Parks Committee

Robert McLeod

Mike Crawford, Chairman

Joseph Allen

 

 

Minutes

October 5, 2006

9:00 a.m.

 

Members present:

 

Bob McLeod, Joe Allen and Mike Crawford

Members absent:

 

None

Staff present:

 

Joe Meyers

Others present:

 

Heidi Lang, Russ Blasdell, and Mark Randolph

 

 

 

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

2.         Grass River Natural Area (GRNA)

 

Mark Randolph had the Committee read his report to inform them of events at GRNA .

Mark indicated that he attended the emerald ash borer meeting due to the large number of black and white ash trees in GRNA.

3.         Barnes Park Update

 

The Committee discussed the letters from the Attorney Generals office, Eileen Wallick, and Gary Todd. 

 

Discussion ensued over the policy of charging per camping unit.  The Committee requested to have legal counsel look into the legal ramifications of allowing more than one unit per campsite. 

 

Motion by Bob McLeod, supported by Joe Allen to send a letter to the attorney generals office indicating that the over charging of the campers was an employee error, the campers will be refunded their $38.00, and the Antrim County Board of Commissioners apologize.  Motion carried – unanimous.

 

Joe presented the signs concept for the paved trail so the committee could comment or suggest changes.  The Committee agreed that we could proceed with the signs. 

 

Mike noted that we will be having the first Petoskey Stone Festival meeting to organize for next year’s event.

4.         Parks and Recreation Update

 

Refreshments at the trails meeting.

The Committee agreed that we could provide refreshments to the forum.

 

Mike inquired about the conservation district working with the property owners surrounding Bonnie Brook.


 

 

 

Heidi indicated that the dredging unit that the Village of Bellaire is going to use is too big for small projects.  Heidi noted that the district would be looking into getting a small dredging unit for small projects.

 

Mike spoke of a ten foot road end that the Antrim County Road Commission uses in Forest Home Township.  Mike noted that Gordon Schafer owns a private beach that he lets the public use.  Mike noted that Gordon indicated that he was interested in selling some of his land, which is currently being used for the public, to the County.

 

Motion by Bob McLeod, supported by Joe Allen, to have Mike look into the costs associated with acquiring this land.  Motion carried – unanimous.

 

Motion by Bob McLeod, supported by Joe Allen, to send a letter to Gary Todd apologizing for overcharging him at Barnes Park and to refund the money.  Motion carried – unanimous.

5.         Communications

 

None.

6.         Members/Public Comment

 

None.

Meeting adjourned at 9:55 a.m.