Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 1981.05.06 - 38707OAKLAND COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING May 6, 1981 The meeting was called to order at 9:40 a.m. by Chairman Lewis E. Wint in the Parks and Recreation Commission Room. COMMISSION MEMBERS PRESENT: Chairman Lewis E. Wint, Don Deni, Fred Houghten, George Kuhn, Dr. Joseph Montante, Carol Stanley. COMMISSION MEMBERS ABSENT: Vice Chairman Marjorie Walker, Secretary Velma Austin, Richard Wilcox. ALSO PRESENT: Parks and Recreation Hot Air Balloons Anthony M. Franco, Inc. Oakland Press APPROVAL OF MINUTES: R. Eric Reickel, Manager Jon J. Kipke, Ass't. Manager Charles Ross, Chief, Admin. Services Janet Pung, Communications Officer Joseph Figa, Chief, Design & Development Arnold Johnston, Chief of Parks Michael Thibodeau, Chief of Parks Sheila Cox, Accountant Kathleen Dougherty, Parks Naturalist Raymond Delasko, Supervisor, Independence Oaks Frank Ostrowski, Supervisor, Addison Oaks Kathy Arnold, Mobile Recreation Joel Harnack, White Lake Oaks Dick Rudlaff Wayne Warren Dorothy Langan, Account Executive Dennis Mulqueen Moved by Mr. Deni, supported by Mr. Kuhn to approve the minutes of the regular meeting and public hearing of April 1, 1981. Mr. Ross requested, in future, when a bid item goes over the budgeted estimate and the balance is taken from the Capital Equipment Fund surplus that it be so noted in the motion. Motion carried. APPROVAL OF PAYMENTS: Moved by Mr. Houghten, supported by Mrs. Stanley, to approve payment of Vouchers 4-1 through 4-253• ROLL CALL VOTE: AYES: Kuhn, Montante, Stanley, Wint, Deni, Houghten (6) NAYS: (0) A sufficient majority having voted, therefor, the motion carried. 3-1 (Commission Meeting, May 6, 1981) OPERATING STATEMENTS: Moved by Mrs. Stanley, supported by Dr. Montante to receive the Statement of Operations as of March 31, 1981. Motion carried. ACTIVITIES REPORT: Moved by Mr. Kuhn, supported by Mr. Deni to receive the Activities Report as of March, 1981. Motion carried. JOEL HARNACK PRESENTATION: Chairman Wint presented a certificate to Joel Harnack, mechanic at the White Lake Oaks Golf Course. The certificate signified that Joel successfully completed a course of study in the "function, operation and maintenance of hydraulic com- ponents" at the Sperry Vickers Hydraulics School's evening program. Commission Kuhn requested that a letter of commendation be placed in Mr. Harnack's personnel file. HOT AIR BALLOON POLICY: Due to several requests to land hot air balloons in the County Parks, staff presented a policy draft for Commission consideration that included proposed policy on both launchings and landings. Dick Rudlaff and Wayne Warren were present as representatives of the Hot Air Balloonist's Association. Mr. Rudlaff explained about hot air ballooning activities in north Oakland County and the difficulties encountered in finding suitable landing areas, especially when the balloonist becomes becalmed due to lack of wind or low fuel situations. The F.A.A. mandates that a balloonist must land by dark. After considerable discussion, it was indicated that the Commission would rather not encourage launchings and landings but would allow landings for necessary purposes only. It was mutually agreed that the balloonists had adequate launching facilities elsewhere. By landing in a park, the balloonist would have to abide by all rules and regu- lations of the Oakland County Parks and Recreation Commission. It was suggested that a "revocable" clause, proof of adequate liability insurance and a "hold harmless" clause be included in the policy. Moved by Dr. Montante, supported by Mr. Deni to refer the hot air balloon policy back to staff for further study. ROLL CALL VOTE: AYES: Montante, Stanley, Deni, Houghten, Kuhn (5) NAYS: Wint (1) A sufficient majority having voted therefor, the motion carried. 