Parks Committee
Robert McLeod			Mike Crawford, Chairman	Joseph Allen
Minutes
December 7, 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, Gordy Schaefer and Mark Randolph
1.         Meeting called to order at 9:05 a.m.
2.         Grass River Natural Area (GRNA)
	Mark Randolph discussed the handout that was sent out with the Parks Committee agenda regarding GRNA.  Mark indicated that Antrim County had received the grant from the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund for the acquisition of the North Shore Hunt Club and other various properties in the Grass River area.  Mark discussed a meeting on the Kyoto protocol and how Antrim County could benefit financially from carbon credits.  Mark informed the committee of a program that the County could use to get paid for not cutting parts of forestlands.  Discussion ensued over what the Kyoto Protocol was and how the county could use it. Motion by Bob McLeod, supported by Joe Allen to recommend the County Lands Agriculture, and Forestry Committee support looking into the possibility of utilizing carbon credits.  Motion carried – unanimous.
3.         Barnes Park Update
	Eileen Wallick discussed the handout that was sent out with the Parks Committee agenda regarding Barnes Park. Eileen informed the Committee that a smell was coming from the hot water.  Joe Meyers indicated that the water softener company indicated it was due to a coil in the hot water heater.  Eileen was directed to inform the contractor of the problem.  Eileen informed the Committee that the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians tribe has asked if they can have a pow-wow at the park.  They would need to have some extra bathrooms at the site.  The Committee requested that Eileen invite Melissa Zelenak to the next meeting to answer questions.
4.         Dockside Beach Property
	Gordy Schaefer presented the Committee with a proposal for the County to purchase the beach next to the Dockside Bar in Forest Home Township.  The Committee discussed the possible restrictions that would be put on the beach if it were to be purchased from Gordy.  The Committee informed Gordy that they would need to get back to him on his proposal.
5.         Barnes Park Grant Update
	Joe Meyers informed the Committee that the grant is currently being held up by the signs but they did receive a three-month extension.
6.         Wetzel Lake Update
	Joe informed the Committee the DNR is in control of whether or not we receive the Wetzel Lake property.  Joe indicated that he is hoping to find out in mid January if we will receive the lease.
7.         Parks and Recreation Advisory Board
	Stan Moore informed the Committee of the advisory board’s actions.  Mr. Moore updated the committee on the Petoskey Stone Festival and the Trails sub-committee.  Mike Crawford informed the Committee that the advisory board will be looking back into a boat launch on Lake Michigan.
8.         Communications
	None.
9.         Members/Public Comment
	Bob McLeod indicated that when we discussed the dockside beach again he would recommend that we go into closed session.
Meeting adjourned at 10:20 a.m.