Parks Trustees Meeting Minutes

The regular meeting of the Board of Park Trustees of the County of Calhoun was held Wednesday, June 7, 2006 in their office located at 13300 Fifteen Mile Road, Marshall, Michigan.

Present: Commissioner Charles E. Monaweck, Chairperson
Commissioner Chester E. Travis, Vice-Chairperson
Commissioner Veramay, Member
Dennis A. Randolph, Managing Director
Joanna I. Johnson, Assistant Managing Director
Pixie Coats, Human Resource Director
Kevin Henning, Finance Director
Also Present: Marianne Deanau, Silver Leaf Renaissance Faire Productions
Walt Gamble, Silver Leaf Renaissance Faire Productions
Annette Chapman, Parks & Recreation Director, Calhoun County Road Commission

Chairperson Monaweck called the meeting to order at 10:38 a.m. He stated that there being no additions or corrections to the regular meeting minutes of May 3, 2006 they stand approved as printed and distributed.

COMMUNICATIONS AND RESOLUTIONS

Received a copy of a letter Annette Chapman, Parks Director, sent to Mr. Alvin Rush, Rush's Forest Products, stating that the Board approved their proposal for the timberwork at Kimball Pines in the amount of $318.75 an acre with the total being $2,550.00.

Received a copy of a letter Annette Chapman, Parks Director, sent to Mr. Bradley Parlato, Soils & Materials Engineers, Inc., stating that the Board approved the stream improvements Trout Unlimited proposed to Dickinson Creek within Historic Bridge Park.

Received a memo from Kevin Henning, Finance Director, requesting the acceptance and the 2005 Audit Management Representation Letter from Rehmann Robson

Received a memo from Annette Chapman, Parks Director, regarding the insurance certificate and the Special Use Permit submitted by the Silver Leaf Renaissance Festival.

NEW BUSINESS

Moved by Commissioner Travis and supported by Commissioner Veramay to approve the acceptance of the 2005 Audit Management Representation from Rehmann Robson. Voice vote: Motion carried.

Moved by Commissioner Veramay and supported by Commissioner Travis to approve the Special Use Permit per the conditions outlined in Mrs. Chapman's memo submitted by the Silver Leaf Renaissance Festival. Voice vote: Motion carried.

MANAGING DIRECTOR'S REPORT

Mr. Randolph stated that everyone should visit Kimball Pines to see the changes that have been made. Our employees have done a nice job to make it look like a park rather than just a forest. Mr. Randolph stated that we are having a battle with the Health Department over the wells at the park. They have been out of use for some time and the water isn't up to standards. We are taking steps to correct this problem and hope to have it taken care of soon. At the end of the month we plan on having a re-dedication of the parks.

PARKS AND RECREATION DIRECTOR'S REPORT

Mrs. Chapman provided the Board with the following information:

Mrs. Chapman stated that part of our agreement with the Silver Leaf was to get a parking lot constructed to accommodate the parking, which is coming along great. The other part of the agreement was to get the second restroom up and running and this is currently underway.

The Health Department got involved with the restrooms because Silver Leaf had to get a permit for the campground we are building. Part of the campground is the water supply and it is regulated by the Health Department. The Health Department took two test samples of the water supply from well #1 and found a low amount of chloroform. It took four meetings with the Health Department for them to tell Mrs. Chapman what was needed to get the wells going again. They told Mrs. Chapman that the wells needed to be chlorinated and then tested again. Calhoun County Road Commission hired a well driller to do all that, as well as get the other well operational. In the mean time the Health Department made the assumption that the well is not going to pass the test. We have a meeting on Friday with the Health Department to go over everything and hope to straighten this all out.

Mrs. Chapman stated that the progress on the park project is going very well. She said that Silver Leaf is having a sponsor night, which will be held July 7 th . They would like the Board to attend and will be receiving a formal invitation.

Mrs. Chapman introduced Marianne Deanau, who is part owner and president of the Silver Leaf Renaissance.

Mrs. Chapman stated that on June 24 th from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., we will be holding our annual Living History Demonstration. North Country Trail, Silver Leaf, and we are hoping Binder Park Zoo will attend.
Mrs. Chapman stated that the final draft for the Trailway Plan is completed and going to the Board for final revisions. At our next Parks Board meeting Mrs. Chapman hopes to make a presentation of our final Master Plan.
Mrs. Chapman said that June 17 th is when Trout Unlimited is going to work at the Bridge Park. They will be doing shore restoration on Dickinson Creek.
Tomorrow we will have the Master Gardeners from the Leila Arboretum at Bridge Park to plant more gardens.
In August, the Parks Department will be sponsoring the "Kanoe the Kazoo", we will be canoeing Graham Lake.

Commissioner Monaweck asked who would be responsible for maintaining the restrooms in the Park? Mrs. Chapman said that the Road Commission would be responsible. We already have employees on staff that take care of the parks

Discussion took place on the advertising and signage for the Parks. Marketing is needed, however funding is not available. Therefore we look for free opportunities in this area.

CITIZEN'S COMMENTS

Mr. Gamble stated that he enjoys working with the County and has 100% complete faith in everything that the County and Mrs. Chapman has done. Mr. Gamble stated that he hopes to continue this good relationship and to have a great season.

Mrs. Johnson said that Calhoun County Road Commission appreciates Silver Leaf and hopes to continue having a great working relationship. Mrs. Johnson also stated she was glad to have them here in our County.

Marianne Deanau stated that she can't begin to tell the Board how many man hours have been put into improving Kimball Pines. Everyone has their hearts into this project.

Mrs. Johnson said that she appreciates all the volunteer efforts that have been put into the

Park improvements.

Mr. Gamble stated that he has had a lot of disc golfers offer to volunteer.

Mrs. Chapman stated that our staff from the Road Commission has been out there constructing the parking lot and have all worked very hard. They have all done a wonderful job.

Chairperson Monaweck announced that the next regular meeting of the Board of Park Trustees is scheduled for Wednesday, July 5, 2006 immediately following the 9:00 a.m. Calhoun County Board of Road Commission meeting. There being no additional business before the Board, the meeting was adjourned at 11:10 a.m.