Recreation Advisory Commission

Recreation Advisory Commission November 9, 2022 Call To Order: A meeting of the Durham Recreation Advisory Commission was held on this day in person, November 9, 2022. Chair Stracks-Mullem called the meeting to order at 7:35 AM. Attendance was confirmed by roll call. Commissioner Mahajan was an excused absence. Welcome / Introductions  Special welcome to newly appointed commissioner, Kenneth Barnes.  Formal introductions were made. I. Adjustments to the Agenda/Special Announcements  Wade is attending a conference and not present at this meeting.  Last call for Senior Holiday Party tickets. II. Public Comment  Connor Lane addressed commissioners sharing his feedback and concerns about the lack of maintenance along the Ellerbee Creek Trail. Specifically, the section between Markham and Trinity (southern section) and what plans if any to repave. He also mentioned concerns with crossing safety issues in this area. Tom’s plan is to pave all our trails, in priority order. Tom will follow-up with Connor on other issues. III. RAC Community Engagement Events (reporting items)  Karthik enjoyed the Fright Night events at Edison Johnson Recreation Center.  Barktoberfest – Jill provided an overview of this successful event.  Karthik attended the Wheels Community Workshop and provided a brief summary. IV. Consent Agenda 1. Approval of Minutes & RAC Fee Waivers Jill made a motion to approve both the October 12, 2022 meeting minutes and November RAC fee waivers; seconded by Cedric; no further changes, whereupon motion duly made, seconded and unanimously adopted, the minutes and fee waivers were approved as presented. 2. RAC Action Items – Fee Waiver Requests 1. Dirty Birds Ultimate Frisbee Club Event Ultimate Frisbee Facility Request: Old Chapel Hill Rd. Park Dates: January 2023 – February 2023 Fee waiver application approved by consent at 25% V. New Business 1. CIP Pre-list (FY 2024 Presentation) Tom Dawson, Assistant Director  Tom provided an overview of the FY23 Pre-List CIP Process. He talked about the planning process and how CIP requests are determined. Staff use a number of variables to gather data such as: Parks and Recreation Comprehensive Plan, Greenways and Recreation Advisory Commission November 2022 Meeting Minutes Meeting conducted in person Page 1  Trails Masterplan; Aquatics Masterplan; Individual Park and Trail Plans; Asset Management Plans; and Community input and engagement. A number of prioritization factors to consider are; equity, Health and Safety, Economic Properity, Environment, Community Building, Internal Collaboration, Community Collaboration, Project Readiness, Legal and Regulatory, Resource Management. Staff focus on moving Durham forward by identifying demographics and disinvested areas by utilizing the Durham Neighborhood Compass. Staff also use a number of weights and scores designed to compare the needs across the city.  Tom described the various types of sources available for funding. CIP Pre-list items, will be refining, somethings will be kicked out and some will remain as a priority. o Synthetic Turf Replacement o Armory Renovations - floors o Replace Large Playgrounds – too large for ½ penny and not eligible for impact fees o FY23 Current New Project Funding to Remain – New Athletic Court Resurfacing o Improve West Point on the Eno Recreation and Historic Recreation Features. o Athletic Court Lighting o Accessible Park Restrooms o Trail Development and Maintenance o New Recreation and Aquatic Facilities – Wheels Aquatic Facility Development Q&A -  Karthik inquired about the timing of projects and what’s the latest with the Duke Park Pavilion; Kenneth asked for clarification of ownership at Snow Hill Rd. Park; and Leslie wanted an update on the Forest Hills Park project.  Tom talked about project timelines and how dates are determined. He explained the layout of property owned by DPR and DPS at Snow Hill Rd. Park and provided some history on the Duke Park pavilion and future plans for upgrades. 2. RAC Report to City Council, Lynda Merritt, RAC Liaison Lynda presented a draft copy of the 2022 RAC report to City Council for review and feedback. She highlighted details of the report and asked for additional content and pictures. This report is a snapshot of the RAC’s accomplishments and community work for the year.  Jill made a motion to approve the draft report with changes, if any, a second was made by Cedric. Roll call was taken to present the report to City Council in January 2023. 3. RAC Meeting Schedule 2023, Lynda Merritt, RAC Liaison  Lynda proposed a timeline and schedule of meeting dates for 2023. A review of the schedule was made and Leslie proposed moving one or our meetings to a park or facility location, like Wheels fun park. Lynda pointed out that changes are likely during the year as long as proper public notice is given.  There was discussion on future park tours and the planning process. This year’s schedule included a park tour for 2023. Commissioners will be included in the planning process.  Jill suggested a spring tour that included water park features (spring/summer) possibly in March or April. Recreation Advisory Commission November 2022 Meeting Minutes Meeting conducted in person Page 2  VI. Director’s Report 1. Attachment A- Director’s Report 2. Attachment B – Project Updates VII. Commissioner Comments, Community Engagement Events (reporting items) & Committee Reports 1. Hillandale Advisory Commission – Lesley Stracks-Mullem, Chair  Golf play is at an all-time high. Oct. was the second busiest months in the last 20 yrs.  Going forward they are looking to incorporate improvements. 2. DOST Report – Karthik Sundaramoorthy – no report at this meeting.  Karthik inquired about the new park planner position 3. Durham Parks Foundation – Girija Mahajan – no report at this meeting. Open Discussion  As a token of appreciation, commissioners each received a DPR pen. Lesley adjourned the meeting at 8:42AM. Next RAC Meeting: Wednesday, December 14, 2022 7:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. Minutes respectfully submitted by Lynda Merritt Recreation Advisory Commission November 2022 Meeting Minutes Meeting conducted in person Page 3