Recreation Advisory Commission

Recreation Advisory Commission June 9, 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: June 9, 2021. Chair Fellerath called the meeting to order at 7:35am. 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 remove Item V. 2. Crime Reporting from the Parks to add to a future meeting– feedback or concerns. II. Public Comment: None III. Consent Agenda 1. Approval of Minutes: Rebecca made a motion to approve the April 14, 2021 meeting minutes; seconded by Marcella; 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 Marcella. All in favor, motion passes unanimously. 1. Walltown Community Association Event Walltown Community Association Facility Request Walltown Recreation Center Dates September 2021 – June 2022 Fee waiver application approved by consent at 100% 2. Triangle Ultimate Event Learn to Play Facility Request Old Chapel Hill Road Park Dates July 2021 Fee waiver application approved by consent at 100% IV. Racial Equity Plan Updates/Racial Equity Impact Assessment Tool: 1. Sharon Williams – Racial Equity & Inclusion Manager  Sharon touched base on her presentation regarding racial equity held at the April Recreation Advisory Commission June 2021 Meeting Minutes Meeting conducted via zoom Page 1  RAC meeting. She stated the integration of racial equity conversations through our communities and City employees. She explained how equity has impacted people of color on both a historic and governmental level. She stated the strives made by the City to create a fair, balanced and equitable community through education and training. Racial Equity Q & A:  There was discussion amongst the Commissioners about how racial equity is being sustained and how it can be implemented into educational programs. Sharon stated how the Durham Public School (DPS) system is currently polarized and its complexity regarding disproportionality and data. She stated her counterpart, Dr. Bullock, working in DPS is making strides to educate and collect data to implement racial equity and invited RAC members to contact him.  There was discussion about how RAC members can utilize Sharon’s information to relay to the community. Sharon gave examples of how children have begun to realize the unequitable environment in which we currently live and how conversations are being had. She encouraged RAC members to become part of the conversation through DPR.  There was discussion regarding micro-aggressions in community engagements. Sharon stated utilizing community engagements to collaborate, create solutions, and avoid the perception of informing over engagement.  There was discussion about how Commissioners can assist the community in regards to advocacy, literacy, and the implementation/education of racial equity in public housing, DPS, and in the community. Sharon stated the emphasis on those who are negatively impacted by racial inequities and gave examples on the strides made thus far in the community.  There was discussion about opportunities regarding racial equity. Wade stated that pilot projects were being implemented to help identify these areas for improvement such as the Hoover Road Project and Wheels Fun Park as a lens to assist with racial equity. There was discussion about educating the community about how projects are implemented from start to finish and their processes. The commissioners expressed how they could be of assistance to Sharon with their positions within the RAC to promote change.  Sharon shared the Equity Impact Assessment Tool, its steps, and how it will be embedded into the City’s culture. She shared examples of its application. V. Old Business / New Business 1. Durham Community Trail Watch (DCTW) - Jennifer McDuffie Jennifer McDuffie has since relocated but has provided the Commissioners with information regarding the DCTW.  Commissioner White explained the DCTW’s monitoring of the American Tobacco Trail (ATC) beginning around 2009 after multiple attacks had been reported. It is a non-City Commissioned group of volunteers who monitor and clean the trail. He has expressed their want for consistency, sustainability and are continually looking for members and support from DPR and the RAC to help cultivate volunteers for the DCTW.  There was discussion between Commissioners and DPR regarding the inclusion of other trail groups such as the Bull City Trailblazers to develop a consistent, formal relationship. DPR staff noted ongoing efforts made with these support groups and their need for volunteer recruitment. These efforts include the utilization of social media, publicity on the City’s events calendar, and information on the City’s website. Suggestions for continued efforts included discussions with the public regarding volunteer efforts on the trail watch Recreation Advisory Commission June 2021 Meeting Minutes Meeting conducted via zoom Page 2  groups from Commissioners. 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 stated DPR’s support for volunteer groups inclusive of the trail watch groups. He stated opportunities for group consolidations, promotions, and assistance with organization. He stated the possibility of funding a dedicated position within DPR that focused on recruitment, events, and programs.  He gave feedback on DPR’s budget and how the shortfall is less than anticipated. He stated the approval of funds for new staff, utility costs, and athletic field maintenance.  Wade stated the introduction of a new community wide comprehensive plan that lays out a vision for the future of community needs from DPR. It would also develop performance measure, collect data, and allow DPR to be proactive instead of reactive.  Wade stated the challenges of hiring seasonal and part time employees particularly in the summer months to appropriately staff camps and pools. He stated an increase in salary for life guards and how it is a competitive wage. VII. Commissioner Comments & Committee Reports: Durham Open Space and Trails Commission Report (DOST) (Karthik Sundaramoorthy)  Wade will be speaking at the next DOST meeting on August 18th at 7PM. Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Commission Report (BPAC) (David Fellerath)  They are currently working on updating their bylaws inclusive of their mission and equity statements. Hillandale Advisory Committee (Rebecca Reyes/ Leslie Stracks-Mullem)  No report at this meeting Open Discussion:  Lynda reminded the Commissioners that there was not a meeting held in July. Lesley made a motion to adjourn at 9:11AM; seconded by Frank. Roll call was taken, all in favor. Next RAC Meeting: Wednesday, August 11, 2021 7:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. Minutes respectfully submitted by Paola R. Roland: Recreation Advisory Commission June 2021 Meeting Minutes Meeting conducted via zoom Page 3