Parks Committee
Robert McLeod			Mike Crawford, Chairman	Joseph Allen
Minutes
November 2, 2006
9:00 a.m.
Members present:		Bob McLeod, Joe Allen and Mike Crawford
Members absent:		None
Staff present:		Joe Meyers and Eileen Wallick
Others present:		Jack White, Russ Blasdell, and Mark Randolph
1.         Meeting called to order at 9:05 a.m.
2.         Bid Openings
	The Committee reviewed three (3) bids for Barnes Park firewood.             Ray Puroll                     $3.00/bundle             Ken Cronin                   $2.25/bundle             Rusty Barnes                $2.95/bundle Motion by Bob McLeod, supported by Joe Allen, to accept the bid of $2.95 a bundle from Rusty Barnes for the Barnes Park firewood.  Motion carried – unanimous.
3.         Grass River Natural Area (GRNA)
	Mark Randolph discussed the handout that was sent out with the Parks Committee agenda regarding GRNA (attached).  Mark indicated that he discussed hunting on the sedge mats surrounding GRNA in the no hunting zone.  The Committee discussed the no hunting ordinance concerning the location and acreage. Mark inquired about the postponed action on the interest of the railroad grade.  The Committee discussed the possibility of getting a court ruling with one of the property owners in support of the railroad grade usage.
4.         Barnes Park Update
	Eileen Wallick discussed the handout that was sent out with the Parks Committee agenda regarding Barnes Park (attachment). Eileen indicated that she would like to purchase 8 heavy-duty picnic table frames at the cost of $1,860.14 total out of this year’s budget.  Motion by Bob McLeod, supported by Joe Allen, to recommend Finance Committee authorize the purchase of 8 heavy-duty picnic table frames out of this year’s Barnes Park budget for a total cost of $1,860.14.  Motion carried – unanimous. Eileen informed the Committee that the campers this year have thoroughly enjoyed the newly electrified sites and thanked the Board of Commissioners for them. Discussion ensued over keeping the new log building open for the winter or winterizing the building.  The Committee decided to winterize the building for the winter (mid-December through mid-March). Eileen discussed the possibility of putting down afton stone for a parking lot for the playground.  Motion by Joe Allen, supported by Bob McLeod, to recommend Finance Committee authorize paying for a parking lot for the playground out of this year’s Barnes Park budget.  Motion carried – unanimous.  Eileen informed the Committee of the problem of glass around the paved trail that seems to be from the paving.  Mike Crawford volunteered to contact the contractor about this problem.  Eileen informed the Committee of the trail names that she was thinking of for the newly cut trails.  The Committee directed her to contact Mike Meriwether for help with the trail names.
5.         Parks and Recreation Update
	Mike Crawford informed the Committee of a trails forum that the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board had.
6.         Barnes Park Grant Update
	Joe Meyers informed the Committee of the pieces of the grant that are still in progress (water softener and trail signs).
7.         Wetzel Lake Update
	Joe informed the Committee that he has received the lease from Legal Counsel and had a question for the DNR.  The Committee directed Joe to bring this up at the Board of Commissioners.
8.         Boat Launch Update
	The Committee discussed the possibility of addressing the need for a boat launch on Lake Michigan.  The Committee deferred this matter until their January meeting.
9.         Communications
	None.
10.       Members/Public Comment
	Mike discussed the possibility of charging for the use of the parks in Antrim County.  This matter was deferred to the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board.
Meeting adjourned at 10:30 a.m.