PRCR Advisory Board Minutes

TOWN OF CARY
Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources Advisory Board
2003 MINUTES

January 6, 2003, 5:15 PM

Town Hall Campus - Building B
Upper Conference Room
318 N. Academy Street
Cary, NC 27513

ATTENDANCE:
Board Members: Tom Hemrick, Chair, Lisa Duke, Jamie France, Bob Hickey, Leta Huntsinger, Toby Kennedy, Greg Lytle, Kay Struffolino, Dave Upton, Jonathon Nacewicz, Teen Representative

Absent: Liz Nacewicz, Council liaison Marla Dorrel

Staff: Mary Barry, Lyman Collins, Bruce Crocker, William Davis, Dwayne Jones, Doug McRainey, Gail Taylor, Judy Newsome

Guest(s): Jeff Boucher, Cara Lewis, Kimberle Shulman, Julie Carlino, Laura Turk, Glen Turk, Roy Alfred, Lisa Coston

Call to Order – Chair Tom Hemrick called the meeting to order at 5:15 p.m.
Minutes – Minutes of November 4, 2002 - Greg Lytle made a motion to approve the minutes of the November meeting. The motion carried unanimous vote. Note: The PRCR Board did not meet in December.
Calendar Updates - 1) Greenway Committee Meeting - Feb. 20, 2003; 2) Bond Referendum Public Input Sessions: Jan. 14 & 15 @6:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers; 3) Accreditation Review/Washington, D.C. - February 28, 2003.
Public Speaks Out
Cary Dog Park Club- Jeff Boucher and Cara Lewis gave an annual report (included in the final minutes) of the club's projects and progress for 2002. Members of the Dog Park Steering Committee shared their vision of an off-leash dog park and the importance of dog socialization and interactions as well as owner responsibilities. Kim Shulman, formerly of Boulder, Co., noted the success of 3 dog parks in Boulder and estimated the general size to be 5 acres. The City of Raleigh continues to work toward a dog park at their Millbrook facility; however, funding remains an issue. Jeff wanted to make certain that the Master Plan showed the communities support of an off-leash dog park. People for Parks - Roy Alfred reported that People for Parks has been involved in buying additional acreage at Lake Johnson and working on public private partnerships.
Special Presentation
	Administration
	Greenway Committee - Greg Lytle, Chair Greg reported that the committee did not meet in December. Members of People for Parks gathered for a New Year's hike on Black Creek Greenway.
	USA Baseball Update - Mary Barry reported that the staff report will go before the Operations Committee this week recommending the selection of Heery International to develop plans for Thomas Brooks Park/USA Baseball Facility and for staff to negotiate a design contract. Mary noted that eleven firms submitted RFP's and that four firms were interviewed for the project. Board members discussed the Town's use of the proposed facility and staffing needs. ACTION: Greg Lytle made a motion to recommend Heery International to develop the design for Thomas Brooks Park/USA Baseball Facility and that the USA Baseball contract include strong language to prevent them from pulling out of the contract. Kay Struffolino seconded the motion. Motion carried. Accreditation Update - Judy Newsome thanked everyone for joining the staff at the reception welcoming the accreditation team. The visitation went very well and the PRCR department met 154 out of 156 standards. Mary Barry, Mary Casey and Judy will sit before the National Commission for Accreditation in Washington, D.C. on the 28th of February. Volunteer Recognition Banquet Update - Judy Newsome reminded board members of the upcoming banquet on February 25 at 7 p.m. at the Herb Young Community Center. The deadline for nomination forms is January 10th. The award committee will then meet and review the nominations. Grants - Judy reported that PRCR has received Council approval to apply to the NC Parks & Recreation Trust Fund in the amount of $250,000 and to the Recreation Trails Grant Program in the amount of $50,000. Award status for the both grants will be made in June, 2003. Grants/Acquisitions - Doug gave an overview of the recent grants and land acquisitions: Wake County Batchelor Corridor Grant - $350,000 Clean Water Grant - $1.1 million Rexford - finalized permanent parking easement at the Amphitheatre Shaffer Acquisition - 45 acres (closing in January 2003) Batchelor Parcel/Brooks Park 61 ac. (closing January 2003) Committee Appointments - Judy Newsome reminded board members that vacancies exists on all committees and that the deadline for applications is February 5, 2003.
	Cultural Arts - Lyman Collins
	Arts and Humanities Award - Lyman announced that the department was the recipient of the 2002 award for America From the Heart, the quilt show held at Page-Walker and other Town facilities that commemorated the 9/11 attacks. Page-Walker Supervisor, Sara Maultsby coordinated the award-winning project . This award is presented by the North Carolina Recreation and Park Society.
	Cultural Arts Committee - Toby Kennedy
	Toby reminded board members of the upcoming production of Our Town by the Cary Players. The play runs January 15 through the 18th. Toby reported the Cultural Arts Committee did meet and evaluated program areas in the cultural arts division.
	Athletics - William Davis
	2003 Cary Road Race - William reminded board members of the 25th Annual Cary Road Race taking place on April 12th.
	Athletic Committee -
	William Davis reported that the committee did not meet in December. William noted that basketball season started and games are going well. Toby Kennedy asked about an annual recognition of part-time employees, i.e. officials. William noted that currently the Town contracts officials, however, staff is reviewing the efficiency of the current system and comparing it to hiring, training, booking and evaluating the officials internally.
	Recreation Programs - Dwayne Jones
	Dwayne noted two vacancies in the recreation program division. Applications are currently being accepted for the assistant center supervisor at the Herb Young Community Center and the senior citizen recreation program specialist at the Cary Senior Center. Both positions should be filled by late February. Dwayne reminded board members of the Stevens Nature Center's 10th anniversary event. Board members and visitors are encouraged to attend the activities to begin at 2 p.m. Lisa Duke commented that the track-out programs are wonderful, however, she would like to see them open for ages K-5.
	Senior Center Report - Kay Struffolino
	Kay presented board members with a written report of updates at the Senior Center. SeniorNet will be featured on BUD TV January 10th through the 31st.
	Teen Council Report - Liz Nacewicz
	Jonathon Nacewicz reported for Liz. Jonathon reported the success of two Mad Dash Babysitting Sessions and Santa's Workshop. Their holiday party doubled as a farewell to Teen Council Liaison Jeff Lee. Jonathan then reported on the upcoming events.
	Old Business
	New Business
	Bond Referendum - PRCR Board Chair Tom Hemrick reminded members of the upcoming public input sessions on January 14th & 15th for the Bond Referendum. Two bond issues will go before the voters on April 8th ($130 million in Street Bonds and $30 million in Recreation Bonds). Tom asked board members to promote interest in the proposed projects considered for funding. The projects include: a performing arts center, a downtown park, a community center, renovations to historic Cary Elementary School, an aquatics center, completion of Thomas Books Park, 7 neighborhood parks, 2 community parks and 20 miles of greenways and a pedestrian crossing for US HWY 1/64 to Kids Together Park. Courtesy Call - Roy Alfred commented the he appreciated the phone call from staff notifying him of recent changes to the shelter rental policy.
Adjourn