HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 2006.06.07 - 39168OAKLAND COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING
June 7, 2006
Vice Chairman Richard Skarritt called the meeting to order at 10:20 a.m. in the classroom of the Lewis E. Wint
Nature Center at Independence Oaks.
COMMISSION MEMBERS PRESENT:
Vice Chairman Richard Skarritt, Secretary J. David VanderVeen, Hugh D. Crawford, Vincent Gregory,
Martin Knollenberg, John McCulloch, Charles Palmer, John Richards, Suzette Vogt
COMMISSION MEMBERS ABSENT:
Chairman Pecky D. Lewis, Jr.
ALSO PRESENT:
Parks and Recreation
Oakland County Corporation Counsel
Oakland County 4-H Fair
Orion Township Parks and Recreation
Paint Creek Trail
Jared Davis Family
PUBLIC COMMENTS:
Daniel Stencil, Executive Officer
Frank Trionfi, Administrator— Parks Admin. Services
Joe Figa, Chief of Design and Development
Mike Thibodeau, Chief of Golf
Jim Dunleavy, Chief of Recreation
Janet Pung, Communications and Marketing Officer
Sue Wells, Administrator— Parks & Rec. Operations
Brian Menghini, Accountant III
Michael Donnellon, Architectural Engineer II
Jon Noyes, Architectural Engineer I
Mike Boyd, Park Supervisor, Independence Oaks
Phil Castonia, Recreation Supervisor, Mobile Rec.
Kathleen Dougherty, Parks Naturalist
Aaron Whatley, Intem
John Ross, Assistant Corporation Counsel
L.C. Scramlin, General Manager
Dave Coleman, President
Art Noren, Director
Rock Blanchard, Director
Kristen Myers
Bill Krieger
Judy Harbour
Bob Davis
Sandy Bruce
There were no public comments or questions.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
Moved by Mr. Palmer, supported by Mr. Crawford to approve the minutes of the
meeting of May 5, 2006, as written.
AYES: Crawford, Gregory, Knollenberg, McCulloch, Palmer, Richards, Skarritt, VanderVeen, Vogt
(9)
4-1
(Commission Meeting, June 7, 2006)
NAYS: (0)
Motion carried on a voice vote.
ACTIVITY REPORT:
The Activity Report for May, 2006 was accepted as filed.
STAFF INTRODUCTIONS:
Administrator— Parks and Recreation Operations Sue Wells introduced Aaron Whatley, intern from
Ferris State College.
Ms. Wells also introduced Phil Castonia, former intern and new recreation supervisor for Mobile
Recreation.
AWARD RECOGNITION:
Orion Township Parks Director Rock Blanchard and Paint Creek Trailways representative Kristen
Myers presented the Parks Commission with an award in recognition for staff's efforts on a recent
project completed on the Paint Creek Trail, plus Parks' involvement through the Oakland County
Trails Advisory Council.
DONATION RECOGNITION:
Executive Officer Dan Stencil presented the family of Jared Davis with a plaque in recognition of
their $10,000 donation for the construction of a 18' memorial gazebo at the beach at Independence
Oaks.
RESOLUTION — NATIONAL RECREATION AND PARKS MONTH:
Moved by Mr. Palmer, supported by Mr. Richards to approve the following resolution
in support of July as National Recreation and Parks Month:
WHEREAS, the Oakland County Parks and Recreation Commission's mission is to
provide all residents of Oakland County with recreational, leisure, and learning experiences,
parks, open spaces, and facilities, resulting in a comprehensive county park system that
enhances quality of life; and
WHEREAS, parks, recreation activities, and leisure experiences provide
opportunities for young people to live, grow, and develop into contributing members of
society; and
WHEREAS, parks and recreation creates lifelines and continued life experiences for
older members of our community; and
WHEREAS, parks and recreation generates opportunities for people to come
together and experience a sense of community through fun recreational pursuits; and
WHEREAS, parks and recreation agencies provide outlets for physical activities,
socialization, and stress -reducing experiences; and
4-2
(Commission Meeting, June 7, 2006)
WHEREAS, parks, playgrounds, nature trails, open spaces, community and cultural
centers, and historic sites make communities attractive and desirable places to live, work,
play, and visit, in a manner that contributes to our ongoing economic vitality; and
WHEREAS, parks, greenways, and open spaces provide a welcome respite from our
fast -paced, high-tech lifestyles while simultaneously protecting and preserving our natural
environment; and
WHEREAS, parks and recreation agencies touch the lives of individuals, families,
groups, and the entire community, which positively impacts upon the social, economic,
health, and environmental quality of our community.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Oakland County Parks and
Recreation Commission proclaims July as Recreation and Parks Month and encourages all
citizens to celebrate healthy, active lifestyles by participating in their choice of recreation and
park activities.
