Recreation Advisory Commission

Recreation Advisory Commission April 13, 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: April 13, 2022. Chair Stracks-Mullem called the meeting to order at 7:34AM. Attendance was confirmed by roll call. Commissioner Scurlock-Jones was an unexcused absence. Welcome / Introductions I. Adjustments to the Agenda/Special Announcements None II. Public Comment None III. Consent Agenda 1. Approval of Minutes: Jill made a motion to approve the March 9, 2022 meeting minutes; 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) Frank made a motion to accept all fee waivers as recommended by staff; seconded by Kokou. All in favor, motion passes unanimously. 1. Duke University Health Event Softball tournament Facility Request Valley Springs Dates August 27, 2022 Fee waiver application approved by consent at 100% 2. Girl Scouts of the Coastal Pine Event Summer camp Facility Request Forest Hills Dates June 10 – June 17 Fee waiver application approved by consent at 50% 3. Durham Area Master Aquatics Event Indoor pool request Facility Request Campus Hills Pool Dates March 1, 2022 – February 28, 2023 Fee waiver application approved by consent at 25% IV. Old Business FY23 Budget Update  Wade’s presentation included the FY23 budget presented to City Council for approval Recreation Advisory Commission April 2022 Meeting Minutes Meeting conducted via zoom Page 1  submitted in late March.  Wade explained the addition of four new full time employees (FTE) included in the budget request. He stated how these positions would fit into the organizational chart. He discussed each position individually and how they would impact the growth experienced by DPR through customer service, outreach, and engagement. He discussed areas of improvement in staffing levels with opportunities for development in seasonal, operational and maintenance departments.  He explained the “Park Maintenance Structure Change” funding request. He stated DPR is better aligning their resources and the reorganization of staff maintenance for increased productivity.  He discussed the FTE “Planner” position as it relates to open spaces and how it would work with other departments to ensure completion of shelved projects. He stated it would include coordination, collaboration and communication with different divisions within DPR.  He explained the “Racial Equity” column and its ranking; however, committed to providing more details from the Budget Department when they became available.  He explained DPR’s performance measures and the “MyDurham” membership program, and how those changes were similar to all other programming trends due to Covid-19 impacts. He further explained other performance measures, the adjustments DPR have made and went into detail regarding the mowing standards, performance measures. FY23 Budget Update Q & A: 1. Commissioners discussed further clarification regarding the “Latino Outreach Community and Economic Development Analyst” position. There was discussion why the Latino community was particularly assigned to this role. Wade stated the Spanish speaking community was the largest community behind the English speaking community within Durham. Wade explained the resources to be utilized in this position with a focus on engagement and outreach. 2. Commissioners discussed where advocacy needed to be placed operationally, whether it needed to be via personnel or equipment. Wade stated personnel as a priority and whom to contact to discuss support. 3. Commissioners discussed realistic operating costs and ways to advocate for this. Frank suggested drafting a letter of advocacy to present to the City Manager and City Council. Commissioners were supportive of this suggestion. Wade committed to providing the RAC fact points for them to use when drafting a support letter. 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.  Wade highlighted the Splash and Play Project that includes three different parks. He discussed the potential of this project and its amenities inclusive of aquatic facilities. He discussed sharing information with Commissioners regarding these changes to encourage advocacy, engagement and feedback with neighboring communities, Recreation Advisory Commission April 2022 Meeting Minutes Meeting conducted via zoom Page 2   Lesley suggested a trip to a neighboring municipality to see what they provide for their residents.  Wade stated the grand opening of the Merrick Moore Park and provided an update.  He discussed the Durham Parks Foundation (DPF) and its ongoing relationship with DPR. The agreement reached between the two will include solidified staff roles/responsibilities and money handling procedures. He further explained Emilie McIntosh’s role within DPF.  He gave an update on the Senior Spring Fling held at the Sheraton Hotel.  Joy gave an update on the Canine Field Day being held at Walltown Park later this month. VI. Commissioner Comments & Committee Reports Hillandale Advisory Committee (Rebecca Reyes/ Leslie Stracks-Mullem) None Durham Open Space and Trails Commission Report (DOST) (Karthik Sundaramoorthy) None Durham Parks Foundation (Marcella Scurlock-Jones/Girija Mahajan) None Open Discussion  Girija complimented the new playground equipment installed at Spring Valley Park.  Karthik asked whether there was an existing list of soccer fields available. Wade stated he would be able to provide one.  Frank suggested everyone wear a DPR shirt to take a picture at the next RAC meeting where Lesley reiterated would take place at Burton Park. Lesley adjourned the meeting at 9:06AM. Next RAC Meeting: Wednesday, May 4, 2022 7:45 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. Minutes respectfully submitted by Paola R. Roland Recreation Advisory Commission April 2022 Meeting Minutes Meeting conducted via zoom Page 3