Parks 04-10-02

Parks Committee
Robert McLeod			Mike Crawford, Chairman	Joseph Allen

Minutes
March 3, 2005
10:00 a.m.

Members present:		Mike Crawford, Bob McLeod and Joe Allen
Members absent:		None
Others present:		Eileen Wallick, Mark Randolph, Jack White, Russ Blasdell, Peter Garwood and Elizabeth St. Pierre

1. Meeting called to order at 10:00 a.m. by Mike Crawford
2. Grass River Natural Area (GRNA) Update
	The Grass River Executive Committee approved the sale of the Brouse property on Clam Lake. Proceeds will be deposited in to the Land Protection Fund. Mark Randolph will re-apply for funds from the MNRTF for two remaining parcels of land that were excluded from the last round funding with the value of the Skinner property to be used as match. Motion by Bob McLeod second by Joe Allen to recommend the Board of Commissioners approve the resolution to apply for funding through the Michigan Department of Natural Resources Trust Fund program to acquire park lands for Grass River Natural Area utilizing the value of the Skinner property to provide a 25% local match . Carried unanimously. A public hearing will be held on the grant application. Alden State Bank will sponsor $10K for outreach with $5,000 for the GRNA Auction and $3,000 for the golf outing and $2,000 for other events.
3. Barnes Park Update
	Eileen Wallick, Park Manager, reported that she is ready to run the add for firewood. Joe Lewis may be contacted as a potential bidder to supply firewood. She also will advertise for employees after she has a better idea of who is coming back from last year. An inspection of the septic system will be conducted by the Health Department. Valerie Craft will help Eileen post rates/camping fees on the Barnes Park website. Pros and cons of requiring reservations to camp at Barnes Park were discussed. A survey will be conducted to get input from potential park visitors. Ms. Wallick will begin working at Barnes Park half-days as of March 18th.

4. Barnes Park MNRTF Grant Update

The bids for the log building at Barnes Park are being distributed, with an April 6 deadline. The pre-bid meeting will be on Tuesday, March 15 at 9:00 a. m at the site.

Eileen suggested that Miss Dig be conducted be for any work is done.

Communication (quote) from Nealis Engineering regarding electrical design was reviewed. Motion by Bob McLeod second by Joe Allen to recommend the Board of Commissioners approve the quote from Nealis engineering to provide the specifications for electrifying 27 additional sites at Barnes Park ($3,500). Carried unanimously.

Motion by Bob McLeod second by Joe Allen to approve advertising with Michigan Maps On Line for $295 with the following correction for Barnes Park:

Change “35” electrical camping sites to “62”; and

Change “31” rustic camping sites to “4”.

Carried unanimously.

5. Wetzel Lake Update
	The next meeting will be held on Tuesday, March 8, at 11:30 a.m. in the Mancelona Township Library.
6. Parks and Recreation Commission Update
	Mike Crawford reported that forest health will be discussed by Mike Meriwether at the next Parks and Recreation Forum. Part 2 of the forum will focus on how to coordinate gun ranges in Antrim County. A sub-committee will start meeting on Fridays at a time that will be announced by email from Stan Moore.
7. Communications and Other Matters
	None.
8. Public Comment
	Peter Garwood reported that the sale of Sevald property on orchard hill is going through. Funding commitments are 100K from the township, 40K from the conservancy. An additional 100K will be requested from the Antrim County Board of Commissioners. The Olson Foundation may purchase and hold the property during the trust fund application process, then sell it to Antrim County and Forest Home Township for $2200/acre, even if it is appraised at a higher price. The purchase would then connect county properties that could be managed consistently for timber products. Revenue from select cuts could be continuous but delayed. The parcel would have great recreational value as well.
Meeting adjourned at 11:05 a.m.

Minutes