Parks Committee
Mike Crawford			Gene Dawson, Chairman	Joseph Allen
Minutes
October 4, 2007
9:00 a.m.
Members present:		Gene Dawson, Mike Crawford and Joe Allen
Members absent:		None
Staff present:		Joe Meyers, Eileen Wallick, and Jack White
Others present:		Mark Randolph and Russ Blasdell
1.         Meeting called to order at 9:02 a.m.
2.         Public Comment
	None.
3.         Grass River Natural Area (GRNA)
	Mark Randolph updated the Committee on events regarding Grass River Natural Area. Discussion ensued over the GRNA Ordinance and duck hunting on the sedge mats as well as all of the “No Hunting” areas. The Committee discussed permanent duck hunting blinds at GRNA.  The Committee directed Mark to contact the Conservation Officer indicating that all duck blinds must be removed by the end of hunting season. Motion by Joe Allen, supported by Gene Dawson, to direct legal counsel to redraft the GRNA Ordinance to include all acreage maintained by GRNA.  Motion carried – unanimous. Discussion ensued over the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund (MNRTF) Grant to acquire the Hunt Club; and how Mark needed a resolution to accept the grant. Motion by Mike Crawford, supported by Joe Allen, to recommend the Board of Commissioners pass a resolution accepting the MNRTF Grant.  Motion carried – unanimous.
4.         Barnes Park
	Eileen Wallick gave her report on events at Barnes Park. Eileen spoke of changing the park name from Barnes Park to Barnes Park Campground.  Eileen handed out the financial sheet for Barnes Park and discussion ensued over how revenues currently exceed expenditures. The Committee agreed that Eileen could use the name Barnes Park Campground on websites.
5.         Barnes Park Ordinance
	Discussion ensued over rule 12 in the current rules, requiring someone 17 years of age or older be present while camping at the campground.  Discussion ensued over all aspects of the ordinance. Joe Allen questioned the requirement of not being allowed to camp for more than 30 days a year at the park.  The Committee decided to swap #35 and #36. Discussion ensued over where dogs were allowed at the park.  Motion by Mike Crawford, supported by Joe Allen, to recommend the Board of Commissioners review and adopt the Barnes Park Ordinance.  Motion carried – unanimous.
6.         Wetzel Lake Lease
	Discussion ensued over the Wetzel Lake Lease and legal counsel’s comments. Joe explained that we are aware that we cannot have camping there without approval. As for a 20 year lease that automatically renews, we need to re-evaluate the lease after 20 years, so there is no need for an automatic renewal.  Motion by Joe Allen, supported by Mike Crawford, to recommend the Board of Commissioners have the Chairman of the Board sign the Wetzel Lake Lease with the State of Michigan.  Motion carried – unanimous.
7.         Elk Rapids Dam Parking Lot
	Joe indicated that he had not heard from the Village of Elk Rapids on what kind of financial commitment they are looking for.  The Committee directed Joe to contact the Village to see if they are still interested in the project.
8.         Various Matters
	None.
9.         Members/Public Comment
	Eileen indicated that she would be pulling the signs at ACNA to refinish them.  Discussion ensued over the Phragmites problem on the beaches throughout the county. Discussion ensued over a boat launch on Lake Michigan. Motion by Mike Crawford, supported by Joe Allen, to request the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board continue to look for a boat launch on Lake Michigan in northern Antrim County.  Motion carried – unanimous.
Meeting adjourned at 9:45 a.m.