PRCR Advisory Board Minutes

TOWN OF CARY
Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources Advisory Board
2001 MINUTES

April 2, 2001, 5PM

111 James Jackson Avenue
Cary, NC 27511

ATTENDANCE:
Board Members: Chair Liza Weidle, Allison Ascenzi, Jamie France, Tom Hemrick, Toby Kennedy, Stan Latta, Greg Lytle,
Absent: Vibha Goel, Lisa Duke, Rose Brown

Guests: Johnny Gardner, Mark Ivy, Roy Alfred

Staff: Lyman Collins, William Davis, Dwayne Jones, Doug McRainey, Gail Taylor, Meredith Bridgers


I.	Call to Order – Chair, Liza Weidle called the meeting to order.
II.	Minutes of March 5, 2001 The corrections were duly noted on the minutes posted on the web. ACTION: Greg Lytle made a motion to approve the minutes with corrections. The motion carried unanimously.
III.	Citizens Speak Out - None
IV.	Special Presentations
	A. Greenway Survey – Mark Ivy Mark Ivy with the North Carolina State University Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management gave a presentation on results of a recent neighborhood study: Assessing Landowner Attitudes Towards Proposed Greenway Trail Development. This is the study that Mark selected for his doctorate. Mark also serves on the Town's Greenway Committee. Two proposed greenway trail corridors, the Bachelor Branch/Panther Creek Greenway and the White Oak Creek Greenway (phase IV) were the areas of study. The main study objectives were to determine: 1) characteristics of the neighboring parcels of property; 2) characteristics of the neighboring landowners; 3) the impact of previous experience on attitude toward proposed greenway trails; 4) neighboring landowner perceptions of the proposed greenway trails; and, 5) Assess differences between the perceptions of adjacent property owners and nearby property owners toward the proposed greenway trails. There was a 68% response rate from a direct mail questionnaire with 89% of the respondents not aware of the proposed greenway corridors. Greenways in general were regarded as positive by a majority of the respondents. Most agreed that greenways improved the quality of life for Cary residents. Nearly three fourths felt that the development of an interconnected network of greenway trails should be a medium to high priority for the Town, and that greenways should be considered as a basic development tool. In all, 17% were not supportive of greenway development. Conclusions drawn from the survey include the concept that familiarity of greenways breeds acceptance. The more Town residents know of greenways, the more supportive they are of greenways. The other major finding was that adjacent landowners are different than nearby landowners. Town staff needs to deal differently with concerns of adjacent landowners. It was recommended that a follow-up be conducted to this survey once greenways are complete. ACTION: Toby Kennedy made a motion that this board forward the study to the Town Council and Town Manager for their consideration. Greg Lytle seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously. Toby suggested that Mark do a formal presentation at Operations Committee meeting. Stan Latta agreed. Doug McRainey will speak with Mary Barry regarding this request. B. People for Parks - Roy Alfred, Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources Advisory Board representative to the People for Parks organization gave the following update. Roy noted that People for Parks is a small grass roots advocacy for green space. This group meets monthly to be a positive advocate for parks within Wake County and to bring about change. A public forum was held last summer to establish a common ground with different cities in Wake County. A very successful People for Parks public forum was held in March to discuss art in public places. Roy noted that this group lacks funding and has applied for several grants. Lyman Collins reported that he had been invited to the People for Parks board meeting later this evening to discuss the follow-up for the public art meeting. Minutes of People for Parks meetings were distributed to board members.
V.	Committee Reports
	A. Cultural Arts Committee – Toby Kennedy New committee members were welcomed at the March meeting and given a broad overview of the purpose and goals of the Cultural Arts Committee. Toby did note the committee has voted to change their monthly meeting time to 7p.m. on the second Tuesday of the month. Toby noted two upcoming events: 1) Spring Daze on August 28^th and the Applause! Cary Youth Theatre spring production of Wiley and the Hairy Man on May 11, 12 and 13 at the Sertoma Amphitheater at Bond Park.
	B. Greenway Committee - Greg Lytle New committee members attended the March meeting. The committee has asked Judy Willard to check into the funds allocated for this committee. The committee had planned to use these funds to purchase the memorial bench for Ray Tiedman on the Higgins Trail. The Teen Council will conduct a clean up project in the area where they wish to place the bench. Greg noted that the committee will be involved in Trail Day coming up on April 22^ndand National Trails Day on June 2nd. Gregfelt that all board committees should be funded to include workshops, publications, etc. It was noted The Cary News is running an ad for board committee members. Meredith Bridgers indicated she would have the ad removed.
	C. Athletic Committee - Johnny Gardner, Interim Chair Due to time constrains, Allison Ascenzi resigned as chair to this committee. Johnny Gardner has been appointed as interim chair and will be reporting to this board. Johnny has been involved with the department for over 18 years as a coach and commissioner. It was noted that Johnny’s term has expired on the Athletic Committee and one vacancy currently exists. This committee did not meet in March however, committee members assisted with team placements and the drafts.
