HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 2020.09.02 - 39398Oakland County Parks and Recreation Commission
Regular Meeting
September 2, 2020
Chairman McGillivray called the Oakland County Parks and Recreation Commission meeting to order at 1:00 p.m.
via teleconference.
COMMISSION MEMBERS PRESENT:
Chairman Gary R. McGillivray, Vice Chairman J. David VanderVeen, Executive Committee Member Christine Long ,
Amanda Herzog, Gregory Jamian, Robert Kostin, Andrea LaFontaine, Jim Nash, Nancy Quarles
COMMISSION MEMBERS ABSENT :
Secretary Ebony Bagley
ALSO PRESENT:
Parks and Recreation Daniel Stencil, Executive Officer
Sue Wells, Manager of Parks and Recreation Operations
Phil Castonia, Chief – Business Operations
Mike Donnellon, Chief – Park Facilities Maint. & Development
Jim Dunleavy, Chief - Park Operations & Maint. - N. District
Tom Hughes, Chief – Park Operations & Maint. - S. District
Stephanie Mackey, Business Development Rep.
Melissa Prowse, Supervisor of Planning
Desiree Stanfield, Supervisor – Marketing & Communications
OC Fiscal Services/P & R Jeff Phelps, Fiscal Services Coordinator
OC Corporation Counsel Jody Hall, Financial Attorney
Six Rivers Land Conservancy Chris Bunch
APPROVAL OF AGENDA:
Moved by Mr. Kostin, supported by Mr. VanderVeen to approve the agenda with the following
changes:
Remove:
7A. mParks Park Resource Leadership Award - Robert Lissner, Jr.
7 B. National Association of Counties (NACo) Award - Red Oaks Nature Center Storybook Trail
11 C. Activity Participation and Program Review & Day Use Parks Report
Add:
13 A. MDNR Fisheries Habitat Program Grant Acceptance ($121,000)
13 B. Resolution Approving September 20-27, 2020 Michigan Trails Week
13C. Resolution in Support of the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund Ballot Proposal
on the November 3, 2020 General Election
AYES: Herzog, Jamian, Kostin, LaFontaine, Long, McGillivray, Nash, Quarles, VanderVeen (9)
NAYS: (0)
Motion passed on a unanimous voice vote.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
Moved by Mr. Jamian, supported by Ms. Quarles to approve the minutes of the Oakland County Parks and
Recreation Commission Regular Meeting of August 5, 2020, as submitted.
AYES: Herzog, Jamian, Kostin, LaFontaine, Long, McGillivray, Nash, Quarles, VanderVeen (9)
NAYS: (0)
OCPR Commission Meeting
September 2, 2020
Page 2
Motion passed on a unanimous voice vote.
PUBLIC COMMENTS:
Chris Bunch, Executive Director of Six Rivers Land Conservancy, provided information to the Commission on the
Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund ballot proposal for the November 3, 2020 General Election. The Michigan
Natural Resources Trust Fund invests in recreation and conservation projects throughout the state. He outlined the
proposed changes in the ballot proposal which include a change in the funding formula allowing it to spend more
funds on development and redevelopment projects, it will lift the cap on current funding, and it will guarantee that
funds from the oil and gas revenues will always be reinvested in parks, conservation, and recreation projects
throughout the state.
Mr. Bunch also advised that Oakland County Parks and Recreation will now take over the lead from Six Rivers Land
Conservancy the operation of the Cooperative Invasive Species Management Areas (CISMA) group throughout
Oakland County.
It was requested the OCPR Commission adopt a resolution in support of the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund
ballot proposal which will appear on the November 3, 2020 General Election ballot.
Moved by Mr. Kostin, supported by Mr. VanderVeen to amend the agenda and add New Business: Item 13
C - Resolution Supporting the Ballot Proposal to Amend the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund.
AYES: Herzog, Jamian, Kostin, LaFontaine, Long, McGillivray, Nash, Quarles, VanderVeen (9)
NAYS: (0)
Motion passed on a unanimous voice vote.
