MINUTES City Council Parks, Trails, & Recreation Committee Wednesday, May 21, 2025 - 3:30 PM Mary C. Jenkins Community & Cultural Center Members Present: Aaron Baker, Chair, Council Member Lauren Wise, Vice Chair, Council Member Howie Granat, Citizen Member Reba Osborne, Citizen Member Nancy DePippo, Citizen Member Wyn Birkenthal, Citizen Member JD Powers, Citizen Member Mayor Maureen Copelof, Ex-Officio Staff Present: Dean Luebbe, Assistant City Manager/Finance Director Paul Ray, Planning Director Aaron Bland, Assistant Planning Director Wesley Shook, Public Works Director Becky McCann, Communications Coordinator Denise Hodsdon, City Clerk Guests: Dave Bradley A. Welcome & Call to Order Committee Chair Aaron Baker welcomed everyone and called the meeting to order at 3:33pm. B. Certification of Quorum A quorum was certified by City Clerk Denise Hodsdon. C. Approval of Agenda Mr. Baker asked to switch agenda item E and agenda item F. Mr. Wise made a motion to approve the agenda as amended. Ms. DePippo seconded the motion and all voted in favor. D. Approval of Minutes Mr. Granat made a motion to approve the minutes and Ms. Osborne seconded. All voted in favor. E. Updates 1. Bracken Trai/Climbing Trail Loop Mr. Granat provided an update on the Bracken Trail, reiterating that there are three potential trail builders being considered. He shared that he expects to receive quotes within the week. He anticipated that the 1.5 miles will cost an estimated $70,000-$110,000. He stated that he will share updated information at the next meeting. He also noted that Pisgah SORBA has been doing some work on the trail and there is still an effort to develop the "BrackenFest" in September to continue fundraising. 2. Sports Complex Restrooms and Parking Mr. Ray noted that all had agreed the restrooms were needed at the Sports Complex, along with the paving of the parking lot. He updated the committee that the city had received a proposal from McAdams Design Firm for $60,000. He stated that some of the work could possibly be completed in house with the Public Works Department. He distributed a copy of the proposal and scope ofwork received from McAdams and the committee members asked to further discuss the proposal at the next meeting. 3. Estatoe Boardwalk Assessment Mr. Ray noted that this item would be discussed under item F, Menu of Choices. 4. 30% Design for Remaining Sections of the Estatoe Trail Mr. Ray shared that he expected to have a report on 30% design from Summit Engineering and hopes to have preliminary plans for review within the week. Mr. Baker asked that the report via email when staff receives it. F. Menu of Funding Choices Mr. Ray distributed a summary of the findings and funding required according to the recently submitted boardwalk assessment report. He and Mr. Bland shared the following funding table for committee discussion. With Without Difference Lifespan Handrail Handrail Permatrek (Concrete) $1,282,295 $929,695 $351,600 50-75 yrs Composite Wood $773,160 $557,360 $175,800 25-30 yrs Pressure Treated Wood $615,960 $440,160 $175,800 Up to 20 yrs Minutes --Council Parks, Trails, & Recreation Committee Meeting = May 21, 2025 Page 2 of4 4 The committee discussed the differences between building the boardwalk with materials including the Permatrek concrete, composite wood, and pressure-treated wood. The committee had extensive discussion about the state of the existing boardwalk and implications for replacing it. The committee had significant discussion about potential funding options for the boardwalk, trails, and other recreational amenities, including grants and the potential fori issuance ofbonds. The pros and cons of grants and bonds was discussed at length. Mr. Baker asked that staff investigate the need for easements and firm up cost estimates. Ms. Copelof also asked that staff evaluate whether the existing boardwalk could remain safe for the public for the next couple of years until funding is in place for the replacement. Mr. Baker shared that he has been working with the TDA for obtain funding for the Estatoe Trail. He stated that the TDA has pledged $1.0 million for the project. G. Follow-up on Playground Equipment Discussion With Mr. Hooper unable to attend the meeting, this topic was tabled for the next committee meeting for discussion of public input sessions and plans for replacement. H. Public Comment No public comment. Ms. Copelof asked that staff add Pisgah Health Foundation and Conserving Carolina acreage around the hospital on the next agenda. Mr. Granat asked Mr. Luebbe if funds were in the budget for Pisgah SORBA. Mr. Luebbe responded that funding is included within the budget within the contracted services line item for trail maintenance. I. Set Date for Next Meeting The next meeting was scheduled for June 18, 2025 at 3:30pm. J. Adjourn Mr. Granat made a motion to adjourn the meeting, which was seconded by Mr. Wise. All voted in favor. The meeting adjourned at 5:03pm. Approved: June 18, 2025 Minutes -Council Parks, Trails, & Recreation Committee Meeting - May 21, 2025 Page 3 of 4 lonbit Aaron Eaker, Chair or Lauren Wise, Vice Chair llena - 4 Selena D. Coffey Assistant to the City Manager Minutes --Council Parks, Trails, & Recreation Committee Meeting May 21, 2025 Page 4 of 4