Parks Committee

Robert McLeod

Mike Crawford, Chairman

Joseph Allen

Minutes

March 2, 2006

9:00 a.m.

Members present:

Bob McLeod and Mike Crawford

Members absent:

Joe Allen

Staff present:

Joe Meyers and Eileen Wallick

Others present:

Russ Blasdell, Janet Person, Linda Gallagher, Jack White, Ann McClelland and Mike Meriwether

1.         Meeting called to order at 9:00 a.m.

2.         Public Hearing for the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund (MNRTF)

Attached.

3.         Public Comment

None.

4.         Grass River Natural Area (GRNA) Update

Mark Randolph, Executive Director of GRNA, spoke on the grant to the MNRTF and answered the Committee’s questions. 

Motion by Bob McLeod, supported by Mike Crawford to recommend the Board of Commissioners approve sending the grant to the MNRTF.  Motion carried – unanimous.

Bob McLeod further noted that this would be a worthy purchase for the County if the grant was not approved.

Mr. Randolph informed the Committee of the progress of the capital campaign and noted that the GRNA Building Committee reviewed the building and they decided that they would like it to be more of a “green” (environmentally friendly) building.  Mr. Randolph further noted that they would like to get a lease similar to the Township Ambulance Authority Barn.  Mr. Randolph noted that this was a time sensitive issue as they would like to guarantee that the building will be able to be placed on County Property. 

Motion by Bob McLeod, supported by Mike Crawford to recommend the Board of Commissioners approve the concept of the lease for GRNA and have the Chairman of the Board of Commissioners sign the lease pending legal counsel review.  Motion carried – unanimous.

5.         Mineral Rights for the Grass River Natural Area

Mr. Randolph informed the Committee that an oil company was looking to lease the mineral rights on County property in GRNA.  Mr. Randolph informed the Committee that the company would not do any surface damage because GRNA has non-developmental rights on it.  Mr. Randolph inquired if the royalties could be placed in a fund to support GRNA or in the grant match fund. 

The Committee recommended Mr. Randolph go to the Finance Committee on Monday to address the placement of the funds from the royalties.  

6.         Wetzel Lake Update

Mr. Meyers informed the Committee that he has drafted a Reciprocal Agreement (attached) with Mancelona Township for the upkeep on the Wetzel Lake property. 

Motion by Bob McLeod, supported by Mike Crawford to recommend the Board of Commissioners approve the Reciprocal Agreement with Mancelona Township.  Motion carried – unanimous.

Discussion ensued over the lease for the property and the expenses that have occurred.  Mr. Meyers informed the Committee that he had spoken with Mr. Koop and both agree that there should be a property description and a “cost”.   

7.         Barnes Park Grant Update

Mr. Meyers distributed information on the Barnes Park Grant (attached).  Mr. Meyers informed the Committee that the logs on the building have been placed.  Mr. Meyers further noted that Gary Bucklin is asking if we wish to keep the wood flooring or change it to ceramic tile for the outer areas of the building.  Whichever way we want to have it, ceramic tile will still be placed in the bathroom.

The Committee agreed that they do not want ceramic tile in the outer areas.   

8.         Parks and Recreation Update

Linda Gallagher informed the Committee of activities regarding the Parks and Recreation Commission.  Ms. Gallagher commended Valerie Craft for the hard work put into the Parks and Recreation Database and noted that it was much more user friendly. 

Ms. Gallagher indicated that the Parks and Recreation Commission could not come to a consensus on a recommendation for the boat launch. 

Ms. Gallagher noted that the Petoskey Stone Festival has been moving forward rapidly and it is time to set a budget (attached).  Ms. Gallagher further noted that they have 10-15 vendors signed up for the festival.  Ms. Gallagher indicated that the public is very interested in this festival and we are getting donations for various items.  Ms. Gallagher noted that Corner Gem is donating a Petoskey Stone Festival crown for the Petoskey Stone Festival Queen. 

Motion by Bob McLeod, supported by Mike Crawford to refer the budget request to the Finance Committee and to recommend the Board of Commissioners approve the Petoskey Stone Festival Budget for $2,000.  Motion carried – unanimous.

Mike Meriwether, County Forester, informed the Committee that the trails have been cut in Barnes Park.  Mr. Meriwether indicated that the timber is still being cleaned up so it might be somewhat unattractive.  Mr. Meriwether further indicated that he received a quote for the trail.  Mr. Meriwether noted that the trail would cost approximately $36,000 (see attached quote) and would be completely covered by the grant. 

Mr. Meriwether requested that the Committee change the afton stone trail to a wood chipped trail due to less maintenance for the parks crew and mentioned that he would like to put a boardwalk in the wetlands instead of the afton stone.   The Committee agreed with Mr. Merewether’s proposal.

9.         Michigan Maps, Inc.

Mr. Meyers informed the Committee that the advertisement that the County puts in the Michigan Maps publication every year has one small change.  The change is in Barnes Park and should read “64 electrical sites”.  Mr. Crawford inquired if we could get a Petoskey stone on the advertisement.  Mr. Meyers noted that he would check and see if it would increase the cost of the ad.

Motion by Bob McLeod, supported by Mike Crawford to appropriate $295 for the Michigan Maps, Inc. publication for the Parks and Recreation throughout the County.  Motion carried – unanimous.

10.       Public/Member Comment

 None.