B.  MINUTES OF FEBRUARY 2, 2004 - Kay Struffolino made a motion to approve the February 2, 2004 minutes.  The motion carried by a unanimous vote.

C.  PUBLIC SPEAKS OUT - None

D.  SPECIAL PRESENTATION - None

E.  LAND DEDICATIONS - None

F.  REPORTS
     1.  Committee Reports
             Athletic Committee - Bob Hickey, Chair - No Meeting

             Cultural Arts Committee - Toby Kennedy, Chair - No Meeting

             Greenway Committee - Leta Huntsinger, Chair
Leta noted that committee members were charged with brainstorming ideas to promote the greenways through education.  These ideas will be discussed and prioritized at the March meeting and the committee will select at least one top priority effort to develop an action plan for completion.
Committee members requested a Master Plan for Bond Park for review in preparation of the Park's trail master plan.  In order to promote the trail master plan at their Spring Daze Booth, the committee suggested that the Town consider holding the public meeting following the Spring Daze Festival.  Also at the booth, will be educational activities for kids and adults in conjunction with Earth Day.
Black Creek Greenway/Norfolk Southern Bridge Crossings were discussed.  The committee looked at several designs and noted that, at this particular location, cost should be a strong consideration over aesthetics given that this bridge would not be very visible.  The committee would like to see public art incorporated into the approaches of the bridge. 

             Teen Advisory Committee - Kay Struffolino, Chair
Kay noted that the Teen Advisory Committee met 2/3/04 and 2/23/04 with the main focus on the upcoming Teen Forum.  Council member Marla Dorrel, Cindi King and the teens met with Mayor McAlister who offered his support for the forum and offered his promise to encourage Cary businesses to sponsor the event when asked.  With the help of Council member Dorrel, the teens have secured more than $2,000 in sponsorships for the forum.  The keynote speaker and presenters for the 4 breakout sessions have been confirmed.  Ideas for the informational tables included yoga, massage therapy demos, map with voting districts, and a town table with issues important to teens.  The Teen Forum is scheduled for March 27th at the Herb Young Community Center from 10a-2p.

             Senior Center - Kay Struffolino, Liaison
Kay noted the Annual Health Fair will take place Thursday, March 25 from 9:30a-12:30p offering many screenings, consultations, demos and health/wellness experts.  Senior Games will be March 29 through April 28.  Volunteers are needed to assist with all events however, the greatest need is the April 3rd Track and Field event at Cardinal Gibbons High School.  Members are to contact Jody Jameson at the Senior Center if they are interested in volunteering at these events.  The Senior Art Show, featuring works of artists 55 and older, continues at the senior center through March 26th.  Kay says the talent is outstanding! 

             Teen Council - Doug Meardon, Chair - No Meeting

    2.  Public Meeting Update - None

    3.  Administration
Cary Tennis Center - Mary Henderson reported that Council approved staff's proposal to provide in-house management of the Cary Tennis Center.  Linda Smith, Athletic Program Supervisor is serving as interim facility supervisor.  The three approved positions currently being advertised are:  Athletics Facility Supervisor, Tennis Professional and Customer Service Clerk.  The current Cary Tennis Center staff will remain on a temporary basis until the three positions are filled.  This facility is one of the finest of its type in the southeast and the town  will hire the best staff possible to run the Cary Tennis Center and town tennis services.  Staff will market the facility for sponsorships, tournaments, etc. to increase revenues at the center.  Greg Lytle noted the need to develop sponsorships/partnership agreements.  Mary Henderson agreed and indicated that staff will develop and bring guidelines before this Board for discussion. 

