Cary Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources Advisory Board Meeting Minutes

Monday,  November 7,  2005

5:15 PM  
Herb Young Community Center
101 Wilkinson Avenue
Cary , NC    27513

Web Site:  www.townofcary.org  

Attendance:  Jeff Boucher; Susan Davenport; Jamie France; Tom Hemrick; Leta Huntsinger; Tullie Johnson; Toby Kennedy; Steve Smutko; Kay Struffolino; Snayha Nath, Youth Member; Marla Dorrel, Council Liaison

Staff:  Mary Henderson; Bruce Crocker; Doug McRainey; Dwayne Jones; Judy Newsome; Lyman Collins; Paul Kuhn; Scott Ramage; Meredith Chandler

Guest:  Brian Starkey; Kate Work; David Lindquist

I.                    Call to Order – Tom Hemrick, Chair

II.  Minutes – October 10, 2005

ACTION:  Kay Struffolino made a motion to approve the minutes of the October 10^th meeting.  The motion carried by a unanimous vote.

III.                Public Speaks Out – Announcements

Tullie Johnson noted the current exhibit ‘Discovering Chimpanzees’ is now on display at the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences.  The exhibit runs through January 10, 2006 .

Kids Together Planting Day - Council member Marla Dorrel reported a great community turnout for the November 5^th planting day at Kids Together Playground.  About 40 participants took part in the planting, many of them families.   High school Teen Council members volunteered as leaders and coordinators while middle school members provided homemade cookies for the volunteers.  Council member Dorrel thanked all those that took part including board members Tom Hemrick, Kay Struffolino and Susan Davenport.

Hand Out – Announcing the upcoming play, The Christmas Story

                 On December 2-4 and 9-11 at Old Cary Elementary School .

Hand Out – Announcing the public meeting on the Town Center Civic & Cultural Arts District Study taking place November 29^th, 7:30 p.m. at the Herb Young Community Center .

IV.  Special Presentations

Alston Activity Center – Scott Ramage, Principal Planner, Planning Department

In a PowerPoint presentation, Scott gave an overview of the proposed conceptual plan for the Alston Activity Center and reviewed issues pertaining to this board:  1) Linear Open Space Corridors; 2) Greenways; 3) Private Open Spaces:  greens, squares and plazas.

Discussions took place regarding the open space along both the Nancy Branch and Morris Branch corridors.  Scott also reviewed greenways; and private open spaces (greens, squares and plazas) in relationship to the NW and NE Quadrants:  Evans Farm and Parkside and the SW and SE Quadrants: Town Center , McCrimmon, Petty Farm.

The recommendation of the Planning staff is for approval of the greenways and open space elements of the Alston ACCP.

Scott further noted that this plan is scheduled for consideration by the Planning and Zoning Board at their November 21^st and December 19^th meetings.

ACTION:  Kay Struffolino made a motion to approve the conceptual plan as presented and to include the following supporting principles:

1)  Greenway trails are preferred over multi-use paths where site allows;

2)  Where multi-use trails are recommended, it is preferred that the trail be buffered from the adjoining roadway to the extent possible;

3)  Where multi-use trails and greenways are indicated; the trail/greenway should remain on the same side of the road without switching sides; 

4)  Recommend that pedestrian and bike corridors connect to/from neighborhoods; commercial centers; and greenways;

5)  Important that all trail connections be illustrated on the plan that connect to off site parks;

6)  Grade separated crossings are critical.

The motion was seconded by Jamie France.  The motion carried by a unanimous vote.

Walnut Street Park – Brian Starkey of OBS Landscape Architects

Paul Kuhn, Parks Planner, gave an overview of the planning process and neighborhood design meetings regarding the design and components of this 11-acre park.  Additionally, Paul noted that Lyman Collins took this project before Cary Visual Art and the Public Art Advisory Board to incorporate public art into the design.

Brian Starkey reviewed the components which will feature a pedestrian promenade along with a playground; restrooms; picnic shelters; central open space with mature trees.  There will be a trail system (some areas paved; some natural) that will connect to surrounding neighborhoods and future greenways.  A wetland area will also be incorporated into the design not only to manage storm water but also provide educational opportunities.  A parking lot with 30 spaces is planned for the southern end of this proposed 11-acre park.

