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HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda - 10-22-2001-3ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OP COMMISSIONERS ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT Meeting Oale~ October 22, 2001 Action Agenda Item No. ~_ SUB.IECT: Little River PaB Atlvisorv Committee Interim Report DEPARTMENT: ERCD PUBLIC HEARING: (YIN) No ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT: A. Mep of Little River Park Property Davitl Stencil, 2452590 B. LRPAC Report (Executive Summary) Rich Shaw, 245-2591 C. Staff Responses to BOCC Comments Bob Jones, 245-2661 D. Prioritized List of Padc Feralifies TELEPHONE NUMBERS: E. Durham County Action Hillsborough ]328191 F. In[edpcal Agreement Issues Chapel Hill 9694601 Durham 699~T331 McWne 338-22]-2931 PURPOSE: Tc further mnsitler the recommentlatipns from an atlvisory committee chayetl with tlelermining the appropriate uses for the Lttle River Regional Park antl Natural Area. This matter ryas discussed p2viously by fhe BOCC of the August 14, 2007 meeting. eACKGROUNO: Orange County antl Uurham County have acquiretl a 391-acre property for the new Little River Regional Park antl Natural Area. As proposed, the park will offer low- impact recreational pppprtunhies Indutling walking trails, picnic areas and nature sNtly, while also helping to maintaining water quality in the Litfle River (a source of tldnking water far Durham County residents) antl preserving importan[wiltllife habhat end open space. Arquisitlon antl development of the Little River Park Is a cooperative project among the local governments -Durham County and Orange County-and two non-profit lend husk, the Triangle Land Conservancy and Me Eno River Asaocietion. All four pertnere contribu[etl funds Nrlantl acqulsitlon. The[wo lantl truars raiaetl over$9g,060 in private tlonatione. Lays gmnte were receivetl from [he NC Clean Water Management Trost Funtl and the NC Parks antl Recreation Trust Fund. The new regional park will be jointly owned and managed by Orange and Durham counties in acwNance with an intedoral agreement (yet to be developed). In November 2000, the protect pertnare astabliahed Me Little River PaB Atlvisory CammMee (LRPAC) to help develop plans for the future use of the parklantl and [he facilities that will be provided to accommodate the public. An August 1, 2001 report from fhe Gpmmittee centainetl a set of recommendations on what uses shoultl antl shoultl not be allowed within the new perk. The recommentlations were basetl on seven meetings, during which members loured the park properly, evaluatetl the property values antl site limitations, received inputfrom different user group representatives, antl gathered citizen input on tlesiretl park uses and facilities. An executive summary of the report is provided as Attachment B. z The LRPAC racommantlations for whet uses shoultl end should not be allowetl in the LiHle River Regional Park antl Natural Area are presentetl in three categories: a) allowed uses (hiking [rails, fshing, picnic area, hard surface loop trail, playgrountl, etc.); b) cpnddionel uses (horeeback ritling, mountain biking, group camping); and c) prohibited uses (motorized vehidea, hunting, frearme). The LRPAC Report was presentetl to Na Orange County BOCC an August 14, 2001. Ccmmieeicnere hatl a number of comments and requested additional inbnnafion from staff about mountain biking, equestrian use, camping, antl potential impede on aquatic species. Sfad responses to those comments antl questions are attachetl (Attachment C) along with a priorR¢ed list of facildies proposed for development et the park (Attachment DJ. The Durham County BOCC receivetl the LRPAC report on August 2], 2001. Following some favorable comments by commissioners antl four members of the public, the boaN voted unanimously [o accept the proPOSetl uses as recommentletl by the LRPAC (Attachment