PRCR Advisory Board Minutes

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

November 5, 2001, 5PM

111 James Jackson Avenue
Cary, NC 27511

ATTENDANCE:
Board Members: Tom Hemrick, Vibha Goel, Toby Kennedy, Stan Latta, Greg Lytle, Kay Struffolino, Liz Nacewicz

Absent: Sean Cherry, Lisa Duke

Staff: Mary Barry, Lyman Collins, William Davis, Dwayne Jones, Doug McRainey, Gail Taylor, Judy Willard, Tony Clark

Guest: Officer Darryll DeCotis, CPD

Call to Order – Vice Chair Tom Hemrick called the meeting to order. Welcome to Middle Creek Community Center - Center Supervisor Tony Clark welcomed the PRCR Advisory Board to the department's newest facility and conducted a tour following the meeting. Doug McRainey reviewed the rendering of the facility which will house the following: the indoor center consists of two meeting rooms, full gym, storage and the lobby area. The community park, when complete, will have 4 soft/baseball fields, walking trail, 8 tennis courts, support buildings and 1 outdoor basketball court. Toby Kennedy asked if additional signage would be posted for the facility. Doug McRainey responded that staff is requesting additional funding for signs.
Minutes – Stan Latta made a motion to approve the minutes of the October 5, 2001. The motion carried unanimously.
Public Speaks Out
Special Presentation
	Cary Police Department/PRCR Support - Officer Darryll DeCotis Officer DeCotis gave a PowerPoint presentation outlining the security support provided for PRCR facilities and special events. The patrol division provides random security checks for parks and greenways, and facilities are checked daily. Bicycle officers check greenways and other areas where a patrol vehicle cannot be utilized. Toby Kennedy asked if all shifts have members of the bike patrol and the response was yes. Additionally, the Cary Police Department provides security and traffic support to all PRCR special events, as needed.
	Administration
	Greenway Committee - Greg Lytle, Chair Greg reported that staff continues to meet with NCDOT to evaluate the direction of the Walnut Creek Greenway project. Doug McRainey will report on the Walnut Creek Greenway at the December meeting. Black Creek Greenway, Ph III - Tom Hemrick asked about the status of the parking for this project. Doug McRainey noted that the bids will go out in December with projected construction start up in February. Tom also noted that NCDEHNR is now NCDENR. Joe Godfrey is working on grading plans for Ph IV of this project. Tom Brooks Park is scheduled to open by the end of the year. Pirates Cove Greenway renovations are targeted for completion next summer with trail connections completed by the end of 2002.
	White Oak Conservation Project - Doug McRainey. This land is located west of NC 55 and extends to Green Level Church Road. Staff utilized findings from the Open Space Plan and the greenway consultant, Mark Robinson and Associates identified areas to protect and for the greenway alignment. Trust for Public Land has been hired to assist the Town in obtaining those properties identified for the White Oak Creek Conservation Project. Approximately 20-22 landowners are involved with a total acreage of 225 acres. Potential funding sources include Clean Water Management Trust Fund and the Wake County Open Space Partnership program. Toby Kennedy questioned the funding source for greenway development for this project and if all land acquisition is coming out of open space funding. Toby suggested that a matrix be established listing the acreage purchased and easements. Mary Barry noted that the matrix tool is part of the implementation plan.
	Capital Improvements Status - Mary Barry Mary gave a PowerPoint overview of the department's Master Plan Vision. In preparing the proposed budget for the town manager staff focuses on maintaining a balance with program initiatives and capital projects. The PowerPoint presentation will be mailed with the minutes.
	*Teen Council - Liz Nacewicz* Youth member Liz Nacewicz touted the new 'Teen Scene Events & Program Guide'. The guides were distributed at football games, by SRO's, and the brochure is posted on the web as well. Members may also register online to receive news releases. Board member Stan Latta gave an overview on the role of the advisory board at the October 16th Teen Council meeting. Liz inquired about filling the vacant board liaison position on the Teen Council. The board deferred filling the position until the spring orientation of new members. Liz noted that Joe Godfrey will attend the November meeting to talk about greenways. Additionally, Liz asked for a representative from the Cultural Arts Committees to speak to the Teen Council at one of their monthly meetings. The Teen Council will be assisting with two upcoming events, Safe N Sane Halloween and Mad Dash Babysitting. There were no sign-ups for a Leadership Workshop and that workshop may be rescheduled for spring. It was noted that the YMCA has a youth leadership group. The Teen Council is discussing a joint project with the Raleigh Youth Council. Liz attended the new teen Studio 56 dance club opening.
	Senior Center - Stan Latta, Liaison Stan talked with Jody Lindsay, Senior Center Supervisor and Jody indicated that programs are going well. Progress continues on the construction of the Total Life Center. The annual Veterans Day Luncheon will take place Friday, November 9th. Stan noted that Dwayne Jones and Jody continue to do a marvelous job.
	Recreation Programs - Dwayne Jones
