HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 2012.05.02 - 39277*MEETING MINUTES *
OAKLAND COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING
May 2, 2012
Chairman Fisher called the meeting to order at 9:10 a.m. in the meeting room at the Red Oaks/Suarez
Friendship Woods Nature Center in Madison Heights.
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:
►I=
ALSO PRESENT:
Parks and Recreation
Oakland County Fiscal Services
City of Madison Heights
Oakland Township Parks & Recreation
Private Citizen
Daniel J. Stencil, Executive Officer
Sue Wells, Administrator -Parks & Rec. Operations
Phil Castonia, Business Development Rep.
Zach Crane, Architectural Engineer II
Mike Donnellon, Chief -Parks Fac. Maint. & Dev.
Jim Dunleavy, Chief -Park Ops. & Maint. — N. District
Terry Fields, Chief -Recreation Programs & Services
Donna Folland, Project Advisor
Larry Gee, Chief -Park Ops & Maint. S. District
Stephanie Loria, Recreation and Trails Planner
Jon Noyes, Supervisor-P & R Planning
Darlene Rowley, Supervisor —Golf Revenue & Operations
Desiree Stanfield, Supervisor -Comm. & Marketing
Jeff Phelps, Fiscal Services Supervisor
Edward Swanson, Mayor
Jon Austin, City Manager
Ben Myers, Deputy City Manager/Director of DPS
Robert Gettings, Madison Heights Councilmember
Margene Scott, Madison Heights Councilmember
Kirby Rochester, PT Recreation Coordinator
Mindy Milos -Dale, Planner
Dave Mackley
Lana Mangiapane
Marilyn Begeny
Mary Haller
Stan Haller
Sarah Halson
Alan Lockwood
Andrea Lockwood
Dave Mackley
Ernest Metzner
5-1
(Commission Meeting, May 2, 2012)
APPROVAL OF AGENDA:
Moved by Mrs. Long, supported by Mr. VanderVeen to approve the agenda as submitted.
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. Scott, supported by Mr. McGillivray to approve the minutes from the OCPRC
Regular Meeting of April 18, 2012.
AYES: Fisher, McCulloch, VanderVeen, Baumhart, Kostin, Lewis, Long, McGillivray, Scott, Wilson (10)
NAYS: (0)
Motion carried on a voice vote.
PUBLIC COMMENT:
Madison Heights City Manager Jon Austin welcomed the Oakland County Parks and Recreation
Commission to the Madison Heights Nature Center and introduced Madison Heights Mayor
Edward Swanson and Councilmembers Margene Scott, Robert Gettings, and Assistant City
Manager Ben Myers.
Nature Center volunteer Andy McGillivray showed a video he created on the history of the Madison
Heights Nature Center. Following the video Mr. Austin updated the Commission on the timeline for the
construction of the Nature Center improvements. Ben Myers, Assistant City Manager, updated the
Commission on the programs provided at the Nature Center as well as donations received, revenues,
visitor traffic, and the volunteer activities.
In response to a question from Mr. VanderVeen regarding the annual budget, Mr. Austin indicated the
budget is $150,000 for one full-time Naturalist and one part-time Naturalist, as well as the use of
donations. In addition, the cost for utilities annually is approximately $12-13,000. These figures are for
the Nature Center only; the park expenses are separate from these numbers.
Ernest Metzner, resident of Waterford, advised the Commission that he visits the Lewis E. Wint Nature
Center with his grandchildren and they all really enjoy visiting and spending time at the nature center.
Andrea Lockwood, resident of Ortonville, expressed that she wishes the Commission could staff the
Madison Heights Nature Center and the Wint Nature Center, however taking away from the Wint Nature
Center is not a reasonable plan. She would like to see more partnering and expanding of opportunities.
The current staff is not enough to meet the needs. She asked the Commission what is the staffing plan.
There is a synergy at Wint that cannot be duplicated anywhere else. She is still unable to make
appointments. There are many who could not get an appointment and have gone elsewhere. She again
asked where is the plan, what is the plan, and when will you share it with the public. She wants to save
the Wint Nature Center and she wants to help. She asked the Commission to please let her know what
she can do to help save the nature center.
Margene Scott, City of Madison Heights Councilmember, has been active at the nature center since it
opened. She lives near the nature center and believes the effect the nature center has on people is
amazing. Volunteers are changed because they get involved with the nature center and the park, they
see things here that could be worthwhile to others and spread the word. Senior citizens are able to come
and take tours and have an opportunity to get outside. Many of the volunteers that are working now will
5-2
(Commission Meeting, May 2, 2012)
continue to work. It is a great place for the residents of southeast Oakland County. She also advised that
she appreciates any support OCPRC could provide.
Alan Lockwood, resident of Ortonville, advised the Commission that he thinks it is great that the parks
system is considering partnering with Madison Heights; however if Wint Nature Center were to be closed,
it would be unconscionable. He indicated if the Wint Nature Center closes he will never vote for another
millage, and will see to it that all his friends and family never vote for another millage. He feels that there
are a lot of ways the Commission could keep the Winter Nature Center open and share staff with Madison
Heights. People are still not able to make appointments at Wint Nature Center. There aren't enough staff
to be able to meet the demands of the public, bottom line is they need more revenue. Biggest source of
revenues is field trips — why not raise them from $2 to $5 and by also improving the marketing it could
improve attendance. He is looking forward to hearing more about what the Commission has planned.