EJ. Actlon on the proposetl perk uses is needed to ensure that the following steps occur prior to Ne September 2002 closeout date for the park development gran[ from the U.S. Land antl Water Conservation Funtl (LWCF): SIaR has begun working with Durham County staff on development of a droll intarlecal agreement (park management)for Oange and Ourham BOCC cpnsitleretion and approval prior tp the obligation W LWCF grant funds. FINANCIAL IMPACT: Footling for pads tlevelgPmenl comes froma$262,000 grent awartletl from the Lentl antl Water Conservation Fund (to be expended by September 2002). However, perk opeation and maintenance will also require future expendkures of Orange Ccunty antl Durham County footle, which ere as yet unbutlgetetl by ehher county. The specific roles antl responsibilities far Lidle River Regional Padc developmenp operation antl maintenance will be inclutled in a forthcoming inledocal agreement between the two counties. A proposed set of Issues [o be atldress by the agreement is provided as Attachment E. RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager rewmmenda that the Board: a) Discuss antl agree to the set of proposetl uses for the LiHle River Park antl Natural Area as recommended by the advisory wmmittee and approved by Durham County; antl b) Authorize ERCD antl the Recreation and Perks stall to proceed with the Ofice of Purchasing antl Central Services in soliciting bide fora contrectorb tlavalop a concept plan for the proposetl park faalities (fundetl through the LWCF grant mentionetl above)I and c) ERCD end Recreation and Parke staff woA watt Durham County to develop a tlmH intetlocal agreement for the BoaN's review antl tlecieion at a future meeting.. I_ ~1 __~ _ __ Ra~aa~9m LiHle River Regional Park t ~ s~ Fzs(iog rra~s antl Natural Araa O ceremoro soraoon ~s.acaes umancuuxy A ~- ~°sa~or~ecwmv T cmeemueo.tnmasors ~mma~de Inrt.im Raporr WUOI Recommendations on Allowed Uses in the Little River Regional Park antl Natural Area Executive Summary This interim report from the Cattle River Park Atlvlsory Committee indutles a set of recommendations on what uses shpultl be allowed within the new park. These recommendations are based on seven meetings heltl thus far by the committee (November 2000 to ]uly 2001), during wMCh members toured the park pmperry, evaluated the property values and site Ilml[abons, receivetl input from ddferent user group representatives, and gatheretl citizen input on desired park uses and facilities. The Committee recommendations for uses to be allowed within the Little River Regional Park antl Natural Area are provitletl in three categories: a) allowetl uses, b) conditional uses and c) prohlbltetl uses. Allowed Uses The Committee recommends allowing the following uses In the park far reasons desribetl in the report: 1. Hiking/Nature Trails 2. Plcnlc Area/Shelter 3. Hard Surface Trail/Picnic Loop 4. Playground 5. Open Play Meadows 6. Fishing Conditlonal uses The Committee recommends allowing the fallowing uses in the park, but only if certain conditions can be achieved in terms of identifying enough suitable land area to sustain the activity antl appropriate operating funtls m maintain antl manage the ac[IVity in an appropriate fashion. 1. Horseback Riding 2. Mountain Biking 3. Camping 1. Proposed Conditions for Allowing Horseback Riding a) There are adequate Ponds avai/ab/e for anyspxial fao/ities and to ensure pmper siM management and stewardship. b) Thatdrere be a[ lea#3-5 miles ofsuifabk balls designated forpubl/c use. cJ That the equesbian balls are located and designed to minimize adverse impacts on naNral and cultural resqu¢u. Paee 1 of 3 Ltte Ricer ParkAdoimry Commiwae wenm xepon s'~ro/ dJ That the equestrian bails are located sp as not to cause siyNficantadverse impacts M other park users or adjacent /andpwners. eJ ]hat there be a memorandum ptagreemen[ wlM a /oca/group Whorseback riders (an "equestian rouna/'~ for the provision al vo/unteer resources needed M design, construR and maintain egdestrian Mails wihin the park. 2. Proposed Conditions for Allowing Mountain Biking a) mere are adequate Ponds avadab/e for anyspeaal faa/itles and to ensure proper site management and stewardsh/p. b) mat the bike trails are located and designed ro minimize adverse impacts on natural and mltural resourres. c) mat the bike trails are /ocatedso as notM cause significant adverse imparts to pMerpark usero pradjacent landowners. d) mat there be a memorandum Wagreement wiM a /oral mountain bike club. for the provision of volunteer raspurres neededro des/gn, mnsw¢and maintain bike trai/s within Me park. 3. Proposed Conditions for Allowing Camping a) mat camping be a//owed on/y far groups such as scouts, youM associations and church groups on a reservadon basis bJ There are adequate funds available fir anyspecia/faci/ibes and (n ensure proper site management and stewardship. cJ That camp siM(sJ is located /n area(s) Mat wi/l not cause harm to adjarent private property or to natural//cu/mral resources found within Me Park. Prohlbltetl Uces The Committee recommends that the following uses be prohibited from the park for reasons described In the report: • MOtodxed vehicles • Hunting • Firearms The above rewmmentlatlons are offered by the Little River Park Atlvisory Committee ro the Durham and Orange county commissioners who will make foal tlecisions on what uses will be allowed In the Little River Regional Park and Natural Area. The Committee will meet again in the late Fall ro review antl comment on [he initial conceptual tlesign for the Park. A revisetl plan will came back to the Committee for consideration at a publk meeting. A site plan will then be presentetl ro the Durham and Orange county commissioners in Spring 2002 far approval. COUNTY OF ORANGE ENVIRONMENT AND RESOURCE CONSERVATION DEPARTMENT MEMORANDUM T0: Board of County Commissioners ]oho Link, CountyManager From: Rich Shaw, Land COnservaGOn Manager Bob ]ones, Recreation and Parks Direcror David Stanch, Environment and Resource Conservation Director Date: September 11, 2001 Re: Little River Regional Park Issues The following are staff responses to commentr and questions raised by BOCC on August 14 du0ng their consideration of the recommendations from the ^ttle River Park Advisory Committee on the allowetl uses at the Little RNer Park. Commissioner Carey: Snore people taay not understand [but "mnunltin bikes" does not induda motorized bikes. The lie o[ nllowW oats for Nc park needs to be Geae chat motorized bikes me notaliowed. glaJJ'wlll make sure rhatslSrv muia0ler wrtittan materials state clearly tl~ the public's e nfnarmrized vehidc.. is rim allowed in the pork ryimired use ofmomnzedvehides wltt be atlmyed forpmk rnalmanmrre aMemerRenry use.] • CorvMsaionar Brown: Asked staffeo gaNamoro ivformatidn on the pommialimpuds of wmping so [hanhe SOCC might reumsidnt the azfvisory eovuwttee mcalmnendation Nat owy group camping be Mowed N the pazk. Stq(fhav mnsWrrdwhh the managers afrounry oral stain parks wilhpub(ic ctmlping fpcllldev. tfmanagedpropes{y, irrdivldual mmpfng could indeedomurwirhmffiimW prubirms ar adverse ]mPaets ra the Urzle Rover Park Zhe Liula Rver Park Advisory Commiues chose, however, m recommend allowing onty group camping for rhree ¢) Public amPSdes would re9uire denAng spaoefor hWividun(shey -osdug sf%nv "^'n e¢e (she N, rules/SUidelirws, hma.dq ue.), rrminrainiug each sire, andproviding me basic level ufsc un'rymW mlm enfore enr. OvemigN lightirlR and restronm foGl4Nas m181u also be desirabta. Amore irrformui croup carnping nrea would accummadme same lrhe dem¢ndfonampnrg wirimut into ring IFe higher costs of Envim menfantl Resource Conservafion PO6ox 8181 /306/ Fevere Road NIIISOOmugM1, NC2J218 (9191206266] f Hides mrd oversight naededfor-ublicram-sires.ARrvrry campsite mi8lu nor ~r any addifiona4,/adliries than an