Cary Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources Advisory Board Meeting Minutes

Monday, April 12,  2004

5:15 PM

Herbert C. Young Community Center

101 Wilkinson Avenue, Cary, N.C.

Web Site:  www.townofcary.org  

ATTENDANCE:  Tom Hemrick, Chair; Greg Lytle; Bob Hickey; Toby Kennedy; Leta Huntsinger; Kay Struffolino; Dave Upton; Lisa Duke; Jamie France; Melissa White; Doug Meardon, Youth Member; Marla Dorrel, Council Liaison  

STAFF:  Mary Henderson; Lyman Collins; Bruce Crocker; Dwayne Jones; Doug McRainey; Judy Newsome; Gail Taylor

ABSENCES:

GUESTS:  Mayor McAlister; Tim Maloney; Suzanne Prince; Rex Vick, Jr.; John & Carolyn Powell; Mike Yellin

A.       CALL TO ORDER – Tom Hemrick, Chair

B.       MINUTES OF Minutes of March 1, 2004 .  Kay Struffolino made a motion to accept the March minutes with the corrections duly noted.  The motion carried by a unanimous vote.

C.      PUBLIC SPEAKS OUT

D.  SPECIAL PRESENTATION
American Tobacco Trail/Raftery Trailhead – Tim Maloney, Project Manager for the Wake County Department of Facility Design and Construction gave an overview of the American Tobacco Trail (ATT).  The ATT, when completed, will be a 23-mile long, multi-use, recreational trail that is located on an abandoned railroad corridor.  Upon completion, the trail will extend from western Wake County through northeast Chatham County to downtown Durham near the Durham Bulls Athletic Park .  Mr. Maloney manages the design and construction of Wake County ’s 3.75 mile portion from a parking area on New Hill-Olive Chapel Road to a trail access lot on Wimberly Road (Phase I).  Mrs. Henderson noted that 114-acre Raftery Tract is jointly owned by the Town of Cary and Wake County and will operate as one of the trailheads for the American Tobacco Trail.  Wake County will operate and maintain the trail heads and a town park will be developed to the east.  The trail is open to pedestrians, bicyclists, and equestrians, with horse trailer parking available at the trail access area located on New Hill-Olive Chapel Road .

The rural areas of the trail in Wake, Chatham and southern Durham Counties will have a natural surface to accommodate hikers, horseback riders and mountain bicyclists; while the more urban portions of the trail in Durham will be paved.

ACTION:  Jamie France made a motion to approve the Raftery Trailhead design.  The motion was carried by a unanimous vote.


Ritter Park Renovation Plan – Alice Webb advised board members that two public meetings had been held; the first meeting to gain input; and the second meeting to present the design.  The playground is being designed in-house and Mike Yellin of Hagersmith reviewed the components of the proposed renovations for Ritter Park .  Mr. Mellon noted that there will be major improvements to all existing trails; converting from crushed stone to concrete paths.  Stormwater improvements will be made in several areas along with a french drain at the picnic shelter.  There will be a continuation of the split-rail fence to deter vehicles from going off the roadways.  Hagersmith is proposing removal of trees adjacent to the shelter for an open play area.  In addition to bringing light into the shelter, it will allow parents to observe children at play from the shelter.  Additional 25-space parking is proposed and a 6-ft wide path through existing trees creating a circular area with planting beds, benches and possible public art.  A sprayground feature is proposed as an extension of the playground.  The funding for this feature has been requested in the FY05 Capital Improvements Budget.  Mr. Yellin also noted that the park lighting will switch to Progress Energy.  Toby Kennedy asked about improved shielding to reduce glare for the nocturnal life at the Stevens Nature Center .  Mr. Yellin responded that should not be an issue with the existing dense buffer of trees. 
Ms. Webb reviewed the proposed renovations for the play area which will stay in the same location along with the existing swings and whirl.  A colorful, low maintenance, rubberized surface will be installed.  A planter is proposed in the middle providing shade and a seat wall.  Additions also include a play house and sand area w/sand digger and jug filler.  There will be a direct trail connection to the restrooms.  Jamie France was concerned about the closeness of the older children at play with the younger children.  Ms. Webb noted there was sufficient separation between the two areas.  There was also a concern about the distance between the restrooms and the playground.  Members also requested an additional swing set.  Lisa Duke asked about a rock climbing wall.  Ms. Webb indicated that she was getting quotes to review.

Ms. Webb noted that this 4-month project is slated to go to construction in the fall with completion in the spring of 2005.

ACTION:  Kay Struffolino made motion approving the recommended renovations for Ritter Park .  Dave Upton had concerns with regard to safety and the drainage areas near the proposed open play area.  Ms. Henderson indicated that the construction drawings would be reviewed for safety issues.  It was suggested that possibly the open play area could be separated through landscaping.  The motion carried by a unanimous vote.

