Recreation Advisory Commission

Recreation Advisory Commission January 11, 2023 Call To Order: A meeting of the Durham Recreation Advisory Commission was held on this day in person, January 11, 2023. Chairperson Stracks-Mullem called the meeting to order at 7:36AM. Attendance was confirmed by roll call. Commissioner Thomas was an excused absence. Councilmember Holsey- Hyman was present. Commissioner Mahajan left the meeting at 8:50AM. I. Adjustments to the Agenda/Special Announcements None II. Public Comment None III. RAC Community Engagement Events (Reporting items) Commissioners discussed the December holiday parade. IV. Approval of Minutes Girija made a motion to approve the December 14, 2022 meeting minutes; seconded by Cedric; no further changes, whereupon motion duly made, seconded and unanimously adopted, the minutes were approved as presented. V. Fee Waivers (January) Girija made a motion to accept all fee waivers as recommended by staff; seconded by Cedric. All in favor, motion passes unanimously. 1. South East Durham Joint Community Council Event Community Event Facility Request Irwin R. Holmes Recreation Center Dates 2023 Monthly Meetings – 3rd Mondays Fee waiver application approved by consent at 100% VI. Old Business/New Business 1. *FY23-24 Budget (Rich Hahn)  Rich summarized his previous presentation from the last meeting. He explained the budget resource allocation table and explained individual lines inclusive of revenues, personnel, and operating costs.  Rich reviewed the FY24 pending pre-list requests to the City Manager’s Office (CMO). Rich asked an action item be taken by Commissioners to show support for the proposed requests for FY24.  Wade further explained the prioritization process and Rich further explained the lack of technological expenses requested by DPR within the pre-list. Recreation Advisory Commission January 2023 Meeting Minutes Page 1  RAC Action Items – *FY23-24 Budget Cedric made a motion to accept the Budget Prelist FY23-24 as recommended by staff; seconded by Kenneth. All in favor, motion passes unanimously. Presentation Q & A:  Commissioners discussed the City’s budget kickoff and the purpose of the budget pre-list. Rich explained the budget process by department, submission to the CMO, and final submittal of the proposed budget to City Council.  Commissioners discussed how this pre-list differed from previous budget proposals with the exception of the skating rink request. Rich explained the 5K window for budget proposals for events and requests from DPR and how they are prioritized on the pre-list. 2. February Board Elections (Lesley Stracks-Mullem)  Lesley stated how elections were being held next month (February RAC meeting) and if anyone was interested in the Chair or Vice Chair role to reach out to herself, Cedric or Lynda. 3. Update Long Meadow and East End Park (Tom Dawson)  Tom’s presentation highlighted the different projects involved with the Splash and Play Project including the R. Kelly Bryant Bridge Trail, Aquatics Facility Master Plan and how these relate to Long Meadow and East End Park.  He displayed the site option for both parks and how it connects to the downtown trail and the R. Kelly Bryant Bridge Trail. He further explained the R. Kelly Bryant Bridge Trail and its expected completion date in 2025.  Jason explained the Aquatics Facility Master Plan beginning in 2017, the development of the pool at Long Meadow Park, the pivot to other potential aquatic options in Long Meadow and East End Parks, and the current focus on hyper locality and equity through community engagement and input.  Tom discussed challenges involved with floodplains at both parks, playgrounds, the sign and signal shop property, and expenses to replace and maintain facilities.  Tom further explained the funding involved with the proposed combined park plan and the concept plan development. He also stated the information was available on DPR’s website and how next steps involved include community engagement, funding and grant opportunities. Presentation Q & A:  Commissioners discussed the existing recreation center and the plans for eliminating the building.  DPR staff discussed ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) and CIP funding.  Tom explained how support of the funding process allows plans such as the one presented come to fruition. Wade further discussed how DPR staff and volunteers work towards projects such as the one proposed and the importance of community input.  Commissioners discussed the possibility of Durham Parks Foundation funds. Recreation Advisory Commission January 2023 Meeting Minutes Page 2  VII. 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 the development of the comprehensive plan for the next decade and how it will be a large public engagement process.  Wade stated the annual report within the packets of the Commissioners and Mary further explained the campaign for trail participation that includes a photo challenge and a monthly trail spotlight. VIII. 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 the summary of the last meeting. Open Discussion  CM Holsey-Hyman expressed her advocacy for the items in the pre-list. Lesley adjourned the meeting at 9:01AM. Next RAC Meeting: Wednesday, February 8, 2023 7:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. Minutes respectfully submitted by Paola R. Roland Recreation Advisory Commission January 2023 Meeting Minutes Page 3