Cary Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources Advisory Board Meeting Agenda

Monday, September 13,  2004

5:15 PM

Herbert C. Young Community Center

101 Wilkinson Avenue, Cary, N.C.

Web Site:  www.townofcary.org  

 

ATTENDANCE:  Tom Hemrick, Chair; Lisa Duke; Jamie France; Bob Hickey; Leta Huntsinger; Toby Kennedy; Greg Lytle; Kay Struffolino; Dave Upton; Melissa White; Selby Lo, Youth Member

STAFF: Mary Henderson; Lyman Collins; Bruce Crocker; William Davis; Dwayne Jones; Gail Taylor

ABSENT:  Marla Dorrel, Council Liaison

I. Call to Order – Tom Hemrick, Chair  

II.

Minutes – August 2, 2004  
Greg Lytle made a motion to adopt the August minutes as written.  The motion passed unanimously.  

III.

Public Speaks Out -  None

IV.

Special Presentation - None

V.

Land Dedication Review – Doug McRainey  

VI.

Reports

 

A.        Committee Reports

 

            Athletic Committee – Bob Hickey, Chair  
Bob noted topics discussed at the committee's most recent meeting.  The committee reviewed special requests and also a request for a Pee Wee girl to play in the boy's Pee Wee league.  The latter  request was withdrawn.
Members also discussed background checks for volunteer coaches.  Currently, background checks only include in-state, criminal information.  Mary Henderson indicated that the background checks are being discussed town-wide for all levels of volunteers.  Toby Kennedy noted that a statement be required that the town is not liable for coaches transporting players.  
Bob noted that game cancellations will soon be posted on the Town's web site.
Additionally, members discussed the role of the committee; recouping fees; SAS Soccer Park. 

 

            Cultural Arts Committee – Toby Kennedy, Chair  
Toby noted that the success of Lazy Daze was the main discussion at the last meeting and also thanked all those involved.   
In the months ahead, the committee will review feedback on Cary Elementary as a venue for cultural events.
This committee will also focus its efforts on strengthening its communication and marketing plan and how to better use the BUD insert and the online calendar.

            Greenway Committee – Leta Huntsinger, Chair
Leta reported the committee walked the new section of the White Oak Creek Greenway at their last meeting.  She noted an elevated trail system on a recent visit to Acadia National Park.
Leta reminded members of the Bond Park Trails Master Plan public meeting tomorrow night, September 14th at the Cary Senior Center and encouraged members to attend. 
Jamie France asked about the status of the greenway signage.  It was noted that signage was a priority and funds are in the budget to develop a comprehensive signage plan.  Once the planner position is filled, that individual will oversee the development of the plan.
Toby Kennedy asked about the Weston rezoning project with regard to Black Creek Greenway.  It was noted that the rezoning was approved and that it would come back to this board prior to site review. 

 

            Teen Advisory Committee – Melissa White, Chair  
Teen Advisory Committee - Dwayne announced that March 5th is the date of the 2005 Teen Forum.  
The committee discussed ways to encourage more teens to be a part of the Teen Advisory Committee and to possibly recruit from student councils and the YMCA.  It was noted that a possible deterrent may be the comfort level for some in speaking out in front of adult members.
Nancy Novell explained the 'Gates of Lights' exhibit now on display.
Melissa White noted that additional adult volunteers are needed to assist at band night.  She was one of four adults with 284 youth at the recent band night.

 

B.        Public Meeting Update

 

C.        Administration

 

            Fees & Charges – Dwayne Jones
Dwayne and Bruce Crocker have been collecting data from other municipalities in order to do benchmark comparisons on athletic fees.  In a PowerPoint presentation Dwayne reviewed the results of the comparison study noting that Cary was within range of the current market.  Mary Henderson noted that the fees are reviewed every three years and in addition to recovering costs, staff also looks at the philosophy and market as it relates to recreation and cultural programs and venues.  
Toby Kennedy asked that staff present participation numbers at the next meeting.
Jamie France asked about a previous request from a citizen for outdoor volleyball courts. William Davis indicated that staff is working with public works on fencing and bringing in more sand.

 

D.        Recreation Programs – Dwayne Jones  
Dwayne reported on Sk8-Cary noting that the skate park closed for three days for routine maintenance and re-opened on September 10, 2004 under the Town of Cary management.  Currently, staff member Neill Tapp is serving as the interim manager.  
Fifty-eight applications were received for this management position.  Staff is currently reviewing memberships.  
Melissa White asked staff to look into offering an annual skate pass available for purchase online.
Toby Kennedy asked if the operations plan included a 2nd full-time position and that at peak times, a 2nd staff member would be required.

