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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 2008.06.04 - 39215OAKLAND COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING June 4, 2008 Chairman Lewis called the meeting to order at 9:14 a.m. in the classroom of the Lewis E. Wint Nature Center at Independence Oaks. Chairman Lewis announced that, in the absence of Drain Commissioner John McCulloch, Joseph Colaianne will be serving as his designee for the meeting. COMMISSION MEMBERS PRESENT: Chairman Pecky D. Lewis, Jr., Vice Chairman Richard Skarritt, Secretary J. David VanderVeen, Joseph Colaianne, Hugh D. Crawford, Vincent Gregory, Gregory Jamian, Eileen Kowall, Charles Palmer, Shelley Taub ALSO PRESENT: Parks and Recreation Oakland County Facilities Management Oakland Co. Planning & Economic Devel Oakland County Corporation Counsel Oakland County 4-H Fair Association PROS Consulting, Inc. Oakland County Business Roundtable INTRODUCTIONS: Daniel J. Stencil, Executive Officer Sue Wells, Administrator — Parks & Rec. Operations Frank Trionfi, Administrator — Parks Administration Joseph Figa, Chief of Design and Development Clyde Herb, Chief of Park Operations Janet Pung, Marketing & Communications Officer Jim Dunleavy, Chief of Recreation Mike Donnellon, Architectural Engineer II Sheila Cox, Accountant IV Melissa Prowse, Strategic Planning Coordinator Suzanne Kici, Office Assistant Mike Boyd, Park Supervisor, Independence Oaks Tim Nowicki, Parks Naturalist Kathy Thomas, Assistant Parks Naturalist Lynn Conover, Assistant Parks Naturalist Lauren Kunysz, Seasonal Program Specialist Mike Hughson, Property Management Specialist Larry Falardeau, Principal Planner Jody Hall, Assistant Corporation Counsel Dave Coleman, President LC Scramlin, General Manager Leon Younger, President Jim Meenahan, Quality of Life Committee Executive Officer Dan Stencil introduced Mike Boyd, Park Supervisor, along with Tim Nowicki, Parks Naturalist. Tim introduced Assistant Parks Naturalists Lynn Conover and Kathy Thomas, plus Seasonal Program Specialist Lauren Kunysz. PUBLIC COMMENTS: Dave Coleman and LC Scramlin provided a special invitation to the Parks Commissioners to attend the upcoming Oakland County Fair, which is scheduled for July 8 — 13 at Springfield Oaks. Mr. Jim Meenahan, member of Oakland County Business Roundtable's Quality of Life Committee, distributed copies of the Business Roundtable's 2007 annual report, noting information in the report that links to the "Place -based Economy/Tourism" Presentation planned later in the agenda. 4-1 (Commission Meeting, June 4, 2008) APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Moved by Mr. Palmer, supported by Mr. Crawford to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of May 7, 2008, as written. AYES: Colaianne, Crawford, Gregory, Jamian, Kowall, Lewis, Palmer, Skarritt, Taub, VanderVeen (10) NAYS: (0) Motion carried on a voice vote. COMBINED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS: The Combined Statement of Operations for the month ending April 30, 2008 was accepted as filed. ACTIVITY REPORT: The Activity Report for the month of April, 2008 was accepted as filed. AUDIT REPORT: Moved by Mrs. Kowall, supported by Mr. Gregory to amend the Fiscal Year 2007 Operating Budget to $21,650,726, in compliance with the Michigan Uniform Local Budgeting Act and the Commission Bylaws, with the individual amounts for each cost center to be the same as those shown in the "Actual" column of page 15 of the audit report from Plante & Moran. AYES: Colaianne, Crawford, Gregory, Jamian, Kowall, Lewis, Palmer, Skarritt, Taub, VanderVeen (10) NAYS: (0) Motion carried on a voice vote. Moved by Mr. Jamian, supported by Mr. Palmer to receive and file the 2007 audit report from Plante & Moran. AYES: Colaianne, Crawford, Gregory, Jamian, Kowall, Lewis, Palmer, Skarritt, Taub, VanderVeen (10) NAYS: (0) Motion carried on a voice vote. JULY AS PARKS AND RECREATION MONTH RESOLUTION: Moved by Mrs. Taub, supported by Mr. Crawford to adopt the following resolution in support of July as Parks and Recreation 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 4-2 (Commission Meeting, June 4, 2008) 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 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: Colaianne, Crawford, Gregory, Jamian, Kowall, Lewis, Palmer, Skarritt, Taub, VanderVeen (10) NAYS: (0) Motion carried on a voice vote. "PLACE -BASED ECONOMY/TOURISM" PRESENTATION: Larry Falardeau, Principal Planner from Oakland County Planning and Economic Development Services, shared an overview of the county's "Place -based Economy/Tourism" presentation. The proposal is being designed with four major focuses —land use, environmental, downtown development, and historical preservation —and reflects economic ties of parks