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HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolutions - 2020.08.06 - 33481MISCELLANEOUS RESOLUTION #20309 BY: Commissioner Penny Luebs, Chairperson, Health, Safety and Human Services Committee IN RE: BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS — 2020-2029 OAKLAND COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MILLAGE To the Oakland County Board of Commissioners Chairperson, Ladies and Gentlemen: WHEREAS the existing Oakland County Parks and Recreation millage (.2310 mills) will expire December 31, 2021; and WHEREAS the mission of the Oakland County Parks and Recreation Commission (OCPRC) is to provide quality recreation experiences that encourage healthy lifestyles, support economic prosperity, and promote the protection of natural resources; and WHEREAS the Oakland County Parks System includes 7000 acres and 80 miles of trails preserving and protecting the environment; and WHEREAS there are 13 Oakland County Parks and recreational activities throughout the County including campgrounds, dog parks, golf courses, water parks, and mobile recreation units; and WHEREAS in a 2017 county -wide survey, residents of Oakland County were very supportive of the actions of OCPRC, including: repairing older structures and playgrounds, repairing roads and parking lots, making facilities more accessible for everyone, creating new trails and boardwalks, preserving open spaces, and protecting natural resources, and WHEREAS millage revenues are required to sustain the mission of the OCPRC and provide quality recreational services to the residents of Oakland County; and WHEREAS the OCPRC, in consultation with staff and the public, has conducted a thorough analysis of recreation service needs, gaps in accessibility, the condition of parks assets and infrastructure, lack of financial resources to protect vital natural resources and opportunities to improve community partnerships; and WHEREAS as a result of this analysis, the OCPRC has recommended that the Board of Commissioners place a millage question on the November 3, 2020 ballot in the amount of .35 mills; and WHEREAS if approved, the millage levy of .35 mills would permit the OCPRC to enact a multimillion -dollar park infrastructure and asset improvement program, and WHEREAS OCPRC has demonstrated that the continuing the current millage levy will result in continued, unsustainable deferred maintenance of park system assets, which will inevitably result in the closure of park facilities; and WHEREAS if approved, the millage levy of .35 mills would permit the OCPRC to enact programs to expand trails, to enhance local recreation programs, and to increase environmental conservation and recreation activities, including reducing the spread of the invasive species that are threatening the lakes, rivers, streams and natural areas throughout Oakland County; and WHEREAS the millage levy of .35 mills would permit the OCPRC to provide free day -use park entry to seniors (62 and over), active military and veterans, and persons with permanent disabilities and WHEREAS the .35 mills is equal to 35 cents per $1,000.00 of taxable value. The millage, if approved and levied, will generate approximately $22,026,860.00 in tax year 2020; and WHEREAS revenue from this millage will be disbursed only to the County of Oakland to be used solely for the purpose of funding the Oakland County Parks and Recreation Commission with external audits and oversight by the Oakland County Board of Commissioners; and WHEREAS the Oakland County Corporation Counsel has reviewed and approved the proposed ballot language. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Oakland County Board of Commissioners approves the recommendation of the Oakland County Parks and Recreation Commission and places the following question on the November 3, 2020 General Election ballot: 'The Oakland County Parks System includes 7000 acres and 80 miles of trails preserving and protecting the environment. There are 13 Oakland County Parks and recreational activities throughout the County including campgrounds, dog parks, golf courses, water parks, and mobile recreation units. To continue to provide revenue to the Oakland County Parks and Recreation Commission, shall the current millage, which has been reduced by required rollback, be replaced and increased to .35 mills for 10 years from 2020 to 2029. The .35 mills is equal to 35 cents per $1,000.00 of taxable value. The millage, if approved and levied, will generate approximately $22,026,860.00 in 2020. The purpose of the millage is to improve, operate, and maintain