HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda - 04-08-2025; 9 - Orange County Parks and Recreation – Appointment Discussion 1
ORANGE COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT
Meeting Date: April 8, 2025
Action Agenda
Item No. 9
SUBJECT: Parks and Recreation Council —Appointment Discussion
DEPARTMENT: Board of Commissioners
ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT:
Recommendation Clerk's Office, 919-245-2130
Member and Applicant Summary Sheet
Application of Person Recommended
Applications of Other Eligible Applicants
Membership Roster
Applicant Interest List
Annual Work Plan
PURPOSE: To discuss an appointment to the Parks and Recreation Council.
BACKGROUND: The Parks and Recreation Council consults with and advises the Department
of Environment, Agriculture, Parks and Recreation, and the Board of County Commissioners on
matters affecting parks planning, development and operation; recreation facilities, policies and
programs; and public trails and open space.
The Board of County Commissioners appoints all twelve (12) members with representatives
from each of the County's townships plus its municipalities, as well as two (2) non-voting youth
delegates.
The following individual is recommended for Board consideration:
NAME POSITION TYPE OF EXPIRATION
DESCRIPTION APPOINTMENT DATE
TERM
Margaret Chapel Hill Township Partial Term 03/31/2026
Moriarty
If the individual listed above is appointed, no vacancies remain.
FINANCIAL IMPACT: There is no financial impact associated with this item.
ALIGNMENT WITH STRATEGIC PLAN: There are no Orange County Strategic Plan Goals
applicable to this item.
RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends that the Board discuss an appointment to
the Parks and Recreation Council.
2
CuwW e w J a & and J9&xAeatwn eotawd
PO Box 8181, 1020 US HWY 70 W, Hillsborough, NC (919) 245-2510
March 13th, 2025
Board of County Commissioners
PO Box 8181
Hillsborough,NC 27278
Re: Recommended Appointment
The Orange County Parks and Recreation Council(PRC) discussed the Chapel Hill Township vacancy
(seat#7),at their meeting on March 5, and recommends that applicant Margaret Moriarty be appointed
to the Chapel Hill Township position previously held by Andrea Zimmerman.
Thank you for your consideration of this appointment.
Sincerely,
Natalie Ziemba, Chair
Parks and Recreation Council
Copies: Parks and Recreation Council
David Stancil,DEAPR Director
3
Orange County Parks and Recreation Council Board Members and Applicants
Name Member or Applicant? Gender Identity Race/Ethnic Background Age Range Township Also Serves on
Benjamin King Member Male White 18-34 Chapel Hill
Kristofer Cason Member Male White 35-59 Chapel Hill
Natalie C.Ziemba Member Female White 18-34 Hillsborough
Xilong Zhao Member Male Asian American 35-59 Chapel Hill
Gregory Husketh Member Male White 35-59 Hillsborough
Allen B.Parker Member Male White 35-59 Cheeks
Robert Zurek Member Male White 60+ Eno
Louise Flinn Member Female White 35-59 Bingham
Alissa Martucci Member Female Other 35-59 Hillsborough
Shahnaz GiGi Rashdi Member Female Asian American 60+ Eno Advisory Board on Aging
Trevor Robinson Member Choose not to disclose Other 18-34 Eno
Chloe Reid Youth Delegate Female White 13-17 Chapel Hill
Navya Sharma Youth Delegate Female Other 13-17 Chapel Hill
VACANT
Brock Bromberger Applicant Male White 13-17 Chapel Hill
John Brown Applicant Male White 35-59 Chapel Hill
Jody Eimers Applicant Female White 60+ Eno
Matthew Ferguson Applicant Male White 18-34 Bingham Affordable Housing Advisory Board
Commission for the Environment
Conrad Kline Applicant Male Asian American 13-17 Chapel Hill
Segev Leitner Applicant Male White 13-17 Chapel Hill
Craig Lloyd Applicant Male White 35-59 Cheeks Chapel Hill Orange County Visitors Bureau
Advisory Board
Aum Menon Applicant Male Asian American 13-17 Chapel Hill
Margaret Moriarty Applicant Female White 18-34 Chapel Hill
Acharan Narula Applicant Male Asian American 60+ Chapel Hill
Henry Nysewander Applicant Male White 13-17 Chapel Hill
Gene Owen Applicant Male White 60+ Chapel Hill Orange Unified Transportation Board
Kai.i Rashad Applicant Male Other 18-34 Cheeks Orange Unified Transportation Board
Gary Sawhney Applicant Male Asian American 60+ Chapel Hill
William Totten Applicant Male White 60+ Eno Agricultural Preservation Board
Mark Turner Applicant Male White 35-59 Chapel Hill
Jossie Zhong lApplicant Female Other 13-17 lChapel Hill
4
Page 1 of 2 Margaret Moriarty
Volunteer Application
Orange County Advisory Boards and Commissions
Name: Ms. Margaret Moriarty
Name Called:
Home Address: 327 Glendale Dr.
Chapel Hill NC 27514
Phone: 571-228-8394
Email: maggie.moriarty21 @gmail.com
Year of OC Residence: 2014
Township of Residence: Chapel Hill
Zone of Residence: C.H. City Limits
Gender Identity: Female
Ethnic Background: White
Age Range: 18-34
Community Activities/Organizational Memberships:
None. I am interested in volunteering with the Chapel Hill Orange County Visitors Bureau
Advisory Board because of my personal and professional background. I have my BA from
the University of Virginia in Economics and an MBA with a Marketing Management focus
from NC State. I have 7 years professional experience in marketing. I love living in Chapel
Hill and am now at a place in my personal life and career where I would like to become
more involved in community organizations.
