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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPRC meeting summary 12072022 Draft Meeting Summary—Parks and Recreation Council December 7th, 2022 Bonnie B. Davis Environment and Agricultural Center- Hillsborough,NC Members Present: Gina Reyman(Chair), Mikki Fleming (Vice-Chair) Jessie Birckhead(Via Zoom), Becca Truluck, Xilong Zhao, Natalie Ziemba, Chris Colvin,Andrea Zimmerman, Greg Hughes, Tim Tippin. Members Absent: Rod Jones, Bob Smith Staff: David Stancil, Kalani Allen, Beth Young Chair Gina Reyman called the meeting to order at 6:30pm. She asked members to introduce themselves and what they like to see nature wise in Orange County. Review of Meeting Summary/Additions to Agenda: a. No changes or additions were noted to meeting summary, along with the agenda. The Council accepted the meeting summary from November 2nd meeting. Report of the Chair: a. Reyman had no updates or report. New Business: a. Chair/Vice-Chair Elections—Reyman opened the floor for nominations for Vice- Chair. She nominated current Vice-Chair Mikki Fleming with Tim Tippin seconding the nomination. With the vote of 8-0 in favor of Fleming, she was elected to serve another term as Vice-Chair. Reyman opened the floor for Chair nomination. Chris Colvin moved to nominate Reyman for another term and Xilong Zhao seconded the nomination. A vote was taken with 8-0 for unanimous assent for her to serve another term. b. 2022 Annual Report/Work Plan-The history of the yearly report and work plan that each County advisory board delivers to the BOCC was provided by David Stancil. The report lists the board's accomplishments from the previous year as well as the projects it plans to start in the following one. The Council has made progress on the Mountains to Sea Trail in the past year, co-sponsored the annual Nature of Orange Photography Contest, visited a new mini park site, and reviewed financing recommendations from Outside Agencies that pertain to recreational activities, among other things. Reyman asked about collaboration relationships mentioned in the work plan. Stancil reviewed that section and mentioned that member Jessie Birckhead serves as Vice-Chair on the Commission for the Environment and Colvin serves as the PRC liaison on the Intergovernmental Parks Work group. The Council discussed in depth the activities it wishes to carry out in 2023. Activities they wish to carry out include the Mid-Plan Review of the 2030 Parks and Recreation Master Plan,plan the scope of work for a Bicycle, Pedestrian and Trails Plan for Orange County,promote activities toward trail recreation and development, and continue to review and provide advice towards the development of the Mountains to Sea Trail. Stancil also discussed the concerns and emerging issues section in the report. These included the Central Recreation Center's age and the emergence of a potential new center,pickleball and outdoor court expansion, as this recreation activity is popular among county residents. Members asked questions related to tennis/pickleball courts, such as how often the courts are resurfaced and lined. Discussion around the Orange Sportsplex and whether that can be considered a County facility was brought up by Greg Hughes. Stancil briefly explained the Sportsplex's history as well as the nature of the management company's relationship. Hughes also brought up that the schools were not included on the collaboration section of the work plan. Stancil said that could be an addition and gave background on the relationship DEAPR and the school system have regarding facility usage. Natalie Ziemba mentioned the addition of public pool access and asked where that would fit into the work plan. c. Great Trails State Coalition- Stancil explained that the year 2023 is designated as the Year of the Trail in North Carolina. The Great Trails Coalition is the organization at the forefront of this campaign. He said that there are plans to have Orange County join the coalition and he will present this to the board in the new year. He explained various groups that are involved in the Coalition such as Friends of the Mountain to Sea Trail, and other County and town jurisdictions. Andrea Zimmerman moved that the Council send a message of support to have Orange County join the Coalition and Ziemba seconded the motion. All members voted in favor to send support to join the Coalition. Beth Young, DEAPR Communications Manager explained some ideas staff plan to do during the Year of the Trail campaign such as hikes and promoting Orange County Trails. d. P&R Master Plan 2030—Brainstorming Session #3 Recommendations 5-9- Stancil conducted the next brainstorming session for the review of the Parks and Recreation 2030 Master Plan. Recommendations five through nine include the development of the Orange County segment of the Mountains to Sea Trail (MST), build more trails and connect open spaces, and improvement to access to parks, and adding programs residents have identified as a need. He reviewed the focus areas of the MST and easements included in the master plan for MST. This bullet point was a topic of discussion around recommendation#6: Build More Trails, and Connect Open Spaces. Stancil spoke about transportation access in Orange County and how it relates to park accessibility. He mentioned that possibly the Orange County Transportation Director might be asked to come speak to the Council in the new year. The discussion ended with the Council agreeing to invite the Transportation Director to attend a future meeting. Old Business: a. Recommendation for Second Youth Delegate Member—Reyman asked if members had any changes to the letter drafted for a second youth delegate. There were no changes per members and a vote was taken. Becca Truluck moved approval of the letter and Zimmerman seconded. All members voted in favor of sending the letter. Stancil also notified members that Sophia Fratta was approved as the first youth delegate at the previous night's BOCC meeting. Reyman reminded staff of new member orientation to be held at 6:00pm on February 1st. b. Approval of 2023 Calendar-Reyman went over the 2023 calendar. Zimmerman raised the question of whether the Council can meet more often in Chapel Hill. Zimmerman moved that the Council meet in Chapel Hill more in the year 2023 with Zhao seconded the motion. Reyman asked how many meetings the Council would like to have in Chapel Hill. Zimmerman said she'd like to see two more additional meetings in Chapel Hill. Reyman asked staff if there were any concerns with meeting in the Town. Staff explained facility reservation policy and also limitations of Zoom access. Reyman proposed that new meeting dates would be February I", September 6th in Chapel Hill if available. All members in attendance voted in favor to change meeting dates for February and September to a Chapel Hill location. Report of the Director- a. Updates- Stancil gave a review of the status of Blackwood farm and potential soft opening date. b. February Meeting Plans—Annual report/Workplan, Mid-Plan review recommendations #8 and#9. Council and Committee Reports: a. intergovernmental Parks Work Group (next mtg April 12) b. Items from the Council-none c. Sharing of Volunteer Opportunities- none Adjournment: Reyman adjourned meeting at 8:08 pm. Next Meeting: February 1, 6:30pm, Animal Services Center Meeting Room.