Town Council Quarterly Work Session - August 2026 *NOTE THURSDAY*

Yes. Nice.

Right. All right. Good afternoon everyone. And I would like to say thank you. Also our guest, let's honor our nation by standing for the To the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. [clears throat] [snorts]

I do have one update for the agenda. Items number 45 and 48.

[laughter]

photo finish.

All right. All in favor say

I sure.

All right. Thank you, mayor. Thank you all for being here. We have a very uh I'm glad we simplified the agenda because we have a lot going on park and wreck. So it'll give us an opportunity to jump in. I'm going to turn it over Craig who can kick us off. We've got like all the way two main items departmental projects got greenways.

Thank you sir. Uh thanks for the opportunity to bring the projects uh to to everyone here. Um, what I want to do is at least give a shout out to two of our board members who are in attendance. So, we got Nick Mossberg and we have Ron Ber here. So, thank y'all for coming

out.

This is a parks department. We love the support and obviously our staff that's here to support us as well and other staff that are here to support us too. Um, so this really while this is the department show, uh, these two beside me have put a lot of work into this and, uh, we have Schua here and we also have Angela and they're going to be doing a presentation for us today.

Afternoon.

Always exciting. It's hard.

Um, so there lot so um I appreciate that we have the chance to speak with everyone and give you an update on our projects as well as get some business done. So just jump right in. Uh just to go over the agenda. While there's two main items on the agenda, we're really focused on the first item which is the fe study overviews and then if we have time at the very end, we can answer questions about some projects that we know that you know about and that we um aren't really fully into uh the planning process yet. So, we just want to be available if there's any questions. uh so the town of Apex hired consultant Dennis uh to complete a park land dedication and study in 2025. Um the study recalculates Apex's park fees for new residential development based on population growth, land values, level of service and statutory requirements. We are providing the high level findings of the draft report with an outline of recommendations that will be brought forward um based on input and discussion

today at a public hearing later this year. Uh, article 14 of the UDO provides that every person who subdivides or develops land for residential uh, purposes shall agree to dedicate a portion of such land for the purposes of providing park, recreation or open spaces um to serve future residents. Each project proposed is reviewed by the parks recreation culture resources staff and if applicable is reviewed with the parks and recreation advisory board and they make a recommendation that is presented to the town council either doing a plane unit development zoning or prior to subdivision. Uh it also defines in art and media article 14 as an alternative to dedication which could include making provisions for an equitable amount of land to be dedicated in another location. The payment and payment of a fee in lie of dedication um instruct public recreation facilities with family money for a combination of any of those three. Examples of projects that had recent land dedication would be the park at Wimberly that's subdivision just south of where three acres became a public safety station the road for the retreat at friendship station dedicated three acres that were added to the contract uh examples of projects that constructed facilities like greenways such as long branch and the deer creek smith farm sweet moderate projects or Hunter Street Park was originally developed from uh funds from the villages. Uh examples of fee and loo would be a payment of fees based on our fee schedule either at the time of plat for subdivision or at the time of site plan

uh building permit for projects and those funds are all deposited in the recreation reserves. Uh what we're discussing today is saying that the processes and policies that are spelled out in article 14 are based on state statutes and special legislation that the town has regarding all that's we're talking about policies today. We're talking about the last study was undertaken by associate in 2008. Since then, the town's population has grown from 35,000 residents 10 to 85,000 residents. Um, this is both exceeds the number of residents that were anticipated in the 10year horizon time of the master plan that was adopted in 2023 and um is growing at a faster pace than I think we all projecting in past years. Uh, since this study in 2008, Parkland acreage increased from 377 acres to over 699. Um the changing trends in population, property value and parkland acreage that we have available created a need for this study and we also need to look at the value of land as well as the rates for residential development. Um again these are the fees and which staff present with development projects. But I'm going to get a little technical so bear with me and please ask questions if what we're explaining really clear on. When we do these studies, one of the things we look at is the level of service. And um the level of service is based on our plant acres per 10,000 residents. Um so if you can

imagine as we increase in resident population if we don't keep up an acreage acquisition then our level of service can change. And in this case when we did the master plan in 2023 we had 10.03 acres per thousand residents. population we have only 8.16 papers per house and so um what we're seeing is in a sense a decline in level of service. So based on the level of service and the acreage presented here, how much how many more acres you need to get to our level of service for disaster fund? Is it almost 20%.

Um I we'd have to do the exact and it changes every day that you change your population. No,

I I I get that. Um but we're basically saying we got 700 acres worth park stream and open spaces that calculates to 8.16 uh as our current level of service our aim is 10.03 03. So it's about, you know, 20% difference, right? So our saying, okay, we really need to be looking for um 840 acres total, right? About 20% more than the 700 that we're presenting here.

We're we're already deficient 140 acres compared to the level of service that we set out for years. And it was in that projection of the 10ear plan that we would continue to acquire land for just try to get that population number. So while we had a goal of the 10ear population

so just the um the 700 acres does that include undeveloped parkland or is that

just what we currently have that is publicly accessible?

We include in our our 700 acres open space that is not developed, future parkland that is not developed. So it's all the acreage that conservation conservation land not necessarily. So the land that we own along river would be included in that

and I know that was using [clears throat] basically acorage as the level of service and terminator here but [snorts] how do we capture things like events at the our services are you our program because it seems as though that's I mean our BL is also kind of providing support for those sort of outside of the acreage. So does the study account for or do we have a way of accounting for that as a value of service as well?

Not not in this framework because in this framework we're talking about a land dedication ordinance.

Okay. So this is the land andor the value of the land.

Okay. And so it it's bas the premise of that is to protect provide land that can be used whether it's conservation land uh land for greenways land for active recreation passive recreation you know or just protection. So anything that was so we have a different level of service that utilize [clears throat] doing a lot of measuring simply for

a lot of measurement.

Yes. All right. So um when we go to um taking our level of service and then looking at our requirements um that gives us this per acres per dwelling unit calculation

and if you've heard us say in the past that there's like 30 units per acre for single family detached or 45 units per acre. This is that calculation but is how we determine what is requested for dedication per project. So when you see a plan unit development reszoning, there's paragraph their document that says parks and recreation. The recommendation was for um a land dedication of this many acres or being new with credit for construction of the greenway. What we're doing is basing this this request of what we're looking at is one, where are they located within our master plan? Two, what unit count are they asking um to be approved? And then we're using this multiplier to determine how many acres of land be the maximum that we can require based on. And so with the level of service changing what we're providing land then the units per acre request has to be changed. So in a sense now instead of it being 30th of an acre provided for a resial and now 14. So we have to have 40ome to equal what we used to get the 30 question. So um this uh single family detached 0.024 02 or 83 and single family attached model. These numbers still are calculated based on the 700 life, you know, acres we uh we own, right?

