Cary Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources Advisory Board Meeting Minutes

Monday, December 6, 2004

5:15 PM

Herbert C. Young Community Center

101 Wilkinson Avenue, Cary, N.C.

Web Site:  www.townofcary.org  

Attendance:  Tom Hemrick; Greg Lytle; Bob Hickey; Toby Kennedy; Leta Huntsinger; Dave Upton; Kay Struffolino; Melissa White; Lisa Duke; Marla Dorrel, Council Liaison; Selby Lo, Youth Member

 

Staff:  Mary Henderson; Judy Newsome; Doug McRainey; Bruce Crocker; Dwayne Jones; Lyman Collins; William Davis, Paul Kuhn

 

Guests:  Dennis Pitts; Wendy Lemus; Rick Cornell; Jeff Boucher

 

I.

Call to Order – Tom Hemrick, Chair

II.

Minutes – November 1, 2004

 

Kay Struffolino made a motion to approve the November minutes.  The motion was carried by a unanimous vote.

III.

Public Speaks Out

 

None

IV.

Special Presentation

 

Middle Creek Community Center Proposed Playground Design – Dennis Pitts, McNeely & Associates.

Parks Planner Paul Kuhn introduced Dennis Pitts.  Mr. Pitts provided members with a colored rendering of the proposed playground design and explained the various components of the playground.  This two-part playground is comprised of a fenced area for tots and an area for larger structures for older children.  The play area for the older children will be separated from the parking lot by a fence.  Board members requested two additional benches be included:  1 in the tot area and 1 in the area for older children near the fence.  Additionally, board members asked that the location of the informational signage be relocated from the center of the play area to the side, closer to the fence.  Mr. Pitts noted that a climbing wall is proposed for the 2nd phase and that no water play area is proposed for this park. (Water play features are, in fact, proposed for both Ritter & the future proposed Bartley Park .)  Board members requested that water fountains be located near the comfort station.  Toby Kennedy suggested a two-pole covered bench near the shelter.  Greg Lytle asked that recycle bins be available and further asked that staff look into the policy for recycle bins.

V.

Land Dedication Review

 

Regency Park PDD – Doug McRainey

Doug McRainey gave an overview of this rezoning the original Regency PDD.  The applicants are requesting rezoning O&I parcels to residential housing. A site plan rendering was provided to members indicating the layout of the 548 units of housing that are proposed as part of this rezoning request.  Despite the size of this development, the applicant does not have a required land dedication due to prior land dedications that have been made.  It was also noted that this project included apartments and condominiums which are exempt from the Town’s payment-in-lieu requirement.  (Mr. McRainey noted that only subdivided single family developments are subject to payment-in-lieu.)  The developer has agreed to construct an asphalt 10-foot wide greenway from Regency Parkway to the Amphitheatre at Regency Park .  Board member Melissa White asked is the ordinance could be changed.  Staff indicated they have been suggested a change for three years.  Board member Lisa Duke asked if an overpass could be constructed.  Mr. McRainey indicated that it would be an at-grade crossing.

Staff recommended approval of the developer constructing a 10’ wide trail that will extend from Regency Parkway to the existing Symphony Lake Greenway.

 ACTION:  Kay Stuffolino made a motion to accept staff’s recommendation.  The motion carried by a unanimous vote.    


Northwoods West Neighborhood ACCP

A site plan rendering was provided to members indicating the layout of the proposed 79 unit mixed use development.  Doug reported that the developer will construct a multi-use trail which is recommended in the NW Maynard Neighborhood Plan.  Staff recommended approval of a payment-in-lieu of 2.26 acres.

ACTION:  Kay made a motion to accept staff’s recommendation. The motion carried by a unanimous vote.

