TOWN OF CARY Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources Advisory Board 2005  MINUTES February 7, 2005, 5:15 PM Herb Young Community Center 101 Wilkerson Avenue Cary, NC 27513

ATTENDANCE:  Jeff Boucher; Susan Davenport; Jamie France; Tom Hemrick; Leta Huntsinger; Tullie Johnson; Toby Kennedy; Steve Smutko; Kay Struffolino; Melissa White; Marla Dorrel, Council Liaison; Selby Lo, Youth Member

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

ABSENCES: 

I.           Call to Order - Tom Hemrick, Chair
Tom Hemrick welcomed new members Jeff Boucher; Susan Davenport; Tullie Johnson; Steve Smutko.  

II.         Minutes – January 10, 2005
Kay Struffolino made a motion to approve the minutes with the corrections duly noted.  The motion passed by a unanimous vote.

III.       Public Speaks Out

IV.       Special Presentations
Karen Gray – Deputy Town Clerk
Mrs. Gray welcomed new PRCR Advisory Board members and gave an overview of their role and asked that they review their copy of “Working with the Town of Cary”.  Areas addressed by Mrs. Gray:  1) attendance is recorded and should a member miss three meetings in a calendar year; it is necessary for them to reapply and their application will be considered with all other applications; 2) board members are asked to contact the Town’s Public Information Officer Susan Moran prior to responding to any inquiries from the media; 3) business of this board can not be conducted by email or proxy; 4) special meetings or meeting cancellation must by posted by the clerk’s office 48 hours in advance; 5) Council member Marla Dorrel serves as liaison to the PRCR Advisory Board; 6) When representing the Town, members are asked to wear their Town of Cary polo shirt and nametag.

V.         Land Dedication Review
Tryon Village ACCP (04-AC-006) – 531 Units (394 apartments/137 condos/townhomes)
This is an Activity Center Concept Plan for an 82.4 acre parcel of land at the northwest intersection of Walnut Street and Tryon Road . This plan calls for office/commercial space; multi-family units, made up of apartments, town homes and condominiums.
The PRCR Facilities Master Plan includes a recommendation for a neighborhood park at this location.  The Southeast Gateway Plan recommends greenway connections through this site and linking with the proposed park.
Staff recommendation includes:  a) approval of the dedication of 6.7 acres of parkland; b) approval for the developer to construct an entry road, water feature and parking lot with 100 parking spaces on park property with 30 spaces designated specifically for park use; c) approval for developer to dedicate a 30’ greenway easement as well as construct an 8’wide asphalt greenway which will extend from the proposed north-south collector road to Walnut Street, a length of approximately 3100’.
ACTION:  Toby Kennedy made a motion to approve staff’s recommendation.  The motion carried by a unanimous vote.
 

VI.   Reports
B.            Committee Reports
Athletics Committee – No Report

Cultural Arts Committee – Toby Kennedy, Chair
Toby noted that Susan Moran, Public Information Officer for the Town will attend the February meeting to discuss communication and potential ways to get information to the public. Toby reported there is $75,000 in the FY05 budget to conduct a feasibility study to review potential uses for Old Cary Elementary.  Staff will prepare an RFP for the project.  This will be a tool in defining what the school could be used best for and continues the process of addressing our facility needs.

Greenway Committee – Leta Huntsinger, Chair
Leta noted that there was a lack of quorum and the meeting was not held.  Those present did review the developer’s realignment proposal for Black Creek Greenway.  The developer incorporated the committee and staff recommendations to increase the deck of the overlook and to straighten the curve on the south end of the greenway.  There will be a Black Creek Realignment Project Public Meeting on February 22^nd at 7 p.m. at the Cary Senior Center .  The meeting notice has been posted on the greenway.
Continuing with the educational initiative, Beth Hassett-Sipple has distributed greenway maps to local biking and sporting goods stores.
Members were provided a draft of the Cary Adopt-a-Trail Program.  Leta gave credit to Reid Minor for his efforts in pulling this information together.  Members were asked to review and email their comments to either Leta or Doug McRainey.
Members discussed the railroad crossing issue of White Oak Creek Greenway, Phase IV (McArthur Park Segment). The committee will visit this area to consider alternative pedestrian crossing possibilities.
Discussion continued on the Bond Park Trails Master Plan.  Along with meeting with the cross country coaches from Cary and Apex High Schools and several public meetings, it may be necessary to schedule one more public meeting to advise the public that some elements of the trail will change.  Some main spine trails will be paved to 10-ft with a soft surface on the sides of the cross country trails and the mulch trail through the sewer easement might have to be paved. 

Teen Advisory Committee – Melissa White
Melissa noted that the Teen Forum is taking place March 5^th.    Posters will go up mid-February.  Council member Marla Dorrel noted a recent article in The Cary News which prompted more registrations.  Laura Robertson, co-chair is doing a wonderful job running the meetings.
 

C. Public Meeting Update

D. Administration
Dog Park – Mary Henderson
Last month Rob Wilson submitted a petition from some Weston residents for staff to consider an alternative site for the Cary Dog Park .  The proposal noted concerns for the proposed North Cary Park location. 
Staff did discuss and look at other areas.  The Buffaloe tract (off Maynard Road ) between Godbold Park and the new Lowe’s Home Improvement store was donated as open space but had been clear-cut by the developer.   Staff is checking with authorities for the potential use as a dog park and developing plans for this site which is similar in size to the proposed North Cary Park location.  Staff will bring the dog park proposal back to this board at the March meeting.

