Parks Committee

Robert McLeod

Mike Crawford, Chairman

Joseph Allen

Minutes

December 1, 2005

9:00 a.m.

Members present:

Bob McLeod, Joe Allen and Mike Crawford

Members absent:

None

Staff present:

Joe Meyers and Eileen Wallick

Others present:

Mark Randolph, Russ Blasdell, Janet Person, Stan Moore, Jack White and Mike Meriwether

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

2.         Public/Member Comment

Mike Meriwether, Antrim County Forester, entered the meeting to explain his plan to do a timber cut at Barnes Park (attached).  Mr. Meriwether explained that some of the property in the park has deed restrictions and some do not.  Mr. Meriwether further noted that it would be helpful to have a joint meeting with the County Lands, Agriculture, and Forestry Committee and this Committee.  Mr. Meriwether also gave four different scenarios on what could happen at the park per the Commissioners authorization.  

Mr. Crawford noted that this should be further discussed at the Parks and Recreation Commission.  

3.         Grass River Natural Area  (GRNA) Update

Mark Randolph, Executive Director of the GRNA, handed out the GRNA update (attached).  Mr. Randolph informed the Committee of the eight sites that GRNA is either working on acquiring or at least talking about acquiring.  Mr. Randolph also noted that due to the capitol campaign, he will have to work more than his normal 40 hours a week because his duties will be greater.  Discussion further ensued about the possible acquisition of another area that has geologic ties with GRNA. 

4.         Parks Update

Eileen Wallick, Park Manager, handed out an income summary for Barnes Park from 1997 to 2005 and report on the happenings at Barnes Park (attached).

Ms. Wallick noted that Alpine Electric is trying to get paid but they have not gotten a final inspection on the electrification of the sites at Barnes Park.  She further noted that the inspection should be complete within the next day or two. 

Bob McLeod inquired about the drop in attendance at the park.  Ms. Wallick informed the Committee that there are many variables to that and next year things are going to look better due to the electrification of most of the sites.

5.         Wetzel Lake Update

Janet Person, Executive Director of the Antrim Conservation District, and Joe Meyers informed the Committee that they had a meeting with Robin Pearson, from the DNR.  Ms. Person informed the Committee that the DNR is still heavily considering putting a fair market value on the property.  Ms. Person further noted that she felt it important that we try to keep Mancelona Township more involved because of their vested interest. 

Ms. Person also indicated that she was sending out for a tribal grant and needed a letter of support. 

Motion by Bob McLeod, supported by Joe Allen, to recommend the Board of Commissioners write a letter of support to the tribe in question for the Wetzel Lake Grant.  Motion carried – unanimous. 

6.         Dredging Project

Ms. Person informed the Committee that the Conservation District’s plan to do some dredging in the County is proceeding.  She informed the Committee that she would bring a map to the next Parks and Recreation Commission meeting for them to help identify some sites that they would like to see dredged.  

7.         Barnes Park Grant Update

None.

8.         Parks and Recreation Update

Stan Moore updated the Committee on the events of the Parks and Recreation Commission (attached).  Mr. Moore noted that he had received a letter from the County Road Commission and they informed us that they would not get involved and that we should just contact M-DOT directly. 

Motion by Joe Allen, supported by Bob McLeod, to recommend the Board of Commissioners send a letter to M-DOT regarding the signs on US-31 for Barnes Park and Elk Rapids Day Park.  Motion carried – unanimous.

Mr. Moore informed the Committee that he had tentatively set up a meeting with the DEQ and the Army Corps of Engineers for the boat launch on Lake Michigan.  He informed the Committee that when more details become available he will inform the Committee. 

9.         Communications

None.

10.       Public/Member Comment

Ms. Wallick informed the Committee that the County has a 14 acre park in Elk Rapids that could be utilized as a campground. 

The Committee discussed the Elk Rapids Day Park and what had happened in years past. 

Discussion ensued about the park and tasked Mr. Meyers with gathering information about the prior attempt for the Village of Elk Rapids to acquire the park.

Discussion further ensued about the plans to put a hotel and marina on Torch Lake.