Minutes

April 5, 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:

Mark Randolph

1. Meeting called to order at 9:02 a.m.

2. Porta-johns Bid Opening

Gene Dawson opened the two bids we received for the Porta-johns.

Company	Cost
A-Preferred	$480
Gmoser’s	$680

Eileen Wallick indicated that she would like to work with Gmoser’s again this year because they are very professional and she has a long-standing relationship with them.

Motion by Joe Allen, supported by Gene Dawson to recommend the Board of Commissioners accepts the bid from Gmoser’s. Motion carried – unanimous.

3. Grass River Natural Area (GRNA)

Mark Randolph discussed activities regarding GRNA.

Mark indicated that the GRNA management plan should be completed by the end of the summer.

Mark informed the committee of some of the areas that the management plan is going to cover such as the different eco-systems and how they can help to restore some of the areas that have been damaged. Mark also spoke on the long term goals of GRNA.

4. Barnes Park Update

Eileen Wallick, Park Manager, gave an update on events regarding Barnes Park.

Eileen informed the Committee of the costs associated with closing and opening the building every year. Joe Meyers indicated that Eileen should see how much it costs to heat the building for a month to get an estimate of how much it could cost to heat the building for the winter instead of shutting it down.

Discussion ensued over the reservations and the mass mailing.

The Committee directed Eileen to make the mailing list a priority.

Motion by Joe Allen, supported by Gene Dawson, to require reservations be placed two weeks in advance. Motion carried – unanimous.

Eileen spoke on the truck that she has been looking into for the parks capital outlay.

Motion by Joe Allen, supported by Gene Dawson, to recommend the Finance Committee accept the capital outlay for the 1995 Chevy truck. Motion carried – unanimous.

The Committee discussed the roof on the 1969 bathhouse.

Motion by Joe Allen, supported by Gene Dawson to recommend the Finance Committee approve the funds for reroofing the 1969 Bathhouse. Motion carried – unanimous.

Discussion ensued over the crew starting early.

5. Parks and Recreation Advisory Board

Joe indicated that the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board passed a resolution to acquire the Sevald property

PARKS COMMITTEE RESOLUTION #01-07 by Joe Allen , supported by Gene Dawson:

Resolution of Support of the Acquisition of the Sevald Property in

Forest Home Township, Antrim County

Whereas, public lands are essential in meeting the recreational needs of the community, and

Whereas, lands remaining in their natural state preserve the character of our localities and protect water quality, and

Whereas, the Antrim County Parks and Recreation Plan specifies the importance of the County’s natural resources and its effects on recreation and tourism, and

Whereas, Antrim County desires to manage its forest resources in contiguous large parcels, and

Whereas, the Antrim County Parks and Recreation Plan has as one of its goals the connection of its existing parks and recreational facilities, and

Whereas, the “Sevald Property” is 180 acres of scenic unspoiled land that would increase the recreational value of the county, and

Whereas, acquisition of the Sevald Property, provides important opportunities for public recreation; forest and open space protection; hunting, fishing, and trapping; and consolidates publicly-held land; all identified as important goals in a recent county-wide public opinion survey, and

Now, Therefore, Be It Resolved that the Antrim County Parks Committee urges the Antrim County Board of Commissioners to acquire the Sevald property, 180 acres of property in Forest Home Township, Sections 14 and 23, to consolidate the surrounding county lands.

A motion to adopt the foregoing resolution was made by Joe Allen and seconded by Gene Dawson.

Upon roll call, the following voted:

Yes: Joe Allen and Gene Dawson

No: None

Absent: Mike Crawford

Resolution declared adopted.

6. Various Matters

Gene also discussed the Lore Rd. extension in Banks Township and property around it for a potential boat launch. Gene also indicated that there was a parcel adjacent to the property that was being sold for 1.1 million dollars.

7. Members/Public Comment

None.

Meeting adjourned at 10:40 a.m.