3-2 (Commission Meeting, May 6, 1981) PARK STOVES: The following bids were received by Purchasing for six super stoves and six regular stoves for Addison Oaks and Groveland Oaks: Jack Golden Associates $1320.50 Herbert Jennings 1507.32 GameTime 1474.39 Staff recommended purchasing from the low bidder, Jack Golden Associates, for $1320.50. There was $1500 budgeted for the purchase. Moved by Mr. Deni, supported by Dr. Montante to purchase six super stoves and six regular stoves for use at Addison Oaks and Groveland Oaks Parks. ROLL CALL VOTE: AYES: Stanley, Wint, Deni, Houghten, Kuhn, Montante (6) NAYS: (0) A sufficient majority having voted therefor, the motion carried. LOCKERS - WATERFORD OAKS WAVE POOL: Mr. Kipke explained that additional lockers were needed for the womens locker room at the Wave Pool and recommended purchasing two modules totaling 36 lockers. American Locker Security Systems, Inc. stated their Ambassador model, which is presently at the pool, would cost $3248.68 for two modules. There was $2880 budgeted for the purchase. Staff recommended taking the additional $368.68 from the Capital Equipment Fund surplus. Moved by Mr. Kuhn, supported by Mr. Deni to purchase two modules (36 lockers) for the Wave Pool from American Locker Security Systems, Inc., for $3248.68 and take the $368.68 over budget from the Capital Equipment Fund surplus. ROLL CALL VOTE: AYES: Wint, Deni, Houghten, Kuhn, Montante, Stanley (6) NAYS: (0) A sufficient majority having voted therefor, the motion carried. 72" MOWER - RED OAKS: The following bids were received for purchase of a 72' outfront water-cooled, diesel mower for Red Oaks: Lawn Equipment $8,400 (Howard Weingartz Didn't meet specs. Golf Car Distributors $7,950 (Cushman W. F. Miller Didn't meet specs. Wilkie Turf $8,375 (Toro) 3-3 (Commission Meeting, May 6, 1981) After evaluating the units, which included demonstrations, staff recommended that the bid be awarded to the second low bidder, Wilkie Turf, for a Toro. The low bid from Golf Car Distributors was for a Cushman which is a brand new model on the market. The golf course personnel felt the engine in the Toro was superior to Cushman's and was better located to avoid damage; the air and fuel cleaning systems were superior and the automotive -type steering Toro had performed much better. Also, some of the operators did not like the way the Cushman handled going downhill.. There was $7000 budgeted for the mower. Staff recommended the remaining $1375 be taken from the Capital Equipment Fund surplus. Moved by Dr. Montante, supported by Mrs. Stanley to purchase a Toro 72'' outfront water-cooled, diesel mower for Red Oaks from the second low bidder, Wilkie Turf, for $8375 and the $1375 over budget be taken from the Capital Equipment Fund surplus. ROLL CALL VOTE: AYES: Deni, Houghten, Kuhn, Montante, Stanley, Wint (6) NAYS: (0) A sufficient majority having voted therefor, the motion carried. SHOWMOBILE - MOBILE RECREATION:. Due to the demand for the ShowMobile in the Mobile Recreation Program, staff recommended purchasing a second unit. Bids were solicited from companies who manufacture portable stages or construction trailers. Only two companies bid which are as follows: Wenger Corporation $38,163. Jennings 31,150. Mr. Kipke explained that the low bidder, Jennings, represented a company called Century Industries which had experience building concession trailers. They have not built stages but indicated they would construct one just like Wengers; however, they did not have a unit built so it could be inspected nor did they have detailed enough shop drawings to evaluate quality or strength of construction. Staff recommended the bid be awarded to the Wenger Corporation for $38,163 as they have a proven product. There was $39 000 budgeted for the purchase. Wenger stated they could assure delivery by June ff Moved by Dr. Montante, supported by Mrs. Stanley to purchase a ShowMobile for the mobile recreation program from the Wenger Corporation for $38,163. ROLL CALL VOTE: AYES: Houghten, Kuhn, Montante, Stanley, Wint, Deni (6) NAYS: (0) A sufficient majority having voted therefor, the motion carried. 