Parks and Lands Committee
Joseph Allen			Bernie Blackmore Chairman	Mike Crawford
February 5, 2009
Members Present:		Mike Crawford, Bernie Blackmore and Joe Allen
Members Absent:		None
Staff Present:		Joe Meyers, Eileen Wallick, and Mike Meriwether
Others Present:		Mark Randolph
1. Meeting called to order at 9:00 a.m.
2. Public Comment
	None.
3. Forestry Update
	Mike Meriwether gave an update on forestry activities throughout the county. Discussion ensued over the Barnes Park Trail system and whether or not to expand the trails. The Committee asked Mike Meriwether to investigate different funding mechanisms for funding the expansion of trails at the park.
4. Barnes Park
	Eileen Wallick asked the Committee if she could take the Barnes Park Computer home for the winter to check emails. Motion by Joe Allen, supported by Mike Crawford to authorize Eileen Wallick to take home the Barnes Park Computer for the winter months. Motion carried - unanimous. The Committee also decided not to raise the camping rates for the 2009 year. Discussion ensued over when to officially open the park for the 2009 year. Motion by Joe Allen, supported by Mike Crawford to open the park in May at the discretion of the Park Manager. Motion carried – unanimous.
5. Grass River Natural Area
	Mark Randolph spoke on the ‘06 MNRTF Grant and how Alden State Bank went the extra mile. Mark Randolph spoke on the Grass River Center and the differences from the original plan. Mr. Randolph also indicated that they are trying to comply with the Living Building Challenge by the Cascada Green Building Council. Discussion ensued over holding a public hearing for the Cold Creek land acquisition. Motion by Joe Allen, supported by Mike Crawford, to hold a public hearing at our March Meeting for the Cold Creek Land Acquisition. Motion carried unanimous. Joe Meyers presented the information on the bid specs for the GRNA Barn re-roof project. Motion by Mike Crawford, supported by Joe Allen, to approve the bid specs for the Grass River Natural Area Barn roof. Motion carried – unanimous. Motion by Joe Allen, supported my Mike Crawford, to approve the Chain of Lakes Masonry quote for tuck pointing. Motion carried – unanimous.
6. Kearney Township Property
	Joe Meyers presented the abstract for the Kearney Township Airport property. Discussion ensued over the property and the committee decided that unless Kearney Township was willing to sell the property for a good price they would not be interested.
7. Forestry Ordinance
	The Committee reviewed the County Forestry Ordinance. Motion by Mike Crawford, supported by Joe Allen, to recommend the Board of Commissioners approves the County Forestry Ordinance. Motion carried – unanimous.
8. Elk Rapids Dam Fishing Park
	Discussion ensued over a letter from the Village of Elk Rapids regarding the MNRTF grant they applied for last year. They would like to re-apply this year, but want to ask the County for their continued financial support in regards to the Elk Rapids Dam Fishing Beach Parking Lot. Motion by Joe Allen, supported by Mike Crawford, to recommend the County approve helping to fund the Elk Rapids Dam Fishing Beach Parking Lot. Motion carried – unanimous.
9. Public/Member Comment
	None.
Meeting adjourned at 10:35 a.m.