Subject
title
Authorize the City Manager to Execute a Declaration of Forest and Tree Conservation Covenants for the Rockville Swim and Fitness Center Outdoor Recreation Pool Renovations Project (RC18).
end
Department
Recreation & Parks
Recommendation
Staff recommends that the Mayor and Council authorize the City Manager to execute on its behalf a Declaration of Forest and Tree Conservation Covenants, subject to approval as to legal form by the City Attorney, to meet Forest and Tree Preservation Ordinance requirements for the Rockville Swim and Fitness Center Outdoor Recreation Pool Renovations Project.
Discussion
The Outdoor Recreation Pool Renovations Project at the Rockville Swim and Fitness Center requires numerous permits for its construction, including Sediment Control Permit (No. SCP2024-00002) and Forestry Permit (No. FTP 2023-00058). City of Rockville Code Chapter 10.5 requires that as a permit condition the subject property provide long term protection across the areas designated on the approved Forest Conservation Plan as well as other requirements for installation, maintenance and protection of certain additional trees and forested areas on the subject property. These requirements are standard practice for construction activities of this size and scope within the City of Rockville.
Staff engaged with a Professional Land Surveyor to prepare a Metes and Bounds Description and Exhibit (attached as Schedule A and Schedule B, respectively) for the site’s Forest Conservation Area of approximately 12,202 square feet (0.2801 acres) located in a forest stand between the parking lots for the indoor and outdoor facilities. The City Attorney’s office prepared a Declaration of Forest and Tree Conservation Covenants which when executed will bind the City to the required protections, limitations and stipulations as stated in the Covenants.
Mayor and Council History
This is the first time this item has been brought before the Mayor and Council. The Mayor and Council previously discussed the Outdoor Recreation Pool Renovations Project on May 6, 2024, when approving construction award and on January 23, 2023, when discussing the conceptual design. Discussions regarding the project were held during Capital Improvement Program (CIP) budget discussions.
Next Steps
If approved by the Mayor and Council of Rockville, the City Manager will execute the Declaration of Forest and Tree Conservation Covenants for the Rockville Swim and Fitness Center Outdoor Recreation Pool Renovations Project and staff will record said Declaration among the Land Records of Montgomery County, Maryland.