Minutes 06-03-2014 - Laserfiche WebLink

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funding for the share of the road previously-appropriated. Approximately$429,000 remains from the original park funds. PUBLIC COMMENT: Allen Green is a member of Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, and he relayed an experience from a recent trip to Western Australia. He said he and his son hiked 600 miles, and the key was the connectivity and the network of trails between the towns and camping spaces. He said this gave him a vision for what Orange County could be like. He said there is a lot to see in this area, and he could see the greenways and Mountains to Sea Trail being used in this way. He said more connectivity will mean a healthier population. Commissioner Rich said survey data showed that the public wanted more walking and hiking trails. She said a similar survey with the Town of Chapel Hill showed this same need. Dave Stancil agreed that this is a shared interest. Commissioner Price said as this plan continues, the community centers need to be open and accessible more often. She said staff is getting there with the notion of partnering and working with non-profits and schools in the area. Commissioner Price said she has some concerns with costs associated with use of the facilities. She referenced the $25 fee for use of the basketball court and asked if these costs are for groups. Dave Stancil said this is to reserve the court for personal use. He said anyone can do pick up play for free. Commissioner porosin said this plan is comprehensive; but the view is very general, and it would be more useful for him and residents to see a more micro view of what will happen over the next 5 years. He said for example, it would be useful to have a supplement that outlines specific programs planned for each park, and the timeline for these programs. He said this is a way of highlighting the work that is being done. He said this plan gives good detail of the administrative work that has been done, and this is good; however the community wants to know when things are going to be put in place and ready to use. He said turning from abstract to practical is critical. Dave Stancil said this is a logical next step, and staff will try to have these answers at the next presentation of this item. Chair Jacobs agreed with Commissioner porosin. He said if there is going to be a bond in 2016, staff needs to provide information on items to be funded. He said there are no pre- approved plans for either the Julia Blackwood Farm or the Kirby property. He said there has been discussion with Chapel Hill about having soccer fields at Julia Blackwood farm, and he feels it is important to work with the municipalities to provide services. He thinks it would be timely to see plans for the short term. He noted that extension of Orange Grove Road will wipe out the Hillsborough Youth Athletic Association (HYAA) ball fields. He said this extension is a high priority project for the Town of Chapel Hill, but there needs to be conversation with Hillsborough about how to partner and possibly re-visit the plan for Fairview Park or the Collins property. He said the Greene Tract has also not been addressed. He said the County made a commitment to protect this acreage, and this has not been put into the plans. He would like to see all of these things come back in the short term in preparation for the bond in 2016. Chair Jacobs referred to Allen Green's comments and said there was vision for a trail system from the southern part of the County all the way to Eno River State Park and Chapel Hill is dedicating a greenway on Saturday morning. He said the bond package in 2001 had