Chairman Fisher advised those present that the Commission is very happy to receive input on the nature
center, and is hopeful that people will have patience while the staff is actively working on a plan and await
the outcome.
George Hankins, volunteer at Madison Heights Nature Center, informed the Commission that the cost per
person per program is $5/person at Madison Heights, while the cost is $19/person at the Wint Nature
Center. People have come from as far as Canada to visit the Madison Heights Nature Center, as well as
from Detroit Public Schools, Grosse Pointe Schools and Utica Community Schools.
Commissioner Wilson suggested having a joint meeting with the people interested in nature centers -
possibly a community working group. Working together with a group of volunteers, a couple members of
the Commission, representatives from the citizen group, and staff members could prove to be very helpful
and provide some great insight.
CONSENT AGENDA:
Moved by Mrs. Long, supported by Mr. VanderVeen to approve all items (8 A-E) under the
Consent Agenda as follows:
• Internal Service & Department Funds Journal Entry Register for Month Ending 03/31/12
(FM06, FY 2012)
• Payment Register for Month Ending 03/31/12 (FM 06, FY 2012)
• Oak Management Credit for Services Rendered January/February/March 2012
• Monthly Financial Statements for month ending 03/31/12 (FM 06 FY 12)
• Monthly Average Comparison Report (MACR)
AYES: Fisher, McCulloch, VanderVeen, Baumhart, Kostin, Lewis, Long, McGillivray, Scott, Wilson (10)
NAYS: (0)
Motion carried on a voice vote.
RESOLUTION — NATIONAL PARKS & RECREATION MONTH — JULY 2012:
Moved by Mrs. Long, supported by Mr. Baumhart to adopt the proposed resolution in support of
proclaiming July 2012 as National Recreation and Parks Month:
5-3
(Commission Meeting, May 2, 2012)
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
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 National Recreation and Parks Month and encourages all citizens
to celebrate healthy, active lifestyles by participating in their choice of recreation and park
activities.
AYES: Fisher, McCulloch, VanderVeen, Baumhart, Kostin, Lewis, Long, McGillivray, Scott, Wilson (10)
NAYS: (0)
Motion carried on a voice vote.
NON -MOTORIZED FACILITY AGREEMENT FOR PROPOSED ADDISON OAKS CONNECTOR TRAIL
— ROAD COMMISSION FOR OAKLAND COUNTY:
Moved by Mr. Wilson, supported by Mr. Kostin to approve the Non -Motorized Transportation
Facilities Agreement between the Road Commission for Oakland County and the Oakland County
Parks and Recreation Commission, subject to the approval by the Road Commission for Oakland
County.
Jon Noyes, Planning Supervisor, advised that we were notified by the Road Commission for Oakland
County that in order to move forward with the construction of trails, pathways, and sidewalks within the
road right-of-way, it is necessary to enter into an inter -agency agreement for non -motorized transportation
facilities. Corporation Counsel reviewed this document and is recommending the Commission's approval.
Upon approval, this document will be referred to the RCOC Board for final approval. If the RCOC makes
any changes to the agreement it will be brought back to the OCPR Commission.
AYES: Fisher, McCulloch, VanderVeen, Baumhart, Kostin, Lewis, Long, McGillivray, Scott, Wilson (10)
5-4
(Commission Meeting, May 2, 2012)
NAYS: (0)
Motion carried on a voice vote.
ADDISON OAKS CONNECTOR TRAIL PROJECT — CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT:
Moved by Mr. McCulloch, supported by Mr. Scott to approve the award of the contract for the
Connector Trail at Addison Oaks, including Base Bid #1, Base Bid #2 and Alternate 2-A to the
lowest qualified vendor, WCI Contractors, in the amount of $577,396.70, with a 10% contingency
of $57,739.67 for a total approved amount of $635,136.37; and to transfer $150,136.70 from the
adopted FY2012 Capital Improvement Plan Contingency to Addison Oaks — Connector Trail
Project.
Mindy Milos Dale, Oakland Township Parks and Recreation Planner, thanked the Commission for
including them in the process and also advised that she is excited to partner with Oakland County Parks
and Recreation on this program.
AYES: Fisher, McCulloch, VanderVeen, Baumhart, Kostin, Lewis, Long, McGillivray, Scott, Wilson (10)
NAYS: (0)
Motion carried on a voice vote.
MECHANICAL ROOFTOP MAINTENANCE PLATFORM—LYON OAKS GOLF COURSE CLUBHOUSE:
Staff has determined that, for safety reasons, there is a need for a platform on the rooftop over the Grill
Room of the Lyon Oaks Golf Course clubhouse — a situation that was overlooked during construction.
This platform will allow staff to safely perform exhaust hood maintenance and cleaning.