SAS Soccer Park - Mary Henderson reported that Capital Area Soccer League (CASL) and Wake County are interested in Cary taking over the management and maintenance of the SAS Soccer Park.  Ms. Henderson noted that the Park had a full schedule this year; however, CASL does not have the staff to run and maintain the facility.  The state owns the land, leases to Wake County which has a contract with CASL to manage the facility.  The Town actually has a lease with the state to manage Hemlock Bluffs.  Managing and maintaining the Park would be an additional expense for the Town.  The benefits would include more community programming; additional fields for area soccer groups; and the national attention for economic development.  The current Master Plan calls for increased soccer fields and this would allow for that component to be scaled back.  Some board members felt the areas leading to and  surrounding the Park needed beautification to better reflect Cary's image.  Council member Marla Dorrel noted the point was well-taken and that often economic development follows.    

ACTION:  Greg Lytle made a motion to establish a partnership policy for the operation of SAS Soccer Park that would:  1) Maximize access for citizens of Cary; 2) Expand potential offerings for citizens of Cary; 3) Lessen liability for failed partnerships.  The motion was called for a vote; 7 opposed, 2 abstained and 1 vote was in favor.  The motion did not carry.

Mary Henderson indicated that staff would develop some recommendations for partnerships and come back to the Board in April.

Discussion ensued regarding the status of the aquatics feasibility study and the role of board members.  Board members expressed concern that they did not have sufficient opportunity for input into the design components for the aquatics facility.  Council member Dorrel noted that the exercise of asking citizens had been done through the Master Plan process and the aquatics feasibility study.  Mary Henderson suggested that a joint work session with this Board and council members, along with consultant Scott Hunsaker, may provide answers to their questions. 

Dog Park Update - Mary Henderson thanked Jeff Boucher, Cara Lewis and others with Dog Park, Inc. for their efforts in bringing to the board information; ideas and philosophies for consideration of a dog park in Cary.  Staff has been reviewing costs and criteria to incorporate a 1.5-2 acre dog park in the existing North Cary Park. The approximate expense of $50,000-$60,000 would consist mostly of fencing, concrete and benches (no lights).  The North Cary Park upgrade has been included in the FY05 Capital Budget recommendations.  A dog park is also being considered for the future Bartley park.  Items for consideration in setting the user fees and policies for the dog park include:  required dog license; size of dog; fee adjust if dog is spade/neutered; single/multiple dogs; non-resident fee.  Board members also noted the need for neighborhood input.  Ms. Henderson indicated that staff will further review these issues and include in the discussions animal control and finance and report back to this board with staff's recommendation.  If the North Cary Park upgrade is approved in the budget, staff will move forward quickly on this project.  Board members also applauded Jeff Boucher and members of Dog Park, Inc. for working responsibly with the board in bringing this project to its fruition.   Board members were in agreement in supporting the membership fee structure.  Jeff Boucher recommended the membership fee as well and strongly recommended that staff look into lighting as well. 

   4.  Recreation Programs - Dwayne Jones
Refer to Program Update

    5.  Cultural Resources - Lyman Collins
Refer to Program Update - It was noted that there was a great turn-out for Nuclear Whales with attendance in excess of 500.
Lyman reminded members of the Town Hall Gateway Project Public Meeting with Catherine Widgery on March 2nd.

    6.  Athletic Programs - William Davis
Refer to Program Update

G.  OLD BUSINESS

H.  NEW BUSINESS
Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources Advisory Board - Tom Hemrick 
Recommended Board Appointments:  Reappoint Jamie France to 2nd term (term expires 2/1/07); Reappoint Leta Huntsinger to 2nd term (term expires 2/1/07); Reappoint Melissa White to 2nd term (term expires 2/1/07); Chair:  Tom Hemrick. 

ACTION:  Tom Hemrick made a motion to approve the above board appointments.  The motion was carried by a unanimous vote.

Meeting Reminders - Tom Hemrick reminded board members of the following:  
Two public meetings on March 2nd:  Town Hall Gateway Project/Catherine Widgery; Ritter Park Renovations.
Council Board Orientation on March 3rd.
Southwest Area Plan on March 9th.

I.  ADJOURN

Please contact the Department of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources with any questions about this agenda.  The e-mail address is gail.taylor@townofcary.org, and the phone number is (919) 462-3961.