Parks Committee
Mike Crawford			Gene Dawson, Chairman	Joseph Allen
Minutes
November 1, 2007
9:00 a.m.
Members present:		Gene Dawson, Mike Crawford and Joe Allen
Members absent:		None
Staff present:		Joe Meyers, Eileen Wallick, and Pete Garwood
Others present:		Mark Randolph, Roger Anger, Steve Groll, 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 informed the Committee of the upcoming contract for services for the natural area.  Mark indicated that, for fundraising purposes, he would like to have a longer contract.  Mark also indicated that the county and GRNA can terminate the lease for any reason.  Mark would like to see a 99 year lease, but indicated that our legal counsel would not recommend it.  Discussion ensued over the length and term of the contract. Mike spoke on GRNA and that if they decided to terminate the lease the county would need more than 120 days to restructure GRNA.  Gene asked if legal counsel would draft the GRNA contract, but increase the term to a 25-year re-newable lease. In addition, increase the early contract termination time to 1 year, should GRNA or the County decide to terminate. Mark spoke on the success of the capitol campaign.
4.         Wireless internet at Barnes Park
	Steve Groll gave a brief history of the process to get high speed internet at the park.  Discussion ensued over the costs and benefits of having high speed internet and a “hot spot” at the park. Motion by Joe Allen, supported by Mike Crawford to recommend the finance committee approve the installation of high speed internet at Barnes Park.  Motion carried – unanimous. Steve spoke on wiring the building at Barnes Park.  The Committee asked that it be addressed at the IT Ad-Hoc Committee meeting.
5.         Wetzel Lake Update
	Joe informed the Committee that the lease should be signed at the DNR around November 5, 2007.  Joe indicated that once the lease was signed, we would have another Wetzel lake sub-committee meeting.
6.         Barnes Park Update
	Eileen gave a report regarding activities at the County Parks.  Eileen spoke on the hot water heater. The Committee informed her that she needed to address this with the Buildings and Grounds Committee. Discussion ensued over shutting down the building; supplies; a park truck; and the budget.
7.         Various Matters
	None.
8.         Members/Public Comment
	Gene Dawson spoke on the search for a boat launch on Lake Michigan and indicated that Antrim Creek Natural Area was a historical boat launch.
Meeting adjourned at 10:33 a.m.