Past Service on Orange County Advisory Boards:
None
Boards/Commissions applied for:
Chapel Hill Orange County Visitors Bureau Advisory Board
Please explain how your background, education and experience is relevant to this board
My undergraduate degree is in Economics from the University of Virginia and I have an MBA
with Marketing focus from NC State, as well as 7 years professional experience in marketing.
Please explain your reasons for wanting to serve on this board
I have lived in Chapel Hill for over 10 years and would love to work to promote Orange County to
both visitors and residents.
How would your particpation on this board contribute to the diversity of viewpoints?
I believe that my educational background and professional experience as a marketing & sales
professional for global organizations would contribute to the board.
Do you have any personal or business interest(s) that could create a conflict of interest
(either real or perceived) if you are appointed to this board?
Orange County Parks and Recreation Council
Please explain how your background, education and experience is relevant to this board
5
Page 2 of 2 Margaret Moriarty
I have lived in Chapel Hill for over 10 years and am a frequent user of the parks and trails in
Orange County for my personal use (I am an avid walker& long-distance runner) as well as with
my family(2 year old daughter and expecting baby#2 in January 2025).
Please explain your reasons for wanting to serve on this board
I would like to be a part of this board to ensure that Orange County s parks and recreation
resources are well-maintained, promoted, and continue to grow and succeed.
How would your particpation on this board contribute to the diversity of viewpoints?
I believe that my experience as an Orange County resident for over 10 years who is a frequent
and passionate user of the local parks makes me a valuable contributor to this board.
Do you have any personal or business interest(s)that could create a conflict of interest
(either real or perceived) if you are appointed to this board?
Chapel Hill Parks, Greenways and Recreation Commission
Please explain how your background, education and experience is relevant to this board
I have lived in Chapel Hill for over 10 years and am a frequent user of the parks and trails in
Orange County for my personal use (I am an avid walker& long-distance runner) as well as with
my family(2 year old daughter and expecting baby#2 in January 2025).
Please explain your reasons for wanting to serve on this board
I would like to be a part of this board to ensure that Orange County s parks, greenways, and
recreation resources are well-maintained, promoted, and continue to grow and succeed.
How would your particpation on this board contribute to the diversity of viewpoints?
I believe that my experience as an Orange County resident for over 10 years who is a frequent
and passionate user of the local parks and greenways makes me a valuable contributor to this
board.
Do you have any personal or business interest(s) that could create a conflict of interest
(either real or perceived) if you are appointed to this board?
Boards/Commissions appointments:
Other Comments:
This application was current on: 11/6/2024 6:50:09 PM Date Printed: 11/7/2024
6
Page 1 of 2 John Brown
Volunteer Application
Orange County Advisory Boards and Commissions
Name: Mr. John Brown
Name Called:
Home Address: 5900 Mount Sinai Rd.
Durham NC 27705
Phone: 860-993-9354
Email: JJBrown0058@att.net
Year of OC Residence: 2023
Township of Residence: Chapel Hill
Zone of Residence: County
Gender Identity: Male
Ethnic Background: White
Age Range: 35-59
Community Activities/Organizational Memberships:
Member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Connecticut/Lodge #19.
Past Service on Orange County Advisory Boards:
None
Boards/Commissions applied for:
Orange County Planning Board
Please explain how your background, education and experience is relevant to this board
I have been working in IT organizations for several large businesses for over 30 years. This
work has allowed me to develop interpersonal communication and project management skills, as
well as fundamental understanding of what it means to be part of a team to be successful. My
BBA degree is Finance, and my MBA is in Marketing.
Please explain your reasons for wanting to serve on this board
I have been interested in being more involved in my community for a while. This led me to join
the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks when I lived in Connecticut. When my wife and I moved
back to her hometown (Durham)we built our home on her great grandparents' property, I have
been looking for a way to be more involved with our community.
How would your particpation on this board contribute to the diversity of viewpoints?
While my extended family has deep roots to the area, I bring a newcomer's perspective to work
for the future of our community. I recognize and appreciate the importance of traditions, as they
are the ribbons that tie one generation to the next.
Do you have any personal or business interest(s)that could create a conflict of interest
(either real or perceived) if you are appointed to this board?
Historic Preservation Commission
Please explain how your background, education and experience is relevant to this board
7
Page 2 of 2 John Brown
While living in Connecticut, I volunteered for the state chapter of the National History Day
committee. I participated as a judge for high school students submission for the state wide
competition and submission to the national competition. I am very passionate about history and
I feel this passion would be beneficial to the committee.
Please explain your reasons for wanting to serve on this board
I enjoy history and believe that by preserving it for future generations is a window to our past
(right or wrong) and a lighthouse to our future.
How would your particpation on this board contribute to the diversity of viewpoints?
By being someone new to this part of our country, I would absorb the history of orange county.
Then from that perspective would contribute to what a visitor or new resident would like to learn
about their new community.
Fun fact, until I moved here, I didn t know about the Orange County Speedway and how Mr.
France wanted to build his next superspeedway here.
Also I didn t know that General Sherman accepted the remaining Confederate Army surrender at
Bennett Place.
Do you have any personal or business interest(s)that could create a conflict of interest
(either real or perceived) if you are appointed to this board?
Orange County Parks and Recreation Council
Please explain how your background, education and experience is relevant to this board
As child growing up, our town s park and recreation department provided a lot fun experiences to
me. While I am today a more passive participant(Pickleball and Golf), I believe that the county s
investment plays a big role in developing people and our community.
