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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1993 Park Board Minutes * PARK BOARD MINUTES January 20 , 1993 MEMBERS PRESENT-'-, Geof2g6 Harlow, Barry Crown, Sam Fata, Judy Filice , BY: Sally Laurio.n, Mary Margaret Woll (arrived 7 : 50 P .M. ) , John PoTIard '93 MU Pal k ��MEMBERS ABSENT: orot walski* OTHERS PRESENT: Brad Rees , Alan Vince, Corner Kicks Soccer; Vern Johnson, Doug Carlson, Nick Pehlivanoglia, Pete Chiaravalli , Walter Houpt, Andor Pogoncheff , Brian Gradwe-11 , Various Soccer Groups ; Donald Nourse , Heartland Assoc . , Inc. ; Ruth Armitage , Cheryl Lutz , Geneva Wiskemann, Paul Scott, Turner-Dodge Board; Richard Frank, FAIA; Chris Golembiewski , Lansing State Journal ; R. Eric Reickel , Susan Cantlon, Richard Schaefer , City of Lansing CALL TO ORDER: 7 : 30 P.M. , Turner-Dodge House APPROVAL OF MINUTES Barry Crown moved the minutes of December 16 , 1992 be approved as presented; seconded by Judy Filice. Motion carried. Minutes from other department boards were received. Foster minutes noted some parents had expressed concern over preschool program registration . The Park Board has previously discussed this at length. An update will be presented to the Board next month. CORNER KICKS SOCCER GROUP PARCEL D Don Nourse, Al Vince, and Brad Rees of Corner Kicks Soccer appeared. The group is proposing to purchase 5 acres of Parcel D at $20 , 000/acre with an option to purchase an additional 5 acres at $20 , 000/acre to construct an indoor soccer facility. The remaining 22 acres are to be developed jointly by the City of Lansing and Ingham County as a 10 field outdoor soccer complex. This project is eligible for a DNR grant with 25 percent of the funds provided by the City ($75 , 000) and County ($75 , 000) and 75 percent from the DNR ($450 , 000) in grant form. Grants must be applied for by April 1 , so this request must be acted on fairly quickly. It is anticipated user fees will pay for the cost of maintaining outdoor fields and the County would manage the outdoor facility with a board handling officials , etc . The indoor facility would be built by private users . The City ' s $75 , 000 portion could be from the sale of the land so it would require no out-of-pocket costs . This facility could be used for other events such as volleyball , basketball 3-on-3 , etc . Discussion followed centering on the need for a complex of this type. Large tournaments are being turned away in this area due to the lack of facilities . Mary Margaret Woll moved the Board table this issue until the February meeting; seconded by Sam Fata. Motion carried. *excused Park Board Minutes 1/20/93 Page (2) The Park Board requested marketing information be available at the February meeting. The group is expecting an answer from the Board by the February meeting so it can be forwarded to Mayor and Council . There is no guarantee this projected will be awarded a DNR grant; however , the timing of the facility to coincide with the world cup 1994 activities is critical . TURNER-DODGE HOUSE Susan Cantlon , Building Coordinator for Turner-Dodge , welcomed the Board and introduced Cheryl Lutz , Geneva Wiskeman, Ruth Armitage , and Paul Scott (liaison from the North Lansing Community Association) , Board members of Turner Dodge, and Chris Golembiewski of the Lansing State Journal . Susan also introduced Richard Frank who has been completing the master plan for the Turner-Dodge House. Mr . Frank has been in charge of the renovations to the State Capitol Building. The master plan has been in development for some time , but Mr . Frank was called in to complete the process . The long-discussed concept was to recreate the original carriage house for programming with the Turner- Dodge House being kept as a museum. Mr . Frank was contacted and asked for recommendations in redirecting the master plan for the house . He is now a part of the master plan team. Concentration was focused back onto the house as the carriage house plan is not economically feasible at this time. The master plan was reviewed by the Board with Mr . Frank giving a detailed description of the phases of the plan and the renovations required . A synopsis of the plan was reviewed along with a memo explaining the first phase of implementation in detail . Mr . Frank ' s presentation was extremely informative. Judy Filice complemented the docents and staff of the Turner-Dodge House . The Board discussed programming , rentals and revenue increases as this is a substantial investment. Mary Margaret Woll moved the Turner-Dodge Master Plan be recommended to Mayor and Council ; seconded by Barry Crown. Motion carried. Discussion of funding plans for this Master Plan. Sam Fata moved that the Friends of Turner-Dodge present proposals on how this plan will be funded; seconded by Barry Crown. Motion carried. RIVER TRAIL RIGHT-OF WAY NORTH LANSING The trail has been extended from Clippert and Kalamazoo all the way to Dietrich Park with the proposed trail route continuing westward . The original proposal had the river trail on Consumer ' s property and on ConRail property . ConRail will not respond to the City . This property was industrial and could have environmental problems . Consumer' s Power does not wish to give up space which may be needed soon. As a show of good faith, Consumer ' s has been obtaining easements for the City of Lansing for property on the oposite side (north side) of the river which would involve. crossing the river at a different location. Of the Park Board Minutes 1/20/93 Ydyu k_)) five property owners contacted , four have agreed but a fifth did not. The department is seeking permission to enter into condemnation proceedings to acquire the easement for the fifth piece of property. These properties are on a high bank and the other property owners are strongly in support of this concept. They do not want the bridge crossing close to their property and granting an easement will insure the crossing is further away. We have agreed to berm and conceal the trail . As this is the first section of residential area the trail is crossing , discussion followed on the impact on residential property. The config- uration of the property must be taken into consideration while keeping in mind the river trail is comparable to a sidewalk. This will also save two bridges at this point in construction. Barry Crown moved to recommend to the Mayor the City use its condemnation power to obtain the appropriate easement on the Robinson property to extend the River Trail . Also, this should be accomplished with the least possible impact on the owners of the property. Seconded by Mary Margaret Woll . Motion carried. (4-3 against Harlow, Laurion, Pollard) DEPARTMENT ORGANIZATION Eric Reickel updated the Board on the final results of the early retirement option with 19 staff accepting early retirement. Currently , we have 13 other vacancies (mostly UAW) which were not due to the early retirement. With approximately 5 people on workmen ' s comp or restricted duty, there are less than 100 people to accomplish what 134 did previously. The Mayor has been meeting with all department heads as a group this entire week to determine which positions can be eliminated in a city reorganization. This department will be impacted. The Board discussed various outstanding employees who have left the department including Bob Cool , Pete Stoughton, Joe Kleinhans and Walt Kepler . The entire staff which left has all contributed to this department in countless ways and will be greatly missed. The remaining staff has been doing an excellent job in the interim. EVALUATION OF DEPARTMENT Discussion of value of evaluation and time required. Judy Filice , Barry Crown and Mary Margaret Woll will prepare the evaluation with Eric Reickel drafting some highlights for their use . DIRECTOR' S REPORT Mary Margaret Woll ' s Point of View letter (1/13/93) on the millage was discussed. Board concurred the letter was very informative to the people of Lansing. The Mount Hope Greenhouse has been leased to J & J Greenhouse. They will be making improvements to enhance it. Paul Dykema , Forestry Manager, submitted a report on America ' s Treeways Pilot Program. The meeting schedule for 1993 was distributed. The February 17 meeting will be changed to February 16 to allow the Mayor to attend. Park Board Minutes 1 /20/93 Page (4) Freeze on Hunger at Washington Ice Rink was tremendously successful . WVIC collected approximately 30 cases of food for the Food Bank and over 2 ,000 people attended the event with the Mayor attending twice . Tom Wilbur could not attend the meeting this evening but will be attending in February. Judy Filice requested the department develop an alternative landscaping plan for the February or March meeting. We must identify how to maintain our grassy areas with alternative types of landscaping which will not require mowing. We can work with other departments , such as Public Service. Areas such as the back Frances Park by the Governor ' s Mansion or the new panels on Martin Luther King Boulevard could be used to pursue more natural vegetation. Director will present progress than has already been made at the next meeting but asked staff not be required to do more work expecially at this time . This wildflower , vegetative naturalization issue will fit in with Tom Wilbur ' s concerns . LYRF presented $15 , 000 for the summer program. They have also purchased 4 Fridays in February at the Ice Rink, providing free hot chocolate , ice skates and entrance into the ice rink. Priggooris Park received 56 inquiries but only 1 proposal which was almost half of the market value. The park will remain as it is at the present time. MARKET Mary Margaret Woll reported the Market Board is being formed at this time. The people working on the committee have finished the bylaws and should be ready to take the Market over April 1st. REMARKS BY BOARD MEMBERS Barry Crown moved the Board send a letter to Kris Nicholoff thanking him and encouraging him for the great job he has done with LYRF and congratulating him on his State Award; seconded by Judith Filice. Motion carried. ADJOURN 10 : 25 P.M. * Park Board Minutes Tuesday, February 16, 1993 BOARD PRESENT: George Harlow, Barry Crown, Sam F�ta,; Filice, Dorothy Kowalski , Sally Laurion, John Y,61,k�ard, Mary Margaret Woll OTHERS PRESENT: Mayor James Crawford; Tom Fraziek•7- Mayor s Assi ant; Mike Anderson, John Meoak, Russey Ej 9Pfis9 %LAHA; PgFred Brunyate , Lansing Ice Areal, Moore, Ingham County Parks & Recreation Director; Michele Davenport, Zana Easton, Andrea Egeland , Denise Egeland, Jerry Fulcher , Ken Gemalsky, Dean Kimmith, Robert Miles , Daniel Morgan, Jan Myers , Al Olson, Nick Pehlivanoglu, Brad Rees , Janine Remillard, Enrique Rojas , Jr. , Alberto Tamayo and Alan Vince of various soccer groups ; Harold Leeman, Jr. ; Ed Kowalski; R. Eric Reickel , Lansing Parks & Recreation Director; Richard Schaefer, Parks & Recreation Landscape Architect. CALL TO ORDER: 7 : 30 P.M. , Council Conference Room, City Hall APPROVAL OF MINUTES Mary Margaret Woll moved the Minutes of January 