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Antrim County |
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August 26, 2004 |
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Minutes |
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Members Present: |
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Al Luurtsema, Russ Blasdell, Jerome Dobrzelewski, Al Pecar, Mike Crawford, Stan Moore and Jerry Basch |
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Members Absent: |
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Mike Meriwether and Mark Stone |
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Staff Present: |
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Eileen Wallick, Howard Yamaguchi and Mark Randolph |
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Others Present: |
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None |
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I. Public Hearing for GRNA Land Acquisition Grant from the MNRTF |
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Mark Randolph, Grass River Natural Area Director, called the public hearing to order (see attached minutes). Public hearing closed at 9:08 a.m. |
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II. Call to Order |
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Al Luurtsema called the meeting of the Parks & Recreation Commission (Parks & Rec) to order at 9:08 a.m. |
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III. Approval of the Minutes of the July 22, 2004 Meeting |
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Motion by Al Pecar, seconded by Jerome Dobrzelewski, to approve the minutes of the July 22, 2004, meeting. Motion passed - unanimous. |
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IV. Comprehensive Recreation Plan Re-write |
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Stan Moore explained that the subcommittee had not met recently. Howard is still working on Section B. The inventory sheets have been out for over two months. Only Helena, Milton, Mancelona (village), Jordan, and Custer have been returned. All members were requested to obtain the documents by the September meeting. |
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Eileen and Mark will be asked to give presentations in the September meeting with their 5-year capital improvement plans. The Antrim Conservation District (Janet and Mike) and the trails people will be asked to give their 5-year plans in October. |
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Howard, Stan, and Al Pecar will GPS Milton Township and Elk Rapids Township. |
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V. Fall Parks & Recreation Forum |
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The Fall parks & recreation forum has been set for November 5 at the Helena Township Community Center. Lunch will be served. Jerry Basch is in charge again. |
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VI. Elk Rapids Day Park |
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Jerry Basch reported that the grant request forms were just obtained from the Elk Rapids Rotary Club. We will ask for $875 for the sign and perhaps $500 for landscaping around the sign. Jerry Dobrzelewski cautioned that $500 may not be sufficient. Howard reported that the Elk Rapids Lions Club may also contribute. |
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VII. Barnes Park Grant Update |
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Howard reported that no grant agreement has been received from DNR to date. Jerry Basch suggested that internal roads be paved and made one-way for safety. He is awaiting a response from Great Lakes Energy on the County’s eligibility to apply for a grant. Jerry Dobrzelewski suggested Howard contact DTE to see about grant possibilities. Mike Crawford suggested Howard contact his brother at DTE in Traverse City. |
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Jerry Basch suggested that an evaluation form be designed and distributed to all campers at Barnes Park. Eileen was requested to draft a form for the next meeting. Mike Crawford and Stan Moore left the meeting at 10:00 a.m. |
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VIII. Wetzel Lake Update |
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Eileen reported incidents of portapotty vandalism at Wetzel Lake. Howard explained the status of the MNRTF grant application for Wetzel Lake. Site Control form and status of agreement with DNR may be a problem. Russ Blasdell reported that Frog Hollow, near his house, had been destroyed by vandals. Discussion ensued on need to enforce laws and prosecute the vandals. |
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IX. Other Matters |
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Howard announced that website training will be held September 1 for all those who wish to contribute to the Parks & Rec web pages. There were no takers.
Al Pecar noted that there is legislation proposed that will allow school districts to sell their forest lands to the public to raise funds for district operation. Al Luurtsema requested Jerry Basch to bring it up at the Parks Committee meeting. Al further suggested purchase of Johnson Pond headwaters for possible county purchase.
Howard introduced a letter from the Michigan Municipal Risk Management Association, announcing grants for purchase of fire rings.
Russ Blasdell briefed the group on the possible purchase of 160 acres of land in Custer Township adjacent to county property (for a shooting range) if a grant can be obtained by the Bellaire Conservation Club.
Al Luurtsema resigned from the Parks & Recreation Commission today, citing his dismay with the apparent misrepresentation by the Antrim Conservation District in making its case for a millage and the unwillingness of County to consider a millage for Parks & Recreation to save valuable land for future generations in Antrim County. Jerry Basch will take over as chairman at the next meeting. |
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Meeting adjourned at 11:00 a.m. |
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Next Meeting |
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