Parks and Recreation Board Regular Meeting

Minutes PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD Regular meeting 7 p.m. April 15, 2025 Board Meeting Room of Town Hall Annex, 105 E. Corbin St. Present: Chair Cole Kenworthy, Vice Chair Richard von Furstenberg, Commissioner Robb English, Wendy Kuhn, David Weinberg and Paul Weinberg Absent: Todd Cayton, Nevin Daryani, and Hooper Schultz Staff: Public Space and Sustainability Manager Stephanie Trueblood 1. Call to order and confirmation of quorum Chair Cole Kenworthy called the meeting to order at 7:01 p.m. Public Space and Sustainability Manager Stephanie Trueblood called the roll and confirmed the presence of a quorum. 2. Agenda changes and approval There were no changes to the agenda. Motion: Member Wendy Kuhn moved to approve the agenda as presented. Member Paul Weinberg seconded. Vote: 6-0. Motion passed 3. Minutes review and approval Minutes from regular meeting on March 18, 2025 Motion: Kuhn moved approval of the March 18, 2025, minutes as submitted. Paul Weinberg seconded. Vote: 6-0. Motion passed. 4. Discussion items A. Riverwalk Master Plan: Discuss water quality and floodplains with Stormwater and Environmental Services Manager Terry Hackett Hackett provided an overview of the town’s Stormwater and Environmental Services Department, its duty as regulated by the state to manage stormwater and regulations stemming from the Falls Lake Watershed. The department historically collaborates with the Parks and Recreation Department exemplified by compost blankets at Cates Creek Park and King’s Highway Park; swales at Cate’s Creek Park; and floating wetlands and kayak launch at King’s Highway Park. Hackett stated stormwater treatment helps the town reach its sustainability goals. Then, Trueblood explained how riparian buffers overlap into parks spaces, specifically, soil, water and plants are the overlap of the two departments. She also stated the town’s use of green infrastructure to amend soils and treat stormwater also serves as an example for developers. The board should consider Hackett and 101 E. Orange St., PO Box 429, Hillsborough, NC 27278 919-732-1270 | www.hillsboroughnc.gov | @HillsboroughGov PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD MINUTES | 1 of 3  PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD MINUTES | 2 of 3 Trueblood’s information when creating a Riverwalk Master Plan as the park contains flood plains, floodways and other geological features pertaining to stormwater. Finally, Hackett gave a brief history and an update on plans along the Eno River through town pertaining to stormwater and public safety, specifically locations to provide public recreational access to the Eno River. B. Riverwalk Master Plan: Discuss town utilities and easements with Engineering Services Manager Bryant Green Trueblood introduced Green and described his position in the town incorporating aspects of the town Community Services and Utilites Department. Then, she stated because, Riverwalk Park is a sewer main as well as a recreational space, the master plan has to follow standards for the main. Green described to the board multiple projects affecting the sewer main along Riverwalk Park, including, a new pump station, Eno River East and Eno River West. He also described factors affecting the projects including funding and physical constraints, specifically, geography and flooding. Trueblood told the board, Hackett and Green will be available to advise the board for the Master Plan. 5. Parks and recreation-related reports A. Board of Commissioners Commissioner Robb English reported $6 million dollars in Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) grants were rescinded, and the town is looking for funding solutions to town projects the money was assigned. Also, the town Crisis Officer for the police department will be funded by the town now since federal funding is lost. B. Planning Board There was no report. C. Intergovernmental Parks Work Group Trueblood stated the Orange County Trail Planning is investigating strategic connections between jurisdiction trails. Public input opportunities will be available in the future. 6. Park steward reports Board members reported on the conditions of the parks for which they serve as stewards. Trueblood noted any small repairs that needed attention and gave brief reports on small repairs that had been made since the previous meeting. 7. Staff updates Trueblood reported: • The town passed a Native Plants policy for all town owned and maintained properties with a few exceptions. • The town adopted a safe streets policy in roadways projects that aligns with Orange County and NCDOT. • The Town Board accepted the dedication of six bus stations located in the town. • The Hillsborough Garden Club celebrates its 100-year anniversary this year. Town gardens are prepped for for the May 3, 2025, celebration. • The Archaeological Conservancy is taking over the Oxbow property on the Eno because of Occoneechee historical sites.  PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD MINUTES | 3 of 3 • UPROAR festival returns in August, 2025 and town facilities in downtown will be utilized. • The North Carolina Department of Transportation has delayed the South Churton Street Project until 2033. • To honor Volunteer Appreciation Month, the town is gave board members tote bags. 8. Adjournment Motion: Member Richard von Furstenberg moved to adjourn at 9:04 p.m. P. Weinberg seconded. Vote: 6-0. Motion passed. Respectfully submitted, Stephanie Trueblood Public Space and Sustainability Manager Staff support to the Parks and Recreation Board Approved: May 20, 2025