Open Space Report – Mary Henderson
Mrs. Henderson updated the board on the Town’s open space, park & greenway acquisition efforts and noted the preservation of Open Space is one of the Town’s top priorities.  Staff has identified and acquired some of the most pristine areas that will be home to future parks.  Park Planning Manager Doug McRainey noted that most major park locations will be attached or linked to greenways to complete a natural system of parks and greenways.  The next major park to move forward in the planning process will be the proposed Bartley Park , a 50.4 acre community park.  In a Powerpoint presentation, staff identified the Town’s inventory of open space.
Staff also reviewed alternative opportunities for partnering for parks and obtaining outside funding through grant opportunities.

Tennis Center Operations – Mary Henderson
Mrs. Henderson highlighted recommended changes to staffing and the operation of The Cary Tennis Center proposed in a recent staff report to the Operations Committee.  Staff is proposing to change the staffing plan to hire two permanent instructors.  Another proposed change would include fencing the perimeter of the Cary Tennis Center to gain control of access through the main building.  With this being a professionally staffed facility, fees are proposed for use of courts with all remaining Town courts available at no charge to residents.   
William Davis noted that the Cary Community Tennis Association was awarded two of North Carolina ’s USTA highest honors:  1) Organization of the Year; and 2) Charity Event (Interact) of the Year.

E.  Recreation Programs – Dwayne Jones
Mr. Jones referred to the Program Update but did highlight the success of the recent Teen Band Night in January.  Attended by 358 students, this successful event was the suggestion of two high school students.  A special guest visited, Cary ’s Mayor McAlister!

Senior Center – Kay Struffolino
Kay provided members with a handout of recent activity at the Senior Center .  Highlights included:  AARP Free Tax Preparation February 7 through April 13 from 1-4 at the Cary Senior Center .  The Sewing Club donated 288 hand-made items to various hospitals and charities in the last month and a half.

Teen Council – Selby Lo
Selby provided members with a handout listing recent and upcoming events involving the teens.  It was noted that the teens’ combined volunteer hours totaled 93 for the month of January.  Recreation Programs Manager Dwayne Jones noted that the Teen Council typically sell concessions at Band Nights.

F.  Cultural Arts Programs – Lyman Collins
Lyman was not present – no report was given.

Festival Committee – Kay Struffolino
Kay provided members with a handout.  Highlights included the selection of the artwork for Lazy Daze shirts and posters.  The entertainment committee will meet with the three area high school band directors to rotate the opportunity to perform at  both festival opening & closing ceremonies.  Kay reminded everyone, Spring Daze takes place on Saturday, April 23^rd.

G. Athletic Programs – William Davis
William reported on the progress of SAS Soccer Park with regard to marketing and programming the facility.   The Town has submitted a bid to host the 2006 & 2007 NCAA Divisions Men’s and or Women’s National Championships.  Notification of the bid will occur in June.  Staff has also met and gathered requests from local sports groups (soccer, lacrosse, football, Frisbee) to offer equity in the use of the fields. 
Policies and procedures are being drafted for this facility.

VI.    Old Business
Fees & Charges – Dwayne Jones
Dwayne advised new members that staff has been involved in reviewing and revising the Fees & Charges Policy and has presented, over the past six months, periodic updates to this board.  In addition to benchmark comparisons, staff has reviewed the Town’s philosophy and worked to define the level of services.  Dwayne reviewed the types of services and board members were asked to come back in March with specific questions.

Volunteer Awards Banquet – Judy Newsome
Judy noted that the department hosts two annual events to honor our 800+ volunteers: 1) the Volunteer Awards Banquet in February; and 2) Volunteer Picnic (typically in September) in which families are included.  An volunteer awards committee is selected each year to review nominations in 10 different categories.  These awards are presented at the February Awards Banquet.


VII.       New Business
        Board & Committee Orientation – Tom Hemrick
        Tom advised board members that staff coordinates a joint orientation with this board and includes members of the subcommittees.  An 
        ice-breaker kicks off the event and members then enter groups to further learn about their role as advisory members.  This is scheduled to                 occur in the late spring.  Judy Newsome will also schedule a tour of facilities in the spring.

        Committee Discussion - A brief overview was then given on the roles of the committee and Teen Advisory Board.  Board members interested             in being chair to one of these committees were asked to contact Tom Hemrick.  Committee chairs will be assigned at the March meeting.

         $10 Million Open Space Bond Referendum – Members were provided with a handout of the Bond Referendum vote scheduled for May             3, 2005 .  If approved,  these funds will be allocated to continue Cary ’s commitment of the Town’s open space and historic preservation.              Members were asked to help encourage citizens to vote.

VIII.  Adjourn – The meeting adjourned at 7:40 p.m.

Please contact Gail Taylor with any questions about these minutes.  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 this meeting may contact Sue Rowland at least 48 hours prior to the meeting. The e-mail address is  sue.rowland@townofcary.org; the phone number is (919) 469-4011; the TDD number is (919) 469-4012.  

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