COMMUNICATIONS:
Capital Improvement Expense Summary
Fiscal Services Coordinator Jeff Phelps presented the Capital Improvement Expense Summary. This report lists the
capital project agenda items requiring approval and the financial impact on the Amount Available for Capital
Improvement and Capital Equipment. Mr. Phelps advised there are no items requiring additional funds from
Unrestricted Net Position. The Commission received and filed the Capital Improvement Expense Summary Report.
PRESENTATIONS/RECOGNITIONS:
The presentations for the mParks Park Resource Leadership Award and the National Association of Counties (NACo)
Award - Red Oaks Nature Center Storybook Trail were postponed until the October 7, 2020 OCPR Commission
meeting.
CONSENT AGENDA:
Moved by Mrs. Long, supported by Mr. Kostin to approve Items 9 A through 9 L under Consent Agenda, as
follows:
A. OCPR Monthly Revenue and Expenditure Budget to Actual Report for Month Ending
07/30/2020 (FM 10 FY 20)
B. Monthly Revenue and Expenditure Comparison Report for Month Ending
07/30/2020 (FM 10 FY 20)
C. Monthly Revenue and Expenditure Report by Line Item for Month Ending
07/30/2020 (FM 10 FY 20)
D. Monthly Capital Equipment Report for Month Ending 07/30/2020 (FM 10 FY 20)
E. Monthly Revenue and Expenditure Average Comparison Report for Month Ending
07/30/2020 (FM 10 FY 20)
F. Capital Improvement Projects Budget to Actual Report & Statement of Net Position
For Month Ending 07/30/2020 (FM 10 FY 20)
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September 2, 2020
Page 3
G. Maintenance Management Plan Budget
H. Monthly Purchasing Reports for Month Ending 06/30/2020 (FM 09 FY 20)
I. Monthly Food & Beverage Vendor Sales Reports 06/30/2020 (FM 09 FY 20)
1. Katherine's
2. Fuller Oak Management
J. FY 2020 Fiscal Services 3rd Quarter Financial Forecast
K. FY 2020 3rd Quarter Contributions Report
L. Pending Capital Improvement Project Report
AYES: Herzog, Jamian, Kostin, LaFontaine, Long, McGillivray, Nash, Quarles, VanderVeen (9)
NAYS: (0)
Motion passed on a roll call vote.
REGULAR AGENDA:
Final Approval of Proposed FY 2021-2023 OCPR Budget:
1. Approval of Proposed FY 2021-2023 OCPR Budget
2. Approval of Proposed FY2021–FY2025 Capital Improvement Program Plan (CIP)
Funded from Net Position; and Approval of FY2021–FY2025 Maintenance
Management Plan (MMP) Funded from Operating Budget
3. Approval of Proposed FY 2021 Capital Equipment .
Moved by Ms. Quarles, supported by Mr. Nash to approve the Fiscal Year 2021-2023 Oakland County Parks
and Recreation Proposed Operating Budget and adopt the Fiscal Year 2021 General Appropriations Act
resolution balancing total appropriations with available resources in the amount of $28,033,484; and
Move to approve FY 2021, Proposed Capital Equipment Plan budget in the amount of $282,500; and
Move to approve the FY2021 Capital Improvement Projects/Maintenance Management Plan budget in the
amount of $1,722,750.
WHEREAS in accordance with the provisions of Public Act 261 of 1965, the County and Regional Parks Act,
and Public Act 621 of 1978 (as amended), the Uniform Budgeting and Accounting Act for Local Government,
and the By-Laws of the Oakland County Parks and Recreation Commission approved January 12, 2011, it is
the responsibility of the Oakland County Parks and Recreation Commission to amend and adopt the annual
Oakland County Parks and Recreation Commission Budget; and
WHEREAS the Parks and Recreation Executive Officer received budget requests from all Parks and
Recreation Budget Units, and the Parks and Recreation Executive Officer and his staff has prepared and
submitted in detail the Parks and Recreation Executive Officer’s Fiscal Year 2021 Budget Recommendation
to the Oakland County Parks and Recreation Commission; and
WHEREAS the Oakland County Parks and Recreation Commission has reviewed in detail the Parks and
Recreation Executive Officer’s Fiscal Year 2021 Budget Recommendation as shown on the attached line-item
budget report, hereby annexed and made part of the General Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2021; and
WHEREAS supplemental summaries and data contained herein are for informational purposes only, and are
not part of the General Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2021.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED the Oakland County Parks and Recreation Commission, after due
deliberation, does hereby amend and adopt the Fiscal Year 2021 General Appropriations Act balancing total
appropriations with available resources at $28,033,484.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that as stated in the Commission By-Laws, appropriations accumulated within
the department will be deemed maximum authorization to incur expenditures. The Parks and Rec reation
Executive Officer or his designated Fiscal Officer shall exercise supervision and control of all budgeted
expenditures with each Budget Unit, and at no time shall the expenditures exceed the total appropriation for
OCPR Commission Meeting
September 2, 2020
Page 4
the department as originally amended or adopted by the Oakland County Parks and Recreation Commission.