openJieldmopwforesrffear. ZReewep leadonvvuld br required m reserve rRe sire, reed rbe pmk rules, and assume resgonsnb/Elry fm rho acnnns afcampers, b) Overnlghx emrrpmg by thepublic would increase tlu risk ofimpans suvh a.v frre Ra¢a.ds Iona name ono oatmau:m on aajacennanaownera. fTRe adnNory emnmeree members wLo represent area Im~dvwners were most conwrned about this issue.) Grveyr amping would be nmre connolledand rhm Lave fewer POfen(ial impaars (orPereelved impacts) mr the adYm'em mndowrttrs. c) The ruNisary cvmmittee,(lr that vllvwzr{q public nvernigRt camping would Inrvodure too many nddltivnal variables rv a new park with a Im vfuncermintiu (v-y-, Lvel vfuse. er impacts, mana6ament rraudv). ]Ire aovnties aanld rovisl(tNe Wee vfa!(ondnR mdtvidrwi wrrrping after the park becomes more wrabllshed and the rmna8emem issuer have 6cen worked nut. • Cbmmisslouu lawbe: Nomd tha[if Pre[wo wuuties allowed cempivg at the pmk (gmop yr Ivtlivltluvl),weeauld covsltlernv[ vllvwivg campfitts. SrO'a8ree. rhm pmhibitinX Canmhres would sedum slgni/imnQy the threat ffne vn parkpraperN and adjncenrpropertles. TFa cavmies couldProhibir campfsres entirely nr when dry aunditims occur in rhepmk Eno River State Park allows cmnpjires ar its group campsite, but wa at its five individual cam-sires. /ordnn and Fdls Iake allow mnpJires ar fieir individua( puhGc camps¢es, bur RmL Jirrvs during dry per4dx Commissioner Jacobs: Asked staff to gatlsec information on [he potential effects of fishing xntl waling in met nn sensitive plant and animal apecies, each as the rue mussels kvown m exist iv the little River. Smf/hvs comuhedwhhbiplvglsrs' ar the NC Nmura! Ilenmge Prvgwn aml the NCDENR ONision afWmer Qundlry about tNe Pvten(ial lm-acrs on aqu~lc life in the Liv1e Rfver. TLey sold tlmp onerell, mablishing theparkwlll hdp pretea Nre aquatic s-ecies jFom aA+ersa ~ ms assxiatedwtt%Aevelopmwu, pollution and ronA murmaton. TNeY also Bald that Ure anNCi-a[rd levrls frmil use, fiehin8 andwadmg wvuldpose rw adverse effects vn lRe musses and other sexlNVe species. BIVIv8lsts on the park advisory rorrvniuee agreed with that cancluslon. F'ulring could actualty Help with the bolvnce q{aquatic apecies to Me nuts sysmm. • Commissionu Jacobs: Asked aloft fns mace IDformvfion vbwt Ne biking dab rehrenmd m the vdvisory committeereport Dares Ibe club 3vclotle Oravge Covvty residevtsl Ths Durham-Ormrge hfvunrain Bike Organkaliwi (DObH30J Includes 75 mambxrs from Lush coumies. Drs vast jority vfrnembers live within the mwrrs rf Chapel Hill, Carrbgro and the Ciry ofDurhwn. TReirmission is "rv pronwte, 0uild aMmainmin enmmnmenrend RSSOame conservation PO Box 8181 /306-A Revere flpetl NiIISEOrougM1, NC 2Y216 permonere saaminabla, amirarnrremmlr s I and legal rranr m ree exavauiimnarmm~ a."DOMBO represenratives consulted wirA rAe sioJT auendedpark advisory rmrdevs meethrgs, mrd spoke M f vvr uJOur cornminaa report b4(vre bnrR flra Orange and Durhan comrnissimrers. TM1ey ~recred a strong interest in being allowed ro build and maimain bike trails ar 2e Gitt(e River Pnrk • Cammissioner9mwn: Asked i[scoff ha6 aoocul[edamemb«af thestareov local office of dre North Carohna Horse Council. WM1a[ was the natwe of theirinvolvemevt with fie advisoryummiuea? Sr~'cr ruulted with NL'9mre Yorks&RecreNion nsultanrs, Me NC Hare Cuuncil anA otherpark & rearaahon agamias. The NC Horse Caunal Ms appoimed a DarhaMOmnge representmive (Leslie XenrwtlyJ ro assist vse in (rail design mid wrmgemem. Mz Remredy tarnad thenark property with n Viand iarerpresented Ner . .. m fthe siiemrhe LRPAC. Ir was MS. Rermedy'.cnpinivn that the sire rould mnbdare aquasnian use whhaur causing any adverse rnvlromnenraNnrpacrz (8iologlsr on the wmminee did nor ogre m rely wirA that asresesnant) Alrhou8h score 8uidelines recommends minimwr nf5-f0 mfles ofrmiM1 drrfiwted for Aaneback riding, err opportunity exists ro devela-23 miles ofrrai(s on parkpraperiy and