PRC meeting summary 04072021 - Laserfiche WebLink

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five years based on the Capital Investment Plan. Efland Cheeks and Cedar Grove basketball courts also have approved funding for resurfacing. Stancil noted that based on projected budget issues the Parks division will be operating at about 60% of our normal staff for seasonal help. As such the County may be looking at a lessened level of maintenance at parks beginning in June or July. Plans are to close Blackwood Farm Park during construction, and this will save three seasonal positions, but it will still be a stretch to maintain all parks. Staff will continue to evaluate the implications of the reduction — this could mean some maintenance is only done two times a week verses three times, or ball fields at some parks are mowed once a week instead of three times per week. Summer Camp is going to be allowed to move ahead on a very limited basis, with about 22% of normal capacity. A camp lottery is going on now. Virtual camps and other programming (limited numbers) will continue. Finally, Stancil noted that it is possible that live (in person) meetings will resume in September. Reyman asked who is making the final decision about whether advisory boards can be in person? Stancil replied the BOCC. Council and Committee Reports: The Intergovernmental Parks Work Group will meet April 14th with the focus of the meeting being how the town and county departments have functioned during the pandemic. Cecily Kritz is the Council's representative on that group. Zhao asked about community volunteers helping with park maintenance. Stancil said there are some ideas out there but nothing has been flushed out. The Department of Social Services has a list of unemployed people looking for employment - they may possibly be available and would be paid by the state. Staff is also looking to formalize a Park Steward program, and inviting volunteers to that. Reyman asked that Stancil stress to the BOCC that parks are needed now more than ever. Stancil said we have seen record numbers at our parks during the pandemic and that the County Manager and several commissioners are aware of that. Friends of Parks & Recreation — Reyman noted that she will continue to work to convene group. Tippin asked to be included in that group. Alice Armstrong reported on the interest of the Town Commission to connect Chapel Hill, Carrboro, Hillsborough and Durham. Chapel Hill will extend their greenway out close to the Millhouse Road Park site and it will be up to the county to connect. Armstrong also shared concerns that have been expressed over the Greene Tract being developed and preserving green space. Stancil said conversations on the Greene Tract will continue over the next year or so according to a recent inter-local agreement. The next meeting will be held virtually on May 5. Meeting was adjourned at 8 pm.