  Ten Ten Road Rezoning

A site plan rendering was provided for the rezoning of this property located at 4600 Ten-Ten Road requesting to rezone 56.88 acres for a proposed 125 dwelling units.  The required dedication is 3.57 acres.  The developer has agreed to provide a greenway easement along the eastern and southern edge of the proposed development. Staff is recommending approval of a payment-in-lieu in place of parkland dedication for the value of 3.57 acres and approval of a greenway easement along the eastern edge of the parcel.

ACTION:  Toby Kennedy made a motion to accept staff’s recommendation.  The motion was carried by a unanimous vote.

 PRCR Capital Project Updates – Doug McRainey explained the new format in which he would be presenting future updates.  Lisa Duke asked about the proposed sprayground at Ritter Park .  Mr. McRainey noted that it was budgeted and that a sprayground would be constructed at Ritter Park . Mr. McRainey noted that this week Sears Farm Road Park was in its final checklist and that the public art sculpture is scheduled for installation in January 2005.  Toby Kennedy requested that the feasibility study for Cary Elementary be included in the Capital Project Updates. A Board member asked about the status of the Bond Park Lakefront Improvement project and Mr. McRainey indicated that it was on hold pending review of the floodplain.

VI.

Reports

 

A.         Committee Reports

 

Athletic Committee – Bob Hickey, Chair
Staff, along with the Athletic Committee, reviewed six youth basketball requests to play up or down, all but one was approved.  The Committee is giving more consideration to players requesting to switch teams.  Lisa Duke made reference to balancing teams.  Dwayne noted that participants take part in a skill session to rate ability prior to the draft.  A note was sent to the parents asking that they contact staff as issues or concerns arise rather than wait until the end of the season.  Lisa Duke asked if staff was aware of a situation in which a participant was too physical during a game.  It was noted that game officials may handle player conflicts.  If participants are ejected from a game, there is a Discipline Policy that is enforced.

 

Cultural Arts Committee – Toby Kennedy, Chair
Toby reported the committee continues to focus on vehicles for Public Information.  The Public Information Officer has been invited to attend the January or February meeting to gain information on additional means of promoting cultural arts events.  Members were reminded of the Christmas Story performances (ticket sales going well). 
Tinsel Town is also doing very well.  Tom Hemrick commented that the entertainers at this year’s tree lighting were great and felt this year’s event was the best yet.  

 

Greenway Committee – Leta Huntsinger, Chair
Leta reported on the committee’s involvement in the Black Creek Greenway Realignment project at Weston PDD.  She indicated that the Committee considered the site visit and staking worth the Committee’s time and extremely useful to meet with the developer.  Leta noted the phenomenal number and diversity of users of the Black Creek Greenway while the Committee was staking the realignement.  Leta reported that Reid Miner is doing a fantastic job on the educational initiatives

 

Teen Advisory Committee – Melissa White, Chair

Melissa reported that the committee continues to focus on the Teen Forum with regards to logistics and scheduling sessions.  She indicated that committee membership currently consists of three adults and five teens.  Additionally, Melissa noted that the loss of Michelle Flynn could hamper the planning process.  Kay Struffolino agreed to lend additional support to the Teen Forum slated for March 2005.

 

B.         Public Meeting Update – No Report

 

C.         Administration

 

 

Black Creek Greenway Realignment –Doug McRainey

Mr. McRainey reported that members of both the PRCR Advisory Board and the Greenway Committee visited the section of the proposed realignment.  Committee members flagged areas they preferred for the realignment and sent comments to the to the Highwood’s consultants.  Currently, staff has not received a response.  Another public meeting is proposed to outline the developer’s proposal.

FY06 Capital Improvement Budget Priorities Con’t. – Doug McRainey

Mr. McRainey asked to table this item and bring back in January.

ACTION:  Kay Struffolino made a motion to table the FY06 Capital Improvement Budget Priorities and include it on the January agenda.  The motion carried by a unanimous vote.