AYES: Crawford, Gregory, Knollenberg, McCulloch, Palmer, Richards, Skarritt, VanderVeen, Vogt
(9)
NAYS: (0)
Motion carried on a voice vote.
DTE ELECTRICAL EASEMENT — ORION OAKS:
Moved by Mr. Gregory, supported by Mr. Crawford to approve a 15-foot wide by
approximately 260 linear foot electrical easement for underground primary service to
the restroom facility in the new Dog Park gravel parking lot at Orion Oaks.
AYES: Crawford, Gregory, Knollenberg, McCulloch, Palmer, Richards, Skarritt, VanderVeen, Vogt
(9)
NAYS: (0)
Motion carried on a voice vote.
EQUESTRIAN CENTER BUSINESS PLAN_ — SPRINGFIELD OAKS ACTIVITY CENTER:
4-H Fair Association presented a revised business plan that does not include the proposed indoor
RV winter storage. The township is currently reviewing their zoning ordinance relating to RV storage
within the township; however, they are willing to consider variance requests on an individual basis.
The 4-H Fair Association will formally request a variance once the ordinance review process is
complete. However, they would like approval of this revised business plan in order to negotiate the
renewal of the Professional Services Contract and to show good faith in the project to interested
equestrian groups.
Commission questioned the township's support of the equestrian center should the RV storage be
removed from the business plan, possible competition with local private industry for the RV storage,
4-3
(Commission Meeting, June 7, 2006)
revenues negotiated for the Professional Services Contract, and the timeline for the zoning
ordinance review.
Moved by Mr. Knollenberg, supported by Mr. Palmer to approve the revised business
plan for the Springfield Oaks Activity Center and to proceed with the equestrian
center.
Commissioner McCulloch suggested it may be helpful to meetwith Springfield Township Supervisor
Collin Walls to express the importance of this issue to ensure we are working toward the same goal
and volunteered to serve in this capacity. Commission concurred; Commissioner VanderVeen also
volunteered to join in this endeavor.
Commission questioned whether all that is required at this time would be to remove the following
caveat from the 2006 CIP budget: "Subject to zoning ordinance change by Springfield Township to
allow RV storage."
Moved by Mr. Richards, supported by Mr. VanderVeen to postpone a vote on this
issue until the July 19 Commission meeting.
ROLL CALL VOTE:
AYES: Crawford, Gregory, McCulloch, Richards, Skarritt, VanderVeen, Vogt (7)
NAYS: Knollenberg, Palmer (2)
A sufficient majority having voted, the motion carried.
4-H FAIR ASSOCIATION AMENDMENTS 3 AND 4 — SPRINGFIELD OAKS ACTIVITY CENTER:
Moved by Mr. McCulloch, supported by Mr. Palmer to approve the following
amendments to the Professional Services Contract between the Oakland County
Parks and Recreation Commission and the Oakland County4-H FairAssociation as
prepared by Oakland County Corporation Counsel:
• Amendment #3 for the Construction of Building "E" at Springfield Oaks
• Amendment #4 for the Electrical Upgrade for the Ellis and Oaks Barns at
Springfield Oaks
ROLL CALL VOTE:
AYES: Gregory, Knollenberg, McCulloch, Palmer, Richards, Skarritt, VanderVeen, Vogt, Crawford
(9)
NAYS: (0)
A sufficient majority having voted, the motion carried.
RESOLUTION: HB 5976:
Moved by Mr. Crawford, supported by Mr. Gregory to adopt the following resolution in
opposition to HB 5976:
4-4
(Commission Meeting, June 7, 2006)
WHEREAS, the Oakland County Parks and Recreation Commission was established
in 1966 to develop and maintain parklands, and to promote recreational opportunities forthe
residents of Oakland County; and
WHEREAS, those opportunities include camping, swimming, boating, fishing, hiking,
golfing, and cross-country skiing; and
WHEREAS, the voters/residents of Oakland County have consistently, for40 years,
endorsed the Parks Commission's role through the support of a %-mill tax; and
WHEREAS, fees and charges for programs and facilities assist in the ability of the
Parks Commission to offset the operational costs of providing limited revenue -producing
facilities, such as pristine natural areas, interpretive centers, and trails; and
WHEREAS, passage of HB 5976 would have an adverse effect on the offerings of
the Parks system and contradicts what the residents of Oakland County have requested.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Oakland County Parks and
Recreation Commission opposes HB 5976.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Oakland County Parks and Recreation
Commission requests the Oakland County legislative delegation keep it apprised of this bill's
language or any other related proposal as it is being considered.
