HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 2005.04.06 - 39146OAKLAND COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING
April 6, 2005
Chairman Pecky D. Lewis, Jr. called the meeting to order at 9:02 a.m. in the commission room of the Parks
and Recreation Commission's administration office.
COMMISSION MEMBERS PRESENT:
Chairman Pecky D. Lewis, Jr., Vice Chairman Richard Skarritt, Secretary J. David VanderVeen, Hugh
Crawford, Vincent Gregory, Martin Knollenberg, John P. McCulloch, Charles Palmer, Suzette Vogt
COMMISSION MEMBERS ABSENT:
John Richards
ALSO PRESENT:
Parks and Recreation
Oakland County Purchasing Division
Oakland County 4-H Fair Association
Oakland County Corporation Counsel
Oakland County Facilities Management
MTS Construction, LLC
Michigan Golf Course Owners Association
The Detroit News
PUBLIC COMMENTS:
Ralph Richard, Executive Officer
Frank Trionfi, Administrator —Administration
Daniel Stencil, Administrator — Parks Operations
Joseph Figa, Chief of Design and Development
Mike Thibodeau, Chief of Golf
Sue Wells, Chief of Recreation
Janet Pung, Public Communications Officer
Clyde Herb, Chief of Parks
Sheila Cox, Accountant IV
Mike Donnellon, Architectural Engineer II
Jon Noyes, Architectural Engineer I
Marge Gatliff, Trails Network Coordinator
Amy Earl, Buyer
LC Scramlin, General Manager
Dave Coleman, President
Art Noren
Dave Ax
Cathy Grain
John Ross, Assistant Corporation Counsel
Mike Hughson, Property Management Specialist
Mauro Bianchini
Tom Schwark, Immediate Past President
Bill Fountain, Majestic Golf Course
Mary Quackenbush, Silver Lake Golf Course
Dave Behan, Silver Lake Golf Course
Lloyd Syron, Pontiac Lake Country Club
Curtis Wright, Copper Hills Golf Course
Bob Brightmeyer, Greystone Golf Course
Frank Garza, Highland Hills
Kathy Asnavorian, Fox Hills Golf & Banquet Center
Peter Angeles, Twin Lakes
R. J. King, Reporter
Commission received comments from Tom Schwark, Curtis Wright, Bob Brightmeyer, Frank Garza, Kathy
Asnavorian, Peter Angeles, Lloyd Syron, Mary Quackenbush, and Bill Fountain expressing concerns on
county -owned golf and banquet facilities.
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(Commission Meeting, April 6, 2005)
Chairman Lewis thanked them for their input, noting staff will respond to all their questions.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
Moved by Mr. Crawford, supported by Mr. Skarritt to approve the minutes of the meeting
of March 9, 2005, as written.
AYES: Crawford, Gregory, Knollenberg, Lewis, McCulloch, Palmer, Skarritt, VanderVeen, Vogt (9)
NAYS: (0)
Motion carried on a voice vote.
APPROVAL OF PAYMENTS:
Moved by Mr. Skarritt, supported by Mr. Gregory to approve the Payment Approval
Summary, including:
- Internal Service Funds Payment Register for February, 2005 (FM 5, FY 2005)
- Payment Register for February (FM 5, FY 2005)
AYES: Crawford, Gregory, Knollenberg, Lewis, McCulloch, Palmer, Skarritt, VanderVeen, Vogt (9)
NAYS: (0)
Motion carried on a voice vote.
COMBINED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS:
The Combined Statement of Operations for the month ending February 28, 2005 was accepted as filed.
ACTIVITIES REPORT:
The Activities Report for February, 2005 was accepted as filed.
AGENDA:
Moved by Mr. Palmer, supported by Mr. Skarritt to amend the agenda for the April 6, 2005,
Oakland County Parks and Recreation Commission meeting by deleting the following: Item
8 — Caribou Coffee Presentation; Item 11 — Corporation Counsel Update; and Item 12 —
Oak Management Contract.
AYES: Crawford, Gregory, Knollenberg, Lewis, McCulloch, Palmer, Skarritt, VanderVeen, Vogt (9)
NAYS: (0)
Motion carried on a voice vote.