	D. Teen Council – Liza Weidle Liza Weidle reported that members are developing a reputation as valuable volunteers. Committees for both the Cary Road Race and the Bicycle Rodeo are seeking teen volunteers on April 21^st. The teens will also volunteer with Senior Games on April 9^th and Breakfast with the Easter Bunny on April 13^th. E. Teen Subcommittee – Liza Weidle At the last meeting, the committee decided to broaden the scope of the recent program survey to include SK8 Cary, Cary Youth Leadership and the Y. Staff continues to review information on teen centers and programs for other areas. This committee is targeting a staff position that will establish teen programs. Eighteen teens would like to be a part of this subcommittee. The committee would like to offer two feature programs per month; one for middle school students and one for high school students. On April 23^rd at the Bond Park Community Center, Creating Assets Reaching Youth and the Town of Cary will be host to Dick Sears, Project Director for the Fuquay Varina Youth Initiative. Mr. Sears will share ideas that Cary may be able to incorporate into its overall plan for youth programming. Jamfest 2001 will take place on Saturday, May 12^th from noon to 6 p.m. at Bond Park Field #4. On June 14^th, Pay it Forward sponsored by Creating Assets Reaching Youth and the Town of Cary takes place at Bond Park’s Sertoma Amphitheater at 9:15 p.m. The subcommittee meets again on April 17 and will bring its recommendations to the May board meeting and then onto the Operations Committee in June.
	F. Senior Center Liaison Report – Stan Latta Stan met with Dwayne Jones and the Cary Senior Center Supervisor, Jody Lindsay on March 23rd for a tour of the facility. SeniorNet has proven to be a very popular program (complete with their own web site) with 109 students registered for the first session and others were put on the wait list. Other SeniorNet classes will be offered. Many volunteers have come to assist with class instruction. The fall classes will offer new course options. Stan invited board members to attend the 2001 Senior Citizens Day celebration on May 16 starting at 11:30 am until 1 pm. Lunch will be provided; however, members were asked to notify Jody Lindsay if they planned to attend. Stan commended Dwayne Jones and Jody Lindsay for doing a fine job.
VI.	Land Dedications - None
VII.	Department Reports
	A. Administration
	Regency Park Amphitheater – Lyman Collins reported that construction is well underway. Currently, staff is in the process of developing operational procedures for this facility. On-line Registration – Dwayne Jones reported that staff is working with the Town’s Technology Services Department with regard to using current program software and expanding it to include on-line registration. A Work Team has been assigned to review the registration policy incorporating online registration. The Work Team will recruit volunteers to test market on-line registration with the release of the fall program brochure. Should the test market be a success, the plan is to open on-line registration to everyone with the release of the 2002 Winter Spring Brochure.
	B. Athletics - William Davis
	William reported that the athletic committee meeting was deferred until April 19^th at 6 p.m. The Cary Road Race takes place on April 21^st. Last year numbers were up 500 with 1100 runners participating. There is a big push for volunteers for this event and William encouraged board members to fill out volunteer forms provided at the meeting. Spirit of Sports Celebration will take place on Saturday, May 5^th at Cary High School. The festivities will focus on positive sportsmanship and the event will feature sports clinics, interactive parent/child games, parades of athletes and a guest speaker. Admission is free. Other youth organizations have been invited to participate. Youth baseball is underway as well as adult spring volleyball and adult spring softball.
	C. Cultural Arts – Lyman Collins
	Public Art Master Plan – The Public Art Master Plan Steering Committee met with consultant Jennifer Murphy last week. The committee is in the process of reviewing Ms. Murphy’s recommendations. The committee anticipates a final meeting on April 25 to finalize these recommendations for Council. Chair Liza Weidle noted she would like this board to review the recommendations in a work session with Town Council. Lyman will provide more information at the May meeting. Fine Arts League of Cary held the reception for their (juried) spring show at the Page-Walker on April 1^st. Over 555 pieces of art were submitted by 250 artists with 84 pieces selected for the show. Lyman noted that this is a very high profile show. This prestigious show offers over $7000, one of the highest amounts in the state, in prize money. The show runs through May 1^st. Mayor Lang attended the reception and presented the Mayor’s Award. Mayor Lang noted that the tremendous response to participate in this exhibit clearly indicates the need for additional gallery space in Cary. On Saturday, May 6, Arts Day in Cary will feature: 1) Cardinal Gibbons High School student exhibit (Herbert C. Young Community Center); 7^th Annual Children’s Art Show (Jordan Hall Arts Center): Art Quilts & Marty Matthews Mixed Media (Page-Walker Arts & History Center); Fine Arts League of Cary "School Art Show" featuring work by junior and seniors from Cary area high schools. Spring Daze – Lyman noted that the committee was in final preparation for the festival on April 28^th. Volunteers are needed to assist with the festival and Lyman noted that Mary Barry was chair of the Volunteer Committee.
