Cary Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources Advisory Board Meeting Minutes

Monday, August 05, 2005

5:15 PM  


Temporary Council Chambers
Herb Young Community Center
101 Wilkinson Avenue

Web Site:  www.townofcary.org  

ATTENDANCE:  Jeff Boucher; Susan Davenport; Tom Hemrick; Leta Huntsinger; Tullie Johnson; Toby Kennedy; Steve Smutko; Kay Struffolino;   

 ABSENCES:  Jamie France; Snayha Nath, Youth member; Marla Dorrel Council Liaison

 STAFF:  Mary Henderson; Judy Newsome; William Davis; Dwayne Jones, Gail Taylor; Karen Gray, Deputy Town Clerk; Chris Simpson; Town Attorney; JoAnne Carlyle, Assistant Town Attorney

 GUESTS:  Mike Curran

 I.  CALL TO ORDER – Tom Hemrick, Chair

II.  MINUTES June 6, 2005 – Kay Struffolino made a motion to accept the June 6th minutes as presented.  The motion carried by a unanimous vote.

III.  PUBLIC SPEAKS OUT – None

IV.  Special Presentations
      Ethics & Conflict of Interest Guidelines – Karen Gray, Deputy Town Clerk and    Christine Simpson, Town Attorney

Ms. Gray provided board members with a copy of the Ethics guidelines, explaining that an Ethics Policy has been adopted by Cary Town Council, and it was felt that something similar should be implemented by boards and commission members. She noted that Council determined that guidelines, rather than a code of ethics, would be more appropriate because boards and commissions serve in an advisory position, not a decision-making position, and they would not be held to the same scrutiny as Council members.  Ms. Gray explained that the purpose of the Ethics Guidelines is to advise board members of any possible conflict(s) of interest, or the appearance of conflict(s) of interest that might come up, and to educate board members. She noted that when the application process is revised, the guidelines will be added so applicants are aware of them should they apply for a commission seat. She continued by saying that the Ethics guidelines will be used at orientation, will be available on the Town’s website, and will be included in the book “Working with the Town of Cary”. Ms. Gray then introduced Chris Simpson, Town Attorney.

 

Ms. Simpson reiterated that, because boards and commissions members serve in an advisory position, rather than a decision-making capacity, Town Council felt it was more appropriate to provide a set of guidelines designed both to raise the awareness of Board members to potential ethical issues that might arise and to make clear the Council’s expectations of board members. She noted that Council felt it was not appropriate to hold volunteer advisory committees to the same Code, but that guidelines should be developed to sensitize members to potential issues that may not be readily apparent.

 

Carpenter Community Plan – Don Belk, Senior Planner, Planning Department

Mr. Belk gave an overview of the Carpenter Community Plan which is part of the Northwest Area Plan.  The plan focuses on this rural crossroads community, a very desirable area close to RTP and the airport.  Mr. Belk further reviewed the proposed park sites and greenway components of the plan.  The final draft has been formulated and is based on broad community input from three public meetings.

 

Toby Kennedy asked for staff’s recommendation.  Doug McRainey indicated that staff is recommending approval of park sites and greenways.

 

Toby had concerns that the plan proposes three parks ( Village Park ; Trailhead Park and a neighborhood park) within one square mile.  Toby noted that currently, the Town is financially constrained and the plans proposes too many parks; too many crossings and it would be more realistic to throttle down and note areas of primary and secondary importance.


Staff explained some of the park sites were in fact very small and provided an opportunity as a public parking area that would support the rural village concept. Secondly, the plan was broad enough that staff would return with more concrete recommendations in the near future for additional review by the Board. 

ACTION:  Kay Struffolino made a motion, based on details forthcoming on the individual components that the board accept staff’s recommendation to approve the plan.  Tullie Johnson seconded the motion; Toby Kennedy opposed.  The motion carried.

Toby Kennedy requested that staff, provide board members with sufficient opportunity to review special area plans.

 

US 1/64 Pedestrian Bridge/Greenway – Paul Kuhn, Parks Planner

Paul presented a rendering of the pedestrian bridge pointing out the location of the pathways and the bridge.  The Department of Transportation is currently working on the pedestrian bridge and should have it largely constructed by the Fall of 2006.  Staff has prepared preliminary plans for the trails that will link MacDonald Woods Park and Kid’s Together Park .

 

A Request for Proposal for public art is ready to be released.

This update was provided as an FYI with no action from the board required.

