Meeting Minutes

The regular meeting of the Board of Park Trustees of the County of Calhoun was held Wednesday, July 6, 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

Dennis A. Randolph, Managing Director

Joanna I. Johnson, Assistant Managing Director

Carole S. Tabiadon, Deputy Managing Director - Clerk

Angela Kline, Assistant County Highway Engineer

Also Present: Tom Frank, Albion Township Supervisor

Robert Brownell, Marengo Township Supervisor

Joseph Bramble, Convis Township Resident

Gardy Berezonsky, Marengo Township Resident

Annette Chapman, Calhoun County Parks and Recreation Director

Chairperson Monaweck called the meeting to order at 9:55 am. He stated that there being no additions or corrections to the regular meeting minutes of June 1, 2005 they stand approved as printed and distributed.

OTHER BUSINESS

Mrs. Chapman reported:

•  She has done some research into alcoholic beverages at public parks. Battle Creek City does not allow alcoholic beverages at any of their parks except C.O. Brown Stadium. However, law enforcement does not actively enforce that rule. She is continuing her research.

•  There was vandalism at Ott Preserve that she will have repaired. The beavers have been very busy there with dam building.

•  She received a $3,500 Challenge Grant from Solid Waste. She ordered recycled furniture, dog waste bag stations, trash and recycle containers for Bridge Park.

•  She is working on the I-69 Heritage Route regarding prairie restoration at Tekonsha truck rest area.

•  Our paving crew has completed paving Wattles Road. MDOT has requested additional information on the Bike Lane project; she has a meeting scheduled next week to resolve these delays in this project.

•  She addressed the bike route signage on B Drive North from Marshall to Albion.

Robert Brownell, Marengo Township Supervisor, said his Township Board thought the bike route was a safety issue with the no passing zones on that road.

Gardy Berezonsky, Marengo Township resident, asked who paid for the signs. Mrs. Chapman indicated that the Road Commission furnished and installed the signs, in accordance with Act 51 and Mr. Randolph's approval. Mr. Randolph said he would have a traffic study done on that road and have the results at the next Parks Board Meeting.

Mr. Randolph announced that he has been working with Marshall City and the Conservation District to remove the Rice Creek Dam.

Commissioner Monaweck stated that many people have commented to him that the golf course is subsidized by Road Commission funds; is there any way to communicate the facts to the public. Mr. Randolph indicated it is an ongoing issue which is addressed continually.

Tom Frank, Albion Township Supervisor, said that people think the Bridge Park is funded by Road Commission funds, too. Mr. Randolph stated the Bridge Park has received over $800,000 in grants and it actually benefits the Road Commission; more than the reverse.

Chairperson Monaweck announced that the next regular meeting of the Board of Park Trustees is scheduled for Wednesday, August 3, 2005 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 10:36 a.m.