an adjaaeny Privately mooed note Thm small sized trail system would likety nor mnm:r eyuesrriunsfium outside Ithe region or immediate neighborMad NeverrM(ess, memhers ofrlw NC Ilpr4e Cnmrci! wauldjvin loco! eyuesnians in asristing Durham aM Orange c unrY sr if in bmh the design rznd mainrenmme nfan aqua man naiLrystem • Commienioaerl30rduo:RequC9rcd malchlfOOnation an thL tlCPi151080oNMrodaW equestrian use. Wnuldriders PUSS rhmagh Ne Vmk or woaltl we provide as uea for laadhrg end unloading horses on sires According to the NC Horse Cowml, &e es antral elenientr}'vr aquevrrian trails are p.operd sign, adegrmre rpaa , dear guidlinrs oral proper mrdnrenance Thvve elemams o.e addressed by the condldons for equestrian use rccommardrd M rho LRPAC Although niwr usr is amidpaud by adjncerdand nenrby aqua why would -au ihrongh Dre-ark a srnaA area for parb'ng mrd untooding Hailers con/dbe Irze(mled in the pmkinR area. ARhauRh the small rrail.rysmm wouldprahahly one correct many riderafivm ethan Sd0 m6u away,a modanng tml(ars would bre more aquira6la ro riders nor owning land in the imnudhue urea o/the park The Ends of(ddtlhes herded m acmnvnodrere horsebackriding solaria a naiim -mking/unloadin8area, a dedimted Mrse nail netwo.k and signage. Ifrhe roumiea are uccessfW H obmnring an enr a8ra with rFe adfamm landawn q the eerimmed startup wsr of facihrles and consnurnan u less than $5,000. Ifnai the park property by irsalfwouldnor have enough suIIable areal'vreubllohorsr trails. Lace] aquevrrimu have organised a groap that Is wiping ro asnn stag4n the devrlopmenl and_rrreimenmme n(erails. Envlronmenl antl fleswnae COnserveflon PO X28181 /3o6~A flevere floatl Hillsborough, NC2]2]B ry19i 245-258] Commissioner HulkioHs: Good parka M1ave good aignage, The Little Rivev Petk shodd • hove high quality eigve that advise pwple drat there ere ewsitlve arose (e.g. rare plain apw,ca)ov na'Gmaaaa areas k~~poiaa ixy)matenoam be avoin°n The Orange and Dur7mn comUy st ~plmr. to develop signs tMt wNl guiAe the Publio m vallab(efci(id., andpoinrs ofinteresn (na m(and catzuralJ loeatedwithxn the park SlSrus wdlt also wnor people ofarry hozmds or potential problem areas to be avoldeA. A Retailed sl8n Plan will be Prepared arPmt ofihe ParkYlarmin8 stage ord will be presented m the eomrrelssloners for theirapproval. • Commissioner Gordon: Both counties may need to hold off ov allowing horsebackriding wlthly Ne pazk anth additional laude or eascmwts havebccv swvtW. Ifrke Orange and Durhran boa.As ofwmmissbners n8ree ihN homebark ddlivg is an a[(awable use (per eondilions inch as those recommended by park aaLisory commitleeJ, awf(wtll Purse an access easemene agreement with dm adjacent landowner rho[ Nos exprcsseAimercst in such anarr8emene The-roposul agreunem wnu[d allow members afthe Iwrseback ridutg public ro use an exisMaR tmil rhmerosses she-rivare property and loops Ruck into &c park Area eyuesaians have offered to he[P mminrain r6e trail to help er~reepark rules aman8sl themselvesaMenm.a shot they remin Hrep.ivdege f sing the pink horeehack riding • Comu er Gordon: The pmposedm ands of agreemrnt(MOAs)witM1 aqueatnan and ac mevntaly bikc gmvps vccdro specify tlmt [lolls wN wmaln open to the public evd thew group huv nn xpeciallexdueive nghls m seethe uafls. The Orage mid Durham smjr"xnuldwurk with bvAcounry auamevs to devaloP draft MOAs for review and approval oftlra OrmyBe aM Durham commissioners andoll atMr pm(iev involved TM ugreemems would idenafp spa fc roles mW responsi6iiities, bin would tint Provide anY sPedaUexrlusive ri8l¢s ra anY-ary Envlronmantantl Resource Conservation P09ox 8181 /3116A Revere Road Hll&bomuBh.rNC2JD8 ~ 10 MaryMn CHlaek ' ~ ]oeW OOwaee Go m,on _ 9D[ wtl Plaue 9WO DNVeulry Dtlve 9u¢A ~ H ,NC 2nm Dw nm C 9903 . Fm d bw'su@meW,Mm amml. Mark®[o aamamor..~. mle~w. Reeenow COUNTY OF DURHAM ?hillp R. ca~.m r. w=.~cml,,,~^ BOARD OF CObIMISSIONERS [VY WGanghwn Dnv, NC 3 D n ~, em. nru.