HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 1970.10.16 - 38403PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING
October 16, 1970
The meeting was called to order by Chairman Frances Clark at
9:45 a.m. in the Parks and Recreation Commission room.
COMMISSION MEMBERS PRESENT
Chairman Frances Clark, Vice Chairman Clarence Durbin,
Secretary Velma Austin, Sol Lomerson, Henry Schiffer, Frank
Richardson, Daniel Barry, Carl O'Brien and James Reid.
COMMISSION MEMBERS ABSENT
Thomas Dillon
ALSO PRESENT
Kenneth L. Van Natta, Robert Long, Ralph Richardson, Lou
Coy, Mr. Dubree, Mr. Grinnell, Mrs. Ostrander, Mrs. Smith,
Mr. Robert Gorsline.
Moved by Mr. O'Brien, supported by Mrs. Austin
that the minutes of October 2, 1970, be approved
as written.
Motion carried.
Mr. Long, Commerce Township Supervisor, requested permission
to speakto the Commission. Chairman Clark asked if there
were any objections to suspending the rules.
Moved by Mr. O'Brien that the rules be suspended
to let interested individuals address the Com-
mission. Seconded by Mr. Lomerson.
Motion carried, all members voting aye.
The Richardson property as a park site was the topic. Mr.
Long voiced his concern of the over -crowded conditions that
a park would bring to this area. He also felt that too much
of the township land was presently used for recreation. Mr.
Long asked the Commission to consider small neighborhood
parks, stating he could see no objection to these in the
township. A resolution adopted October 13, 1970, by the
Commerce Township Board was presented. Said resolution re-
quested the Parks and Recreation Commission to hold a public
Page 2 (10/16/70 Commission Meeting)
hearing in Commerce Township before establishing a County park
on the proposed property.
Mr. Barry asked to be excused from the meeting.
Discussion followed concerning the users of the park and the
added burden on the roads and local police service.
Mr. Gorsline, Milford Township Supervisor, commented on the
added burden placed on public services Milford Township has
experienced due to park land in that area.
Mr. Van Natta explained that the Commission is aware of the
problems a park could create. He stated a fee system park
such as ours did not create the same amount of problems as
free parks do, and we do control, police, and regulate our
parks.
Mr. Grinnell and Mrs. Smith, residents of Lower Straits Lake, -
questioned the exact location of the proposed purchase and
the boat launching procedure which they felt had not been
made clear to the public.
Mr. Coy, Commissioner of the 27th District, speaking for the
people of that district, explained they had no desire for more
park land in this area.
Mr. Ralph Richardson stated that the property was to be sold
regardless of who purchased it, and his hope was that the
property could be used for a park.
More discussion followed concerning a public hearing requested
by Commerce Township.
Moved by Mr. Richardson, supported by Mr. O'Brien
that the Commission act to establish a public
hearing with the residents of Commerce Township.
Questions as to what a public hearing would involve followed;
the hearing should not be confused with a public zoning
hearing.
Moved by Mr. Richardson that the previous motion
be amended to read: "Public information hearing."
Supported by Mr. Durbin.
Roll call vote requested on the amendment.
YES --Mrs. Clark, Mr. Durbin, Mrs. Austin, Mr. Reid,
Mr. O'Brien, Mr. Richardson, Mr. Schiffer,
Mr. Lomerson.
Page 3 (10/16/70 Commission Meeting)
A vote was then taken on the original motion as
amended.
Motion carried, all members present voting "Aye."
Absents Mr. Barry, Mr. Dillon.
Arrangements for public information to be made. November 11,
1970, was suggested as a possible date, at the Clifford Smart
school.
Zoning ordinances were discussed.
Moved by Mr. Schiffer, supported by Mr. Lomerson
that the Director obtain legal opinion from the
Corporation Counsel concerning zoning ordinances
when the County acquires property for general
public use.
Motion carried.
The recommended golf rates for White Lake -Oaks were discussed.
Moved by Mr. Richardson, supported by Mr. Schiffer
that the proposed golf rates so presented be
approved.
Motion carried.
Moved by Mr. Schiffer, supported by Mr. Richardson
that the snowmobile concession question be tabled
until the next meeting.
Motion carried.
Mr. Richardson briefed the Commission on the proposal to sell
the Oakland -Orion Airport to the Parks and Recreation Com-
mission for the sum of $1.00.
The next Commission meeting is to be November 6, 1970.
Moved by Mr. Reid, supported by Mr. Durbin
that the meeting be adjourned.
Motion carried.
The meeting adjourned at 12:00.
Velma Austin, Secretary
Pauline McCormick, Acting Secretary