	D. Recreation Programs - Dwayne Jones
	Kite Festival - The Kite Festival, held on March 24^th at Bond Park, brought 77 participants. Two divisions joined together to offer this event. Preceding the actual kite flying, the Jordan Hall staff held kite making classes for children 3 through 12 at the Cary Senior Center. Easter Egg Hunt – The 26^th Annual Egg Hunt will take place on Friday, April 13^that Bond Park. A morning hunt will be held at 9 a.m. and an afternoon hunt will be held at 12:30 p.m. Preceding the egg hunts, Breakfast with the Easter Bunny will be held at the Kiwanis Shelter (at Bond Park) at 8:30 a.m. Tickets must be purchased in advance for the breakfast. Board member Allison Ascenzi requested that staff revisit the prizes offered for the children 3 and under.
VIII.	Old Business
	Tour of Facilities – Gail Taylor reported for Judy Willard. A facility listing was provided to board members and they were asked to check those facilities they would most like to visit. Staff will incorporate those facilities into a two-hour tour that is tentatively scheduled for June or July. Joint Meeting of Board and Board Committees – Gail Taylor reported that a joint dinner meeting of this advisory board and its board committees (Athletic Committee, Cultural Arts Committee & Greenway Committee) has been set for Monday, May 7^th at the Bond Park Community Center. An agenda will be forthcoming. Mission Statement – The following mission statement was brought before the board for their review. Mission Statement: "Our mission is to provide representation of the citizens of Cary by working with the Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources Department and the Town Council in promoting understanding, appreciation, participation and support for open spaces, programs and facilities in Cary." ACTION: Tom Hemrick made a motion that action on adoption of the mission statement be tabled until the May meeting. The motion passed unanimously. Discussion of the goals was tabled as well. Open Space & Historic Resources Plan Joint Meeting with Planning and Zoning Board – June 18 – Doug McRainey noted that he will provide more information at the May meeting. Staff wanted members, should they be interested, to put the meeting on their calendars for June. Board member Greg Lytle provided members with a schedule (attached to final minutes) of upcoming community meetings on the Open Space and Historic Resources Plan. Liza Weidle requested directions to the public meetings. Doug McRainey noted he would provide directions. Greg Lytle encouraged members to attend.
IX.	New Business
	Highwood Properties – Tom Hemrick reported that he had been approached by Craig Davis and Jerry Turner regarding plans to rezone 5 pieces of property (off Weston Parkway/Evans Road) to extremely high density housing with one parcel being designated for a charter school. Tom voiced concerns regarding the obligation of the developer to provide parkland in this area. Doug McRainey responded that this is mixed use and if housing units are classified multi-family, the land dedication ordinance would not apply. Doug further noted that staff is in the process of revamping the ordinance to include apartments. Doug assured board members that the developer would have to submit his plans through the Town’s development review process and staff would at that time address the issue of a land dedication requirement. Additionally, Doug noted that if a greenway is planned for that area, the developer will be mandated to grant an easement to the Town. Tom Hemrick felt the school site would be a good opportunity for a joint use park. 2001 Special Olympics/North Carolina Summer Games – Board member Stan Latta advised members of the need for volunteers for the Special Olympic Games to be held in Raleigh and Cary, June 1-3. There is a Volunteer Hotline @1-800-843-6276, ext. 214. Or visit www.sonc.net. Summer 2001 Program Brochure – Members were provided with program brochures. Meredith Bridgers noted that brochures are available at all staffed PRCR facilities, PRCR special events, the Eva Perry Regional Library; the Cary Library, the Cary Chamber of Commerce; mail by request as well as on the Town of Cary website. Staff is working to develop partnerships. Meredith noted that the layout has changed from facility program listing to category based listing. This format coincides with the Town’s website. Meredith pointed out the centerfold map and the index listing in the back of the brochure. Meredith invited board input on the brochure as they serve as our citizen representatives. Youth Leadership Workshop – Liza Weidle noted that there will be a workshop for youth 12-18 on Saturday, April 7 followed by an afternoon on the ropes course. School resource officers will be assisting at the ropes course. Herbert C. Young Community Center Dedication – Liza Weidle asked about staff’s plans for dedication of this center. Staff is looking at some time in May. Greenway Programming – Liza Weidle asked staff to plan ‘greenway get-togethers’ as a means to promote greenways in Cary. Doug McRainey indicated that he would first brainstorm with the Greenway Committee and report back to this board in May. Pop Warner Football – Liza Weidle noted that representatives from Pop Warner contacted her with regard to 1) making a presentation in appreciation of staff’s cooperation and 2) discuss the need for fields. The board discussed the request and agreed that the Pop Warner representatives should first approach Mary Barry with the requests.
X.	Adjourn