E.   LAND DEDICATIONS
Powell/Ten-Ten Property – Suzanne Prince, ETD, Consultant
The project proposes 80 units and has a required dedication of 2.29 acres.  The Master Plan includes a recommendation for a greenway (Dutchman’s Branch Greenway) along the northern edge of this site.  The applicant proposes designing and constructing a segment of the Dutchman’s Branch Greenway through the project site as well as through the north/south buffer that links with Dutchman’s Branch (approx. 2000’ linear ft of trail) with any remaining Payment-in-lieu to be paid by the applicant.

ACTION:  Greg Lytle made a motion to approve staff’s recommendation to accept PIL along with the design and construction of the greenway link as presented.  The motion carried by a unanimous vote.

Introduction:  Mayor Ernie McAlister attended the April meeting of the PRCR Advisory Board.  Mayor McAlister thanked board members for their commitment to serve in an advisory role and for being the eyes and ears of Cary’s citizens.  Mayor McAlister had previously met with PRCR staff and toured PRCR facilities and noted that the Town is committed to providing the types of resources that are currently in our park system.  Chair Tom Hemrick thanked the mayor for attending and board members gave their own introductions.

 F.   REPORTS
Committee Appointments –Tom Hemrick
      ACTION:
      Athletic Committee:  Bob Hickey made a motion to appoint Louis Eldridge to his 1^st term on the Athletic Committee.  The motion carried by a unanimous vote.
      Cultural Arts Committee:  Toby Kennedy made a motion to approve the following appointments to the CAC.  Joy Mellon and Rob Rusczak to their 1^st term; and the re-appointmens of Cynthia Mollenkopf and Kay Struffolino to their 2^nd terms along with the reappointments of Ashen Michael Salim and Cheryl Sutton to their 1^st terms.  The motion carried by a unanimous vote.
      Greenway Committee – Leta Huntsinger made a motion to approve the appointments of Robert Bush and Beth Hassett-Sipple to their 1^st terms and the reappointments of Bob Morris and Reid Miner to their 2^nd terms.  The motion carried by a unanimous vote.
      Teen Advisory Committee – Melissa White made a motion to approve the following appointments:  Michelle Flynn to a 3-year term, Barry Mitsch to a 2-year term and Barbara Bloodworth to a 1-year term.  The motion carried by a unanimous vote.
        Athletic Committee – Bob Hickey, Chair
Bob Hickey reported that the committee would be meeting next week.
      Cultural Arts Committee – Toby Kennedy, Chair
Toby Kennedy reported that the committee reviewed FY05 funding requests for cultural organizations.  Organizations must meet certain criteria outlined in Policy Statement 115 – Support and Sponsorship of Cultural Groups and Activities to be considered for funding.  Toby noted that last year the total Town funding was $109,840.  This year’s request totaled $121,915 and that the total amount approved for funding was $97,915.
      Greenway Committee – Leta Huntsinger, Chair
Leta reported that Kristen Sinclair gave an outstanding presentation on “Wildlife along Greenway Corridors”.  The research was a part of her graduate thesis at NCSU.  Leta noted that Kristen would be happy to do the presentation for the board as well.
Committee members worked on flash cards with questions/facts for visitors to the greenway booth at Spring Daze.
Discussions continued on the trail master plan and the committee adopted Bond Park Trails Master Plan Goals.   
      Teen Advisory Committee – Kay Struffolino
Kay reported that the entire March 15^th meeting was spent preparing for the upcoming Teen Forum on March 27^th.  The Forum was successful with 83 teens in attendance.  The teen committee members, with Council member Marla Dorrel’s leadership, raised nearly $5,000 from Cary ’s business community in addition to over $500 in-kind donations.  Council members Marla Dorrel and Michael Joyce attended and responded to questions from the teens.  Breakout topics included Time Management; Interpersonal Relationships/Communication; Drugs/Alcohol/Smoking and Academic Success.  Keynote speaker Sam Glenn was dynamic, funny and insightful in his presentation….choosing your path in life.  Staff is tallying evaluations on the program and will report the results to the board.  Additionally, teen members will make a presentation on the planning and success of the Forum to Town Council on April 29^th.
      Senior Center – Kay Struffolino, Liaison
Kay reported that Jody Jameson, Senior Center Supervisor completed her 3-year, 6-part certification for Senior Center Management through the NC Division of Aging.  Annie Hopkins, Senior Center Assistant is developing a Day Camp for Seniors in addition to the many other summer program offerings.
Construction has begun on the Memorial Garden with completion expected in mid-April.  Staff is looking at dates for the dedication of the Memorial Garden .
The Annual Health Fair held March 25, featuring 30 exhibits/screening stations, was attended by approximately 120 seniors.
Senior Games began in March and will end April 28^th.
      Teen Council – Doug Meardon, Chair, Youth Member
Doug reported on the upcoming events at which teens would be assisting.  They include the Cary Road Race; Breakfast with the Easter Bunny & Easter Egg Hunt; Spring Daze (fundraiser, selling 600 donated drinks).  Teens are also collecting food to donate to the food bank and looking at ways to provide assistance to town emergency services.