3-4 (Commission Meeting, May 6, 1981) WATERFORD OAKS WATER SLIDE: Mr. Reickel recommended that discussion on the water slide be tabled until the next meeting. Due to the number of bids received and the magnitude of the project, staff and James C. Scott & Associates did not have time to evaluate the bids received on May 5. Mr. Reickel reported he received a very positive reception when he appeared before the Planning and Building and Finance Committees to explain the water slide project to them. Moved by Mr. Deni, supported by Mr. Kuhn to table discussion on the water slide until the next meeting. Motion carried. NATURALIST'S REPORT: Ms. Kathleen Dougherty, Parks Naturalist, reviewed for the Commission her Environ- mental Awareness Program. Ms. Dougherty makes available to all schools, private and public, and other special interest groups in Oakland County, lectures on topics related to the environment. Each lecture is geared to the particular age group participating. In 1980 Kathleen visited 34 schools and spoke to some 22,000 students. She visits two schools per day and it was necessary to turn down 40 requests this year. Her program expenses for 1980 were $472.60 or .02� per student. Her overall 1980 expenses were $1700. In addition to the above, Ms. Dougherty conducts nature walks and environmentally related activities in the parks. Kathleen presented a portion of one of her lectures as she would present it to a group of second graders. Ms. Dougherty discussed her short and long range goals for the program. She hopes to be able to hire a qualified part-time seasonal person for the winter months. SUMMER YOUTH WORK PROGRAM: Mr. Kipke explained that the Pontiac Schools and the Oakland -Livingston Human Services Agency had asked us to participate with them in a summer youth work program for 80 youths, 14 to 18 years old. Pontiac Schools would select 50 people for the program and 30 would be referrals from OLHSA. The youths would be paid through CETA. The group would be involved in labor projects throughout the parks consisting of clearing brush, cleaning out streams and ponds, landscaping, clearing of nature trails, clearing of fence lines, painting and in general, litter cleanup. Mr. Kipke met with representatives from the Pontiac Schools, CETA, the Pontiac Urban League and the NAACP to formulate the youth work program. He also inter- viewed school teachers from the Pontiac school system who have displayed an ability to have good rapport with the youth and also have excelled in their own profession. (continued) 3-5 (Commission Meeting, May 6, 1981) Staff requested permission to hire eight persons as summer youth supervisors who would be paid from summer employment funds of the Parks and Recreation Commission. Moved by Mr. Kuhn, supported by Dr. Montante to use Parks and Recreation Commission funds, to be transferred from the contingency account, to hire eight supervisors for a summer youth work program sponsored through the Pontiac Schools and the Oakland -Livingston Human Services Agency. ROLL CALL VOTE: AYES: Kuhn, Montante, Stanley, Wint, Deni, Houghten (6) NAYS: (0) A sufficient majority having voted therefor, the motion carried. WATER SKI SHOW: Mr. Kipke requested approval to hold a water ski show on Stewart Lake at Groveland Oaks on Sunday, June 7. The Silver Lake Ski Club from Fenton would perform the 50-minute show which would consist of ballet, jumping, pyramids, barefoot skiing, etc. The estimated expense is $1000 and anticipated revenue from ticket sales is $3000. Campers already in the park could see the show free. Others would be charged $5 per car. Bluegrass music would be provided to augment the show. Moved by Mr. Houghten, supported by Mr. Kuhn to enter into agreement with the Silver Lake Ski Club to conduct a water ski show at Groveland Oaks on June 7. ROLL CALL VOTE: AYES: Montante, Stanley, Wint, Deni, Houghten, Kuhn (6) NAYS: (0) A sufficient majority having voted therefor, the motion carried. MANAGER'S REPORT: ---Recognition Banquet, Monday, May 11, White Lake Oaks; cocktails at 6:30 p.m. and dinner at 7:30 p.m. ---Bicycle Moto -Cross got off to a good start on May 2. Representative Trim, County Executive Dan Murphy and Parks Commissioner Velma Austin attended the opening day ceremonies. ---Senior Citizens Summerfest, June 26, Waterford Oaks Park, 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. ---One-hundred people participated in the Hidden Forest Run at Independence Oaks on May 3. Janet Pung won a medal in the event. ---The Commission directed Mr. Reickel to renew his membership in the Oakland County Chamber of Commerce. 