Cary Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources Advisory Board Meeting Minutes

Monday, May 2, 2005

5:15 PM

Page-Walker Arts & History Center

119 Ambassador Loop

Cary , NC   27511

Web Site:  www.townofcary.org  

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

Absent:  Selby Lo, Youth Member

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

ABSENCES:

I.                    Call to Order - Tom Hemrick, Chair

II.                  Minutes – April 4, 2005 - Kay Struffolino made a motion to adopt the minutes of the April 4^th meeting.  The motion carried by a unanimous vote.

III.                Public Speaks Out

IV.                Special Presentations

V.                  Land Dedication Review – Doug McRainey
Summers Tract – 05-REZ-03 – The applicant proposes creating 42 lots for development as single family detached residential sites at a density of 1.30 units per acre, including 9.74 acres of open space and buffers.  The required dedication is 1.2 acres.

Staff Recommendation:  1) Approval of a payment-in-lieu in place of parkland dedication for the value of 1.2 acres; 2) Approval of all dedicated greenway easements.

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

VI.     Reports
A. Committee Reports
Athletics Committee – Jeff Boucher
Jeff noted that this committee meets on an as needed basis.  At the most recent meeting, Athletic Program Manager William Davis explained the role of the committee; scheduling; upcoming events at SAS Soccer Park and the Cary Tennis Center .  Committee members will also work with staff in conducting coaches’ evaluations.

Cultural Arts Committee – Toby Kennedy, Chair
Kay Struffolino began the report noting at the recent meeting, the new members were introduced and involved in an activity to get them oriented.  Toby Kennedy noted that staff has sent out an RFP to solicit proposals for a feasibility study for the evaluation, planning, and implementation of a new civic and cultural arts district to be located in downtown Cary .  The intended purpose of this civic and cultural arts district is to meet community facility needs; strategically program town properties, support the creation of a vibrant Town Center , and spark further redevelopment efforts.  These proposals are due May 27^th with work scheduled to begin in August 2005.
Toby also noted the recent addition in the BUD Newsletter on “Cultural Connection” which was a result of the committee’s work with Public Information Officer Susan Moran on improving awareness of cultural activities.

Greenway Committee – Leta Huntsinger, Chair
Leta reported that guest speaker Lesley Kennedy attended their April meeting and talked about the need for equestrian trails.  The committee discussed several different location options for equestrian trails and made a formal request to consider a trail in the southwest area of Cary to accommodate mixed use, equestrian and mountain biking.  Members also discussed the possibility of the Raftery Park having  equestrian opportunities.

Teen Advisory Committee – Steve Smutko, Chair
Steve advised board members, that after meeting with Teen Advisory Committee members and based on conversations with council member Marla Dorrel, PRCR Director Mary Henderson, Recreation Program Manager Dwayne Jones and Teen Advisory staff member Cindi King, the decision was made to work through June toward a solution to fulfill objectives and that the teens should be a part of the decision process.  Council member Dorrel noted it was admirable that the graduating teen members wished to continue to work toward a solution.

B. Public Meeting Update
Walnut Street Park Citizen Design Committee Meeting – The first citizen design meeting will take place on May 17^th at the Page-Walker Arts and History Center at 6 p.m.

C. Staff Report Update – Tom Hemrick
Tom referred to the Staff Report Update and noted that PR05-18/Recommendation for the Realignment of the segment (within Weston PDD) of the Black Creek Greenway was approved by Council on April 28^th.

PRCR Director Mary Henderson advised board members that two staff reports would go before the Operations Committee on May 4^th:  1) PR05-19/Fees and Charges and Fencing for Cary Tennis Center Operations; and 2) PR05-20/Consideration of Operations Policy and Fees and Charges for SAS Soccer Park .

C. Administration

D. Recreation Programs – Dwayne Jones
Dwayne referred members to the Program Update and also highlighted two upcoming programs:  “It’s a Waterful Life!” at Hemlock Bluffs on May 8, 1-5 p.m. and Hook, Line and Sinker at Bond Park on May 14, 9 a.m. – 12 noon .

Senior Center – Kay Struffolino
Kay provided board members with a written report of recent activities at the Senior Center highlighting:  1) the center was host to the Visual, Heritage and Literature Arts component of the Senior Games on April 25th and also host for the Senior Games Closing Ceremonies on Friday, April 29^th; 2) the Garden and Greenhouse group will sell plants at Spring Daze with proceeds to the town’s greenhouse and senior garden; 3) Senior Citizen Day and luncheon will be held May 18^th; and 4) the annual Yard Sale will take place June 4 with proceeds divided between the center and participating senior clubs.

E.  Cultural Arts Programs – Lyman Collins
Gates of Light – Lyman reported that the Town’s funding partner (Cary Visual Arts) has elected not to participate in funding this project.  The project is currently on hold.  Lyman also noted that the bridge design at Town Hall Campus continues to move forward.

Spring Daze – Lyman thanked everyone for helping with this year’s festival.  Despite the move from Saturday to Sunday and the ‘chilled’ temperatures there were good crowds and the show was a success.

Clay Aiken – Lyman reported that Clay will be coming to the Koka Booth Amphitheatre in August and despite brisk ticket sales, there are 600 tickets available.

The Peking Acrobats – Lyman encouraged everyone to attend this Town sponsored event on May 21^st at the Koka Booth Amphitheatre.  A special offer invites families to bring an empty 2 liter Pepsi to the box office and save 50% on 4 lawn tickets.

Festival Committee – Kay Struffolino
Kay provided board members with a written report of the two April meetings which reviewed last minutes details for the upcoming Spring Daze Festival on April 23^rd.  New committee member Katie Crane, Cultural Arts Committee liaison was introduced at the April 19^th meeting.

F.  Athletic Programs – William Davis
William referred board members to the Program Update. 

William reminded members of the 17^th annual Hot Hoops 3 on 3 Basketball Tournament this Saturday, May 7, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. at its new location—SAS Soccer Park in Cary. 

Interviews for the head tennis pro at The Cary Tennis Center have taken place and the position is closed.  The ‘interview team’ will meet to further review applicants prior to making their decision.

The Cary Tennis Center was the site of the April 21-24 - ACC Tennis Championships
The Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) men’s and women’s tennis championships took place April 21-24 at The Cary Tennis Center.  The ACC tennis teams compete for the conference championships.  Staff received many favorable comments about the facility.


VI.    Old Business
Fees & Charges Meeting – PRCR Director Mary Henderson reminded board members of the special meeting on May 9^th (Herb Young Community Center) to consider staff’s recommendation for the Fees & Charges Policy.  Board members were provided notebooks with the draft policy for their review prior to the May 9^th meeting.  Mrs. Henderson encouraged members to contact staff with any questions prior to the 9^th and noted that this was an important tool as it will become part of the 2006 budget recommendation. 

       VII.     New Business
Bond Referendum – Tom Hemrick reminded members to vote May 3^rd for the bond referendum for Wastewater Facilities and Open Space.  Voting will take place at the normal polling location.

Tour of Facilities – PRCR Recreation Project Coordinator Judy Newsome will be taking board members on a tour of facilities and asked members for their preference to day and time.  The consensus was to do the tour on a week night and perhaps include the newer and proposed PRCR locations.  Judy will bring a proposal for a tour of PRCR facilities to the June meeting.

National Trails Day – PRCR Recreation Project Coordinator Judy Newsome announced National Trails Day is June 4^th and Cary will hold two dedications on that date; 1 at the renovated Pirates Cove Greenway at 2 p.m. and the other at a joint dedication with Wake County of the Raftery Trail head for the American Tobacco Trail at 10 a.m.

 VII. Adjourn