DANIEL T. MURPHY - RESOLUTION:
Moved by Mr. VanderVeen, supported by Mr. Palmer to adopt the following resolution
honoring former Parks Commissioner and Oakland County Executive Daniel T. Murphy:
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(Commission Meeting, April 6, 2005)
WHEREAS, Daniel T. Murphy was a charter member of the Oakland County Parks
and Recreation Commission, attending the first organizational meeting of the newly
created commission on March 23, 1966 and serving through February, 1969; and
WHEREAS, Daniel T. Murphy again served on the commission by virtue of being
Chairman of the Southeast Michigan Council of Governments from April 1982 through
April, 1989; and
WHEREAS, Daniel T. Murphy dedicated himself to developing and promoting
quality recreational facilities and opportunities for the residents of Oakland County; and
WHEREAS, Daniel T. Murphy was instrumental in preserving Oakland County's
greenspace for future generations to learn about and enjoy the natural world at the 11
Oakland County Parks; and
WHEREAS, Daniel T. Murphy was an advocate of fostering cooperation between
the Oakland County Parks and local parks and recreation agencies to provide better
recreational services throughout all areas of Oakland County; and
WHEREAS, Daniel T. Murphy remained a proponent of the health, social,
emotional and community benefits of parks and recreation throughout his life.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Oakland County Parks and
Recreation Commission hereby honors Daniel T. Murphy for his outstanding leadership
and service to the Parks Commission through his efforts to enhance the quality of life for
all residents of Oakland County.
AYES: Crawford, Gregory, Knollenberg, Lewis, McCulloch, Palmer, Skarritt, VanderVeen, Vogt (9)
NAYS: (0)
Motion carried on a voice vote.
Staff noted a plaque in Mr. Murphy's honor will also be placed at the beach concession area at Groveland
Oaks.
EQUESTRIAN CENTER PROPOSAL:
L.C. Scramlin, Oakland County 4-H Fair Association General Manager, presented a financial proposal to
create an equestrian center at Springfield Oaks, requesting Commission consideration to budget funding
in the Fiscal Year 2006 and 2007 Capital Improvement Projects Budgets to complete the facility.
He shared information on similar facilities in Shiawassee, Midland, and Ingham Counties, plus proposed
revenue.
In response to a request from Commissioner McCulloch, L.C. will provide additional information on the
average number of units anticipated for space rental during the winter months.
Staff and Commission will review the proposal during the Fiscal Year 2005 budget review.
NEW CLUBHOUSE —WHITE LAKE OAKS:
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(Commission Meeting, April 6, 2005)
As directed by the Commission at the March 9 meeting, staff negotiated value engineering deducts with
MTS Construction for the demolition of the existing 10,000 square -foot clubhouse at White Lake Oaks and
the construction of a new 14,114-square foot facility. The contract will include all site modifications, such
as the south parking lot extension, cart staging area, #1 tee relocation and landscaping.
Staff reviewed the potential deducts, which included: deletion of the sunshade, decorative concrete, wood
wrapped ceiling beams, and bead board soffitt (except in the entry arch and bar); reduction of scope of
kitchen equipment; plus elimination of the EIFS beneath the soffit.
Bid received from MTS Construction was in the amount of $3,832,577.00; potential deducts totaled
$194,500.00, for a new contract total of $3,638,077.00. The deducted amount will be added to the
previously recommended contingency of $75,000.00, bringing the contingency to $269,500.00. Total
budgeted amount will remain at $3,907,577.00.
Moved by Mr. Palmer, supported by Mr. Crawford to approve the contract with MTS
Construction for the demolition of the existing clubhouse at White Lake Oaks and the
construction of a new facility. The contract will include all site modifications, such as the
south parking lot extension, cart staging area, #1 tee relocation and landscaping. The
contract will also be adjusted by the value engineering deducts as noted by staff in the
amount of $194,500, for a total contract amount of $3,638,077.00. Contingency for this
project will be $269,500.00, for a total budgeted amount of $3,907,577.00. A transfer of
$858,920.83 will be made from the CIP Contingency to this project.
ROLL CALL VOTE:
AYES: Crawford, Gregory, Knollenberg, Lewis, Palmer, Skarritt, Vogt (7)
NAYS: McCulloch, VanderVeen (2)
A sufficient number having voted, the motion carried.
BIDS:
Moved by Mr. McCulloch, supported by Mr. Palmer to approve the following bid items as
filed in the agenda and reviewed and recommended by staff and Purchasing:
Award the contract for the Fourth of July fireworks displays at Addison Oaks and
Groveland Oaks to Colonial Fireworks Company in the amount of $8,000.00 per show, for
a total of $16,000.00.
