Recreation Advisory Commission

Recreation Advisory Commission January 13, 2021 Call To Order: A meeting of the Durham Recreation Advisory Commission was held on this day via video conference. Commissioners present via video conference: January 13, 2021. Chair Fellerath called the meeting to order at 7:36am. Commissioner Scurlock-Jones left the meeting at 8:32AM. Attendance was confirmed by roll call. I. Adjustments to the Agenda: None II. Public Comment: Mesa and Stewart Somer – pickle ball ambassador of Durham and President of the Durham area pickle ball players  She expressed her concerns about the lack of space and shared time reserved in the City of Durham for the sport of pickle ball. She gave several examples of how the City would benefit from giving pickle ball a dedicated home and how other municipalities have already accommodated this. She wants herself and fellow players to be included in future planning.  He discussed the conversion of existing tennis ball courts to pickle ball courts and how it could be a destination in the Triangle for players. Public Comment Q & A:  There was some discussion between RAC members and DPR employees about pickle ball courts. Chairman Fellerath asked Director Walcutt if he had any updates or feedback he could share on the topic. Director Walcutt informed the RAC and the citizens staff are moving forward creating Durham’s first dedicated, Pickleball only outdoor court at Piney Wood. III. Consent Agenda 1. Approval of Minutes: Rebecca made a motion to approve the December 9, 2020 meeting minutes; seconded by Kokou; no further changes, whereupon motion duly made, seconded and unanimously adopted, the minutes were approved as presented. 2. RAC Action Items – Fee Waiver Requests (Rich Hahn) Rich recommended approval by consent unless there was discussion about the fee waiver organizations or questions about recommendations made by staff. Rebecca made a motion to accept all fee waivers as recommended by staff; seconded by Kokou. All in favor, motion passes unanimously. 1. Long Ball Durham Triple Play Event RBI Tournament Facility Request Southern Boundaries/Valley Springs Dates July 2021 Fee waiver application approved by consent at 100% 2. Long Ball Durham Triple Play Event Baseball 13-18 youth Recreation Advisory Commission January 2021 Meeting Minutes Meeting conducted via zoom Page 1  Facility Request Crest Street Dates April to June 2021 Fee waiver application approved by consent at 100% 3. Triangle Ultimate Event Learn to Play Accessible Programming Facility Request Weaver Street Dates March to May 2021 Fee waiver application approved by consent at 100% 4. Triangle Ultimate Event Boys and Girls Club Program Facility Request Weaver Street Dates March to May 2021 Fee waiver application approved by consent at 100% IV. New Business: 1. RAC Annual Attendance Report to City Council (Lynda Merritt, RAC Liaison) Reviewed by RAC members, no action required. 2. Annual Year in Review – RAC Report to City Council (Lynda Merritt, RAC Liaison) Staff recommendation: For Board’s review, recommendations, and vote of approval as a final report to be submitted to City Council. Lesley made a motion to approve the Annual Year in Review report; seconded by Cedric. All in favor, motion passes unanimously. 3. Engagement Presentation – Lindsey Smart, Senior Planner - DPR and Laura Biediger, Senior Community & Economic Development Analyst - NIS o The presentation focused on city engagement, collaborations between departments and the Emerging Equitable Engagement Blueprint draft. o Other highlights included:  A brief overview was provided of the City’s equitable community engagement from August 2018 through Spring 2021 and the processes for the Emerging Equitable Engagement Blueprint.  The blueprint showcased the processes of community engagement by focusing on the steps necessary to achieve long term goals.  The IAP2 Spectrum of Public Participation was explained and its roles in community engagement.  An example project timeline was displayed to showcase how the role of community engagement develops and progresses throughout a project.  Additional examples of community engagement were given inclusive of special features and community celebrations.  The progressive next steps were showcased to implement the blueprint. Questions/Comments to Tom, Lindsey and Laura regarding the Engagement Presentation o RAC members shared their feedback, questions and ideas with staff. Recreation Advisory Commission January 2021 Meeting Minutes Meeting conducted via zoom Page 2  RAC Action Item – Endorse Emerging Equitable Engagement Blueprint Frank made a motion to endorse the Emerging Equitable Engagement Blueprint and commit to providing volunteer assistance through community support, community relationship building and community engagement through DPR; seconded by Karthik. All in favor, motion passes unanimously. V. Old Business None VI. Director’s Report: Wade Walcutt  A copy of the director’s report was included in each RAC packet that members received. Upon your review, send Wade any questions you may have regarding its content.  Wade reiterated the information provided by the presentation.  Wade highlighted the positive influences of public engagement at the RAC meetings.  Wade explained the forecast of the budget year and how it’s revenues have affected funding with DPR. He explained that a budget reduction was forecasted and DPR staff was encouraged to give any feedback about how this could be achieved.  Wade emphasized the focus of operational efficiencies and DPR’s continuing efforts. Q&A: None VII. Commissioner Comments & Committee Reports: Park Safety Subcommittee Frank stated that the subcommittee had been curtailed and will continue after the pandemic. He stated that he would always be available for any ADHOC work needed on the subcommittee in the meantime. Open Discussion: None Lesley made a motion to adjourn at 9:03AM; seconded by Frank. Roll call was taken, all in favor. Next RAC Meeting: Wednesday, February 10,2021 7:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. Virtual Meeting Minutes respectfully submitted by Paola R. Roland: Recreation Advisory Commission January 2021 Meeting Minutes Meeting conducted via zoom Page 3