20 , 1993 , be approved as submitted; seconded by Sam Fata . Motion carried. Board received other department minutes. JAMES A. CRAWFORD, MAYOR The Mayor expressed his appreciation for what the Board does and looks forward to working with them. If there is ever a time when he can be of help in clarifying any issue , he would be happy to meet with them. He encouraged the Board to keep up the good work. CORNER KICKS SOCCER Bob Moore, Director of Ingham County Parks and Recreation, discussed the County' s commitment to maintaining Parcel D if it is developed into a soccer complex by Corner Kicks . The indoor facility would be owned by a private group with the County maintaining the fields . There is no safe, quality field in the community for the children. Soccer is growing but the fields are deteriorating. The City of Lansing' s soccer program competes with the baseball program for fields . The Marketing Study from Dale Consulting, Inc. was reviewed. John Pollard had several questions regarding fee and concession revenue distribution. Also he questioned if the facility would be open for Lansing children. If this property is disposed, children from Lansing must be kept in mind. Mayor Crawford added many children live in one community but participate in programs in another . If this plan goes forward , children from this area will participate. This would serve a neglected southside and also this is a tremendous chance to for governments (City and County) and private citizens to work together on a project. This should be pursued further . Barry Crown commented this is a golden opportunity to open up our community to regionalism for the tri-county area. Park Board Minutes '16/93 Page �2) Sam Fata moved the Board recommend approval to the Mayor of the concept of this joint venture between the City of Lansing and Ingham County for the soccer complex proposed for Parcel D: Seconded by Dorothy Kowalski . Motion carried. (6-1-1 Pollard against; Woll abstain) GLAHA (GREATER LANSING AMATEUR HOCKEY ASSOCIATION) Mike Anderson spoke representing GLAHA and the Lansing Skating Club . Mr. Anderson is Director of the District for Michigan Amateur Association Hockey. There is a great need for another enclosed arena. Currently, there are only two in the Lansing metropolitan area (Michigan State University ' s Munn Arena and the Lansing Ice Arena) . GLAHA currently has over 700 children playing organized hockey from age 3 to 18 (390 Lansing residents 61% non-residents) . If there was an enclosed facility in Lansing, GLAHA believes they would pull in more children when they ' re younger who would stay in the program. At Washington Park there is an ideal opportunity to enclose this rink and offer year-round skating. Source of funds could be grant funds or millage funds . This would be a $900 , 000 to $1 ,000 , 000 project. GLAHA would possibily be willing to help operate the rink as a joint venture . Judy Filice is concerned that once the park is enclosed, it will be used (via rentals) by hockey players and people who can afford the ice time rather than public skating. George Harlow explained the reason it is an outdoor rink was the Board wanted to keep it as a public activity and not league use only. Judy Filice moved that this be considered further by the Board. Seconded by Barry Crown. Motion carried. GLAHA will be submitting a proposal . This presentation was in concept only. EVALUATION OF THE DEPARTMENT BY THE PARK BOARD The Board reviewed the draft evaluation of the department. John Pollard moved the evaluation be approved as presented and forwarded to the Mayor; seconded by Dorothy Kowalski . Motion carried. PARCEL D - Dirk & Tom Dieters The Dieters contacted the Department regarding developing a four diamond softball recreation complex on Parcel D. After contacting Eric Reickel , Dieters contacted Corner Kicks/Heartland regarding a joint use , however , they are putting their project on hold for the time being. KRIS NICHOLOFF - LYRF SUMMER PLAN Mr. Nicholoff sent his apologies to the Board. There were several conflicts and he could not attend . Mr . Nicholoff did win an MRPA Speical Award for his work with LYRF . GRANT APPLICATIONS A list of eight possible grant pr-ojects was discussed including 1) play structures in four areas (1 per Ward) Davis , Potter , Gier and Riverfront; 2) Washington Park - expand warming area, . enclose rink and construct Park Board Minutes /16/93 Page (3) large piciic pavilion, 3) Tennis Court Replacement and Fence Repair - Elmhurst, Dunnebacke, Lyons and Quentin, 4) Davis Park - light and fence Diamond #3 ; 5) River Trail - Elm Street to River Point extension; 6) Frances Park pavilion and overlook restoration and pave parking lot; 7) Ranney Park - construction of ball diamond #2; and 8) Parcel D - joint venture with Ingham County. Department staff is meeting with the DNR in the coming week to discuss what type of projects the DNR is looking for at this time. This is the last round of grants . (Mayor Crawford left meeting. ) The Board discussed these projects at length. Ingham County is applying for the Parcel D joint venture so that was not taken into consideration. Also , tennis courts were removed from the list as they can be handled via the millage . George Harlow asked about the capital improvement player fee which was being charged to softball players . This fee is still being charged. The funds have been used to irrigate Elm, Westside and all the fields at Gier . Mr . Harlow felt this would be a more appropriate source of funds for Davis lighting and fencing and Ranney expansion. Eric Reickel explained those could be future projects but Davis irrigation is the next project scheduled with those funds . The players pay the fees and also helped set priorities . Discussion also followed regarding sites for the large community play- grounds . Hunter was preferred over Riverfront Park as a location. The Board agreed play equipment was a top priority. Judy Filice would like to see the bank along Moores River Drive reinforced as it is by Moores Park. Barry Crown moved the Board recommend approval of grant applications for play structures in the four wards , Frances Park pavilion/overlook restoration and parking lot paving, an extension of the River Trail from Elm Street to Riverpoint Park and the expansion of changing room and service facilities at Washington Ice Rink. Seconded by Dorothy Kowalski. Motion carried. NEIGHBORHOOD PLAY EQUIPMENT SITES - Delayed until March meeting . 235 HAZEL STREET PROPERTY/RIVER FRONTAGE The owners of 235 Hazel St. have approached the City regarding sale of their property. This parcel will fit in with the Riverpoint Project. If the Board agrees , we will work with Planning Division to acquire this with CDBG monies . Judy Filice moved the Board recommend to the Mayor this property be acquired; seconded by Mary Margaret Woll . Motion carried. CORRESPONDENCE FROM BARBARA JUDGE REGARDING TURNER-DODGE Ms . Judge , retired Senior Center building programmer , wrote a derogatory --letter regarding renovation of Turner-Dodge. Judy Filice commented the Turner and Dodge families were respectable families who came to the community and established a fine home. Any inference that we should be ashamed of this house because these people were successful on the frontier is rediculous . We do look to other groups and heritages with pride and teach our children about all groups , but to ignore one family Park Board Minutes 16/93 Page (4) because they don ' t seem to be politically correct at the moment is absurd. This renovation will generate money and stabilize a very historic neighborhood. Sally Laurion commented she didn ' t like the tone of the letter but the sentiments have been echoed on the $500 , 000 given to Turner-Dodge out of the millage monies . They stated this was not what they intended their dollars to go towards . Mr . Reickel explained this project was in the millage brochure that was extensively distributed prior to the vote on the millage by the voters . One of the questions frequently asked is , "With all the problems in the city, why should we be. . . ?" We are following the intent of the millage and we must continue to protect and invest in the community. DIRECTOR' S REPORT Foster Preschool continues to be an extremely popular program. Some participants desire a continuous commitment from September through June without having to break between semesters . It is currently first-come , first-serve . We are looking at the financial feasibility, but the fees would go up. Mary Margaret Woll has received complaints from people who have stood for 4 or 5 hours to register a child. George Harlow explained this City of Lansing program registers by class terms to give all citizens an equal chance to participate. There were a number of parents who were unable to get their children into the program. This is not a daycare program; it is a class. The City has won a major lawsuit regarding unsafe bleachers at Ranney Park after a child fell . We were innocent of any' neglect and after several years this was proven. The Potter Park Pavilion restoration received national recognition . We were in competition for an award, however , did not win. Update on River Trail - We are meeting with resistance up near Tecumseh Drive and a few other residential parcels , but we have made new contact with ConRail which may create a change. At this time , we are not acting swiftly on property acquisition on the north side. Scott Center - The Tourist Convention Bureau has shown interest in restoring the building for a tourist/visitor center. There would have to be an accommodation for the current user groups . This is still in very early discussion phases . MARKET REPRESENTATIVE COMMENT Legal work for changeover is being accomplished by a private firm. Adjourn 10 : 15 P.M. Next meeting will be Tuesday, March 16 , 1993. * Park Board Minutes ii'''''' Tuesday, February 16, 1993 BOARD PRESEN . Geo.r.ge Harlow, Barry Crown, Sam Fata , Judy Filice , I�ofbo`thy Kowalski , Sally Laurion, John Pollard, Mary BY. Margaret Wolf OTHERS PRESE M. �jo es Crawford; Tom Frazier , Mayor ' s Assistant; 193 MY! M UA erson, John Meoak, Russell E. Prins , GLAHA; Fred Brunyate , Lansing Ice Arena; Bob Moore, Ingham County Parks & Recreation Director; Michele Davenport, Zana Easton, Andrea Egeland, Denise Egeland, Jerry Fulcher , Ken Gemalsky, Dean Kimmith, Robert Miles , Daniel Morgan, Jan Myers , Al Olson, Nick Pehlivanoglu, Brad Rees , Janine Remillard, Enrique Rojas , Jr . , Alberto Tamayo and Alan Vince of various soccer groups; Harold Leeman, Jr. ; Ed Kowalski; R. Eric Reickel , Lansing Parks & Recreation Director; Richard Schaefer, Parks & Recreation Landscape Architect. CALL TO ORDER: 7 : 30 P.M. , Council Conference Room, City Hall APPROVAL OF MINUTES Mary Margaret Woll moved the Minutes of January 20 , 1993 , be approved as submitted; seconded by Sam Fata. Motion carried. ' Board received other department minutes . JAMES A. CRAWFORD, MAYOR The Mayor expressed his appreciation for what the Board does and looks forward to working with . them. If there is ever a time