Parks and Lands Committee
Joseph Allen			Bernie Blackmore, Chairman	Mike Crawford
MINUTES
March 4, 2010
Members Present:		Bernie Blackmore, Joe Allen, and Mike Crawford
Members Absent:
Staff Present:		Joe Meyers and Pete Garwood
Others Present:		Mike Meriwether, Eileen Wallick, Todd Vigland, Debbie Hershey, Matt McDonough,
1.  Meeting called to order at 9:00 a.m.
2.  Public Comment
	None
3.  Grass River Natural Area (GRNA) Update
	Debbie Hershey gave an update on events at GRNA. Mike Crawford spoke on getting the gate opened at the Speet property for the ice fisherman shanties and work on the easement with the Nold Property. Debbie indicated that GRNA is requesting a Board of Commissioner be on the Grass River façade sub-committee. Motion by Bernie Blackmore, supported by Joe Allen, to recommend the Chairman of the Board of Commissioners appoint Mike Crawford to the Grass River Façade Adhoc Committee.  Motion carried – unanimous.
4.  Elk Rapids Dam Beach
	Bob Peterson joined the meeting and spoke on the Elk Rapids Dam Beach improvements.  Motion by Mike Crawford, supported by Joe Allen, to recommend the Board of Commissioners support the project with funding from 2009.  Motion carried – unanimous.
5.  Barnes Park Update
	Eileen Wallick gave an update and indicated that she would like to start one (1) employee on April 5, 2010 to help with Barnes Park reservations.  Motion by Joe Allen supported by Mike Crawford to recommend to Administration Committee to let one (1) park employee start on April 5, 2010.  Motion carried – unanimous.
6.  Forestry/Parks and Recreation Advisory Board Update
	Mike Meriwether gave an update and indicated that the County would be clear cutting 11 acres of pine at Hawk Lake.  He feels the County will receive at least $15,000 from the cut.  Mike Meriwether indicated that he would need to get $3,000 from the Forestry Fund to replant the area. Motion by Mike Crawford, supported by Joe Allen, to take up to $3,000 out of the Forestry Fund to replant the 11 acre Hawk Lake property. Motion carried – unanimous. Mike Meriwether spoke on how the VanKeulen Corporation would be purchasing Burt Moeke’s sawmill.  Mike Meriwether spoke about the Parks & Recreation Plan being worked on.
7.  Michigan Maps Online Advertisement
	Motion by Mike Crawford, supported by Joe Allen, to recommend the Board of Commissioners approve the ad for Michigan Maps Online as amended.  Motion carried – unanimous.
8.  Glacial Hills Pathway and Natural Area
	Pete Garwood discussed the Glacial Hills Pathway and Natural Area.  He indicated that the State would like to have the issue regarding the Commercial Forestry Reserve Act (CFR) settled by a non-legislative solution.  Pete Garwood and Matt McDonough indicated that the State would work with the County on bringing the cost down.  Discussion ensued over the solution to get the land acquisition finished.  Motion by Joe Allen, supported by Mike Crawford, to recommend the Board of Commissioners approve spending an amount not to exceed $28,000 to get Glacial Hills Pathway and Natural area property out of the CFR program.  Motion carried – unanimous.
9.  Elk Rapids Pavilion Issue
	Discussion ensued over the pavilion at Elk Rapids and whether or not to rebuild it or to tear it down.  Motion by Joe Allen, supported by Mike Crawford, to tear the pavilion at Elk Rapids down for now, to figure out what we can do in the future. Motion carried – unanimous.
10.  Signage for 911 at County Parks
	Discussion ensued over whether to put signs in the County parks with an address for 911.  No action was taken.
11.   Fire Wood Bids
	Discussion ensued over the firewood bids.  The Committee decided that due to inaccuracies, the County will bid out the firewood again.  Motion by Mike Crawford, supported by Joe Allen, to recommend the Board of Commissioners rebid the firewood contract.  Motion carried – unanimous.
The meeting was adjourned at 10:30 a.m.