Meeting Minutes

The regular meeting of the Board of Park Trustees of the County of Calhoun was held Wednesday, October 5, 2005 in their office located at 13300 Fifteen Mile Road, Marshall, Michigan.

Present: Commissioner Charles E. Monaweck, Chairperson

Commissioner Chester E. Travis, Vice-Chairperson

Commissioner David D. Veramay, Member

Joanna I. Johnson, Assistant Managing Director - Board Clerk

Pixie Coats, Human Resource Director - Deputy Clerk

Also Present: Clarence Millard, Newton Township Resident

Joseph Bramble, Convis Township Resident

Annette Chapman, Calhoun County Parks and Recreation Director

Kevin Henning, Finance Director

Laura Monaweck, Athens Township Resident

Chairperson Monaweck called the meeting to order at 10:24 am. He stated that there being no additions or corrections to the regular meeting minutes of September 7, 2005 they stand approved as printed and distributed.

PARKS & RECREATION DIRECTOR REPORT:

•  Mrs. Chapman stated that yesterday she had a meeting with Carol Petredean-Di Salvio, the Administrator of the Homer Area Community Foundation. Ms. Petredean-Di Salvio is also the director of the Community Foundation Alliance of Calhoun County. Mrs. Chapman explained we had set up an endowment fund about a year and a half ago through the Calhoun Community Supporting Organization, part of the Battle Creek Foundation. A fund was in place for those interested in making a donation to benefit the parks. Ms. Petredean-Di Salvio was excited about the parks and felt she could help us market our endowment fund. Mrs. Chapman was asked to make a presentation on the parks and the trailways November 16, 2005, to the Boards of the various foundations. Ms. Petredean-Di Salvio thought maybe the Boards could put their heads together and come up with ideas on how to market our endowment fund.

•  Update on the Wattles Road Bike Lane: About 95% of the east side of the road has been excavated and we will start putting the aggregate down and then start paving it within the next two weeks. Two culverts will be installed to help the water issues on the road. They have taken down most of the trees. We had a small issue with the mailboxes when we moved them, but Mrs. Chapman talked to the citizens and let them know it was only temporary. The completion date is December 1 st, but the contractor is working to have everything completed by November 15 th . Commissioner Monaweck asked why we did not make the cuts for the culverts prior to laying the new asphalt? Mrs. Chapman stated that she had overlooked those when she was reviewing the plans that Wilcox had completed. She accepted full responsibility and this was not something we typically like to see happen.

•  Mrs. Chapman received a call from Jim Demarest, Emmett Township Supervisor and will be going out with him to look at our traffic signage on Wattles Road. He expressed some concerns about the signage.

•  Golf course update: Mrs. Chapman met with Dennis Randolph, Joanna Johnson and our golf course manager, Bill Rees to go over the current financial standings. The end of the season is October 31 st . We are in the red about $5,000.00, but by using some of the money that the County gave us, we should be in good standings. We are also looking at increasing the prices. Mrs. Chapman noted she will work with Kevin Henning our new Finance Director on the golf course finances for further review and ideas. The golf course has received many new members and have started many new leagues. Our current VA contract is up for negotiation. They sent us a new contract for the next three years, however we will look to negotiate a one year contract for annual review.

•  Mrs. Chapman noted we have already received the check from MDOT for the I-69 Recreation Heritage Route - it was very timely. She also noted the same amount was applied for next year, however we will not know if it was awarded till November. Mrs. Chapman informed the Commissioners that Misty the administrative assistant for this grant is no longer with us, but Kelly Riddle has stepped in until we know if next year's grant is also approved.

COMMISSIONER COMMENTS

Commissioner Monaweck asked if there was any mention to the VA about the drawbacks for not having liquor on the premises. Mrs. Chapman stated that she has not approached them on this subject, because they have not met regarding the negotiation of the contract.

Commissioner Travis told Mrs. Chapman that he hopes she does well on her presentation. He stated that he has heard her presentations before and thought she was a very good speaker.

Chairperson Monaweck announced that the next regular meeting of the Board of Park Trustees is scheduled for Wednesday, November 16, 2005 immediately following the 9:00 a.m. Calhoun County Road Commission meeting. There being no additional business before the Board, the meeting was adjourned at 10.39 a.m.