Please explain your reasons for wanting to serve on this board
Really just looking to more involved and since I do participate in Pickleball program, I would like
give back some of my time.
How would your particpation on this board contribute to the diversity of viewpoints?
As a new resident, I would bring that perspective to the committee.
Do you have any personal or business interest(s)that could create a conflict of interest
(either real or perceived) if you are appointed to this board?
Boards/Commissions appointments:
Other Comments:
This application was current on: 7/9/2024 5:53:20 PM Date Printed: 7/12/2024
8
Page 1 of 2 Acharan Narula
Volunteer Application
Orange County Advisory Boards and Commissions
Name: Prof. Dr. Acharan Narula
Name Called:
Home Address: 107 Boulder Bluff Trail
Chapel Hill NC 27516
Phone: 919-967-7621
Email: anarula1 @nc.rr.com
Year of OC Residence: 1972
Township of Residence: Chapel Hill
Zone of Residence: County
Gender Identity: Male
Ethnic Background: Asian American
Age Range: 60+
Community Activities/Organizational Memberships:
Participation as a member for:
Hindu Society of North Carolina,Morrisville, NC
Ramakrishna Vedanta Society of North Carolina, Morrisville, NC
Sikh Guridwara of North Carolina, Durham, NC
Past Service on Orange County Advisory Boards:
None
Boards/Commissions applied for:
Orange County Parks and Recreation Council
Please explain how your background, education and experience is relevant to this board
I am now 81 years of age and I love Parks. I am a member of NC Arboretum, Asheville, NC.
With my+55 years of research experience in Organic Chemistry, Natural Products, Biology,
Medicine and medicinal plants, I can contribute positively to the objectives of Orange County
Parks and Recreation Council.
Please explain your reasons for wanting to serve on this board
To learn something new. I am committed to learning something new every day. If only people
understood that education is the manifestation of perfection already in man, we will enjoy nature
more than people do it today. I believe I can make the difference!
How would your particpation on this board contribute to the diversity of viewpoints?
I have lived in India, France, Australia and now in the USA. Therefore, I can bring ideas that
command universal respect to honor nature.
Do you have any personal or business interest(s) that could create a conflict of interest
(either real or perceived) if you are appointed to this board?
Boards/Commissions appointments:
9
Page 2 of 2 Acharan Narula
Other Comments:
This application was current on: 3/26/2024 9:25:08 PM Date Printed: 3/27/2024
10
Page 1 of 3 Gene Owen
Volunteer Application
Orange County Advisory Boards and Commissions
Name: Mr. Gene Owen
Name Called:
Home Address: 508 Bennett Orchard Trail
Chapel Hill NC 27516
Phone: 832-794-0168
Email: oilbunk@swbell.net
Year of OC Residence: 2022
Township of Residence: Chapel Hill
Zone of Residence: County
Gender Identity: Male
Ethnic Background: White
Age Range: 60+
Community Activities/Organizational Memberships:
have not yet joined any organizations, but am starting to look at some.
Past Service on Orange County Advisory Boards:
None
Boards/Commissions applied for:
Orange Unified Transportation Board
Please explain how your background, education and experience is relevant to this board
I am a retired senior executive from the energy industry with over 40 years of experience in that
field. I was involved in such issues as strategic planning, budgeting , HR and P/L responsibility
for my company. Part of my business mandate included the operational and logistical aspect of
moving commodities by a variety of modes of transportation.
Early in my career I was involved in Transportation planning, from an energy conservation point
of view, for a state agency in New Jersey.
My graduate studies was in Urban Planning and I wrote and studied, a long time ago, the
possible impact of what is now known as "work from home" on the need to invest in
transportation infrastructure
Please explain your reasons for wanting to serve on this board
I have only been living in Chapel Hill for a little over a year. I have become aware of the intense
interest among citizens throughout Orange County that growth needs to be thoughtfully planned
out and implemented with the goal to providing a balance between the need to support economic
growth and maintaining a high quality of living for residents, employers and employees.
How would your particpation on this board contribute to the diversity of viewpoints?
I have lived in areas that have been highly dependent on the automobile as the only means of
transit (Texas for over 30 years and the NY metropolitan area) and have seen and experienced
both good and bad aspects of Transportation planning and how communities are impacted. I
believe that I can bring am impartial point of view to discussions and look to help achieve
consensus on the issues that are brought to the board. I am looking forward to being more
informed about local issues and would like to add my voice to the discussions.
11
Page 2 of 3 Gene Owen
Do you have any personal or business interest(s)that could create a conflict of interest
(either real or perceived) if you are appointed to this board?
I do not have any real or perceived personal or business conflicts of interest if I am appointed to
this board.
Orange County Parks and Recreation Council
Please explain how your background, education and experience is relevant to this board
I have recently retired from a career in the Energy industry. I held a series of senior executive
positions where I deal with such issues as strategic planning, budgeting, financial planning,
investment decision making among other things. I attended graduate school at NYU in the1070's
and have a degree in Urban Planning. However, my career was not focused on Urban planning,
but I developed analytical skills that benefited me through out my work career.
Please explain your reasons for wanting to serve on this board
I have only been living in Chapel Hill for a little over a year after spending the last 30 plus years
living in the Houston, Tx area.. One of the reasons my wife and I moved to this area is the
abundance of places to go to enjoy outdoor activities. I would appreciate the opportunity to be
involved in.
How would your particpation on this board contribute to the diversity of viewpoints?
Being from outside the area and comin from a part of the country that did not have a robust
planning function for Parks and Recreation, i can appreciate the opportunity to participate in the
planning process.
