Recreation Advisory Commission

Recreation Advisory Commission March 10, 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: March 10, 2021. Chair Fellerath called the meeting to order at 7:33am. Councilmember Pierce Freelon was present. Commissioner Tullis was an unexcused absence. Attendance was confirmed by roll call. I. Adjustments to the Agenda:  Chairperson Fellerath requested to move Item IV. 1. Board Elections (Vice Chair) to the April RAC meeting – feedback or concerns.  Chairperson Fellerath requested to move Item IV. 4. Project Updates Presentation – Tom Dawson, Asst. Director to the April RAC meeting – feedback or concerns. II. Public Comment: None III. Consent Agenda 1. Approval of Minutes: Rebecca made a motion to approve the February 10, 2021 meeting minutes; seconded by Kokou; no further changes, whereupon motion duly made, seconded and unanimously adopted, the minutes were approved as presented. IV. New Business: 1. Board Elections (Chair) David Fellerath was selected to continue serving as Chairperson by a unanimous vote by the commissioners present. Roll call was taken, all in favor. 2. RAC Meeting Times  There was some discussion about changing the RAC meeting times with a majority of the commissioners expressing preference for a balance between morning and evening start times. Public participation was discussed as being an issue with an early start time.  Councilmember Freelon suggested maintaining a virtual option for meetings once in person meetings commence and how it could increase the potential for public comment.  Wade suggested compiling a draft schedule between in-person and virtual morning and evening meeting times for the RAC to consider for future voting. 3. Spring & Summer Programming Presentation – Jason Jones, Assistant Director  The presentation focused on DPR’s challenges and opportunities over the year due to the Covid-19 pandemic. It introduced DPR’s Spring and Summer Programming schedule.  Other highlights included: o An overview of virtual and in person programs of DPR including virtual workshops, aerobics classes, concerts, games, and sports. o The presentation included multiple upcoming events held in the Spring and Summer with details on participation costs, dates, and community engagement. o The presentation concluded with a picture of Lake Michie, marking the Recreation Advisory Commission March 2021 Meeting Minutes Meeting conducted via zoom Page 1  opening day (Friday, March 12th) of the City’s lakes for fishing enthusiasts. Presentation Q & A:  There was discussion about maintaining virtual options for events through DPR for continued community participation. Jason mentioned the increased focus on virtual craft programs. He gave examples of how DPR staff has adjusted to the pandemic by providing virtual options.  Wade stated that participation from the community has been low due to Covid-19 restrictions, social distancing and minimal capacity. He is hopeful this will change once restrictions are eased.  Joy stated that the three learning centers DPR currently maintains are at maximum capacity. She anticipates more demand on DPR’s facilities as hybrid programs are introduced and space is discontinued through DPS. She stated DPR is closely monitoring the Governor’s orders on mass gatherings and is working closely with risk management to ensure a safe environment. V. Old Business None VI. Racial Equity Plan – Sharon Williams, Racial Equity & Inclusion Manager  The presentation provided an overview of racial equity, shared the City of Durham’s vision/mission and the Equitable Decision Making Model.  Other highlights included: o The presentation delved into the differences behind the meanings of diversity, equality, and equity and gave examples on individual, institutional and structural racism. o The presentation included how racial equity is being addressed with the City through living wages, hiring, spending and community engagement. It demonstrated how DPR is being proactive with racial equity through recreational activities, recruitment, and community engagement. o The presentation explained the Equitable Decision Making Model. o The presentation concluded with the City’s continued focus on diversity, inclusion and equity Presentation Q & A:  Sharon noted she would be able to answer questions regarding the presentation at the April RAC meeting or answer them via email. She thanked the Commission for their time.  Commissioners placed questions in the chat about the Equitable Decision Making Model. Wade stated that Sharon would be invited to a future RAC meeting to further the dialogue. VII. 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 highlighted Jason’s presentation and DPR’s continued efforts to provide the same programs virtually and in person but at a reduced capacity. He noted that camps and pools are Recreation Advisory Commission March 2021 Meeting Minutes Meeting conducted via zoom Page 2  dependent on mass gathering restrictions and efforts are being made to navigate different scenarios. VIII. Commissioner Comments & Committee Reports: Durham Open Space and Trails Commission Report (DOST) (Karthik Sundaramoorthy)  No report at this meeting Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Commission Report (BPAC) (David Fellerath)  David noted that Karthik and Lesley had joined him for BPAC’s annual virtual retreat as did members of other commissions. East Durham was noted as an area where committees could work together to improve.  David attended the Development Review Subcommittee meeting and looked at site plans for the redevelopment of Southpoint to add access to the American Tobacco Trail. Hillandale Advisory Committee (Rebecca Reyes/ Leslie Stracks-Mullem)  No report at this meeting Open Discussion:  David proposed scheduling a RAC retreat and using it as a means to set goals and priorities for the RAC for the next year. Lesley made a motion to adjourn at 9:01AM; seconded by Cedric. Roll call was taken, all in favor. Next RAC Meeting: Wednesday, April 14, 2021 7:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. Virtual Meeting Minutes respectfully submitted by Paola R. Roland: Recreation Advisory Commission March 2021 Meeting Minutes Meeting conducted via zoom Page 3