Recreation Advisory Commission

Recreation Advisory Commission February 9, 2022 Call To Order: A meeting of the Durham Recreation Advisory Commission was held on this day via video conference. Commissioners present via video conference: February 9, 2022. Chair Stracks-Mullem called the meeting to order at 7:34AM. Commissioner Scurlock-Jones was an excused absence. Attendance was confirmed by roll call. Welcome & Introductions Commissioners each took turns introducing themselves to the RAC’s newest member, Girija Mahajan. Commissioner Mahajan introduced herself and her relationship with Durham Parks, community engagement, and recreational programming. Councilmember Reece introduced himself to the Commission as the newest City Council liaison. Wade introduced Mary Unterreiner as DPR’s manager for the Culture and Community Division. DCM Keith Chadwell was in attendance and introduced himself and his portfolio’s new oversight of the Durham Parks and Recreation. I. Adjustments to the Agenda/Special Announcements Lynda added Sub-Item 3 – Burton Park Build under IV. New Business. II. Public Comment None III. Consent Agenda 1. Approval of Minutes: Rebecca made a motion to approve the January 12, 2022 meeting minutes; seconded by Karthik; 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) Girija made a motion to accept all fee waivers as recommended by staff; seconded by Kokou. All in favor, motion passes unanimously. 1. Seventh Day Adventist Church Event Health Expo Facility Request the Armory Dates May 15, 2022 Fee waiver application approved by consent at 100% 2. Dirty Birds Event Frisbee Facility Request C.M. Herndon Park Dates March 22, April 5, 12, 19, & 26 Fee waiver application approved by consent at 25% 3. Triangle Ultimate – Pay as You Go Event Ultimate Frisbee Recreation Advisory Commission February 2022 Meeting Minutes Meeting conducted via zoom Page 1  Facility Request Old Chapel Hill Park Dates March 1 – June 30, 2022 Fee waiver application approved by consent at 100% 4. DBYAL Event Spring Baseball Facility Request Long Meadow, Lakeview, and Walltown Parks Dates March – June 2022 Fee waiver application approved by consent at 100% IV. New Business 1. Board Elections (Chair/Vice)  Rebecca made a motion to select current Chairperson Lesley Stracks-Mullem as the RAC’s Chairperson and current Vice Chairperson Cedric Burke as the RAC’s Vice Chairperson; seconded by Frank.  Both Chairperson Stracks-Mullem and Vice Chairperson Burke were selected to serve by a unanimous vote by the Commissioners present for the next year. Roll call was taken, all in favor. Commissioner White recognized Lesley’s contributions to the Durham community. 2. Budget & CIP (Wade Walcutt)  Wade discussed the budget process inclusive of resident needs and Council priorities. He explained the City’s strategic goals/plan and their relation to each department. He further discussed how these translate to the annual work plan, planning and development functions/focuses, park maintenance and operations, administrative operations, and community engagements.  He discussed the impacts of engagement surveys and programming evaluations. He discussed the asset conditioning index and inventory tool. He stated how it measures age, deferred maintenance and depreciation.  He discussed universal accessibility and capital improvement projects throughout DPR and segued to the departmental budget.  He discussed the departmental budget of $18 million dollars for the FY23 fiscal year. He discussed how personnel costs account for almost $14 million dollars of this proposed budget. He discussed the six additional budget requests for personnel and how it will ultimately assist with park cleanliness, employee safety, and efficiency. He detailed future personnel opportunities.  Wade reiterated the remaining $4 million dollars and other avenues for financial resources to support the above mentioned maintenance, projects, and asset inventory. He referenced the capital improvement projects being submitted for FY23. He discussed the timelines of the projects and opportunities for advocacy regarding them. Budget & CIP Q & A:  There was discussion about the budget requests and support received from the CMO and City Council.  There was discussion regarding deferred maintenance and proposed personnel opportunities inclusive of lifeguards and training. Commissioners Recreation Advisory Commission February 2022 Meeting Minutes Meeting conducted via zoom Page 2  discussed advocacy and suggestions for recruiting sustainable staff for DPR.  Jason discussed the MyDurham mentorship program implemented by DPR and its challenges faced with the pandemic. 3. Burton Park Build  Wade introduced the Burton Avenue Park Project and how it has been working with KABOOM!, a national nonprofit, in conjunction with Blue Cross Blue Shield to replace the playground.  Annette Smith detailed the existing relationship with KABOOM! and previous projects. She shared the design date of February 24th and the build week of May 3rd – May 6th of this year. Commissioners expressed their support and how they would like to participate. V. 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. VI. Commissioner Comments & Committee Reports Durham Open Space and Trails Commission Report (DOST) (Karthik Sundaramoorthy)  Karthik explained the budget report sent to the Commission and how DOST is requesting endorsement from the RAC. He suggested Commissioners revisit the report at next month’s meeting to discuss. Hillandale Advisory Committee (Rebecca Reyes/ Leslie Stracks-Mullem)  Lesley stated a meeting taking place later in the day and would report back at next month. Open Discussion  Chairperson Stracks-Mullem suggested any topics or agenda items be sent to Lynda to cover in the coming meetings. Frank gave examples of issues with Red Maple Park.  Wade stated that classifications of parks would be visited in the coming months along with an update of maintenance and park classification examples. He stated the transition of waste receptacles at DPR Parks to be phased out to welcome a different aesthetic.  Karthik thanked DPR employees for the cleanliness in the parks. Lesley adjourned the meeting at 8:59AM. Next RAC Meeting: Wednesday, March 9, 2022 7:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. Minutes respectfully submitted by Paola R. Roland Recreation Advisory Commission February 2022 Meeting Minutes Meeting conducted via zoom Page 3