Parks Committee

Robert McLeod

Mike Crawford, Chairman

Bernard Blackmore

Minutes

July 3, 2003

9:00 a.m.

Members present:

Mike Crawford, Bob McLeod and Bernie Blackmore

Members absent:

None

Others present:

Laura Sexton, Jack White, Joe Yuchasz, Eileen Wallick, Janet Person, Mark Randolph, Dale Hansen, Al Luurtsema, Russ Blasdell, and Howard Yamaguchi

1.         Meeting called to order at 9:00 a.m. by Mike Crawford

2.         Presentation on Elk Rapids Day Park

Joe Yuchasz, president of the Elk Rapids Village Council, talked to the Parks Committee about the possibility of the Village of Elk Rapids taking over the planning, operation and management of the Elk Rapids Day Park.  He noted that the subject has come up in the Village Parks & Rec and Planning Commissions, and is being discussed widely.  In the event, the Village would retain professional planning consultants to hold large public meetings to determine the direction of any changes to be made to the Park.

Mr. Yuchasz’s concern is to craft a system that would let the Village do what is needed.  He estimates that as much as $200K to $300K of work might be needed for the park.  Because of the political and practical difficulties of raising internal Village funds of that magnitude for someone else’s property, the Village would prefer a transfer of title rather than a lease.  The same difficulty would be present in applying for state and federal grant funding, although private or local donors may be amenable to granting funds under those conditions.  He suggests that a title transfer from the County to the Village with reverter clauses, easements, etc., may be a possible way.

Asked how the Village might plan and operate the park, Mr. Yuchasz noted that he personally felt it might operate similarly to Veteran’s Memorial Park, as a year-round use park.  Parking may be adjacent to the street (easier to plow in winter); minimal safety lighting would be installed; looped walkway would be created.  The highest priority is to have people use it.  He feels that the county must be assured that it will always be a park, and this could be accomplished through deed restrictions.

Next step:  Parks Committee will discuss the matter with the Antrim Conservation District and the Parks & Recreation Commission, and then will present the matter to the full board. Al Luurtsema suggested that for the short term, the Day Park needs better signage.  Mike Crawford noted that the Committee will seek the Board’s decision soon, and will coordinate with Bob Peterson, Village Manager of Elk Rapids.  Mr. Yuchasz left the meeting at 9:40 a.m.

3.         Grass River Natural Area (GRNA) Budget

Mark Randolph and Dale Hansen presented the proposed 2004 GRNA budget.  Mr. Randolph presented the update for GRNA. He presented the Commissioners with several handouts illustrating his briefing. He explained the visitor counts for the year, and noted the various activities available to the public. He explained the GRNA operating budget statements.  GRNA explained the operational loss expected for this year, and noted increased fundraising successes for this year and expected for the next.  GRNA is requesting an increase in appropriation for 2004, to $35,770.  Bob McLeod noted that an increase of that magnitude would be difficult given the financial situation expected next year.  After a discussion of the timing of capital improvements for nature area, such as access road widening, etc., Bob McLeod suggested deferring action on $17,500 worth of capital improvements until the Committee visits the site.

Motion by Bob McLeod, seconded by Bernie Blackmore, to recommend to the Finance Committee to increase the 2004 Grass River Natural Area appropriation to $20,500.  Passed – unanimous.

4.         Antrim Creek Natural Area (ACNA) Budget

Howard Yamaguchi presented the proposed 2004 ACNA budget.  Highlights included $5,000 proposed for professional/architectural services, and a new line item for park maintenance (now that Phase II construction is substantially complete).  Total budget is $9,800. Some discussion ensued on the disposition of the Norcross Foundation grant versus the Tribal grant requested for ACNA.

Motion by Bob McLeod, seconded by Bernie Blackmore, to recommend to the Finance Committee the proposed Antrim Creek Natural Area budget of $9,800 be accepted.  Passed – unanimous.

5.         Parks & Recreation Commission Budget

Al Luurtsema, chairman of the Antrim County Parks & Recreation Commission, presented the proposed 2004 budget.  This budget is similar to the 2003 budget, but requests fewer dollars to complete the Wetzel Lake planning activities. Per diem and travel items have been increased to reflect additional meetings and travel incurred for planning activities for the Elk Rapids Day Park and Wetzel Lake projects.  Brief discussion ensued on the amount likely to be left after spending on summer day use activities at Wetzel Lake.

Motion by Bob McLeod, seconded by Bernie Blackmore, to recommend to the Finance Committee the proposed Parks & Recreation Commission budget of $14,160 be accepted.  Passed – unanimous.

Howard Yamaguchi discussed the need to have one more County Commissioner appointed to the Parks & Recreation Commission.  The meeting times have been moved back to 9 a.m.  Jack White stated that he will appoint Bernie Blackmore to the Parks & Recreation Commission.

6.         Barnes Park & Elk Rapids Day Park Budgets

Eileen Wallick distributed her monthly parks update handout, and briefed the Committee. She then walked the Committee through the proposed 2004 Barnes Park and Elk Rapids Day Park budgets.  The Committee discussed various line items, made proposed changes, and settled on budgets of $164,000 for Barnes Park and for Elk Rapids Day Park.

Motion by Bob McLeod, seconded by Bernie Blackmore, to recommend to the Finance Committee to accept the proposed Barnes Park and Elk Rapids operating budgets of $164,000 and $10,518, respectively.  Passed – unanimous.

The Committee then discussed the proposed capital outlay budget for Barnes Park.  After some discussion, the Committee deleted Item 1 on capital outlay request (tractor trade-in), and approved the $350 requested for a digital camera and accessories.

Motion by Bob McLeod, seconded by Bernie Blackmore, to recommend to the Finance Committee to accept the proposed Barnes Park capital outlay budget of $350 for a digital camera and its accessories. Passed – unanimous.

The Committee discussed the need to eventually construct a second septic field at Barnes Park.  The Committee decided to defer action on a second septic field until more data becomes available after a season’s water use by the second bathhouse.

7.         Wetzel Lake Park and Cedar River Update

Janet Person delivered the report on Wetzel Lake activities.  The Antrim Conservation District (ACD) performed a lake camera survey.  There was not much of interest on the lake bottom (lots of fish).  ACD will check one empty submerged barrel on July 4 weekend.  The portapotty is secured by a wood structure.  There will be a split rail fence where pilings removed, and DNR will post "no lifeguard on duty" signs.  State police will send a cruiser on July 4 weekend, and Mancelona Township will send people to look over the site.   The County Land Agriculture and Forestry Committee requested heavy picnic tables placed there, and the ACD looking into it.  Trash barrels were discussed.  Proposed rock chutes for drainage off approach road has been proposed to the Road Commission.

At the Jabara property, the old rail trestle bridge will be demolished on Monday.  Engineers engaged by the Friends of the Cedar River have agreed that the bridge must be demolished.  DNR engineers have signed off on the proposed replacement bridge.

8.         Other Matters

Al Luurtsema briefed the Parks Committee on the upcoming goal-setting meeting at the Parks & Recreation Commission.