The regular meeting of the Board of Park Trustees of the County of Calhoun was held Wednesday, September 6, 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 David Veramay, Member
Dennis A. Randolph, Managing Director
Joanna I. Johnson, Assistant Managing Director
Kevin Henning, Finance Director
Pixie Coats, Human Resource Director
Angie Kline, Assistant County Highway Engineer
Also Present: Tom Frank, Albion Township Supervisor
Clarence Millard, Newton Township Resident
Walt Gamble, Silver Leaf Renaissance Faire Productions
Marianne Deanau, Silver Leaf Renaissance Faire Productions
Jim Russell, Calhoun County Road Commission
Steve Ball, Calhoun County Road Commission
Annette Chapman, Parks & Recreation Director
Chairperson Monaweck called the meeting to order at 10:35 a.m. He stated that there being no additions or corrections to the regular meeting minutes of August 2, 2006 they stand approved as printed and distributed.
COMMUNICATIONS AND RESOLUTIONS
Received a letter from Annette Chapman, Parks Director, recommending terminating the lease of Custer Greens Golf Course with the VA Medical Center
NEW BUSINESS
Moved by Commissioner Veramay and supported by Commissioner Travis to approve the recommendation to terminate the lease of Custer Greens Golf Course with the VA Medical Center. Voice vote: Motion carried.
Moved by Commissioner Veramay and supported by Commissioner Travis to support the presentation of the County Trailways Master Plan as presented. Voice vote: Motion carried.
COMMISSIONER’S COMMENTS
Commissioner Veramay stated that he hated to see us have to give up the golf course but still feels it was a good idea. Mr. Randolph said that it has always been a struggle for us. Mrs. Johnson wanted to say thank you to Mrs. Chapman and Mr. Bill Rees, the Manager at the golf course for the last three years. They have done a great job bringing the golf course to the level it is today. Commissioner Veramay said that the VA Medical Center is receiving the course back in much better shape than we received it.
Commissioner Monaweck said that Mrs. Chapman has done a great job with the County Trailways Master Plan. Commissioner Monaweck commented that he had spoke with some people who were in their eighty’s and they had spent 72 days hiking the North County Trail and written a book on it. He found that to be very interesting.
SILVER LEAF RENAISSANCE PRESENTATION
Mr. Walt Gamble, from Silver Leaf Renaissance Faire Productions, discussed an outline of plans for the upcoming Octoberfest event they would like to hold on October 7th at Kimball Pines. They stated that this event was to raise awareness and funds for the Endless Boundaries playground that they would like to put in at Kimball Pines but details were sketchy and no special use permit was applied for. He discussed the different children events, live entertainment, and a beer tent for the adults.
Commissioner Monaweck asked how the Renaissance Fair went this summer and if it met their expectations. Mr. Gamble stated that is went better than expected. He said they expected a loss in attendance but instead broke their single day record attendance and season record attendance.
Mrs. Johnson noted that Mr. Gamble should work with Mrs. Chapman on a regroup meeting regarding the Faire and continue discussions on future events.
MANAGING DIRECTOR’S REPORT
Mr. Randolph commented that the Casino is getting closer to ground breaking.
Mr. Randolph stated that he received many good comments about the condition of the golf course but without receiving any financial assistance, it has made it a struggle. Overall we have had a good year for the parks system.
POWER POINT PRESENTATION
Mrs. Chapman gave a power point presentation on the County Trailways Master Plan.
PARKS AND RECREATION DIRECTOR’S REPORT
Mrs. Chapman provided the Board with the following information:
Mrs. Chapman commented that they are right on schedule with the Charlotte Highway Bridge. Mr. Messler has a completion date for setting the bridge on the abutment by the end of December. Two bids were received for the abutments and are at the state for approval. We will have a crane bid because we need a large crane to set the bridge on the abutment. The only item left is the handrail for the bridge. It’s a critical part because the bridge is about 25 feet off the ground.
Mrs. Chapman met with the Health Department regarding the wells at Kimball Pines. Because of the use of the wells, they are now considered type 2 public wells and we will need to set up a testing program.
Mrs. Chapman stated that we will be starting on the holiday lights at the Bridge Park.
Chairperson Monaweck announced that the next regular meeting of the Board of Park Trustees is scheduled for Wednesday, October 4, 2006 immediately following the 9:00 a.m. Calhoun County Board of Road Commissioners meeting. There being no additional business before the Board, the meeting was adjourned at 11:17 a.m.