 Dog Park Update – Dwayne Jones
Mr. Jones noted that a Public Meeting is scheduled for December 18th, 10 a.m. at Bond Park Community Center .  Currently, Dwayne is working with parks planner Paul Kuhn on cost estimates and layout in preparation for the December meeting.  This project will come before this board in January and move forward to Town Council in February with a recommendation on the design and operation of this facility.  Staff thanked Jeff Boucher and member of the Cary Dog Club for their support and involvement in this project.  Also noted, 110 dogs took park in the Saturday, December 4th event.

 

D.         Recreation Programs – Dwayne Jones

 

Senior Center – Kay Struffolino, Liaison

Kay provided members with a handout of recent activities at the Senior Center .  Highlights noted 150 in attendance at the Annual Veteran’s Day luncheon; this event is the most appreciated by attendees.  To date, 49 bricks have been installed at the Memorial Garden Plaza with 25 more on order.  There will be an article in the January/February issue of CARY MAGAZINE on the benefits of Cary having a Senior Center and in the March/April issue there will be an article on retiring to Cary .

 

Teen Council – Selby Lo, Vice President
Selby referenced the recent copy of Teen Scene provided to members.  It was noted that the teens performed 162.5 volunteer hours for November.  Lyman Collins thanked the teens for their great assist with the Tinsel Town event.

 

E.         Cultural Arts Programs – Lyman Collins

 

Festival Committee – Greg Lytle

Greg advised board members that he will be rotating off the PRCR Advisory Board and that a new liaison will need to be appointed to the Festival Committee.  Greg noted that the committee voted on the amount of funds available for the 2004 grant donations.

 

F.                  Athletic Program – William Davis

Dwayne Jones reported for William Davis.  Dwayne reported on the attendance for the NCAA held at SAS Soccer Park with approximately 8300 spectators for Friday’s semi-finals and approximately 4000 for Sunday’s finals.  Bob Hickey noted that staff is working with NC State to offer special price basketball tickets for PRCR program participants.

VII.

Old Business

 

Kid’s Together Highlighted – Council member Marla Dorrel reported that she addressed 5th graders at Conn Elementary and that she is meeting them at the park along with the landscape architect.  Conn Elementary is planning for an accessible playground.  Council member Dorrel received a call from architect Susan Little that Architectural Digest is proposing an article on Kid’s Together and that it was a dream that this project would be a model for more to come.

Staff Report Update – Chair Tom Hemrick referred to the Staff Report Update.

NCRPS – Dwayne Jones noted that two of Cary ’s programs (Space Camp and Teen Forum) were submitted to the NCRPS Innovative Program Award.  The Teen Forum won the award at the State Conference.  Kudos to Cindi King for her involvement.
Employee of the Year – Tom Hemrick gave kudos to nominee Juan Ruiz for his contribution and hard work in providing logistical support to town events. 
Fees & Charges – Dwayne Jones
Dwyane presented the 3rd in a series of PowerPoint presentations on the proposed Fees & Charges Policy.  This presentation focused on Senior and Teen programs and offered benchmarks for comparisons.  Board member Lisa Duke asked about senior and teen rates.  The general consensus was that most residents could currently afford program offerings and those in need be offered a scholarship (fee paid or prorated).  Toby Kennedy requested a ‘cheat sheet summary to review prior to the Fees & Charges coming back in February for review.  Greg Lytle asked for data on facility reservations.  Dwayne will bring that information forward.

 New Business

Volunteer Nomination Forms - Bruce Crocker directed members to forms available for their use.

Adjourn


 

VIII.

New Business

 

Volunteer Nomination Forms – Bruce Crocker directed members to forms available for their use.

IX.

Adjourn

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                         

     

 

Please contact Gail Taylor with any questions about the minutes.  The e-mail address is gail.taylor@townofcary.org and the phone number is (919) 462-3961. 

 

 

 

 

           

 

       

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Please contact Gail Taylor with the Department of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources with any questions about the minutes.  The e-mail address is gail.taylor@townofcary.org and the phone number is 462-3961.