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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 2012.04.04 - 39274*MEETING MINUTES * OAKLAND COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING April 4, 2012 Chairman Fisher called the meeting to order at 9:04 a.m. in the Commission Room of the Administration Office. COMMISSION MEMBERS PRESENT: Chairman Gerald Fisher, Vice Chairman John McCulloch, Secretary J. David VanderVeen, A. David Baumhart, Robert E. Kostin, Chairperson Emeritus Pecky D. Lewis, Jr., Christine Long, Gary McGillivray, John Scott, Eric Wilson COMMISSION MEMBERS ABSENT: None ALSO PRESENT: Parks and Recreation Michigan Dept. of Natural Resources Oakland County Community Corrections Oakland County Fiscal Services City of Novi Kosch Catering/Dining Food Services Private Citizen PPROVAL OF AGENDA: Daniel J. Stencil, Executive Officer Sue Wells, Administrator -Parks & Rec. Operations Brittany Bird, Natural Resources Planner Zach Crane, Architectural Engineer Susana Ditter, Seasonal Program Specialist Mike Donnellon, Chief -Parks Fac. Maint. & Dev. Terry Fields, Chief -Recreation Programs & Services Larry Gee, Chief -Park Ops & Maint. S. District Stephanie Loria, Recreation & Trails Planner Jon Noyes, Supervisor-P & R Planning Desiree Stanfield, Supervisor Communications/Marketing Chris Wascher, Natural Resources Intern Rodney Stokes, Director Ron Olson, Parks & Recreation Chief Bob Gatt, Chief Barbara Hankey, Manager Julie Fisher, Supervisor Jeff Phelps, Fiscal Services Supervisor Robert Gatt, Mayor Jason Hilliard, Vice President of Operations Gordie Kosch, President & CEO Grant Kosch, Asst. Vice President Andrea Lockwood Alan Lockwood Emily Lockwood Barbara Garbutt Jeanette Justus Barbara Schwartz Moved by Mr. Wilson, supported by Mr. VanderVeen to approve the agenda with the following amendments: Move Item 4-Approval of Minutes to Item 5; Move Item 5-Approval of Agenda to Item 4; add item 7C Introduction -Natural Resources Intern; and change Item 8E to Technical Amendment of Commission Action Taken at 03/7/12 OCPR Commission Meeting. 5-1 (Commission Meeting, April 4, 2012) AYES: Fisher, McCulloch, VanderVeen, Baumhart, Kostin, Lewis, Long, McGillivray, Scott, Wilson (10) NAYS: (0) Motion carried on a voice vote. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Moved by Mr. McGillivray, supported by Mr. Kostin to approve the minutes from the OCPRC Regular Meeting of March 7, 2012. AYES: Fisher, McCulloch, VanderVeen, Kostin, Long, McGillivray, Scott (7) NAYS: (0) ABSTAIN: Baumhart, Lewis, Wilson (3) Motion carried on a voice vote. PUBLIC COMMENT: Lewis E. Wint Nature Center: Alan Lockwood, of Ortonville, indicated to the Commission that it is disturbing to hear of the closing of the Lewis E. Wint Nature Center. He stated he was disappointed that after the Parks millage was passed, there is expansion and growth in other areas of the parks and funds are being cut at the Nature Center. Mr. Lockwood advised that he wants to know what the Commission's plans are for the Nature Center. Barbara Garbut of Commerce Township, who has worked in outdoor education for over 20 many years, informed the Commission about the large amount of people she has encountered who have had wonderful experiences at the Nature Center. She also expressed that many have obtained careers in the science field due to their association with the Lewis E. Wint Nature Center. She asked the Commission to please don't give up on the Nature Center. Andrea Lockwood, of Ortonville and a teacher at Andersonville Elementary School, asked the Commission why they were spending funds to make improvements at Catalpa Oaks, acquiring the Oakland County Market, parking lot improvements and the Master Plan for Waterford Oaks and cutting funds at the Lewis E. Wint Nature Center. She expressed that it would be a tragedy not to keep the Nature Center Open. Doris Swartz, of Livonia, asked the Commission why they would take funds away from Lewis E. Wint Nature Center and move them to Madison Heights, only to close Wint Nature Center and open Madison Heights Nature Center. She didn't feel the Commission really knew what a gem they have in the Lewis E. Wint Nature Center. Jeanette Justus advised the Commission that she and her grandchildren have attended many programs at the Lewis E. Wint Nature Center and as a result they have all learned a great deal. She praised the staff and the programs. She also encouraged