Also being new to the area, I have no particular bias as to what is a good or bad proposal, and
can look at issues with fresh eyes and an "outsiders:" perspective. I however, I am keen to move
from being an uninformed outsider to an engaged local citizen.
Do you have any personal or business interest(s)that could create a conflict of interest
(either real or perceived) if you are appointed to this board?
I do not have any real or perceived personal or business conflicts of interest if I am appointed to
this board.
Orange Water&Sewer Authority Board of Directors
1. Please describe, generally, your reasons for wanting to serve on the OWASA Board of
Directors.
A long time ago I pursued a career in the Urban Planning field. I have always been interested in
understanding the issues that result in development of an area. One area that has significant
impact on development is water and sewer resources. I am new to the area and would like to
help in guiding the use of this valuable resource.
2a. Please list/explain your experience, either professionally and/or from other
boards/commissions that you have in the areas of budget, personnel, and management.
I have not served on any boards, but I was the President/CEO of a division of an international
company for many years. In that position I dealt with all issues in running a business, from
budgeting, HR, career development, collaboration with other divisions of my company,
marketing, etc.
2b. In addition to the experience listed in the question above, please list the
work/volunteer experience/qualifications that would add to your expertise for this board.
I did volunteer work in Houston, TX for the SBA after I retired. This ended with the start of the
Covid pandemic. I always like to hear different points of view regarding a problem or issue and
strive to find consensus in making my decisions. I also am very familiar with quality and quantity
testing which was very important to my job and is very critical to water quality and wastewater
treatment strategies
12
Page 3 of 3 Gene Owen
3. What do you understand OWASA's role to be regarding issues of growth and
development?
Long term planning of water resources in Orange County. This is not just drinking water and
other non potable water, but also wastewater management
4. What do do you hope to accomplish if appointed?
Bring experience in running a very complicated business. Giving back to the community in a way
that is both fair and balanced
5. Please indicate your availability to attend regularly scheduled meetings.
I should be available at that time on a regular basis
6. How would your participation on this board contribute to the diversity of viewpoints?
Being new to the area I would hope that I can bring an objective point of view to issues and long
term plans that fall under the purview of the Board
Boards/Commissions appointments:
Other Comments:
This application was current on: 12/1/2023 5:11:45 PM Date Printed: 1/2/2024
13
Page 1 of 2 Gary Sawhney
Volunteer Application
Orange County Advisory Boards and Commissions
Name: Mr. Gary Sawhney
Name Called:
Home Address: 3700 High Meadow Rd.
Chapel hill NC 27514
Phone: 919-536-8877
Email: Gary.sawhney@gmail.com
Year of OC Residence: 2003
Township of Residence: Chapel Hill
Zone of Residence: County
Gender Identity: Male
Ethnic Background: Asian American
Age Range: 60+
Community Activities/Organizational Memberships:
I' m co-founder of NCIAP.org which is a non profit organization helping and providing
hassle free health care to non insured and under insured. I am CFO of this organization
which started 13 years ago. We have 2 clinic which sees more than 5000 patients per
year.
I'm involved with habitat of Orange County.
I am working with religious Sikh and Hindu temples.
Past Service on Orange County Advisory Boards:
None
Boards/Commissions applied for:
Orange County Planning Board
Please explain how your background, education and experience is relevant to this board
I have masters in life sciences and mba in finance.
I have some ideas what can be done which can improve the life of Orange County residence.
I am cofounder of Nclap.org which serves NC community for last 13 years without health
insurance or under insured.
Please explain your reasons for wanting to serve on this board
I just retired and wants to give back to the community.
How would your particpation on this board contribute to the diversity of viewpoints?
With background of Indian origin and Sikh believes can help and add the value to the board.
Do you have any personal or business interest(s)that could create a conflict of interest
(either real or perceived) if you are appointed to this board?
Orange County Parks and Recreation Council
14
Page 2 of 2 Gary Sawhney
Please explain how your background, education and experience is relevant to this board
I have masters in life sciences and mba in finance.
I have some ideas what can be done which can improve the life of Orange County residence.
I am cofounder of Nclap.org which serves NC community for last 13 years without health
insurance or under insured.
Please explain your reasons for wanting to serve on this board
I just retired and wants to give back to the community.
How would your particpation on this board contribute to the diversity of viewpoints?
With background of Indian origin and Sikh believes can help and add the value to the board.
Do you have any personal or business interest(s)that could create a conflict of interest
(either real or perceived) if you are appointed to this board?
Boards/Commissions appointments:
Other Comments:
This application was current on: 8/7/2024 9:36:27 AM Date Printed: 8/21/2024
15
Page 1 of 2 Mark Turner
Volunteer Application
Orange County Advisory Boards and Commissions
Name: Mark Turner
Name Called:
Home Address: 411 Robin Rd.
Chapel Hill NC 27516
Phone: 919-328-0179
Email: mturner1167@gmail.com
Year of OC Residence: 1993
Township of Residence: Chapel Hill
Zone of Residence: County
Gender Identity: Male
Ethnic Background: White
Age Range: 35-59
Community Activities/Organizational Memberships:
Volunteer tutor with the Orange County Literacy Council. Member of NC State Bar.
Past Service on Orange County Advisory Boards:
none
Boards/Commissions applied for:
Orange County Parks and Recreation Council
Please explain how your background, education and experience is relevant to this board
As a lawyer, I understand the necessity to gather facts, compile arguments, and persuade
people in order to build consensus around a course of action.