AYES: Herzog, Jamian, Kostin, LaFontaine, Long, McGillivray, Nash, Quarles, VanderVeen (9)
NAYS: (0)
Motion passed on a roll call vote.
Executive Officer Daniel Stencil advised staff has started on the plans for the FY 2022-2024 OCPR Budget and will
present the proposed FY 2022-2024 OCPR Budget Process Schedule at the October 7, 2020 Commission meeting.
2021 Annual Vehicle Permit Fees:
1. OCPR Proposed 2021 Annual Vehicle Permit Fees
2. Agreement with Huron Clinton Metroparks Association (HCMA) to Sell 2021 Joint OCPR/HCMA Annual
Vehicle Park Permit Passes .
Moved by Ms. Quarles, supported by Mr. Kostin to approve the proposed fees for the OCPR 2021 Vehicle
Permits, providing for free Annual Vehicle Permits for Seniors (62+), Military and Veterans, and Persons with
Permanent Disabilities after the millage passes November 3, 2020. If the millage does not pass, all 2021
fees will remain the same as 2020 fees; and
Move to approve the agreement with Huron Clinton Metroparks Association (HCMA) to sell 2021 Joint
OCPR/HCMA Annual Vehicle Park Permit Passes.
2021 Vehicle Permit Fees
Type of Vehicle Permit
Revenue
2017 2018 2019 2020 Fee 2021 Fee
Daily Motor Vehicle Permits
Regular (Non-Resident Rate) $ 62,353 $ 56,430 $ 55,490 $12/car/day $12/car/day
Resident Discount $ 151,410 $ 171,826 $ 174,480 $5/car/day $5/car/day
Senior/Military/Persons with Disabilities $ 11,436 $ 11,758 $ 10,495 $4/car/day $4/car/day
Annual Motor Vehicle Permit
Regular (Non-Resident) $ 17,472 $ 16,032 $ 12,240 $48 $48
Regular (Non-Resident) 2nd Vehicle Discount $ 224 $ 380 $ 380 $38 $38
Resident Discount $ 255,837 $ 234,221 $ 173,160 $30 $30
Resident 2nd Vehicle Discount $ 11,973 $ 17,152 $ 14,175 $15 $15
Resident Seniors/Military/Persons with Disabilities $ 42,547 $ 52,862 $ 45,762 $22 FREE
Resident Seniors/Military/Persons with Disabilities 2nd Vehicle
Discount
$ -
$ 1,595
$ 5,984
$11
REMOVE FEE
Non-Resident Seniors/Military/Persons with Disabilities $ 5,680 $ 4,382 $ 3,008 $32 $32
Non-Res Seniors/Military/Persons with Disabilities 2nd Vehicle Discount
$ -
$ 25
$ 175
$25
$25
Joint Parks Perks Pass (Collaboration with Huron-Clinton Metroparks)
$ 133,930
$ 132,986
$ 113,634
$59
$64
Buses/Vans
Resident Buses/Vans $1/person ($8 min) $1/person ($8 min)
Non-Resident Buses/Vans $2/person ($10 $2/person ($10 min)
Buses/Vans Seniors/Military/Persons with Disabilities (12 passenger+) $12/bus/van/day $12/bus/van/day
Walk-ins/Bike-ins at Day-Use Parks Free Free
Fourth of July Fireworks at Groveland Oaks with Annual Vehicle Pass Free
Fourth of July Fireworks at Groveland Oaks without Annual Vehicle Pass $10 after 4 p.m.
