Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutPksConservBd Minutes Sep 2015 ASSEMBLY The Parks Conservancy Board held its regular meeting on Tuesday, September 15th, 2015 at 5:30pm in conference room 119, 230 Government Center Drive, Wilmington NC. Present: Eric Blaesing, Faye Brock, Melissa Collins, Beth Crookham, Janeth Dill, Tori Jones, Richard Lawson, Jeremy Wilson and Commissioner Rob Zapple. Absent: Theron Marshall, Anne Murray, Kelsey Obernuefemann and Jamie White. Staff: Tara Duckworth, Tanya Gurganious, Andy Johnson and Janine Powell. WELCOME AND APPROVAL OF MINUTES In Theron Marshall’s absence, the meeting was called to order by Tara Duckworth who asked if there were any corrections/revisions to the minutes of the August meeting. There were no changes noted and all agreed that the minutes were approved. (No motion made.) Treasurer’s Report. Janine Powell reported that interest was accrued in the amount of 12 cents. She also shared that thus far during the month of September, $100 has been received in Plant Azalea revenue. Election of Officers/Committee Assignments. Recommendations were brought forth a follows: Chairman: Jeremy Vice Chairman: Eric Blaesing Secretary: Melissa Collins (Faye Brock to assist if needed) Treasurer: Janeth Dill There was no additional nominations and the following motion was presented: MOTION: Eric Blaesing MOVED; SECONDED by Rob Zapple, that the slate of nominees as presented be approved. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Committee Assignments were as follows: Policy: Melissa Collins (Chair), Tori Jones, Richard Lawson and Kelsey Obernuefemann Fundraising/Development: Tori Jones (Chair), Beth Crookham, Anne Murray, Kelsey Obernuefemann and Jeremy Wilson Volunteer/Events: Eric Blaesing, Faye Brock (Chairs), Richard Lawson, Anne Murray, Kelsey Obernuefemann and Jamie White Finance/Treasurer: Janeth Dill and Eric Blaesing Nominating: Faye Brock, Jamie White and Rob Zapple (Note: Committee assignments may change as several board members were not present and were placed on committees by Chairman Wilson.) Director’s Report. Tara Duckworth shared that Green Play, out of Raleigh, was chosen to do the Master Plan. (The cost of the Master Plan will be $75,000.) Green Play was selected primarily because it consists of individuals who have parks and recreation backgrounds. A focus group with the Parks Advisory and Parks Conservancy boards will likely be conducted to get their input. Additionally, focus groups for the public will also be conducted with information regarding when and where they will take place shared via various social media outlets and County press releases. Having a completed Master Plan will aid the Parks in its eligibility to apply for additional grant money. It is expected the Master Plan will be completed in May of 2016. Additionally, the Comprehensive Plan put together by the Planning Department will be put into the master plan along with the pedestrian and bicycle plan which the MPO put together. (We also may have some opportunities to share resources with the City during the formation of the plan.) Andy Johnson provided an update on the Northern Regional Park and shared that the Musco field lights have been installed. There have been some challenges with the new Castle Hayne Road entrance due to unsuitable soil. Looking to start paving of the roads and parking lots. Sprigging of the athletic fields is complete. Play on the fields will begin the spring which is when the ribbon cutting is also planned. Tara also shared that we have been approached to write a grant to Trillium Health Resources (A consolidation of CoastalCare of Wilmington and East Carolina Behavioral Health.) Trillium has non matching grants available which would greatly benefit the department. Tara will go before the Commissioners seeking to apply for a grant to make the Hugh MacRae playground inclusive. Once the grant is applied for, we should have an answer from Trillium by the end of October. Tara will bring the idea of a possible basketball court to the County Commissioners. Janine shared that she will send via email the video of the skate park for the board to take a look at. She also thanked Beth for her editing assistance and Tori for her input as well. Based on editing done, one minute was cut from the video and more upbeat music added. Janine also unveiled the logo which was designed by Brett Cottrell with NHC TV. Janine will put together a packet for potential sponsors containing pertinent information about the skate park. (The sponsorship to name the park will be available at a cost of $210,000. Commissioner Zapple expressed some concern about the security of the skate park when it is dark. Tara shared that a gate could be installed for staff to close at night. Fall Food Truck Frolic. Eric Blaesing reported that the 4th food truck event will take place at Hugh MacRae on Sunday, November 15th. Based on research of food truck events in Raleigh and Durham, the event will now be called a “Food Truck Rodeo”. Eric also shared a spreadsheet of participating vendors. Funds from the event will go to the skate park. Eric felt that the board needs to think about other events we can have. Janine added that more event sponsorships are needed. Additionally, the look of the poster will be changed allowing more room for sponsors. (Janine will send out the poster for board to see as well as updated sponsorship information.) Non-agenda Items. Jeremy Wilson suggested the board discuss putting together a clear plan for fundraising at next month’s meeting as well as a plan for committees to work on. He also would like the committee heads to devise 1 or 2 goals for each committee. Faye Brock suggested that a social be held after the meeting next month. Tori and Faye will work on putting it together. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, the following motion was presented: MOTION: Eric Blaesing MOVED; SECONDED by Melissa Collins, that the meeting be adjourned. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. The meeting adjourned at 6:45 pm. Respectfully submitted, Tanya Gurganious Administrative Coordinator -Please note that the above minutes are not a verbatim record of the New Hanover County Parks Conservancy Board meeting.