Please explain your reasons for wanting to serve on this board
I am a long-time user of Orange County's outdoor greenspace, including parks and trails and
want to see them improved and expanded in order to keep Orange County an appealing place to
live.
How would your particpation on this board contribute to the diversity of viewpoints?
I was raised in California, went to college in Boston, and graduate school in NC. I studied Biology
as an undergraduate, health policy analysis in graduate school, and subsequently, the law.
Accordingly, I have engaged with people holding a wide variety of viewpoints. Perhaps this
background will add to the diversity of the board.
Do you have any personal or business interest(s)that could create a conflict of interest
(either real or perceived) if you are appointed to this board?
Chapel Hill Parks, Greenways and Recreation Commission
Please explain how your background, education and experience is relevant to this board
As a lawyer, I understand the necessity to gather facts, compile arguments, and persuade
people in order to build consensus around a course of action.
Please explain your reasons for wanting to serve on this board
16
Page 2 of 2 Mark Turner
I am a long-time user of Chapel Hill's outdoor greenspace, including parks and trails and want to
see them improved and expanded in order to keep Orange County an appealing place to live.
How would your particpation on this board contribute to the diversity of viewpoints?
I was raised in California, went to college in Boston, and graduate school in NC. I studied Biology
as an undergraduate, health policy analysis in graduate school, and subsequently, the law.
Accordingly, I have engaged with people holding a wide variety of viewpoints. Perhaps this
background will add to the diversity of the board.
Do you have any personal or business interest(s)that could create a conflict of interest
(either real or perceived) if you are appointed to this board?
Boards/Commissions appointments:
Other Comments:
This application was current on: 11/21/2024 2:35:52 PM Date Printed: 11/21/2024
17
Board and Commission Members
And Vacant Positions
Parks and Recreation Council
Meeting Times: 6:30 pm First Wednesday of every month Contact Person:David Stancil&Abby Mattingly
Meeting Place: Bonnie B.Davis Environment&Agricultural Center Contact Phone: 919-245-2522
Positions: 14 Length:3 years Terms: 2
Description: Each member of the Council shall be a County resident appointed by the Orange County Board of Commissioners.The
Council includes representatives from each of the county's townships plus its municipalities.This council consults with the
Department of Environment,Agriculture,Parks&Recreation,and advises the Board of County Commissioners on matters
including park planning,public trails and open space,and recreation facilities and programs.
Mr. Benjamin King
1 First Appointed: 11/19/2024
Gender Identity: Male Township: Chapel Hill Current Appointment: 11/19/2024
Ethnic Background: White Residency Req: Carrboro City Limits Expiration: 03/31/2027
Age Range: 18-34 Special Repr: Number of Terms: 1
Mr. Kristofer Cason
2 First Appointed: 03/18/2025
Gender Identity: Male Township: Chapel Hill Current Appointment: 03/18/2025
Ethnic Background: White Residency Req: Hillsborough Twnshp Expiration: 03/31/2028
Age Range: 35-59 Special Repr: Hillsborough Township Number of Terms: 1
Natalie C. Ziemba
3 Chair First Appointed: 10/05/2021
Gender Identity: Female Township: Hillsborough Current Appointment: 03/19/2024
Ethnic Background: White Residency Req: Cedar Grove Twnsp Expiration: 03/31/2027
Age Range: 18-34 Special Repr: At-Large(formerly Cedar Grove Townshi Number of Terms: 2
Dr. Xilong Zhao
4 First Appointed: 05/14/2020
Gender Identity: Male Township: Chapel Hill Current Appointment: 05/16/2023
Ethnic Background: Asian American Residency Req: C.H.City Limits Expiration: 03/31/2026
Age Range: 35-59 Special Repr: Number of Terms: 2
Mr. Gregory Husketh
5 First Appointed: 03/19/2024
Gender Identity: Male Township: Hillsborough Current Appointment: 03/18/2025
Ethnic Background: White Residency Req: At-Large Expiration: 03/31/2028
Age Range: 35-59 Special Repr: At-Large Number of Terms: 1
Allen B. Parker
6 First Appointed: 05/07/2024
Gender Identity: Male Township: Cheeks Current Appointment: 05/07/2024
Ethnic Background: White Residency Req: Cheeks Township Expiration: 03/31/2027
Age Range: 35-59 Special Repr: Cheeks Township Number of Terms: 1
Wednesday,March 26,2025 Page 1
18
Board and Commission Members
And Vacant Positions
Parks and Recreation Council
Meeting Times: 6:30 pm First Wednesday of every month Contact Person:David Stancil&Abby Mattingly
