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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPksConservancy_Minutes 4 20 2021ASSEMBLY The Parks Conservancy Board held its regular meeting on Tuesday, June 15, 2021 at 5:30pm at the Airlie Cottage. Present: Jessica Gray (presiding), Michelle Fogle, Tony Pagrabs, Jim Orr, Cheryl Hannah, Mark Ihnat (via telephone), Spero Pekatos Absent: Commissioner Jonathan Barfield, and Lynn Kozik, Tony Pagrabs, and Philip White. Staff: Tara Duckworth, Tanya Gurganious, Andy Johnson, Janine Powell and Jodi Rich. WELCOME AND APPROVAL OF MINUTES The meeting was called to order by Jessica Gray who welcomed those in attendance. There was no quorum, so the minutes from the last meeting could not be approved. Treasurer’s Report. Jodi Rich gave the report on behalf of Spero Pekatos. The current checking balance is $54,458.66. March income was $1,020.00, which included a check from NHC for $1,000 (the Cape Fear Lacrosse Club donation was inadvertently deposited into the county’s account and the county repaid the Conservancy) and a $20 online donation. The only expenses were for our online payment system. 2. Director’s Report. Andy Johnson gave the Director’s report on Tara’s behalf. Battle Park Update- Forty-two-acre parcel off Carolina Beach Road that was purchased by NHC in 1992. Community members reached out to the Commissioners asking that it be developed as a park. We have completed the Design Phase and are looking for construction funds. Construction is included in the 2023- 2024 County budget, but we will not know if those are approved until June of 2023. The name of the park will change. A survey was conducted asking for public input. The top 3 choices were: Hanover Pines, Coastal Pines and Hanover Grove. After consulting with the Parks Advisory Board and the Executive Leadership Team, staff is recommending that the park be names Hanover Pines. The new name will be voted on by the Board of Commissioners at their May meeting. River Road Park- the pier has been closed due to damage from Hurricane Isaias. Staff is working with FEMA and a local engineering firm to complete the process necessary to rebuild the pier. The process with FEMA is long and the pier is projected to be closed for at least another 6 months to 1 year. Ogden Skatepark Update- we did have some challenges with the construction of the Tony Hawk Bowl and Snake Run. Staff reached out to Grindline multiple times to resolve the issue with no luck. We are back in discussions with the Tony Hawk Foundation and Grindline and feel optimistic that a resolution can be found. Jim Orr asked about the original grant and Tony asked about the nature of the issue and how much it would cost to fix. Andy shared more info and let the board know that our goal is for the two entities to fund the project. Multipurpose Trails- Andy shared information about progress on trails in the Middle Sound Loop Road area. We have done several projects and keep adding pieces to the trail. Our current project is 95% complete and that will take the trial from Oyster Lane road to Middle Sound Village. We are in the design stage for Red Cedar Road to the Publix Store as well as a section of the Market Street trail from Mendenhall Drive to the Porters Neck Walmart. We will eventually have the trail run from Marsh Oaks to the Walmart in Porters Neck. The goal is to add pieces that will connect to the Cross City Trail. For every 1 mile we add, we get a 12-mile value when connected to that trails. Jim Orr stated he sees the trail from Red Cedar to the roundabout at Ogden elementary School quite often and asked if there were plans to continue the trail from Darden Road to Emerald Forest. He has been in contact with NCDOT and has not gotten any answers. Tara has asked Janine to work with an advocacy group from Middle Sound to talk about ways we can partner. Jim asked to be included in those discussions. Staff Updates. Janine Powell shared that 100 longleaf pines were planted in Long Leaf Park and funded by the Cape Fear Garden Club Civic Improvements Committee. She is also in talks with several groups about some new amenities that may be future projects for the Conservancy. She will share more information in the future. Jodi Rich shared information about plantings that were done on 3 of our FEMA properties. There were 48 trees planted and she has been doing education pieces that talk about the benefits of trees and how they impact flooding and stormwater. The next Trash Mob is tomorrow at 10 am near Battle Park. Our next quarterly Trash Mob for Harris Road is June 12 at 9 am. Mark Ihnat shared how much he enjoyed participating in the Trash Mob and encouraged other board members to join in on the fun. Food Truck Rodeo Update. Food Truck Rodeo: Jodi gave an update as Cheryl’s audio was not working. These events have been on the back burner due to the pandemic. We may be able to do something this fall. She has been in contact with several of the truck owners and they have adapted their operations during the pandemic. Mark Ihnat is in full support of doing something in the fall with perhaps a reduced number of trucks so that we can add more spacing between them. Tony asked about dates and Jodi shared we typically do our fall event near the beginning of November. She will look at calendars and send out some possible dates. Old Business/New Business. Tony asked for an update about Pickleball. Andy shared that we have asked for funding to convert the two tennis courts at Arrowhead Park to Pickleball but will not know if that is approved until June. Jim asked for an update about partnering with Cape Fear Pickleball Club and Janine shared that the club was only willing to assist with fundraising if the courts at Veterans Park were converted. We have told them multiple times that is not an option since the schools use them for Middle and high school tennis. Jim noted that it consistent across the state that Pickleball clubs are unwilling to assist with fundraising. Andy shared that we have a great partnership with the Greater Wilmington Tennis Association, and they have been good funding partners. We are always looking to build relationships and will continue to try and work with the Pickleball community. Jim asked if the GWTA is okay with converting the two courts at Arrowhead Park and Andy shared that they were since there are only two there and they need a minimum of three courts for league play. 6. Next Meeting Date. The next regularly scheduled meeting will be held on Tuesday, May 18th. ADJOURNMENT MOTION: Jim Orr MOVED; SECONDED by Mark Ihnat that the meeting be adjourned. The meeting adjourned at 6:15 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.