Oakland County Parks Days at the Oakland County Fair Free Free
Vehicle Permit Group Discounts
Quantity Price/Permi
t
25-100 $25
101-250 $20
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September 2, 2020
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251 + $15
AYES: Herzog, Jamian, Kostin, LaFontaine, Long, McGillivray, Nash, Quarles, VanderVeen (9)
NAYS: (0)
Motion passed on a roll call vote.
Update on OCPR Millage - Written & Verbal
Business Development Representative Stephanie Mackey provided an update on the Oakland County Parks and
Recreation Millage ballot proposal for the November 3, 2020 election. The initial .25 millage approved in 1966 was
renewed by voters in five-year increments until 1990 when it became a 10-year millage. The current millage has been
reduced by required Headlee rollbacks to a rate of .2310 mills and is set t o expire December 31, 2021. The Board of
Commissioners approved and submitted the recommended renewal and increase to .35 mills to the Oakland County
Clerk’s Office for the November 3, 2020 ballot. The purpose of the millage is to improve, operate, and maintain parks,
open space and water areas, trails, and recreation facilities; to allow for free day-use park admission for seniors (62
and over), military, veterans, and residents with permanent disabilities; to expand trails; to enhance local recreation
programs; and to increase environmental conservation and recreation activities.
Staff has begun public awareness efforts on the millage to educate and inform the public which include:
• Staff training
• Updates to staff emails, voicemails, and customer service interactions
• Announcements during customer service interactions, programs and on receipts and email confirmations
• Vendor outreach and information sharing
• Signage installed at parks, on trails, and in restrooms
• Social media plans for Facebook, Twitter and Instagram with weekly updates
• Website with general information, FAQ’s and Digital Toolkit
• Video Testimonials to be added to the website and social media
• eMarketing messages scheduled for Wednesdays
• Absentee Mailer scheduled to go to 490,000 households in Oakland County
• Outreach to local municipalities and partners with plans in process for virtual town hall meetings
• Oakland County Board of Commissioners published a Media Release that appeared in The Legal News
and The Oakland County Times
• Created poster for 10 Ways to Get Involved
Executive Officer Daniel Stencil advised there is also a 501 (c) (4) citizens group, Citizens for Oakland County Parks
and Recreation, which is working to support the ballot proposal.
Orion Oaks - LJ Construction License Agreement Extension to May 31, 2021
Moved by Ms. Herzog, supported by Mr. Jamian to approve extending the construction license agreement
with LJ Construction Company of Clinton, Michigan to temporarily use the vacant gravel storage lot at
Orion Oaks County Park for the purpose of staging and storing materials and equipment during a trail
construction project for the Paint Creek Trail to May 31, 2021.
AYES: Herzog, Jamian, Kostin, LaFontaine, Long, McGillivray, Nash, Quarles, VanderVeen (9)
NAYS: (0)
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September 2, 2020
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Motion passed on a roll call vote.
Recommendation on OCPR Sponsorship Sales RFP
Moved by Mr. Kostin, supported by Mr. VanderVeen to approve a 3-year contract with Marx Layne &
Company to provide sponsorship sales and management services to Oakland County Parks and Recreation
Commission.
AYES: Herzog, Jamian, Kostin, LaFontaine, Long, McGillivray, Nash, Quarles, VanderVeen (9)
NAYS: (0)
Motion passed on a roll call vote.
REPORTS:
Update on Operational Plan for OCPR Facilities
Executive Officer Stencil provided an updated report on the status of the Operational Plan for OCPR parks and
facilities due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Moved by Mr. Nash, supported b Ms. LaFontaine to receive and file the report on the Operational Plan for
OCPR Facilities.
AYES: Herzog, Jamian, Kostin, LaFontaine, Long, McGillivray, Nash, Quarles, VanderVeen (9)
NAYS: (0)
Motion passed on a unanimous voice vote.