when he can be of help in clarifying any issue , he would be happy to meet with them. He encouraged the Board to keep up the good work. CORNER KICKS SOCCER Bob Moore , Director of Ingham County Parks and Recreation, discussed the County ' s commitment to maintaining Parcel D if it is developed into a soccer complex by Corner Kicks . The indoor facility would be owned by a private group with the County maintaining the fields . There is no safe , quality field in the community for the children. Soccer is growing but the fields are deteriorating. The City of Lansing ' s soccer program competes with the baseball program for fields . The Marketing Study from Dale Consulting, Inc. was reviewed. John Pollard had several questions regarding fee and concession revenue distribution. Also he questioned if the facility would be open for Lansing children . If this property is disposed, children from Lansing must be kept in mind . Mayor Crawford added many children live in one community but participate in programs in another. If this plan goes forward , children from this area will participate . This would serve a neglected southside and also this is a tremendous chance to for governments (City and County) and private citizens to work together on a project. This should be pursued further . Barry Crown commented this is a golden opportunity to open up our community to regionalism for the tri-county area. Park Board Minutes 2/16/93 Page (2) Sam Fata moved the Board recommend approval to the Mayor of the concept of this joint venture between the City of Lansing and Ingham County for the soccer complex proposed for Parcel D. Seconded by Dorothy Kowalski . Motion carried. (6-1-1 Pollard against; Woll abstain) GLAHA (GREATER LANSING AMATEUR HOCKEY ASSOCIATION) Mike Anderson spoke representing GLAHA and the Lansing Skating Club. Mr . Anderson is Director of the District for Michigan Amateur Association Hockey. There is a great need for another enclosed arena. Currently, there are only two in the Lansing metropolitan area (Michigan State University ' s Munn Arena and the Lansing Ice Arena) . GLAHA currently has over 700 children playing organized hockey from age 3 to 18 (39% Lansing residents 61% non-residents) . If there was an enclosed facility in Lansing, GLAHA believes they would pull in more children when they ' re younger who would stay in the program. At Washington Park there is an ideal opportunity to enclose this rink and offer year-round skating. Source of funds could be grant funds or millage funds . This would be a $900 ,000 to $1, 000 ,000 project. GLAHA would possibily be willing to help operate the rink as a joint venture . Judy Filice is concerned that once the park is enclosed, it will be used (via rentals) by hockey players and people who can afford the ice time rather than public skating. George Harlow explained the reason it is an outdoor rink was the Board wanted to keep it as a public activity and not league use only. Judy Filice moved that this be considered further by the Board . Seconded by Barry Crown. Motion carried. GLAHA will be submitting a proposal . This presentation was in concept only. EVALUATION OF THE DEPARTMENT BY THE PARK BOARD - The Board reviewed the draft evaluation of the department. John Pollard moved the evaluation be approved as presented and forwarded to the Mayor; seconded by Dorothy Kowalski . Motion carried. PARCEL D - Dirk & Tom Dieters The Dieters contacted the Department regarding developing a four diamond softball recreation complex on Parcel D. After contacting Eric Reickel , Dieters contacted Corner Kicks/Heartland regarding a joint use , however , they are putting their project on hold for the time being. KRIS NICHOLOFF - LYRF SUMMER PLAN Mr . Nicholoff sent his apologies to the Board . There were several conflicts and he could not attend . Mr . Nicholoff did win an MRPA Speical Award for his work with LYRF. GRANT APPLICATIONS A list of eight possible grant projects was discussed including 1) play structures in four areas (1 per Ward) Davis , Potter , Gier and Riverfront; 2) Washington Park - expand warming area , enclose rink and construct Park Board Minutes 2/16/93 Page (3) large picnic pavilion; 3) Tennis Court Replacement and Fence Repair - Elmhurst, Dunnebacke , Lyons and Quentin; 4) Davis Park - light and fence Diamond #3 ; 5) River Trail - Elm Street to River Point extension; 6) Frances Park - pavilion and overlook restoration and pave parking lot; 7) Ranney Park - construction of ball diamond #2; and 8) Parcel D - joint venture with Ingham County. Department staff is meeting with the DNR in the coming week to discuss what type of projects the. DNR is looking for at this time. This is the last round of grants . (Mayor Crawford left meeting. ) The Board discussed these projects at length. Ingham County is applying for the Parcel D joint venture so that was not taken into consideration. Also, tennis courts were removed from the list as they can be handled via the millage . George Harlow asked about the capital improvement player fee which was being charged to softball players . This fee is still being charged . The funds have been used to irrigate Elm, Westside and all the fields at Gier . Mr . Harlow felt this would be a more appropriate source of funds for Davis lighting and fencing and Ranney expansion. Eric Reickel explained those could be future projects but Davis irrigation is the next project scheduled with those funds . The players pay the fees and also helped set priorities . Discussion also followed regarding sites for the large community play- grounds . Hunter was preferred over Riverfront Park as a location. The Board agreed play equipment was a top priority. Judy Filice would like to see the bank along Moores River Drive reinforced as it is by Moores Park. Barry Crown moved the Board recommend approval of grant applications for play structures in the four wards , Frances Park pavilion/overlook restoration and parking lot paving , an extension of the River Trail from Elm Street to Riverpoint Park and the expansion of changing room and service facilities at Washington Ice Rink. Seconded by Dorothy Kowalski . Motion carried. NEIGHBORHOOD PLAY EQUIPMENT SITES - Delayed until March meeting. 235 HAZEL STREET PROPERTY/RIVER FRONTAGE The owners of 235 Hazel St. have approached the City regarding sale of their property. This parcel will fit in with the Riverpoint Project. If the Board agrees , we will work with Planning Division to acquire this with CDBG monies . Judy Filice moved the Board recommend to the Mayor this property be acquired; seconded by Mary Margaret Woll . Motion carried. CORRESPONDENCE FROM BARBARA JUDGE REGARDING TURNER-DODGE Ms . Judge , retired Senior Center building programmer , wrote a derogatory letter regarding renovation of Turner-Dodge. Judy Filice commented the Turner and Dodge families were respectable families who came to the community and established a fine home . Any inference that we should be ashamed of this house because these people were successful on the frontier is rediculous . We do look to other groups and heritages with pride and teach our children about all groups , but to ignore one family Park Board Minutes 2/16/93 Page (4) because they don ' t seem to be politically correct at the moment is absurd. This renovation will generate money and stabilize a very historic neighborhood. Sally Laurion commented she didn ' t , like the tone of the letter but the sentiments have been echoed on the $500 , 000 given to Turner-Dodge out of the millage monies . They stated this was not what they intended their dollars to go towards . Mr . Reickel explained this project was in the millage brochure that was extensively distributed prior to the vote on the millage by the voters . One of the questions frequently asked is , "With all the problems in the city , why should we be. . . ?" We are following the intent of the millage and we must continue to protect and invest in the community. DIRECTOR' S REPORT Foster Preschool continues to -be an extremely popular program. Some participants desire a continuous commitment from September through June without having to break between semesters . It is currently first-come , first-serve . We are looking at the financial feasibility, but the fees would go up. Mary Margaret Woll has received complaints from people who have stood for 4 or 5 hours to register a child. George Harlow explained this City of Lansing program registers by class terms to give all citizens an equal chance to participate . There were a number or parents who were unable to get their children into the program. This is not a daycare program; it is a class . The City has won a major lawsuit regarding unsafe bleachers at Ranney Park after a child fell . We were innocent of any neglect and after several years this was proven. The Potter Park Pavilion restoration received national recognition. We were in competition for an award, however, did not win. Update on River Trail - We are meeting with resistance up near Tecumseh Drive and a few other residential parcels , but we have made new contact with ConRail which may create a change. At this time, we are not acting swiftly on property acquisition on the north side. Scott Center - The Tourist Convention Bureau has shown interest in restoring the building for a tourist/visitor center . There would have to be an accommodation for the current user groups . This is still in very early discussion phases . MARKET REPRESENTATIVE COMMENT Legal work for changeover is being accomplished by a private firm. Adjourn 10 : 15 P.M. Next meeting will be Tuesday, March 16 , 1993. * Park Board Minutes Tuesday, March 16 , 1993 MEMBERS PRESENT: George Harlow, Judy Filice, Dorothy Kowalski , Sally Laurion, John Pollard, Mary Margaret Woll MEMBERS ABSENT: Barry Crown, Samuel Fata OTHERS PRESENT: R. Eric Reickel and Richard Schaefer , Parks and Recreation Department CALL TO ORDER: 7 : 30 P.M. , Scott Center PARK BOARD MINUTES Mary Margaret Woll moved to accept the February 16 , 1993 Park Board minutes as presented; seconded by Dorothy Kowalski. Motion carried. PARK PLAY EQUIPMENT SITES Dick Schafer spoke to the Board regarding the proposed play equipment sites using a ' map with the sites highlighted. The sites that are recommended for 1993 are Beck , Forest View, Marscot, Ingham, Comstock and Durant. A list of recently replaced playground equipment was distributed including 1985 Wilson, Tecumseh, Quentin, 119th Armory, Bancroft , Georgetown Parks; 1986 Foster , Averill and Kaynorth Parks ; 1987 Foster Center , Stabler , Gier, Frances , Filley, Washington, Grand River School , Ferris (tire mate) , Hull and Cavanaugh Parks; 1988 Cherry Hill Park; 1990 St. Joseph, Potter and Dunnebacke Parks . Play equipment has not been installed since 1990 and the department proposes to install equipment in at least six this year. If the grant is received for the four major sites approved by the Board last month (Hunter, Davis , Frances and Washington) those will be installed in 1993 . If this grant is not approved , they will be installed in 1994 . Other future sites are Gier , Potter, Porter, Riverfront, Kendon, Munn, Fulton , Georgetown, Hillborn, and Tecumseh. Looking at the list divided by Ward it appears that some Wards are more favored; however , by looking at replacements over the past 10 years , this is not the case. Mary Margaret Woll is concerned we are applying for grants we were previously denied. While all areas of the City should be examined, if there is only one being considered for the eastside, it shouldn ' t be dependent upon a grant. Further discussion. Judy Filice moved the Board recommend the proposed phased development for playground sites with 119th Armory added as a site for equipment in 1993 and with Hunter, Davis , Frances and Washington as sites dependent on grants for 1993 . Seconded by Dorothy Kowalski. Motion carried. GLAHA (proposal pending) - Judy Filice noted she is opposed to an enclosed area without an outdoor skating area . George Harlow agreed . Park Board Minutes , iesday, March 16 , 1993 Page (2) KRIS NICHOLOFF - LYRF - John Pollard requested Kris Nicholoff be invited once again to attend the Park Board. LIGHTING THE RIVER TRAIL Over the years Friends of the River have expressed their concern for lighting on the trail especially from Clippert/Kalamazoo to Cedar/ Kalamazoo. The Board of Water and Light prepared a proposal to light the trail from Aurelius to Clippert as Phase I . This would be an estimated $6 ,000 per year figure for lighting (including installation) . Dick Schafer presented a sample of what the board would do , typical 35 ' wood pole with a highpressure sodium light fixture. The Board felt that city parks are only open from daylight to dusk. There is no need to light this section. Mary Margaret Woll moved the Board decline lighting on the River Trail and put the same usage restrictions on the River Trail as on other parks , daylight to dusk. Seconded by Judy Filice. Motion carried. (Ordinance 656 . 05 attached) ADA TRANSITION PLAN To qualify for grants , we must have a transition plan showing how handicapper accommodations are being implemented. This plan was prepared by Joan Lenhard and Dick Schaefer and will be discussed at the April meeting to allow time for the Board to review this document. LETTTER TO BARBARA BRADFORD, MAYOR' S MARKET ADVISORY COMMITTEE Board received Mayor ' s response. Everyone who is in arrears has offered a payment plan with the exception of one. This situation will be reviewed with the Mayor . STEVE BECKER' S REQUEST Steve Becker requested a variance from marker rules for Mt. Hope Cemetery. This is not a flush marker area. The department recommends approval . Dorothy Kowalski moved the Board approve Mr. Becker ' s request for a variance to marker rules; seconded by Mary Margaret Woll . Motion carried. DIRECTOR' S REPORT Eric Reickel updated the Board on the monthly memo to the Mayor , Evaluation of the Department, Grant Applications , Ingham County Proposal Parcel D/Soccer Complex, Softball Fees , Riverpoint Grant Acceptance , Gier Advisory Board Plaque Dedication, Croquet at Ranney Park, Fenner Maple Syrup Festival and Community Center Hours . There is also the possibility of a fundraiser by Magic Johnson to help Lansing Parks and Recreation through LYRF. The event would be a celebrity golf tournament. Park Board Minutes, 'uesday, March 16 , 1993 Page (3) Also , Tony Noyola is doing a fantastic job as interim Lifetime Sports Supervisor . He chaired the organizational meeting for softball . Tony explained the program, was patient, amusing and very firm. He will also be running an umpire clinic in conjunction with Delta Township (a big first) . An overview of the status of the City reoganization was presented . The Mayor , his staff and department heads worked together on this plan. The cemetery rules and regulations call for all artificial flowers , etc . to be removed by March 1st each year . Due to the snowfall , this deadline has been moved back twice this year . The deadline is now April 1st . HUNTER' S RIDGE PROPERTY Lansing keeps track of property along the river and at this time on Hunter ' s Ridge there is over an acre avail-able for delinquent taxes . We could get this property for $50 . After further investigation there is a community building, pool and tennis court. This was an estate and has been in arrears . To protect our interest it will be held in abeyance for the City. Planning will refer this for the Board ' s April meeting. MARKET Mary Margaret Woll announced the new Board members including Barbara Bradford , Chair ; Glen Hills; Dave Haverhill , CPA; Judge Charles Filice; Jack McNamara , McNamara ' s Produce; Dee Smith, Business Development Center for Lansing Community College; Mark Cory, Director of Curriculum for Lansing School District; Tom Gaylon, Executive Director of Lansing Convention Center; Dr . Ed Heffron, Department of Agriculture; Pat Lami son, Extension Service; Mary Margaret Murphy-Woll , Citizen Judy wondered about the downtown bus shuttle . It has been requested but CATA has not responded. Perhaps the new group will pursue this . BOARD MEMBER COMMENTS Judy Filice requested a list of Scott House users for the next meeting. A few months ago she suggested we get in touch with the Department of Transportation regarding the landscaping of the Capitol Loop Project. She has been well received and referred to Bill Hartwig who is the overall project director. She will be talking with Union Baptist Church and would also like to contact Kingsley to see if there would be community interest in having vegetation other than greenscaping and shrubbery in that area. This will not cost the City anything. The state will be hiring a consultant and doing the landscaping . Several members of the Board expressed an interest in this . Adjourned. 8 : 45 P.M. 41 Offenses Relating to Persons 656.99 656.05 PERSONS-IN CLOSED PARKS PROHIBITED; EXCEPTION. (a) Except as otherwise provided in this section, all City parka and all parking lots that serve City parks shall close at 10:00 p.m. (b) If the closing time in a City park is set at a time earlier than 10:00 p.m., notice of the closing time of that park shall be posted at the regular entrance to the park. If no regular entrance to the park exists, the notice of the closing time of that park shall be posted at such other places which, in the sole discretion of the Director of Parks and Recreation, are likely to inform persons coming into the park of the park's closing time. (c) No person or vehicle shall enter or be within any park or portion thereof or any parking lot or portion thereof which serves any City park when it is closed, except City or other public officials or employees in the course of their duties, unless such person has written permission to do so from the Director of Parks and Recreation or an authorized representative thereof. (Ord. 844. Passed 11-12-91.) 656.06 FAILURE TO LEAVE. No person in violation of City ordinances or park rules shall refuse to leave a park or any portion thereof when requested to do so by a police officer or by any other City employee in pursuit of his or her duties. (Ord. 749. Passed 4-13-87.) 656.99 PENALTY. (EDITOR'S NOTE: See Section 202.99 for general Code penalty if no specific penalty is provided.) 1992 Replacement * PARK BOARD MINUTES Tuesday, April 20, 1993 MEMBERS PRESENT: George Harlow, Barry Crown, Samuel Fata, Judy Filice, Dorothy Kowalski, Sally Laurion, Mary Margaret Woll MEMBERS ABSENT: John Pollard* OTHERS PRESENT: John Boles, Immanuel's Temple Community Church; Brett Kaschinske, CMU Intern for Parks and Recreation; Richard Schaefer, Landscape Architect; R. Eric Reickel, Director of Parks and Recreation; Tom Frazier, Mayor's Assistant CALL TO ORDER: 7:30 P.M. , Scott Center, 125 W. Main MINUTES Judy Filice moved the minutes of the March 16, 1993 Park Board meeting be approved as presented and other department board minutes accepted; seconded by Dorothy Kowalski. Motion carried. EXCUSED ABSENCES *John Pollard did request to be excused from this meeting. He also requested that the Board meetings be held on Wednesdays. The Director apologized but due to Gerald Faverman's outstanding service to Turner-Dodge Board, felt he should be in attendance at the retirement on Wednesday. The Board discussed options if the regular meeting date must be changed. It was determined that the next time the meeting was moved, it would be moved to the following Thursday. Also, the Board is not planning on meeting in July. MT. HOPE MONUMENT STATUE DONATION Mt. Hope Monument Company offered to donate a statue for Babyland in Evergreen Cemetery. The drawing sent is of an angel and the Board has discussed the appropriateness of an angel statue. If this statue is not in proximity to the Jewish Section, the Board has no objection. Mary Margaret Woll moved this be referred to the Mayor for approval complete with information on angel lore with the condition that this not be put in proximity of the Jewish Section of Evergreen Cemetery; seconded by Dorothy Kowalski. Motion carried. (6-0-1) Barry Crown abstained. TURNER-DODGE MASTER PLAN The Master Plan had been approved for referral to the Mayor in January. However, the Department had not forwarded it to the Mayor as the final document was not completed. The complete document was distributed to the Board. As this is a large document, the Director requested any board member who did not wish to keep a copy, review the master plan and return it the department. Mr. Reickel will check to see if the Mayor wishes to conduct a public hearing at the Turner-Dodge House. Judy Filice commented that some excerpts from this plan should be forwarded to the Lansing State Journal highlighting the family history. MILLAGE UPDATE The periodic Board millage update was distributed. Mary Margaret Woll noted the "Oak Park Acquisition" is still listed. This was to be deleted. Park Board Minutes 4/ '93 Page (2) ADA TRANSITION PLAN " The draft Transition Platt for the Americans with Disabilities Act was distributed at the March meeting for the Board's review and action at this meeting. Mary Margaret Woll moved this plan be accepted and the authors be commended on their thoroughness; seconded by Samuel Fata. Motion carried. MCKINCH PAi:K EASEMENT FOR IMMANUEL'S TEMPLE COMMUNITY CHURCH John Boles appeared at the meeting to request an easement for Immanuel's Temple Community Church through McKinch Park. The easement is to run on the side of the park for construction and maintenance of a sanitary sewer. Due to various problems with other options, this would be the most cost effective approach. The property would be restored to its original condition. Mr. Boles presented a legal description and maps of the area to aide in his presentation. There may be a regular easement charge that would also apply. Barry Crown moved the board recommend approval of this easement in concept subject to other city department's jurisdiction over the project; seconded by Mary Margaret Woll. Motion carried. INTERN BRETT KASCHINSKE, CMU, INTRODUCED TO BOARD Brett has been working in various areas of the Leisure Services Division (Lifetime Sports, Fenner Aboretum and now Community