parks, open space and water areas, trails, and recreation facilities; to allow for free day -use park admission for seniors (62 and over), military, veterans, and residents with permanent disabilities; to expand trails; to enhance local recreation programs; and to increase environmental conservation and recreation activities. Revenue from this millage will be disbursed only to the County of Oakland to be used solely for the purpose of funding the Oakland County Parks and Recreation Commission with external audits and oversight by the Oakland County Board of Commissioners." Chairperson, on behalf of the Health, Safety and Human Services Committee, I move the adoption of the forgoing resolution. l.A—" Commission Penny Luebs, District #16 Chairperson, ealth, Safety and Human Services Committee 0�&UAANNIOkkkV 041&/iSCIkap OAKLAND COUNTY PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION AGENDA AUGUST 5, 2020 To: Chairman McGillivray and Commission Members From: Daniel J. Stencil, Executive Officer Submitted: August 3, 2020 AGENDA ITEM NO. 9 A ADMINISTRATION Subject: Approval of Ballot Language for Oakland County Parks and Recreation Millage for November 3, 2020 General Election INTRODUCTION AND HISTORY Please see the attached information sheet for a brief history of the Oakland County Parks and Recreation millage. This information sheet also provides a summary of reasons that OCPR is requesting an increased millage on the November 3, 2020 ballot. Oakland County Parks and Recreation is in need of additional funding to manage its nearly 7,000 acres of parks, recreation facilities and amenities. Increasing to .35 mills (from the currently rolled back .2310) will provide the Commission and staff with funding to refresh current park system assets, move ahead on deferred construction projects, purchase new equipment and steward our natural resources and open space. In addition, with an increase to .35 mills, several new initiatives are being planned, including: • Providing free day -use park entry to Oakland County seniors (62 and over), active military and veterans, and residents with permanent disabilities • Creating a Trailways Fund to assist local communities with their trail projects • Creating a Community Partnerships and Park Development Fund to provide cash assistance to local communities for park development as well as increasing the capacity of the Recreation Assistance Partnership Program • Creating an Invasive Species, Conservation and Sustainability Fund to support the treatment and eradication of invasive species throughout Oakland County F-VICICILAA1 69 • Resolution approving proposed ballot language • Proposed ballot language • One-page millage summary • New Initiatives summary STAFF RECOMMENDATION Staff recommends the Commission approve the attached resolution approving the proposed ballot language for the Oakland County Parks and Recreation Commission millage proposal on the November 3, 2020 general election ballot. MOTION Move to approve the attached resolution approving the proposed ballot language for the Oakland County Parks and Recreation Commission millage proposal on the November 3, 2020 general election ballot. MISCELLANEOUS RESOLUTION #20-0004 IN RE: PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION — APPROVAL OF 2020 BALLOT QUESTION FOR OAKLAND COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION MILLAGE REPLACEMENT AND INCREASE To: Oakland County Parks and Recreation Commission Chairperson, Ladies and Gentlemen: WHEREAS the existing Oakland County Parks and Recreation millage (.2310 mills) will expire December 31, 2021, and WHEREAS, the mission of the Oakland County Parks and Recreation Commission is to provide quality recreation experiences that encourage healthy lifestyles, support economic prosperity, and promote the protection of natural resources; and WHEREAS, in a 2017 county -wide survey, the citizens were very supportive of the actions of the Oakland County Parks and Recreation Commission, including: fixing up and repairing older structures and playgrounds, fixing up and repairing roads and parking lots, making facilities more accessible for everyone, creating new trails and boardwalks, and protecting and preserving open space and the environment; and WHEREAS, millage funding is needed in order to meet the mission of the Oakland County Parks and Recreation Commission and the needs and requests of the citizens of Oakland County; and WHEREAS, the Oakland County Parks and Recreation Commission recommends replacing the existing millage and increasing the millage to .35 mills; and WHEREAS, the mileage rate of .35 mills will allow