 

 

V.  LAND DEDICATIONS – Doug McRainey

Mills Property 05-REZ-14 – This parcel is located in Green Level on the west side of Green Level to Durham Road .  The proposed development is for 151 units of single –family detached residential units.  The required dedication is 4.31 acres.

 

Staff recommendation: 1) approval of a payment-in-lieu of parkland dedication for the value of 4.31 acres; 2) approval for developer to dedicate a 30’ wide greenway easement along the western edge of the PDD.

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

Steve Smutko asked that the Greenway Committee comments be included with the land dedication information.

 

Havensite 05-REZ-15 – A proposed residential PDD; this parcel is located adjacent to Black Creek Greenway, Ph IV project off NW Maynard Road .  The proposed development is for 150-240 units with a required dedication of 4.00 acres.

 

Staff recommendation:  1) approval of a payment-in-lieu of a parkland dedication for the value of +/- 4 acres; 2) applicant will provide a greenway easement along the eastern and southern edge of the site; 3) applicant will receive credit against the required payment-in-lieu for providing this greenway easement; 4) Applicant agrees to donate 16.25 acres of adjacent open space to the Town with a credit against the required PIL for the construction of a connecting greenway trail from Bayoak Drive to the proposed public greenway (Black Creek Greenway).  The decision to construct this trail segment will be at the Town’s discretion and will be decided at the time of site plan approval; 5) applicant will provide private trail connections to the adjacent public greenway at time of site plan approval.

 

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

 

Carpenter-Hatcher 05-REZ-16 – This project (23.6 acre tract) is located east of Carpenter Upchurch Road and south of Morrisville Carpenter Road .  The proposed development district (PDD) includes single family, detached residential uses, mixed residential uses, and mixed residential, office, and commercial uses.  The number of proposed units is 137 with a required dedication of 3.91 acres.

 

Staff recommendations include:  1) approval of a payment-in-lieu of parkland dedication for the value of 3.91 acres; 2) approval for developer to dedicate a 30’-wide greenway easement along the eastern side of the development; 3) approval for developer to construct to Town standards a greenway segment, approximately 1400’, along the eastern side of the project.

 

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

VI.  Reports
A.  Committee Reports

      Athletic Committee – Jeff Boucher, Chair – Jeff reported that the Athletic    Committee did not meet.
      Cultural Arts Committee – Toby Kennedy, Chair – Toby reported that the Cultural Arts Committee did not meet.
      Greenway Committee – Leta Huntsinger, Chair – Leta reported that Juliet Andes, Transportation Planning with the Planning Department presented information on the Town of
Cary Bicycle programs and emphasized the need to install bike racks at Town parks.  Additionally, members discussed soft-service trails and the need to attach identifying trail surface to the Master Plan.
Doug McRainey noted that staff is looking into combining the bikeways and greenways maps.
      Teen Advisory Committee – Steve Smutko, Chair – Steve reported that discussions continue with regard to the Teen Advisory Committee structure and new appointment process and that he plans to bring a recommendation to this board next month.

B.  Public Meeting Update – Doug McRainey reported that a public meeting was held in June; followed by a Citizen Design Committee meeting in July to finalize the Master Plan for the
Walnut Street Park .

C.  Staff Report Update – Chair Tom Hemrick directed board members to the Staff Report Update in their packets.

D.
Administration
Dog Park
Update – Mary Henderson updated board members on the progress of this project.  Mary indicated that staff met with residents of the adjoining Buckhurst PDD to address their concerns.  A handout sheet was provided that included the plan changes and outlined the construction schedule.  An opening day event is planned for October with possible registration in September.

It was noted that currently that
Skate Park is not equipped to sell passes.

Melissa White suggested that staff consider offering a free ‘trial day’ for dog park users prior to purchasing a pass. 

Town Center Civic & Cultural Arts Study – Mary Henderson – Mary advised board members that Council approved the contract award to Pfeiffer Partners, Inc. 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.  The study includes analyses and recommendations for cultural arts facilities; the use of Cary Elementary and park/open space for the
Town Center .  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.  Pulling together existing efforts in this study; PRCR is budgeted for $75,000; Planning is budgeted for $75,000. Mary noted the firm of Pfeiffer Partners, Inc. was very qualified having done cultural art plans for major cities and is currently working the Twin Towers in New York .  The timeline for this study is six months and will include three large community/stakeholder meetings.  The schedule will be forthcoming.

