TOWN OF CARY
Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources Advisory Board
2001
MINUTES
July 2, 2001, 5PM
111 James Jackson Avenue
Cary, NC 27511
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TOWN OF CARY
July 2, 2001, 5PM
111 James Jackson Avenue
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ATTENDANCE:
Board Members: Chair Liza Weidle, Lisa Duke, Jamie France, Vibha Goel, Tom Hemrick, Toby Kennedy, Greg Lytle, Absent: Allison Ascenzi, Stan Latta Staff: Mary Barry, Lyman Collins, William Davis, Dwayne Jones, Doug McRainey, Gail Taylor. Jody Lindsay, Don Belk (Planning Dept.) |
| Call to Order – Chair, Liza Weidle called the meeting to order. | |
| Citizens Speak Out - None | |
| Minutes – Tom Hemrick made a motion to approve the minutes of the June 4th meeting as presented. The motion passed unanimously. | |
| Special Presentations | |
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1.
C-Tran (Cary Transit) - Cary Senior Center Supervisor Jody Lindsay gave an overview of the new transit service. The transportation system begins August 1 for Cary residents 55 and older and people with disabilities. A total of 9 vans and buses will provide door-to-door service Monday through Saturday. Users must purchase prepaid transit tickets. Tickets sell for $2.00 each. In-town trips require one ticket ($2.00 one-way). Out-of-town trips to Durham, Orange and Wake (outside of Cary) Counties require two tickets ($4.00 one-way). Tickets may be purchased at the Cary Senior Center, all Town of Cary community centers and the Finance Department during regular work hours. By mail, users may call (919) 469-4081 for an order form. The annual operating budget for this service is approximately one million dollars. Jody provided board members with C-Tran Riders Guides outlining the rules
and procedures of the service.
2. Open Space Plan/Review & Discussion - Doug McRainey introduced Don Belk, Senior Planner of the Planning Department. Don gave an overview of the changes that had been made to the Open Space and Historical Resources Plan (OSHRP) since the June 18th joint work session of the Planning & Zoning Board and the Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources Advisory Board. The plan now contains more clarification regarding the amount of open space versus developed land. The acreage has also been calculated for the amount of buffer within the recommended land to protect as well as the remaining amount of undeveloped land. Don also mentioned that the concept of TOLA - Threatened Open Land Analysis, was not presented correctly at the joint meeting. The land identified from the TOLA could be developed. The purpose of the TOLA was to indicate what parcels were most likely to be developed so as to make an extra effort at protecting those significant resources within those parcels. Don pointed out several areas on the map that had been edited. Toby Kennedy identified that the CASL State Soccer Park was not on the map. Overall, Mary Barry stated that she thought this plan would provide an excellent basis in which to update the department's "Parks, Greenways and Bikeways Master Plan". Greg Lytle stated the board needed to strongly support preserving open space in those areas we want to develop. Toby asked about historical properties in the Carpenter and Green Level areas. He noted that the CAC desired that a few signature parcels be examined. Toby also suggested that a concise executive summary be prepared that would be easier to understand by citizens. Toby asked that board members receive a copy of the plan going to the Planning & Zoning Board on Monday, June 16th. He also requested Don issue an updated map by July 16th. ACTION: Toby Kennedy made a motion to delay the vote until the August Advisory Board meeting. Tom Hemrick indicated he would like to vote on the OSHRP immediately instead of delaying. Five members voted in favor of the motion; one member opposed the motion. The motion carried. | |
| Committee Reports | |
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Cultural Arts Committee – Chair Toby Kennedy noted the committee's major focus is on the open house for Amphitheater at Regency on July 27th as well as preparing for the Cultural Arts Needs Assessment.
Toby noted that the committee expressed concerns about the May joint meeting of the PRCR Advisory Board and the committees. This committee was disappointed in that it was much like a business meeting and not enough interaction among committee and board members. They would have preferred an opportunity to learn more about each other and to share ideas. Toby noted that board member Stan Latta attended the recent CAC meeting. Liza Weidle asked about Cary Elementary as part of the Needs Assessment and as a possible venue for cultural arts programs. It was noted that Cary Elementary is being noted in the Town Center Plan as a potential arts venue. | |
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Greenway Committee - Chair Greg Lytle reported that the committee discussed paving verses not paving the trails at Bond Park. Guests attended the meeting and had spoken out against paving the trails at Bond. He reported that they felt the pavement would adversely affect "runners" within the park and would affect the cross country events. They requested the Town consider alternatives that would still provide unpaved trails "runners" could use. One suggestion was to add an extension off to the side of the main trail for those who preferred soft surfaces. Additionally, a representative from the Horse Trails Association requested that Cary not close sections of these trails off to horse riders.
