Parks Committee
Mike Crawford			Gene Dawson, Chairman	Joseph Allen
Minutes
May 3, 2007
9:00 a.m.
Members present:		Gene Dawson, Mike Crawford, and Joe Allen
Members absent:		None.
Staff present:		Joe Meyers and Eileen Wallick
Others present:		Mark Randolph, Mike Meriwether, and Russ Blasdell
1.         Meeting called to order at 9:00 a.m.
2.         Parks and Recreation Advisory Board
	Joe Meyers indicated that the minutes for the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board were informational and informed them of their progress. Joe also informed them of the progress of the Petoskey Stone Festival.
3.         Grass River Natural Area (GRNA)
	Mark Randolph discussed activities regarding GRNA.  Mark indicated that the GRNA spring cleanup is this weekend and encouraged the Committee members to volunteer if they had the afternoon available. Mark informed the Committee that the Maltby property appraisal is almost finalized and needs the Commissioners to approve purchasing the property so the DNR can reimburse the county and we can close out the grant. Motion by Joe Allen, supported by Mike Crawford, to recommend the Finance Committee purchase the Maltby Property for $50,000, so the DNR can reimburse the County and close out the grant.  Motion carried – unanimous.
4.         Barnes Park Update
	Eileen Wallick, Park Manager, gave an update on events regarding Barnes Park. Eileen spoke on shutting down the building vs. keeping it at a low enough temperature to keep it open. Discussion ensued over the septic system and porta-johns for the Petoskey Stone Festival. Eileen presented the refund sheet for the reservations. Discussion ensued over the refund sheet and changes were made. Eileen inquired about high-speed internet at the park so she can update her website.  The committee informed her that it would be a while due to the technology implementation plan. Discussion ensued over the “per camping unit” and different procedures. Mike Crawford indicated that he would like to see the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board review forms before Eileen uses them. Motion by Mike Crawford, supported by Joe Allen, to have the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board review all forms at Barnes Park before they are implemented.  Motion carried – unanimous. Discussion ensued over emergency hiring and firing.  The Committee directed Eileen to contact the Coordinator/Planner's Office if such an event happens. Eileen spoke on the lights on the building and how she would like to get a cover for them. Eileen informed the Committee that she would like to purchase a rototiller for $400.  Joe informed Eileen that if she had the money in her budget then she needed to contact Laura Sexton to make arrangements for the purchase.
5.         Various Matters
	Mike spoke on the chipping of the forestry trails. Motion by Mike Crawford, supported by Joe Allen, to recommend CLAF approve chipping the rest of the forestry trails at Barnes Park.  Motion carried – unanimous. Mike also indicated that he would be seeding the old ball field with the prairie seed and adding more interpretive signs. Mike indicated that Grant Rowe would like to purchase the property on Frog Hollow Road.  The Committee discussed the law allowing us to sell the property and decided to not move forward.
6.         Members/Public Comment
	None.
Meeting adjourned at 10:27 a.m.