Yes.

Okay. Okay. Got it.

and and so how did we get from a UDO requirement is about 033 to current achieve level service that is less than that. So does that basically mean that councils past and present have approved developments that did not meet our stated criteria for land dedication or payments?

No. So when we set the rates from the 2008 study, one of the things that happens is every January we take the previous year's consumer price index and increase our rates based on that. What we haven't done is reset the value of a neighbor and what we're working on through these formulas is creation of what that value should be today.

I get that, but I'm kind of focused on the level of service, right? I'm just wondering how we got from there's a level that we set and codified in our to some level that's less than that. What what explains the delta

the growth in the number of residents and the decrease percentage of the acreage per res.

Right? But that means then that's we approved developments that allowed for a higher number of residents due the number of acres that were dedicated or made avail made available. I I guess my question is what are we doing wrong when we're looking at these development projects as if we're giving new units or new number of residents, right? Where are we missing the mark that is causing us to be so far removed from desired level of service that is in fact th into the UDO but perceiving policy.

So your every time a project comes in your decision making right now is based on the on the like approved and modified level of service. The thing that's changed is while that's been there we haven't done an update to to adjust for those differences. So while we maybe are collecting land or the fee in lie of dedication, we're only able maybe to use some of that money to develop that land versus buy.

We didn't ask for enough land to be undervalued.

We asked for land based on the master plan and weren't always able to buy land in other areas at the same rate that we

price and again What I'm trying to get at like you know we plan to use this is by far the biggest topic that deals with and we have found ourselves in a situation where we say okay we have a desired level of service and here's the actuals and the actuals are lower than our desires and trying to understand what got us here so that's as we evaluate future projects we're not repeating the same mistake right or we pay more attention or we call it out in our staff report more clearly so that we understand as council this is is or is not meeting the or this will make our level of service better or worse right depending on on the proposed if there's a higher land densation then you know our level of service will drop a bit if it's lower then so I'm just trying to understand what I what I would be

I think let me let us get through two more slides that will that will help help you set how we how we can get there

and establishing that up. All right. So if you take again we just took that calculation of the percentage this is the percentage done differently. Um currently you see the unified development ordinance 13th 14th 151st. Um, if we take the current level of service and we were to adopt those new numbers, so you get 141 the 82nd and we take those acres per dwelling unit and we multiply them in a sense by the land values. We end up with what is now currently about 120,000 to 130,000 an acre to a new value of 320,000 an acre. Um, and that that happens one because we've we're looking at all these properties that we've either purchased or had appraisals on. We have that value. We can match that value by um calculating using that new 320 by the level of service. get a a land cost per resident of $2,600. And if we multiply that back times those numbers, we get very close to 300. So we change the level. We have to match our current level of service. We can't just arbitrarily pick the higher amount. We have to stick with what we have. We can only achieve that level at this point. But we can acquire fees and or get dedication based off the metrics and then continue to improve by purchasing land. So then get back up to a higher level and then reassess more often so that we don't point is that by law we cannot do that. We we

can want to achieve that level, but we'd have to physically purchase the land and have that balance with the number of residents to get to that number.

Because if we if we were to use 103 here, our desired level of service, the lens profession will come out. No, you'd be multiplying times a different metric than you'd be you'd be use your your cost per resident would go would vary and then you would be back charging a different value. So ideally setting the land value per acre is like the critical piece because then then the difference between dedicating an acre purchasing through the fees an acre is equivalence money versus They paid less than the fees. The fees were substantially lower than what we could have charged. We just needed you have to have a study that sets that value.

I I may just want to have a separate conversation about the math behind all of this. I just wanted to understand how we're taking certain numbers. Um, but I know we're limited on taxes.

And I will offer I think the key in this whole conversation is we're behind on land value with this formula and and so for us ultimately this probably should have been brought back years ago to have it adjusted. So part of what we're doing is every five years we're going to go come back to this and do another study and ensure that we're our land values are where they need to be.

And so why did he wait 18 years? Like

why why do

that's a great question and and that's why we're doing it now. I mean I I can't speak for 18 years ago. Um, I can speak for the time that I've been here and we knew that we had to have that um that assessed and that's what we've done.

And we can and we can also touch base offline about some other things um as well.

I think part of it too is recognizing too the amount of growth population growth. I mean there are some that still site our numbers 80,000. We're using 85,000, but I've seen 74. Like, it depends. We've had so many people so quickly. We've got I was told 1,000 apartments under construction right now. I mean, add those people on and then our acreage is already off in that. So, the pace at which they're building doesn't match the pace at which we can build and accumulate to then do regional more like the Wimberly Road Park. We've got the land of mass, but we don't have all the the money to fund the infrastruure.

I get it. Ultimately what I would like to understand what's this direction we don't perpetuate what is a degrading level service right either you know keep the status quo at minimum or better yet you know the level of service that that's what's trying to understand is how I interpret these numbers in terms of how we evaluate zoning for fe request Even CIP

I was gonna add even CIP prioritization had to make some decisions this year that push greenway different things out had that been it that also then bolsters acres too. So it's it's multiple it's this and that and making sure that works but then it's prioritizing those spaces in the sky as well.

All right. So to move all of that into where do we go? Um the calculated parks and recreation vehicle schedule. So currently our adopted fees based on this 2008 study and an increase of a percentage based on the consumer price index every year since then has us at you know between 2500 and $4,300 unit type. Um, with the new per unit rate, that's $2,61120 based on the 320,000 an acre based on the number of residents per unit. You can see the new piece that work. And so in a sense, if if the ultimately when we bring this as public hearing, we would be adopting the the value at 320,000 an acre. Then you would be adopting our current level of service and then these would be the starting fees that we would be proposing based on those two numbers being true. Um and then the plan would be to provide um the same process of consumer price index increases January annually and then no more than five years before full study of level of service and land value. So this this will this could catch us more to the fees being balanced with this dedication plan.

