The special meeting of the Board of Park Trustees of the County of Calhoun was held Wednesday, February 28, 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 D. Veramay, Member
Dennis A. Randolph, Managing Director
Joanna I. Johnson, Assistant Managing Director
Pixie Coats, Human Resource Director
Kevin Henning, Finance Director
Also Present: Annette Chapman, Parks & Recreation Director
Frank Post, Emmett Township Public Safety Director
Nancy Mullett, Calhoun County Counsel
Greg Purcell, Calhoun County Administrator/Controller
Nelson Karr, General Counsel
Paul Beardslee, General Counsel
Chairperson Monaweck called the meeting to order at 9:07 a.m.
Mr. Randolph stated that this Special Meeting was called to discuss the concerns from the County regarding the Silver Leaf Renaissance Faire. Mr. Randolph then handed the meeting over to Annette Chapman, Parks and Recreation Director.
• Mrs. Chapman stated that she wanted to address the Special Use Permit and the Silver Leaf Renaissance Faire separately.
• Mrs. Chapman gave some background on the research she did for the Special Use Permit in surrounding Counties. She submitted a proposed permit to Nelson Karr who reviewed it and added a few suggestions.
• The park rules need to be adjusted to reflect that the consumption of alcohol requires a Special Use Permit. The rules should be modified with participation from Mrs. Chapman, the County attorney, and our attorney. The permit will require the approval from the Park Trustees Board and then submitted to the County Board for acceptance.
• Mr. Purcell stated that there should be a resolution submitted to amend the Park Rules. The Rules should also be publicized to let everyone know what the changes are and when they will take effect.
• The Special Use Permit should be written not only to include the allowance of alcohol but also the allowance of a change to park hours, overnight camping, etc.this would allow for a more expansive use of the park and still fall within the modified park rules because they would be incorporated into the Special Use Permit.
• Mr. Frank Post, the Emmett Township Public Safety Director stated that the Liquor Control Commission would look to the local township authority in regards to the issuance of a liquor license for use in conjunction with the Special Use Permit. This licensing procedure should be further investigated so the steps taken in obtaining a Special Use Permit run in tandem with the requirements of the Liquor Control Commission.
• Mrs. Chapman stated that the Disc Golf Tournament would be held again this year at Kimball Pines March 11 th and 12 th . They would like a Special Use Permit but unfortunately, due to timing this is something that they may want to consider for next year. They are also working on getting the World Championship Disc Golf Tournament to use Kimball Pines in 2008 at which time they would like the ability to set up a beer tent or booth.
• The Silver Leaf Renaissance Faire is a 5-week faire going from mid July to mid August and would bring in around 25,000 people. This organization is looking at a long-term agreement (30years). They will invest in the facilities and will need approximately 1,500 parking spaces (10 acres). A temporary fence will be put up during the event and taken down once the event is over. This allows them to charge for the event and keep out those that haven't paid. It also deters vandalism in the park.
• Calhoun County Road Commission will be required to log trees to clear room for parking as well as a jousting area. The tree logging revenue will help to pay for the parking area/access and also for some of the improvements. The 2.5% of the gross earnings from the Faire will also go to help pay for the remainder of the expenses.
• Calhoun County Road Commission will use ACT 51 money as needed for park road improvements because the park is off a certified road.
• Silver Leaf will contribute between $5,000 and $10,000 for parking improvements. They will also provide EMT's and First Aid staging areas, along with providing security for their event.
• Mr. Frank Post, Emmett Township Public Safety Director stated they had concerns regarding any new buildings on the property as they are in a remote area of the park and may become subject to vandalism during the off season.
• Mr. Randolph mentioned that he has talked with the Calhoun County Medical Care Facility staff and they are very excited about the new development within the park. We are coordinating with them as they go through their building enhancements.
• Mr. Purcell mentioned that he would like the Park Trustees Board to hold a public meeting regarding the new developments within Kimball Pines. He stated that we should publish a notice of the meeting two weeks prior to holding the meeting. This will ensure that the public has been informed and had an opportunity to respond with any of their concerns.
• Mr. Purcell inquired if Mrs. Chapman had an estimate of what the cost would be. Mrs. Chapman stated that she is still working on this but would be happy to let him have a copy when it was completed. Mr. Randolph said that we would do the majority of the work in-house since we already have the trucks and the gravel.
• Mrs. Chapman stated that we would need to act on this now so that it can be completed by July.
• Mr. Randolph commented that this event would be good for Calhoun County. It will sit right between Binder Park Zoo and the Casino.
• Mrs. Chapman asked Mr. Purcell if all of his concerns have been answered. Mr. Purcell said yes and thanked her for the presentation.
Chairperson Monaweck announced that the next regular meeting of the Board of Park Trustees is scheduled for Wednesday, March 1, 2006 immediately following the 9:00 a.m. Calhoun County Board of Road Commission meeting. There being no additional business before the Board, the special meeting was adjourned at 10:00 a.m.