Award the contract for the re -roofing of the Groveland Oaks maintenance building to
Energy Shield in the amount of $9,875.00.
Purchase of two fuel pumps for park equipment at Addison Oaks to Oscar W. Larson in the
amount of $4,675.00.
Purchase and installation of a new electronic control system for the irrigation at Springfield
Oaks to the low bidder, Thielen Turf, in the amount of $82,600.00.
Split the bid for the purchase of the yearly supply of fertilizer for the Lyon Oaks Golf
Course and award the Polyon, potassium, and Polyon-Rough to the low bidder, Turfgrass,
in the amount of $27,618.70; the 0-0-50 and Biostimulant to the low bidder, Tri-Turf, in the
amount of $3,948.00; and the 16-8-8 to the low bidder, Leso, in the amount of $1,384.00.
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(Commission Meeting, April 6, 2005)
Total amount for this expenditure is $32,950.70.
AYES: Crawford, Gregory, Knollenberg, Lewis, McCulloch, Palmer, VanderVeen, Vogt (8)
NAYS: (0)
Motion carried on a voice vote.
Commission requested Purchasing consider a policy to require vendors to return a bid, even if it's a "no bid"
response, to ensure we know they received it and to remain on the bid list.
Commission also requested staff include in the agenda item write up the reasons why bidders did not
respond.
LANDSCAPING MAINTENANCE SERVICES — LYON OAKS:
Moved by Mr. Knollenberg, supported by Mr. Gregory to award a three-year contract for
landscaping services around the clubhouse at Lyon Oaks to the low bidder, FJ LaFontaine
& Sons, in the amount of $15,398.50 for 2005, $15,398.50 for 2006, and $15,860.45 for
2007. Total amount for the three-year period will be $45,657.45.
AYES: Crawford, Gregory, Knollenberg, Lewis, McCulloch, VanderVeen, Vogt (7)
NAYS: (0)
Motion carried on a voice vote.
GOLF COURSE ARCHITECT; MASTER DESIGN IMPROVEMENT PLAN — SPRINGFIELD OAKS AND
GLEN OAKS:
Moved by Mr. Palmer, supported by Mr. McCulloch to award the contract for the golf
course architect to develop construction plans and documents to implement the master
design improvement plan at Springfield Oaks, plus the development of construction plans
for the rebuilding of three greens at Glen Oaks, to Albanese & Lutzke, Inc. in the amount
of $25,486.00, plus a five percent contingency to cover printing and reproduction costs, for
a total budgeted amount of $26,760.00.
AYES: Crawford, Gregory, Knollenberg, Lewis, McCulloch, Palmer, VanderVeen, Vogt (8)
NAYS: (0)
Motion carried on a voice vote.
Commission suggested staff consider including at least one commissioner on the RFP review team.
EXECUTIVE SESSION:
Moved by Mr. Palmer, supported by Mr. VanderVeen to adjourn the meeting to an executive session in
order to discuss a legal opinion and proposed land acquisition.
AYES: Crawford, Gregory, Knollenberg, Lewis, McCulloch, Palmer, VanderVeen, Vogt (8)
NAYS: (0)
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(Commission Meeting, April 6, 2005)
Motion carried on a voice vote.
Meeting was adjourned to an executive session at 11:22 a.m.
Meeting was re -convened at 12:16 p.m.
Moved by Mr. Crawford, supported by Mr. Gregory to authorize staff to follow up as
discussed in the executive session.
AYES: Crawford, Gregory, Knollenberg, Lewis, McCulloch, Palmer, Vogt (7)
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:
---Dedication for the Ellis Barn at Springfield Oaks is July 25, 2005.
---Staff is interviewing companies for a two-year contract to perform a department -wide ADA evaluation.
Staff will bring back a recommendation at the next meeting.
---Strategic Planning: Staff will prepare information for discussion at the May 4 retreat at the Glen Oaks Golf
Course, including direction/focus for finances, land acquisitions, and facilities such as the proposed
equestrian center. The planning session will immediately follow the commission meeting that morning.
ADJOURNMENT:
The meeting was adjourned at 12:25 p.m.
The next Commission meeting will be at Glen Oaks Golf Course at 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday, May 4, 2005,
to be followed i ediately by the planning session.
