Recreation Advisory Commission

Recreation Advisory Commission March 8, 2023 Call To Order: A meeting of the Durham Recreation Advisory Commission was held on this day in person, March 8, 2023. Chairperson Stracks-Mullem called the meeting to order at 7:34AM. Attendance was confirmed by roll call. Councilmember Holsey-Hyman was present. Commissioner Burke was an excused absence. I. Adjustments to the Agenda/Special Announcements None II. Public Comment None III. Community Engagement Events & Committee Reports Commissioner Rawlings discussed volunteering for Tots and Tiaras last month. Councilmember Holsey-Hyman discussed the sliding scale fees for summer camps. Rich Hahn explained how the sliding scale is based on federal poverty guidelines. Councilmember Holsey- Hyman asked for this information to be shared with her to convey to the community. Councilmember Holsey-Hyman shared how PAC 1 members are excited about their auditorium at Holton Career Resource Center but still in need of new seating. Both Jason Joneas and Rich explained the existing seating and where it was donated from. Jason stated his staff was aware of the seating issues. Commissioners discussed the Wheels engagement and other programs that are offered by DPR that offer sliding fee scales and the documentation that needs to be provided by applicants. Commissioner Mahajan attended the dog event at Walltown Recreation Center and shared how her children were able to make treats. She toured the facility while there. 1. Hillandale Advisory Commission (Lesley Stracks-Mullem) None 2. DOST Report (Karthik Sundaramoorthy) Tom stated he introduced his new team from DPR as a consulting group to tackle problems. 3. Durham Parks Foundation (Girija Mahajan) Girija shared that they are planning a donor appreciation event at DPF. She shared their new website is up and how there is a fundraising tool online. She stated they are active and energized. Commissioners discussed fundraising efforts. IV. Approval of Minutes Jill made a motion to approve the February 8, 2023 meeting minutes; seconded by Kenneth; no further changes, whereupon motion duly made, seconded and unanimously adopted, the minutes were approved as presented. Recreation Advisory Commission March 2023 Meeting Minutes Page 1  V. Fee Waivers (March) Jill made a motion to accept all fee waivers as recommended by staff; seconded by Kenneth. All in favor, motion passes unanimously. Commissioners discussed how fee waivers are assessed by DPR. Commissioners and DPR staff further discussed how fee revenues will change within the next few years. 1. Durham Area Pickle ball Players Event Fundraiser and Community Event Facility Request Bethesda Park Dates May 5-7, 2023 Fee waiver application approved by consent at 100% 2. Dinking for Duchenne Event Fundraiser and Community Event Facility Request Bethesda Park Dates October 14, 2023 Fee waiver application approved by consent at 50100% VI. Old Business/New Business 1. Trails Program Overview (Lindsay Smart, Sr. Park & Trail Planner)  Lindsay’s presentation highlighted the 2022-2023 Trail Repair Project and how it encompassed over 7.5 miles of trail renovation and the prioritization process inclusive of condition and age.  Lindsay shared before and after photos of the American Tobacco Trail, Warren Creek Trail, Rocky Creek Trail and Ellerbe Creek Trail to showcase repairs made. She shared examples of new asphalt, new reinforced shoulders and new striping for consistency amongst the trails.  She explained the need for repairs and how unsafe trails conditions could create conflict amongst its users.  She shared the three trails currently in design (Downtown Rail Trail, R. Kelly Bryant Bridge Trail, and the Third Creek Fork Extension Trail), their funding and timelines of completion.  She shared information regarding each trail in development and their connections, lengths, and environmental areas.  She continued with the 2019-2020 Trail implementation Program with nine trails identified by the Durham Open Space and Trails Commission (DOST) to study. The results of this study along with DPR and City priorities led to the Downtown Rail Trail Connector to R. Kelly Bryant Bridge Trail and the Lyon Park to Forest Hills to ATT Connector as priorities.  She explained privately developed projects and the City’s regulatory and enforcement tool as the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) for comprehensive plans.  She concluded with the Year of the Trail Event being held in June and how it will be a combined effort between neighboring jurisdictions. Presentation Q & A:  Commissioners discussed the timeline for the trails and their length. Lindsay explained the design and permitting steps as barriers to completion.  Commissioners and Lindsay discussed design, staff review, public review and how it includes revisions and how they are project specific. Additionally, she Recreation Advisory Commission March 2023 Meeting Minutes Page 2  expanded on federal funding, safety, accessibility and community engagement involved with trail completion.  Commissioners and Tom Dawson discussed relationships with different developers. He further explained trail management, supervision, and the development of the American Tobacco Trailhead.  Commissioners discussed trail counters. 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 gave an update on the budget retreat and how it included budget requests, the strategic plan, and economic updates. He summarized Councilmember budget requests and their prioritization process. Councilmember Holsey-Hyman shared her requests for the Heart, Care Navigation and mentoring programs.  He shared that the City would have a fund balance overage ($30 million) at the end of the budget year and how this could be explored.  He shared timelines and focuses of the budget retreat. Councilmember Holsey- Hyman expanded on this by stating how sustainable housing and parks were priorities. She shared youth and mentoring programs as a personal priority.  Commissioners discussed DPR recreational facilities to support after school care.  Wade discussed being able to identify new opportunities and how DPR has the capacity to provide for mentoring programs.  Wade thanked Mike and Girija for participating in the last City Council work session.  Wade gave a timeline of budget adoption and opportunities for advocacy via public hearing and comment.  He shared feedback from DPR surveys. Open Discussion None Lesley adjourned the meeting at 9:08AM. Next RAC Meeting: Wednesday, April 12, 2023 7:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. Minutes respectfully submitted by Paola R. Roland Recreation Advisory Commission March 2023 Meeting Minutes Page 3