Parks Committee
Robert McLeod			Mike Crawford, Chairman	Joseph Allen
Minutes
February 3, 2005
9:00 a.m.
Members present:		Mike Crawford, Bob McLeod and Joe Allen
Members absent:		None
Others present:		Eileen Wallick, Mark Randolph, Janet Person, Jack White, Russ Blasdell, Jerry Basch, Peter Garwood and Elizabeth St. Pierre
1.         Meeting called to order at 9:00 a.m. by Mike Crawford
2.         Grass River Natural Area (GRNA) Update
	Mark Randolph stated that he may have to do more marketing. He discussed the appraisal for the parcel that includes wetlands that the County may wish to purchase.
3.         Barnes Park Update
	Eileen Wallick reported that she is interested in learning how to edit the Barnes Park webpage. Peter Garwood indicated that the new web site is set up so that the County departments and local units of governments should be able to add information to the website, but will need assistance and training from the Land Information Access Associates. The site plan for the park has been completed.  The plan identifies the location of all camping sites and amenities. The State of Michigan is raising park fees again.  The Committee decided not to recommend increasing the fees at Barnes Park for 2005.  There was discussion regarding the problems with taking reservations.
4.         Barnes Park MNRTF Grant Update
	The grant from MDNR trust fund for the interpretive center, to electrify 27 campsites, and construct a walking pathway is still pending. Barnes Park improvements may need funding from the 2005 budget.  Plans have been sent in for the interpretive center, but no one has yet heard from Linda Hegstrom (DNR) as to whether the plans have been approved.  This project will be bid out as soon as we get approval from the DNR.
5.         Wetzel Lake Update
	A bill has been sent to the Clerk’s office for the plaque at Wetzel Lake honoring Alden State Bank’s contributions.  It can be attached to a rock to avoid vandalism. The Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund grant was not approved for Wetzel Lake.  We are waiting to hear from the Tribe on that grant application.

	The flier describing parks in Antrim County (including Wetzel Lake) could also be put on the website.  Janet Person will compare costs for 1000 glossy and non-glossy versions of these park fliers. Janet Person suggested printing only 15 access site books to sell and to also put it on the website. Funding saved by this could then be available for printing more park fliers.
6.         Parks and Recreation Commission Update
	Jerry Basch gave the Parks and Recreation Commission update, in the place of Stan Moore, Chairman. The next Parks forum will focus on forestry awareness for Antrim County landowners.  As the new chairman of Parks and Recreation Commission, it will be coordinated by Stan Moore of MSU Extension Emerald ash borer is increasing in population in Antrim County which has already been quarantined. The ACD forester can advise on whether and how to remove dying black ash. Antrim County Parks and Recreation Plan Page 54       Bob McLeod pointed out that the term "consensus" is not accurate and that the section   should be worded as “asking for Board of Commissioners support” Page 57 The wording implies the need for the completion of a second bathhouse at Barnes Park, which is already there. The wording regarding small park office replacement should be re-written.  It should be noted that this is scheduled to take place. Bob McLeod pointed out that the word “minimal” should be clarified so that it does not imply County is committed to or could sustain funding. Need to state potential capital funding needs (for Antrim Creek and Cedar River as well) if and when funding does become available.  It was pointed out that for ACNA and the Cedar River Natural Area, the capital improvements were included in the charts but not the text.  Janet Person will provide additional text for the Cedar River Natural Area by the due date.  Peter Garwood has provided input for Antrim Creek Natural Area. Page 61 Boat launch on Lake Michigan was added. Trails from Traverse City  to Antrim County should be mentioned. GPS work is completed on the access sites. Page 27 Bob McLeod questioned the source of an additional $25,000 mentioned in the plan for the Grass River Natural Area. Howard will be contacted for this information. Page 26 Janet Person requested that the “County” forester should be referred to as the “Antrim Conservation District” forester in order to give publicity to the correct agency. Page 30 Janet Person questioned whether the county has ordinances regulating activity in the county parks and natural areas. Peter Garwood stated that only management plans set policy for these sites. Bob McLeod commented that documents such as this one should go to oversight committees (such as the Parks Committee) in time to allow the Parks and Recreation Commission to complete any necessary amendments before the Board of Commissioners meeting.  Jerry will get any final amendments to Pete Garwood by next week.
7.         Communications and Other Matters
	The Parks Committee agreed the Parks Committee meetings will start at 10:00 a.m. instead of at 9:00 a.m. Elk Rapids Sportsman Club’s shooting range may be shut down by Judge Rodgers, with 30 days to vacate after the Elk Rapids Township submits a plan for turning the property into a park. Mike Crawford suggested that sportsman clubs throughout Antrim County get together to consolidate gun ranges. Having at least one range will minimize risks incurred by people shooting guns in unauthorized areas elsewhere.
8.         Public Comment
	Jerry Basch commented that a strategic “big picture” plan is needed. Elizabeth St. Pierre will share books and other reference materials to help Antrim County develop a landscape design that will best protect its natural resources on county properties.
Meeting adjourned at 10:30 a.m.