HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 2009.11.04 - 39235OAKLAND COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING
November 4, 2009
Chairman Lewis called the meeting to order at 9:13 a.m. in the clubhouse at Red Oaks Golf Course.
COMMISSION MEMBERS PRESENT:
Chairman Pecky D. Lewis, Jr., Vice Chairman Richard Skarritt, Secretary J. David VanderVeen, Tim
Burns, Gerald Fisher, Robert Kostin, Christine Long, John McCulloch, Charles Palmer, John Scott
ALSO PRESENT:
Parks and Recreation
Oakland County Fiscal Services
Oakland County Facilities Management
Oakland County Corporation Counsel
Oakland County Information Technology
North Oakland Headwaters Land Conservancy
Highland Equestrian Conservancy
Headwaters Trails, Inc.
PUBLIC COMMENTS:
There were no public comments.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
Daniel Stencil, Executive Officer
Sue Wells, Manager — Parks & Rec. Operations
Jim Dunleavy, Chief -Parks Maint. & Ops. North
Larry Gee, Chief -Parks Maint. & Ops. South
Mike Donnellon, Chief -Parks Fac., Maint. & Dev.
Terry Fields, Chief -Recreation Programs & Services
Darlene Rowley, Supervisor, Golf Operations
Karen Kohn, Supervisor -Administrative Services
Jon Noyes, Supervisor -Planning
Phil Castonia, Business Development Representative
Melissa Prowse, Business Development Representative
Stephanie Mackey, Business Development Representative
Mary Zednik, Public Communications Assistant
Zach Crane, GIS CAD Tech
Sheila Cox, Capital Improvement Coordinator
Mike Hughson, Property Management Specialist
Jody Hall, Assistant Corporation Counsel
Dawn Siegel, Supervisor
Katie Anderson, Executive Director
Sharon Greene, President
Bob Hoffman, Chairman
Sue Julian, President
Moved by Mr. Palmer, supported by Mr. Burns to approve the minutes of the regular meeting
of October 7, 2009, as written.
AYES: Burns, Fisher, Lewis, McCulloch, Palmer, Scott, Skarritt, VanderVeen (8)
NAYS: (0)
Motion carried on a voice vote.
ACTIVITY REPORT:
The Activity Report for the month of October, 2009 was accepted as filed.
QUARTERLY UPDATE — INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY:
Phil Castonia, Business Development Representative, and Dawn Siegel, Supervisor II with Information
Technology, presented a quarterly update on the Information Technology Roadmap plan.
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PROPOSED BALLOT LANGUAGE — 2010 MILLAGE RENEWAL RESOLUTION:
Moved by Mr. VanderVeen, supported by Mr. Scott to adopt the following resolution, as
amended, in support of the Proposed Ballot Language for the 2010 Millage Renewal for the
August 3, 2010 election process, to be forwarded to the Oakland County Board of
Commissioners for authorization and approval:
WHEREAS, the one -quarter voted millage for the Oakland County Parks and
Recreation areas in Oakland County will expire after the year 2011; and
WHEREAS, the mission of the Oakland County Parks and Recreation Commission is
to "deliver quality parks, recreation, facilities, programs, services and maintenance through a
dedicated professional Park Commission and staff that listen to the needs of citizens, create
innovative parks, recreation facilities and programs and increase the quality of life for the
residents of Oakland County;" and
WHEREAS, in a 2008 county -wide survey, citizens were very supportive of steps the
Oakland County Parks and Recreation Commission were taking including: fix-up/repair older
park buildings/shelters/playgrounds, purchase land to preserve open space and protect the
environment, and purchase land to develop walking and biking trails; and
WHEREAS, continued millage funding will be necessary in order to meet the goals of
the mission and the needs of the citizens; and
WHEREAS, Oakland County Corporation Counsel has reviewed and approved the
proposed ballot language.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, the Oakland County Parks and Recreation
Commission hereby recommends the Oakland County Board of Commissioners approve the
following question be placed on the ballot at the August 3, 2010 Primary Election for the
continuation of the millage at the current rate of 0.2415 mill for an additional ten (10) years for
the purpose of operating, maintaining, improving and acquiring parks and recreation areas
and facilities in Oakland County:
The Oakland County Parks and Recreation Commission was created in
1966 pursuant to Public Act 261 of 1965. Since 1967, there has been a
separately dedicated parks and recreation millage. The current millage will
expire on December 31, 2011.
Accordingly, shall the current millage of .2415 mills, for the purpose of
operating, maintaining, improving and acquiring parks and recreation areas and
facilities in Oakland County, Michigan, be renewed for a period of ten (10) years
from 2012 to 2021? The .2415 mills is equal to $0.2415 per $1,000.00 of
taxable value. The millage, if renewed, will generate approximately <insert $
amount based on 2010 values > in 2012. Revenue from this millage will be
disbursed only to the County of Oakland to be used solely for the purpose of
funding the Oakland County Parks and Recreation Commission.
