HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 2006.02.01 - 39162OAKLAND COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING
February 1. 2006
Chairman Pecky D. Lewis, Jr. called the meeting to order at 9:16 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,
Vincent Gregory, Martin Knollenberg, John McCulloch, John Richards, Suzette Vogt
COMMISSION MEMBERS ABSENT:
Hugh D. Crawford, Charles Palmer
ALSO PRESENT:
Parks and Recreation
Oakland County Corporation Counsel
Oakland County Facilities Management
Oakland County 4-H Fair
PUBLIC COMMENTS:
Ralph Richard, Executive Officer
Daniel Stencil, Administrator — Parks Operations
Frank Trionfi, Administrator — Parks Administration
Joe Figa, Chief of Design and Development
Mike Thibodeau, Chief of Golf
Clyde Herb, Chief of Parks
Janet Pung, Public Communications Officer
Sue Wells, Chief of Recreation
Sheila Cox, Accountant IV
Jon Noyes, Architectural Engineer I
Desiree Stanfield, Public Communications Assistant
Suzanne Ball, Secretary I
Heather Hughes, Secretary I
John Ross, Assistant Corporation Counsel
Joe Pittel, Assistant Corporation Counsel
Mike Hughson, Property Management Specialist
L.C. Scramlin, General Manager
Dave Coleman, President
There were no public comments or questions.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
Moved by Mr. Skarritt, supported by Mr. McCulloch to approve the minutes of the
meeting of January 4, 2006, as written.
AYES: Gregory, Knollenberg, Lewis, McCulloch, Richards, Skarritt, VanderVeen, Vogt (8)
NAYS: (0)
Motion carried on a voice vote.
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(Commission Meeting, February 1, 2006)
APPROVAL OF PAYMENTS:
Moved by Mr. VanderVeen, supported by Mr. Richards to approve the payment of
the Internal Service Funds Payment Register for the months of October and
November (FM 1 & 2, FY 2006).
AYES: Gregory, Knollenberg, Lewis, McCulloch, Richards, Skarritt, VanderVeen, Vogt (8)
NAYS: (0)
Motion carried on a voice vote.
COMBINED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS:
The Combined Statement of Operations for the months ending October 31, 2005 and November
30, 2005 was accepted as filed.
POLICE DOG TRAINING FACILITY — INDEPENDENCE OAKS:
As authorized by the Parks Commission at the October 5, 2005 meeting, Parks staff worked with
staff from Corporation Counsel to negotiate a use permit for a police dog training facility at
Independence Oaks.
Staff requested Commission authorization for Chairman Lewis to sign the permission letter, which
includes operational guidelines for the use of the facility.
Moved by Mr. McCulloch, supported by Mrs. Vogt to authorize Chairman Lewis to
sign the letter granting permission to the Oakland County Sheriff's Office for the
use of 2.4 acres at Independence Oaks as a police dog training facility.
AYES: Gregory, Knollenberg, Lewis, McCulloch, Richards, Skarritt, VanderVeen, Vogt (8)
NAYS: (0)
Motion carried on a voice vote.
Staff noted an open house will be planned once the facility is in use.
ACTIVITY REPORT:
In response to Commission direction, the activity report has been revised to simplify it and make
it easier to read.
The Activity Report for the month of December, 2005 was accepted as filed.
AWARD PRESENTATION:
Administrator — Parks Operations Dan Stencil reported that, at the MRPA Community Service
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Awards presentation on January 12, Oakland County was proud to recognize Eastern Mountain
Sports, Larry Falardeau, and Caribou Coffee for their efforts in supporting park activities.
A special recognition was also presented to Ralph Richard as he prepares for retirement, in
recognition of his many years of dedicated service in the field of parks and recreation.