Moved by Mr. Baumhart, supported by Mr. VanderVeen to approve the purchase order for the
rooftop platform for the Lyon Oaks Golf Course Clubhouse to Fibergrate Composite Structures,
Inc. in the amount of $18,501 and to transfer $3,501 from the adopted FY2012 Maintenance and
Operating Budget Contingency to the Lyon Oaks Golf — Building Maintenance line item.
AYES: Fisher, McCulloch, VanderVeen, Baumhart, Kostin, Lewis, Long, McGillivray, Scott, Wilson (10)
NAYS: (0)
Motion carried on a voice vote.
RESIDENTIAL LEASE INDEPENDENCE OAKS -NORTH — MATT BIERLEIN:
Moved by Mr. McGillivray, supported by Mr. Wilson to adopt the following resolution approving
the Residential Lease for Matt Bierlein for the Independence Oaks Residential Property
located at 10275 Sashabaw Road, Clarkston Michigan, 48348 for a 5-year term effective
June 1, 2012:
WHEREAS, the County of Oakland is the owner of Independence Oaks County Park; and
WHEREAS, a 560-square foot apartment, identified as 10275 Sashabaw Road, Clarkston
Michigan, 48348, is located on the grounds of Independence Oaks County Park; and
WHEREAS, it is the desire of the Oakland County Parks and Recreation Commission to lease
said house located at 10275 Sashabaw Road, Clarkston, Michigan, 48348 to Matt Bierlein for a period
commencing June 1, 2012, through December 31, 2017; and
5-5
(Commission Meeting, May 2, 2012)
WHEREAS, under the terms and conditions of the attached Lease Agreement Matt Bierlein will
pay rent as follows:
June 1, 2012 — December 31, 2012
$400.00 per month
January 1, 2013 — December 31, 2013
$408.00 per month
January 1, 2014 — December 31, 2014
$416.00 per month
January 1, 2015 — December 31, 2015
$424.00 per month
January 1, 2016 — December 31, 2016
$432.00 per month
January 1, 2017 — December 31, 2017
$441.00 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.
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 Matt Bierlein.
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, Baum hart, Kostin, Lewis, Long, McGillivray, Scott, Wilson (10)
NAYS: (0)
Motion carried on a voice vote.
PRESENTATION — RED OAKS MASTER PLAN UPDATE:
Project Advisor Donna Folland provided the Commission with an overview of the draft master plan for
Red Oaks dog park, golf course, water park and youth soccer complex.
OTHER POWER DRIVEN MOBILE DEVICES POLICY:
Moved by Mr. Wilson, supported by Mr. Scott to approve the proposed Other Power -Driven
Mobility Device Policy.
AYES: Fisher, McCulloch, VanderVeen, Baumhart, Kostin, Lewis, Long, McGillivray, Scott, Wilson (10)
NAYS: (0)
Motion carried on a voice vote.
The Commission requested that they be advised on the status of the training for this issue.
ACTIVITY REPORT FY 2012 MONTH 07:
The Activity Report for April 2012 (FM07, FY 2012) was received and filed.
MARKETING/COMMUNICATIONS UPDATE:
Desiree Stanfield, Supervisor of Communications and Marketing, made a presentation to the Commission
on Communications and Marketing initiatives for spring/summer 2012.
5-6
(Commission Meeting, May 2, 2012)
NATURE CENTER EDUCATION UPDATE:
Sue Wells, Manager of Parks and Recreation Operations, updated the Commission on the status of
Nature Education. This presentation outlined areas staff is focusing on including developing a strategy
for marketing, sharing resources, working on programs through schools, and utilizing other resources at
the nature center to offer a broader experience for visitors and to expose more people to the programs.
Commissioner McGillivray indicated that it is important to have a nature center in Madison Heights. The
citizens of Oakland County approved a county -wide millage, the population is greater in the south end
and the people in the south end of the county need a nature center. He felt that it is incumbent upon the
Commission to represent the entire county. Chairman Fisher advised that he would like to create a
committee or focus group to help address this issue and to further discussions with the officials of
Madison Heights on this matter.
EXECUTIVE OFFICER'S REPORT:
In addition to the items in the Executive Officer's Report filed in the agenda, the following information was
noted:
- Cherry Blossom Ceremony at Glen Oaks on Wednesday, May 9, 2012, at 6:00 p.m.
- Media Day/Open House at the Oakland County Market on Thursday, May 24, 2012, from 9-11 a.m.
- Update to Commission on the joint meeting with SEMCOG, Huron Clinton Metropolitan Authority and
Oakland County Parks and Recreation on collaborative efforts
- Road Commission for Oakland County grading equipment will be stored at Rose Oaks, Springfield
Oaks and Independence Oaks to aid in quicker response time for road crews
- Catalpa Oaks Building Permit has been issued by the city of Southfield
- Tour of Suarez Friendship Woods Nature Center will immediately follow the Commission Meeting
NEW BUSINESS:
There was no old business to address.
ADJOURNMENT:
Meeting adjourned at 11:25 a.m.
J. David V6nderVeen, Secretary Vicky Valko,/',Recording Secretary
5-7