Capitol Budget – Mary Henderson – Mary provided members with a handout with an overview of Capital Improvements for FY 06 for a total of $1,546,750 and an appropriation of $81,400 for Park and Greenway Renovations.  Approved in FY06 is the Herb Young Community Center Renovation Project.
Current budget restraints have put a hold on the following projects:  Middle Creek; Bartley; Batchelor and Aquatics Facility.  Staff will be reviewing and prioritizing projects in accordance with the Town’s Master plan.

It was noted that Council will continue to hold council meetings through January 2006 and the PRCR is slated for their return to Town Hall in late November.

 

USA Baseball Groundbreaking – Board members were reminded of the upcoming groundbreaking event on August 8th.  Tommy LaSorda will be in attendance.  Members were encouraged to attend and to bring family and friends.

Tennis Center Operations – William Davis – William noted that two new staff were onboard at the center:  Jonathan Fralick, Head Tennis Professional and Sean Ferreria, Tennis Teaching Professional.  Fencing around the center is near completion and the center is now closing at 10 p.m.   An Open House is scheduled for this Saturday, August 6th from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. with clinics and ‘kick-off’ fees.

E.  Recreation Programs – Dwayne Jones, Recreation Manager
Members were referred to the Program Update.


Senior Center – Kay Struffolino, Liaison 
Kay provided members with a handout of current activity at the center.
Theresa Trimbele is the new Resources for Seniors representative.  Her office is located within the
Senior Center and Theresa is available for a number of programs and personal assistance for seniors.

 

Teen Council – Members were provided with a handout of current activity and it was noted that this group contributed a total of 138.25 hours for the month of July.

F.  Cultural Resources – Lyman Collins, Cultural Arts Manager
Members were referred to the Program Update.

Festivals Committee – Kay Struffolino
Kay provided members with a handout of current activity.  Kay noted that a consultant was hired to evaluate and make suggestions to enhance the festival.  The committee has begun planning for the 30th Anniversary Show in 2006.

G.  Athletic Programs – William Davis, Athletics Manager
William referred members to the Program Update.

VII. OLD BUSINESS

 

VIII. NEW BUSINESS

 

IX.  ADJOURN

 

Please contact the Department of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources with any questions about this agenda.  The e-mail address is gail.taylor@townofcary.org, and the phone number is (919) 462-3961.

 

 

ATTENDANCE:  Jeff Boucher; Susan Davenport; Tom Hemrick; Leta Huntsinger; Tullie Johnson; Toby Kennedy; Steve Smutko; Kay Struffolino;   

 ABSENCES:  Jamie France; Snayha Nath, Youth member; Marla Dorrel Council Liaison

 STAFF:  Mary Henderson; Judy Newsome; William Davis; Dwayne Jones, Gail Taylor; Karen Gray, Deputy Town Clerk; Chris Simpson; Town Attorney; JoAnne Carlyle, Assistant Town Attorney

 GUESTS:  Mike Curran

 I.  CALL TO ORDER – Tom Hemrick, Chair

II.  MINUTES June 6, 2005 – Kay Struffolino made a motion to accept the June 6th minutes as presented.  The motion carried by a unanimous vote.

III.  PUBLIC SPEAKS OUT – None

IV.  Special Presentations
      Ethics & Conflict of Interest Guidelines – Karen Gray, Deputy Town Clerk and    Christine Simpson, Town Attorney

Ms. Gray provided board members with a copy of the Ethics guidelines, explaining that an Ethics Policy has been adopted by Cary Town Council, and it was felt that something similar should be implemented by boards and commission members. She noted that Council determined that guidelines, rather than a code of ethics, would be more appropriate because boards and commissions serve in an advisory position, not a decision-making position, and they would not be held to the same scrutiny as Council members.  Ms. Gray explained that the purpose of the Ethics Guidelines is to advise board members of any possible conflict(s) of interest, or the appearance of conflict(s) of interest that might come up, and to educate board members. She noted that when the application process is revised, the guidelines will be added so applicants are aware of them should they apply for a commission seat. She continued by saying that the Ethics guidelines will be used at orientation, will be available on the Town’s website, and will be included in the book “Working with the Town of Cary”. Ms. Gray then introduced Chris Simpson, Town Attorney. 

