Cary Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources Advisory Board Meeting Minutes  
Joint Meeting

Monday, May 2, 2005

6:30 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.  Committee attendees list included in final minutes.

ABSENCES:  Selby Lo, youth member

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

I.                    Welcome – PRCR Director Mary Henderson welcomed board members and members of the Cultural Arts Committee; Greenways Committee; Athletics Committee and the Teen Advisory Committee.

II.                  Ice Breaker – All members participated in an ‘ice breaker’ providing an informal get acquainted exercise.

III.                Dinner – Members were provided a light buffet prior to the business meeting.

IV.                PRCR Operations & Master Plan Overview
In a PowerPoint presentation, PRCR Director Mary Henderson reviewed the purpose of the Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources’ Facilities Master Plan.  The master plan, the guiding tool, used by staff in determining land acquisition for the purpose of open space; parks; greenways and facilities.  Each division head then gave an overview of their respective budget and how it relates to goals and objectives.

V.                  Role/Expectation of Boards and Committees
Council member Dorrel addressed the group and shared with them the importance of their role as citizen advisory members.  As advisory members, citizens serve as advisors; ambassadors; and educators and are the ‘eyes and ears’ of our citizens.  They advise Town Council through the Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources Department in the planning and implementation of the town’s parks, greenways and  programs conducted as part of the parks, recreation and cultural resources system.  The role is advisory in nature and not a decision-making role. 
Council member Dorrel extended the Council’s appreciation to members and to their families for the countless hours given in attending monthly meetings and also assisting with the many special events offered by the department.

VI.                Group Discussions – Members met with their respective committees and were asked to 1) define their committee’s purpose and role; and 2) list current projects and issues.

PRCR Advisory Board
Purpose/Role:  1) support staff projects; 2) provide citizen input; 3) coordinate work of committees under PRCR Advisory Board.

Current Projects:  1) Fees & Charges; 2) Walnut Street Park design; 3) civic and cultural district study.

Athletics Committee
Purpose/Role:  1) advise staff and PRCR Advisory Board in promoting fun, sportsmanship, skill development and participation; 2) advise regarding special request; and 3) provide a volunteer source (events, evaluations, player placements).

Issues:  1) rule revisions; 2) coaches’ training; 3) new program sounding board; 4) web weather-testers; 5) parent/coach liaison to staff.

Greenways Committee
Purpose/Role:  1) development review with respect to greenways; 2) support and advocate connectivity in greenway system; 3) assist staff in bringing educational opportunities re:  greenways to citizens; 4) provide input on greenway priorities.

Issues:  1) signing (comprehensive approach, where, what, when, how; 2) crossings; 3) keeping up/ahead of development; 4) balancing new projects resulting from new development with existing priorities; 5) connectivity.

Cultural Arts Committee
Purpose/Role:  1) provide civic input on cultural needs; 2) review funding and resource request from cultural groups and promote interaction; 3) provide feedback to staff.

Projects/Initiatives:  1) facilitate Cary civic and cultural art district study; 2) communication improvement.

Teen Advisory Committee
Mission:  Communication and to advise –provide a link between teens and staff/council and vise versa.

Projects/Issues:  1) next steps for the teen forum; 2) Teen Council/TAC integration and reconfiguration; 3) expansion and broadening teen representation; 4) integration with other Town programs - the big picture.

Wrap-up – PRCR Director Mary Henderson also thanked the board/committee members for their commitment to the community in providing valuable input into PRCR staff’s program and facility planning.

VII.              Adjourn – The meeting adjourned at 9 p.m.