the Commission to come up with ways to get people into the parks and the Nature Center instead of the malls. Ms. Justus asked the Commission about the one- half of the funds that that were taken from the Lewis E. Wint Nature Center -what is the Commission planning to do with those funds? Emily Lockwood asked the Commission why they want to close the Nature Center. She informed them that she felt it was a very good place to learn. She has attended many programs there with her sister and has learned a great deal. She asked the Commission why they would want to close the Nature Center and take the learning opportunity away from them. 5-2 (Commission Meeting, April 4, 2012) Commissioner Fisher thanked those who spoke for their valuable comments and for attending the meeting. In response to a comment from the audience Mr. Fisher indicated there was not a closed session of the Commission to discuss closing the Nature Center. He advised that after they had an opportunity to review the material the Commission would prepare a response for this topic. INTRODUCTION: KOSCH HOSPITALITY LLC: Executive Officer Daniel Stencil introduced Kosch Hospitality Catering representatives Gordie Kosch- CEO, Jason Hilliard -Vice President of Operations, and Grant Kosch-Assistant Vice President of Operation. Kosch is the new concessions vendor for concession operations at the two campgrounds - Addison and Groveland Oaks, Red Oaks and Waterford Oaks Waterparks, and Springfield Oaks Golf Course Grill Room. They thanked the Commission for the opportunity to serve Oakland County Parks and Recreation and the residents of Oakland County. WATERFORD OAKS PARADISE PENINSULA PLAYSCAPE — 2012 MRPA DESIGN AWARD: Michigan Recreation and Parks Association (MRPA) President Sue Wells presented an award to the Commission for the 2012 Outstanding Park Design Award for the Waterford Oaks Paradise Peninsula Playscape from the MRPA. INTRODUCTION -NATURAL RESOURCES INTERN: CHRISTOPHER WASCHER: Natural Resources Planner Brittany Bird introduced the new intern for Natural Resources - Christopher Wascher. He is a student at Central Michigan University in the Recreation, Parks and Leisure Program. Chris will be here for a 30-week internship. He will be working on setting up a fishing event for June 9, 2012, for the youth, to highlight the Upper Bushman area at Independence Oaks -North. CONSENT AGENDA; Moved by Ms. Scott, supported by Mr. McGillivray to approve all items (8 A-E) under the Consent Agenda as follows: • Internal Service & Department Funds Journal Entry Register for Month Ending 02/29/12 (FM05, FY 2012) • Payment Register for Month Ending 02/29/12 (FM05, FY 2012) • Monthly Financial Statement for Month ending 02/29/12 (FM 5, FY 2012) • Monthly Average Comparison Report (MACR) • Contributions Update Report • Purchasing Quarterly Update • Technical Amendment of Commission Action Taken at 03/07/12 OCPR Commission Meeting AYES: Fisher, McCulloch, VanderVeen, Baumhart, Kostin, Lewis, Long, McGillivray, Scott, Wilson (10) NAYS: (0) Motion carried on a voice vote. 5-3 (Commission Meeting, April 4, 2012) MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES — PHILOSOPHY & VISION — DIRECTOR RODNEY STOKESIRON OLSON CHIEF OF MDNR PARKS & RECREATION DIVISION: Director Rodney Stokes, of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (MDNR), made a presentation to the Commission to provide an update on the philosophy and vision of the MDNR. In addition, he also explained their plans for partnering and building relationships with other entities. By combining resources with other governmental units, programs can continue without duplicating services by sharing the cost and the workload. By utilizing this collaboration program, communities can determine who will best provide a particular service within their community. He also outlined the MDNR's top four priorities: 1) Customer Service 2) Recreation Passport Program 3) Get More People Outdoors and Away From Electronics and 4) Growth of Natural Resources Forestry. Director Stokes also informed the Commission on the MDNR's plans for repurposing land for uses that are more in demand now than in previous years. Chief of MDNR Parks and Recreation Division Ron Olson updated the Commission on the Recreation Passport Program with the State of Michigan. In addition, he informed the Commission on the other programs available through the MDNR including: Recreation 101 and 102 programs; Perks