SPECIAL RESOLUTION:
Moved by Mr. VanderVeen, supported by Mr. Richards to adopt the following
special resolution in recognition of Executive Officer Ralph Richard:
WHEREAS Ralph Richard has served the field of parks and recreation for
nearly 40 years; and
WHEREAS he has lead the administrative staff of the Oakland County
Parks and Recreation Commission as Executive Officer for 21 years; and
WHEREAS Ralph Richard has directed the operations and improvements
of the 11 parks in the 6,000-plus acre system; and
WHEREAS two new parks, Lyon Oaks in Lyon Township and Rose Oaks
in Rose Township, were acquired during his leadership; and
WHEREAS significant additions to Addison Oaks in Addison Township,
including the Sullivan property, were completed; and
WHEREAS many significant recreational projects were initiated during his
tenure, including a new waterpark at Red Oaks County Park in Madison Heights,
Michigan's first refrigerated toboggan run at Waterford Oaks in Waterford
Township, and a 4,000 square -foot addition to the Lewis E. Wint Nature Center at
Independence Oaks County Park near Clarkston; and
WHEREAS over the past 21 years, the parks system has earned dozens
of awards for outstanding recreational facilities, design, programming and
community service; and
WHEREAS Ralph Richard has advanced the profession for his service at
the city, township county, state and national levels; and
WHEREAS he has served as president of the National Association of
County Parks and Recreation Officials as well as president and treasurer of the
Michigan Recreation and Parks Association; and
WHEREAS communities and residents throughout Oakland County and
beyond have benefited from his commitment and tireless efforts.
NOW THEREFORE IT BE RESOLVED that the Oakland County Parks and
Recreation Commission extends its most genuine appreciation and
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acknowledgement to Ralph Richard for his many contributions to the parks system
and the parks and recreation profession.
AYES: Gregory, Knollenberg, Lewis, McCulloch, Richards, Skarritt, VanderVeen, Vogt (8)
NAYS: (0)
Motion carried on a voice vote.
GRANT APPLICATION RESOLUTIONS:
Moved by Mr. Gregory, supported by Mr. Richards to adopt the following resolution
in support of a grant application:
WHEREAS, the Oakland County Parks and Recreation Commission has
been notified by the Department of Natural Resources that applications for cost -
sharing grants from the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund and Land and
Water Conservation Fund may be submitted by April 1, 2006; and
WHEREAS, the Oakland County Parks and Recreation Commission has
identified and established priorities for acquisitions and improvements within the
adopted Recreation Master Plan; and
WHEREAS, the Oakland County Parks and Recreation Commission
recommends the filing of the following application to the Department of Natural
Resources for a matching grant:
Addison Oaks Safety Path Development
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Oakland County Parks and
Recreation Commission recommends submission of the above -said grant
application with the appropriate matching funds to be designated from the one -
quarter mill.
AYES: Gregory, Knollenberg, Lewis, McCulloch, Richards, Skarritt, VanderVeen, Vogt (8)
NAYS: (0)
Motion carried on a voice vote.
Moved by Mr. Knollenberg, supported by Mr. VanderVeen to adopt the following
resolution in support of a grant application:
WHEREAS, the Oakland County Parks and Recreation Commission has
been notified by the Department of Natural Resources that applications for cost -
sharing grants from the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund and Land and
Water Conservation Fund may be submitted by April 1, 2006; and
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WHEREAS, the Oakland County Parks and Recreation Commission has
identified and established priorities for acquisitions and improvements within the
adopted Recreation Master Plan; and
WHEREAS, the Oakland County Parks and Recreation Commission
recommends the filing of the following application to the Department of Natural
Resources for a matching grant:
Springfield Oaks Property Acquisition
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Oakland County Parks and
Recreation Commission recommends submission of the above -said grant
application with the appropriate matching funds to be designated from the one -
quarter mill.
AYES: Gregory, Knollenberg, Lewis, McCulloch, Richards, Skarritt, VanderVeen, Vogt (8)
NAYS: (0)
Motion carried on a voice vote.
HABITAT MANAGEMENT CONTRACTS:
Staff requested Commission approval to enter into contract with two vendors for the management
of parkland natural areas, including exotic species removal, prescribed burning, and herbicidal
treatments.
Vice Chairman Skarritt expressed concern about liability and controls for possible prescribed
burning. Staff will provide notification of the burn, plus details on burn management plar
procedures, prior to any prescribed burning. A video on the burning techniques will also be
presented for additional information.
