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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 2014.06.18 - 39317OAKLAND COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION SPECIAL MEETING June 18, 2014 Chairman Fisher called the meeting to order at 9:03 a.m. in the Commission meeting room at the Oakland County Parks and Recreation Administration Office. COMMISSION MEMBERS PRESENT: Chairman Gerald Fisher, Vice Chairman J. David VanderVeen, A. David Baumhart III, Gregory Jamian, Chairperson Emeritus Pecky D. Lewis, Jr., Christine Long, Gary McGillivray, Jim Nash COMMISSION MEMBERS ABSENT WITH NOTICE: Robert E. Kostin, Secretary John A. Scott ALSO PRESENT: Oakland County Parks and Recreation Oakland County Fiscal Services Oakland County Econ. Dev. & Comm. Affairs Oakland County Corporation Counsel Oakland County Fiscal Services Oakland County Planning Oakland County Risk Management Groveland Township Huttenlocher Insurance Michigan Dept. of Natural Resources Rowe Engineering Oakland County Resident APPROVAL OF AGENDA: Daniel Stencil, Executive Officer Sue Wells, Manager of P & R Operations Jim Dunleavy, Chief -Park Ops. & Maint. - N. District Terry Fields, Chief -Recreation Programs and Services Tom Hughes, Chief -Park Ops. & Maint.- S. District Mike Donnellon, Chief -Park Facilities Maint. & Dev. Donna Folland, Senior Planner Carrie Hunter, Office Assistant I Karen Kohn, Supervisor -Administrative Services Jon Noyes, Planning Supervisor Melissa Prowse, Business Development Representative Desiree Stanfield, Supervisor -Communications & Marketing Becky Stepp, Project Advisor Jeff Phelps, Fiscal Services Supervisor II Irene Spanos, Director Jody Hall, Assistant Corporation Counsel Jeff Phelps, Fiscal Services Supervisor II Jim Keglovitz Bob Erlenbeck Robert DePalma, Supervisor Jim Huttenlocher Shawn Speaker Doug Schultz Jim Kitson Paul Hittie Dana Waxler Moved by Mr. McGillivray supported by Mrs. Long to approve the agenda as submitted. AYES: Baumhart, Fisher, Jamian, Lewis, Long, McGillivray, VanderVeen (7) NAYS: (0) Motion carried on a voice vote. PUBLIC COMMENTS There were no comments from the public. (Special Commission Meeting, June 18, 2014) REGULAR AGENDA: Conceptual Approval of Proposed FY 2015-2017 OCPR Budqet The discussion on the Conceptual Approval of Proposed FY 2015-2017 OCPR Budget was a continuation from the June 4 and June 10, 2014 OCPR Commission meetings and was postponed until this meeting. Executive Officer Daniel Stencil advised the Commission that the revised FY 2015-2017 Budget is a balanced budget but includes using a portion of Planned Use of Fund Balance, which is about $4.3 million. The revised expenditures now total $25,151,352. Due to property tax revenue losses and lost interest revenue, the revised FY 2015-2017 Budget now reflects the use of Planned Use of Fund Balance in the amount of $4.3 million to balance the budget. In addition, the reductions in the Operating portion of the budget, staff also made reductions to the Capital Improvements Projects by approximately $800,000. At the request of the Commission Fiscal Services Supervisor II Jeff Phelps provided the details of each line item in the FY 2015 Proposed Budget that was reduced in this new version. Jeff also advised that we have exceeded the general rule of keeping 10-20% of the budget in Fund Balance. There was concern among the Commission about future millage proposals and the impact on the renewal of the OCPR millage which will be expiring in a few years. The Commission informed the staff they are pleased with the reductions and the reliance on the Fund Balance presented, however our goal should be to reduce the dependency on the Fund Balance even more. In addition, it was felt that staff should talk to the County Treasurer regarding increasing the interest income revenue and also identifying other investment opportunities in order to obtain the best return on our investments. The Commission suggested in future years for reductions in property tax revenues that staff should not rely on Fund Balance to make up the shortfall, but to look at other areas in Operations to address the lost revenues. Moved by Mr. McGillivray, supported by Mr. Baumhart to conceptually approve the Proposed FY 2015- 2017 OCPR Budget. Mr. McGillivray thanked the staff for working under a very rushed timeline in order to get the revised budget back to the Commission for approval. Mr. Fisher