 

          Senior Center – Kay Struffolino, Liaison  
Kay provided board members with a handout highlighting recent activity at the senior center.  
The July 31st yard sale netted $332.32 for each of the six participating clubs and for the senior center as well.
The Senior Center and AARP co-sponsored an all-day Scam Jam for seniors with 140 in attendance.  A number of speakers addressed the issue of identity theft, mail and phone scams and how to report them.
A recent survey showed social and fun events to be the most popular with educational activities next in popularity.
The dedication of the Memorial Garden & Plaza is scheduled for Tuesday, October 5, at 10 a.m.

 

            Teen Council – Selby Lo, President  
 Selby Lo reported approximately 200 teen volunteer hours for the month of August.  Upcoming events include Band Night on September 24th; Survivor Cary on September 25th and the Fall Fling and Movie Night featuring the Lord of the Rings: Return of the King on September 25th.

 

 

E.         Cultural Arts Programs – Lyman Collins  
Lyman noted that the Marvelous Music Series will feature Sandra ReAves Phillips on September 25th at 7:30 p.m.
Romeo and Juliet performances, presented by the Carolina Arts Festival and the Town of Cary's Applause! Youth Theatre, in conjunction with the Wake County Public School System will take place at the Koka Booth Amphitheatre at Regency Park, September 16-18.  Students from several Wake County Schools will be in attendance along with 700 students from Broughton High School.  
Festivals Committee - Greg Lytle  

Greg reported 60,000 attended the 2004 Lazy Daze Festival.  It is believed to be the largest crowd to date.  Cary's Sister City of Markum, Canada participated and featured a Town Crier.  Twenty-year old glass blower, Eli Schwartz-Gralla was the youngest ever to receive the Jerry Miller Award.  There are six such awards presented each year.  Concession vending will be improved through new partnering opportunities between non-profits and profit vendors with 25% of the proceeds returned to paired non-profit group.  Shuttle buses were full all day with approximately 2000 shuttle runs occuring throughout the day.  One hundred and fifty volunteers assisted staff on the day of the festival.  Three misting tents and a misting station provided relief to festival-goers.  Staff will prepare a survey report once all data is received.

F.         Athletic Programs – William Davis  
Cary and Raleigh will co-host the Bullfrog USTA Southern Section Designated Tournament for youth ages 12-18 on October 2nd through 4th with 250 youth participating.
The Cary Tennis Center will host the Bayer USTA Professional Women's Tennis Classic the end of October.
As of September 13, the Town has taken over the management of SAS Soccer Park.  Applications have been received for the two full-time positions and part-time positions.
Mary Henderson noted that use of the facility will not be tied to particular groups; however CASL will still be a player in the events.
  They have events scheduled through fall and the Town will honor those agreements. 

II.

Old Business

 

Dog Park Update - Mary Henderson 
Mrs. Henderson provided members with a map of North Cary Park outlining the proposed .8ac area delegated for a dog park.  Staff will work with individual contributors to fund fencing and concrete.  Mrs. Henderson noted that a previous visit to Charlotte and their use of swipe cards for dog park users.  Staff is checking the department's current CLASS registration software to incorporate the swipe card process.  Staff will develop dog park user fee policy to come before this board and onto Town Council in November.

Facility Tour - The new date for the PRCR Facility tour is Monday, September 27, 6-8 p.m.

CBM Meeting, August 6th - Tom Hemrick attended the meeting and noted that Mary Henderson was a presenter speaking on Citizens & Civic Club Impact.  Other sessions included the changing demographics of park users and foundations funding parks.  Tom noted it was a good meeting and encouraged members to take part in future CBM meetings. 

VIII.

New Business

IX.

Adjourn

Please contact Gail Taylor with any questions about this agenda.  The e-mail address is gail.taylor @townofcary.org and the phone number is 462-3961.

The Town of Cary is committed to providing all citizens with the opportunity to participate fully in the public meeting process. Any person with a disability who needs an auxiliary aid or service in order to participate in any meeting may contact Gail Taylor at least 48 hours prior to the meeting. The e-mail address is gail.taylor@townofcary.org or by phone at (919) 462-3961.