Orange County NC Website
idea is that CFE thinks that other items should be on the bond referendum, not just <br />schools. Rhodes agreed that if the PRC doesn’t request items that are needed, the <br />BOCC won’t add them. It is the largest bond referendum in Orange County. <br />Massai asked if this bond involves the Parks and Recreation Master Plan (PRMP). <br />Stancil commented that at present, no, but there might be other funding measures <br />to get some of the work started. Much of the PRMP is beyond this window of <br />time. Greeson asked what amount parks and recreation projects might get. Stancil <br />noted this was unknown, and that staff likely needs to look at phasing-in projects. <br />He added spreading it too thin can be limiting in that it may not provide sufficient <br />funds to do meaningful projects. Green added that the board needs to piggyback <br />on and cheer on CFE’s letter, or write its own, if they want money for the parks <br />and recreation projects. Stancil stated that there are other ways to fund projects. <br />Williams-Reid added that it would be wrong for PRC to be silent about this. <br />Silence is not the right answer. Bench suggested writing a simple letter in support <br />of parks and recreation projects related to the bond. Green asked if a motion was <br />needed. Motion to draft a letter with email approvals was made by Williams <br />Reid; Siler seconded the motion. All voted in favor. Chair Bench and Vice Chair <br />Williams Reid will get the process going. <br /> <br />b. The Manager’s Recommended Capital Investment Plan and FY 15-16 Budget <br />includes the following - money towards conservation easements; Upper Eno <br />Preserve; acquisition of land at Soccer.com Center; Hollow Rock Nature Park; <br />River Park; Little River Park; and miscellaneous repairs and renovations. Funding <br />for a Community Center Coordinator; and a 0.25 position to help staff Blackwood <br />Farm Park (BFP) was added. <br /> <br />V. Old Business <br /> <br />a. Blackwood Farm Park – Update (Dan Derby.) Derby spoke about the trails, <br />shelter and developments of the new BFP. The picnic shelter is first come, first <br />serve with the onset of the opening (no reservations will be taken at first.) He <br />spoke of the schedule. It will be manned by a park manager and a seasonal <br />employee. Derby wants to take good care of the beautiful trees there. The old <br />Chapel Hill/Hillsborough Road goes through there, with the trail being <br />incorporated into it. Massai asked about biking and Derby said that the trails are <br />predominantly meant for hikers. There is interpretive signage. Daniel asked about <br />the Friday-Sunday schedule and if the school nearby would use it. Derby said they <br />purposely will involve the schools. Green asked when we can have 24-hour back <br />packers allowed through the park. Derby said there is not staffing for this. Green <br />wanted a different perspective of backpackers looked at by the staff. Bench noted <br />the risk management concerns related to this. <br /> <br />b. Mountains to Sea Trail (MST) Master Plan – Update/BOCC Letter. Green spoke <br />on the MST. Segment 11, the Orange County segment, was proposed to be in a <br />long term planning state, not near term, expecting connectivity further down the <br />road. Green spoke of a long segment that would require lots of property