Centers) . He will be in charge of a playground program shortly. This has been an enjoyable internship thus far. The people he is working with are going through some very rough times in trying to keep up with the workload. This exposes him to a variety of experiences he might not have otherwise had and the department as a whole has been very helpful. George Harlow welcomed Brett and was glad to have him attend the meeting. DIRECTOR'S REPORT 4th of July - Parade will be Saturday, July 3rd at 11:00 a.m. The fireworks will be on the 4th of July with donations coordinated by WVIC once again. Flo Estes, Foster Advisory Board, was thanked for sitting in on all 14 interviews for the Building Programmer positions. Two very fine candidates were picked; Gloria Lewis from Waterford is working at Gier Community Center, and Mark Simon of the Lansing Boys and Girls Club is working at Kingsley Community Center. Tracey Keyton resigned and the department is now in the process of filling that vacancy. Editorial on Parks Tax was referred by Al Knot from the City of Ann Arbor. Washington Ice Rink Income Statement - 1992-93 season. List of Scott Center Board Users - The Lansing Garden Club represented by Barbara Church should be added to the list. Tom Galyon of the Greater Lansing Convention and Visitors Bureau was unable to attend our board meeting. Lansing City Council Budget Hearing Schedule was distributed. Vacancies Being Advertised - Community Building Programmer (Tracey Keyton) , Supervisor of Lifetime Sports (Walt Kepler) ; Manager of Leisure and Special Recreation Services (Joe Kleinhans) and Senior Coordinator (Juanita Lewis) . With new staff, we will have a new perspective. Park Board Minutes 4, _0/93 Page (3) LYRF - LYRF has committed $20,000 to the program. Since these funds were committed, Earvin Johnson has, through Jim Dart, agreed to sponsor an annual golf tournament/fundraiser to benefit Lansing Parks and Recreation Department through LYRF. This could generate from $20,000 to $60,000 for this year. This tournament is scheduled for Monday, June 21, 1993. There will be a sports celebrity in every foursome. Handicappers Bowling Banquet will be held May 4. Governor Engler/Earth Day - Governor Engler will be coming to Potter Park April 22 at 2:00 P.M. to give an Earth Day message regarding the DNR's initiative of the increase of bald eagle nesting sites in the State of Michigan. Potter Park Zoo/Aid Dogs - The Board expressed their support for the zoo's stance. There will be "Pro and Con" in the Sunday Lansing State Journal. Barry Crown moved that the Board support the Administration's position regarding exclusion of all non-quarantined animals from the Zoo; seconded by Judith Filice. Motion carried. Salley Laurion felt that it should be noted accommodations are made for people who wish to come through the zoo which have aid dogs. The ADA requires reasonable accommodation. MARKET REPRESENTATIVE Mary Margaret Woll reported there are 173 applications for Market Master to date with more coming. The Perennial Exchange is May 1. The Market should be completely in the hands of the non-profit board by July 1. BOARD MEMBER COMMENTS Salvation Army/Northside Drop-in Center Mary Margaret Woll reviewed a history of the Salvation Army's use of the Northside Drop-in Center at Oak Park. It is currently being used as a daytime drop-in center for the homeless. There is a lunch program and the homeless are to be out by 4:00 P.M. The agreement the City has with the Salvation Army states a daycare summer program will go into effect June 1 and will be open. Why are leases of the nature of the daycare program which demand services back to the city not being followed up on and enforced. Discussion followed centering on requesting a report from the Salvation Army as to future plans with the idea they are to be accountable as are other organizations while also indicating we are appreciative of their efforts. George Marlow interjected he thought the current arrangement had been negotiated between the Mayor and the Salvation Army for the homeless. If we are going to make that type of request, it should be made through the Mayor's Office. The Mayor can then go to the Salvation Army and request a report if he isn't already in possession of this information. Mary Margaret Woll moved the Board request the Mayor obtain a report from the Salvation Army regarding their intentions for a summer youth program as per their lease of June 28, 1989; supported by Judy Filice. Motion carried. Summer Programs - Judy Filice has been approached again by Fabulous Acres for summer activities. Park Board Minutes 4/2 3 Page (4) Mayor's Assistant - Tom Frazier, Mayor's Assistant, attended to listen to the Board and appreciates the opportunity to be here. GOLF COURSE FEES George Harlow stated it bothers him considerably to have city owned golf courses which charge more money than the private courses in the area. The service should be provided at a minimal cost to the citizens and the City shouldn't be in business to make money. Regardless, we shouldn't be charging more than a private golf course. Mary Margaret agreed that we should be in the middle range. Discussion followed regarding comparative figures. Don Ballard will report on this next month. The next meeting is May 19, 1993. Barry Crown will be out of town and asked to be excused. Discussion of cancellation of the Park Board meeting for October 20, 1993. ADJOURNED 8:50 P.M. 0 � s� * Park Board Minutes May 19, 1993 MEMBERS PRESENT: George Harlow, Samuel Fata, Judy Filice, Sally Laurion, John Pollard, Mary Margaret Woll (arrived 7 : 55) EXCUSED ABSENCE: Barry Crown, Dorothy Kowalski OTHERS PRESENT: Dennis Pace and John Strickler , Board of Water and Light; Kurt Haybarker, Snell Environmental Group; R. Eric Reickel , Dick Schaefer, City of Lansing; Paul Scott, Turner-Dodge Board, North Lansing Representative CALL TO ORDER: 7 : 30 P.M. , Scott Center APPROVAL OF MINUTES Judy Filice moved the minutes of April 20 , 1993 be approved as submitted; seconded by John Pollard. Motion carried. Other department minutes received. BOARD OF WATER AND LIGHT SOLAR SYSTEM MODEL Dennis Pace of PACE Communications and John Strickler, Director of Communications and Marketing for the Board of Water & Light, spoke to the Board regarding a Solar System Model which would stretch 1. 5 miles of the Riverwalk. The model would begin at Impression 5 with a 20" sun mounted on a post with a plaque explaining the project. The placque would state it is a scale model of the solar system (scaled in size and distance with all plants which are located along the Riverwalk) . Pluto, being the most distant, would be located in Potter Park and only be about the size of a pinhead. All the other planets would be located in between. All planet displays will be placed off the Riverwalk to enable children to be away from the Riverwalk traffic. Also both Impression 5 and LCC have offered staff to conduct a guided tour on a regular monthly basis . A brochure explaining the Solar System Model will be available at the beginning of the tour. This would be the third scale model in the world. Lansing has one of the top ten science museums in the United States and it is located on the Riverwalk. Impression 5 is very excited about this proposal . A field trip to Impression 5 could include the Museum and the Solar Tour. The tour would end at Pluto, just inside Potter Park. The Board of Water and Light has agreed to finance the creation and maintenance of the model . The Parks and Recreation Department finds this use maintains the integrity of the trail . It is a concept that brings focus on the City of Lansing and on our River Trail . Dick Schaefer pointed out the Board had never discussed adding a dimension to the river trail and a policy has not been established. The Board felt each situation should be dealt with individually as policies can take a long time to develop and still do not cover all situations. Park Board Minutek 5/19/93 Page (2) Sam Fata moved the board recommend to the Mayor that he accept this concept and refer it to Council for approval ; seconded by John Pollard. Motion carried. If a school is desired to be involved in the dedication, Judy Filice volunteered on behalf of Otto Middle School . She requested Otto be contacted when the project is finished. SHIAWASSEE STREET BRIDGE Kurt Haybarker distributed recent copies of the proposed drawings . Snell Evironmental Gruop was retained to prepare an environmental assessment and construction/engineering design plan for the rennovation or replacement of the Shiawassee Street Bridge. Considerable discussion of the various options , storage implications, historical significance, impact on the City Market followed. Sam Fata moved to accept the first option presented which is the renovation of the current bridge. Seconded by Woll . Motion carried. (3-2-1) (Yes-Woll , Fata, Filice; No-Laurion, Harlow; Abstain-Pollard) POTTER Z00/HANDICAPPER CIVIL RIGHTS ISSUE The Board had supported the department ' s stand to prohibit all dogs in the zoo at the April meeting. Upon further investigation and in a meeting with the Department of Labor, the department has revised it stand on this issue. It was discovered the American Association of Zoological Parks , the United States Department of Agriculture, Michigan State University and other agencies have no policy to prohibit guide dogs or aide dogs . Each zoo has developed their own policy. Our policy had been administered very well with excellent accommodations. However, it appears there is no support for our policy. The department is recommending changing the policy. Persons will still be encouraged to leave their aide dog outside of the zoo and have staff conduct a tour as they have currently been doing. If a person refuses to leave their aide dog, they will be restricted to certain areas and will be accompanied by a zoo guide. All aide dogs must have proper documentation proving they are certified and up-to-date on innoculations . Aide dogs will not be allowed in certain areas of the zoo including the contact area of the new farm yard encounter area as well as the outdoor aviary. Persons are requested to call 24 hours in advance so a zoo guide can be arranged. Mary Margaret Woll moved the policy be revised as recommended to allow service animals into the zoo; seconded by Sally Laurion. Motion carried. Park Board Minute., 5/19-f93 Page (3) BUDGET CHANGES Council approved opening Kingsley for Saturdays (as requested by Kingsley Advisory Board) during the summer paid for by Community Development Block Grant Funds . This had been tried in the past with poor attendance so it will be monitored closely. Kingsley Advisory Board is very committed to this concept. Council funded this program $5 , 233 for the building to be open from 10 : 00 A.M. to 8 : 45 P.M. with staff present from 9 : 30 A.M. to 9 : 00 P.M. Council also budgeted $2 , 400 for a summer program for the Black Child and Family Institute. John Pollard played a very active role in getting this program funded again. There are now 15 sites for the park program this summer: Community Development Block Grant Funds sponsored Georgetown Park, Bancroft Park and Maplewood School ; Lansing Youth and Recreation Fund sponsored Bingham, Comstock Park, Kendon, Moores Park and Wainwright; and general fund sites of Attwood, Elmhurst, Mt. Hope, Poast Oak, Woodcreek, Cristo Rey Community Center and Black Child and Family Institute. This program should be excellent this year. Denise Lynch is in charge of the program and is an excellent person to work with. John Pollard requested attendance information be provided to the Board as it is available to Council . PLAY EQUIPMENT Dick Schaefer, Landscape Architect, spoke to the Board regarding information he had received at a seminar regarding playground equipment safety and accessibility. Even using current U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Guidelines , many of our current play structures are not in compliance. Also the ASTM will be publishing more extensive requirements by the beginning of 1994 . These standards are used by our legal system in resolving litigation issues . There is concern about installing equipment which may become immediately unsafe or unsuitable to meet accessibility guidelines. No discussion of grandfathering equipment previously installed occurred at the seminar. There are differing points of view on the subject. Mary Margaret Woll moved to table this issue and invite a playground manufacturing representative to attend the next meeting to discuss this issue further. Seconded by John Pollard. Motion carried. EXPANSION OF LOTS AT EVERGREEN CEMETERY There is a lack of prime lots available. Staff presented a plan to re-diagram Section 0 at Evergreen to accommodate requests . Mary Margaret Woll moved the Board approve this plan and forward it for approval to the Mayor and Council ; seconded by Judith Filice. Motion carried. Park Board Minute, 5/19/93 Page (4) LETTER FROM DIRK DIETERS/SOFTBALL COMPLEX If the Ingham County proposal for a Soccer Complex falls through, this group has an alternate proposal for a softball complex. Grant recipients are typically announced by October. DIRECTOR' S REPORT Eric Reickel reviewed information on the Michigan Run to take place June 5 . The Salvation Army has not responded to any inquiries regarding Oak Park. Mary Margaret Woll noted this group is obliged to have a program for youth in the park this summer. The lease runs through September. Mary Margaret Woll moved to request the Mayor to seek a plan from the Salvation Army by June 1. If there is no response, the lease shall be terminated. Supported by Sally Laurion. Motion carried. The Master Plan for Turner-Dodge has been forwarded to the Mayor who has forwarded it to Council. A neighborhood meeting will be held at Turner-Dodge in the near future. Council will have a public hearing soon after. Paul Scott spoke to the Board regarding the Planning Board turning down our request to purchase properties on North East Street by Turner-Dodge. Mr. Reickel will follow-up on the concerns of the Planning Board. These lots are part of the Master Plan for Turner-Dodge. A golf fee comparison comparing Groesbeck with comparable courses was distributed per George Harlow' s request. Tree Removal/Replacement Concerns/Sewer Overflow Project information packet was distributed. Paul Dykema, Forestry Manager, is working with Public Service Department regarding this project. The bison at Fenner , MRPA job opportunities , community center assignments , downtown neighborhood riverwalk extension support and Fenner Arboretum Nature Camp were discussed. The next meeting will be held at Potter Park. ADJOURNED. Park Board Minutes June 16 , 1993 'AERK MEMBERS PRESENT: George Harlow, Barry Crown, 4udy Filice , Dorothy Kowalski , Sally Laurion, John$6-171-ard,"Mary Margaret Woll '93 JUb 23 MEMBER EXCUSED: Samuel Fata OTHERS PRESENT: Rick Walker, The Walker Companies , Inc. ; Carol Webster , Potter Park Zoological Society; Ann Jones , Keith Aten, Disc Golf; Paul M. Scott; Ed Kowalski ; R. Eric Reickel , Gerald Brady, Dick Schaefer CALL TO ORDER: 7 : 30 P.M. , Potter Park Zoo, Educational Building DISC GOLF Keith Aten from the Capital City Renagades Disc Golf Club spoke to the board on adding a disc golf course within Lansing. Grand Woods Park in Delta Township has an 18 hole course now, but there are currently 300-400 players at this facility and it is too busy. The group looked at Fulton, Grand River and Bancroft Parks . The group chose Bancroft as the best park for their purposes as park usage is very low and the terrain is interesting. Mr . Aten noted vandalism goes down with the high usage disc golf brings. An 18 hole course costs approximately $6 , 000 . Judy Filice moved the board consider the idea for extending the disc golf course activities within the city and asked that the department make an initial study of citizens who are using the existing disc golf course at Grand Woods Park. This will help determine the desirability of expanding the disc golf course opportunities within Lansing. Supported by Mary Margaret Woll . Motion carried. CAROL WEBSTER, POTTER PARK ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY Carol Webster , Executive Director, spoke to the Board about the Zoological Society ' s role at *the zoo in fundraising, conservation, and education. Carol stressed the importance of continued visits by Board members . She also spoke about regionalization of the zoo. The zookeeper staff is working at their maximum with basic animal care. The Society had a study commissioned by Public Sector Consultants regarding the feasibility of regionalizing Potter Park Zoo with surrounding areas becoming involved in the financial support of the ZOO. There was a very positive response. The next step is to contact local leaders to determine what type of grassroots support is there. PAUL SCOTT Wondered if the disc golf was a permanent fixture in a park or if it is removable. Mr . Aten replied that while they are removable , the posts are considered permanent. Discussion over Comstock Park. Grand Woods is owned by the City of Lansing but leased to Delta Township. PARK BOARD MINUTE, 6/16/93 Page (2) r MINUTES Judy Filice mentioned Otto Middle School is to be the contact school with the Board of Water and Light on the PACE project. This is to be noted in the May 19 , 1993 minutes . Barry Crown moved the Board accept the other department board minutes ; seconded by Mary Margaret Woll . Motion carried. PLAYGROUND EQUIPMENT STANDARDS Mike Engan, representative of Miracle Playground Equipment Company, appeared before the board regarding playground equipment installation. Last month the Board discussed the new standards being established and if the new playground equipment should be installed prior to the new guidelines being issued. Mr. Engan discussed ADA (this is law) , Consumer Product Safety Commission Guidelines (voluntary guidelines) and ASTM Standards (American Society of Testing Measures) . The guidelines must be followed to protect from liability. If improvments are going to be made in a park, all other play structures , etc . , must be in compliance when the park is completed. However , - even in parks where changes are not made , there is still liability for old equipment which is not meeting current standards . Discussion of "transfer points" versus ramps and access to the play equipment. Barry Crown questioned the correctness of purchasing equipment at this time. Mr . Engan feels these standards will not change drastically. The Board thanked Mr. Engan for attending. RICK WALKER, THE WALKER COMPANIES, INC. Mr . Rick Walker spoke to the Board. The Walker Companies has worked with various communities in upgrading facilities to meet the needs of the communities . Often communities could not supply the funds to upgrade . A partnership would then result between private enterprise and the community to improve the recreation facilities . The Walker` Company develops shoppings centers and has investigated potential retail areas in the Lansing area. Walker Companies feels Waverly Golf Course and Red Cedar Golf Course are located in prime locations for retail . In turn, for development of these areas , he would replace with new facilities at another location. Discussion followed on the need for a vote. The people of Lansing would decide this issue . Also if this concept were adopted and the shop,ping, malls built, Lansing Township would have a great advantage and perhaps would be more in a position to support regionalization concepts . It was also noted that the Clubhouse at Groesbeck must be updated. With this concept, golf fees would not have to increase . PARK BOARD MINUTPS 6/16/93 Page (3) SALVATION ARMY PROGRAM AT OAK PARK Sam Fata had phoned to express his concern about this program not taking place. Mary Margaret Woll will be meeting with the new colonel shortly after his arrival and will discuss the Salvation Army plans for the site at Oak Park. DIRECTOR' S REPORT Lansing Area Safety Council sent a thank you for the Safety Patrol day at Frances Park and Capital City River Runners sent a letter regarding the rivertrail . The Board received information in their packets as follows : Memo to the Mayor on Park Board Actions 5/19/93 , Potter Zoo - Seeing Eye/Hearing Ear Dog Policy, Donation of Statue for Evergreen (approved by the Mayor) , Master Plan for Turner-Dodge (public hearing July 6) , Black Associates in State Employment Inquiry, LYRF and Shop-Rite Stores , Westside Horseshoe Court Dedication, Potter Restroom/Concession Dedication, Brenke Fish Ladder Signage Dedication, Special Events Calendar Update and Basketball Camp. Moores Park Dedication is scheduled for Sunday, July 18 in conjunction with the South Central Neighborhood old time picnic . Details will follow. Barry Crown and Mary Margaret Woll were reappointed to the Park Board by the Mayor. POTTER ZOO ADMISSION FEE/FREE DAYS George Harlow noted Councilman Ford proposed at a Council meeting that Potter Park be opened another two or three days on a free basis . If the Zoo is to be opened free an additional two or three days per week, George Harlow suggested the Board recommend eliminating the administrative fees that the zoo and golf must pay. Otherwise, the Board is publicly opposed to additional free days . Judy Filice noted the fee has been accepted by the community and this serves no community purpose. A zoo pass is $20 . 