Partners; First Time Campers Program through Gander Mountain; geo-caching; plans for linking trails together within Michigan; hunting, fishing and wildlife programs; beginning kayaking; flat bottom boat launching; Pure Michigan local tourism programs; partnership programs with local Michigan grown businesses; and Friends group and volunteering programs. RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY LEASE - ADDISON OAKS PHILABAUM LEASE: Moved by Mr. Wilson, supported by Mr. Scott, to adopt the following resolution approving the Residential Lease for Ken Philabaum for the Addison Oaks Residential Property located 1480 West Romeo Road, Leonard, MI for a 5-year term effective May 1, 2012: WHEREAS, the County of Oakland is the owner of Addison Oaks County Park; and WHEREAS, a 1600-square foot house, identified as 1480 West Romeo Road, Leonard, MI 48367, is located on the grounds of Addison Oaks County Park; and WHEREAS, it is the desire of the Oakland County Parks and Recreation Commission to lease said house located at 1480 West Romeo Road, Leonard, MI 48367 to Philabaum for a period commencing May 1, 2012 through December 31, 2017; and WHEREAS, under the terms and conditions of the attached Lease Agreement Ken Philabaum will pay rent as follows: May 1, 2012 — December 31, 2012 $595.00 per month January 1, 2013 — December 31, 2013 $607.00 per month January 1, 2014 — December 31, 2014 $619.00 per month January 1, 2015 — December 31, 2015 $631.00 per month January 1, 2016 — December 31, 2016 $644.00 per month January 1, 2017 — December 31, 2017 $657.00 per month each month and pay all utility costs; and WHEREAS, it is the recommendation of the Oakland County Parks and Recreation Commission and the Department of Facilities Management that the Oakland County Board of Commissioners accept and approve the terms and conditions of the attached Lease Agreement. 5-4 (Commission Meeting, April 4, 2012) NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Oakland County Parks and Recreation Commission hereby recommends the Oakland County Board of Commissioners approve and authorize the attached Lease Agreement between the County of Oakland and Ken Philabaum. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the rent amount received be deposited in the Oakland County Parks and Recreation Rental House Revenue fund line item. AYES: Fisher, McCulloch, VanderVeen, Baumhart, Kostin, Lewis, Long, McGillivray, Scott, Wilson (10) NAYS: (0) Motion carried on a voice vote. SPRINGFIELD OAKS PARK — WATER MAIN EXTENSION FOR COMMUNITY GARDEN PARTNERSHIP WITH O.C. COMMUNITY CORRECTIONS: Moved by Mr. McCulloch, supported by Mr. VanderVeen, to approve the advance of the original FY2015 budget of $35,000 for the Springfield Oaks Water Main Extension for Community Service Garden Partnership with Oakland County Community Corrections to FY2012, with a $9,350 budgetary adjustment, for a total project amount of $44,350; and to approve a transfer of $44,350 from the approved FY2012 Capital Improvement Plan Contingency to the CIP Project, Water Main Extension; and to approve a transfer of up to $1,500, if required, at the close of FY2012 for the necessary soil amendments and materials for operation of the Community Service Garden. AYES: Fisher, McCulloch, VanderVeen, Baumhart, Kostin, Lewis, Long, McGillivray, Scott, Wilson (10) NAYS: (0) Motion carried on a voice vote. PURCHASE REPLACEMENT GOLF CARTS — SPRINGFIELD OAKS, WHITE LAKE OAKS, LYON OAKS, GLEN OAKS: Larry Gee, Chief of Parks Operations and Maintenance for the South District, presented a proposal to purchase 40 new replacement golf carts which will be placed at four of the five Oakland County golf courses. This bid includes a trade-in value of $43,000, which will reduce the total cost for these carts to $119,000. Moved by Mr. Wilson, supported by Mr. Scott, to award the bid for forty (40) replacement golf carts to Midwest Golf & Turf at the purchase price of $119,000, which includes a trade-in value of $43,000. AYES: Fisher, McCulloch, VanderVeen, Baumhart, Kostin, Lewis, Long, McGillivray, Scott, Wilson (10) NAYS: (0) Motion carried on a voice vote. WETLAND MITIGATION BANKER SERVICES: Brittany Bird, Natural Resources Planner, provided the Commission with an update on the status of the bid process for the Addison Oaks Wetland Mitigation Banker Services. After reviewing the bids submitted with MDEQ and the EPA, it was determined that no viable site has yet been identified. It was recommended that staff continue to work with Niswander to complete a GIS-based analysis of all Oakland County Parklands, at no cost to OCPRC, to identify sites for a location of an MDEQ Pilot Wetland Mitigation Banking Project. If a qualifying site is identified, that information will be presented to the Commission at a future meeting for approval to'award the contract. 