Meeting Place: Bonnie B.Davis Environment&Agricultural Center Contact Phone: 919-245-2522
Positions: 14 Length:3 years Terms: 2
VACANT
7 First Appointed:
Gender Identity: Township: Current Appointment:
Ethnic Background: Residency Req: Chapel Hill Twnshp Expiration: 03/31/2026
Age Range: Special Repr: Chapel Hil Township Number of Terms:
Mr. Robert Zurek
8 First Appointed: 03/18/2025
Gender Identity: Male Township: Eno Current Appointment: 03/18/2025
Ethnic Background: White Residency Req: Little River Township Expiration: 03/31/2026
Age Range: 60+ Special Repr: Little River Township Number of Terms:
Ms. Louise Flinn
9 First Appointed: 05/16/2023
Gender Identity: Female Township: Bingham Current Appointment: 05/16/2023
Ethnic Background: White Residency Req: Bingham Township Expiration: 03/31/2026
Age Range: 35-59 Special Repr: Bingham Township Number of Terms: 1
Mrs. Alissa Martucci
10 First Appointed: 02/25/2025
Gender Identity: Female Township: Hillsborough Current Appointment: 02/25/2025
Ethnic Background: Other Residency Req: Hillsborough Town Limits Expiration: 09/30/2025
Age Range: 35-59 Special Repr: Number of Terms:
Shahnaz GiGi Rashdi
11 First Appointed: 11/19/2024
Gender Identity: Female Township: Eno Current Appointment: 11/19/2024
Ethnic Background: Asian American Residency Req: Eno Township Expiration: 12/31/2027
Age Range: 60+ Special Repr: Eno Township Number of Terms: 1
Mr. Trevor Robinson
12 First Appointed: 05/16/2023
Gender Identity: Choose not to disclo Township: Eno Current Appointment: 03/18/2025
Ethnic Background: Other Residency Req: At-Large Expiration: 03/31/2028
Age Range: 18-34 Special Repr: At-Large Number of Terms: 1
Wednesday,March 26,2025 Page 2
19
Board and Commission Members
And Vacant Positions
Parks and Recreation Council
Meeting Times: 6:30 pm First Wednesday of every month Contact Person:David Stancil&Abby Mattingly
Meeting Place: Bonnie B.Davis Environment&Agricultural Center Contact Phone: 919-245-2522
Positions: 14 Length:3 years Terms: 2
Chloe Reid
13 First Appointed: 02/25/2025
Gender Identity: Female Township: Chapel Hill Current Appointment: 02/25/2025
Ethnic Background: White Residency Req: At-Large Expiration: 12/31/2025
Age Range: 13-17 Special Repr: Youth Member(non-voting) Number of Terms:
Navya Sharma
14 First Appointed: 02/25/2025
Gender Identity: Female Township: Chapel Hill Current Appointment: 02/25/2025
Ethnic Background: Other Residency Req: Expiration: 03/31/2026
Age Range: 13-17 Special Repr: Youth Member(non-voting) Number of Terms:
Wednesday,March 26,2025 Page 3
20
Applicant Interest Listing by Board Name and by Applicant Name
Contact Person: David Stancil&Abby Mattingly
Parks and Recreation Council Contact Phone: 919-245-2522
Brock Bromberger
Gender Identity: Male Date Applied: 12/10/2024
Ethnic Background: White Township: Chapel Hill
Age Range: 13-17 Zone of Residence: C.H.City Limits
Also Serves On:
Mr. John Brown
Gender Identity: Male Date Applied: 07/09/2024
Ethnic Background: White Township: Chapel Hill
Age Range: 35-59 Zone of Residence: County
Also Serves On:
Ms. Jody Eimers
Gender Identity: Female Date Applied: 12/28/2024
Ethnic Background: White Township: Eno
Age Range: 60+ Zone of Residence: County
Also Serves On:
Mr. Matthew Ferguson
Gender Identity: Male Date Applied: 04/24/2023
Ethnic Background: White Township: Bingham
Age Range: 18-34 Zone of Residence: County
Also Serves On: Affordable Housing Advisory Board
Also Serves On: Commission for the Environment
Conrad Kline
Gender Identity: Male Date Applied: 12/08/2024
Ethnic Background: Asian American Township: Chapel Hill
Age Range: 13-17 Zone of Residence: C.H.City Limits
Also Serves On:
Wednesday,March 26,2025 Page 1 of 4
21
Applicant Interest Listing by Board Name and by Applicant Name
Contact Person: David Stancil&Abby Mattingly
Parks and Recreation Council Contact Phone: 919-245-2522
Segev Leitner
Gender Identity: Male Date Applied: 12/03/2024
Ethnic Background: White Township: Chapel Hill
Age Range: 13-17 Zone of Residence: C.H.City Limits
Also Serves On:
Mr. Craig Lloyd
Gender Identity: Male Date Applied: 08/28/2024
Ethnic Background: White Township: Cheeks
Age Range: 35-59 Zone of Residence: County
Also Serves On: Chapel Hill Orange County Visitors Bureau Advisory Board
Aum Menon
Gender Identity: Male Date Applied: 12/20/2024
Ethnic Background: Asian American Township: Chapel Hill
Age Range: 13-17 Zone of Residence: C.H.City Limits
Also Serves On:
Ms. Margaret Moriarty
Gender Identity: Female Date Applied: 11/06/2024
Ethnic Background: White Township: Chapel Hill
Age Range: 18-34 Zone of Residence: C.H.City Limits
Also Serves On:
Prof.Acharan Narula
Dr.