the Oakland County Parks and Recreation Commission to refresh current park system assets, continue to steward natural resources and open space, move ahead on deferred construction projects, and purchase equipment to perform park maintenance; and WHEREAS, increasing the millage to .35 mills will allow for the funding of new initiatives, including providing free day -use park entry to seniors (62 and over), active military and veterans, and persons with permanent disabilities; funding trail development throughout Oakland County, supporting local park development, and supporting the treatment and eradication of invasive species throughout Oakland County; and WHEREAS Oakland County Corporation Counsel has reviewed and approved the proposed ballot language. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Oakland County Parks and Recreation Commission hereby approves the following ballot question and recommends that the Oakland County Board of Commissioners approve the following ballot question to be placed on the ballot for the November 3, 2020 General Election: The Oakland County Parks System includes 7,000 acres and 80 miles of trails preserving and protecting the environment. There are 13 Oakland County Parks and recreational activities throughout the County including campgrounds, dog parks, golf courses, water parks, and mobile recreation units. To continue to provide revenue to the Oakland County Parks and Recreation Commission, shall the current millage, which has been reduced by required rollback, be replaced and increased to .35 mills for 10 years from 2020 to 2029? The .35 mills is equal to 35 cents per $1,000.00 of taxable value. The millage, if approved and levied, will generate approximately $22,026,860.00 in 2020. The purpose of the millage is to improve, operate, and maintain parks, open space and water areas, trails, and recreation facilities; to allow for free day -use park admission for seniors (62 and over), military, veterans, and residents with permanent disabilities, to expand trails, to enhance local recreation programs; and to increase environmental conservation and recreation activities. Revenue from this millage will be disbursed only to the County of Oakland to be used solely for the purpose of funding the Oakland County Parks and Recreation Commission with external audits and oversight by the Oakland County Board of Commissioners. Date: August 5, 2020 Moved By: Mr. Jamian Supported By: Mr. Kostin AYES: Bagley, Herzog, Jamian, Kostin, LaFontaine, McGillivray, Nash, Quarles, VanderVeen (9) NAYS: (0) Motion passed on a roll call vote. Draft Ballot Language June 26, 2020 OAKLAND COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MILLAGE REPLACEMENT AND INCREASE TO IMPROVE, OPERATE, AND MAINTAIN PARKS, OPEN SPACE AREAS, TRAILS, AND RECREATION ACTIVITIES IN OAKLAND COUNTY, MICHIGAN The Oakland County Parks System includes 7000 acres and 80 miles of trails preserving and protecting the environment. There are 13 Oakland County Parks and recreational activities throughout the County including campgrounds, dog parks, golf courses, water parks, and mobile recreation units. To continue to provide revenue to the Oakland County Parks and Recreation Commission, shall the current millage, which has been reduced by required rollback, be replaced and increased to .35 mills for 10 years from 2020 to 2029? The .35 mills is equal to 35 cents per $1,000.00 of taxable value. The millage, if approved and levied, will generate approximately $22,026,860.00 in 2020. The purpose of the millage is to improve, operate, and maintain parks, open space and water areas, trails, and recreation facilities; to allow for free day -use park admission for seniors (62 and over), military, veterans, and residents with permanent disabilities; to expand trails; to enhance local recreation programs; and to increase environmental conservation and recreation activities. Revenue from this millage will be disbursed only to the County of Oakland to be used solely for the purpose of funding the Oakland County Parks and Recreation Commission with external audits and oversight by the Oakland County Board of Commissioners. C=GAKLAND COUNTY PARKS Great /-'arks for Great People Oaklandl[ountyl)arks.com 93 V a For the past 54 years, Oakland County Parks and Recreation has been welcoming visitors to parks and programs. Now 7,000 acres and nearly 80 miles of trails across 13 park properties are explored by two million visitors of all ages and abilities annually. Oakland County Parks have provided places for generations of residents to make memories that last a lifetime and has never asked for a millage