HomeMy WebLinkAboutPRC minutes 050416FROM: Parks and Recreation Advisory Council
SUBJECT: Monthly Meeting
DATE: May 4, 2016
LOCATION: Cedar Grove Park Picnic Shelter
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MEMBERS PRESENT: Neal Bench; Joel Bulkley; Evelyn Daniel; Michael Dempsey; Allan
Green; Tori Williams Reid; Haywood Rhodes; Betty McDade Khan; Rob Robinson; Rachel
Massai
MEMBERS ABSENT: John Greeson
Hillsborough Liaison: Annie Jarabek
STAFF PRESENT: David Stancil; Lynn Hecht; Ardra Webster
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I. Beginning time of meeting: At 6:30pm approximately, the meeting began, while a
hotdog dinner was being served.
II. Meeting Summary (4/6). No comments about the notes. Stancil passed out gifts to the
board from the BOCC and noted the Board’s thanks for advisory board participation
and activity. Green spoke of a hike from Chapel Hill to Blackwood Farm with
camping at the finale. He asked if Stancil could speak with Derby about it.
III. Report of the Chair (Williams Reid)
a. Appointment Recommendation. Two applicants were reviewed, Brian Rowe and
Robert Smith. The board voted unanimously for Smith.
b. Joint Advisory Board Meeting-Small Group Follow-up. There has been no follow
up from any of the groups thus far.
c. The group then took a break to have a quick tour of the new Cedar Grove
Community Center building.
IV. New Business
a. FY 2016-17 Budget and Investment Plan, Webster gave a report on the upcoming
budget. Personnel increase was $340,000 over last year. A lot of this is for the 3
community centers that are opening and expanding. Operations increase was
$73,000, much of which is for the community centers. Capital increase over last
year is $41,000, all of which is for the community centers. Stancil added in
summary that the good news was that community centers, seasonal staffing and
operating budget were all approved, but there were some proposed positions cut
(Trails Ranger, part-time Recreation Supervisor). June 21st is the date for adoption
of the 2016-17 budget.
b. Cedar Grove Community Center (CGCC). The group had a tour of the newly
completed CGCC facility located on the park site, renovated from an old 1950
African-American school. June 18th will be the grand opening. Lots of questions
were asked and answered during the tour.
V. Old Business
a. Mountains to Sea Trail (MST) Update (April 21 meeting) Stancil summarized the
meeting. Staff scheduled an initial meeting to begin the process of planning for
the actual route of the MST between Haw River and Occonechee Mountain
(known as “Segment 11” in the state master plan). The meeting was held April 21
at Cane Creek Activities Center, and there were around 80 persons present. There
was a broad cross-section of the public present. Some of those present were not
happy with the meeting format. Several speakers expressed concerns about
liability, trespassing, injuries and many other fears related to having a trail that
goes through or near private property. A list of Frequently Asked Questions along
with maps were handed out, with many (but not all) of the questions and concerns
that came up during the meeting. Staff has been meeting with colleagues from
State Parks, OWASA, NCDOT, Emergency Services, Sheriff’s Department,
Town of Hillsborough and others to develop agendas and plan for the meetings.
Since a stretch of several miles of the MST is envisioned to traverse OWASA-
owned land on the north side of Cane Creek Reservoir, OWASA is reviewing
their 2009 position statement and will likely also solicit public input about the
trail being on their property. Many of the persons concerned about the trail live
near the OWASA land at Cane Creek. Stancil noted plans are being made for a
follow up meeting, perhaps facilitated, and plans to send out a follow-up email
and a survey.
b. Fairview Park Summer Park Monitors. Fairview Community Watch has again
asked for funding from the County for summer park monitors. Upon review, the
County Manager wondered if this should be in the DEAPR budget as a County
function instead of through the Fairview group. This way oversight and liability
are covered. The Fairview Community Watch representatives are in agreement,
and the summer monitors will be administered through the Recreation Division
this summer.
c. Hollow Rock Nature Park-Update. All work is completed and May 21 is the grand
opening. Slated for 9:30 am.
VI. Report of the Director (Stancil)
a. Updates on various items. Sponge Bob is the next Movie in the Park coming up in
Efland Cheeks. The Fishing Rodeo will be June 4.
VII. Council and Committee Reports
a. Intergovernmental Parks Work Group. Khan reported on the April 13 meeting of this
group. Bo Howes from the Triangle Land Conservancy spoke on Brumley Forest, with
hopes that it opens in late Fall. Lots of miles of trails. CHP&R is re-looking at turf on
soccer fields with questions about the rubber type surface based on the new studies and
outcry about safety of these surfaces.
b. Items from Council. None.
c. Friends of Orange County Parks and Recreation (FOPR) Betty McDade Khan has stepped down as chair
President of this committee. The group needs a new president.
VIII. Adjournment at 8:10pm.
Next Meeting will be June 1, 2016 (Environment and Ag Center)