Gender Identity: Male Date Applied: 03/26/2024
Ethnic Background: Asian American Township: Chapel Hill
Age Range: 60+ Zone of Residence: County
Also Serves On:
Wednesday,March 26,2025 Page 2 of 4
22
Applicant Interest Listing by Board Name and by Applicant Name
Contact Person: David Stancil&Abby Mattingly
Parks and Recreation Council Contact Phone: 919-245-2522
Henry Nysewander
Gender Identity: Male Date Applied: 12/10/2024
Ethnic Background: White Township: Chapel Hill
Age Range: 13-17 Zone of Residence: C.H.City Limits
Also Serves On:
Mr. Gene Owen
Gender Identity: Male Date Applied: 12/01/2023
Ethnic Background: White Township: Chapel Hill
Age Range: 60+ Zone of Residence: County
Also Serves On: Orange Unified Transportation Board
Kaj i Rashad
Gender Identity: Male Date Applied: 07/22/2024
Ethnic Background: Other Township: Cheeks
Age Range: 18-34 Zone of Residence: Town of Mebane City Limits
Also Serves On: Orange Unified Transportation Board
Mr. Gary Sawhney
Gender Identity: Male Date Applied: 08/07/2024
Ethnic Background: Asian American Township: Chapel Hill
Age Range: 60+ Zone of Residence: County
Also Serves On:
Mr. William Totten
Gender Identity: Male Date Applied: 05/08/2024
Ethnic Background: White Township: Eno
Age Range: 60+ Zone of Residence: County
Also Serves On: Agricultural Preservation Board
Mark Turner
Gender Identity: Male Date Applied: 11/21/2024
Ethnic Background: White Township: Chapel Hill
Age Range: 35-59 Zone of Residence: County
Also Serves On:
Wednesday,March 26,2025 Page 3 of 4
23
Applicant Interest Listing by Board Name and by Applicant Name
Contact Person: David Stancil&Abby Mattingly
Parks and Recreation Council Contact Phone: 919-245-2522
Jossie Zhong
Gender Identity: Female Date Applied: 12/07/2024
Ethnic Background: Other Township: Chapel Hill
Age Range: 13-17 Zone of Residence: Carrboro City Limits
Also Serves On:
Wednesday,March 26,2025 Page 4 of 4
24
ORANGE COUNTY BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS
ANNUAL REPORT/ WORK PLAN
Board/Commission Name: Parks and Recreation Council
Report Period: January 2024-December 2024
The Board of Commissioners appreciates the dedication of all the volunteers on their
boards and commissions and welcomes input from various boards and commissions
throughout the year. Please complete the following information, limited to the front and
back of this form. Other background materials may be provided as a supplement to, but
not as a substitute for, this form.
Person to address the BOCC and contact information: Natalie Ziemba, Chair
(natalieziemba@yahoo.com)
Primary County Staff Contact Person: David Stancil, DEAPR Director
(dstancil@orangecountync.gov)
How many times per month does this board/commission meet, including any special
meetings and sub-committee meetings?
Regular meetings are the first Wednesday of each month (except for January and
July), plus a biennial joint town/county advisory board meeting. Members also
participate in semi-annual Intergovernmental Parks Work Group meetings.
Brief Statement of Board/Commission's Assigned Charge and Responsibilities.
The Council serves as the advisory board for provision of parks facilities and
recreation programs. It shall suggest policies, within its powers and
responsibilities as stated in Article 26 of the Code of Ordinances. The Council shall
consult with and advise the Board of Commissioners and staff in matters affecting
recreation policies and programs, advise on the acquisition of parkland and lands
for recreation programs, and advise on long-range planning for recreation and
parks, including the development of plans, studies and reports.
What are your Board/Commission's most important accomplishments?
The Council was the lead advisory board for the Parks and Recreation Element of
25
the County Comprehensive Plan and worked with staff to develop the Parks and
Recreation Master Plan 2030, adopted by the BOCC in November 2014. The
Council has in past annually reviewed Outside Agency funding requests, scoring
and evaluating applications proposing to provide parks or recreation services. In
addition, the PRC began receiving regular reports and providing feedback on
Mountains to Sea Trail progress in 2019, parks design and construction projects,
and receives quarterly updates on Recreation programs and activities from staff.
The PRC has also advised the Board and staff on a variety of topics, including:
• Advise on planning, design and construction of new park facilities.
• Review construction/opening plans for Blackwood Farm Park and other new
facilities
• Provide feedback on Lands Legacy Action Plans as relates to new parks and
public open space
• Hearing from local residents about community recreation or park facility needs,
developing recommendations regarding same as needed
• Capital funding recommendations for parks/open space (Capital Investment Plan)
• Sponsor of the annual Nature of Orange Photography Contest
• Periodic site visits to County parks, including one meeting on site per year
• Review and feedback on recreation and athletic programs
• Receives feedback and presentations from community groups and residents on
suggested amenities and future facility desires.
List of Specific Tasks, Events, or Functions Performed or Sponsored Annually.
• Participated in the Perry Hills Mini-Park design project
• Assists in Great Trais State Coalition events and hikes (including Year of the Trail
hikes and promotions in 2023)
• Serve as Mountains to Sea Trail (MST)Advisory/Steering Committee (quarterly
review/reports)
• Co-sponsor, "Nature of Orange" Photography Contest
• Review of Outside Agency funding recommendations (recreation)
• (Biennial) Joint county/town P&R advisory boards meeting
• Support for department functions and special events
• Review of annual Capital Investment Plan proposal for parks
• Receive report and provide feedback on Recreation and Athletics programs
• Receive annual report on Parks and Trails facilities
• Prepare Annual Report and Work Plan for BOCC
• Receive requests from county residents and organizations for local recreation
facility needs, and develop recommendations for the BOCC
26
Describe this board/commission's activities/accomplishments in carrying out BOCC
goal(s)/priorities, if applicable.
The PRC also was the lead advisory board in the creation of the Parks and
Recreation Master Plan 2030. (Goal 5)
The PRC was the lead advisory board for the Parks and Recreation Element of the
Comprehensive Plan, and regularly reviews progress toward the Comprehensive
Plan goals"
The PRC reviews, as needed, site plans for major subdivision applications in the
county's jurisdiction and as needed makes recommendations on potential land
dedication for parks and open space. (Goal 5)
The Council reviews plans and advises on new park construction and openings
(such as Perry Hills MiniPark, Blackwood Farm Park, Hollow Rock Nature Park),
and participates in park master planning efforts. The Council also has reviewed
and advised on the upcoming Trails Plan effort. (Goal 6)
Describe the collaboration relationship(s) this particular board has with other advisory
boards and commissions?