Um and why didn't we pick 320 because both samples that you showed has values per acre higher than 320 350 and 322. So logic would predict and current state is somewhere between the difference 336

Given that we're not doing this every year, but every five years, wouldn't we want to take into account some future appreciation of land value on top of that? So, wouldn't we value our land at 320, let's say it's at that 350 level to kind of cover us? Because the moment we implement this, it's going to be out of date.

So, we do something different than other agencies in that we set a land value. um other agencies proceed do every project with an appraisal.

Sean has something to add. I think for general statute it has to be at the value of the land at that date. So you can't you can't do any future protection.

And so I think just municipalities was per project for lens value assessments. They have an appraisal with each with each resump,

right? And and we just okay, we're gonna count everything out and it's easier for us for staff to just have a fixed rate per

we since 2008 through our legislation have adopted the policy that we set a rate on that we can change. So which one's better? Right. I'm trying to help here. try to get you up. Right. So,

and and I it's some of it is about setting policies what we're [clears throat] what the statutes and our legislation allows us to do, what our et value and the rating. Um we haven't looked at this as a whole doing something different with each. The other thing is we have properties that are on our list that are below 320 and our ordinance does provide that if someone were paying a fee and live but they could prove by appraisal we could

review that and approve that appraisal as being actual if someone had property that was less than they could have these fees lowered. Um and the ordinance provides for that. So if they had land that was about valued at less than our range. Um there's a process that they adjusted to meet Jared to have to provide fair market.

Yeah. And I don't know if this is the time to ask the question, but I mean I like the increase. I think it's a significant increase. Let's have you gotten a pulse on the development community? uh we have not like had a

I mean there's the number

um what I will share next is just because I think this pertains to that is um we looked at adjacent communities while they might implement the land a land dedication ordinance a little bit different than us we all have our interpretations of what the state statutes and our our legislation allows us to do. Um these are sort of the range of rates that we're seeing if we use the basis of our 32. So they might have a different formula. They might do per project appraisal. So we're using their formulas, you know, setting the same standard and these are the ranges of those. Now some charge them as impact fees and Raleigh which is listed in seems very low. um their process is different. They're listed as not their dedication and they're currently undergoing a study. So their study was from 2006. They're obviously been waiting a long time just and so they're currently in the way I imagine that we see a substantial change in theirs when they done their study. Those

of the others have some of them don't have a study here in the fact that they don't separate. So they're doing it based on other things. And um there are also some that that do a differentation of of these and so they might be not providing for providing for something different. So while it's a range and it should be based on like there are some places where we're originally different it's kind of hard to really balance

it actually

if if I can add um [clears throat] when you talk about the development community one of the things that these fees are going to impact is the housing affordability and so that is something that we are going going to have to uh study. We're going to have to look at not sure what other communities are doing, but it is going to impact the housing affordability. And so, what we need to be thinking about is how can we offset those fees for those those costs, not for the developer, but for buying down the cost of the house. Um, so that is something that we're going to have to take a look at.

Appreciate that. Also want to put it in perspective. Talk about a fee increase,000 not a huge percentage of the total. You're right. Thank you. My quick question about um a little bit [clears throat] from what councilman said earlier about timing and fact we haven't done this since 08. I see some of the other study years here hasn't done it since 06. Looks like Wake Forest and Holly Springs both did it in

24. Um my question is you talked about you talked about the five you now that we see where we're at or behind we need to get uh proactive. Why five years is my first question. And is that a rigid thing? Would that be built into the policy? And the reason why I say that is because I imagine that yeah, from 08 I mean there's a that's a it's an extensive or an extended period of time, but I imagine the real jump was somewhere around 21 22 in terms of property value. So when I'm to con earlier he was alluding to projecting to the future. Uh let's say it's not a pandemic something happens that's good this time and all of a sudden the value shoots to $450,000 a year. Um and but we've set a policy of we're going to do this again in uh what 2031. Is there flexibility built into the policy where you say oh hey we anidotally know that this is going to be an issue that we need to this going to affect policy. We need to do this before 2031.

Uh what I think we're in our language that we're proposing it would be no no longer than every month.

Okay. So that it does give us if we see a significant shift.

Yeah. I I mean one of the things that we talked about internally during the master plan process was right now we consider single family attached and detached separately but when there was a shift from um what we you know single family attached as town homes when when they started becoming as big as you know 3,000 square foot and you know twocar garage you know like they weren't maybe this affordable option and they became

as big as bigger than a lot of our single family homes. It's sort of like are they different types of housing and we were seeing a shift in the market and saying how do we we need to capture that as it different should we look at it differently and so so I think when we notice a trend that's something that we we can pick up and and I'll add back to the affordable housing I know one of the things that happens when we're meeting with people and they're talking about that especially if they're doing affordable housing project is that they've said we wait for weeks you you know, in the balance of saying, well, we we don't this is a different not just town. It's a state statute that allows this and it provides the ability for us to build open space or have open space for all residents and a lot of things that are free for residents. It's a benefit, but it's also like that balance. we we can't wave these fees, but then they come back and ask reimbursement and so they're reimbursing for the paid and getting back to the from a different so I think it is something that we're that's a place where we have a lot of conversations is the we taking from one or the other and the fact is So um we uh met with the parks and recreation advisory board in July. They decided to make a recommendation that we could share with you today and that is that they were supportive of all findings of the proposal of the peace study. um they agreed with setting the land value at 320,000 acre. They uh noted and supported that we needed to change the section 14.156 the

computation to meet the new level of service of 8.16 or 8,000 acres and um that we implement this starting January 1st and if that needs to come back to you as a public hearing and studies and information to be adopted but the idea will be get that done and then just wait for when we normally update anyway. Um and that uh remaining that adjustment section that's the what allows us to newly update that number with the consumer price index and that um as I said we will no longer than updating every five years just to assess where our level of services is and ensure that we're trying to achieve those targets in the master. So that's what they recommendation they made.

Go on. I just like not fully understanding all the math behind the ratio. If the land value goes up, do those ratios change like the land ratios? Um so if you take the land value and your level of service by the acreage that you have um then your your you would be redoing the math across the board. You have to have that you have to set that value. The basis for my question is how do you deal 2008 studies at 130th of an acre per saying 41st acre per unit. That is a big regression in my why would we settle on what is now the current level of service. Why would we not stick with the one period or some number in between to you know capture more plants that would

add to our total

because we can only ask for the level of service.

