Cary Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources Advisory Board Meeting Minutes

Monday, June 6,  2005

5:15 PM

Herbert C. Young Community Center

101 Wilkinson Avenue, Cary, N.C.

Web Site:  www.townofcary.org  

 

ATTENDANCE: Jeff Boucher; Susan Davenport; Tom Hemrick; Leta Huntsinger; Tullie Johnson; Toby Kennedy; Steve Smutko; Kay Struffolino; Snayha Nath, Youth Member

Absent:  Jamie France; Melissa White; Marla Dorrel, Council Liaison

Staff:  Judy Newsome; Bruce Crocker; Dwayne Jones, Lyman Collins; Gail Taylor; Paul Kuhn  

Guest:  Wendy Lemus

 

I.                    Call to Order - Tom Hemrick, Chair
Tom welcomed and introduced new youth member Snayha Nath to staff and board members.

II.                  Minutes – May 2, 2005 - PRCR Advisory Board Meeting
                                          May 2, 2005 - Joint Meeting of PRCR Board & Committees
                                          May 9, 2005 - Special Meeting on Fees & Charges
 - Kay Struffolino made a motion to adopt the minutes of the three above referenced meetings held in May 2005; Tullie Johnson seconded the motion.  The motion carried by a unanimous vote.

III.                Public Speaks Out - None

IV.                Special Presentations - None

V.                  Land Dedication Review –Paul Kuhn
Old Maynard Planned Development District (PDD) – 05-REZ-04
This development is a 40.77-acre planned community that combines a mix of 151 medium-density residential units with common open space.
Staff recommendation:
§  Approval of a payment-in-lieu in place of parkland dedication for the value of 4.31 acres.
§  Approval for developer to dedicate a 30’wide easement for the future development of the Kitt Creek Greenway.
§  Approval for developer to construct a private trail connection linking proposed                                                                  homeowner’s recreation area to Kitt Creek Greenway.

ACTION:
  Toby Kennedy made a motion to approve staff’s recommendation.  Kay Struffolino seconded the motion.  The motion carried by a unanimous vote.                                           

VI.                Reports
A.   Committee Reports
Athletics Committee
– Jeff Boucher
Jeff noted that the committee did not meet in May.

Cultural Arts Committee – Toby Kennedy, Chair
Toby reported that the committee’s focus is on the civic and cultural district study and the cultural connection in BUD.  There was a semi-launch of carynow.com, the anytime resource for anything cultural in
Cary .   This website lists schedules, performances, exhibits and special offers for cultural happenings in Cary .

Greenway Committee – Leta Huntsinger, Chair
Leta noted that the committee planned to meet and walk the Speight Branch Greenway but the rain interrupted the walk. 
The Town of
Cary took part in two events on June 4th, National Trails Day.  In the morning, the Town joined Wake County in the dedication of the Raftery trailhead on the American Tobacco Trail and, in the afternoon, the Town dedicated the renovated Pirates Cove Greenway.  Attendance was good for both events with approximately 50-75 at the ATT event and approximately 45 at Pirates Cove Greenway.

Teen Advisory Committee – Steve Smutko, Chair
Steve advised board members that plans continu
e to evolve to integrate the Teen Advisory Board with the Teen Council.  A long-range agenda for teens was discussed; possibly involving other town departments.  Steve advised board members that he would present a formal plan at the next meeting.

B.    Public Meeting Update
Walnut Street Park
– It was noted that the Walnut Street Park Final Design Public Meeting will take place at 7 p.m. on June 14th at the Cary Church of God.  Board member Toby Kennedy requested, whenever possible, that public meetings not be scheduled on the same nights as other PRCR committee and board meetings.

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

D.  Administration
FY06 Budget –
Bruce Crocker, in a PowerPoint presentation, gave an overview of the PRCR proposed FY06 Budget.  Members were also provided copies of the presentation.  Projected Operating & Maintenance is $7,776,875 and $1,546,750 for Capital Improvements.  The Budget goes before Town Council in June for adoption.  Bruce noted that in the coming fiscal year, service levels will continue and reiterated that this was a proposed budget and council could make changes as deemed necessary.

