Recreation Advisory Commission

Recreation Advisory Commission December 14, 2022 Call To Order: A meeting of the Durham Recreation Advisory Commission was held on this day in person, December 14, 2022. Vice Chair Burke called the meeting to order at 7:38AM. Attendance was confirmed by roll call. Commissioners Thomas and Stracks-Mullem were excused absences. Councilmember Holsey- Hyman was present. Commissioner Mahajan left the meeting at 9:06AM. I. Adjustments to the Agenda/Special Announcements None II. Welcome & Introductions to Michael Johnston New Commissioner Michael Johnston introduced himself, his background, and how he is an advocate for the skateboarding community. Commissioners, DPR staff, and Councilmember Holsey-Hyman all took turns introducing themselves and their backgrounds. III. Public Comment None IV. RAC Community Engagement Events (Reporting items) Commissioners discussed the Wheels engagement community meeting and the Splash and Play Project. Lynda gauged interest in volunteers for the holiday parade. V. Approval of Minutes Girija made a motion to approve the November 9, 2022 meeting minutes; seconded by Karthik; no further changes, whereupon motion duly made, seconded and unanimously adopted, the minutes were approved as presented. VI. Fee Waivers (December) Girija made a motion to accept all fee waivers as recommended by staff; seconded by Kenneth. All in favor, motion passes unanimously. 1. Pirate Booster Club Event Private Event Facility Request Durham Armory Dates 12/30/22 Fee waiver application approved by consent at 100% 2. Eno Community Tennis Association Event Private Event Facility Request Rock Quarry Tennis Courts Dates April 16, 2023 – May 21, 2023 Recreation Advisory Commission December 2022 Meeting Minutes Page 1  Fee waiver application approved by consent at 100% VII. New Business 1. CIP Prelist 2023 Presentation (Tom Dawson)  Tom reiterated the presentation from last month and discussed priorities. He gave updates on major requests like turf replacement at Herndon, Old Chapel Hill Road, and Twin Lakes Parks.  He discussed the renovation requests for the Durham Armory and the replacement of high priority large playgrounds (Duke Park, Hillside Park, American Village Park, Rock Quarry Park, Twin Lakes, and Forest Hills Playground). Wade and Tom further explained half penny funds and the formal requests for CIP’s.  He presented funding requests for athletic court lighting, West Point on the Eno Park, and accessibility within existing parks.  He discussed the trail maintenance program, those under development and requests for funds for future trail planning such as the Downtown Trail Connector.  He further explained funds being utilized from the half penny for future opportunities such as accessibility requests, park updates, and the addition of a pickle ball court to Sherwood Park. RAC Action Items – CIP Prelist Karthik made a motion to accept the CIP Prelist FY23-24 as recommended by staff; seconded by Cedric. All in favor, motion passes unanimously. Presentation Q & A:  Commissioners discussed whether the City’s equity plan is part of the prioritization process.  Commissioners discussed the possibility of a park bond being dedicated to DPR and how other municipalities have established this. Wade shared more on this process and gave updates on community engagement process of the Splash and Play Project. 2. FY23-24 Budget Presentation (Rich Hahn)  Rich’s presentation summarized the budget proposal for FY23-24.  Rich’s presentation highlighted the reorganization of DPR and important dates within the budget process. He shared the allocation table inclusive of appropriation, revenues and personnel.  He further explained carry forward requests. He explained the general fund request inclusive of staffing, Wheels Fun Park, ongoing recurring operations and maintenance of DPR properties.  He discussed the 100th anniversary of recreation established in Durham in FY24. Presentation Q & A:  Commissioners discussed how they could advocate for the proposed budget to City Council through public comment at work sessions or meetings.  Commissioners discussed shortfall of the budget last year and why all funds were not expended. Rich explained the return of funds inclusive of legal issues, capacity issues, project bidding and contract negotiations.  Commissioners discussed whether all general fund requests are typically approved. Recreation Advisory Commission December 2022 Meeting Minutes Page 2   Rich explained he’d be revisiting this presentation next month for an action item from the RAC to approve the final proposal. VIII. 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 gave an update on the Splash and Play Project. He explained bidding for operations at Wheels Fun Park and challenges faced with similar municipalities who have contracted private operators for skating rinks.  He discussed attendance (700+) at the Senior Holiday Party and how it was a successful event.  He reminded Commissioners of the DPR Holiday Parade taking place this upcoming Saturday and safety precautions being exercised.  He explained the various departments within DPR and their focus on the organization and promotion of events. Director Q & A:  Commissioners discussed expenses regarding the Social District. IX. Commissioner Comments, Community Engagement Events & Committee Reports 1. Hillandale Advisory Commission (Lesley Stracks-Mullem) None 2. DOST Report (Karthik Sundaramoorthy) None 3. Durham Parks Foundation (Girija Mahajan) Girija will be emailing her recap of the DPF. Open Discussion Commissioners received a gratitude candle and note of thanks and appreciation from Wade and DPR staff. We appreciate all you do for our community! Cedric adjourned the meeting at 9:13AM. Next RAC Meeting: Wednesday, January 11, 2023 7:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. Minutes respectfully submitted by Paola R. Roland Recreation Advisory Commission December 2022 Meeting Minutes Page 3