Meeting Minutes

The regular meeting of the Board of Park Trustees of the County of Calhoun was held Wednesday, August 4, 2004 in their office located at 13300 Fifteen Mile Road, Marshall, Michigan.

Present: Commissioner Albert C. Bobrofsky, Chairperson

Commissioner Chester E. Travis, Vice-Chairperson

Commissioner David D. Veramay, Member

Dennis A. Randolph, Managing Director

Carole S. Tabiadon, Deputy Managing Director – Clerk

Joanna I. Johnson, Assistant Managing Director

Angela Kline, Assistant County Highway Engineer

Also Present: Tom Frank, Albion Township Supervisor

Eugene Hamaker, Marshall Township Supervisor

Joseph Bramble, Convis Township Resident

Clarence Millard, Newton Township Resident

Greg Purcell, Calhoun County Administrator

Annette Chapman, Calhoun County Parks & Recreation Director

Bill Rees, Custer Greens Golf Course Manager

Chairperson Bobrofsky called the meeting to order at 9:59 a.m. There being no additions or corrections to the regular meeting minutes of July 7, 2004 they stand approved as printed and distributed. There being no additions or corrections to the Special Meeting minutes of July 21, 2004 they stand approved as printed and distributed.

NEW BUSINESS

Motion by Commissioner Travis and supported by Commissioner Veramay to approve Resolution Parks 2004-03; Fund Deficit Plan. Mr. Randolph stated that one objective of the property sale is to take care of this deficit, which is left from Kingman Museum. Voice vote: Motion carried.

Resolution Parks 2004 – 03

Fund Deficit Plan

WHEREAS, Calhoun County Parks Trustees was audited for the 2003 Fiscal Year; and

WHEREAS, the 2003 Fiscal Year Audit has determined that there is a fund deficit in that fund; and

WHEREAS, the deficit for Calhoun County Parks Trustees is $66,021; and

WHEREAS, a Fund Deficit Plan must be filed with the State of Michigan Department of Treasury according to MCL 141.921.

THEREFORE IT IS DETERMINED, Calhoun County Parks Trustees has revenue that is owed by Calhoun County Road Commission for maintenance of the certified roads within the County Parks system. This revenue along with the excess revenue over expenditures of the Custer Greens Golf Course, a County Parks leased golf course, will eliminate the Calhoun County Parks Trustees deficit.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT, Calhoun County Parks Trustees has a valid and workable deficit elimination plan in place and will carry such out with the approval of the Calhoun County Board of Parks Trustees.

OTHER BUSINESS

Mrs. Annette Chapman provided a memo reflecting the results of her meeting with the V.A. regarding Custer Greens Golf Course.

On July 22, 2004, Bill Rees (Golf Course Manager) and I (Annette Chapman, Calhoun County Parks and Recreation Director) met with Alice Woods-Director of the VA, Greg Harris-Assistant Director, Scott Ferguson-Supervisor, Therapeutic Recreation Section and Linda Cunic-Contracting Officer.

We spoke to them about the monetary loss that we had experienced every year since our management agreement of the golf course took place. We informed them that if we could not at least cover our expenses that we would have to consider terminating our agreement. We asked them to consider the following; to charge all veterans 3 to 4 dollars to play golf or to deduct that charge for each golfing veteran from the annual contribution that we make to the VA. We also asked them if they have any other suggestions as to how they could assist us in modifying other areas of the contract.

Alice Woods from the VA agreed to the following:

•  To lower the annual contribution of the golf course to the VA to a minimum dollar amount of $1000.00.

•  To charge all outpatient veterans $3.50 for a 9-hole round of golf. They would have the use of any VA carts available in which they can use for free. If no carts were available then the outpatient veteran would pay the regular fee for a golf cart supplied by Custer Greens. All impatient veterans would golf for free.

She also made the following suggestions and agrees to these terms:

•  All outpatient veterans would pay for use of the driving range. All inpatient veterans would use the range for free.

•  Volunteers of the VA would not be allowed any more free passes for golf. If a volunteer presents their VA id card they would be allowed to play for $3.50 (a reduced fee) and be charged a regular golf cart fee.

•  More signage. The VA is willing to let us put a huge sign, advertising the golf course out on Dickman Road at their laundry facility/property.

•  Possibility of using/charging for the miniature golf course that is located to the north of the clubhouse. The VA is going to check into this with the group that donated the money for its construction. The VA felt that this facility was underutilized and it would be a good trade with us, if we could do some additional improvements to it.

•  The VA suggested the possibility of us providing food sales outside. They are willing to let us use the large grill to the north of the clubhouse. They will be checking into the legality of this.

•  The VA also stated that the vacant home that sits adjacent to the golf course to the north could also be used if we were to have a large banquet.

•  The VA is also willing to provide additional golf carts for veterans. We are to get with them with the condition of the existing carts and report to them what kind of demand there is for more.

On an average, our annual contribution to the VA is roughly $7300. By reducing our annual contribution to $1000-we will save an average of $6300 annually. Last year we had a total of 65 volunteer passes but 100 were issued-this will account for approximately $350.00. In addition, last year we had over 4000 patient passes. If we assume that half of those are outpatient veterans and we were to charge $3.50 for a 9-hole round, the change would result in revenue of $7000. These changes alone account for $13,650 of potential revenue that would assist us in reducing our expenses.

The VA was more than willing to accommodate us in this renegotiation. They stated that they wanted very much to keep the golf course going and were very happy with what we have accomplished at the course and our working relationship with them. I feel that they have been generous in what they have agreed to and I recommend implementing these changes for the 2005 season.

Commissioner Bobrofsky asked if she felt these changes it will give them chance for 2005 to be better financially.

Mrs. Chapman stated yes, with these changes they will have a good chance.

Mr. Randolph said that he would like to recommend continuing with 2005 and looking at it again next year.

Bill Rees showed an award to the Board that the 110 th Fighter Wing has presented to Custer Greens Golf Course as a special thank you. Mr. Randolph will have it framed so it can be displayed.

Mrs. Chapman said that she went on a river trip with the trailway group. The Calhoun County Sheriff Department has been very helpful.

Mrs. Chapman said that they are working on 2 historic bridges. She is getting the information to Lansing and hopes to put abutments in this fall.

Mr. Randolph mentioned that the park patrol is going very well.

Mrs. Chapman said that Kimball Pines Park has set the standard for Disc Golf in this area. We are the first one in the county. There is one to be installed in Marshall and two in Battle Creek, now. They are looking at our course for the National Championship in 2005 or 2006.

Commissioner Veramay stated there was an interesting article in last Sunday's Jackson newspaper listing all parks in Jackson County. He thinks the more amenities that we have here, in Calhoun County, the more people we will get here.

Chairperson Bobrofsky announced that the next regular meeting of the Board of Park Trustees is scheduled for Wednesday, September 1, 2004 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 10:18 a.m.