Fiscal Sustainability Work Group
Manager of Parks and Recreation Operations Sue Wells provided an update to the Commission on the Fiscal
Sustainability Committee. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, OCPR FY 2020 revenues are expected to be
approximately $2 million short. She advised staff has done a wonderful job cutting expenses during these very trying
times, wherever possible. There are very few areas where staff can control the expenses, and they have done a great
job in those areas.
The following reports were submitted:
• August 5, 2020 Fiscal Sustainability Committee Meeting Notes
• OCPR FY2020 Financial Activity Comparison for March – July 2020
• FY2020/2019 Financial Activity Monthly Comparison – July 31, 2020
• FY2020/2019 Financial Activity Monthly Comparison – July 30, 2020 (Charges for Services Revenue)
• FY2020/FY2019 Financial Activity Monthly Comparison by Program/Department - (with Depreciation)
• FY2020/FY2019 Financial Activity Monthly Comparison by Program/Department - (without Depreciation)
Chief of Park Operations and Maintenance-South District Tom Hughes advised the number of golf rounds and
revenues have been up this year for July and August, due to the increased trend in patrons seeking outdoor activities
as a result of the pandemic. He also informed the Commission about the irrigation well at Lyon Oaks Golf Course
that failed and had to be replaced. The original well was more than 20 years old. This was an unexpected
expenditure and staff will present the approval for the expenditure to the Commission at the October 7, 2020 meeting.
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September 2, 2020
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Activity Participation and Program Review
This item was removed from the agenda.
Holly Oaks ORV Park Update
Melissa Prowse, Supervisor of Planning provided an update on the activity at Holly Oaks ORV Park including:
• Proposed ribbon cutting event on Friday, September 11, 2020
• Grand Opening on Thursday, September 17, 2020
• Development of Mt. Magna
• Development of trails and parking areas
• Collaboration with Mt. Holly for park operations and ticket sales
• Donations from Mahindra of contact station; Pac-Van for storage containers; and Advance Concrete
Products of concrete slabs and septic tanks
• Ford Bronco launch activities at the park in August
• Staffing efforts and hours of operation
Due to the limited staffing levels there will be limited hours of operation at the park. The schedule is listed
below:
Opening Weekend
Thursday, September 17, 2020 2 - 8 p.m.
Friday, September 18 – Sunday, September 20, 2020 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Friday, September 25, 2020 2 - 8 p.m.
September 26 - 27, 2020 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.
October
Fridays 2 - 7 p.m.
Saturdays & Sundays 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.
November 1, 2020 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
November 7 - 29, 2020
Saturday and Sunday Only 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Staff will assess December/Winter hours of operation in the coming months and update accordingly.
Patrons will need an MDNR/ORV vehicle sticker, an ORV Trail Sticker, and pay an entry fee for entry into
the park. They will not need a Recreation Passport sticker or an Oakland County Parks and Recreation
Annual Vehicle Permit.
Executive Officer Report
In addition to the Executive Officer’s Report filed in the agenda packet, Executive Officer Daniel Stencil provided an
update on the following items:
• The next OCPR Commission meeting is Wednesday, October 7, 2020 at 1:00 p.m. via teleconference.
• The next OCPRC Executive Committee meeting is scheduled on Monday, September 21, 2020 at 1:00
p.m. via teleconference.
• Donation of Little Library at Catalpa Oaks County Park
• Millage Awareness Events:
o Catalpa Oaks County Park Trail and Soccer Field Ribbon Cutting, Friday, October 2, 2020
o Preservation Clarkston/Bailey House Open House – Date to be Announced
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September 2, 2020
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o OC BOC Boat Cleaning Program – Date to be Announced
o Native Plant Distribution – Oakland County Farmers Market – Date to be Announced
• Reduced staffing levels and reduction of hours of operation at parks for Fall
Executive Committee Update
Chairman McGillivray advised the discussion at the last OCPRC Executive Committee meeting focused on the review
of the agenda for the September 2, 2020 OCPR Commission meeting, and the proposed 2020 Oakland County Parks
and Recreation millage renewal.
OLD BUSINESS
There was no old business to report.
