Parks Committee
Mike Crawford			Gene Dawson, Chairman	Joseph Allen
Minutes
December 6, 2007
9:00 a.m.
Members present:		Gene Dawson, Mike Crawford and Joe Allen
Members absent:		None
Staff present:		Joe Meyers and Eileen Wallick
Others present:		Jack White, Mike Meriwether, Bob Peterson, Dan Reszka, Mike Husband, Jim Sak, Roger Anger, and Mark Randolph
1.         Meeting called to order at 9:00 a.m.
2.         Public Comment
	None.
3.         Elk Rapids Dam Parking Lot
	Dan Reszka (Village of Elk Rapids President) discussed the Elk Rapids Dam Parking Lot.  He spoke on how one of the Elk Rapids DDA’s would like to spend money to fund improvements on the Elk Rapids Dam Parking lot.  Discussion ensued over the use of the Dam Beach and that it was not just a village park.  Gene Dawson spoke on the $8,100 we have set aside for the Dam Beach. Dan Reszka spoke on how the Village of Elk Rapids is looking into applying for a grant, but would need more than the $8,100 we have set aside to apply toward the match. Mike Meriwether stated that the Parks and Recreation Commission could look at this issue.  Discussion ensued over the history of the property.  Jack White and Mike Crawford felt that we need to set up a committee. Gene Dawson appointed Mike Crawford, Mike Meriwether, and Gene Dawson to sit on the sub-committee with the Village of Elk Rapids to discuss the parking lot improvements.
4.         Grass River Natural Area (GRNA)
	Mark Randolph gave an update regarding GRNA.  Mark spoke on some trash on the hunt club properties and that he might need to ask the Board for some money to help clean it up.  Jack White spoke on how Mark might want to ask the former property owner for some help.  Mark spoke on the head waters to cold creek and how they are looking for a grant to protect them from the MNRTF.  Jack White spoke on Tax Assessments and appraisals.     Mark spoke on applying for a grant from the tribe to put together a science based management plan for the entire natural area and he needed a letter of support from the Board of Commissioners.  Motion by Joe Allen, supported by Mike Crawford, to have Jack White sign a letter of support to the tribe so GRNA can apply for a grant.  Motion carried – unanimous.
5.         Grant Update
	Mark Randolph indicated that the MNRTF had awarded GRNA a grant of $400,000 to help build the Grass River Center.  Joe Meyers indicated that we received the grant of $162,000 for the Sevald Property purchase from the MNRTF, as well as a $16,000 Grant from CMP for the ACNA Arbors.
6.         Barnes Park Update
	Eileen handed out a report regarding activities and finances at the County Parks.
7.         Various Matters
	Joe Meyers indicated that the DNR had officially signed a lease for Wetzel Lake and we had our copy.  Joe also indicated that he would be setting up a meeting in the near future.  Discussion ensued over the Civil Infraction Fee at Barnes Park.  The Committee recommended that Joe and Eileen need to sit down and create a fee schedule. The Committee asked if Terry Johnson could attend our next meeting.
8.         Members/Public Comment
Meeting adjourned at 10:30 a.m.