Parks Committee
Mike Crawford			Gene Dawson, Chairman	Joseph Allen
Minutes
March 1, 2007
9:00 a.m.
Members present:		Gene Dawson and Joe Allen
Members absent:		Mike Crawford
Staff present:		Joe Meyers and Eileen Wallick
Others present:		Russ Blasdell, Peg Comfort, and Mark Randolph
1.         Meeting called to order at 9:02 a.m.
2.         MNRTF Public Hearing
	Mark Randolph informed the Committee of the pending grant for the MNRTF. Mark indicated that the projected cost of the building is 1.2 million dollars and they are going to ask the trust fund for over $500,000. The audience asked questions of Mark.
3.         Grass River Natural Area (GRNA)
	Mark Randolph discussed activities regarding GRNA.  Mark indicated that he is currently raising money for the grant match.  Mark also spoke on the Brake Property as the last piece of property from the 2006 grant that GRNA needs to purchase and they will be doing so shortly.
4.         Barnes Park Update
	Eileen Wallick, Park Manager, gave an update on events regarding Barnes Park. Eileen spoke on re-roofing the Barnes Park bathhouse.  Motion by Joe Allen, supported by Gene Dawson, to recommend Finance Committee approve the re-roofing of the bathhouse at Barnes Park.  Motion carried – unanimous.    Eileen spoke on getting the porta-johns for the 2007 season.  The Committee directed Eileen to put the bid notification in the newspaper. Eileen noted that she has $7,000 in her budget for a truck and would like to know if she should use the ACT mechanic to check out the vehicles.  The committee indicated that it would be a good idea. Eileen indicated that Laura Sexton informed her that there would be no problem with the park getting a P.O. Box in Eastport.  The Committee directed her to get the P.O. Box. Eileen also indicated that the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians have informed her that they might be able to have there “hoop dancers” and the Petoskey Stone Festival. Eileen also indicated that we needed to run an ad for employment for the park this summer.
5.         CMP Grant
	Joe Meyers informed the Committee of the grant we would like to apply for from the Coastal Management Program.  Motion by Joe Allen, supported by Gene Dawson, to recommend the Finance Committee, recommend the Board of Commissioners to approve the resolution for the Coastal Management Program for the Antrim Creek Natural Area.  Motion carried – unanimous.
6.         Various Matters
	Gene Dawson discussed the Sevald Property with the Committee. Gene also discussed the potential for a boat launch at the Lore Rd. Extension in Banks Township.  Eileen indicated that she would like to have her crew start early to re-finish the Arbors and signs at Antrim Creek Natural Area as well as the forestry trails.   Motion by Joe Allen, supported by Gene Dawson, to recommend Finance Committee approve Eileen’s crew to start two weeks early.  Motion carried – unanimous.
7.         Members/Public Comment
	None.
Meeting adjourned at 10:23 a.m.