NEW BUSINESS
Michigan Department of Natural Resources Fisheries Habitat Program Grant Acceptance ($121,000)
Moved by Mr. Nash, supported by Mrs. Quarles to adopt the following resolution accepting the grant from the
Michigan Department of Natural Resources Fisheries Habitat Program and forward it to the Oakland County
Board of Commissioners for approval and execution of the Project Agreement:
WHEREAS in November 2019 Oakland County Parks and Recreation Commission applied to the Michigan
Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Fisheries Habitat Grant Program for funding to assist with design
and engineering costs for the removal of the Mill Pond Dam and restoration of the natural stream channel in
Springfield Township, Michigan; and
WHEREAS Oakland County and Springfield Township have an existing agreement that governs the
management of the Mill Pond Dam, with 55% of costs paid by Oakland County Parks and Recreation and
45% of costs paid for by Springfield Township; and
WHEREAS in 2018 and 2019 Oakland County Parks and Recreation and Springfield Township jointly
conducted, with AECOM (infrastructure consulting firm), a Feasibility Study to determine the next steps for the
Mill Pond Dam, which does not currently meet Michigan Department of Environmental, Great Lakes & Energy
(EGLE) standards and is in need of repair, replacement or removal; and
WHEREAS upon the completion of the Feasibility Study Springfield Township and Oakland County Parks and
Recreation agreed that removing the dam and restoring the natural stream channel was the best option for
both entities, the local community, and the environment; and
WHEREAS Oakland County Parks and Recreation in its 5-Year Recreation Master Plan has an organizational
goal to protect natural resources, including improving ecological communities and preserving high-quality
natural ecosystems; and
WHEREAS Oakland County Parks and Recreation and Springfield Township have contracted with AECOM to
provide design and engineering services for the removal of the dam and the restoration of the stream channel
and adjacent uplands; and
WHEREAS Oakland County Parks and Recreation received a Project Agreement awarding a 2019 grant of
$121,300 to fund, in part, the design and engineering services; and
WHEREAS the match of $47,200 has been budgeted and will be paid by Oakland County Parks and
Recreation (55% - $25,960) and Springfield Township (45% - $21,240) per the agreement governing
maintenance and repairs of the Mill Pond Dam.
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September 2, 2020
Page 9
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED the Oakland County Parks and Recreation Commission
hereby recommends the Oakland County Board of Commissioners approve and accept the 2019
Michigan Department of Natural Resources Fisheries Habitat Grant Program Award of $121,300 with a
required match of $47,200 for a project total of $168,500 for the period of September 23, 2020 through
October 8, 2021.
AYES: Herzog, Jamian, Kostin, LaFontaine, Long, McGillivray, Nash, Quarles, VanderVeen (9)
NAYS: (0)
Motion passed on a roll call vote.
Resolution Approving September 20-27, 2020 Michigan Trails Week
Moved by Mr. Jamian, supported by Mr. Kostin to adopt the following resolution in support of proclaiming
September 20-27, 2020 as Michigan Trails Week and forward it to the Oakland County Board of
Commissioners for final approval:
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, trails and facilities,
resulting in a comprehensive county park system that enhances quality of life; and
WHEREAS measures taken to reduce the spread of COVID-19 are causing changes in everyday schedules
and are disrupting exercise routines for many Americans; and
WHEREAS exercise is especially important now because it can reduce stress, prevent weight gain, boost the
immune system, and improve sleep; and
WHEREAS the health benefits of regular physical activity and exercise have positive impacts over a lifetime;
and
WHEREAS COVID-19 closures of gyms, fitness studios, and other public places are resulting in reduced
opportunities for physical activity; and
WHEREAS Oakland County Parks were open, and beginning March until June1, 2020, entry fees were
eliminated for residents and guests looking to seek refuge from quarantine, joblessness, or the inability to
travel; and
WHEREAS Oakland County Parks have seen a rise in park attendance since the spring; and
WHEREAS every year, during the month of September, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources
(DNR) declares Michigan Trails Week; and
WHEREAS trail veterans and newcomers are invited to join the DNR and the Michigan Trails and Greenways
Alliance on a mission to collectively travel 100,000 miles during Michigan Trails Week; and
WHEREAS this year’s Michigan Trails 2020 Challenge is an eight-days challenge to walk, hike, ride or paddle
to earn badges for different milestones during the last week of September; and
