HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 1998.03.18 - 39043OAKLAND COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING
March 18, 1998
The meeting was called to order at 9:12 a.m. by Chairman Pecky D. Lewis, Jr. in the commission room of the
Parks and Recreation Commission's administration office.
COMMISSION MEMBERS PRESENT:
Chairman Pecky D. Lewis, Jr., Vice Chairman Ruth Johnson, Secretary Richard D. Kuhn, Jr., Fred Korzon,
George Kuhn, Nancy McConnell, Frank Millard, Jr., J. David VanderVeen
COMMISSION MEMBERS ABSENT:
Charles Palmer, Richard Skarritt
ALSO PRESENT:
Parks and Recreation
Oakland County Purchasing
Oakland County Fiscal Services
Nextel Communications
Fair Oaks
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
Ralph Richard, Executive Officer
Jon Kipke, Assistant Manager
Frank Trionfi, Chief, Admin. Services
Sheila Cox, Accountant IV
Mike Thibodeau, Chief of Golf Operations
Dan Stencil, Chief of Park Operations
Janet Pung, Public Communications Officer
Joseph Figa, Chief, Design and Development
Sue Delridge, Chief of Recreation
Bob Rhein, Buyer
Jeff Pardee, Deputy Director
Tom Ott, Manager
Ed Trego
LC Scramlin, President
Moved by Mr. R. Kuhn, supported by Mr. G. Kuhn to approve the minutes of the meeting of
March 4, 1998, as written.
AYES: Johnson, Korzon, G. Kuhn, R. Kuhn, Lewis, VanderVeen (6)
NAYS: (0)
Motion carried on a voice vote.
PUBLIC COMMENTS:
There were no questions asked by, nor comments received from, the public.
ACTIVITIES REPORT:
The Activities Report for the month of February, 1998, was accepted as filed.
HRFIS COMPUTER SYSTEM UPDATE:
Messrs. Jeff Pardee and Tom Ott, from Oakland County Fiscal Services, provided a status report on the
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county's new HRFIS computer system, explaining its capabilities and advantages, plus the learning time
required for this system.
Staff met with representatives of Fiscal Services to discuss problems we have been experiencing, including
the need for reports for the Parks Commission's review and approval of payments.
DAVIS HOUSE:
As directed by the Commission at the March 4 meeting, staff researched the history of the donation of the 167
acres of park land at Springfield Oaks by the Davis family to Oakland County.
Staff, along with Commissioner Palmer, did an on -site inspection of the Davis house. Assistant Manager Kipke
noted that the framework of the house, other than replacing some boards or fascia, is solid; the foundation
is in pretty good shape; the chimneys need flashing, but no tuckpointing; and the roof needs to be replaced.
Staff recommended initiating the roof repairs with a not -to -exceed amount.
Commission discussed the possibility of having the Springfield Township Historical Society bid the job rather
than the county, plus the need to prepare a new agreement with the historical society, possibly to include
Springfield Township, who might have more of an interest in seeing this building restored.
Moved by Mrs. Johnson, supported by Mr. VanderVeen to initiate the repairs to the roof of
the Davis House at Springfield Oaks, through the Springfield Township Historical Society, at
a not -to -exceed amount of $12,000.
Staff will work with the Historical Society on the preparation of specifications for this repair.
AYES: Johnson, Korzon, G. Kuhn, R. Kuhn, Lewis, McConnell, Millard, VanderVeen (8)
NAYS: (0)
Motion carried on a voice vote.
WATER TOWER ANTENNAS - SPRINGFIELD OAKS:
Nextel Communications is requesting Commission consideration for an agreement to install cell phone
antennas whips on the water tower at Springfield Oaks for $1,500/month. Agreement would include the
installation of a 12 ft. x 20 ft. area at the base of the tower for their electrical equipment.
Staff sees no problem with the agreement and requested Commission approval to proceed. Agreement would
also be reviewed by Corporation Counsel.
Discussion followed, after which Commission directed staff to check with other municipalities on their
agreements and then review the contract for possible renegotiation with Nextel.
LYON OAKS GOLF COURSE CONSULTANT:
Chief of Design Joe Figa noted that two separate Request For Proposals were sent out for Lyon Oaks; one
for the design and construction of the golf course, and the other for the design and construction of the day use
portion of the park, including roads, shelters, and maintenance and golf course buildings.