>al D~mm2 ec n3os 6 Ma1C ere[kM1Ow®wl.wm Duty p1 I I W351(otlvY RV J 9C 2]3V5 snL,~rHamm~®omrmx,a NorW Cerollna Dmham cmmty CERTIFICATION 1, OARRY E. 1 .MSTBAD, C~iQ Clerk to the 9ovrd of Camry Cvmmusioners far Durham Cowty, being &st duty sworn, do hereby certify that the aftmhed is a tme and azcmvte wpy of the "Recommendaeevs ov Allowed Uses m the Linle River Regional Park and Natural Area, Exewtive Summary" whicM1 wus approved by the Umham County Board of Commissioners az its RcgWar Sessiun M1eld an August 2], 2001. The Commissioners, in their motion, aLw directed staff to proceed with the .election process for bidders fur cov ptuW and sire dasigv and eotlwrtzed stuffto work with Orange Cowty to develop a draft ivtulocW agcemcnt for park mamlgemmt fm the Boazd's review at a Pohue mmtivg. The motion carried umtwmously. Wl"CNE33 my lwnd uvd wtpmate seal of Dmham Cowtyy this 12m dey of Soptombeg zoo;. (SEAL) _!~ Mr2' GARRY E. "fE.1D,CMC clerk m the b of County Commissioners 3wom to evd subscribed b~ re me th~isp(~ 12"' day of~jSeptember, 2001. UryM,. _ ill ~Nd _ Nnmry Public ! My Commission expires: ~d~_ Attachment 11 Little River Regioval Park antl dalural Area Prioritized Lis[ of Proposed Facilities Plarmed impmvanents fonhc LiNC Rfvcr Pmk will bo rnado with a $2fi$000 gran[ fiom the Land and blazer Conservutien Pund (LWCF). The f0110wing improvamm[a and fecilltles wac idcvtificd In tho RYCP grant applicatloa Ac the regaast of Me Orange COUmy BOCC, s[efP hea argatdzed these items in pdodty order avd voted the estlmatetl am[ of each clcmcvt. The LWCF grant indades $62,000 [Or the potential acgaiaifiov o[ 12 acres from an adjoivmg property for improved ¢vl aeccse_ the lavdowvrxe have said they will not ull Ue land, bat mdta as ivreteated developing an easement agreement fnrexpanding public equesMw VMIs Ihmugh proem property and beak into thepark. Staff has dlseuaecd roallocedng the $42,ODD for other park improvrmenta, such as say addid0~W Paz;ilitiee neeAed for provitling eyacstnan tails and muunlein Mks trulx. 1. Site PlanningVeuBiveeriv8 $IQ,UW 2 ParkcuVmceand security $IO,~flfl lice prepazation - et[ucnuee decunatmdinnlrelmatinn - signage (enttavice, boundary) very ga¢ fencing - Iandscapiv8 avd buffering J. P.naancerosd $20,000 (18 feet wido, gavep 6. Parkivglot end walkwaye* $20,Ofp (20 spews; permeable/hard surface; walkweya linking parking to mevoomWahdta) 5. PieNp area $9,2110 - shelter and pwl" - Mbley golly trssNmcycWg mwpmclcs 6. Reatmnm facilities• $55,000 - toilet bldg. w/septic draw field - wnu edning ens instanmion - water mnntain ]. Signage (trails, interpretive, hazards, ocher) $ 8,000 8. Play meadow (alcafivp/swding) $3,000 12 9. Tr:dl impmvcmems $20,000 - wvter burs vnd ball¢rdc - culvctts a[ stream croseings regrading 10. TaVl develapmmt $L0,000 - hiking Vats - slrcamcrossings - mow[ain bike Vane - wae6vi¢n hvls ll. Playgrowd* $25,(Nq l2 l.bnd acguifiltlon (12 aCi06J 2-000 $262,000 Theaovssmcsed faNitlan(parking lov, msVOOxaa, plwic shWhr and playgroond)will be bails in compliance with ADA s[evdfirds. O~angc County FRCP 9/I l/Ol Little River Regional Park antl Natural Area Issues [o be Addressetl In Proposed Interlowl Agreement behveen Orange County antl Durham County Durham County and Orange County have acquiretl jointly a 391-acre property for the Little River Regional Park and Natural Area (255 acres in Durham; 136 acres in Orange). Acquisition antl development of the park is a cooperative project among the partners Durham County, Orange County, the Triangle Land Conservancy and me Eno River Association. The park will be tlevelopetl with a $262,000 grant from the federal Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) and is expectetl to be open to the public by ORober 2002. The regional park will be jointly owned and managed by Orange and Durham counties. An interlowl agreement between Durham and Orange counties will be tlevelopetl