Okay. So the calculation goes has to go to that which gives you those new

and by statute that was kind of my question.

So um what we're we're we're sharing this to give you that first look and then give you a chance to answer questions. We do know that it needs to come back to you as public hearing where you would officially adopt that. We have time before we present that to you know go through and and show you the calculations by even a draft of the study for you. But we we know it's it's got a lot of moving parts and pieces that we don't normally get into that detail. Um we're looking at it, you know, understanding it, but it's sort of the thing that's not but it's the process behind how we get there. So know that that's the next piece that comes back. I think today sort of the hope is answer any questions. The next part is that if there were something that was fundamentally we felt like we needed to go or question what is the outcome of that felt like something we were we were pulling from it wasn't reflective of where we are had questions about the land value and obviously kind of gone up and down we sort of took the middle we also talked to our real estate folks about what they were seeing and tried to find something that we could we could stand behind and say you looked across the entire town and picked the parcels and had appraisals on those and parcels that we had purchased. This was the general range that was valued.

So I have one concern that will lead to

my question by setting a average liability based on current market conditions. Yet we allow a grievance process to lower that based on actual value. We have set an artificial cap for ourselves based on current price per acre with an opportunity to go down. But if the price is higher, like if you have a price that is worth, we will never capture that that per month, right? And so that is because we have said we do one race based on one price per acre. our neighbor to do something a little bit different today. Actually look at price per acre per developer. Is it time for us to reconsider our our blanket approach? Because I feel like we're exposed downwards and we're never going to c capture at least not until once every five years [clears throat] capture the upside of it, right? And so I'm kind of questioning whether we should stick with the blank approach or do something that is more valuation based based on the project. I'd like to get get, you know, the assessment, the recommendation.

I mean, I think that's something that we we could discuss and talk to our consultant about if that exposes us with something that we're not thinking through about our what our um legislation allows us to do and and if that policy change is something that that we can determine the best be an ordinance change and could be a policy

and and the two are not necessarily related. We can do the the debate change now while we study the the policy, you know, because that might have a longer tail. I want to hold this up while we admin.

So overall support for what's been presented. However, look on the side at the other option, the appraisal based. We have that as

Okay. Well, thank you. Really quickly, I was going to say dot dot dot if and that's where my question came in is uh will the development community be engaged before this brought to as public? [clears throat] Um we we hadn't necessarily planned on a you know work session with a builder association or you know the development but we recently did

I was just

for uh council grace comment earlier about whether or not I just think that that would be

I don't know what words come out but I'm just wondering if that's all right. So you're saying that don't make sure that

I I there's a question we'll ask Brian.

Excellent. Moving on. Next question is is it really quickly if you don't mind I just going to say is this something where we can look at the other municipalities who are not listed on there in Wayne County. I saw 71 were not on that list and I just wanted to say that case by case basis. I just wonder just so I think we're on slots where we got 40 plus

but one question.

Yeah, actually a little bit similar like if we do it case by case, right? Some land probably cost 50 500,000 break some maybe cost only 200,000 break. So if we you know charge fee you based on you know each case different project maybe it's better for affordable housing because for the low lower cost lands we charge you know less and it's it won't you know u makes the housing

price you know all overall or go up right so maybe that's better and we don't have to actually you know like a refund or you uh just give them give the developers face or know discount whatever wouldn't that be better

I think when you talk about getting an appraisal or attractive land there's all the factors that go into that appraisal it's not necessarily the purchase price

that someone is paying or that someone is asking it's also you know appraisal takes account of So land can Apex could appraise in a range of something that if you were looking at right in downtown one acre might cost a lot more than than a 100 acres out of the edge of town if there's no services provided. So it the appraisal takes into account a lot of that but but in some ways it's sort of levels that field. It's not what some of people are paying. It's what it appraises at. things that you know that value that appraisal that change. So it does sort of level them. It may not where somebody saying I paid 450 for this but that 450 would be different if they weren't in a development that had utilities available versus something that has to wait out

and even based on the pre um I guess explan for all the projects and then continue. Thank you

kind of share this one. So we'll move on from something very very technical about it to something that is fun to ensure. [laughter]

So the first project we want to share with you all is the Hunter Street bike park. This is the um portion of Hunter Street that's located right behind the baseball field and wanted to show you all some of the precedent images our consultant is using to uh create inspire us and think us creatively on what can be provided for the bike. So this project will include um different types of biking skills um apply from the younger kids who can who are just learning the biking to somebody who's more thrillseeking and adventurous and taking them to a completely different height literally. Um and so the second part of it is all of the structures that will be involved in this. So we are thinking of including containers that would be double stacked to create exaggerated height for people to go up and down and enjoy that completely different

nox has not volunteered to give us a train card yet we've been

[laughter]

want to share with you quick. You can see it

this one. This is one of their projects that that nature have done and provided it to show us what the jumps and ramps would be

that they need the height to be able to to get to. I I got I can see I was cutting up while um Councilwoman Sue was asking for a question about where was this where is this really

um it is it's one of their project sites they send us a bunch of videos so you can go and

after another And this is the actual bike track pract sorry this there is one very similar to this one in carboro um this one is a little bit larger one uh but it kind of gives you an idea of what will be so our consultant is right now finalizing um their site surveys we had meetings with the TRC all of the town departments to get their feedback on the project and based on what we have received up to now um There are some changes to the scope of work and I'll pass it on to explain what has changed in this.