increase. Today, OCPR operates a variety of facilities and provides programs and special events that contribute to the overall health and wellness of Oakland County residents. The initial .25 millage approved in 1966 was renewed by voters in e The proposed millage will cost five-year increments until 1990 when it became a 10 -year millage. the owner a home valued at the o00 The current millage has been reduced by required Headlee (taxable value of $100,000) $200,0approximately rollbacks to a rate of .2310 mills and is set to expire December 31, $12 additional dollars 2021. To continue providing these recreation resources, and to0 annually, or a total of $35/year to help create new opportunities for the 62 communities within OaklandPfflrACJEffl1 ID maintain the Oakland County Parks County, the Oakland County Parks and Recreation Commission is P and Recreation system. seeking an increase to .35 mills in the November 3, 2020 election, / original millage rate current millage rate proposed millage rate 0.25 0.231 0.35 mills mills mills With the increased millage funding, OCPRC plans to: 1. Provide free day -use park entry to Oakland County seniors (62'), military, veterans, and residents with permanent disabilities. 2. Refresh current park system assets 3. Steward natural resources and open space, and promote conservation efforts 4. Move ahead on deferred construction projects — replace worn-out facilities and add new features to meet current and future needs 5. Purchase equipment to perform maintenance that keeps the parks attractive and safe 6. Contribute to recreation plans in local communities with funding for 3 priority areas: • � �//// /t/ Trailways Program Assist local communities with both pre - development and construction costs for trail projects in Oakland County, including shared use pathways, sidewalk connectors, bike lanes and water trails. Community Partnerships & Park Development Program Provide assistance to local communities for local park development, including design/ engineering/construction; increase funding for Recreation Assistance Partnership Program (outreach, mobile recreation units and local event support) (� Invasive Species, Conservation and i Sustainability Program Support the treatment and eradication of invasive species throughout Oakland County by coordinating efforts for treatment and management to conserve and protect our important natural habitats New Initiatives Summary Oakland County Parks and Recreation Proposed millage increase to .35 mills As of August 3, 2020 OAKLAND COUNTY PARKS Great -Parks forGreat-People Oakland(ountyParks.com 0 V 0 Should the voters in Oakland County approve the .35 mills for Oakland County Parks and Recreation this November, several new initiatives will be put into place to benefit residents and local communities in Oakland County. These include: 1. Complimentary day -use park entry (via a complimentary annual vehicle permit) for seniors (62+), active military and veterans, and persons with permanent disabilities. 2. Creation of a Trailways Program to assist local communities with both pre -development and construction costs for trails projects in Oakland County, including shared use pathways, sidewalk connectors, bike lanes and water trails. 3. A Community Partnerships and Park Development Program to provide cash assistance to local communities for local park development, including design/engineering as well as park development/construction. This fund will also increase the capacity of the Recreation Assistance Partnership Program, increasing recreation outreach, mobile recreation units and local event support. 4. An Invasive Species Collaboration Program to support the treatment and eradication of invasive species throughout Oakland County by coordinating efforts fortreatment and collaborating county -wide on identification/inventory, treatment and management to conserve and protect our important natural habitats. The millage is a 10 -year millage but revenue estimates at this time are only made through 2025. It is anticipated that funding for these programs would continue to increase as the overall millage revenue increases through 2029. Staff is recommending the use of a part-time Project Advisor to assist with the oversight of these initiatives. *Available funding each year is dependent on taxable value and millage funding received, which will vary from the estimates listed here. Funding for 50% 35% 15% Fiscal New Trailways Partnerships Invasive Year Initiatives* Fund Fund Species Fund 2021 $ 1,738,683 $ 869,341 $ 608,539 $ 260,802 2022 $ 2,094,000 $ 1,047,000 $ 732,900 $ 314,100 2023 $ 2,435,498 $ 1,217,749 $ 852,424 $ 365,325 20241 $ 2,780,097 $ 1,390,048 $ 973,034 $ 417,014 20251 $ 3,127,706 $ 1,563,853 $ 1,094,697 $ 469,156 *Available funding each year is dependent on taxable value and millage funding received, which will vary from the estimates listed here. 1. Complimentary Day -Use Park Entry for Seniors (62+), Active Military and Veterans, and Persons with a Permanent Disability Goals: Provide an Annual Vehicle Permit (AVP) to seniors (62+), active military and veterans, and persons with permanent disabilities. Oakland County Parks and Recreation currently offers a discounted vehicle pass for these park patrons but would be moving to providing a complimentary annual vehicle permit. This complimentary AVP would allow for free vehicle entry into all Oakland County Parks and Recreation day -use parks, including Addison Oaks, Groveland Oaks, Highland Oaks, Independence Oaks, Lyon Oaks, Orion Oaks, Red Oaks Dog Park and Rose Oaks County Parks. The complimentary AVP would not allow for free entry to waterparks or golf courses. The complimentary AVP is only valid for the Oakland County Parks and Recreation vehicle permit, and does not include the Joint Parks Perks pass with the Huron -Clinton Metroparks. Complimentary AVPs shall be non-transferrable and must be affixed to a vehicle windshield to be valid. 2. Trailways Program Fiscal Year Trails Fund Total 30% Pre -Development 70% Development 20211 $ 869,341 $ 260,802 1 $ 608,539 20221 $ 1,047,000 1 $ 314,100 1 $ 732,900 20231 $ 1,217,749 1 $ 365,325 1 $ 852,424 20241 $ 1,390,048 $ 417,014 $ 973,034 20251 $ 1,563,853 1 $ 469,156 $ 1,094,697 1 Goals: • Fund pre -development costs for trail planning/design/engineering. Pre -development grants would be under $100,000 and not require a match. • Fund larger match grants for construction of trail projects, with a priority of closing gaps within the Oak Routes Trail Network. • Include all types of trails: shared use pathways, sidewalk connectors, bike lanes, water trails, etc. but with focus on larger OC Trails Network and connectivity to that network (or a larger community network— i.e. no stand-alone sidewalk projects unless they are part of a larger coordinated effort) 3. Community Partnerships & Park Development Program Fiscal I Year I Species Fund 25%OCPR 75% Park Year Partnerships Fund Total Programs/RAPP Development 1 20211 $ 608,539 $ 152,134.75 1 $ 456,404.25 1 1 20221 $ 732,900 1 $ 183,225.00 1 $ 549,675.01 1 1 20231 $ 852,424 1 $ 213,106.04 $ 639,318.11 1 1 20241 $ 973,034 1 $ 243,258.46 1 $ 729,775.37 1 1 20251 $ 1,094,697 1 $ 273,674.29 $ 821,022.88 1 Goals: • Provide funding and assistance forjoint partnerships with local communities for park development • Increase Recreation Assistance Partnership Program funding to target "underserved" communities 4. Invasive Species, Conservation & Sustainability Program Fiscal 15% Invasive Year I Species Fund 1 20211 $ 260,802 1 1 20221 $ 314,100 1 1 20231 $ 365,325 1 1 20241 $ 417,014 1 20251 $ 469,156 1 Goals: • Oakland County Parks and Recreation houses/manages the Oakland County Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area (OC CISMA) • Treat/eradicate invasive species collaboratively throughout Oakland County Resolution #20309 August 6, 2020 Moved by Luebs seconded by McGillivray the resolution be adopted. Discussion followed. Moved by McGillivray seconded by Spisz the resolution be amended as follows: Remove the following language: HEALTH, SAFETY AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE: Motion carried on a roll call vote with Kochenderter, Gingell and Hoffman voting no and with Nelson and Jackson absent. A sufficient majority having voted in favor, the amendment carried. Discussion followed. Moved by Taub seconded by Kowall the resolution be amended as follows: Strike out the following language in the 9th WHEREAS through the 131h WHEREAS: Strike out the following language in the 15th WHEREAS: V1HEOGAS the ()n Llend Gaunt. GeFpemt'en Gn nl has r ped and a .ed then nd ballet IaRguage. Strike out and insert the following language in the NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED: NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Oakland County Board of Commissioners approves the continuation of the existing reGernmendatien of t Oakland County Parks and Recreation Commission millage (.2310) ^^d ..Ineen the fellewine question on the November 2= r_nnn.-,l oeetinn ballet �Tllmra:r_m:rr-7.rnrsiArram.11T.�sr.:IT.IT.1•me:lrrrcnrs'r�e � � - :+IR e, and maintain parks, apen space and ester ercve trails, nd r. eet'en fn.:l't'e ; to elle.., fnr free de., u S park adm."