Recreation Advisory Commission

Recreation Advisory Commission August 11, 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: August 11, 2021. Chair Fellerath called the meeting to order at 7:34am. Commissioners Nayo, Tullis (unexcused) and Scurlock-Jones (excused) absences. Attendance was confirmed by roll call. I. Adjustments to the Agenda: None II. Public Comment: None III. Consent Agenda 1. Approval of Minutes: Frank made a motion to approve the June 9, 2021 meeting minutes; seconded by Rebecca; 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) Frank made a motion to accept all fee waivers as recommended by staff; seconded by Rebecca. All in favor, motion passes unanimously. 1. Long Ball Triple Play Event Long Ball Facility Request Armory Dates August 22, 2021 Fee waiver application approved by consent at 100% 2. American Heart Association – Duke University Hospital Event Heart Softball Tournament Facility Request Southern Boundaries Dates 09/28/21 Fee waiver application approved by consent at 100% 3. Triangle Ultimate Event Ultimate Frisbee Facility Request Old Chapel Hill Rd. Park Dates 09/21/21 Fee waiver application approved by consent at 100% 4. Eno Community Tennis Association Event Althea Gibson Memorial Tennis Tournament Facility Request Southern Recreation Advisory Commission August 2021 Meeting Minutes Meeting conducted via zoom Page 1  Boundaries Dates 09/18/21 Fee waiver application approved by consent at 100% 5. Durham Arts Council Event Durham Art Walk Facility Request Armory Dates 12/19/21 and 12/20/21 Fee waiver application approved by consent at 100% IV. Old Business / New Business 1. Letter of Support for 2021 RAISE Grant (Information/No Action Required)  David explained the RAISE transportation grant in support of funds to the Durham Beltline Trail. He explained the City’s needs for funds to complete the project and its benefits.  There was discussion amongst the RAC members regarding different financial revenues being sought in support of the completion of the Beltline. Tom Dawson explained there was federal funding along with fundraising efforts. He explained the goal to complete the foundation of the trail and the additional funds, as received, will be used for amenities. 2. RAC Attendance Report to CC (Information/No Action Required)  David explained the RAC’s current attendance policy and the possibility of amending the RAC bylaws to include specific attendance verbiage.  There was discussion regarding how ‘Excused Absences’ and ‘Unexcused Absences’ are recorded on the attendance report. 3. New Pool /Wheels – Racial Equity Pilot Program (Tom Dawson, Asst. Director/Almira Marshall, Business Systems Analyst)  Tom explained the development of Wheels Fun Park into a City aquatics facility. He discussed public engagement to discuss the best utilization of the existing facilities. He explained the focus on the equitable engagement aspect of the community who can influence design, decisions and provide feedback. He stated the introduction of the Racial Equity Pilot Program and hoped to recruit member(s) from the RAC to support and serve as representative(s) for the project.  Almira introduced herself and the City’s core equity and inclusion initiative to address racial inequities in the community. She explained the implementation, her role, and the establishment of equitable relationships.  There was discussion about the expectations of a RAC representative in the committee There was discussion about how diversity effects the aquatics plan and opportunities for expansion and development.  There was discussion on verbiage on how to promote, educate, and receive feedback from the community to encourage any revisions or opportunities to changes within the master plan.  A link was shared via Zoom chat for the City’s Aquatic Masterplan to provide information to the RAC members.  Rebecca and Karthik volunteered to serve as representatives for this project. Recreation Advisory Commission August 2021 Meeting Minutes Meeting conducted via zoom Page 2  4. October Retreat (Proposed Dates, Times, and Topics)  Rebecca made a motion to reschedule the October 13th, 2021 to 5:30PM – 8PM to include the RAC’s regular meeting and the retreat; seconded by Cedric. All in favor, motion passes unanimously. V. 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 Frank’s points regarding the retreat and was in support of the goals for the retreat. He offered the opportunity of socially distanced park tours on a one on one basis.  He discussed the City wide mask mandate for indoor settings and how it has affected DPR facilities.  Wade discussed the re-organization of the City’s structure, its changes, and the portfolio assignments of Deputy City Managers (DCM’s). He explained DCM Keith Chadwell has been assigned to DPR moving forward.  He encouraged the RAC members to review project updates in the community provided in their packets and encouraged feedback and questions from members.  Commissioners congratulated Wade on receiving funds from the pickle ball community.  Wade and Tom gave updates on pickle ball courts at Piney Wood Park, Northgate Park, Bethesda Park, the dog park at Rock Quarry Park and the paving project at the West Point on the Eno. VI. Commissioner Comments & Committee Reports: Durham Open Space and Trails Commission Report (DOST) (Karthik Sundaramoorthy)  Karthik stated Wade would be in attendance at the August 19th DOST meeting Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Commission Report (BPAC) (David Fellerath)  No report at this meeting Hillandale Advisory Committee (Rebecca Reyes/ Lesley Stracks-Mullem)  Lesley attended the July meeting. She shared that revenues were up. She stated plans for the development of a pavilion and the addition of a putting green to be utilized by youth programs. At the meeting, CM Page discussed applying for funding to help extend the facility. Open Discussion:  Asst. Clerk Roland clarified the attendance report percentages for the RAC members  There was discussion regarding sharing ideas via Teams or Google Docs. Rich clarified any official action of RAC members would need to be available for public record and provided the RAC email address that would satisfy the public record requirement. David adjourned the meeting at 9:02AM. Next RAC Meeting: Wed., September 8, 2021 7:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. Minutes respectfully submitted by Paola R. Roland: Recreation Advisory Commission August 2021 Meeting Minutes Meeting conducted via zoom Page 3