Recreation Advisory Commission

Recreation Advisory Commission December 8, 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: December 8, 2021. Chair Stracks-Mullem called the meeting to order at 7:33AM. Commissioners Reyes and Tullis were unexcused absences; Commissioner White was an excused absence. Attendance was confirmed by roll call. I. Adjustments to the Agenda/Special Announcements: Lesley added Item V. Old Business / New Business Sub-item 2. Durham Parks Foundation Liaison. Lesley added Item V. Old Business / New Business Sub-item 3. Beltline Trail Corridor Update. II. Public Comment: Matthew Munich introduced himself as a life-long squash enthusiast on both a local and international level. He was looking for continued support from the RAC to fund youth programs (similar to the one himself and Karthik are involved with) focused on squash and gave examples on how the sport can affect players positively. Karthik assisted with giving background information on the after school program and how they are involved in the community. He was in support of gaining more volunteers to expand and enrich the program as there is a general shortage of volunteers. Wade stated that he had met with the national branch associated with squash and how it could be implemented in the City. Jason additionally stated the interest from the community was important to implement spring and summer squash programs. There was discussion amongst Commissioners regarding neighboring squash communities. III. RAC Community Engagement Events (Reporting Items) Cedric stated he will be attending the Herndon Park re-opening this weekend. He stated this and the Hoover Road project were coming along nicely. He hopes the size and usage of the field will be well received by the community. Lynda asked if anyone had volunteered to sign up for the holiday parade and made an announcement regarding volunteer opportunities. She stated she would resend additional details regarding it. Nayo stated he would be in attendance. IV. Consent Agenda 1. Approval of Minutes: Marcella made a motion to approve the November 10, 2021 meeting minutes and retreat; seconded by Cedric; 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) Marcella made a motion to accept all fee waivers as recommended by staff; seconded by Cedric. All in favor, motion passes unanimously. Recreation Advisory Commission December 2021 Meeting Minutes Meeting conducted via zoom Page 1  1. Durham Triple Play Long Ball Event: Games and Practices Facility Request Crest Street Park Field Dates April – August 2022 Fee waiver application approved by consent at 100% 2. Dirty Birds Frisbee Club Event Frisbee Practice Facility Request CM Herndon and Old Chapel Hill Turf Fields Dates April – August 2022 Fee waiver application approved by consent at 50% V. Old Business / New Business. 1. RAC 2021 Annual Report (final review and motion to approve)  Lynda shared the process of how the report will be submitted to City Council and ultimately approved.  Chairperson Stracks-Mullem stated the summarized goals and priorities in the new year provided in the packet. She welcomed any discussion regarding it. Lesley made a motion to approve the RAC 2021 annual report; seconded by Cedric; the report was approved as presented.  2. Durham Parks Foundation Liaison  Chairperson Stracks-Mullem asked if there was a volunteer to nominate themselves as the new Durham Parks Foundation Liaison. There was discussion amongst the Commissioners about what the role would entail and the reports that would need to be relayed. Marcella said she may be interested in the role starting next year after more information was provided to the Commission. 3. Beltline Corridor Update  Wade recommended adding this item to the next meeting to give a formal update. Tom shared the financial and design aspect of the project but would like to present a formal presentation regarding the project. VI. Director’s Report  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 his continued appreciation of DPR staff and their innovation through navigating virtual and in-person programs through the pandemic. He listed future events held by DPR and updates of current projects. He stated opportunities with staffing and challenges faced over the past year.  He shared updates on DPR’s budget planning, employee maintenance, and expansion projects for the new year. Recreation Advisory Commission December 2021 Meeting Minutes Meeting conducted via zoom Page 2 VII. Commissioner Comments & Committee Reports Durham Open Space and Trails Commission Report (DOST) (Karthik Sundaramoorthy)  Karthik stated a letter being sent to City Council from DOST regarding an open space implementer at the City level. He wanted to share it with Commissioners to receive support from the RAC.  He shared updates regarding the “Durham Rail Trail” project. Tom shared more information regarding the project. Hillandale Advisory Committee (Rebecca Reyes/ Leslie Stracks-Mullem)  No report at this meeting Open Discussion:  Chairperson Stracks-Mullem opened discussion for virtual and in-person meetings to manage the ongoing construction at DPR in the new year.  Lynda and Rich stated the challenges of meeting in-person and the timeline of completion of the construction is May of 2022.  The majority of Commissioners agreed to continue with a virtual environment through April of 2022 and will re-visit the option of in-person meetings then. Lesley adjourned the meeting at 8:24AM. Next RAC Meeting: Wednesday, January 12, 2022 7:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. Minutes respectfully submitted by Paola R. Roland Recreation Advisory Commission December 2021 Meeting Minutes Meeting conducted via zoom Page 3