also thanked staff, administration and the Commission for spending time and keeping a close eye on the budget. AYES: Baumhart, Fisher, Jamian, Lewis, Long, McGillivray, Nash, VanderVeen (8) NAYS: (0) Motion carried on a voice vote. Groveland Oaks — Off -Road Vehicle (ORV) Recreational Opportunit Staff provided a presentation on the proposal to embark upon an Off -Road Vehicle Adventure Recreation complex in Groveland Township adjacent to Groveland Oaks Park. In addition, several subject matter experts were present and provided input on the proposed opportunity, including their beliefs that this project would complement economic quality of life and recreation opportunities in Oakland County. Chairman Fisher clarified that Item 6 B is Phase I and Phase II represent an ongoing project and would become part of the park operation. Item C is a stand-alone summer demonstration event. If the demonstration event is successful, Groveland Township Supervisor Bob DePalma, indicated Township officials would be ready to provide a letter of support to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources for the Trust Fund Grant that is submitted for the acquisition of 312 acres for this project, which is about $2.9 million in grant funds. The Township representatives think it is a unique opportunity for unique circumstances to provide a new recreational opportunity, and also turn a positive twist on some parcels that have not had an opportunity for development. (Special Commission Meeting, June 18, 2014) Ron Olson, from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, spoke by conference phone and provided input to the Commission on this proposed project. The Commission asked what types of vehicles would be used at these parks. Mr. Olson indicated you have to be very careful of how the vehicles are regulated, including motorcycles, three wheelers, and four wheelers, keeping mindful of the mufflers and the noise levels from these vehicles. His goal would be to try to keep it within the mainstream types of uses, which include quads without roll bars. Commission also requested if there was information available on the numbers of people in southeastern Michigan that would use this type of facility. Mr. Olson did not have exact figures at this time, however it could be obtained. When asked if the State would also agree to underwrite any losses we may have if we proceed with this project, similar to the collaboration with the Silver Lake facility, Mr. Olson indicated he wasn't sure but would be open to future negotiations. Mr. Olson also indicated that there were no commitments from private parties, including ORV manufacturers and dealers. The minimum number of acres needed for an ORV facility is in the neighborhood of 200 acres. The proposed site in Groveland Township is about 450 acres. Irene Spanos, of Oakland County Economic Development and Community Affairs, was requested by staff to attend this meeting and spoke to the Commission on company attraction, retention and expansion, as well as job creation within Oakland County. Although she had no information specific to ORV demand or interest, she indicated that, in general, economic development and quality of life within Oakland County are important. New businesses coming to Oakland County look at attractions for their workforce before coming to the County. She did not have information concerning ORV-type recreation activities. The Commission addressed concerns of the costs associated with this proposed facility and the impact on the use of Fund Balance. There could be grants available that might cover some of the costs, OCPR would still have to provide considerable funds to get the project up and running. Staff also pointed out the camping opportunities available at Groveland Oaks Park. The Commission requested further clarification on the following items and asked that staff report back at a future meeting: • What type of vehicles that would be permitted in the park • Would more dangerous type of vehicles be permitted at a future date • Would there be age limits within the park • Would we require attendees to have a valid Michigan Driver's License Oakland County resident Jim Kitson, who participates in ORV activities, also provided information on his personal experiences with ORV recreation activities around the nation. He expressed concern that the numbers being presented by the Secretary of State are skewed because the