00 for a resident family. A Potter Park Zoolocial Society membership ,is $40 and provides admission into our zoo and 75 others. Adjourned 9 : 20 P.M. 4 Q * Park Board Minutes * _ July 21, 1993 MEMBERS PRESENT: George Harlow, Barry Crown, Judity Filice, Dorothy Kowalski, Sally Laurion, John Pollard, Mary Margaret Woll 2 G8 OTHERS PRESENT: Carol Webster, Potter Park Zoological Society; R. Eric Reickel, Gerald Brady, City of Lansing EXCUSED ABSENCE: Sam Fata CALL TO ORDER: 7:30 P.M. , Scott Center, 125 W. Main POTTER PARK Z00 - ADDITIONAL FREE DAY A Councilmember had raised the issue of an additional "free day" at Potter Park Zoo for City of Lansing residents. Mayor Crawford requested an opinion from the Park Board. Carol Webster of the Zoological Society and Gerry Brady, Curator/ Manager, spoke to the board. Although concession income is always 20 to 30 percent better on the Tuesday free-day, the Society has always supported the gate fee as it affords management on zoo grounds the ability to take better care of the zoo and control vandalism and crowds. This one free day seems to be well accepted. No one has been complaining about this fee. This is simply bringing up an old issue that had been resolved. Attendance is up. Tuesday is a busier day, but the other days are getting busier. Sally Laurion suggested recommending against additional free days with the exception of sponsored days. After Goff Days, there was increased attendance for the Thursday through Sunday. An additional free day brings in more money at the parking booth, but it is difficult to control. The one free day is a positive for the community who supported the millage and supports the zoo but visitors from outside the city do not want to come during the free days. There is still the $20.00 family pass for Lansing residents. Barry Crown moved that the Board not support an additional free day and continue with one weekly free day. Also, the Board, the Department and the Zoological Society will seek to obtain daily sponsorships from area businesses which enable the business to give back to the community some of the profits they have earned serving the community. Supported by Dorothy Kowalski. John Pollard arrived. Motion carried. (5-1 no-J. Pollard) SERVICE ASSISTED DOG POLICY AT POTTER PARK Z00 Gerry Brady spoke to t:ie <<L. This policy was developed with input from several agencies and zoos. The department has been following this policy and there has been no problem. The policy will let people know they are welcome but we prefer their service animal not come into the zoo and we will comfortably accommodate the animal. However, if they want to take their service animal into the zoo, one of our staff will accompany them. A service animal is a registered assisted dog. They are given a yearly health exam, wear orange tags, and have paperwork stating they are registered. This information should be available to Zoo Personnel. Mary Margaret Woll moved the Board support the findings of the Potter Park Zoo in regard to Service Dog Assistant Policy. Seconded by Dorothy Kowalski. Motion carried. PARK BOARD MINUTES — ly 21, 1993 Page (2) AGENDA CHANGE Request of Mount Hope Monument Company to have the department install a foundation for the donated statue has been withdrawn. The monument company will take care of the foundation. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Mary Margaret Woll moved to accept the June 16, 1993 minutes of the Board as presented. Seconded by Dorothy Kowalski. Motion carried. May 19, 1993 minutes are not available at this time. GOLF COURSES/ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT The Board discussed The Walker Company's proposal from the June meeting. This proposal will create jobs and add to the tax base. It is progressive and beneficial. Barry Crown feels the board is very interested in this proposal and it is important to act now. The first step is to ask the Mayor to approve a request for proposals. If that happens, and a bonafide proposal is developed, then it goes to the voters. The first step is to see if there really is a market out there. If there is, our facilities could be improved at no cost to the taxpayers. It would add jobs and add to the tax base. Waverly will profit from an increase in the tax base. Something of real value should come back to the City of Lansing such as support for the zoo or some other regional concept. Barry Crown moved that the Mayor be informed that the Park Board supports soliciting developmental proposals for portions of our golf courses particularly Red Cedar and Waverly. It is also moved that this be done in an expeditious manner (6 months) . In exchange for the additional tax base, Lansing Township should be required to make a substantial contribution on an annual basis to Potter Park Zoo. The developers must replace lost facilities so that the city will own more golf holes than are presently owned and the facilities will be modernized. Supported Dorothy Kowalski. Motion carried. CEMETERY VARIANCES Judith Filice arrived. Variance requests regarding monuments were received from two lot owners. After discussion, Barry Crown moved the two variance requests be tabled. Prior to Board action, a statement must be obtained from the owners stating that they realized only one monument will be allowed for the 4 lots. Seconded by Dorothy Kowalski. Motion carried. ELECTION OF BOARD OFFICERS The Board determined George Harlow should remain President and Barry Crown Vice President of the Park Board. Moved by Mary Margaret Woll, supported by Judith Filice. Motion carried. PARK BOARD MINUTES - 'y 21, 1993 Page (3) GEORGE SEYMOUR, WETLANDS AND RECREATIONAL POTENTIAL Mr. Seymour wrote a letter to the City Parks Director expressing his concern about wetlands and recreation potential especially in Crego and Shubel Parks. Judy Filice recommended Mr. Seymour be assured there are people sensitive to the presence of wetlands and their importance in the community. We are aware of that custodial responsibility and are grateful for his interest. Judy Filice will contact Mr. Seymour. DIRECTOR'S REPORT Riverwalk Solar System was referred to Council by the Mayor. Our summer program has been expanded by participating in a program with Brotherhood Against Drugs and LYRF. This will be a special program held at Kingsley on Saturdays funded by LYRF. Fishing Clinics have been held at the centers and all playground sites from June 29 through August 3. The Fishing Derby will be at Sharp Park. It will be an end-of-the-year program for the Kids Kamp Program. Judy Filice attended one of the clinics and was extremely impressed. Judy Filice was also impressed with the program at Moores Park. Brett Kaschinske was there doing a fine job. Judy Filice suggested a master list be developed to determine what is happening in our programs. The department has recommended accepting an offer from the Michigan Wildlife Habitat Foundation to acquire 157 acres on the east side of Priggooris Park. The wish to establish a new executive offfice and turn this park into an inter- pretive wetland area. The next challenge will be to find a developer for the 80 acres to the west against the road. The 157 acres of wetland were not an asset to most parties looking at this property. It is our responsibility to preserve . the Priggooris name on another project. This will involve a public hearing. The sale of this property was approved by the voters many years ago. This property is located in Bath Township. COMMENTS BY BOARD MEMBERS Moores Park Dedication was reported on by Mary Margaret Woll. The dedication ceremony went very well. The pool is lovely, the tennis courts are nice but the landscaping is exceptional, user friendly, the stone embankments, ivy, the open washrooms and working water fountain were great. The neighborhood was extremely greatful. The lighting is strategically placed. All members of Park Board should go to the park and enjoy it. Mr. Harlow read a note from Dorothy Jones commending the department on the appearance of the park. Barry Crown noted that he serves on the Mayor's Tree Committee along with Mary Margaret Woll and John Pollard. Paul Dykema as City Forester has been doing a tremendous job. As City Forester, he is being called in to examine trees in the line of sewer work. This takes a great deal of time and he must make difficult decisions. Barry Crown has been impressed with Paul Dykema's professionalism and expertise. The information and input he has given the team has been on target. Paul is extremely knowledgeable and has had any needed information available. Due to the excellent job Paul is doing, the number of trees which must be destroyed due to the sewer project has been significantly decreased. PARK BOARD MINUTES - .' ty 21, 1993 Page (4) Barry noted that the three Park Board members on this panel are most impressed with the quality of the work Paul is performing. At the Committee's first meeting, there were two opposite sides clearly divided. Now the committee is acting as a unit and Barry Crown attributes much of that to the fine work Paul Dykema has done. MARKET Mary Margaret noted the Market is going through the growing pains of re-adjustment. Judy Filice is still concerned over the tendency of the tenants to fight and bicker amongst themselves in an unseemly way. At some point, management may have to let them know there are rules and boundaries that are firm. If it is not agreeable, leave. The Market has been through three boards and various levels and organizations of city management in the past few years. Mary Margaret agreed. Gerry'Donaldson has the capability to handle this; he is firm but fair. Judy Filice suggested having a fish boil in conjunction with the release of salmon into the river. If someone is interested, Ms. Filice requests they contact her. MEETING ADJOURNED. * Park Board Minutes August 18, 1993 MEMBERS; PRES.EItd`\ George Harlow, Barry Crown, Samuel Fata, Judy Filice, Sally Laurion, Mary Margaret Woll OTHERS PRESENT: YBruce Miller, Peter LaVeghe, Lansing Oar and Paddle Club; .,il uG. fly i Haul Scott; R. Eric Reickel, Parks and Recreation Director CALL TO ORDER: 7:30 P.M. , Scott Center - LANSING OAR & PADDLE CLUB Eric Reickel updated the Board. The University's crew house was destroyed by arson and is being replaced. Robert Ryden left a substantial gift to the LOAPC upon his death for promotion of recreational rowing on the Grand River. (This trust also donated $20,000 towards the existing structure. ) Usage has increased tremendously and more space is needed. The current agreement is between the City and the MSU Crew. The agreement will be reviewed to insure the City does not own the facility. Insurance was discussed and the agreement is being reviewed as the City prefers the group insures the building. Eric Reickel will check on the status of the amended agreement. Judith Filice moved the proposed addition and expansion for LOAPC be' accepted and approved; seconded by Mary Margaret Woll . Motion carried. Bruce Miller invited the Board to come view the site and have a demonstration. APPROVAL OF MINUTES The board accepted the May 19, 1993 and July 21, 1993 Park Board minutes as presented and received the other department minutes. CEMETERY VARIANCES — tabled 7/21/93 Brooksie Taylor requested a variance to place her monument .on graves 3 and 4 instead of graves 2 and 3 in Evergreen Lot 99, Section 0. The remaining lots will not be sold and this is the only monument that will be allowed. Department staff recommend approval. Mary Margaret Woll moved the Board approve the variance; seconded by Barry Crown. Motion carried. Edna Rogers Johnson requested the Evergreen Cemetery monument be centered on graves 1 and 2 instead of 2 and 3 Lot 30, Section L. The remaining lots will not be sold and an additional monument will not be allowed. Department staff