Village of Alamance Public Recreation Committee Meeting

December 10th, 2024

6 p.m.

Present: Dale Hunt, Phil Cheap, Anna Clemmons, James Coble, Jenniffer Thompson, and James Bundren

Absent: Mary Penland

Old Business

Mr. Cheap motioned to approve the agenda, seconded by Mr. Bundren. Motion carries 5-0

Mr. Bundren motioned to approve the November 12^th meeting minutes, seconded by Mr. Cheap. Motion carries 5-0

New Business

Reviewing Draft Survey and Disclosure  

Mr. Farmerie reviewed the updated survey with the board, citing the corrections to grammar and adding the question about renting or owning. Mr. Hunt motioned to accept the survey as presented, seconded by Mr. Bundren. Motion carries 5-0

Review Proposed Advertising Strategy

Mr. Farmerie reviewed the advertising plan with the Board. The first mailing of the survey will go out to Village residents in their water bill. Hard copies will also be available at the office, and a link will be on the website. The QR code will also be in the monthly newsletter for January and February. We can send residents a reminder to complete the survey through Everbridge. The local churches will also receive hard copies of the survey to distribute in January. The mailing from every door direct can be sent to the ETJ zone in February. The disclosure will be on the front, and the questions and QR code will be on the back. There was some discussion from the board about waiting to mail the ETJ surveys until they first see the response rate from the Village residents. They may not need to mail them out if there is a strong enough response.

Lessons learned from China Grove Conversation about PART F application

Mr. Farmerie said there were some similarities between us and China Grove, with us being a smaller municipality surrounded by more significant areas of growth, like China Grove. The recommendation he received was to use an RFP process to obtain a professional company once variables for a site plan were decided on. The RFP should include help with submitting and managing grants and retaining an engineer or architectural firm. They recommend first coming up with a solid concept for the type of desired recreation area and how you would want to incorporate the natural characteristics of that site in the concept before putting the RFP out.

Review Pros & Cons of each Site

The board discussed several possible areas of interest for public recreation sites, but it may be difficult to decide on one until a firmer idea of community interest is established. It would likely be important to be near the existing infrastructure and would need to be walkable or at least a short drive. The most important questions to answer currently would be: 1. Identifying the socioeconomic status of ownership around properties 2. Determine the walkability for residents 3. Being centrally located 4.Is it better to have multiple small sites versus one large site 5. Being accessible to most existing residents 6. Continuing annexations would be a plus 7. Flat lands would be best 8. Benefits to being close to existing infrastructure like streets, sewer, and water 9. accessibility off busy roads like HWY 62

Discussion on Mission Statement

A mission statement idea was given to the board to review and will be discussed at the next meeting.

Mr. Cheap motioned to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Ms. Thompson. Motion carries 5-0

Dale Hunt, Interim Chair________________________

Misty Folwell, Clerk_______________________