location of sale may be different than the location of residence. Moved by Mrs. Long, supported by Mr. McGillivray to fund the summer ORV demonstration on August 8 or August 9, 2014, with no commitment or position taken on Phase I or Phase II, or other longer term participation of OCPRC in this activity. ROLL CALL VOTE: AYES: Baumhart, Jamian, Long, McGillivray, Nash, VanderVeen (6) NAYS: Fisher, Lewis (2) A sufficient majority having voted, the motion carried. Some further areas of concern for the Commission include: • Insurance, liability and safety issues • The cost of the project - $70,000 construction cost/$10,000 engineering & miscellaneous/$5,000 attorney fees (Special Commission Meeting, June 18, 2014) • The project is in the Strategic Plan; however, there is a lack of a demonstrated need visa-vis Oakland County citizens • Staff has not demonstrated the need to have the facility here/locally • Financial concerns including the cost of development versus the return on investment • Concern on the return on the cost recovery basis — Commission would like to see return of 100% plus — the Commission would like to see this demonstrated in some way by staff when they present information on the project as we go forward • No information demonstrating this would be a real benefit to Oakland County taxpayers • Not convinced worth the big investment to open this park • Nationwide insurance cost comparisons for ORV facilities • Community acceptance — Groveland, north Oakland County and 1-75 corridor seems they would want this, Commission would like to hear more on this topic • Cost recovery would be critical to decision making • If this proposal goes forward and is a matter the Commission approves, it should be one of the best in the area, state, and country • Number of Oakland County residents who would be users. Commission indicated the opportunity to collaborate with the MDNR and other agencies, industry and association wide, is greatly appreciated. Mrs. Long requested staff report back after the demonstration to show the numbers and also show how successful the event was at September Commission meeting. Mr. McGillivray requested information from staff on where the ORV facility fits into the cost recovery pyramid. Staff responded this facility would be at Level 4 - considerable individual benefit. Chairman Fisher requested if the Commission has any further questions regarding this event to email Executive Officer Daniel Stencil in care of Vicky Valko. OLD BUSINESS There was no old business to report. NEW BUSINESS There was no new business to report. ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 11:17 a.m. Jon A. Scott, Secretary Vicky Valko. "e�ording Secretary OAKLAND COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION SPECIAL MEETING June 18, 2014 Chairman Fisher called the meeting to order at 9:03 a.m. in the Commission meeting room at the Oakland County Parks and Recreation Administration Office. COMMISSION MEMBERS PRESENT: Chairman Gerald Fisher, Vice Chairman J. David VanderVeen, A. David Baumhart III, Gregory Jamian, Chairperson Emeritus Pecky D. Lewis, Jr., Christine Long, Gary McGillivray, Jim Nash COMMISSION MEMBERS ABSENT WITH NOTICE: Robert E. Kostin, Secretary John A. Scott ALSO PRESENT: Oakland County Parks and Recreation Oakland County Fiscal Services Oakland County Econ. Dev. & Comm. Affairs Oakland County Corporation Counsel Oakland County Fiscal Services Oakland County Planning Oakland County Risk Management Groveland Township Huttenlocher Insurance Michigan Dept. of Natural Resources Rowe Engineering Oakland County Resident PROVAL OF AGENDA: Daniel Stencil, Executive Officer Sue Wells, Manager of P & R Operations Jim Dunleavy, Chief -Park Ops. & Maint. - N. District Terry Fields, Chief -Recreation Programs and Services Tom Hughes, Chief -Park Ops. & Maint.