Ms. Simpson reiterated that, because boards and commissions members serve in an advisory position, rather than a decision-making capacity, Town Council felt it was more appropriate to provide a set of guidelines designed both to raise the awareness of Board members to potential ethical issues that might arise and to make clear the Council’s expectations of board members. She noted that Council felt it was not appropriate to hold volunteer advisory committees to the same Code, but that guidelines should be developed to sensitize members to potential issues that may not be readily apparent.  

Carpenter Community Plan – Don Belk, Senior Planner, Planning Department

Mr. Belk gave an overview of the Carpenter Community Plan which is part of the Northwest Area Plan.  The plan focuses on this rural crossroads community, a very desirable area close to RTP and the airport.  Mr. Belk further reviewed the proposed park sites and greenway components of the plan.  The final draft has been formulated and is based on broad community input from three public meetings.

 

Toby Kennedy asked for staff’s recommendation.  Doug McRainey indicated that staff is recommending approval of park sites and greenways.

 

Toby had concerns that the plan proposes three parks ( Village Park ; Trailhead Park and a neighborhood park) within one square mile.  Toby noted that currently, the Town is financially constrained and the plans proposes too many parks; too many crossings and it would be more realistic to throttle down and note areas of primary and secondary importance.


Staff explained some of the park sites were in fact very small and provided an opportunity as a public parking area that would support the rural village concept. Secondly, the plan was broad enough that staff would return with more concrete recommendations in the near future for additional review by the Board. 

ACTION:  Kay Struffolino made a motion, based on details forthcoming on the individual components that the board accept staff’s recommendation to approve the plan.  Tullie Johnson seconded the motion; Toby Kennedy opposed.  The motion carried.

Toby Kennedy requested that  staff, provide board members with sufficient opportunity to review special area plans.

 

US 1/64 Pedestrian Bridge/Greenway – Paul Kuhn, Parks Planner

Paul presented a rendering of the pedestrian bridge pointing out the location of the pathways and the bridge.  The Department of Transportation is currently working on the pedestrian bridge and should have it largely constructed by the Fall of 2006.  Staff has prepared preliminary plans for the trails that will link MacDonald Woods Park and Kid’s Together Park .

 A Request for Proposal for public art is ready to be released.

This update was provided as an FYI with no action from the board required.

 V.  LAND DEDICATIONS – Doug McRainey

Mills Property 05-REZ-14 – This parcel is located in Green Level on the west side of Green Level to Durham Road .  The proposed development is for 151 units of single –family detached residential units.  The required dedication is 4.31 acres.

 Staff recommendation: 1) approval of a payment-in-lieu of parkland dedication for the value of 4.31 acres; 2) approval for developer to dedicate a 30’ wide greenway easement along the western edge of the PDD.

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

Steve Smutko asked that the Greenway Committee comments be included with the land dedication information.

 Havensite 05-REZ-15 – A proposed residential PDD; this parcel is located adjacent to Black Creek Greenway, Ph IV project off NW Maynard Road .  The proposed development is for 150-240 units with a required dedication of 4.00 acres.

 Staff recommendation:  1) approval of a payment-in-lieu of a parkland dedication for the value of +/- 4 acres; 2) applicant will provide a greenway easement along the eastern and southern edge of the site; 3) applicant will receive credit against the required payment-in-lieu for providing this greenway easement; 4) Applicant agrees to donate 16.25 acres of adjacent open space to the Town with a credit against the required PIL for the construction of a connecting greenway trail from Bayoak Drive to the proposed public greenway (Black Creek Greenway).  The decision to construct this trail segment will be at the Town’s discretion and will be decided at the time of site plan approval; 5) applicant will provide private trail connections to the adjacent public greenway at time of site plan approval.

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

Carpenter-Hatcher 05-REZ-16 – This project (23.6 acre tract) is located east of Carpenter Upchurch Road and south of Morrisville Carpenter Road .  The proposed development district (PDD) includes single family, detached residential uses, mixed residential uses, and mixed residential, office, and commercial uses.  The number of proposed units is 137 with a required dedication of 3.91 acres.

 Staff recommendations include:  1) approval of a payment-in-lieu of parkland dedication for the value of 3.91 acres; 2) approval for developer to dedicate a 30’-wide greenway easement along the eastern side of the development; 3) approval for developer to construct to Town standards a greenway segment, approximately 1400’, along the eastern side of the project.