Moved by Mrs. Vogt, supported by Mr. Richards to award a contract with J. F. New
and Associates, Inc. plus Ecological Consulting/Prescribed Burning Services in an
amount not to exceed $20,000 per contract for the management of parkland
natural areas, including exotic species removal, prescribed burning, and herbicidal
treatments. Prior to any prescribed burning, the contractor must develop a burn
management plan for presentation to the Parks Commission.
AYES: Gregory, Knollenberg, Lewis, McCulloch, Richards, Skarritt, VanderVeen, Vogt (8)
NAYS: (0)
Motion carried on a voice vote.
BID ITEMS:
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Moved by Mr. McCulloch, supported by Mr. Gregory to award the following bids
as reviewed and recommended by Purchasing and Parks staff:
Contract for vegetation clearing and installation of fencing along the perimeter of
recently acquired property at Addison Oaks, Lyon Oaks, and Springfield Oaks to
the low bidder, Nationwide Fencing, in the amount of $106,295.00, plus a five
percent contingency of $5,314.75, for a total project cost of $111,609.75.
Purchase of a Club Car XRT 1500 4 x 4 rough terrain vehicle for Addison Oaks to
the low bidder, Billings Feed Store, Inc. in the amount of $12,699.00.
Purchase of six pedal boats for Groveland Oaks to DMM Industries in the amount
of $9,774.75.
Purchase of 34 each 6-foot picnic tables, 560 each 6-foot picnic table boards, 115
each 8-foot picnic tables, and 130 each 8-foot picnic table boards for Addison
Oaks, Groveland Oaks, Independence Oaks, Waterford Oaks, and Red Oaks
Waterpark to the low bidder, Engan Tooley Doyle & Associates in the amount of
$35,518.75, less a deduct of $2,400.00 for being awarded the entire bid, for a total
amount of $33,118.75.
AYES: Gregory, Knollenberg, Lewis, McCulloch, Richards, Skarritt, VanderVeen, Vogt (8)
NAYS: (0)
Motion carried on a voice vote.
40TH ANNIVESARY:
Staff requested Commission approval of a reduction/waiver of fees as presented for the 2006
Appreciation Days being held in conjunction with special events being implemented and promoted
in celebration of the Parks' 40`h anniversary.
Moved by Mr. McCulloch, supported by Mr. Richards to approve the
reduction/waiver of fees for the 2006 Appreciation Days being held in conjunction
with special events celebrating the Parks' 401h anniversary.
AYES: Gregory, Knollenberg, Lewis, McCulloch, Richards, Skarritt, VanderVeen, Vogt (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:
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---Chairman Lewis noted changes to the executive officer's position; specifically, removing it from
the merit system, may be made later in the year in conjunction with the regular budget planning.
---Chief of Recreation Sue Wells reported on a recent evaluation of the Waterford Oaks Court
Games Complex, noting the poor condition of the tennis courts and the minimal use of the
horseshoe pits and shuffleboard courts. Staff is planning to improve the facility by removing the
horseshoe pits and shuffleboard courts in the spring of 2006, plus removing the tennis courts in
the fall of 2006. Staff has already alerted the Waterford schools, who use the tennis courts, that
they will need to find other tennis courts to continue their program.
---Commissioners were invited to attend the MRPA Conference banquet on Thursday, February
16 at the Detroit Westin, as Administrator — Parks Operations Dan Stencil is honored for his year
as president of the association.
EXECUTIVE SESSION:
Moved by Mr. McCulloch, supported by Mr. Richards to adjourn the meeting to an
Executive Session in order to discuss proposed land acquisitions and a legal
issue.
AYES: Gregory, Knollenberg, Lewis, McCulloch, Richards, Skarritt, VanderVeen, Vogt (8)
NAYS: (0)
Motion carried on a voice vote.
The meeting was adjourned to the Executive Session at 10:14 a.m.
The meeting was re -convened at 10:32 a.m.
The meeting was adjourned at 10:33 a.m.
The next Commission meeting will be at 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday, March 15, 2006.
J. David \randerVeen, Secretary Karen S. Kohn CPS/CAP, Recording Secretary
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