Dog Park Update – Dwayne Jones reported that staff met with residents of nearby Buckhurst  to discuss concerns.  Staff is working to resolve issues relating to parking; signage; lighting and hours of operation.  Dwayne also noted that over time, there will be a buffer along
the back property line of the dog park.

Town Center Civic & Cultural Arts Study – It was noted that staff requested and received eleven proposals from consulting firms to develop a feasibility study for the evaluation, planning, and implementation of a new civic and cultural arts district to be located in downtown Cary .  Public input will be an important part of this study.  It is intended that the project be completed in approximately six months.

Recreation & Entertainment A-Z Web page Reorganization – Judy Newsome
Judy has requested input from board members in the reorganization of PRCR topics that currently appear on the Town’s website.  Judy provided members with a listing of those topics and asked that they give input.

E.   Recreation Programs – Dwayne Jones
Dwayne reported the 2005 summer day camp kicked off today with an enrollment of 2200 participants.  Enrollment is up.  This year one-week sessions were offered for the first time for summer day and teen camp.  Many sessions are full with waiting lists.

State Games got underway this past weekend.  Baseball and basketball will take place at Town of
Cary facilities.  Opening ceremonies will take place at SAS Soccer Park on June 24th.  PRCR Board members will receive invitations to the pre-opening ceremony.
 
Senior Center – Kay Struffolino
Kay provided board members with a written report of recent activities at the
Senior Center highlighting:  1) attendance was down at the annual senior day luncheon; 2) the Recreation Program Specialist position is vacant.  Staff is currently reviewing applications and will schedule interviews; 3) senior club presidents do not hold their monthly meetings in the summer; 4) extended an invitation to stop by and view the current water-color exhibit.

Teen Council - Snayha Nath
Snayha reported that Laura Robertson was the 2005 recipient of the Lazy Daze Scholarship Award and that Outstanding New Members of the Year Awards went to Kate Northington for Middle School and Tim Horan for High School.
Members are assisting with
Safety Town and the Kids Together Birthday celebration.

F.   Cultural Arts Programs – Lyman Collins
Lyman referred members to the Program Update.
Lyman announced that Alison Krauss was the first sell-out of the season and that brisk ticket sales are expected for Clay Aiken and Jack Johnson.  The Cary Players are performing in the production of the Dining Room which will feature various cameos by different town officials.  Lyman’s cameo is slated for June 23rd.  Applause, Cary Youth Theatre will present The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe in the fall and The Christmas Story will be performed once again at Cary Elementary.  The North Carolina Symphony’s Play with the Pros was rained out and will be rescheduled at some point.
Lyman announced that performing arts coordinator Heidi Stump accepted the director’s position at Clayton’s
Performing Arts Center and recruitment has begun for her replacement.

            Festival Committee – Kay Struffolino
           
Kay provided board members with a written update.  Highlights include:  1) review of parking for handicap accessibility;
            2) committee reviewing possibility of making Spring Daze a 2-day event; 3) plans are underway to 
            commemorate the 30th anniversary of Lazy Daze in 2006.
            Kay also noted that Pepsi is now under contract as with the Town of
Cary as the official soft drink at the festivals and 
             other town facilities and events.

          G.  Athletic Programs – William Davis
               
No Report 

VII.          Old Business
 

VIII.           New Business
         Tour of Facilities –
PRCR Recreation Project Coordinator Judy Newsome has scheduled a tour of PRCR facilities for
         Monday, June 27,
5:30-8:30 p.m.   Judy will provide members with a facility listing so that members may select those    
         facilities they wish to visit.  Judy will then send out a ‘facility tour list’ and a reminder that the ‘tour bus’ will leave PRCR
         Administration office on James
Jackson promptly at 5:30 p.

IX.             Adjourn

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