All right. So, um this is the design build contract. We've kind of presented some of it to you before. Um while we're we're at the point where the TRC has seen the site plans. We're ready to submit probably October, maybe September if we can get everything done um for site plan approval. But um from the very initial concepts of this and securing a design build firm to do this uh the design build process takes sort of a different step in that we don't bid construction because the design team is the construction team. Um but they do come back in that process once the plans are approved and provide us with a final cost. Um, and so, uh, we're just sharing that there are some things that were sort of maybe added or enhanced as a

part of the design based on public engagement versus on like the fact that we brought to you that the residents were requesting and we thought for maintenance perfectly is an asphalt plus track would be better. So, those things do include a little extra cost. Um, we've been asked to provide a water connection. there is a shelter with a drinking fountain just in the park, but um whether or not we can provide water connection right at the bike park. Um we now need to look at the entire project site and find additional ADA parking spaces. Um even though you know this is within the developed park, it's now something that they brought those spaces closer. Um and uh we found out this year that the wind blows differently every year and the fireworks frenzy left a ton of debris at the business just to the north of us. And so our idea of these lovely shade canopies throughout this new bike that we need to ship to a metal roof um so that we don't lose our shade canopies during our fireworks. Um and then we talked about lighting. We've always planned for some lighting, but due to the concerns of adjacent residents, lighting the walking trail around because now we'll have two amenities open on the north and the south side 24 hours a day providing a lit walkway between those two be critical. And so that involves some additional like we might need an additional transformer and some lines run. So need an electrical engineer to plan something that we had said simply thought we could just install more lights. Um, and so while we anticipate that those will bring this project in a little bit over where we initially planned and have funding for, we've also identified that some of our last uh probably four or five capital projects and parks um came in under budget. So we're sitting with a little bit of of funds in several different project accounts. Um we're working with the budget teams to ensure that those funds can be moved over. So our belief is when we come back with the final plan and we

adopt the cost to construct as a part of the design build process, we'll be identifying additional funds. So there won't be an ask for new just be reallocating those funds to this project. So that's our update for can we apply grant for these kind of projects. Um, we probably could look at some um I I think we're more likely to um find we've done some other resource things like getting trail builder groups maybe to come in and home build the the pump the um ramps and stuff. And we also um secured during uh Pleasant Park, Middle Creek, and Beaver Creek every piece of extra lumber, large logs, treated material for our boardwalks and bridges. If it was a substantial size, we collected it. And so we've asked our consultants um to ensure that they're using that material to build this versus saying we need to buy lumber. Um and so I think what we're doing is trying to do cost savings. um and then keep that project um on a schedule because I think if we stopped say the grants now we apply for would probably be two years out before we'd actually cut them in here um to to thank you. I have one quick question as far as far separated area for you.

You saw the video of the track and this is what we found at we saw a three and a 5-year-old on the advanced bump track. They just ride it differently. They use they have the striders and like the beginner cyclists do you kind of more walk up to the top and then you roll down versus jumping and um so all of the things have sort of a beginner intermediate and advanced. What we heard

and the reason we're talking about these stacked towers which have the probably the biggest cost increase of the track itself is that if you don't build things high enough with jumps that people can advance to. It's sort of like the skate park. everything that's beginner or intermediate, you lose the interest of people because they're not able to just continue to build skills. Um, and then we found out from our our mountain biking enthusiasts, there's not a lot of places to ride. There was that concern about losing Crabtree, although they are getting some of that back. They've opened a couple other areas, but a lot of people are looking for that place to sort of train so that they can go do those big Colorado rides or the, you know, mountains on the weekend. And so this would give them a chance to practice their skills, you know, like every night of the week and then go out on the weekend and have been utilizing that, not just taking, you know, one shot chance to to ride big and then for a couple months as I have. So we think that that will make it a place where it's activated and it's being used by like all ages and people will continue to grow that. And we also think we have some programing that could could enhance people's ability to learn by having local people who like just like the stakeholders kind of did but even more structured when we learn to class.

What about liability? We saw some pretty people flipping back now somebody for the first time. What's how do we how are we as a child exposed making a facility like this available to

I would offer I would offer it would be the same liability that we would have skate parking potential liability but that often becomes potential negligence if there's something we've done negative your liability there's something we've done not done that situation and there is some

inherent risk that it's a by far that would be

and so by the reason for question because I I feel the inherent risk here is a little bit higher skate park jump up and flip backwards, right? Um I mean they're [laughter] just the level of trace that I'm seeing just in the short video seems to me right. Um I just wanted to make sure that that's we're not inadvertently getting ourselves at the space that we did not

is it possible that you have a um registration area you know to ask everyone to sign uh a waiver before they actually enter [laughter] because it's kind of you know scary all those flips. So is that possible? So we can't have people send we were whenever.

So I'll offer a couple of things on that on that question. So part of the reason that Escape Plaza is so popular is it's you don't have that oversight that supervision on site. Um and and it's not fenced in which is what you typically like a lot of skate plazas are and or bike parks are. They're fenced in. So that that accessibility to the park I think um it it creates a more open space for vehicle and I think that um you'd have to have staffing to do that as well and that's something currently that we don't necessarily we don't do that at the plaza. I think when you add staffing somewhere it does kind of restrict people from coming to that site as well. Um I think it would be kind of difficult

to to register each individual that would come out to ride too.

Yeah. So we just put like in our own our website you have to be responsible for your own safety. If you just follow and break your [laughter] question

so we do and Brian probably can speak to this too but there is an ordinance in place for for the skate plaza. So, um, this is something that would be we would have to discuss

before it opens.

That's right.

It's another conversation, but we deal with a big challenge. They're not allowed.

Thanks for the presentation. to the next one [laughter] and the shing to riding a bike.

All right. So the next presentation is about the kidstown playground. Um you all know the kidstown playground have heard about it. It is at Kelly Park. We have seen the zoomed out picture. The bright colors of this playground. It looks wonderful. When you get closer, this is what you see right now. There are upstream has done wonderful job taking care of it for 27 years uh for a wooden play structure and now it's rotting in different places. Um structural members have been compromised. Um and you can see those are columns that hold the structure together. they have been um there have been installations in place to keep them where they are and now it's time to replace it and so we have taken on this project and moving on with um community

engagement process u before I go to the next slide though I just want to give you a little bit of the background on this um playground as I said it's 27 years old um community members 27 years back got together and um with private fundraising. They decided that they want to build up a playground at Kelly Park. There were lot of planning meetings for over a year per year per year per year per year per year per year per year per year per year per year and um engagement with local schools and parents and children. They all got together for 10 day period to build this play out. So there is a lot of Angela and her family were involved with that too. So I got to hear a lot of stories um from her personal stories as well. Um and so we when we started the community engagement, one of the first thing that we heard was this lot of love for this playground and that stays central to this entire engagement process. Um so the first thing we did was we invited um community members in our focus group meetings. We had three focus group meetings. One was for the legacy people which the people who were involved 27 years back uh to build this playground to hear from them about what they encountered during that time. What are their stories? What are they still passionate about and what they want to carry forward with the new chapter of this playground. The second um engagement was with the present group, the fifth young parents and their children and hear from them about their experiences. what do they see at this playground? What do they experience at other apex playgrounds? And what do they want to see continue uh continue at this playground? And uh what are the new things we should do here? The second engagement was special events. So we our team was present at fest and fest. This