Brian noted that in the future there will be a third pedestrian entrance into the park once Walnut Street is widened.  The three pedestrian entrances will be punctuated with public art.

The plan reflects a balance between passive and active recreation facilities and a focus on preserving the natural environment.

Staff noted that a basketball court is slated for Phase II.

Paul Kuhn reviewed the project timeline noting that staff plans to seek Council approval in December or January; 6-months for the execution of construction documents with the actual start of construction the summer of 2006 and a projected park opening the summer of 2007.

Staff recommended:

                        Approval of the Walnut Street park master plan presented.

                       Approval to incorporate public art into the design and development                                     of the Walnut Street Park .

Tullie Johnson asked that the neighborhood design group have an opportunity to review the proposed public art for this park.

Mary Henderson indicated that the artist will come onboard to work along side the staff of OBS to incorporate the artwork.

ACTION:  Tullie Johnson made a motion to approve the proposed design elements.  Jeff Boucher seconded the motion.  Discussion:  Toby Kennedy asked if the motion included the basketball court and that citizens would like alternatives, i.e. bocce ball, etc.  Staff responded that decision will be made at a future time as additional land purchase is being considered for that site.  At each concept design phase, neighbors will have an opportunity to respond.  Mary Henderson noted that basketball courts provide fitness opportunities for families and staff may choose to include the courts in a future phase.

            Motion carried by a unanimous vote.

            Tullie Johnson would like to continue as the board liaison for the Walnut     Street Park.

¨        

V.  Land Dedication Review – Doug McRainey, Parks Planning Manager

Northwoods Activity Center Concept Plan Amendment - 05-AC-007

This request is to amend the Activity Center Concept Plan to include a proposed subdivision of twelve (12) single family residential lots on 2.70 acres.  The minimum lot size will be 5,000 sf and the overall density is 4.4 units per acre.  The development proposal also includes 2.04 acres of open space. 

·         # of Units - 12

·         Required Dedication – 0.34 acres

Tripathi Property – 05-REZ-30

This is a rezoning of 6.13 acres from Residential-40 (R-40) to Residential-12 Conditional Use (R-12 CU).  The conditions proposed include a 10-foot Type A Buffer around the perimeter of the property and a limit of 19 lots.

·         # of Units - 19

·         Required Dedication – 0.54 acres

ACTION:  Kay Struffolino made a motion to accept staff’s recommendation of Payment-in-lieu for both Northwoods Activity Center Concept Plan Amendment and Tripathi Property.  The motion carried by a unanimous vote.

VI.  Reports

A.         Committee Reports

            Athletic Committee – Jeff Boucher, Chair

Jeff reported that the committee met to review four requests to change teams and one request to play up two levels.  

The committee talked about upcoming basketball drafts.

Additionally, the committee decided that the Athletics Committee would continue to meet on an ‘as needed’ basis.

            Cultural Arts Committee – Toby Kennedy, Chair

The committee discussed the upcoming Town Center Civic & Cultural Arts Study public meeting on November 29th.  Mary Henderson noted that a Council Work Session will precede the public meeting and will take place at 4:30 p.m. on the second floor of 120 Wilkinson Avenue building.

Toby gave great reviews of the recent Applause, Youth Theatre production of The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe.

Additionally, Toby told of the upcoming production of The Christmas Story in December.

            Greenway Committee – Leta Huntsinger, Chair

Last month the committee walked the recently completed greenway link (from Castalia to Bond Park), a critical link for the Black Creek Greenway.  In addition to being paved; runners will have the option of using the mulch  path that runs along side.  Marla Dorrel noted that she has received glowing remarks from skeptic neighbors.  Staff acknowledged the same response from skeptics that are pleased once they see the overall result.
Leta also indicated that the Black Creek Greenway realignment project is underway.

            Teen Advisory Committee – Steve Smutko, Chair

Steve reported the committee is working on the program for the March 11^th Teen Forum.  The topics for this year’s forum include:  Public Speaking Techniques; Discover Your Real Color; Being a Self Starter; Time Management/Test Prep & Study Skills.  Topics being considered for presentations include:  environment; police; chamber of commerce and town clerk/town council.  The committee will have special presentations throughout the year on the role of Town government.

