Parks Committee
Robert McLeod			Mike Crawford, Chairman	Bernard Blackmore
Minutes
September 2, 2003
9:00 a.m.
Members present:		Mike Crawford, Bob McLeod and Bernie Blackmore
Members absent:		None
Others present:		Jack White, Eileen Wallick, Janet Person, Mark Randolph, Al Luurtsema, Russ Blasdell, and Howard Yamaguchi
1. Meeting called to order at 9:00 a.m. by Mike Crawford
2. Grass River Natural Area (GRNA) Update
	Mark Randolph presented the Grass River update. He distributed a handout containing briefing items and a year-to-date budget status tabulation. He talked about the GRNA ad-hoc committee meeting, and requested a meeting date for the first business meeting. The Committee agreed on Monday, September 22, 9 a.m., at the Board of Commissioners room (if available). Mark informed the Committee that a resolution would be needed for the railroad right-of-way to take advantage of an MDOT grant. There may be a precedent in the Upper Peninsula in favor of the county. Also need to resolve the trail through the Bellaire golf course. Mike Crawford suggested looking also at the new proposed housing development at the golf course. Mark then discussed usage of the new boat dock at GRNA, and the efforts to control purple loosestrife. He noted that only 20 plants were found and sprayed. He concluded the update with a briefing on various, minor capital improvements being performed at GRNA.
	Bob McLeod brought up the fact that there was an $800,000 shortfall between projected revenues and requested funding from the various county departments. He noted that the County will meet the shortfall partly by eliminating capital outlays for 2004. The requested Elk Rapids Day Park planning funds were cut, and GRNA will be receiving no road money. GRNA will only be receiving about $14,000 of the $20,000 requested from the County.
3. Barnes Park Update
	Eileen Wallick gave the Barnes Park update. She distributed a handout summarizing her discussion, along with a sheet detailing the park revenues to date. Among the other issues, the Committee discussed potential trick or treat (haunted forest) activities for children in the park. Bob McLeod informed Eileen that some advertising funds may be available through the Clerks office to publicize this event.
	The Parks Committee discussed raising Barnes Park camping rates for next year. Current rates are $16 and $13 for County residents, $20 and $17 for non-locals. State will raise their campsite rates next year. Eileen will call state parks to determine what the new rates will be. Janet Person noted that new rates will be incorporated in the County Lands Book scheduled for publication soon. Bob McLeod complimented Eileen for the cleanliness of the bathhouses.
	Mike Crawford suggested that we may need a long-term plan for Barnes Park. The Committee agreed that no firewood should be allowed to be carried in due to pest problems. Mike also suggested the use of local softwoods in the park. Bob McLeod suggested that we need to reconsider Pavilion rental policy for events like Fireman’s Field Day. Mike Crawford noted that children were selling candy in the park (set up by parents?), and noted that vendors are not allowed in park. Eileen will check about a candy vending machine for the park. She will also check out potential host sites. She notes that if any funds are left from this year’s budget, she would like to run power to sites numbered in their 50's. Janet Person reminded the Committee that electrification is also in the MNRTF grant request.
4. Wetzel Lake Update
	Janet Person gave the Wetzel Lake update. She stated that the park is doing very well. Signage bids came in at $900 plus, so the Antrim Conservation District (ACD) did the signs in-house for $300 plus. She would like to do Afton stone approach for fishermen and their boat ramp. Janet requested the Committee to make the balance of the year's Wetzel Lake budget available for next year.
	Motion by Bob McLeod, seconded by Bernie Blackmore to recommend to the Finance Committee to add the remainder of the 2003 Wetzel Lake “Consultant” budget line item to next year's Parks Commission budget for Wetzel Lake – unanimous.
	Janet also noted that over the winter, the Wetzel Lake Committee will be looking at various options for electric power supply, modular bathhouse, host site, etc. Howard noted that the plan thus developed will be the basis for a long-term lease from the Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Janet informed the Committee that the DNR has just acquired Sand Lake, and ACD is doing restoration work for the DNR. It is possible that the DNR may be amenable to a day park arrangement at Sand Lake similar to that at Wetzel Lake.
5. Parks & Recreation Commission Update
	Al Luurtsema, Chairman of the Antrim County Parks & Recreation Commission (P&R), informed the Committee that the next planning subcommittee meeting is at the Elk Rapids Day Park, on September 8, to identify areas of work that can be done locally - without cost or at minimal cost. Signage is still a problem. Al distributed a letter he received. The planning subcommittee will continue the planning work until further notice. P&R advises against transferring park jurisdiction. Bob McLeod thinks that Elk Rapids can do as good a job or better than the County for the park and it does not matter who owns the park. Howard reviewed the transfer of jurisdiction and the results of his conversation with Jim Haveman of the Conservation Resource Alliance. Janet noted that the ACD forester can clean out the park in the event of a transfer. This Committee can request ACD to do this cleanup.
	Motion by Bob McLeod, seconded by Bernie Blackmore, to proceed with discussions with the village with the intent of transferring jurisdiction of the Elk Rapids Day Park to the Village of Elk Rapids. Motion Passed – unanimous. In the ensuing discussion, Eileen noted that the County was making new day parks (Wetzel and others being proposed) while giving away others. Jack White noted that Wetzel was a joint project with the Township; Bernie Blackmore added that if the Township so desired, the Wetzel Lake Park may be transferred to them as well for upkeep. Howard noted that the County P&R could remain as part of the Village’s planning process should a transfer occur. Al Luurtsema noted that P&R will comply with any decision made by the Board of Commissioners on the Elk Rapids Day Park. He feels that a system of convenient day parks is needed for County residents. Motion Passed – unanimous.
	Al Luurtsema next presented the proposed P&R mission statement to the Committee for input. Discussion ensued on the wording, and several changes were proposed. Al instructed Howard to incorporate the suggested changes in the version to be presented to P&R for final approval.
	Discussion next centered on the need for P&R to search for additional boat access sites in Antrim County. Janet Person suggested that the P&R work with Milton Township, and consider obtaining Great Lakes Fisheries grants for funding. Bob McLeod noted that Banks Township used to have a boat launch in the township park to the north of Antrim Creek Natural Area, but concerns about potential liability forced them to close the boat launch.
6. Communications
	Eileen Wallick noted that the proposed parking lot alignment at the Elk Rapids Dam parking lot may actually reduce the number of parking spots over what is available (in uncontrolled form) today.
	Russ Blasdell noted that at one time the 100 feet of Torch Lake frontage north of The Dockside was in the public domain. Mike Crawford noted that he would check at the Abstract Office about the current status of the site. Meeting adjourned at 10:53 a.m.