Minutes

October 6, 2005

9:00 a.m.

Members present:

Joe Allen, Bob McLeod and Mike Crawford

Members absent:

Staff present:

Joe Meyers and Eileen Wallick

Others present:

Mark Randolph, Jack White, Russ Blasdell, Janet Person (left at 9:10) and Stan Moore

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

2. Grass River Natural Area (GRNA) Update

Mark Randolph, Director of the GRNA, gave the Committee an update on activities at GRNA (attached).

Mr. Randolph informed the Committee that he attended a conference last week on capital campaigns. Mr. Randolph noted that the GRNA campaign would be around the two million dollars. Mr. Randolph advised the Committee that he was understaffed and in the future need to look at the possibility of increasing the hours for the part-time maintenance person. Mr. Randolph also noted that numbers are up and have been steadily growing since the GRNA newsletter was sent out to 17,000 mailboxes. The last weekend in September of 2004 there were 40 people who visited the education center and this year there were 130.

3. Parks Update

Eileen Wallick, Park Manager, updated the committee regarding the activities at Barnes Park (attached).

Ms. Wallick informed the Committee that her crew has been spraying for poison ivy throughout the parks in the County and having success.

Ms. Wallick noted that the Ford truck, which was donated by the Antrim Conservation District, needs to be replaced due to maintenance needed on the truck costing more than the truck is worth.

Elk Rapids Day Park	31 Hours
Noteware’s Landing	8 Hours
Antrim Creek N/A	16 ½ Hours

Ms. Wallick informed the Committee that she has been keeping track of the hours put into the other parks, besides Barnes Park.

Ms. Wallick noted that due to the “end of the season” maintenance needed at Elk Rapids Day Park, the hours were more extreme than usual.

Ms. Wallick noted that Barnes Park income for 2005 has far surpassed the last three year’s income (attached).

4. Wetzel Lake and Barnes Park Grant Update

Joe Meyers informed the Committee that there was a meeting scheduled with the DNR on the Wetzel Lake lease agreement at the end of October. Mr. Meyers has no further information on the Barnes Park Grant. Bob McLeod asked the staff to have the Barnes Park Grant expenditures for the next Parks Committee meeting.

5. Parks and Recreation Commission Update

Stan Moore updated the Committee on the events of the Parks and Recreation Commission.

Mr. Moore informed the Committee that there is lack of signage on US-31 stating that there is camping available or the name Barnes Park. The Committee read the motion (attached) asking the Parks Committee to recommend to the Board of Commissioners to draft a letter to the Antrim County Road Commission regarding the need for signs for Elk Rapids Day Park and Barnes Park on US-31.

Motion by Joe Allen, supported by Bob McLeod, recommending the Board of Commissioners draft a letter to the Antrim County Road Commission regarding the need for signs on US-31 for Elk Rapids Day Park and Barnes Park. Motion carried – unanimous.

Mr. Moore noted that the boat launch study is progressing but there isn’t any new information at this time.

Mr. Moore presented the motion made by the Parks and Recreation Commission regarding the purchase of a DVD burner for the Coordinator/Planner Secretary’s computer to help update and maintain the Parks and Recreation database.

Motion by Bob McLeod, supported by Joe Allen, to approve the purchase of a DVD burner for the Coordinator/Planner Secretary’s computer to help update and maintain the Parks and Recreation Database. The money will come from the Parks and Recreation supplies budget. Motion carried – unanimous.

Motion by Joe Allen, supported by Bob McLeod, to recommend to the Board of Commissioners approve the Petoskey Stone Festival be set up and hosted by the Parks and Recreation Commission. Motion carried – unanimous.

Mr. Moore also indicated that the Parks and Recreation Commission would like to put out a Parks and Recreation brochure emphasizing Antrim County’s recreational uses; both public and private.

Mr. Moore is also planning on teaching an educational seminar with Mike Meriwether, County Forester, on forest insects in early winter.

6. Communications

None.

7. Public/Member Comment

Mike Crawford asked if there was a regional map showing parks. Mr. Crawford asked that the staff contact Northwest Michigan Council of Governments to see if any such map is in existence.

Meeting adjourned at 10:05 a.m.