was more of an awareness campaign for inviting people to know about the project, inviting them to take our online surveys and just um subscribe into our page so they can be um engaged throughout this process. And so we connected with more than 100 families during these uh two events. And then we had uh very recently we did youth workshop. So one of the best benefit of being at the community center here is we get to see kids every single day. And so we connected with the two summer camp groups. One younger five elementary school group and the other one was um elementary to middle school. And so we had two days workshops with both of those groups. They went to Hunter uh they went to the Kenny Park playground. They played in the morning, came back, had lunch and then worked with us to build playgrounds. And they gave us amazing innovative feedback on they what they want to see at this playground too. And so we had a lot of fun working with these kids um and get to hear from them what they would like to see here. And so through this we connected with almost 40 kids um in the summer camp. And then beyond that we have um um an engagement hub web page where people can go and check out uh what is the current pro progress on this project. We had several social media post. We reached out to the community through that and we had amazing um engagement from these all social uh media connections and then all of that resulted in more than seven 70 people participating in our online surveys which gave us more than 10,000 comments uh or more than 10,000 responses overall and more than 2,000 comments or open-ended questions. So really amazing engagement throughout this process and now we are at a point where

we analyzing all of these results. I wanted to share um some of these with you. So the first question we asked people was how they currently use this playground. So 97% people um really use it for playing at the playground followed by having their um open play or birthday party events things like that. The second question we asked them was uh what are the things that they would support at the new playground and the first response was physical activity followed by um providing connection to nature create more creativity and social interaction with other people. The third question was what style of play experience would you prefer? So this was one of the critical questions we wanted to hear from people. As we expected 40% people want more of a nature inspired play that speaks to the existing take out there. um followed by a mix of styles about close to 30% and then themed or magic the least feedback that producing for bright color model and then um we asked them to rank the comfort features. The first and foremost is the shade. that we've been once shared followed by a clear sight lines where parents and caregivers can supervise children and then access to water and restrooms as well. So based on all of these features just wanted to give you a quick highlight as I said earlier the first and foremost was what we experienced was the love people have expressed for this playground. Um, a lot of people made comments about how kids refer to this town, whether it's a castle, whether it's a town, whether it's a village, it's a fairy castle, all different types of anecdotal comments um, regarding

very, very sentimental and emotional comments from people. Um, the second was the strong preference for nature inspired material, imaginative play that they want to see. Here there are lots of nooks and crannies that we think of where kids get tagged, they get hide in different places um and just create more of their own experiences and parents want to see that happen here. The third one is emphasis on shade and trees. This playground has mature trees surrounding it and people do want to they appreciate that and want to see that. The next uh thing down the accessibility and inclusion. Um this is the component that specifically relates to existing picnic shelter and the restroom. They are in great condition but there are some changes that we need to make for those um area accessibility is some of the issue. So once we touch the renovation project we have to make sure we make it area compliant. So those will be the um additional uh renovations that will happen along with the takeout replacement. And then the last one is some of the favorites that people said they love the sand pit that's there. They love greenway connectivity. A lot of people use greenway and walk up to the top and use the playground and play and spend time during weekends. Um and they appreciate the control access which is basically the fencing area. So they can see where the kids are going. They're free to ro from different places and parents just feel more secure having kids in that bounded area. And so um I don't know if we have time but we wanted to get all of your feedback as well. So we created a QR code for you all to take the surve

and if it doesn't work later questions on this search the use of the kids to provide feedback is such a great thing. We need to tell that story. I mean, we need to figure out if people know that, you know, you had a bunch of kids while playing, they come back and say, "Here's what you can do." That's that's amazing. We should be telling that, but kudos to you guys coming up with that as an idea. That's that's just once again, as a staff, you are impressing with your innovation. I I mean I commend our staff for the engagement for this that you can tell by the numbers. They've really like touched on a lot of people and and using our current programs, the youth that we have in our current programs too was definitely beneficial in the input we received. So thank you for saying that.

Great.

Thank you. I I would also thank our communications team as well. They helpful in getting the word out and helping us.

I think they're doing one of our best in terms of number of responses and how much speed to see. Thank you. the next project.

Things are hopefully well looks like there's a lot to go where these are all one page slides and just updates.

I I think we're talking about item number three potentially coming back so we can get through what's listed on item two,

right? Well, three is more of a if you guys had questions and we had time, we're here to answer those. But really once we finish this, we're we're we're on a good choice. Um just to give you an update, Withers Routell is

on under contract and completed the schematic design for this project and they're working on the design development drawings. Um the pre-application meeting was held today. We got feedback from CRC. They anticipate submitting the uh plan for approval October 1st of 2026. Um, we've got some other dates uh that get us to a tenative ribbon cutting in April of 2029. Um, I know that's a long way out, but that's also just scheduling all of the approvals, um, fittings, contracts, and getting construction underway. So, um, we're still on that same schedule. Things are going well. Uh they've got some new uh designs that include the 400 foot um field that we had talked about fire access from the other side of the site and um and some other you know trying to work on some green infrastructure for drainage within the common course and and working with our water resources staff. So um that would also include the 250 person shelter on the south side, the open play line which is about five acres which is the cross country start finish line. Um and [clears throat] that big dirt hill that's there now a lot of it was used for the peakway bridge but everything else that's still there is while it will still be a somewhat of a hill all of the material that's on site will be used on site. So we'll have a balance site material with one flat. So high level on that. If

I could just offer I know that things are working and and have to unfold in a certain way, but I just feel that need to for the record state that both of our Apex High and Apex friendship high cross country coaches are highly interested in opening the track before 2029. even if it were ugly and it just will function and it weren't both form and function. If there were some way they'd be willing

to sign a waiver that says, "Hey, you, you know, stepping in the wrong thing." Um, uh, that I just wanted to emphasize how important that is to our high school cross country coaches, the title,

right? And we I mean we worked with them and they did walk they several times we had all the high school coaches out um both Apex and like green level um I think greenhouse all like walk this site with us. The the real issue with that is is can we get that the hill and and that start finish because while the course is open, you need that distance that you see is the two dash lines and that um but it's something for us to look at how how we do time

and like I said they weren't it wasn't to have means it was hey can I just get my team out there practice

right

thank you

and my question is are this already in the budget focus. [laughter]

Good question.