G
J. David VanderVeen, Secretary Karen S. Kohn CP /CAP, Recording Secretary
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PUBLIC COMMENTS
OAKLAND COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING
April 6, 2005
The following are excerpts from the Public Comments portion of the Oakland County
Parks and Recreation Commission meeting on April 6, 2005.
Tom Schwark, Immediate Past President
Michigan Golf Course Owners Association
Don't understand why the Oakland County Parks and Recreation Commission is
involved in the golf course and banquet business. Everyone is impacted negatively by
Oakland County Parks' involvement in golf.
All benefit from successful operation of their businesses. Not a level playing field.
Oakland County Parks spend twice as much money at Lyon Oaks to generate
comparable revenues. Oakland County doesn't need to worry about income and
expenses, as our expenses are so much less. Other owners pay property taxes, sales
tax, single business taxes, and mortgages.
Why does Oakland County spend vast resources — large sums of money — and then turn
banquet centers over to Oak Management to operate?
Golf industry has been over built; unfair competition.
Request: not to expend money. Suggest sell or lease out operations to the highest
bidder.
County residents are not being well served.
Curtis Wright, Oxford
Copper Hills
Ask the Board if actually did some kinj of study to support the need in that area — some
kind of due diligence?
Did anyone talk to the people who own banquet facilities in that area to see if there is an
overload they cannot handle? Somewhere along the line get out of the private
enterprise.
"Cannot believe I am paying taxes to put you in competition with us."
Bob Brightmeyer
Beacon Hills Golf Course
Greystone, Macomb
Since 2000, have yet to turn a profit. Wondering how to survive? Not going to work.
Frank Garza
Highland Hills
In business since 1980; have seen business drop the last five or ten years. Have county
courses and HCMA courses around us.
It's a beautiful facility, but not going to make any money on it. Have been in business for
a long time.
I don't know why White Lake Oaks needs 14,000-square foot clubhouse; why is Oakland
County in that business?
Kathy Asnavorian
Fox Hills Golf & Banquet
Asked Commission to reconsider constructing a new clubhouse at White Lake Oaks.
The golf course business is very touchy and extremely competitive. The demand has
flattened out over the last ten years; the industry has been hurt by 911 and the economy.
In addition, the weather is a factor.
Golf course owners, business owners, and residents pay property taxes, support schools
and services; those tax dollars are used to establish businesses in competition. The
private businesses adequately serve the need; we don't need the government to step in
and do it.
Now golf course has become big business; it has evolved into upscale business.
This is not the business of government; namely, not a level playing field. I pay taxes;
facilities being approved do not pay. Opening these facilities make it tougher for them to
survive.
As community leaders, need to stop the evolution of competing against us.
,tiv
I will continue to attend meetings until I understand how wAp,11 is being spent — or
misspent.
Asking Commission to vote against the clubhouse, as it makes it more difficult for them
to compete and is driving them out of business.
Peter Angeles
Twin Lakes
am opposed to public money being put into a facility competing against private industry.
It provides advantages that public money depresses the market. Suggest carefully
consider performance showing a profit.
We have a short growing season, which also affects revenues.
The clubhouse is not a wise and prudent decision for public money.
Lloyd Syron
Pontiac Country Club
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The closest golf course to White Lake Oaks. Pontiac Country Club has been open for
65 years; the last four years have lost money.
Have to draw a line. Has been in business for almost 70 years and must now consider
whether or not to sell. If you want to drive him out of business, he won't turn the course
over to his children.
Mary Quackenbush
Silver Lake Golf Course
Ask that the Commission do a little homework before making this decision. There are
only 30 banquet facilities in Oakland County — there are enough around without building
another.
Her facility was built in 1997; did not have the opportunity to ask the taxpayers for money
to build it.
We have enough private owners to provide the business.
Basically driving small businesses out of business; what will happen to the tax base?
Lose profitability. Cannot ask taxpayers for more money when it's a bad year.
Hope the Commission does not approve this facility.
Bill Fountain
Majestic
Agree with colleagues. Golf is difficult for all of us. Issues with schools closing, roads in
disrepair. Is this the right time to spend up to $4 million to build a new banquet facility?
There are other issues more pressing than building this facility and competing with our
colleagues.
06'SkAtj
J. David VanderVeen Karen S. Kohn CPS/CAP
Secretary Recording Secretary