Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Parks And Recreation topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Calvert commissioners leave record open after hearing on $390,000 driving‑range netting
Summary
During a public hearing March 17, Calvert County staff requested $390,000 to install safety netting at Chesapeake Hills Golf Course; residents testified both for and against spending outside the regular budget cycle and the board left the record open for 10 days.
Calvert County officials conducted a public hearing March 17 on budget amendments to fund safety netting at the driving range of Chesapeake Hills Golf Course.
Parks & Recreation Director Bob Branham told the board that a winning bid for range netting requires $390,000. Staff proposed two budget amendments — BA2026‑00730 for $150,000 and BA2026‑00732 for $240,000 — and said funding would come from a closed CIP account and general fund contributions, not bond sales. Kirsten Perry, special facilities division chief, and CFO Melaina Brookshire explained that the project is being treated as a capital improvement within the county's reporting software and that staff will return in 10 days for a decision under Local Government Article §9‑105.
Local residents gave mixed public comment. Barbara Warner, a longtime resident of District 1 near the course, urged approval: “I cannot tell you how many times I have nearly been injured or killed by a whizzing golf ball from the driving range.” She said the netting could be a “lifesaver” and protect both people and property. Opposing the timing of the request, Joe Cormier called it “a want and not a need,” arguing the expense should be folded into the regular budget cycle rather than moved out of cycle from taxpayer funds.
Board members questioned staff about documented incidents and liability. Branham said staff recorded six incidents last golf season that involved errant balls striking people or property, including a reported strike to a cart. Commissioners and staff discussed whether the golf operation should be fully self‑sustaining and confirmed that while the golf enterprise aims to be self‑funding, the project is being handled as a capital improvement and some funding would come from operating funds previously allocated.
After discussion, the board moved and seconded a request to leave the record open for 10 days per Local Government Article §9‑105; the motion carried. Staff will return with a decision after the 10‑day comment period closes.
The public memo listed the project address as 11352 H G G Truman Road, Lusby, identified the project under CIP 0000047 (Chesapeake Hills Golf Course Improvements) and included BA identifiers for tracking.