ro help address the following issues concerning the joint ownership, development, and management of the park. Park Name-the formal name of the park Is the L/tt/e Po"ver Regiona/Park and Natura/Area for use in signage, brochures, publicity, etc. The shorter name, Little Piver Park, may also be used In some rases when deemed appropriate. Facilities Naming and Recognition- a policy and procedure for the naming or dedication of park facilities in attordance with criteria will be developed and approved by both county boards (e.g., halls, picnic shelter, etc.). Ownership and Use-the park property will continue to be ownetl as separate parcels held by each county by fee simple title and available for a variety of public uses agreed upon by both coundes antl subject [o limitations imposed by state/federal grants used to purchase and develop the park. Park Advisory Committee -the agreement will propose the formation of a long- term advisory commi¢ce to provitle help guide county staff In the operation antl maintenance of [he park, and to make rewmmentlatlons to the county boartls of commissioners. Staff envisions this group meeting quarterly or twice yeatly. (This committee woultl be tlifferent from Ne current atl hoc commRtee set up tp advise on park uses antl park tlevelppment.] Regulations-the agreement will describe the process far adoption and amendment of park policies, fees, rules and regulations. Staff anticipates that both county boartls will adopt park regulations in atlvance of the park opening. Park Development-the agreement will describe the roles antl responsibilities for the inital posting of signs, trail development, haurds removal, supervision of volunteers antl provision of direction to contracrors tluring park facilities development Because Orange County Is administering the LWCP grant and mast facilities are to be loratetl on Orange County property, staff anticipates Orange County inking the lead role in contracting park development Operation and Maintenance-the agreement will describe the roles antl responsibilities far park staffing, park monimring/oversight, rules enforcement, opening/closing of gate(s), opening/dosing of trails (e.g., inclement weather), public information, supervision of volunteers, etc. Also, for maintalning grounds and buildings/ struchues, including mowing, trash pick-up, restrooms, repairs, etc. Because Orange County has a parks department and Durham County does not, staff antldpates Orange County taking the leatl role in park management. Security and Public Safety - [he agreement will describe the roles and responsibilities for the health antl safety of visitors, emergenry response, response ro theft, atljacent landowner needs, etc. The agreement will specify which county will take the leatl role In these areas, depending the outwme of a meeting(s) yet to be heltl with both county managers in consultation with local law enforcement and emergency response entities. There will need to be reciprocal agreements between both jurisdictions for the handling of these matters on park property located across county lines. Budget-the agreement will specify each county's share of funding for park development, operation antl maintenance. Staff recommentls a 50-50 cost sharing arrangement. The roles and responsibilities for [he handling of paymentr, revenues, reports, audits, and insurance will also be atltlressetl. Duatlon -Me agreement will specify a periatl of time covered by the agreement and the process far agreement renewal and termination. The ezpec[adon of bath coundes Is to review [he agreement annually. Staff recommentls the initial agreement being effective until lone 30, 200]. The Durham and Orange county Staff In consultation with the county managers antl county attorneys are tleveloping a draft interlocal agreement. The tlraft agreement will be presented to the Durham and Orange county commissioners for consideration antl approval.