B.         Public Meeting Update

            Festivals Public Meeting – Kay Struffolino

Kay Struffolino, provided information in a handout.  At the public meeting, following the presentation that outlined the findings from the August event; a Q/A session followed.  Attendees were also invited to write their comments on ‘sticky notes’ and place on appropriate posters.  These comments will be compiled and presented at the November Festivals’ Committee meeting.

C.         Staff Report Update – Tom Hemrick
Tom referred members to the recent staff reports included in the update.

D.         Administration

            Dog Park Update – Dwayne Jones

Board member Jeff Boucher purchased first official pass to The Cary Dog Park.  Nearing completion, Dwayne Jones reported that the mulch had been delivered; lights are operational; conduit has been installed and the water line is for water fountains.  Additional asphalt and gravel work is scheduled for next week.  As mentioned earlier, passes went on sale today, November 7, 2005 .  The Dog Park web page has been updated and citizens may now download the registration form; dog park rules and pet identification information.  Fire hydrants are being considered as public art for the park.  Jeff Boucher is working with a boy scout for the kiosk.  The grand opening is slated for spring 2006.

            Selection of Volunteer Awards’ Committee – Judy Newsome

Judy advised board members that the 2006 Annual Volunteer Awards Banquet will take place February 28^th  Judy also noted that she needed to form the award’s committee (by November 28^th) and needed one board member and a representative from each PRCR committee.  The nomination forms are due January 6^th; packets will go out to the Volunteer Awards Committee January 11^th and then the committee will make their decision on January 24^th.  Tullie Johnson volunteered to be the PRCR Advisory Board representative. 
Judy also noted that the Volunteer Hall of Fame information had not been updated on the Town’s website and she will make certain that all names are posted.

E.         Recreation Programs – Dwayne Jones

                        See program update

            Senior Center – Kay Struffolino, Liaison

Kay referred members to a handout with an overview of current activity at the Senior Center .  Highlights included:  125 engraved bricks have been placed in the Memorial Garden Plaza ; 850+ seniors received flu shots at the center and, they were asked to complete a survey.  Survey results noted that aside from programs and classes offered, the main reason they come to the center is the friendly, helpful staff and the beautiful facility!   Seniors also requested more educational classes; more trips; more fitness/wellness and more Resources for Seniors programs.

            Teen Council – Snayha Nath, Teen Representative

Snayha reported on recent activities and community involvement.  The Give a Child a Smile program was a success with over 200 suite cases collected.  Teens will also assist with the upcoming Safe-n-Sane program on October 31^st.

F.         Cultural Arts Programs – Lyman Collins

Lyman reported sold out performances of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe….wonderful performances.
Cary Visual Arts recently dedicated the public art sculpture, The Balancing Act II at SAS Soccer Park .

Lyman reported tickets now on sale for The Christmas Story at the Herb Young Community Center .  This is the first production where tickets are available through ticketmaster.

            Festivals Committee – Kay Struffolino

Kay provided members with a handout highlighting items discussed on October 18^th where they reviewed the Lazy Daze Grant Application and the Grant Report form.  Members also prepared for the meeting with the consultants on October 24^th.    The general consensus emerging from the meeting with the consultant included the possibilities of expanding Lazy Daze to Friday/Saturday nights and/or Sunday and selling beer. 

G.                 Athletic Programs – William Davis

Mary Henderson reported for William.  The ACC Women’s Soccer Championships went very well.  The Men’s ACC Championships begin November 9^th.  The NCAA Men’s Soccer College Cup takes place December 9^th and 11^th.

VII.              Old Business

            Wake County Joint Municipal Parks and Recreation Meeting - Tullie Johnson; Susan Davenport and Tom Hemrick attended this joint meeting hosted by Raleigh Parks and Recreation.   The consensus was these meetings are informative and more frequent joint meetings would be beneficial.  There is emphasis on counties and towns working together and better communication.  The American Tobacco Trail is a good example of municipal/county joint ventures and that this area is becoming more regional; particularly with greenways.  Tom reported that funds are available for open space, parks and greenways.  Tullie noted that all municipalities mentioned dog parks.

VIII.            New Business

IX.  Adjourn