Orange County NC Website
ry ,- - <br />cS v <br />Commissioner Gustaveson stated that the first function of the Advisory <br />Council is to assess the recreational needs of the County, This mould <br />define those areas which lack recreation in the County and then develop <br />ideas to provide recreation for those areas. <br />Mr. Strayhorn stated that he felt the recreation program was a means <br />of drawing the County closer together, however, he feels the County is <br />going .in the wrong direction when it speaks of percentages and amounts of <br />monies. He added he flet monies should be placed into accounts for future <br />development of park areas. Further, he stated that recreation should be <br />a community spirited effort. <br />Commissioner Gustaveson stated he felt the inequity problem is a <br />problem which the County must learn to live with. The County should <br />attempt to work and build a recreation program in relation to the pro- <br />blems which exist. <br />Ann Barnes, who had served an a study commission for recreation in <br />the County, stated that the Commission's recommendation to the County was <br />twofold. 1) To begin programming in recreation, basically in the Northern <br />Orange County area, and 2) to begin immediately to identify parcel of land <br />and to put aside seed monies to get matching monies to acquire parkland in <br />the County. <br />Chairman Whitted asked those present to proceed to discuss a permanent <br />Recreation Council or Commission. He stated that the group needed to dis- <br />cuss areas in the County where programs are needed. He recognized that <br />parkland needed to be identified and to determine the best ways to utilize <br />such areas. <br />Mr. Strayhorn stated that after discussion, the Advisory Council had <br />concluded that they would be more comfortable opening as an Advisory <br />Council in Orange County rather than a Commission. The Recreation Director <br />has prepared a rough draft Ordinance which does need further consideration. <br />The Advisory Council needs direction fror- the County Commissioners of how <br />to proceed. Mr. Strayhorn stated that he was hopeful that the instructions <br />would be to proceed with the stated charge. <br />He spoke of the membership of the Advisory Council. He asked if the <br />Council should consist of the idential make-up as originally chosen? <br />Should the Advisory Council make recommendations to the Commissioners for <br />membership? <br />Ms. Sockwell suggested that a County Commissioner be a member of the <br />Advisory Council. <br />Tt was pointed out that commissioners are hindered from attending the <br />Advisory Council's meetings since the Council meets the same night as the <br />regularly scheduled meeting of the Commissioners. <br />Ms. Sockwell suggested that the Advisory Council change their meeting <br />night. Further, it was requested that all County Commissioners be supplied <br />with minutes of the Advisory Council meetings. <br />Mr. Giles stated that he felt there needed to be a more forrmal method <br />of communication between the County and the two Boards of Aldermen. He <br />also spoke of the need for cooperation between the recreation departments <br />in the County and recreation committees throughout the County. <br />Commissioner Gustaveson asked the Advisory Council how they views[? <br />themselves as an Advisorv Council. <br />Mr. Giles stated that he did not feel that he had been useful. <br />Other members of the Council stated they felt the Advisory Council <br />_ was the best way of assessing needs and developing recreational. programs <br />for the County. <br />In reply to a question from one member of the Advisory Council, Mx. <br />~Thitted stated that he would like to see the Council spend more time lookinc <br />at the parks need in the County. Emphasis in this direction is the way <br />to proceed. <br />