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HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda - 05-16-1995 - IX-C f ti 1 O R A N G E C O U N T Y BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT Meeting Date: MAY 16, 1995 Action Agenda Item # SY-C SUBJECT: PARKS AND RECREATION WORK GROUP DEPARTMENT: COUNTY MANAGER PUBLIC HEARING: Yes _X—No ATTACHMENT(S) : INFORMATION CONTACT: PROPOSAL MANAGER'S OFFICE, EXTENSION 2300 TELEPHONE NUMBERS: Hillsborough - 732-8181 Durham - 688-7331 Mebane - 227-2031 Chapel Hill - 967-9251/968-4501 PURPOSE: To approve the formation, the Charge and County Appointment of the Parks and Recreation Work Group. BACKGROUND: In September, 1994, the Orange County Assembly of Governments discussed equity and efficiency related issues related to delivery of local government services. Focus was on the area of recreation and parks services, and the consensus of the Assembly of Governments was: That the local government staffs make recommendations to their governing bodies about opportunities for joint planning for and use of capital improvements for recre- ation and park services. And, that both school systems be involved in any coopera- tive venture. The Managers and Recreation Staff have developed a proposed process for implementing the consensus of the Assemblies of Governments as attached. RECOMMENDATION: The Manager recommends that the Board of County Commissioners approve the formation of the Work Group, approve the charge to the Work Group and appoint two representatives to the Work Group. 2 Proposed Process for Discussing County-wide Recreation and Parks Services In September 1994, the Orange County Assembly of Governments discussed equity and efficiency issues related to delivery of local government services. Focus was on the area of recreation and parks services, and the consensus of the Assembly of Governments was: That the local government staffs make recommendations to their governing bodies about opportunities for joint planning for and use of capital improvements for recreation and park services. And, that both school systems be involved in any cooperative venture. Below are some preliminary suggestions for implementing the consensus of the Assembly of Governments. Parks and Recreation Work Group: We recommend that a work group be formed of representatives of the jurisdictions in the County, that would consider opportunities for cooperation. We recommend that the governing bodies of Carrboro, Chapel Hill, Hillsborough, Orange County, and the two school systems each appoint two representatives to this work group. Although staff would undoubtedly be involved, we believe that they could work more effectively and appropriately alongside, rather than as members of the work group. Charge: We believe that each of the governing bodies should agree on the charge of this group. We recommend the following charge: To consider how the governing bodies can provide the best park and recreation services to the most people at the least cost. To report periodically, but not less often than annually, to each of the governing bodies. Initiation: We believe that the chair of the work group should be from the same jurisdiction as the lead staff. Because of the work done recently by Carrboro in master planning and in beginning to establish a public-private consortium, we recommend that the Town of Carrboro be responsible for appointing the chair and orienting the members of the new group. The chair would chair meetings and set the agendas. The staff of the jurisdiction represented by the chair would take the lead role in staff support. 3 First Focus: 1. To explore areas of coordination and joint planning for recreation services and park facilities that can be improved by formal working arrangements with the local school jurisdictions. Because of the enormous use of school buildings and sites for education and public recreation programs and the capital needs of both, it is felt that formal coordination in this area may have the quickest and greatest impact. Recommendation: To develop recommendations for the governing bodies regarding joint planning for recreation resources by the local governments and school boards. As a minimum, a recommendation shall be forthcoming in regards to the "school- park" concept and agreements to govern future planning and development of facilities. 2. To consider the possibility of developing a public-private association of recreation providers in Orange County. The purpose of an association could be to share programming information, identify areas of coordination, opportunities to co-sponsor programs and the potential to share facilities. Parties such as the YMCA, the Chapel Hill Tennis Club, the ArtsCenter and the UNC Faculty-Staff Association, and the parks and recreation departments of the jurisdictions could all be included. Recommendation: To develop recommendations for the governing bodies on the parties to be included, methods of joint planning and cooperation. This report would come after the work group has had at least preliminary contact with all of the potential members.