Parks Committee
Robert McLeod			Mike Crawford, Chairman	Joseph Allen
Combined meeting with the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, Wetzel Lake Sub-committee and the Parks Committee
Minutes
August 31, 2006 – Changed Meeting Date
9:00 a.m. at Antrim Creek Natural Area
Members present:		Bob McLeod and Mike Crawford
Members absent:		Joe Allen
Staff present:		Joe Meyers and Eileen Wallick
Others present:		Stan Moore, Mark Randolph, Christy Roman, Roger Anger, Mike Meriwether, Don Schuiteman and Ron Oyer
1.         Meeting called to order at 9:20 a.m. with members of the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board             and the Wetzel Lake Planning Sub-committee.
2.         Barnes Park Update
	Eileen Wallick, Park Manager, gave a report on activities regarding the Parks. Ms. Wallick noted that since the report, they have received the occupancy permit for the log building.
3.         Grass River Natural Area (GRNA)
	Mark Randolph, Director of the GRNA, gave the Committee an update on activities at the GRNA. Motion by Bob McLeod, supported by Mike Crawford, to recommend the Finance Committee find a way to fund the “Skinner Property”.  Motion carried – unanimous. Mr. Randolph informed the Committee that property owners are contacting GRNA over the railroad grade.  Mr. Randolph indicated that the County could quit claim deed the railroad grade to GRNA so they could work with the landowners on deeding it over to them.  The Committee deferred this to the County Lands, Agriculture, and Forestry Committee. Mr. Randolph indicated that he would like to amend the grant to the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund to add two properties making the grant more desirable to the County and the trust fund. Motion by Bob McLeod, supported by Mike Crawford, to recommend the Board of Commissioners support the resolution for the change in the grant.  Motion carried – unanimous. Mr. Randolph informed the Committee that they are looking to have a server room in their new building when it is built.  Mr. Randolph noted that it would be a prime spot for the County’s off-site data server.  The Committee deferred this to the Computer Committee.

4.         Wetzel Lake
	Joe Meyers noted that he received the updated lease with the DNR.  Mr. Meyers noted that the contact at the DNR was out of town and unavailable to contact.  Christy Roman indicated that the grill has been installed. Roger Anger indicated that the raft has been pulled out of the lake and stored at the Mohrmann Park Shed.
5.         Barnes Park Grant Update
	Joe Meyers indicated that the log building has been completed.  Mr. Meyers further indicated that the trail is set to be completed by September 22, 2006.  The Committee discussed a sign standard for the County parks system.  Motion by Bob McLeod, supported by Mike Crawford, to recommend the Board of Commissioners approve the sign standard at Antrim Creek Natural Area as the County sign standard.  Motion carried – unanimous.
6.          Elk Rapids Day Park
	Motion by Bob McLeod, supported by Mike Crawford to have the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board begin talks with the Village of Elk Rapids about the future of the Elk Rapids Day Park.  Motion carried – unanimous.
7.         Communications
	None.
8.         Members/Public Comment
	None.
Meeting adjourned at 10:35 a.m.