Some members of the PRC also sit on other advisory boards, such as the
Commission for the Environment and the Orange United Transportation Board.
The Council also has a member on the semiannual Intergovernmental Parks Work
Group and has in the past shared information with the Board of Health on
opportunities for linking healthy lifestyles and parks. The PRC biennially meets
with its sister advisory boards in the three towns, with the next session coming in
2025. The Council has also advised and reviewed information from the Historic
Preservation Commission, Orange County Sportsplex, the Town of Hillsborough,
Fairview Community Watch, the Occoneechee Tribal Council and the Alliance for
Historic Hillsborough (River Park), among others.
Identify any activities this board/commission expects to carry out in 2025 as they relate
to established BOCC goals and priorities. If applicable, is there a fiscal impact (i.e.,
funding, staff time, other resources) associated with these proposed activities (please
list).
A major activity for 2025 will be serving as the Steering Committee for the County
Trails Plan. A consultant has been selected, and the project is anticipated to begin
in February 2025. This effort will look at current and planned future trails, existing
27
trails plans in both the rural areas and the towns, and explore gaps,
interconnections and needs for the future. The Council also hopes to participate
in the parallel Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan effort with the OUT Board and
Transportation.
Having participated in the design and master plan for the Perry Hills MiniPark, the
Council plans to continue receiving updates and providing feedback as the
project finalizes construction. In a similar vein, as plans begin to come together
for the next phase of Blackwood Farm Park, the PRC anticipates reviewing and
advising on these activities.
As identified in 2023, the Council reviewed the "Issue for Further Study" from the
adopted P&R Master Plan about examining the need for a public pool or water
feature. Recent conversations have identified the potential for a "splash pad" at
Fairview Park. The Council will be meeting with Fairview community residents
about the long-term plans for Fairview Park and the interest and viability of such
an amenity as the potential answer.
Several other amenities are proposed at various park locations, and the Council
plans to continue to advise on this list. A picnic shelter with outdoor classroom
has been proposed for Phase III of development at Blackwood Farm Park, and the
Council would also like to see native planting and pollinator friendly habitat
efforts accompany this initiative. A mountain bike skills course is being finalized
at Little River Regional Park and is expected to open in 2025, and the Council is
staying apprised on that project. Pickleball/tennis courts are being constructed at
Fairview Park, and there is a scheduled expansion at the Soccer.Com Center in
the existing CIP for which planning needs to begin in 2025.
The Council would also like to stay informed on and begin the process of review
and preliminary advice on the scheduled replacement/renovation of the Central
Recreation Center.
Finally, the PRC plans to continue to help promote activities toward trail
recreation and development, and advise on the efforts with the "Great Trails State
Coalition," of which the County is a member. The Council would like to sponsor
quarterly or semiannual public hikes at our parks. Continued review and advice
on the Mountains to Sea Trail progress, along with the 2025 Nature of Orange
photography contest, is projected.
What are the concerns or emerging issues your board has identified for the upcoming
year that it plans to address, or wishes to bring to the Commissioners' attention?
• The demand on the County's existing soccer fields and tennis/pickleball
28
courts continues to be a concern raised to the Council and staff on a
regular basis. While the new tennis/pickleball courts at Fairview will help
address this, other courts exist and could be made available to meet
demand. In particular, the Council notes the 14 tennis courts that exist at
Orange High and Cedar Ridge High. It is our understanding these courts
have been largely unavailable for public use since the pandemic. Allowing
these courts to come back into public use during specified timeframes that
do not conflict with school uses would be desirable. Moving ahead with
the expansion of the Soccer.com Center and Millhouse Road Park (soccer
center) would also help address the paucity of public soccer fields in
central and northern Orange County. The Council understand the many
financial constraints the County is faced with but would encourage finding
a way to increase the soccer field inventory in the next three to five years.
• The need for indoor recreation and gymnasium space also continues to be
a major concern, and the Council is appreciative of the acknowledgment of
this in the CIP. The County's Ione recreation center, the Central Rec Center
on West Tryon Street in Hillsborough, is now 67 years old, and the Council
hopes that the new project can stay on track to meet the significant
demand that exists for indoor gym space. The current Central Rec Center
continues to be "maxed out" in terms of space, with the County unable to
serve the existing demand from our residents. We encourage the planning
for the new center to continue to take into consideration not just the
replacement of the 1957 facility but needed additional space to
accommodate existing and future demand.
• As noted in last year's plan, and mentioned above, there are many
opportunities for facility sharing with the Orange County Schools. This
topic has been discussed at length in years past, with efforts undertaken
to attempt to address the potential. In many counties in North Carolina
there is a robust system of facility sharing between school needs and
public recreation needs. With the passage of the Schools Bond, the
Council would like to suggest that future school planning/construction
(and existing facilities) look for ways to make these facilities available for
public usage.
• In a similar vein, the potential for the County and towns to work together
on new joint parks and facilities is more appropriate than ever before.
There are scheduled projects in the CIP that offer the opportunity to
pursue joint initiatives.
• The County is receiving increased interest in nature programs at our
parks, both from partner organizations and individuals. The County should
look to ramp up its nature programming to meet this demand, and such
programs would have the double benefit of being cost-neutral and
improving the community's health and quality of life.
29
• Opportunities to increase art and natural beauty within our parks and
preserves continues to exist. This could include incorporating art in parks
and creating more areas of natural beauty and pollinator-friendly habitat in
our important open spaces.