- S. District Mike Donnellon, Chief -Park Facilities Maint. & Dev. Donna Folland, Senior Planner Carrie Hunter, Office Assistant I Karen Kohn, Supervisor -Administrative Services Jon Noyes, Planning Supervisor Melissa Prowse, Business Development Representative Desiree Stanfield, Supervisor -Communications & Marketing Becky Stepp, Project Advisor Jeff Phelps, Fiscal Services Supervisor II Irene Spanos, Director Jody Hall, Assistant Corporation Counsel Jeff Phelps, Fiscal Services Supervisor II Jim Keglovitz Bob Erlenbeck Robert DePalma, Supervisor Jim Huttenlocher Shawn Speaker Doug Schultz Jim Kitson Paul Hittie Dana Waxler Moved by Mr. McGillivray supported by Mrs. Long to approve the agenda as submitted. AYES: Baumhart, Fisher, Jamian, KestinLewis, Long, McGillivray, VanderVeen (7) NAYS: (0) Motion carried on a voice vote. PUBLIC COMMENTS There were no comments from the public. (Special Commission Meeting, June 18, 2014) Ron Olson, from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, spoke by conference phone and provided input to the Commission on this proposed project. inG161diRg the font th-t the MDNR ennn ronec r•nllobeFatiye partnerships that ecer—tfs gr@Rt funds. He alse iRdiGated- there be ether diverse fURdiRg 0PPGFt61niti8S RGi61diRg GORtributie—ns frenn fe-undationS, clubs or groups, plus off -read vehir-de. and trail fi inds whiGh may be available threugh the State Gf MiGhig- The Commission asked what types of vehicles would be used at these parks. Mr. Olson indicated you have to be very careful of how the vehicles are regulated, including motorcycles, three wheelers, and four wheelers, keeping mindful of the mufflers and the noise levels from these vehicles. His goal would be to try to keep it within the mainstream types of uses, which include quads without roll bars. Commission also requested if there was information available on the numbers of people in southeastern Michigan that would use this type of facility. Mr. Olson did not have exact figures at this time, however it could be obtained. When asked if the State would also agree to underwrite any losses we may have if we proceed with this project, similar to the collaboration with the Silver Lake facility, Mr. Olson indicated he wasn't sure but would be open to future negotiations. Mr. Olson also indicated that there were no commitments from private parties, including ORV manufacturers and dealers. The minimum number of acres needed for an ORV facility is in the neighborhood of 200 acres. The proposed site in Groveland Township is about 450 acres. Irene Spanos, of Oakland County Economic Development and Community Affairs, was requested by staff to attend this meeting and spoke to the Commission on company attraction, retention and expansion, as well as job creation within Oakland County. The QRV type activities areAlthough she had no information specific to ORV demand or interest, she indicated that, in general, very irnp0Ftaf}t to economic development and quality of life within Oakland County are important. New businesses coming to Oakland County look at attractions for their workforce before coming to the County. ; She did not have information concerning ORV-typethese t��� types-e€ recreation activities -are deny henefirial in attMGtinn new businesses to the CAiinty The Commission addressed concerns of the costs associated with this proposed facility and the impact on the use of Fund Balance. Although tThere could be grants available that might cover some of the costs, OCPR would still have to provide tit considerable funds to get the project up and running. Staff also pointed out seveFal the camping opportunities tO r.'eMent thr,6e rer•reatinn opportunities available at Groveland Oaks Park. The Commission requested further clarification on the following items and asked that staff report back at a future meeting: • What type of vehicles that would be permitted in the park • Would more dangerous type of vehicles be permitted at a future date • Would there be age limits within the park • Would we require attendees to have a valid Michigan Driver's License Oakland County resident Jim Kitson, who participates in ORV activities, also provided information on his personal experiences with ORV recreation activities around the nation. He expressed concern that the numbers being presented by the Secretary of State are skewed because the location of sale may be different than the location of residence. , as a result theFe are rn@Ry more people whG would use the f2Gility whe have not been included in the repE)Ft-. nu.m-hers. He suggested we send staff to AttiGa, lRdia3AA- V.4hP-re ;-;A eff read event has been SGheduled SG Staff GG611d Moved by Mrs. Long, supported by Mr. McGillivray to fund the summer ORV demonstration on August 8 or August 9, 2014, with no commitment or position taken on Phase I or Phase II, or other longer term participation of OCPRC in this activity. ROLL CALL VOTE: AYES: Baumhart, Jamian, Long, McGillivray, Nash, VanderVeen (6) (Special Commission Meeting, June 18, 2014)