This renewal is a continuation of the previous increase of the
constitutional tax limitation on the total amount of general ad valorem taxes
which may be imposed each year for all purposes upon taxable property in
Oakland County, Michigan as set forth in Section 6, Article 9 of the Michigan
Constitution.
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AYES: Burns, Fisher, Kostin, Lewis, Long, McCulloch, Palmer, Scott, Skarritt, VanderVeen (10)
NAYS: (0)
Motion carried on a voice vote.
RESIDENTIAL/PROPERTY LEASE RESOLUTIONS:
Moved by Mr. McCulloch, supported by Mr. Kostin to adopt the following two resolutions in support
of the lease agreements for five residential leases with Patrick Ogg, Brian Ratledge, Kathy
Renaud, Ila Rowland, Adam Vogel and Ryan Ernst; and one property lease to Steven Ernst;
to be forwarded to the Oakland County Board of Commissioners for authorization and approval:
WHEREAS, the Oakland County Parks and Recreation Commission currently leases
the following residential properties within the Oakland County Parks system:
• Patrick Ogg, 9489 Sashabaw Road, Clarkston, MI 48348
• Brian Ratledge, 1540 Orchard Street, White Lake, MI 48386
• Kathy Renaud, 30500 Thirteen Mile Road, Farmington Hills, MI 48334
• Ila Rowland, 2866 Watkins Lake Road, Waterford, MI 48328
• Adam Vogel & Ryan Ernst, 1580 Scott Lake Road, Waterford, MI 48328; and
WHEREAS, the leases provide a source of revenue, which assists in meeting the
Oakland County Parks and Recreation Commission's goal of creating a fiscally sustainable
parks system; and
WHEREAS, the current leases are for a five year term; and
WHEREAS, this effort ties into the Oakland County Parks and Recreation
Commission's strategic plan to standardize business practices and enable staff to operate
more efficiently; and
WHEREAS, these lease agreements have been developed by Oakland County
Corporation Counsel.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Oakland County Parks and
Recreation Commission hereby requests the Oakland County Board of Commissioners
authorize and approve the lease agreements for its residential properties.
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 agreements on behalf of the County of Oakland.
-and-
WHEREAS, the Oakland County Parks and Recreation Commission currently leases
properties within the Oakland County Parks system; and
WHEREAS, the leases provide a source of revenue, which assists in meeting the
Oakland County Parks and Recreation Commission's goal of creating a fiscally sustainable
parks system; and
WHEREAS, this lease agreement encompasses a barn and a 10' x 50' parcel of land
directly north of the barn located at 1580 Scott Lake Road in Waterford Township; and
WHEREAS, the barn and land will be leased by Steven Ernst for personal gardening
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purposes; and
WHEREAS, this lease agreement will be for one five-year term commencing January
1, 2010; and
WHEREAS, this effort ties into the Oakland County Parks and Recreation
Commission's strategic plan to standardize business practices and enable staff to operate
more efficiently; and
WHEREAS, this lease agreement has been developed by Oakland County
Corporation Counsel.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Oakland County Parks and
Recreation Commission hereby requests the Oakland County Board of Commissioners
authorize and approve the lease agreement with Steven Ernst for a barn and 10, x 50' parcel
of land directly north of the barn located at 1580 Scott 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 agreement on behalf of the County of Oakland.
AYES: Burns, Fisher, Kostin, Lewis, Long, McCulloch, Palmer, Scott, Skarritt, VanderVeen (10)
NAYS: (0)
Motion carried on a voice vote.
SPRINGFIELD OAKS UTILITY EASEMENT FOR WATER TOWER RESOLUTION:
Moved by Mr. Skarritt, supported by Mrs. Long to adopt the following resolution in support of the
utility access to the Springfield Oaks water tower easement requests, as amended,
to A T & T Corporation; New Par, a Delaware Partnership d/b/a Verizon Wireless, LLC;
and the Detroit Edison Company; to be forwarded to the Oakland County Board of
Commissioners for authorization and approval:
WHEREAS, the County of Oakland is the owner of Springfield Oaks County Park
located in the Township of Springfield; and
WHEREAS, three utility companies —AT&T Corporation; New Par, a Delaware
Partnership d/b/a Verizon Wireless, LLC; and the Detroit Edison Company —have requested
that the County of Oakland grant a 12-ft. wide easement with each company in the same
location for the limited purpose of installing and maintaining underground electric utility line
facilities and related appurtenances; and
WHEREAS, the Oakland County Parks staff and the three utility companies have
agreed upon a route for the said underground electric service; and
WHEREAS, the easement will help Oakland County Parks and Recreation
Commission to meet objective 2.9 of the Strategic Plan to "Establish a Partnership Policy that
enhances relationships with schools, cities, villages and townships, private businesses,
nonprofit organizations and other governmental agencies;" 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.