3-6 (Commission Meeting, May 6, 1981) (MANAGER'S REPORT (continued): ---Received inquiry from a realty firm, D. N. McNabnay & Associates, about listing the property the Commission owns on Northwestern Highway in Farmington Hills. Mr. Reickel suggested an executive session be called if the Commission wished to discuss the property. Moved by Dr. Montante, supported by Mrs. Stanley to thank McDabnay & Associates for their soliciation but inform them that the Oakland County Parks and Recreation Commission was not interested in listing the property on Northwestern Highway in Farmington Hills. Motion carried. ---Had request for waiver of fee from Big Brothers - Big Sisters for a picnic on Paradise Island at Groveland Oaks on August 15. Staff did not recommend approving the request due to Commission policy of main- taining the authorized fee during prime time. The Commission concurred with Mr. Reickel's suggestion that the group consider using the Springfield Youth Activities Center which is free to all non-profit youth groups, with the exception of Saturday evenings, or using Groveland Oaks at a 50% reduction after Labor Day. ---Requested official approval to award the dredging project at Independence Oaks to the low bidder, Purves Excavating, for $6000. One other bid was received: C & H Spraying for $6200. Staff gave approval to Purves Excavating to proceed with the project prior to the meeting because of the urgency of completing the work before the spring boating season began. Moved by Mr. Houghten, supported by Mr. Kuhn to award the dredging work at Independence Oaks to the low bidder, Purves Excavating, for $6000. Motion carried. ---Monica Walch was appointed to the Therapeutic Coordinator's position and will start her employment on May ll. Ms. Walch, a graduate of Central Michigan Univer- sity, majored in Therapeutic Recreation. ---The Personnel Committee approved the Recreation Supervisor's position for Mobile Recreation and Dan Stencil will remain in that position. Dan has a Bachelor's Degree in Park Administration from Northern Michigan University and a Master's of Recreation from Western Illinois University. ---As a cooperative venture, will work with the American Cancer Society to have a rollathon on August 16 for 500 participants. We will provide our skates for the program. ---Commissioner Walker absent from today's meeting because she is participating in a meeting of the Great Lakes Regional Council of the National Recreation and Park Association in Minneapolis. ---Dr. Montante reported on a meeting he attended of the Board of Directors of the Michigan Association of Counties. After lengthy discussion, the Board decided not to support Proposal A which will be on the May 19 ballot. He stated that support of the proposal would be a detriment to County funds and was a tax shift instead of the cut the voters wanted. Also, the County Commissioners, 3-7 (Commission Meeting, May 6, 1981) through the Directors of MAC, rejected supporting Proposal A. They did reaffirm they had a proposal of their own which required only amendments and is in Lansing f at the present time. Dr. Montante stated that proposal would be a positive step in cutting taxes for citizens. ---Commissioner Stanley reported that, contrary to what was printed in the news- paper, the Realtors Association was not in support of Proposal A. ---Ms. Pung made clippings available from local newspapers pertaining to park activities. The meeting ajourned at 12:06 p.m. Betty G est Recording Secretary T NEXT MEETING: May 20, 9:30 a.m. 3-8