Antrim Creek Natural Area
Robert McLeod, Chairman
Gale Murphy			Mary Kay McDuffie		Gary Strange	Carl Veenstra
September 29, 2003
Minutes
Banks Township Hall
ACNA Commission Members Present:				Robert McLeod, Gale Murphy, Carl Veenstra and Mary Kay McDuffie
Members Absent:				Gary Strange
Staff Present:				Pete Garwood, Coordinator/Planner
Others Present:				Marion Williams, Janet Person (ACD), Dan Bean, Jacob Veenstra, Ed McDuffie, Traver Wood
1. Call to Order
		The Meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Chairman Robert McLeod.
2. Approval of Minutes
		Motion by Carl Veenstra, supported by Gale Murphy, to approve the minutes of the July 28, 2003, meeting. Motion carried – unanimous.
3. Beach Grooming
		Janet Person informed the Commission that, through a discussion with the Department of Environmental Quality, she found out, grooming the beach without a permit, below the ordinary high water mark, can only be done by hand (physically pulling weeds out by hand). Above the high water mark on the beach, tools can be used (rakes, hoes, etc.). Machinery is not allowed in either area.
4. Bridge and Boardwalk
		The Commission inquired from Traver Wood, Site Planning, Inc., as to whether or not Robert T. Cole has fixed the abutment where the trail meets the scenic overlook, boardwalks and bridges (in order to stop erosion). Mr. Wood indicated he had a discussion with Chris Richter from Robert T. Cole however; he wasn’t sure whether they revamped the structure yet.
5. Web Page
		Mr. Peter Garwood, Coordinator/Planner, demonstrated the new ACNA website that was developed by the Ellsworth High School students and teacher, Deb Hughes. Mr. Garwood indicated the website can be found on the Antrim County website at www.antrimcounty.org.
6. Police Patrol
		Undersheriff Dan Bean discussed patrol at the ACNA and gave the group an idea of what to do in the case of an illegal activity taking place at the ACNA. Motions by Mary Kay McDuffie, supported by Gale Murphy, to find out the name of the dog owner whose dog attacked a visitor’s dog in July, and ask the Prosecutor to pursue the ordinance violation.
		Undersheriff Dan Bean indicated he will post a notice at the Sheriff Department to increase patrol at the ACNA. The Committee discussed the problem with dogs running loose at the ACNA. Mr. Bean indicated he will inform the sheriff department and animal control about the problem. For individuals driving on the beach, Undersheriff Bean recommended getting a license plate number and/or a description of the individual and notify the Sheriff Department (call 911). Committee discussed an incident where a kid drove a golf cart on the beach. Mr. Garwood and Undersheriff Bean will find out more about it for the next meeting.
7. Wildlife Habitat Project
		Carl Veenstra indicated his equipment has been down recently and no action has been taken at this time. Once his equipment is repaired he will begin work on the project. Mr. Veenstra thinks he can get started on brush piles this winter. Mr. Garwood was directed to contact Mr. Martin, at Ellsworth High School, to see if there is interest in a class participating in the project.
8. Information Arbor and Display
		Mary Kay McDuffie explained how the subcommittee got the idea for a display map of the surrounding area with both the Native American names and the current names. Mr. McLeod described the concept for the information display that the subcommittee has been working toward. The concept is for the design and fabrication of a map of the area surrounding the ACNA. The map will illustrate the historical Native American names associated with local landmarks and the current names with a legend that translates the meaning of the Native American names to English. The display would be approximately 30” x 40” and would be mounted at the scenic overlook off of the handicap trail accessed by the north entrance.
9. Threatened Plant Species
		Mr. Garwood indicated that Howard Yamaguchi has been in contact with the instructor from the Au Sable Institute. He has indicated an interest in involving the students in an expanded threatened plant species study. They are currently trying to nail down the extent of the study.
10. Tribal Grant Information Arbor and Future Signs
		Mr. Garwood informed the Commission that we were unsuccessful in obtaining the tribal grant. Ms. Janet Person, Executive Director of the Antrim Conservation District, brought up other possible grant opportunities. The Commission asked Ms. Person to bring word of other grant opportunities to the next meeting.
11. Parking Barrier Update
		Site Planning, Inc. has moved the parking barriers so a fisherman can back a boat and trailer to the lakeshore more easily.
12. Sign and Post Replacement
		Mr. Garwood indicated the sign maker is working on fabricating and replacing the signs and trail markers. However, the total cost was $2,038.50, but we only have $1,600. Motion by Gale Murphy, supported by Mary Kay McDuffie, to recommend the Board of Commissioners approve a transfer of $440.00 from an ACNA fund to the ACNA budget for signs and trail markers. Motion carried – Unanimous.
	The Commission directed Mr. Garwood to get new “Caution! Hunting Season” signs up at the ACNA.
13. Communications
	§ Mary Kay McDuffie informed the Commission that Eileen Wallick, Barnes Park Manager, indicated that her crew could go down to the ACNA and take a leaf blower to the scenic overlook and boardwalks. The Commission indicated they thought it was a good idea.
14. Porta Johns
	Mr. McLeod inquired about when the porta johns will be removed. Mr. Garwood indicated that if the company charges for a full month, the porta johns will be removed at the end of October. If the company prorates the monthly charges, the porta johns will be removed October 15.
Meeting adjourned at 8:20 p.m.
	Next meeting of the ACNA Commission will be on December 1 at 7:00 p.m., Banks Township Hall, Ellsworth