2.  Public Meeting Update
     Town Hall Gateway Project/Catherine Widgery, ( March 2, 2004 ) – Lyman Collins
Lyman reported that approximately 50 people attended the public meeting.  The prototype featured the main piece at the corner of Academy Street and Chapel Hill Road , the glass bridge and flooring along with the secondary design area on the corner of Ambassador Loop and Academy Street .  It was suggested at the public meeting that funding could be solicited through corporate donations and fundraising for the stone seating area.  Lyman noted there was good feedback from the community.

     Bartley Park Citizen Design Meeting, (March 17, 2004) – Alice Webb
Doug McRainey reported that the community loved the preliminary master plan and noted that a public presentation will be held on May 11^th at the Middle Creek Community Center.

3.  Administration
     Aquatics Update – Mary HendersonMrs. Henderson advised board members that a Council Work Session is scheduled for April 20^th.  Consultant Scot Hunsaker with Councilman Hunsaker will be present to present potential goals and different types of facilities along with potential construction and operational costs.

     Development of Fees & Charges – Mary Henderson
Mrs. Henderson advised the board that staff is currently reviewing and updating the Fees & Charges Policy.  Mrs. Henderson noted that the budget impacts the practice of fees and charges along with area trends and markets.  Staff is looking at what is feasible and ways to generate revenue to operate current facilities along with looking to the future.  Board members broke into three groups to discuss the department’s philosophy; guiding principles of basic services & facilities and special services & facilities.  Staff will bring the revisions to this portion of the policy back to the board prior to the Fees and Charges Policy going before Council for approval.

4.  Recreation Programs – Dwayne Jones, Recreation Manager
Referred to Program Update

5.  Cultural Resources – Lyman Collins, Cultural Arts Manager
Referred to Program Update.  Lyman did highlight upcoming events: Amphitheatre at Regency Park opens its 2004 season with Great Grapes this weekend; Spring Daze on April 24^th.  Volunteers are needed to assist with Spring Daze.

6.  Athletic Programs – William Davis, Athletics Manager

Mary Henderson reported for William Davis.  The Cary Road Race is scheduled for April 17^th.  Volunteers are needed to assist with this event.

 G.        OLD BUSINESS

Partnerships, Philosophy and/or Procedure – Mary Henderson
Mrs. Henderson noted that staff’s recommendations on Partnerships, Philosophy and/or Procedures will be presented at a later date.

PRCR Advisory Board Rules of Order – Tom Hemrick
Tom Hemrick asked that board members e-mail him with recommended changes to the Rules of Order.

Citizen Board Orientation Feedback – Tom Hemrick
Members commented that more chairs were needed. 

Thomas Brooks Park/USA Baseball – Mary Henderson
Mrs. Henderson noted that a presentation of the Thomas Brooks Park/USA Baseball Master Plan will be given at the May meeting.

 H.        NEW BUSINESS
Veteran’s Park – Council member Marla Dorrel advised board members that a staff report was going to the Operations Committee this Thursday requesting assistance from the Town in the development of a Veteran’s Park.  Board members discussed this project at length with several concerns, i.e. no clear plan presented; concerns with management of a facility on private property; unclear of the Town’s role in operating the facility.  Board members were in favor of veteran’s getting recognition but felt currently not enough information was available to make a recommendation. 

ACTION:  PRCR Board members wanted to inform Council of their position on the Veteran’s Freedom Park .  Leta Huntsinger made a motion with regard to the Veteran’s Freedom Park Project (staff report PR04-27a) noting that the Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources Advisory Board respectfully requests that Council not take action on this proposal until such time more information is gathered as to the scope and implications on Town funding the operation and maintenance of this privately owned facility.  The motion carried with two abstentions:  Dave Upton and Bob Hickey.

Buffalo Tract – Mary Henderson
Mrs. Henderson noted that this is the site that some trees had been mistakenly cut down on the Lowe’s tract.  It was not an intentional act but was a major wrong doing.  The Planning and Legal Department are still gathering information in regards to how, when and what remedies the Town has for land the Town owns.  Mrs. Henderson further noted that fines are set in the Town’s ordinance.

 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.

Please contact the Cary Town Clerk with any questions about this agenda. The e-mail address is sue.rowland@townofcary.org, and the phone number is (919) 460-4941. 

Council meetings are broadcast live the night of the meeting at 6:30 p.m., and are rebroadcast the Friday following the meeting at 7:30 a.m., the Saturday following the meeting at 7:30 p.m., and the Sunday following the meeting at 3 p.m.