HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda - 04-10-2006 - 9aORANGE COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT
Meeting Date: April 10, 2006
SUBJECT: Update and Possible
DEPARTMENT: County Manager
ATTACHMENT(S):
1) Northern Park — Detailed Timeline
2) Temporary Walking Track Proposal
Action Agenda
Item No. q _ Q
to Plans at Northern Center
PUBLIC HEARING: (Y /N) No
INFORMATION CONTACT:
Gwen Harvey, Assistant County
Manager, 245 -2300
Dave Stancil, ERCD, 245 -2590
Lori Taft, Recreation and Parks, 245-
2660
Brenda Stephens, Library, 245 -2525
Paul Thames, Engineering, 245 -2300
Wilbert McAdoo/Wayne Fenton, Public
Works, 245 -2625
Pam Jones, Central Services &
Purchasing, 245 -2650
PURPOSE: To update the Board on various Departmental projects, programs and activities
underway in the building and on the grounds of the Northern Human Services Center at Cedar
Grove,
BACKGROUND: The Board of County Commissioners has long held the goal of improving the
access, serviceability, and range of cultural and recreational opportunities offered to the public
at the Northern Human Services Center facility located on Highway 86. Shown below for review
and reference by the Board is a summary of developments coordinated by the various
Departments since the last major report was presented in the spring of 2004.
Infrastructure
Engineering expects to submit the well and the well water treatment system to the State
permitting agency the first of April. Assuming notification of approval by the State within 30
working days, anticipate being able to begin ordering materials and starting construction at that
point. Construction is to be performed to the extent feasible by the Public Works plumbing and
electrical staff based on Engineer's plans.
The wastewater treatment system design documents are still in progress. Expect to enter the
permit system stage during May.
Engineering is working with Public Works to review windows, lighting fixtures, plumbing
features, HVAC and other building aspects as referenced by Innovative Design in their report to
the Board on "green technologies ", in keeping with the Board's goals countywide of conserving
fuel and water resources. The recently established Energy Conservation Team met at the
Center in early March to examine conservation options including geo- thermal, radiant heating,
solar heating, and the like. A follow up meeting with the conservation team and "green building"
and solar representatives is being scheduled for later in April.
Park
The proposed timeline for the Northern Park project, based upon the Board approved Master
Plan is shown in Attachment A. ERCD notes that an RFP for engineering services and permits
is being distributed.
Recreation and Parks was recently asked by community representatives to create a temporary
walking track on the front lawn of the building, as a transitional amenity until a permanent trail
could be completed. The participants in the Northern Park Master Plan effort reconvened on
April 5 to consider and comment on the proposal shown in Attachment B.
Four participants attended the meeting and three were in favor of the temporary walking track
with one opposed. Those present also asked that the temporary track not be considered a
replacement for the permanent walking track included within the Master Plan.
Recreation and Parks is prepared to move forward with the project, with this consideration, if
the Board so approves.
_ _.
The Public Works department worked with Recreation and Parks staff to complete renovations
and improvements (new flooring, paint, cabinetry, etc.) for the creation of a senior's room in the
northern sector of the building, and with Library staff to create the branch Library in early 2004.
Public Works also repainted interior corridors and exterior entryways, replaced worn pipe
insulation in several rooms, re -keyed locks throughout the building to the County keying system,
and coordinated installation of the newly lighted sign at this time.
In early 2005, Public Works staff worked with Recreation and Parks for the creation of a kiln
room.
The in- progress, updated roof assessment will look at energy efficient replacement options, as
well as examining the structural needs related to solar system components, etc. that may be
installed on the roof.
Programs
Recreation and Parks
Recreation and Parks provides trips, craft and exercise classes for the senior citizen group
housed at Northern, and also facilitates meetings and activities scheduled by groups and
individuals in the various meeting rooms.
The gymnasium is busy six days per week all winter with basketball league practices.
Recreation and Parks' new "Walking Club" program provides incentive prizes for participants at
Northern and other locations. Youth T -ball, softball and soccer leagues are scheduled on the
field during the spring and fall seasons.
The Department also co- sponsors a community run, adult softball tournament each year. The
annual "Halloween Hoopla," is a popular special event, attracting several hundred participants
each October. The Pottery and Arts studios are a work in progress with classes scheduled and
underway for senior citizens, special populations and residents in general. Six wheels and a
kiln are fully functional and in regular use. The Department has been working on outreach for
the Arts Studios in collaboration with the Orange County Arts Commission and the Chamber of
Commerce.
Library
The Cedar Grove branch recognizes its second anniversary on April 23
Cedar Grove given its staff commitment and creativity has become a welcome door for
connection and involvement with the growing Hispanic community.
Twenty persons have participated in ESL classes and three in GED preparation.
Children and adult programming is especially strong with participation in after - school activities,
Lapsit Stories, Bi- lingual Story Telling, the Summer Reading Program, Children's Book Week,
National Library Week, Cinco de Mayo, Dia de Nino, and other multicultural celebrations.
More than 500 person hours were logged on the public access computers during the past year.
Effective May 1, Cedar Grove branch weekday evening hours will be extended from 5:OOPM to
7:OOPM to offer working parents and other community members additional opportunities to take
advantage of library resources.
FINANCIAL IMPACT: There is no financial impact associated with receiving this summary
report as information. Funds for the wastewater and water supply projects (two- thirds net debt
reduction bonds) and Northern Park (voter approved bonds) are included within the 2005 -2015
County Capital Investment Plan. Funds are available within the current Recreation and Parks
budget to implement the temporary walking track for the community should the Board concur.
RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends that the BOCC receive the update as
information and provide further feedback and guidance to staff as may be desired.
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5
Orange County
Environment & Resource Conservation
306 -A Revere Road/ PO Box 8181
Hillsborough, NC 27278
Phone: (919) 245.2590, Fax: (919) 644 -3351
MEMORANDUM
TO: Participants in the Northern Park Master Plan Process
FROM: David Stancil, Environment and Resource Conservation Director
DATE: March 17, 2006
RE: Meeting for Public Input on Proposed Interim Walking Track
As some of you may be aware, in the last few months the possibility of an interim
walking track facility has been discussed for the grassy area in front of the Northern
Human Services Center A sketch of the proposed track is attached.
We will be holding a meeting on Wednesday, April 5`h at 7:00 p.m. (in the cafeteria at
the Northern Center) to receive your thoughts and ideas about this proposed walking
track. Please feel free to join us if you would like to learn more about this proposed
interim facility, or offer feedback or ideas about the same.
Copies: Board of Commissioners
John Link, County Manager
Gwen Harvey, Assistant County Manager
Craig Benedict, Planning and Inspections Director
Lori Taft, Recreation and Parks Director
Paul Thames, County Engineer
Marabeth Carr, Open Space Design Specialist
I
MEMORANDUM
To: Orange County Board of Commissioners
From: John Link, County Manager
Date: February 23, 2006
Re: "Temporary" Walking Track at Northern Park
I received the attached memo from Recreation and Parks Management Director,
Lori Taft regarding a proposal developed by citizens in the Cedar Grove area
working with Commissioner Gordon and staff. The "temporary" walking track
proposed appears to be a fine idea. It can be constructed within a short time
frame and is relatively inexpensive.
In following up with Lori, my understanding is that the track represents an
additional element to the Northern Park Master Plan, Therefore, I would
recommend that the best course of action to pursue is to contact the Work Group
that was involved with the new Northern Park Master Plan design process. It
would seem a good idea to have their understanding and investment in this
proposal.
Please let me know your thoughts on this subject. With your approval, I will
proceed to instruct staff accordingly.