Recreation Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes

February 9, 2006

7:00 p.m. Town Council Chambers

Board Members Present: Mary Beth Healy-Henrick, Libby Wilhelmson, Alan Patterson, Jeff Buser (left 7:30 pm), Susan Britt, Wanda Holloway, Randy Adamson, Beth Arthur (arrived 7:20 pm), Ex-Officio Hank Dickson

Board Members Absent: None

Staff Present: Len Bradley, Sarah Kennedy, Johnny Dickinson

CALL TO ORDER

Chairman Mary Beth Healy-Henrick called the meeting to order.

MINUTES

Randy Adamson made a motion to approve the minutes from 01/12/06 meeting. Alan Patterson seconded. All were in favor, minutes approved.

GREENWAY PRESENTATION

Len presented two maps on greenways. The first was the greenway master plan done in 1998 as a part of the Town’s 10 Year Comprehensive Plan. (The 10 Year Comprehensive Plan is currently being revised.) The map highlights the areas within the Town and its extraterritorial jurisdiction where the Town would like to develop greenways and parks. The second map is entitled 2004 Sidewalk and Greenways CIP and shows existing and proposed greenways and sidewalks. Some of the existing greenways have asphalt, improved topsoil or mulch, while others have no improvements. About 3 to 4 miles of greenway have been completed. The process for completing greenways is slow. Greenways are typically the last thing developers will complete before home construction starts. The parks and recreation department has in its Capital Improvement Projects plan $150,000 designated for greenways per year starting with next fiscal year for the next 3 to 4 years. When a subdivision is developed, the subdivision is reviewed and it is determined whether the development falls within an area where greenways or parks have been designated for development. If so, the Town requires the developer to install the greenway or dedicate the open space. If there aren’t greenways or land to dedicate, a fee-in-lieu is charged which goes into a park reserve fund. The park reserve fund is used to build parks and greenways. Most of the greenways from this point forward will be asphalt with the exception of some places which do not allow impervious surfaces. Parks and Recreation maintenance staff is responsible for maintaining greenways. Previously there was not enough staff to maintain the greenways other than the ones with hard surfaces which prevent vegetation from growing. Hopefully this summer, staff will be able to get to the unimproved greenways and clean them up.

GOALS & MISSION STATEMENT

Members each stated their three top priorities/goals for the Recreation Advisory Committee. They were: a new community center, land acquisition, public relations/communication.

The group discussed the status of a new community center. The last update regarding a new community center was information that the Town Council was considering “the pit” beside of the Hunt Center as a possible site. The Advisory Committee drafted a letter to the Town Council which was read at the March 1, 2005 Town Council meeting requesting the Town seek another site. Since that last communication the community center project has not moved forward.

The members further discussed other potential sites and land acquisition for a new community center. It was decided by the members to review the previous letter sent to the Town Council regarding the site location. Sarah will email the members the letter and they will discuss at the next committee meeting in March.

FOOTBALL

In keeping with the goal of improving public relations/communications, Libby suggested the Athletic staff set up a meeting with parents and coaches to discuss the rumors that have been circulating regarding the football program. Staff suggested that the parents and coaches be emailed the information that was discussed at the end of season coaches’ meeting. This information should clear up any misunderstandings and concerns. Johnny will email the advisory board and the parents this information after he meets with the East Wake Football League and clarifies some issues. The meeting with EWFL is scheduled for March.

Adjourn

There being no further items for discussion, the meeting was adjourned.