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NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Oakland County Parks and
Recreation Commission hereby requests the Oakland County Board of Commissioners
authorize and grant the attached easements for underground electric service and related
appurtenances at Springfield Oaks County Park to AT&T Corporation; New Par, a Delaware
Partnership d/b/a Verizon Wireless, LLC; and the Detroit Edison Company for the sum of one
dollar each.
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 the attached easements for underground electric service and related
appurtenances.
AYES: Burns, Fisher, Kostin, Lewis, Long, McCulloch, Palmer, Scott, Skarritt, VanderVeen (10)
NAYS: (0)
Motion carried on a voice vote.
OAKLAND COUNTY PARKS BOARDWALK PROGRAM VIDEO PRESENTATION:
Staff presented a video documenting the process and importance of the in-house boardwalk construction at
Independence Oaks. The video explains the ecological significance of both the construction process and the
wetland habitats to which the boardwalks provide access. This video was made possible through a trade of
service with Fox Sports Network -Detroit and the Faith Church of Waterford.
CLOSED SESSION:
Moved by Mr. Fisher, supported by Mr. Skarritt to adjourn to Closed Session for the purpose
of discussing proposed land acquisitions.
ROLL CALL VOTE:
AYES: Burns, Fisher, Kostin, Lewis, Long, McCulloch, Palmer, Scott, Skarritt, VanderVeen (10)
NAYS: (0)
A sufficient majority having voted, the motion carried.
The Chair declared the meeting closed at 10:05 a.m. The meeting resumed in open session at 11:35 a.m.
HIGHLAND EQUESTRIAN CONSERVANCY PURCHASE AGREEMENT RESOLUTION:
Moved by Mr. Skarritt, supported by Mrs. Long to adopt the following resolution in support of the
Purchase Agreement with Highland Equestrian Conservancy for the purchase of approximately
four acres of land located in Highland Township, in the amount of $10,000, to be forwarded
to the Oakland County Board of Commissioners for authorization and approval:
WHEREAS, the Oakland County Parks and Recreation Commission and the
Department of Facilities Management, with the assistance of Oakland County Corporation
Counsel, and the authorization of the Oakland County Planning and Building Committee,
have negotiated the terms and conditions of the attached Purchase Agreement with the
Highland Equestrian Conservancy, for the purchase of approximately four acres of land
located in Highland Township; and
WHEREAS, the Oakland County Parks and Recreation Commission has budgeted
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sufficient funds from its land acquisition fund to complete the purchase of said property; and
WHEREAS, the Oakland County Parks master plan strategy 1.6.1 states "Through
the Green Infrastructure Planning process, identify lands that promote ecological and
recreational connectivity;" and
WHEREAS, pursuant to the terms and conditions of said Purchase Agreement, the
County of Oakland shall pay Highland Equestrian Conservancy the sum of $10,000 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, 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 hereby recommends the Oakland County Board of Commissioners
approves and accepts the terms and conditions of the attached Purchase Agreement
between the County of Oakland as purchaser and Highland Equestrian Conservancy, seller
for a cash sale purchase.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Oakland County Parks and Recreation
Commission hereby recommends the County of Oakland Board of Commissioners directs its
Chairperson or his designee to execute the attached Purchase Agreement and all other
related documents between the County of Oakland and Highland Equestrian Conservancy,
which may be required to complete the purchase of said property.
AYES: Burns, Fisher, Kostin, Lewis, Long, McCulloch, Palmer, Scott, Skarritt, (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 information was noted:
--The Waterford Cruisers held their groundbreaking ceremony on Thursday, October29with morethan 1,000
in attendance. Oakland County Parks participated as a partner by providing some of our mobile units and
stage. The first baseball game will be held on July 16, 2010.
--Staff will be meeting with the Road Commission for Oakland County to discuss opportunities to develop trail
crossings on county roads.
--Staff is meeting with the Oakland County Sheriff's Office — Marine Division, to discuss storage solutions for
their marine equipment at our park sites.
--Staff is meeting with Oakland County Facilities, Maintenance and Operations — Engineering group, to
discuss project management opportunities. They are currently assisting OCP with the Glen Oaks roof project,
which is now 75% complete.
OLD BUSINESS:
None.
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NEW BUSINESS:
None.
The meeting adjourned to the park tour at 11:42 a.m.
The next Commission meeting will be at 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday, December 2, 2009, at Waterford Oaks —
Admin istratiTnr Office.
J. DavilEt-landerVeen, Secretary Su*e L. Kici, Recording Secretary
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