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

VI.  Reports
A.  Committee Reports

      Athletic Committee – Jeff Boucher, Chair – Jeff reported that the Athletic    Committee did not meet.
      Cultural Arts Committee – Toby Kennedy, Chair – Toby reported that the Cultural Arts Committee did not meet.
      Greenway Committee – Leta Huntsinger, Chair – Leta reported that Juliet Andes, Transportation Planning with the Planning Department presented information on the Town of
Cary Bicycle programs and emphasized the need to install bike racks at Town parks.  Additionally, members discussed soft-service trails and the need to attach identifying trail surface to the Master Plan.
Doug McRainey noted that staff is looking into combining the bikeways and greenways maps.
      Teen Advisory Committee – Steve Smutko, Chair – Steve reported that discussions continue with regard to the Teen Advisory Committee structure and new appointment process and that he plans to bring a recommendation to this board next month.

B.  Public Meeting Update – Doug McRainey reported that a public meeting was held in June; followed by a Citizen Design Committee meeting in July to finalize the Master Plan for the
Walnut Street Park .

C.  Staff Report Update – Chair Tom Hemrick directed board members to the Staff Report Update in their packets.

D.
Administration
Dog Park
Update – Mary Henderson updated board members on the progress of this project.  Mary indicated that staff met with residents of the adjoining Buckhurst PDD to address their concerns.  A handout sheet was provided that included the plan changes and outlined the construction schedule.  An opening day event is planned for October with possible registration in September.

It was noted that currently that
Skate Park is not equipped to sell passes.

Melissa White suggested that staff consider offering a free ‘trial day’ for dog park users prior to purchasing a pass. 

Town Center Civic & Cultural Arts Study – Mary Henderson – Mary advised board members that Council approved the contract award to Pfeiffer Partners, Inc. 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.  The study includes analyses and recommendations for cultural arts facilities; the use of Cary Elementary and park/open space for the
Town Center .  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.  Pulling together existing efforts in this study; PRCR is budgeted for $75,000; Planning is budgeted for $75,000. Mary noted the firm of Pfeiffer Partners, Inc. was very qualified having done cultural art plans for major cities and is currently working the Twin Towers in New York .  The timeline for this study is six months and will include three large community/stakeholder meetings.  The schedule will be forthcoming.

Capitol Budget – Mary Henderson – Mary provided members with a handout with an overview of Capital Improvements for FY 06 for a total of $1,546,750 and an appropriation of $81,400 for Park and Greenway Renovations.  Approved in FY06 is the Herb Young Community Center Renovation Project.
Current budget restraints have put a hold on the following projects:  Middle Creek; Bartley; Batchelor and Aquatics Facility.  Staff will be reviewing and prioritizing projects in accordance with the Town’s Master plan.

It was noted that Council will continue to hold council meetings through January 2006 and the PRCR is slated for their return to Town Hall in late November.

  USA Baseball Groundbreaking – Board members were reminded of the upcoming groundbreaking event on August 8th.  Tommy LaSorda will be in attendance.  Members were encouraged to attend and to bring family and friends.

Tennis Center Operations – William Davis – William noted that two new staff were onboard at the center:  Jonathan Fralick, Head Tennis Professional and Sean Ferreria, Tennis Teaching Professional.  Fencing around the center is near completion and the center is now closing at 10 p.m.   An Open House is scheduled for this Saturday, August 6th from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. with clinics and ‘kick-off’ fees.

E.  Recreation Programs – Dwayne Jones, Recreation Manager
Members were referred to the Program Update.


Senior Center – Kay Struffolino, Liaison 
Kay provided members with a handout of current activity at the center.
Theresa Trimbele is the new Resources for Seniors representative.  Her office is located within the
Senior Center and Theresa is available for a number of programs and personal assistance for seniors.

 

Teen Council – Members were provided with a handout of current activity and it was noted that this group contributed a total of 138.25 hours for the month of July.

F.  Cultural Resources – Lyman Collins, Cultural Arts Manager
Members were referred to the Program Update.

Festivals Committee – Kay Struffolino
Kay provided members with a handout of current activity.  Kay noted that a consultant was hired to evaluate and make suggestions to enhance the festival.  The committee has begun planning for the 30th Anniversary Show in 2006.

G.  Athletic Programs – William Davis, Athletics Manager
William referred members to the Program Update.

VII. OLD BUSINESS

 VIII. NEW BUSINESS

 IX.  ADJOURN

Please contact the Department of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources with any questions about this agenda.  The e-mail address is gail.taylor@townofcary.org, and the phone number is (919) 462-3961.