Parks Committee

Robert McLeod

Mike Crawford, Chairman

Joseph Allen

Minutes

April 6, 2006

9:00 a.m.

Members present:

Joe Allen, Bob McLeod and Mike Crawford (left at 10:20 a.m.)

Members absent:

None

Staff present:

Joe Meyers and Eileen Wallick

Others present:

Jack White, Mark Randolph and Christie Roman

1.         Meeting called to order at 9:03 a.m.

2.         Public Comment

None.

3.         Grass River Natural Area (GRNA) Update

Mark Randolph, Executive Director of GRNA, gave an update of events happening at GRNA (attached). 

Mr. Randolph indicated that he submitted a grant for $1,915,000 to the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund.  Mr. Randolph further informed the Committee of the Capital Campaign.  

4.         Barnes Park Update

Eileen Wallick, Barnes Park Manager, gave an update on activities regarding Barnes Park (attached). 

The Committee looked at camping rates at surrounding parks.  Ms. Wallick indicated that due to the electrification of most of the rustic sites, we will be receiving four dollars more per site on the 27 sites.  The Committee agreed that the sites should remain the same price as the last year. 

The Committee spoke about the new basketball court.  Discussion ensued over whether to have concrete or asphalt for the court.  Due to the price, the Committee agreed that they would be in favor of asphalt.    

Ms. Wallick indicated that Ray Puroll, who supplied the firewood last year for the campground, is willing to supply it again at the same cost.  The Committee agreed that they would be in favor of having Ray Puroll supply the firewood again.

Ms. Wallick indicated that the playground needs to be re-covered with wood chips.  Ms. Wallick noted that regular wood chips would cost $552.00.  Ms. Wallick further noted that the wood chips that meet playground regulations cost $1,302.00. 

Motion by Bob McLeod, supported by Joe Allen, to purchase the Sof’Fall woodchips that meet the ASTMF-1292-99 regulations at the cost of $1,302.00.  Motion carried – unanimous.   

5.         High-speed Internet

Steve Groll, Bellaire Computer Center, gave a preliminary proposal on getting wireless internet at Barnes Park (attached).

Chain of Lakes Internet (COLI), Inc. provides internet services for most of the County buildings and the internet at the park would come with no additional charges.  Mr. Groll further noted that COLI would charge us for the construction of the tower.

The Committee further discussed the idea of a “hot spot” at the park.  The two options presented are to: have the County purchase the “radios” for $400 a piece (3 would probably be sufficient to cover all of the camping sites) or have COLI own all of the equipment and they would receive all of the revenues. 

Motion by Bob McLeod, supported by Joe Allen, to authorize Steve Groll continue with negotiations with Chain of Lakes Internet, Inc. for purposes of obtaining internet to Barnes Park and will split the cost of erecting the antenna for allowing the radios to be placed around the park for services to the campers.  Motion carried – unanimous.

6.         Parks and Recreation Update

Joe Meyers gave an update of the activities regarding the Parks and Recreation Commission. 

Mr. Meyers gave a presentation on the Boat Launch on Lake Michigan (attached). 

The Committee asked Mr. Meyers to contact the Charlevoix County Planner to see if they had any plans for a boat launch on Lake Michigan.

7.         Public/Member Comment

 None.