AYES: Crawford, Gregory, Knollenberg, McCulloch, Palmer, Richards, Skarritt, VanderVeen, Vogt
(9)
NAYS: (0)
Motion carried on a voice vote.
BIDS:
Moved by Mr. McCulloch, supported by Mr. Richards to approve the following bids as
recommended by staff:
Lumber and hardware for the construction of a Boardwalk B and bridge foundation at
Independence Oaks to the low bidder National Lumber in the amount of $13,406.16,
plus a $1,000 contingency for miscellaneous materials and small tools, for a total
budgeted amount of $14,406.16.
Split the bid for the materials for the site electrical improvements at Springfield Oaks
to supply power to the Ellis and Oaks barns and award as follows: Electrical PVC
and miscellaneous to the low bidder, City Electric, in the amount of $3,488.02;
Electrical wire from the low bidder, Wesco Distribution, in the amount of $18,100.50;
and Electrical Switchboard from the low bidder, Madison Electric, in the amount of
$9,150.00. Total expenditure for these materials is $30,738.52; $2,238.50 will be
reimbursed to Oakland County Parks and Recreation by the Oakland County 4-H
Fair Association.
4-5
(Commission Meeting, June 7, 2006)
Additional expenditure of $900 to Club Car for trade-in adjustment of six golf cars.
Increase the original contract amount with golf course architect Paul Albanese to
complete construction plans for improvements at Springfield Oaks Golf Course from
$25,485 to $27,236.
AYES: Crawford, Gregory, Knollenberg, McCulloch, Palmer, Richards, Skarritt, VanderVeen, Vogt
(9)
NAYS: (0)
Motion carried on a voice vote.
GRANT RESOLUTIONS:
Moved by Mr. Palmer, supported by Mr. Richards to adopt the following resolutions in
support of grant applications:
WHEREAS, the Oakland County Parks and Recreation Commission has
been notified by the Department of Natural Resources that application for cost
sharing grants from the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund may be submitted
by August 1, 2006; and
WHEREAS, the Oakland County Parks and Recreation Commission has
identified and established priorities for acquisition 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 matching grant:
UPPER BUSHMAN LAKE 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.
e
WHEREAS, the Oakland County Parks and Recreation Commission has
been notified by the Department of Natural Resources that application for cost
sharing grants from the Land and Water Conservation Fund may be submitted by
July 1, 2006; and
WHEREAS, the Oakland County Parks and Recreation Commission has
identified and established priorities for acquisition 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 matching grant:
4-6
(Commission Meeting, June 7, 2006)
LYON OAKS BRIDGE AND BOARDWALK TRAIL CONNECTOR
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: Crawford, Gregory, Knollenberg, McCulloch, Palmer, Richards, Skarritt, VanderVeen, Vogt
(9)
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:
---Staff has been notified of a moratorium on the sale of state lands until after the November
election.
---Parks Executive Officer Dan Stencil shared information on legal opinions received from Oakland
County Assistant Corporation Counsel John Ross regarding errant golf balls leaving park property,
determination of conflict of interest for a Parks Commissioner to sit as a director on the Oakland
County 4-H Fair Association, and liability for elimination of lifeguards at park beaches and for
posting ice conditions on lakes in county parks.
EXECUTIVE SESSION:
Moved by Mr. Richards, supported by Mr. Palmer to adjourn to Executive Session
for the purpose of discussing a proposed land acquisition and a legal issue.
ROLL CALL VOTE:
AYES: Gregory, Knollenberg, McCulloch, Palmer, Richards, Skarritt, VanderVeen, Vogt, Crawford
(9)
NAYS: (0)
A sufficient majority having voted, the motion carried.
The meeting was adjourned to Executive Session at 11:40 a.m.
The meeting was re -convened at 11:54 a.m.
OLD BUSINESS:
---Commission notified staff that a resolution to investigate the feasibility of using Catalpa Park for a
county park passed unanimously at the last Oakland County Board of Commissioners meeting.
Staff will have an update on the progress of the urban park strategy at the Commission's July 19
4-7
(Commission Meeting, June 7, 2006)
meeting. Staff is also scheduled to report back to the General Government Committee in October.
---Commissioner VanderVeen commended Commissioner McCulloch and the Drain Commission
staff on their new signage program identifying the county's rivers and watersheds.
The meeting was adjourned at 11:59 a.m.
The next Commission meeting will be at 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday, July 19, 2006, at the Parks'
administration office, with the Commission's annual budget review immediately following the
meeting. (�
J. David VanderVeen, Secretary Karen S. Kohn CPS/CAP, Recording Secretary