--sign For seniors (62 and ever), military, ete Fan^ and residents with peRnanent disah'1'F_C; t2 zl-pand tFa isi to nnhannn Inn^I ,00.et�ieR PaF.d te qRGFease eRV;..,..aneRtal ....R.,eFyatien and ,..creat...,�..,te.s. Pz lis art P..n .-hien (`nm.n' With a temel e din Rd oversight l nht by the Oakland G9 > nt.. BeaFd f (` Discussion followed. Vote on amendment: AYES: Kochenderfer, Kowall, Kuhn, Long, Hoffman. (10) NAYS: Jackson, Luebs, Markham, McGillivray, Gershenson. (11) Middleton, Spisz, Taub, Weipert, Gingell, Miller, Nelson, Powell, Quarles, Woodward, Zack, A sufficient majority not having voted in favor, the amendment failed. Discussion followed. Moved by Spisz seconded by Hoffman the resolution be amended as follows: Amend the language in the following WHEREASs to: WHEREAS as a result of this analysis, the OCPRC has recommended that the Board of Commissioners place a millage question on the November 3, 2020 ballot in the amount of 35 0.25 mills; and WHEREAS if approved, the millage levy of .45 0.25 mills would permit the OCPRC to enact a multimillion -dollar park infrastructure and asset improvement program; and WHEREAS if approved, the millage levy of 45 0.25 mills would permit the OCPRC to enact programs to expand trails, to enhance local recreation programs, and to increase environmental conservation and recreation activities, including reducing the spread of the invasive species that are threatening the lakes, rivers, streams and natural areas throughout Oakland County; and WHEREAS the millage levy of -.35 0.25 mills would permit the OCPRC to provide free day -use park entry to seniors (62 and over), active military and veterans, and persons with permanent disabilities and WHEREAS the -.35 0.25 mills is equal to 35 25 cents per $1,000.00 of taxable value. The millage, if approved and levied, will generate approximately $22,026,860.00 in tax year 2020; and NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Oakland County Board of Commissioners approves the recommendation of the Oakland County Parks and Recreation Commission and places the following question on the November 3, 2020 General Election ballot: "The Oakland County Parks System includes 7000 acres and 80 miles of trails preserving and protecting the environment. There are 13 Oakland County Parks and recreational activities throughout the County including campgrounds, dog parks, golf courses, water parks, and mobile recreation units. To continue to provide revenue to the Oakland County Parks and Recreation Commission, shall the current millage, which has been reduced by required rollback, be replaced and increased to 5.25 mills for 10 years from 2020 to 2029. The va .25 mills is equal to 35 25 cents per $1,000.00 of taxable value. The millage, if approved and levied, will generate approximately $22,026,860.00 in 2020. The purpose of the millage is to improve, operate, and maintain parks, open space and water areas, trails, and recreation facilities; to allow for free day -use park admission for seniors (62 and over), military, veterans, and residents with permanent disabilities; to expand trails; to enhance local recreation programs; and to increase environmental conservation and recreation activities. Revenue from this millage will be disbursed only to the County of Oakland to be used solely for the purpose of funding the Oakland County Parks and Recreation Commission with external audits and oversight by the Oakland County Board of Commissioners." Discussion followed. Vote on amendment: AYES: Kochenderfer, Kowall, Kuhn, Long, Middleton, Spisz, Taub, Weipert, Gingell, Hoffman. (10) NAYS: Luebs, Markham, McGillivray, Miller, Nelson, Powell, Quarles, Woodward, Zack, Gershenson, Jackson. (11) A sufficient majority not having voted in favor, the amendment failed. Discussion followed. Vote on resolution, as amended: AYES: Kuhn, Luebs, Markham, McGillivray, Miller, Nelson, Powell, Quarles, Weipert, Woodward, Zack, Gershenson, Jackson. (13) NAYS: Kowall ,Long, Middleton, Spisz, Taub, Gingell, Hoffman, Kochenderfer. (8) A sufficient majority having voted in favor, the resolution, as amended, was adopted. 1 I HEREBY APPROVE THE FOREGOING RESOLUTION ACTING PURSUANT TO 1973 PA 139 STATE OF MICHIGAN) COUNTY OF OAKLAND) I, Lisa Brown, Clerk of the County of Oakland, do hereby certify that the foregoing resolution is a true and accurate copy of a resolution adopted by the Oakland County Board of Commissioners on August 6, 2020, with the original record thereof now remaining in my office. In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the Circuit Court at Pontiac, Michigan this 61h day of August, 2020. Lisa Brown, Oakland County