ISAB current Minutes

TOWN OF CARY
Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources Advisory Board
2000 MINUTES

July 10th, 2000, 5PM

111 James Jackson Avenue, Suite 201
Cary, NC

Call to Order – Herb Young
Special Report, ‘People for Parks’ – Benson Kirkman, Chairman of People for Parks gave an overview of the organization which is a grassroots network of support for parks in Wake County. Board members were encouraged to become actively involved and appoint a liaison to serve on the People for Parks Committee. Council member Marla Dorrel noted that People for Parks is an exciting group with a lot of opportunity to pursue goals and develop a grass roots advocacy for parks. This group addresses areas such as 1) opportunities for collaboration, 2) funding, 3) planning, 4) school park relationships; 5) types of parks, 6) environmental education, 7) greenways, 8) programs, 9) accessibility, 10) maintenance and 11) volunteers, 12) types of parks.

Minutes – The minutes of the June 5, 2000 meeting were approved as presented.

Committee Reports
	Cultural Arts Committee – Toby Kennedy reported that this committee had a retreat at Jordan Hall on June 17^th to define the purpose of cultural arts and the role of cultural arts and the Town.
	Greenway Committee Annie Jones Park – Greg Lytle reported that the committee met at Annie Jones Park to discuss the proposed improvements for the greenway system within and around Annie Jones Park. Annie Jones Park currently has 4 greenway segments: the Tarbert-Gatehouse Trail, the Coatbridge Trail, the Lake Pine Link and McCloud Court Trail. These trail segments total 1.26 miles. The majority of these trails are unpaved except for the Tarbert-Gatehouse Trail and a short segment of the McCloud Court Trail. Staff proposed paving the remaining sections of trail. At a public meeting in June, a majority of residents were against paving all of the trails. ACTION: After discussion, Toby Kennedy motioned to pave Annie Jones trails with the exception of the Coatbridge section, which is to be improved while limiting impact to the adjacent trees. Included in the motion was that all roadway intersections be ADA accessible with curb cuts. Greg Lytle seconded the motion. Motion carried. Black Creek Greenway – Staff has submitted an application for TEA 21 funds for $660,000 for the next phase of Black Creek Greenway, which will extend the trail to High House Road. Speight Branch Greenway – An initial alignment has been completed and the consultants will be meeting with DOT to review this first draft. Bachelor Branch – Work has begun to inventory the alignment. Walnut Creek Greenway – The consultants continue to refine the alignment. The overall trail is set except for where it terminates at Buck Jones Road. The slopes are in excess of 20% and DOT, which is funding the project, only allows a maximum of 5% slopes for a trial. The consultant is giving options to shoot for an 8% slope.
	Athletic Committee – Sean Cherry Adult Philosophies – The committee is working with staff to develop key adult philosophies similar to the youth. The committee recommended several ideas and objectives for review, i.e. balanced competitive environment, sportsmanship, maintain accepted level of conduct, social recreation and fitness, provide facilities and activities in a supervised, structured environment. Fast-Pitch vs Slow-Pitch – Staff is currently gathering information in consideration of the future direction of these programs. Should both be offered? Bronco Concept – The committee has expressed an interest in inserting the ‘Bronco’ concept throughout other leagues in which there are enough teams to justify it. This means dividing the league into a higher skill level division and a weaker skill level division. Code of Conduct – Staff is reviewing the possibility of conducting a ‘code-of-conduct’ program for parents of youth sports participants. Staff wants to take a proactive approach to avert aggressive adult behavior at youth events. Liza Weidle suggested a program in conjunction with Creative Assets Reaching Youth.
	Teen Council Liza Weidle reported that youth committee applications are being reviewed for appointments to the Cultural Arts Committee, Greenway Committee and the Athletic Committee. Greg Lytle and Toby Kennedy will speak at the next Teen Council meeting relative to service on committees.
Land Dedications – None
Department Reports
	Administration Senior Transportation Task Force (PR01-003) – Mary Barry The staff report with recommendations was distributed to board members.
	Wake County Parks and Recreation Grant-in-Aid (Skate Park) (PR01-001) – Judy Willard The staff report with recommendations was distributed to board members.
	Cary Senior Center Policy (PR01-002) – Dwayne Jones The staff report with recommendations was distributed to board members. The policy revisions were made with input from the senior groups along with Kay Struffolino.
	Development of Regency Park Amphitheater Operation (PR01-005) – Mary Barry The staff report with recommendations was distributed to board members.
	Performing Arts Center (PR01-004) – Mary Barry The staff report was distributed to board members.
	New Administrative Positions – Mary Barry Three new positions were approved in the FY001 budget in the administrative division. The positions of Principal Planner and Recreation Projects Specialist are currently being advertised. Current department secretary Gail Taylor will move into the Administrative Specialist position.
	Recreation Programs – Dwayne Jones
	Program Update: Summer Day Camp – Camps are at their halfway point with much success this summer.
	New Senior Center Position – Fifty applications have been received. Staff is reviewing and will be setting up appointments for interviews.
	Skate Park Public Meeting – A Public Meeting has been set for Saturday, July 15 at 9:30am to 12:30 pm at the Bond Park Community Center. Staff is gathering information from citizens and particularly young people as to the components and elements desired in the park.
	Cultural Arts – Lyman Collins
	Program Updates – Summerfest 2000 wraps up a successful season with a performance on June 8^th. July 4^th was well attended with a splendid fireworks display. The community quilt project at Regency on the 4^th was well received as well. The Starlight Concert Series is well attended and continues on the grounds of the Page-Walker through August 18^th. Performances for a radio drama, Shiek of Hollywood, will take place the last two weekends in July at the Page-Walker Hotel. Three youth summer arts camps get underway in July: Clown Comedy Camp, Youth Video Project and Teen Improv Project. A reminder that Lazy Daze is fast approaching on August 26.
	Athletics – William Davis
	Spring/Summer Sports Recap – youth baseball softball wrapping up; the summer t-ball program is underway as well as senior league girls 16-18 and summer 4 on 4 volleyball. All-Star Pony & Bronco games take place this week as well as the Jr. Tennis Tournament. The Girls Fast Pitch Tournament went well.
	National Pony Softball Tournament – Cary and Raleigh are considering hosting this national tournament in July of 2001. This tournament will consist of 300 teams. William Davis will be attending this year’s tournament in Virginia to gather information about the event.
	Police Bike Patrols – Staff has met with the police department to develop a plan to monitor parks and greenways.
Old Business
	Aquatics Feasibility Study – Tom Hemrick A Public Meeting took place on June 21^st at the Cary Community Center. Residents and interested user groups were invited to attend to give input. The consulting team of Cherry Huffman Architects and Councilman/Hunsaker presented components and elements of an aquatics center for consideration in addition to looking at possible sites. The consultants will review information gained from this meeting and return on August 17^th to make a presentation to a joint meeting of council members and advisory board members.
New Business
	Wake County Municipal Parks and Recreation Advisory Board Meeting – The committee is considering hosting a meeting in October of the Wake County Municipal Parks and Recreation Advisory Boards.
	Kids Together – Marla Dorrell & Herb Young were recognized for all their contributions in making Kids Together Playground a success. It was noted that more trash barrels are needed at that facility.

Minutes/Reports – Board member Greg Lytle requested that future mailings to board members be copies double sided.

Adjourn