	Teen Programming - Dwayne referred members to the staff report update included with their agendas. Dwayne, Meredith Bridgers, Jeff Lee and members of the Teen Council worked jointly to produce the Teen brochure. The Teen Scene icon on the front will be the symbol used for teen programs. Fifteen teens attended the outdoor movie in October; however, due to the cold weather the movie was shown at the Senior Center. In January, concessions will be sold to recover the cost. A middle school winter formal dance is scheduled for December 14th and on November 10th, horseback riding for high school students. Dwayne noted the teens wanted adult style classes for teens only. The brochure gives instructions on how to register for automatic emails of upcoming events for teens. Final judging for the Red Ribbon Poster Contest concludes this week. The top 7 winners will be presented awards at the November 8th Town Council Meeting. The poster contest promotes a drug-free lifestyle. The skate board park slab will be framed this week. This is a projected 120-day project with completion in early 2002. Staff is negotiating to include the ramps with this contract. Toby Kennedy asked Dwayne about an operations plan for this facility. Dwayne responded that he is preparing an RFP for the skate park operations.
	Cultural Arts - Lyman Collins
	Cultural Arts Committee - Toby Kennedy reported that the committee discussed the joint meeting with the PRCR Advisory Board, Greenway, Cultural Arts and Athletic Committees. It is the Cultural Arts Committee recommendation to defer the joint meeting until spring of 2002 when new members are in place and have had their orientation and the additional time will allow for planning. Toby also noted that the committee continues to focus on the Needs Assessment Study and reprioritizing the needs.
	Public Art Master Plan - Lyman reported that Town Council adopted the plan on October 11th. Lyman is working with the consultant on the final draft of the ordinance which will be presented to Council at a later date. The final plan will be available as a published document.
	Program Update - Lyman Collins Spring Daze Festival - Lyman reported that due to the Town Hall Campus expansion this spring and the major impact on the campus, it is the Festival Committee's recommendation not to have a 2002 Spring Daze. Staff will take this opportunity to comprehensively review the focus of the Spring Daze Festival and make a recommendation for next year. Tom Hemrick said, "Don't make it go away". Toby Kennedy suggested putting more emphasis on making it its own entity. The Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources Advisory Board strongly supports the continuation of a spring festival. The October 20th Diwali Festival at the Herb Young Community Center was overwhelmingly successful. Staff will look at other facilities for next year that will accommodate the crowds. Lyman noted that the Indian community provided excellent volunteers. Applause, Cary Youth Theatre, will present Peter Pan in November at Cary Academy. Performances will take place at Cary Academy November 15th, 16th and 17th. A total of 42 youth have been cast, making this the largest production to date. The Holiday Tree Lighting and Open House is scheduled for December 2nd. Lyman noted that the Cary Community Choir's annual Messiah performance will be held at Greenwood Forest Baptist Church at 8 p.m. Upcoming exhibits include the 7th annual instructor's show at Jordan Hall opening November 2nd and Nerys Levy waterbased mixed media at the Page-Walker Arts & History Center opens November 5th. The Art-O-Mat, a converted Cigarette Machine, offers pieces of art for $5. The Art-O-Mat unveiling takes place on November 19th at Jordan Hall.
	Athletics - William Davis
	Athletic Committee - William reported the committee met October 11th at the Middle Creek Community Center and discussed the new programs budgeted this year. Those programs include the 40+ Church Softball League, Doubles Challenge Tennis Ladder, Pony Girls Softball Tournament and Womens Basketball. The committee also discussed concerns of increased vandalism in area parks. There were changes in the draft procedures for this basketball season. The committee met last week to process special requests for youth winter basketball. Team placements will take place this week for winter basketball as well.
	Pony Tournament Evaluation - William referred to the staff report provided with the agendas. Cary will co-host the 2002 Pony Softball Tournament the week of July 28th a week earlier than 2001. Tournament directors felt registration was down by 50 teams this year due partly to schools still in session. The 2002 tournament will focus on the college aspect featuring exposure camps prior to the tournament. College coaches will be invited to attend and observe. William did note that responses were positive regarding facilities and staff.
	Program Update Adult softball, volleyball and youth basketball (ages 6-10)seasons will wrap up this month. Team Placements for youth basketball (ages 11-18) take place this week with practices starting December 1st. Cary Teen Tennis Championship and Fall Mens Softball Tournament took place in October.
	Old Business
	Volunteer Banquet - Tom Hemrick noted that the banquet was a lot of fun and extended kudos to Judy Willard and staff. Joint Meeting - Greg Lytle indicated that there is consideration for a joint meeting of Cary and Raleigh greenway committees to explore connectivity issues with the Walnut Creek Greenway project.
	New Business
	Kids Together Park - Judy Willard displayed the Merit Award presented to the Town of Cary by the American Society of Landscape Architects for the Kids Together Park. Little & Little, Landscape Architects designed this playground.
	December Agenda - Tom Hemrick would like to talk about the Cultural Arts Facility Plan. Considerations are Cary Elementary and building a performing arts center at Cary High School.
	Adjourn