The next project is the community uh Apex Community Park playground renovations. This is the smaller playground at Community Park. Um that's right off of the uh Laura Duncan Road as you enter the main drive. It's hidden behind the building just across from the hockey rinks. Um there's a parking lot that's accessible and the meandering sidewalk that connects to the Bay Area. This play structure is one of the smaller ones. It's you know getting to its end of its life. Um and um the pathways that connect to this playground are also not area accessible. So once we start the placement project for this one, we have to make sure that we are also replacing the sidewalks and make them area compliant. And so considering all of that, the the general big idea for this project is to comply with the universal design principles which is

really looking at the physical abilities of children and their the sensory needs and mental abilities and creating something that um works for children of all ages and abilities. Um so this project um the entire ACP community project was initially funded I think 1994 by land and water conservation fund and um we just um connected with the um state and the state parks people who administer grant and we are uh applying for the next grant where we can uh request them for a replacement. uh funding support. So we will be coming back to you with a request to u make a commitment for the matching terms if we receive the LWCF funding from this project. Uh but this is one of the um a good candidate as we identified it for invested parks because it was already funded by LWC and there is a good chance that we we can get funded for the replacement.

What's the what's the timeline of this project? We are just um starting with the consultant on the design process. So we be there um on site. So they finish the site survey and they're moving into the design concept

and we'll have a lot of public a new public engagement process including that we've already because of the the universal design and inclusive playground. We've got like a bunch of focus groups with the sled hockey program that needs to bring to the site and other groups that that focus on the accessibility. Right. Under greenways, uh we completed the Haden Hall greenway feasibility study. This uh shows the proposed alignment that was re recommended as an outcome.

Um if you can see how many times the yellow line crosses the blue line. Um you'll see that this uh site has a lot of constraints that the creek location and where we are able to install greenway um makes this a very very challenging infilled greenway design. Um part of the reason we did the study and didn't go into full design is because we had some concerns of what we knew about the area that this was going to be a pretty complex project. Um it also has dramatic uh slope issue at the tail end looking into um apex pe where we'd have a tremendous number of switchbacks to make it the the um running slope requirements.

The greenway is the yellow line. The blue line is the creek. Blue dash is our wetlands that were mapped. Um and so uh just in the sense of this include five stream crossings, two road crossings, retaining walls and switchbacks. Um it would have a lot of permitting and coordination with other agencies and um somewhere between if we were to build it based on this is a concept plan not full construction drawings we're looking at something between about four and a half million to um $6 million if built out in a few years right now if we put this into our scoring matrix for prioritization to move it through um design and construction um it does not score well um a lot because it is in an existing neighborhood that already has sidewalk and pedestrian connectivity um because it doesn't connect like the park to a park or a park to a school. Um it's limited in how many people it generally would serve. Um, so our sort of staff

recommendation coming out of the feasibility study is that we'll score it in our matrix, but you probably won't see it coming forward with the request for construction um funding um anytime in the near future unless at some point it started to be um balanced into that prioritization. So, just because we had it out there, you've had requests, I know, come through during budget time for this to be funded and and constructed. And so, um, we're just updating you that we've got the study, but we don't feel like at this time it it doesn't score as high as many of our other projects. And so, you probably won't see that. Did some public engagement, had the people on site, met with them, invited them, talked to them. Um and generally while they uh you know was almost 80% supported the additional section being added um we don't have even with that support it still doesn't score high enough to move forward.

So next one is the branch greenway extension. Um this project um we received 200 um K in grant funding from brave trails. Um So this project is moving forward. The contract is currently underway. Um this project really provides enhanced connectivity to different schools and neighborhoods and ultimately it will help us connect all the way from Kelly Road to AT. So it it creates this really um townwide connectivity here. Um so yeah this one we had um 200k from the uh great trail state program and we moving with the design for that. Uh the general assembly just approved $15 million non-recording funding again uh for the next fiscal year and uh this grant is yet to come for the construction projects but because we

received the design funding uh we want to make sure we go through the design and if the grant funding is available and we will apply for construction funding for this project. uh and because it connects uh townwide to different destinations, it will definitely we think that it will score really high there's a good chance that we will be um getting fun construction funding as well. So that 15 million is uh for the whole state or

entire state

13.7

not not a lot [clears throat] but we did we have been engaging with oured officials at the state level and um actually had one come out the thanking the project came and walk the trail um and learn more about what we're trying to do with freeways and hoping that that would establish some good relationships for us to get additional funding.

Would we need to acquire any?

Yeah. But when we asked for the original grant, we met with the HOAs and you know made them aware and try to get their support for the grant. So several of them the HOA boards did provide us with letters of recommendation for the project. We're hoping that will assist us when we go to them to to do the final but they'll they all be engaged. We'll be meeting with them for the proposed the best location. Um this is one you've probably heard a lot of about. Um we are working on the renovation plans that are from basically just behind Kelington Court off the Patterson Road and the Pierce Farms neighborhood. Um to the west is NC540.

A section of this was um to the west of the yellow area was an area that was already relocated due to flooding movement as part of phase one a creek section. We opened in October. Um we have a contract underway to do a feasibility study and in this location um one of the things that we have as a road lock is that the greenway is currently in the floodway not just the full plane. Um and in FEMA terms that usually means you're very very limited in what you're allowed to do. Um and in most cases they'll allow you to um cross like at a T but they won't let you parallel the creek. And in this case we parallel the creek. And so, um, we have, um, in our past activity as far as what we've proposed in the Capco project budget to this section for renovation is looking at all alternatives. It's considering land purchase. It's considering um, a stream relocation or enhancement. um we don't know what would be the best answer, but we want to go to FEMA with, you know, the the the options that are available and see what we can get them to agree on. Um this greenway section did have recreation trust fund funds allocated to it when it was originally constructed. Um and so in some ways we agreed that we'll keep it open and available in perpetuity. Um obviously if an agency won't allow us to do that, we have to find an alternative. And so, um, we're kind of taking the feasibility study to our consultants as a whatever it takes, we have to find a way. And so, we want to sit at the table with all the agencies that are involved and and figure out what we can do here. So, this is underway, but just I know we get a lot of letters about flooding and trees and we're just trying to clear out what we have been investing

here, but close to 540 is kind of that bends as gets mared over and it leaves a lot of sense off there. that seems to be outside of the project.

