Attendance:  Tom Hemrick; Greg Lytle; Bob Hickey; Toby Kennedy; Leta Huntsinger; Kay Struffolino; Dave Upton; Lisa Duke; Melissa White; Doug Meardon, youth member

Absent:  Jamie France; Marla Dorrel, Council member

Staff:  Mary Henderson; Lyman Collins; Bruce Crocker; William Davis; Dwayne Jones; Judy Newsome; Gail Taylor
 
Guest:  Joel Pearl  

I.

Call to Order – Tom Hemrick, Chair

II.

Minutes – Kay Struffolino made a motion to approve the minutes of the January 5, 2004 meeting.  The motion carried by a unanimous vote.

III.

Public Speaks Out

Paddle Tennis/Joel Pearl
Mr. Pearl requested that the Town consider providing courts to accommodate a Paddle Tennis program.  Mr. Pearl noted that paddle tennis has a broad appeal and it is played year-round.  Paddle Tennis was invented to help children learn tennis and is a perfect sport for seniors, athletes, non-athletes and the disabled.  Paddle Tennis (PT) can be played on existing tennis courts that have been painted/taped with PT lines (court size 25’x50’).  Currently, Morrisville provides three courts for paddle tennis.  Additionally, Mr. Pearl indicated that he would be available to give free lessons to kids and adults and to coordinate play and take calls.
Greg Lytle suggested that staff consider a pilot program of paddle tennis, possibly at Godbold Park .  Mary Henderson indicated that staff would review this information and the effect on existing tennis programs

IV.

Special Presentation

None

V.

Land Dedication Review

None

VI.

Reports

A.        Committee Reports

Athletic Committee – Bob Hickey, Chair – No Meeting

Cultural Arts Committee – Toby Kennedy, Chair – No Quorum

Mr. Kennedy noted an overview was given on the committee’s role and the process for FY05 cultural organizations’ non-profit funding requests.  The actual requests will be reviewed at the February meeting.
Mr. Hemrick asked for comments following December’s tour of Cary Elementary.  Mr. Kennedy indicated those on the tour were surprised that there was so much space and much work would be needed to scope and design.  They support developing Cary Elementary as outlined in the Master Plan and moving forward in the planning process with other elements of the plan.

Greenway Committee – Leta Huntsinger, Chair – No Quorum

Ms. Huntsinger noted the committee discussed the Bond Park Trails Plan and discussed potential presenters for future meetings.

Teen Advisory Committee – Kay Struffolino, Chair

Ms. Struffolino presented members with a handout with meeting highlights.  Teen Committee members are working with Council member Marla Dorrel on corporate sponsorships to help with funding the Teen Forum.  This group also met with Mayor McAlister for his input.  Sam Glenn has been confirmed as the keynote speaker.  Breakout sessions include the following Hot Topics:  Academic Success; Alcohol, Drugs, Smoking; Time Management and Interpersonal Relationships.  Staffed informational tables will be available where teens can pick up flyers and ask questions.

Senior Center – Kay Struffolino, Liaison

Ms. Struffolino provided members with a handout of current activity at The Cary Senior Center.  Recent programs cancelled due to snow and ice have been rescheduled.  On Thursday, February 5, the senior center will host a Winter Seniors Art Exhibition.  The show will feature two-dimensional art made by local residents over the age of 55. 
All items made by the senior sewing group, at the senior center, for donation will now bear a label designed by Jody Jameson.  The label will identify the group/individual that made the item as well as contact information for The Cary Senior Center.

Teen Council – Doug Meardon, President

Doug reported that members sold concessions at Teen Movie Night with 35 in attendance and Band Night with 300+ attending.  The concessions brought in $150 in revenues.

B.          Public Meeting Update

Ritter Park Renovations at The Stevens Nature Center – March 2^nd @7p

Envision Cary – February 11 @6:30p at the Cary Senior Center – Mary Henderson announced this upcoming meeting.  This will be a community effort to form a vision for Cary for the next 20 years.  Elements resulting from this meeting will help to guide key areas of Town planning (transportation, growth & development, schools, public involvement in planning & development).

C.        Administration

Cary Tennis Center Operation – Mary Henderson

Ms. Henderson advised members of the recent change in operation of the tennis center.  The Town is now managing the center temporarily until Council acts on staff’s recommendation going to the Operations Committee on February 4^th.  Cary Tennis Center, Inc. was contracted in 2002 to provide tennis services and manage the Cary Tennis Center .  In December 2003 CTC, Inc. requested that the Town amend the contract and waive the monthly payment to the Town due to financial strain.  Staff’s recommendation is for the Town to hire staff (facility supervisor, tennis pro and customer service representative) to run the facility.  Presently, athletic staff member Linda Smith is overseeing the day-to-day operation and making the change as seemless as possible.  Over time, staff can build sponsorships and enhance current programming and events. 
Greg Lytle suggested that staff develop guiding principals to better serve the public for use in future public/private partnerships.

USA Baseball – Mary Henderson updated board members noting that the bid for construction has been delayed until spring/summer.  Staff has met with DOT and the Engineering Department regarding issues with the Outer Loop easements.  Additionally, Ms. Henderson noted that the Wake County Commissioners approved funding of $1 million to USA Baseball from the Occupancy and Prepared Food/Beverage Tax.  Toby Kennedy asked if the Town acquired additional property that was necessary to co

nstruct the facility.  Mary Henderson indicated yes.

D.        Recreation Programs – Dwayne Jones

Track Out and Homeschool Programs – Dwayne provided members with a handout overviewing the 2003 classes offered and completed for Track Out and Homeschool students.  PRCR offered 148 programs serving 895 participants with a success rate of 68%.  Staff has met with Cary-based homeschool groups to discuss and coordinate programs to meet the needs of participants with regard to times, dates, locations and types of programs desired.  Staff continues to monitor and evaluate program needs in this area that will determine adjustments necessary to reach the needs of year-round homeschool participants.

E.         Cultural Arts Programs – Lyman Collins

Refer to Project Update

F.         Athletic Programs – William Davis

Volunteer Coaches – William provided members with a handout outlining the department’s philosophy, coaches training and performance.  Currently, approximately 323 volunteer coaches participate in Cary ’s youth basketball and baseball programs serving

3,965 participants.  In October of 2003 the Athletic staff held a forum which identified potential areas for improvement in coaches training.  Presently, staff is evaluating and developing procedures for implementation of those improvements. 

VII.

Old Business

Volunteer Recognition Banquet – February 24, 2004 7-9 p.m. @HYCC

VIII.

New Business

Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources Advisory Board Appointments /Tom Hemrick

Ö        Reappoint Jamie France to 2^nd term (term expires 2/1/07 )

Ö        Reappoint Leta Huntsinger to 2^nd term (term expires 2/1/07 )

Ö        Reappoint Melissa White to 2^nd term (term expires 2/1/07 )

Ö        CHAIR: TOM HEMRICK  

IX.

Adjourn