DPNA Meeting Minutes

DPNA Meeting, September 13, 2007

Board Members:
Present: Dan Read (president), Melissa Godwin (vice president), Pam Campa (treasurer), Claire Doyle (secretary), Members-at-large.
Quorum Present:  Yes.
Others Present:       Ofcr. Eric Hester – Crime Prevention Unit
Rhonda B. Parker, Director – Parks & Recreation
Beth Timson, Assistant Director – Park Planning/Design and Development Division
                              Kevin Lilley, CA, Facilities Ops Mgr – Landscape Services/Urban Planning
                              Mac Merritt, Parks Supervisor

Proceedings:
-Meeting called to order at 7:00pm by chair, Dan Read.

Consent Agenda:
1. Election of 2007-08 DPNA Board Members.  Slate presented by Dan Read.
Motion to elect the following new board members:
President – Dan Read; Vice-President – Vacant; Treasurer - Brian Green; Secretary - Cheryl Summers
Members-at-large: Angelo Abbate, Bill Anderson, Carol Donin, Jessie Eustice, Barry Ragin, Suzanne Tyler.
Moved, seconded and passed by a majority to approve the 2007-08 DPNA Board.

2. District 2 – Crime and Prevention Unit.
a)Neighborhood Watch Program. Presented by Ofcr. Hester to increase safety and care of our community. He presented map of Duke Park and stated success of NW would be dependent upon DPNA designation of “active” NW Coordinator of section leaders and block captains who then would be assigned to specific areas. Officer Hester then distributed Job Description for Section and Block Captains.
b) Pace Car. Trophy presented to DPNA for being one of two District 2 communities to have registered the greatest number of Pace Car participants. Ofcr. Hester distributed Pace Car registration forms and decals.

3. Benefit Auction.  The Chair presented six Duke Football tickets for auction, a face value of $210, and a tax-deductible contribution. The Chair opened the big at $50.

4. City of Durham - Parks & Recreation.
Rhonda Parker, introduced herself to DPNA members and thanked the membership for inviting her to discuss our concerns. Rhonda shared several major initiatives on her agenda, including: Play More DPR brochure, Concerts-in-the-Park; Senior Holiday Party for mature adults 55+; plans for new facility openings within the next 3 years (Walltown Center, Holton School, Birchwood, and Trinity Center); the Durham City/County Comprehensive Gang Initiative (to be funded by $1.25 million federal grant); installing computer labs and developing curriculum at recreation centers for all ages 5-12 Afterschool Programs; among other initiatives being implemented by DPR for the communities. She thanked everyone for their continued support.

b) Duke Park Issues.

  1. Various Slope Erosion. Kevin presented various solutions to remediate the slope erosion, including reseeding, application of sod and mulch, installation of flowering trees, ground cover, shrubs, as well as crowning of oak trees. He reiterated that this plan is NOT final, and open to further discussion. Barry recommended a subcommittee be formed to meet with Kevin to better determine project alternatives.
  2. Poison Ivy. Kevin stated that a comprehensive Roundup treatment is planned for late September/early October.
  3. Vehicles in Duke Park. Beth stated that General Services has installed additional bollards to prevent vehicles in Duke Park. She added that DPD District 2 cars patrol the park to identify those who violate the provision passed by City Council that would cite persons with an approximate $50 fine for deliberate removal of a bollard in order to drive their vehicle into the Park.
  4. Bathroom Swap. Beth discussed reversal of the Male and Female bathrooms to provide safer access to women and children. This swap is expected to occur before Spring 2008.
  5. Removal of Old Playground Equipment. The equipment on the north side, adjacent to the tennis court does not meet current safety code, but are. Beth suggested that the equipment stay as it is not considered unsafe by the City’s safety inspector and is being used by community residents.
  6. Tennis Court. Beth stated that wall demolition or resurfacing renovations to the Tennis Court would exceed the $7,986 available for park repairs. Angelo suggested that these be spent on the erosion project.
  7. Piece of Removed Playground Equipment. A Swedish mechanical part has been obtained and contracted for assembly by a specialist out of Greensboro.
  8. Replenishment of Mulch around Equipment. Beth stated that this project is on schedule to occur shortly.
  9. Storm Water Pipe End. Collapsed area next to walkway. No recorded discussion.
  10. Pool Area Drainage. No recorded discussion.

Unscheduled Items:
-Duke Park Neighborhood Signage Letters. Ofcr. Hester was not at liberty to discuss this issue. Bill Anderson stated, however, that the letters would be replaced within 24 hours.
-Facilities Map. Beth stated that Internal map showing park facilities will be installed shortly.
-Public Parking Lot. Beth forecasted that the public parking lot will be released back to DPNA within two years. She will forward letter from Transportation Department.
-Bathhouse. Beth stated that according to City attorneys and real estate reps the Bathhouse can be leased legally to Duke Park Preservation Initiative (DPPI) for no longer than 10 years. She discussed several alternatives that could ensure DPPI leasehold beyond that timeframe and reemphasized her support of DPPI ownership.
-Electricity. Barry introduced Katherine O’Brien’s efforts to have Duke Power install temporary meter(s) installed on utility poles for Duke Park events. Beth stated that there is a related fee and that she would contact Operations to gather further information toward finding a viable solution.
-Inventory of Trash Bins. Angelo suggested an inventory of existing trash bins and that more bins be added.
-Water Fountains. Angelo suggested repair of water fountains and that additional fountains be added. Beth stated that she has lobbied the City for $100k funding for quality of life issues that cost $600 or $1,000.
-Walking Trail. Beth stated that the trail has not yet been turned over by Duke Power, but bollards, fencing and other security measures will be put into place post-handoff.
-Music in the Park. Esther Bent requested that Duke Park be added to this program. Beth stated that she would contact the event planning staff to ensure that Duke Park be included on next season’s schedule.
-MusicMaker Series. Claire Doyle stated that this was one of the best programs in Durham this summer.

Adjournment:
· Meeting adjourned at 8:30pm.
· Minutes submitted by Secretary, Cheryl Summers.

The next DPNA event will be the Octobre 25 board meeting.  

Archive of Minutes of previous meetings