Lisa Duke asked why we paved trails. It was noted that from a total user standpoint paved trails were preferred. Mary Barry noted that the intent is not to pave all the trails at Bond Park, simply to develop a plan for trail types. | |
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Athletic Committee - This committee did not meet.
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Teen Council - Liza Weidle
Liza reported that the teens enjoyed the work opportunity two months ago planting plants and there is an interest to do similar projects in the future. Doug McRainey noted he had received some information regarding a grant to purchase seedlings and had forwarded the information to Liz Nacewicz, Greenway Committee youth member. The Teen Council did not meet in June however, about 20 teens assisted with the Safety Town program. The next meeting will be July 17th. Liza asked Dwayne Jones to place ad in The Cary News promoting the 'kick-off' meeting for the new school year. Members of the Teen Council will attend a Durham Bulls game on July 24th and five members will go to the Character Education Conference, July 11-16. | |
| Senior Center Liaison Report - Jody Lindsay reported for Stan Latta noting that all programs were running smoothly. | |
| Land Dedications – None | |
| Department Reports | |
| Administration | |
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Park Operations - Mary Barry reported on park issues. A mock sign posting shelter reservations and a 'who-to-call' number was presented to the board. Mary discussed with the police chief and the director of public works the numbers to post for park users should they have an issue needing immediate attention. The after hours phone number listed is 469-4012 which is the police non-emergency number. The dispatcher then contacts the 'on-call' public works member and Public Works makes the decision when they come in and when they wait until the next business day. Doug McRainey will be looking to update the "rules and regulations" sign that exists in each park to include the town's web address and an appropriate phone number to contact the Town. Public Works Director Mike Bajorek will speak on the issue of park maintenance at the September meeting.
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| Athletics - William Davis | |
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Program Update
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William reported that June was a busy planning month for the upcoming programs and events: Sportsmanship Games on July 4th; ASA Fast Pitch Tournament; Junior Tennis Tournament; Summer Sand Volleyball League and the fall Youth Basketball registration (6-10 yr).
William noted that to date 100 teams have registered for the Pony National Tournament. Additionally, volunteers were needed to assist with the event and passed out flyers to board members. Liza Weidle suggested he contact the Teen Council for volunteers. William reported that Jeff Lee is on the Pony Volunteer Committee. | |
| Cultural Arts – Lyman Collins | |
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Amphitheater at Regency Park - Lyman noted that the upcoming July 4th Concert & Fireworks are free and that the dedication will not take place on the 4th. Lyman reported the permanent sound system has not yet arrived. The two remaining Summerfest concerts of the season are: Broadway Plus Opera and Classical Jukebox: Ode to Joy along with the Concert Singers of Cary.
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| Recreation Programs - Dwayne Jones | |
Independence Day Celebration
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Dwayne presented board members with a flyer listing all the events for July 3rd & 4th at Bond Park as well as the July 4th Celebration at Regency Park.
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| Old Business | |
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Citizen Board Meeting
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A reminder to board members of the upcoming Citizen Board meeting in Greensboro, August 2-4. Board members attending are Liza Weidle, Stan Latta, Greg Lytle, and Toby Kennedy.
Tour of Facilities/August Meeting - The committee discussed holding a brief meeting at 5:30 to review the Public Art Master Plan and the Open Space Plan. Middle Creek School Community Center - It was announced that Tony Clark has been named as the facility supervisor. It was suggested that a board meeting be scheduled this fall at Middle Creek to tour the facility and to meet the staff. | |
| New Business | |
| Staff Resources - Toby Kennedy shared concerns that the present staff was near the breaking point meeting current demands, and the onset of the open space plan will bring additional demands. Was it appropriate for board members to make recommendations for additional staffing? Mary Barry noted she continuously evaluates all areas and that at times we recruit from other areas to assist with projects, and as new projects move forward, staffing needs would be evaluated. | |
| Adjourn | |