That was the area that was really bad is was right here and we relocated this this year last year. So that's that area has been fixed.

So now it's the next section down where when it rains I walked out there boots and seen fish on the greenway swimming in the water. So

they like to enjoy it. And then uh this is a feasibility study that we're getting ready to go under contract to um complete. We have three alignments that show the connection from JC Park at 55. Um you're working on the NC 55 widening plan is ongoing right now and um the peak plan is looking at transportation plans and density um development in this area. And so, uh, we've ruled out one as not being available at all, even though we have an ement because the slope wouldn't allow us and we'd have to cross the creek in a place where we really aren't able to. And so, we're going to have them study these two alternatives. Um, we're trying to align the timing so that when they're doing the 55 final plans, we'll be able to make those connections in a way that works with their plan. And so they've been involved in the discussions and our consult will help us finalize an alignment that we can get to there at least have a detailed plan so that whenever the timing of the construction and 55 and this would happen we can make those connections. It's just great separation grade separated.

Show you the northern like little hook loop that would be great separated. Um that sort of hinges on whether or not that pond that's adjacent it's in

existence at the time we would construct. And so we're evaluating that because there's times we've heard it has to be drained and other times, you know, we hear not. And so if it's not drained, there's really no way for us to go under that patient. So it will be one of these two spurs. It's not going to be like this. It's either it's gonna cross over on there or

Yeah, the study will determine sort of out of those two alternatives. Which one of those is the most viable?

Last you want to share with you?

May one more comment. Um, so if the northern route is available to us, would we not construct that kind of extension to the south?

We probably wouldn't.

I'm kind of liking that extension to the south because it connects into the just highest neighborhoods a little bit further because now he has kind of a connection to um I think street is right here. No.

Yeah. So you can actually walk along kind of parallel 55 into the Jefferson neighborhood without that southern spur. but not the same.

See how it connects a larger slot to a relay that now all the way to AT that will be a great connection.

Few more minutes. Last project by extension. Um this is the project that um um Sunset Lake Road um the Middle Creek Greenway the existing

section starts at uh Sunset Lake Road. One side is Holly Springs, other side is Apex and then it continues northwards uh to Jesse Drive, production drive and then it will connect with alliance. So the section that we are looking at is one of the smaller sections but this is part of the larger corridor um it's part of the great trail state plan as well um and it's a region not only the townwide connectivity but also regional connectivity so that would connect apex to not only Holly Springs but we connect with Kerry and then further uh to Raleigh Kerry also has identified this project in their swift greenway corridor so we will be able to connect with schools and parks works um in Apex uh towards Kerry, we can actually book a full theater in the future. Um and so this is um even though it's a smaller project, it has the impact essentially and so our project really is a smaller section of that. It's a side path project and we have one of our um consultants on the on call consultant who will be working with us to take this project into the design. Um and next slide that shows the the details of this um the side path um design that we are looking at goes through majority of the industrial area. It will help us connect um those businesses through the greenway connectivity and the apartment complex that's on the northern side. Um there are some challenges with this project because of the constraint right of way. There are a lot of uh driveway cuts uh because of the businesses that are existing on either side. um and also some of the topography challenges because the road is so narrow there is quite a bit topography to expand that and include this side path. So our consultant will be helping us um find some creative solutions to make this project happen. They help us with cost est.

[laughter]

How uh keep doing it? Um this connects the southern side of Apex to Holly Springs and then into Terry. How do we from kind of the downtown area or the rest part Greenway system connect into this? because it's kind of a straight shot kind of up and over to carry, but I don't really see a whole lot of connectivity into like from the other greenway system like into Apex like to this part of

I I think it's kind of a it's a it's a ultimately a side path connection on Central Street into downtown and then the swimming creek lead you to community So while that, you know, that's a partnership with Carrie for them to complete Swift, which will cross US and 64, but end up in um Apex Community Park. Um but we do have sort of a gap in in greenway corridors on our master plan just because most of that area was already developed. We don't have any any space within there um to make any connections in that with existing development downtown along center street. So once center street

if we uh connect to Holly Springs Kerry and will those three cities contribute portion of the cost? I think everybody's building their sections of it. Um I mean we I was talking to Harry staff yesterday. We were talking about a joint application for a part of this corridor. Um we know that because we got great trail state funding and it's on the great trail state plan that um we could

either pursue that as an alternate branch. you know, the timing between the two and this sets up really well for the local area project to be a team. So, we're looking at all alternatives for funding. Thank you.

Do we have a when will we know what the cost is? Is that feasibility study?

Uh the feasibility study for middle grade was already completed. This is moving us into actual construction drawing business. So, we'll have we'll have and she was hoping that

well we'll have to look we are with

the green state we have our

yes so that's one of the things that was brought up during the street earlier this year so they allocate about $500 per project um in the state budget this year for bill 257 there is that's been included. Nothing additional for us, but that's marked for our call.

Excited. So, [laughter]

we appreciate your enthusiasm. [laughter]

I'm excited.

Very excited. We're done.

So item three did have a list there and it was to see if there were questions. I do think that Greg, you're good. Alan, we could bring it back on the 20th. There's no rush on these, but I do think these are significant projects that we should discuss just a little bit. Is this where I feel like there's more in words just

it could be depending on if there's a desire for questions but we can absolutely give you an update in writing on these and if there's any followup we do but

yeah [laughter] I mean you could we could do questions on the front end and that way they're addressed before we do our summary too but that's however y'all want to But so how about this? How about we put together what we have? We can send it out to council and then if you all tell us, hey, we'd like to meet on this or have questions, we can add it to the October 20th.

Yes.

October 28th board session.

Is that good?

Okay. I figured

there'll probably be enough questions.

We'll give you an update on what we have on each of these now. We're talking across because I think we were trying to be on in January, but I think it would be too late at that time.

I think we we had asked because we knew we had projects that were in motion that we that we were going to bring back like maybe even the kids town in January. So I don't know if any of those we'll work through

general plan is to give you a written update on these and there

thank you

I think it's a

[laughter]

So, one administrative item that we just need to take action on is the vice chair appointments to the culture and arts board. So I'll read the the motion motion to correct the action taken by the town council on August 11th

regarding the appointment of a culture art board vice chair by resending the designation of Bryant as vice chair and appointing Susan Curley as vice chair effected immediately through 3020. Thank you.

Great work everyone.