a two-week window to set up household accounts and passwords before registration opens. Staff credited Vermont Systems (the registration software) and a third-party payment processor for handling the financial transactions.

Why it matters: Online registration and push alerts change how residents will learn about openings, cancellations and special events. Staff said the tools will reduce walk-in and phone transactions and let families print account histories for tax purposes.

Department officials described three communication layers: targeted email listservs, a countywide subscriptions page that includes Recreation and Parks items, and a text-message alert that the department will use sparingly (for event announcements, registration openings and cancellations). Arthur said text messages are currently “all or nothing” (subscribers receive text alerts broadly), and that users must reply to a confirmation to opt in; email opt-outs and standard unsubscribe instructions will be available.

Volunteers and background checks: Recreation staff also reported that the county’s Community Standards background-check process is now available online for volunteer coaches. ‘‘Since July when we put that up, about 35% are doing it online instead of having to come in or send it in or fax it,’’ Arthur said. Staff said submitted background checks are verified internally and then forwarded to the county’s vendor, SSCI, for processing.

Staff and vendor responsibilities: The department said Vermont Systems hosts registration pages and the payment processor holds card payment data; Recreation staff confirmed there are security measures and that vendors manage card-processing protocols. Staff also said the county’s Information Technology team worked with Recreation and Parks to implement email lists and texting.

What’s next: Staff encouraged residents to create household accounts early, and said they will monitor uptake and refine how text alerts are used so messages remain limited to a few high-value announcements each year.","Recreation and Parks staff said the department started online registration and added email listservs and text messaging; volunteer background checks moved online and 35% of submissions are now electronic.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Board approves minutes, nominates golf-board representative and names officers; retreats to executive session to consider board applicants

Board hears capital-budget changes: many parks projects deferred pending state bond authority

Officials outline 3 Notch Trail progress, federal funding and easement challenges

County and Southern Maryland program form Saint Mary’s County Youth Football League; Pax River Raiders remain in Calvert County

St. Mary’s Recreation and Parks launches online registration, text alerts and online volunteer background checks