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Trappe council approves grant application to build girls softball field at Home Run Baker Park
Summary
The Trappe Town Council voted Aug. 19 to approve a grant application to the Maryland Department of Natural Resources for a girls softball field at Home Run Baker Park; approval is contingent on a joint-use agreement with Talbot County and the motion passed with one abstention.
Trappe Town Council voted Aug. 19 to approve a grant application to the Maryland Department of Natural Resources Community Parks and Playground Program seeking funds to create a girls softball field at Home Run Baker Park.
Cheryl Lewis presented the completed grant application and recommended that the Town submit a draft joint-use agreement with the application but not sign it until after State review. "The Town would enter into a joint-use agreement with Talbot County and the County would continue the maintenance of the park," Lewis said, adding that the Town would manage the project and the funds but would not perform ongoing maintenance. Assistant Town Attorney Carly Landolfi noted that "paragraphs 3, 4 and 6 of the draft joint-use agreement in the grant application packet states that the Town’s responsibility ends when the project construction has been completed and turned over to the County."
Council members asked several procedural and technical questions. Commissioner Walter Chase asked about Talbot County Parks and Recreation board support; Lewis said the County's minutes in the packet show the board agreed with the Town applying for the grant. A member of the public identified as Mr. Bowman asked about field orientation, parking and lighting; Lewis said no lighting is included in this proposal because of cost and that the County is aware of parking issues and is examining options.
Commissioner Jeremy Newnam moved to approve the grant application "as submitted," with Commissioner Michael Sullivan seconding. The vote was recorded as Newnam — yes; Sullivan — yes; President Schmidt — yes; Potter — yes contingent upon the joint-use agreement being put into place; Chase — abstain. The motion passed and the Council approved submission of the grant application.
Because the joint-use agreement is a condition of funding and sets maintenance responsibilities, the Council and staff will return with final agreement language for review if the State awards the grant. Town Administrator Erin Braband is listed in the record as present and will manage project administration if funds are awarded.
