Parks Committee

Mike Crawford

Gene Dawson, Chairman

Joseph Allen

 

Minutes

February 1, 2007

9:00 a.m.

 

Members present:

 

Gene Dawson, Joe Allen and Mike Crawford

Members absent:

 

None

Staff present:

 

Joe Meyers and Eileen Wallick

Others present:

 

Jack White, Russ Blasdell, Stan Moore, Charlie Koop, and Mark Randolph

 

 

 

1.         Meeting called to order at 9:03 a.m.

2.         Grass River Natural Area (GRNA)

 

Mark Randolph discussed activities regarding GRNA. 

 

Mark informed the Committee of the Maltby property that the County received a grant for in 2005. 

Mark indicated that the property needed to be purchased and the DNR will be reimbursing the County within two months.

 

Motion by Mike Crawford, supported by Joe Allen, to request the Finance Committee purchase the Maltby property from Grass River Natural Area at the cost of $49,000 so the Department of Natural Resources can reimburse the County.  Motion carried – unanimous.

 

Mark requested that Jack White meet with him before the Finance Committee to sign the closing papers on the property. 

 

Mark informed the Committee of the MNRTF development grant that he will be applying for in April for $500,000 up to $850,000.  Mark indicated that he needs to have a public hearing during the next Parks Committee meeting. 

 

Motion by Mike Crawford, supported by Joe Allen, to allow Mark Randolph to proceed with the development grant and hold the public hearing for the grant at the next Parks Committee.  Motion carried – unanimous.

 

Mark further indicated that GRNA has set aside a section in their newsletter for a Petoskey Stone Festival Advertisement. 

3.         Antrim County Granting Opportunities

 

Discussion ensued over the Sevald Property and different granting opportunities for the acquisition of the property.

 

The Committee determined that the Coordinator/Planners Office should set up a Committee to look at different funding mechanisms for grants on all County property. 


 

 

4.         Elk Rapids Day Park – Charlie Koop

 

Charlie Koop entered the meeting to discuss renting the pavilion at Elk Rapids Day Park on August 4, 2007.  The Committee indicated that he would have to reserve the pavilion through the Parks Manager.

5.         Barnes Park Update

 

Eileen Wallick, Park Manager, gave an update on events regarding Barnes Park.

 

Eileen requested the Committee let her get a P.O. Box in Eastport so mailings don’t have to go to her house and the County building.  The Committee indicated that they would like to check with the County Clerk before authorizing that expense. 

 

Eileen indicated that there will not be a powwow at Barnes Park due to funding thru the tribe.

 

Eileen was instructed to contact the tribe to offer Barnes Park for a powwow. 

6.         Barnes Park Fee Structure

 

The Committee discussed the recommendations from the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board.  The recommendations were:

      Set aside five (5) sites as seasonal rentals for $1,500.00.

      Ten (10) sites to be set aside for reservations with an additional $5.00 reservation fee.  A minimum of three (3) nights must be reserved. 

      Raise the fees to $25 for electric and $21 for primitive.

      Raise the pavilion rental to $40 for residents and non-residents. 

 

Discussion ensued over creating an ordinance for Barnes Park.

 

Motion by Joe Allen, supported by Mike Crawford, to direct Legal Counsel to draft an ordinance for Barnes Park for review at the next meeting.  Motion carried – unanimous.

 

Joe Meyers informed the Committee that there had been discussion regarding credit cards at the park.  The Committee directed Joe to look into credit cards and report to them next month.

 

Motion by Mike Crawford, supported by Joe Allen, to recommend the Board of Commissioners accept the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board recommendations for Barnes Park except the seasonal rental. Motion carried – unanimous.

7.         Communications

 

Joe Meyers indicated that Michigan Maps Online is getting ready to print the Antrim County tourist map. 

 

Motion by Mike Crawford, supported by Joe Allen, to re-submit the ad from last year for the Michigan Maps Online Tourism Map for $295, noting that this company is owned by the Antrim County Drain Commissioner.  Motion carried – unanimously

8.         Members/Public Comment

 

Gene Dawson spoke on the 40 acres off Bachelder Road in Kearney Township and that CLAF is planning to contact real estate agents on the property.

 

Joe informed the Committee of the 12 acres adjacent to ACNA for sale.  The Committee decided that this was not a priority.

Meeting adjourned at 10:40 a.m.