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Nine RFP's for the golf course were received. A committee of five staff persons reviewed the RFP's, then
interviewed five firms.
After full consideration, staff recommended Commission award the contract to the firm of Design3. The firm
is familiar with the site, as they are the firm that was designing the golf course for the developer who had the
option on the land before the Parks Commission purchased it. They also have a person on staff specializing
in both environmental and Audubon concerns.
Commissioner VanderVeen referred to a golf course feasibility study completed for us last year, in which it
encouraged us to look at a more "upscale" golf course at Lyon Oaks. Therefore, he felt that, if possible, we
should reconsider the firm of Arthur Hills in order to build a signature course.
Discussion followed on the opportunity to build a signature course, the philosophy of the Parks building an
"upscale" course, fiduciary responsibility to the taxpayers of Oakland County, and environmental concerns.
Commission also questioned what the full cost difference would be if the course was designed by Arthur Hills,
including construction, maintenance, price per round, and the projected number of golfers.
Commission directed staff to interview the firm of Arthur Hills to see if there is any flexibility with their proposed
fees and if they can provide the construction supervision required by staff. Staff will also research and report
on all of the costs involved in using that firm including staffing, construction, maintenance, and cost per round.
RESIDENTIAL SPEED LIMIT REQUEST - ROSE OAKS:
Staff has been contacted by a Rose Township resident who lives on Rose Center Road. She is the leader
of a group of Rose Center Road residents who are petitioning the Road Commission for Oakland County and
the Rose Township Board of Trustees to establish a 25 mph speed limit on Rose Center Road from Milford
Road to Hickory Ridge Road. A portion of Rose Oaks fronts Rose Center Road.
The group is requesting Commission consideration to support this request in the form of letters to the
Township and the Road Commission requesting the 25 mph limit.
Discussion followed, during which the Commission noted this request would be more properly handled by
contacting the Road Commission, informing them of the concern and requesting a safety review.
Moved by Mr. Millard, supported by Mr. R. Kuhn to send a letter to the Road Commission for
Oakland County, informing them of the concern of the residents regarding the speed limit on
Rose Center Road between Milford Road and Hickory Ridge, and requesting a safety review
for a possible speed limit of 25 miles per hour.
AYES: Johnson, Korzon, G. Kuhn, R. Kuhn, Lewis, McConnell, Millard, VanderVeen (8)
NAYS: (0)
Motion carried on a voice vote.
Staff will send a letter to the residents informing them of the Parks Commission's actions.
EXECUTIVE SESSION:
Moved by Mr. G. Kuhn, supported by Mrs. McConnell to adjourn the meeting to an Executive
Session.
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AYES: Johnson, Korzon, G. Kuhn, R. Kuhn, Lewis, McConnell, Millard, VanderVeen (8)
NAYS: (0)
Motion carried on a voice vote.
The meeting was adjourned to Executive Session at 10:53 a.m.
The meeting was reconvened at 11:02 a.m.
LYON OAKS PROPOSED PROPERTY ACQUISITION:
Moved by Mr. Korzon, supported by Mrs. McConnell to direct staff to proceed with
negotiations to purchase a 13-acre parcel of land, adjacent to Lyon Oaks County Park, at the
appraised value of $565,000.
AYES: Johnson, Korzon, G. Kuhn, R. Kuhn, Lewis, McConnell, Millard, VanderVeen (8)
NAYS: (0)
Motion carried on a voice vote.
EXECUTIVE OFFICER'S REPORT:
In addition to the Executive Officer's Report filed in the agenda, the following was noted:
---The Governor has agreed to add $50 million to the Clean Michigan Initiative for allocation to local government.
This should go to the public for vote in November.
---The building renovation is complete at Glen Oaks; just waiting for the landscaping to complete the project.
OLD BUSINESS:
Vice Chairman Johnson questioned staff on the restroom repairs recently done at the Springfield Oaks Activities
Center and the unfortunate conflict in scheduling with a large event.
Discussion followed on the Activities Center, including scheduling, repairs, and the lease with Fair Oaks.
Commissioner McConnell suggested staff contact a college to possibly have an architectural class take the
building on as a project.
The next meeting will be at 9 a.m. on Wednesday, April 1, 1998.
The meeting was adjourned at 11:15 a.m.
Richard D. Kuhn, Jr., Secretary
Karen Smith, Recording Secretary
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