and recreation to the economy. GLEN OAKS DTE EASEMENT AGREEMENT: Moved by Mrs. Taub, supported by Mr. Crawford to adopt the following resolution in support of the Glen Oaks DTE Easement Agreement: WHEREAS, the County of Oakland is the owner of Glen Oaks County Park located in Farmington Hills Township; and WHEREAS, the Detroit Edison Company is in the process of upgrading its electrical services facilities in the area of Glen Oaks County Park and has requested that the County of Oakland grant a 15-ft. wide easement for underground electric service; and WHEREAS, the Oakland County Parks and Recreation staff and the Detroit Edison Company have agreed upon the easement area necessary for the installation and maintenance of underground electric service at Glen Oaks County Park. 4-3 (Commission Meeting, June 4, 2008) NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Oakland County Parks and Recreation Commission hereby requests that the Oakland County Board of Commissioners authorize and approve the granting of an easement for underground electric service and related appurtenances to the Detroit Edison Company for the sum of one dollar, contingent upon the approval of said easement by Corporation Counsel. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Oakland County Parks and Recreation Commission hereby requests that that the Oakland County Board of Commissioners direct its Chairperson or designee to execute said easement for underground electric service and related appurtenances. AYES: Colaianne, Crawford, Gregory, Jamian, Kowall, Lewis, Palmer, Skarritt, Taub, VanderVeen (10) NAYS: (0) Motion carried on a voice vote. HIGHLAND OAKS DTE EASEMENT AGREEMENT: Moved by Mr. Gregory, supported by Mr. Crawford to adopt the following resolution in support of the Highland Oaks DTE Easement Agreement: WHEREAS, the County of Oakland is the owner of Highland Oaks County Park located in Highland Township; and WHEREAS, the Detroit Edison Company is in the process of upgrading its electrical services facilities in the area of Highland Oaks County Park and has requested that the County of Oakland grant a 12-ft. wide easement for overhead electric service; and WHEREAS, the Oakland County Parks and Recreation staff and the Detroit Edison Company have agreed upon a route for the said overhead electric service, which will enhance electrical service to the area and provide electric service connection options at Highland Oaks County Park; and WHEREAS, the Departments of Facilities Management and Corporation Counsel have reviewed and/or prepared all necessary documents related to the granting of the easement. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Oakland County Parks and Recreation Commission hereby requests that the Oakland County Board of Commissioners authorize and approve the granting of the attached easement for overhead electric service and related appurtenances to the Detroit Edison Company for the sum of one dollar. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Oakland County Parks and Recreation Commission hereby requests that that the Oakland County Board of Commissioners direct its Chairperson or designee to execute the attached easement for overhead electric service and related appurtenances. AYES: Colaianne, Crawford, Gregory, Jamian, Kowall, Lewis, Palmer, Skarritt, Taub, VanderVeen (10) NAYS: (0) Motion carried on a voice vote. 4-4 (Commission Meeting, June 4, 2008) EAST MICHIGAN DISTRICT OF THE WESLEYAN CHURCH PURCHASE AGREEMENT: Moved by Mr. Crawford, supported by Mr. VanderVeen to adopt the following resolution in support of the East Michigan District of the Wesleyan Church Purchase Agreement: WHEREAS, pursuant to the authorization of the Oakland County Planning and Building Committee and the Oakland County Parks and Recreation Commission, the Department of Facilities Management with the assistance of Oakland County Corporation Counsel have negotiated the terms and conditions of the attached Purchase Agreement with the East Michigan District of the Wesleyan Church, for the purchase of 2930 Watkins Lake Road, Waterford Township, and WHEREAS, pursuant to the terms and conditions of said Purchase Agreement the County of Oakland shall pay the East Michigan District of the Wesleyan Church the sum of $209,000 via a cash sale for the purchase of said property subject to the County performing its required due diligence investigation of the subject property and obtaining parcel split approval from the Township of Waterford, and WHEREAS, sufficient funding for said purchase is available in the Oakland County Parks and Recreation Land Acquisition Fund, and WHEREAS, the Departments of Facilities Management and Corporation Counsel have reviewed and/or prepared all necessary documents related to the attached Purchase Agreement and recommend its approval. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Oakland County Parks and Recreation Commission supports the approval and acceptance of the terms and conditions of the attached Purchase Agreement between the County of Oakland as purchaser and the East Michigan District of the Wesleyan Church, seller via a cash sale purchase. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Oakland County Parks and Recreation Commission has included the EXPENSES for the said project in the budget for FISCAL YEAR 2008; thereby eliminating the need for a BUDGET AMENDMENT. AYES: Colaianne, Crawford, Gregory, Jamian, Kowall, Lewis, Palmer, Skarritt, Taub, VanderVeen (10) NAYS: (0) Motion carried on a voice vote. Mr. Hughson noted that the closing on the Kidwell acquisition is scheduled for Thursday, June 5, 2008. TOLLIVER AND DALTON INDUSTRIES PURCHASE AGREEMENTS: Moved by Mr. Crawford, supported by Mr. VanderVeen to adopt the following resolutions in support of the Tolliver and Dalton Industries Purchase Agreements: WHEREAS, pursuant to the authorization of the Oakland County Planning and Building Committee and the Oakland County Parks and Recreation Commission, the Department of Facilities Management with the assistance of Oakland County Corporation Counsel have negotiated the terms and conditions of the attached Purchase Agreement with Mr. and Mrs. Homer Tolliver, for the purchase of 16.11-ac. of vacant land located at the east terminus of Alliance Drive, Waterford Township, and WHEREAS, pursuant to the terms and conditions of said Purchase Agreement the 4-5 (Commission Meeting, June 4, 2008) County of Oakland shall pay Homer and Cynthia Tolliver, husband and wife the sum of $950,000 via a cash sale for the purchase of said property subject to the County performing its required due diligence investigation of the subject property, and WHEREAS, sufficient funding for said purchase is available in the Oakland County Parks and Recreation Land Acquisition Fund, and WHEREAS, the Departments of Facilities Management and Corporation Counsel have reviewed and/or prepared all necessary documents related to the attached Purchase Agreement and recommend its approval. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Oakland County Parks and Recreation Commission supports the approval and acceptance of the terms and conditions of the attached Purchase Agreement between the County of Oakland as purchaser and Homer and Cynthia Tolliver, husband and wife, sellers via a cash sale purchase. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Oakland County Parks and Recreation Commission has included the EXPENSES for the said project in the budget for FISCAL YEAR 2008; thereby eliminating the need for a BUDGET AMENDMENT. Also, WHEREAS, pursuant to the authorization of the Oakland County Planning and Building Committee and the Oakland County Parks and Recreation Commission, the Department of Facilities Management with the assistance of Oakland County Corporation Counsel have negotiated the terms and conditions of the attached Purchase Agreement with Dalton Industries, LLC, for the purchase of 6.14-ac. of vacant land located at the easterly terminus of Alliance Drive, Waterford Township, and WHEREAS, pursuant to the terms and conditions of said Purchase Agreement the County of Oakland shall pay Dalton Industries, LLC the sum of $270,000 via a cash sale for the purchase of said property subject to the County performing its required due diligence investigation of the subject property and obtaining parcel split approval from the Township of Waterford, and WHEREAS, sufficient funding for said purchase is available in the Oakland County Parks and Recreation Land Acquisition Fund, and WHEREAS, the Departments of Facilities Management and Corporation Counsel have reviewed and/or prepared all necessary documents related to the attached Purchase Agreement and recommend its approval. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Oakland County Parks and Recreation Commission supports the approval and acceptance of the terms and conditions of the attached Purchase Agreement attached Purchase Agreement between the County of Oakland as purchaser and Dalton Industries, LLC, seller via a cash sale purchase. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Oakland County Parks and Recreation Commission has included the EXPENSES for the said project in the budget for FISCAL YEAR 2008; thereby eliminating the need for a BUDGET AMENDMENT. Commissioner Jamian requested staff include language in future resolutions indicating that acquisitions are consistent with our strategic plan. 4-6 (Commission Meeting, June 4, 2008) MOTION TO AMEND: Moved by Mr. Jamian, supported by Mrs. Taub to amend the motion to include the following paragraph in the resolutions for both the Tolliver and Dalton Industries purchase agreements: WHEREAS, the acquisition of said purchase is consistent with the Oakland County Parks and Recreation Commission's strategic master plan implemented on May 7, 2008. AYES: Colaianne, Crawford, Gregory, Jamian, Kowall, Lewis, Palmer, Skarritt, Taub, VanderVeen (10) NAYS: (0) Motion carried on a voice vote. VOTE ON ORIGINAL MOTION AS AMENDED: AYES: Colaianne, Crawford, Gregory, Jamian, Kowall, Lewis, Palmer, Skarritt, Taub, VanderVeen (10) NAYS: (0) Motion carried on a voice vote. SAMUEL FARM LEASE AGREEMENT — SPRINGFIELD OAKS: The proposed lease agreement for the Samuel Farm property adjacent to Springfield Oaks was withdrawn from the agenda. KIDWELL RESIDENCE LEASE AGREEMENT — WATERFORD OAKS: Moved by Mr. Palmer, supported by Mrs. Taub to adopt the following resolution in support of the Kidwell residence lease agreement: WHEREAS, the Oakland County Parks and Recreation Commission, at its regular meeting of December 12, 2007, approved the agreement to purchase .82 acres of land from Roger A. Kidwell located at 2896 Watkins Lake Road in Waterford Township; and WHEREAS, one of the conditions of purchase was the intent to lease the house back to Mr. Kidwell for a period of a minimum of one year; and WHEREAS, the closing on the Kidwell property acquisition is scheduled for June 5, 2008; and WHEREAS, the leasing of this property meets the vision of the strategic master plan to "maximize the efficiency and revenue capability of each park, recreation facility, program and service that will create a sustainable park system for all residents in the county to enjoy;" and WHEREAS, said lease will be developed by Oakland County Property Management staff and Corporation Counsel; and WHEREAS, said lease will be between the County of Oakland and Roger A. Kidwell in an amount determined by a market assessment. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Oakland County Parks and Recreation Commission hereby requests the Oakland County Board of Commissioners 4-7 (Commission Meeting, June 4, 2008) authorize and approve the lease agreement between the County of Oakland and Roger A. Kidwell for the house located at 2896 Watkins Lake Road in Waterford Township. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Oakland County Parks and Recreation Commission hereby requests the Board of Commissioners direct its Chairperson or designee to execute said lease on behalf of the County of Oakland. AYES: Colaianne, Crawford, Gregory, Jamian, Kowall, Lewis, Palmer, Skarritt, Taub, VanderVeen (10) NAYS: (0) Motion carried on a voice vote. PROS CONSULTING CONTRACT AMENDMENT — PHASE II: Moved by Mr. Jamian, supported by Mrs. Taub to approve the contract amendment with PROS Consulting for the completion of a programming plan, regional assessment plan, business plan, marketing plan, assessment of Springfield Oaks, setting of standards, and development and training of staff in the amount of $156,280, plus a five percent contingency of $7,814, for a total budgeted amount of $164,094. AYES: Colaianne, Crawford, Gregory, Jamian, Kowall, Lewis, Palmer, Skarritt, Taub, VanderVeen (10) NAYS: (0) Motion carried on a voice vote. "CONCERTS IN THE PARK" MINI -GRANT: Moved by Mr. Palmer, supported by Mr. Jamian to adopt the following resolution in support of the "Concerts in the Park' Mini -Grant: WHEREAS, the Oakland County Parks and Recreation Commission has applied for a grant for the "Concerts In the Park" Program through the Oakland County Cultural Council and Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs; and WHEREAS, the "Concerts In the Park" Program was developed to promote music, arts and culture across Oakland County based on input from community organizations, parks and recreation department directors, the Oakland County Parks and Recreation Commission and staff members; and WHEREAS, the "Concerts In the Park" Program meets the Oakland County Parks and Recreation Commission's goals and objectives of innovative specialized recreation programs and cultural experiences; and WHEREAS, the goals and objectives will assist the Oakland County Parks and Recreation Commission in determining future specialized recreation programs by providing these programs to communities and organizations where these resources are otherwise unavailable and to increase exposure and appreciation for arts and culture; and WHEREAS the Oakland County Parks and Recreation Commission accepted this mini -grant application at their regular meeting on March 12, 2008, for forwarding and approval by the Oakland County Board of Commissioners; and WHEREAS, the Oakland County Parks and Recreation Commission has included 4-8 (Commission Meeting, June 4, 2008) the "Concerts In the Park" Program in the Recreation Administration/General Service, Rec/Special Events line item budget for Fiscal year 2008, thereby eliminating the need for a budget amendment. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Oakland County Parks and Recreation Commission supports the approval and acceptance of the terms of the $2,000 grant for the "Concerts In the Park" Program through the Oakland County Cultural Council and Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Oakland County Parks and Recreation Commission hereby requests that the Oakland County Board of Commissioners direct its Chairperson or designee to execute the $2,000 grant for the "Concerts In the Park" Program. AYES: Colaianne, Crawford, Gregory, Jamian, Kowall, Lewis, Palmer, Skarritt, Taub (9) NAYS: (0) Motion carried on a voice vote. TEENS OUTSIDE PROGRAM GRANT FUNDING: Moved by Mr. Gregory, supported by Mr. Crawford to adopt the following resolution in support of the Teens Outside program Mini -Grant: WHEREAS, the Oakland County Parks and Recreation Commission has been awarded $1,500 for the Teens Outside Program through the National Recreation & Park Association and the Outdoor Industry Foundation; and WHEREAS, the Teens Outside Program was developed in response to the need to advance the access, opportunity and resources needs to increase participation in active outdoor recreation and sport, to engage youth in outdoor pursuits and to foster environmental stewardship; and WHEREAS, the Teens Outside Program meets the Oakland County Parks and Recreation Commission's Strategic Plan's Core programming areas of Youth Oriented programs and Camps and Outdoor Adventures Programs and supports the Governor's Certificate of Proclamation of "No Child Left Inside"; and WHEREAS, the Core Programming areas identified will assist the Oakland County Parks and Recreation Commission in determining the future direction of a sustainable outdoor adventure programming for youth, in extending these programs to communities and organizations where these resources are otherwise unavailable and to increase exposure and appreciation for outdoor pursuits; and WHEREAS, the Oakland County Parks and Recreation Commission has included the Teens Outside Program in the Recreation Administration/General Service, Rec/Special Events line item budget for Fiscal year 2008, thereby eliminating the need for a budget amendment. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Oakland County Parks and Recreation Commission supports the approval and acceptance of the terms of the $1,500 grant for the Teens Outside Program through the National Recreation and Park Association and the Outdoor Industry Foundation. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Oakland County Parks and Recreation 4-9 (Commission Meeting, June 4, 2008) Commission hereby requests that the Oakland County Board of Commissioners direct its Chairperson or designee to execute the $1,500 grant for the " " Program. AYES: Colaianne, Crawford, Gregory, Jamian, Kowall, Lewis, Palmer, Skarritt, Taub (9) NAYS: (0) Motion carried on a voice vote. NEW COMMUNICATIONS AND MARKETING INITIATIVES: Marketing and Communications Officer Jan Pung presented information on new Communications and Marketing initiatives including: • Promoting "stay -cations" and "day -cations" • Collecting basic guest information, such as place of residence • Digitally scanning user survey data rather than hand tabulating • Advertising on websites with "click through" to Wave Saver tickets web page • Improving search engine optimization • "Social Marketing" — video from park system DVD uploaded to You Tube • Offering special promotions to those who opt -in with email address • Digital asset management of images, maps, etc. QUARTERLY DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT UPDATE: Chief of Design and Development Joe Figa presented an update on the capital and maintenance projects, plus natural resource stewardship programs, throughout the parks system. EXECUTIVE OFFICER'S REPORT: In addition to the Executive Officer's report filed in the agenda, the following information was noted: ---Public recognition was given to retiring administrative management staff, including: Clyde Herb, Frank Trionfi, Jan Pung, Joe Figa, and Mike Thibodeau. Mr. Stencil noted there is 170 years of institutional knowledge leaving when these staff members retire and expressed his appreciation for their commitment to the Park System. NEW BUSINESS: Commission VanderVeen announced Dennis Muchmore, Directorof the Michigan United Conservation Clubs, has been appointed to the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund Board. Meeting was adjourned at 11:09 a.m. The next Commission meeting will be at 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday, July 23, 2008 and will include the Fiscal vear 2009 buket work session. J. David VanderVeen, Secretary Karen S. Kohn CPS/CAP, Recording Secretary 4-10