5-5 (Commission Meeting, April 4, 2012) Moved by Mr. Scott, supported by Mr. Wilson, in concurrence with County Purchasing, to continue to work with Niswander Environmental, LLC to identify alternative wetland mitigation banking sites in the Oakland County Parks for the purposes of securing a contract for Wetland Mitigation Banker Services which will be subject to consideration at a future OCPR Commission meeting, and that this action does not allow for compensation to Niswander to do this exercise, nor does it guarantee that the contract will be approved with Niswander. AYES: Fisher, McCulloch, VanderVeen, Baumhart, Kostin, Lewis, Long, McGillivray, Scott, Wilson (10) NAYS: (0) Motion carried on a voice vote. OTHER POWER DRIVEN MOBILITY DEVICES POLICY: Parks and Recreation Planning Supervisor Jon Noyes provided an overview of a proposed policy on Other Power Driven Mobility Devices (OPDMD). An OPDMD is essentially any type of motorized device used by a person with a disability to get them to locations they could not otherwise get to without the assistance of the device. This policy is being proposed due to the revisions to the Americans with Disabilities Act requirements and addresses access into the parks. This policy will define how the OCPR facilities will be used. The Commission requested an opportunity to have more time to review this policy. In addition, it was requested that if any Commissioners have any questions or need any clarifications on this policy to please submit them to Executive Officer Daniel Stencil. PROPOSAL TO HOST SPECIAL PARK DISTRICTS FORUM — 2015: Moved by Mr. McCulloch, supported by Mr. Lewis to approve Oakland County Parks and Recreation hosting the Special Park Districts Forum in 2015 in partnership with Huron Clinton Metropolitan Authority, subject to HCMA's approval of its participation. AYES: Fisher, McCulloch, VanderVeen, Baumhart, Kostin, Lewis, Long, McGillivray, Scott, Wilson (10) NAYS: (0) Motion carried on a voice vote. ACTIVITY REPORT: The Activity Report for March 2012 (FM06, FY 2012) was received and filed. EXECUTIVE OFFICER'S REPORT: In addition to the items in the Executive Officer's Report filed in the agenda, the following information was noted: - Catalpa Oaks Groundbreaking/Great Marshmallow Drop, Friday, April 6, 2012 at 10:00 a.m. - Staff reported that as part of the Wayne State University Urban Coyote Study project, an adult male coyote was collared and released at Waterford Oaks. The coyote will be monitored over the next several months to evaluate diet and travel patterns - The Slidewinder Mat Waterslide at Waterford Oaks has been demolished. Staff is working with the contractor to ensure that as much of the material as possible is recycled. - In honor of the 1001h anniversary of the donation of the Yoshino Cherry Trees in Washington D.C., an event is planned to commemorate this anniversary at Glen Oaks on May 9 at 6:00 p.m. - The drafts of the Master Plans are now online at destinationoakland.com - April 18, 2012 Commission meeting will be for a budget study work session. 5-6 (Commission Meeting, April 4, 2012) OLD BUSINESS: There was no old business to address. NEW BUSINESS: - In response to a question from Commissioner Long, staff provided the Commission with information regarding the use of the mobile recreation vehicles. - Seasonal Program Specialist Susana Ditters provided an update on the Greenhouse and the Community Gardens. - At the request of Commissioner McGillivray, Executive Officer Daniel Stencil provided the Commission with an update on the County Market parking, uses, timelines, marketing, signage and proposed programs. - A subcommittee of the Commission was created for the purpose of reviewing the transition and scope of the Oakland County Market. - Staff provided the Commission with an update on the status of the demolition of the waterslide at Waterford Oaks. As many materials as possible are being recycled. ADJOURNMENT: Meeting adjourned at 10:45 a.m. J. David \7-an-derVeen, Secretary Vicky Valkd, Recording Secretary 5-7