WHEREAS Oakland County’s wealth of trails provides an abundance of opportunities for residents and
visitors to enjoy our county’s spectacular natural resources; and
WHEREAS the Oakland County Parks system offers nearly 80 miles of paved and natural trails within its
parks for walking, jogging, skating, biking and equestrian riding year-round; and
WHEREAS the Oak Routes county-wide trail system is the result of successful partnerships between state
agencies, local trails groups, local units of government, non-profit organizations, and businesses coming
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September 2, 2020
Page 10
together to connect communities and people; and
WHEREAS Oakland County Parks’ trails continue to be an emerging need to attract Oakland County
residents and visitors from neighboring counties; and
WHEREAS the County’s trail system provides residents with broad access to a low -cost, accessible, and
enjoyable way to exercise and improve health; and
WHEREAS trail-related activities, including hiking, walking, running, biking, horseback riding, cross-country
skiing, paddling are among the most popular and growing means of outdoor enjoyment; and
WHEREAS the existence of quality trails helps to strengthen the appeal of communities by boosting quality-
of-life amenities that attract businesses and increase property values; 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, a nd environmental quality of our
community.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Oakland County Parks and Recreation Commission hereby
declares September 20-27, 2020 as Michigan Trails Week in Oakland County and encourages all citizens to
celebrate healthy, active lifestyles by participating in their choice of recreation, park and trail activities.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that Oakland County’s rich network of trails continue to provide residents and
visitors with scenic spaces to explore nature, appreciate wildlife, experience solitude, or share time with family
and friends.
AYES: Herzog, Jamian, Kostin, LaFontaine, Long, McGillivray, Nash, Quarles, VanderVeen (9)
NAYS: (0)
Motion passed on a roll call vote.
Resolution Supporting the Ballot Proposal to Amend the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund
Moved by Ms. Quarles, supported by Mr. Nash to adopt the following resolution in support of the Ballot
Proposal to Amend the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund:
WHEREAS, the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund (MNRTF) has funded public land acquisition and
recreation projects with royalties from oil, gas and minerals from public lands in all eighty -three counties in
the state since its founding in 1976; and
WHEREAS, projects supported by the MNRTF help Michigan communities protect the state’s lakes, streams,
lands and wildlife habitats and build recreational facilities like parks, trails and river and beach access for the
enjoyment of Michigan residents and visitors, with economic, quality-of-life and public health benefits; and
WHEREAS, every Michigan resident is within a one-hour drive of a state park or recreation area, which are
critical contributors to Michigan’s $25.7 billion tourism industry that support s 237,733 direct jobs; and
WHEREAS, Oakland County Parks and Recreation Commission has received $8,580,750 to create park and
recreation opportunities including the development of accessible fishing piers and boat launches, t he
Connector Trail at Addison Oaks County Park, the Acquisition of Independence Oaks-North, and natural
areas accessibility improvements throughout the park system.
OCPR Commission Meeting
September 2, 2020
Page 11
WHEREAS, the Michigan Legislature unanimously voted to allow the MNRTF to again receive royalties from
oil, gas and mining on public land to fund land co nservation and recreation, to commit at least 25% of Trust
Fund dollars to building and renovating public recreation facilities like trails, parks and rivers and lake access
and at least 25% for land conservation, and requiring 20% of State Parks Endowment Fund expenditures be
for improvements at state parks, without raising taxes;
WHEREAS, Michigan voters will now have the opportunity to approve these changes in the 2020 general
election, thus amending Article IX, Section 35 and 35a of the Michigan Constitution.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that Oakland County Parks and Recreation Commission hereby
supports the ballot question placed before voters in the 2020 general election to update and expand the
MNRTF, guaranteeing investment in conservation and outdoor recreation for generations to come, protecting
our natural resources and invigorating our local economies.
AYES: Herzog, Jamian, Kostin, LaFontaine, Long, McGillivray, Nash, Quarles, VanderVeen (9)
NAYS: (0)
Motion passed on a roll call vote.
ADJOURNMENT:
Meeting adjourned at 2:15 p.m.
Ebony Bagley, Secretary Vicky Valko, Recording Secretary