recommend approval. Barry Crown moved staff recommendation be accepted and approved; supported by Mary Margaret Woll. Motion carried. POTTER PARK Z00/ELECTRICAL AT ENTRANCE Christmas at the Zoo is an annual event with zoo lighting. The entrance to the zoo from Pennsylvania is dark and uninviting. We are requesting parking fee funds be used with the Board of Water and Light to add this lighting to the capital program. We want to do some innovative things to the entrance. This will specifically help Christmas at the zoo but it will also provide electricity in Pavilion 1 once again. Mary Margaret Woll moved this be approved; seconded by Judith Filice to add this project to the capital improvement list. Motion carried. Park Board Minutes - ;ust 18, 1993 Page (2) RIVERFRONT PARK/NATIONAL RECREATION TRAIL Riverfront Trail has been recertified as a National Recreation Trail, a component of the National Trails System. This could become very important when applying for various grants. TREE COMMITTEE Barry Crown spoke to the Board regarding the CSO committee. Trees are being saved; this important project is not being interfered with; the program is cost effective; and everyone is more aware that they are other quality of life issues that must also be addressed. Notification is being discussed at length. The ordinance states any city tree can be removed by the authority of the Public Service Director upon notification of the City Forester. Bob Clegg, Interim Director of Public Service, has allowed the City Forester to participate in the decision, thereby going over and above the requirements of the ordinance. GARDEN STREET PARK (FABULOUS ACRES) Fabulous Acres is bounded by Washington, Baker, Mt. Hope and Pennsylvania and is a very low income area with many children. An area on Garden Street had been proposed as a tot lot with CDBG monies budgeted to build this lot. When the issue of contaminated property came up, all plans were put on hold. This area . was never contaminated and now the organizers have asked Council to reconsider building this tot lot. Council Ways and Means approved funding today to do the design of this tot lot with input from the neighborhood. Monies to build the tot lot would come from CDBG funds. This is not a designated park. The site will be investigated to determine it is safe from railroad tracks. Sam Fata moved the board accept the concept of this tot lot; seconded by Judith Filice. Motion carried. At the next meeting, the Board will determine if this property should continue to be a "tot lot" in name or if it should be part of the designated parks in the City system. PLAYGROUND EQUIPMENT REQUEST - ELMHURST ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Mayor Crawford asked the Board's opinion on a request for playground equipment at Elmhurst Elementary School. The department does not recommend putting City play equipment on Lansing School District property. The adjoining park just had two new basketball posts and backboards installed on the basketball court. Mary Margaret Woll moved that Elmhurst Park be added to the list for City playground equipment/replacement. This request will not be considered ahead of existing requests and prioritizations. Seconded by Barry Crown. Motion carried. Sally Laurion moved the Director investigate alleged safety concerns on City of Lansing Park property at Elmhurst and update the Park Board at the next meeting regarding safety inspection procedures. Seconded by Barry Crown. Motion carried. Barry Crown noted a Law Department approved regular inspection program should be in place. Staff is currently working on the bid package in relation to the various modules we want in each location. Various requirements are being carefully considered. According to the playground manufacturing representative, Mike Engan, we must meet current standards. We hope to put it together, have it out for bid and be ready for spring construction. Park Board Minutes - f Tust 18, 1993 Page (3) DIRECTOR'S REPORT Golf Course/Economic Development - The RFP's are being prepared. Potter Park Zoo Additional Free Day - The Council and Mayor agreed with the Board's recommenda- tion to stay with just one free day per week. Also the Goff's were recognized for sponsoring Goff Days at the Zoo. Letters were written in response to Mr. Seymour on Wetlands and Mr. Kostarides on an offer for a portion of Priggooris Park. (Mr. Kostarides is the great-great nephew of Mr. Priggooris. ) Copies of Michael McDonald's remarks at the dedication of Moores Park were mailed (Recreation Bond Program, Program Manager for DNR) . The Mayor has requested the River Trail be designated as a Michigan Trailway. An information letter from Woldumar Nature Center regarding rezoning of neighboring property was also distributed for information. Shiawassee Bridge park storage is being recommended under the bridge with under the south retaining wall and stairway as second choice. The current rhino at the zoo will be moved to San Francisco with two young rhinos coming in. The Director also updated the board on staff vacancies that have recently been filled or pending at this time. The letter from A. James Kaiser, President of Gier Advisory Board, regarding fees was discussed. Fees are an area to be concerned with, but Council has held the fees steady in the past few years. We have asked for the Gier Advisory Board's input but have received no answer; the advisory board was invited to Park Board to -discuss the issue, but again no answer. MARKET REPRESENTATIVE Mary Margaret Woll noted the federally funded produce program seems to be going very well. The Market Director and Assistant are doing very well. The Market Group is now empowered to act and the Market is showing an improvement for it. The countless appeals to Mayor and then Councilpeople only confused issues, created problems and unrest with paying vendors. The Second Annual Festa Italia will be October 16th at the Market. BOARD MEMBER COMMENTS Economic Development/Golf Courses - Judy Filice was concerned over public reaction to the loss of trees at Waverly if the golf proposal went through. This would require proper press to present the point. Fenner Arboretum Development - Wayne McGee had presented various plans for the development of the Forest Road property south of Fenner Arboretum. The board requested several specific vegetations be listed for planting on the northern border of this development, by Fenner Arboretum's southern border. Judy Filice requested this be inspected. Eric Reickel will look into this issue. George Harlow inquired as to the status of the Munn Park property issue. Eric Reickel explained the sale of this park land must go before the voters. This November, the sliver of Tecumseh Park will be voted on. The Munn Park property will be put to a vote of the people in August of 1994. Sally Laurion asked about the article in the paper about the River Trail and residents. The picture and article initially gave the impression that we were taking their property. The City is not taking this land as the article did eventually state. Judy Filice felt the Fishing Derby at Sharp Park was a fantastic success. Judy Filice also noted Ranney Park looks neglected especially were the tennis courts used to be. She requested the tennis fences be torn down tf the courts weren't going to be put back in. Eric Reickel explained the revenue feasibility study was delayed with early retirement and many more pressing issues. Adjourned. * Park Board Minutes September 15 , 1993 MEMBERS PRESENT : George Harlow , Sam Fata , Sa, ;y Laut �id% P%ary Margaret Murphy-Woll , John' 61.113ard EXCUSED ABSENCE : Barry Crown , Judith Fi1ice , Dorothy Kowalski OTHERS PRESENT : R . Eric Reickel , Parks & Recreation Director CALL TO ORDER : 7 : 50 P . M . , Scott Center , 125 W . Main APPROVAL OF MINUTES Mary Margaret 'Woll moved the minutes of the August 18 , 1993 Park Board meeting be approved as submitted ; seconded by Sam Fata . Motion carried. Other Department advisory board minutes were also received by the Board . EVALUATION OF THE DEPARTMENT Appointed Mr . Crown as editor of the evaluation of the department . Moved by Mary Margaret Woll ; seconded by John Pollard . Motion carried. Volunteers are welcome to help on this project . George Harlow requested the absent members be notified . ANNEXATION OF DELHI TOWNSIP LAND (Willoughby Park) Delhi Township is proposing to annex a portion of Willoughby Park sold to the City by C . Rowland Stebbins . There is an agreement that if this property is sold , an equivalent park land purchase/ development would be accomplished with the proceeds and Mr . Stebbins contribution would be recognized . Mr . Stebbins ' contributions to the community were tremendous . It was his promotion of the river that eventually resulted in Lansing ' s River Hiking/Biking Trail . It is most appropriate that a stretch of the river trail is named after Mr . Stebbins . If the Willoughby land is sold it would be appropriate to enhance a portion of the trail in his name . Moved by Mary Margaret Woll that monies obtained from the sale of Willoughby Park should go toward improvements in the park system with something significant associated with the river being named after C . Rowland Stebbins ; seconded by John Pollard . Motion carried. PROJECT STATUS REPORT A progress report was submitted by the consultants , Mark Hornung , Landscape Architects and Planners and Robert Ford & Associates , Inc . Good progress has been being made . Updates were given on Garden Park , River Point Park , Play Areas , Cherry Street Park , Shiawassee 'PARK BOARD MIP- TES - September 15 , 1993 Page (2) Street Bridge , Turner-Dodge Cons,truction Manager RFP , Cemetery Erosion Control , Cemetery RFQ , Turner Park , Wolf Trapper Cabin at Potter Park , Duck Pond at Potter Park, Frances Woodland Trail , Cemetery Automatic Entry Gates , Potter Park Erosion Control , Tennis Court Resurfacing (Quentin , Elmhurst , Forest View) , Frances Garage and Cemetery Road Resurfacing . DIRECTOR' S REPORT Minor League Baseball Team - Discussion followed regarding the benefits versus the drawbacks of having a minor league team. Mary Margaret Woll questioned the benefit of a minor league team to Lansing. Sam Fata felt there is an economic benefit and this would be a great idea if implemented in proper fashion . George Harlow noted there is no philanthropist to support the City of Lansing and this city will not support an event that will cost money and also the City should not provide property to a private group for a private business . .Eric Reickel noted it would have to be marketed correctly , and it is exciting that the City as a whole is looking at options . Included in the Members packets was information on Park Board Actions from 8/ 18 , 1993 , Potter Park Zoo Change in Hours , Elmhurst Play Equipment , Potter Service/Assistive Dog Policy , A . Walton • vs . City of Lansing (Ranney Park), "Why The Lansing Area Works" , and the Community Services Guide for Fall . The Leisure Services Manager , Murdock Jemerson , is in place . He has worked for the past four years with the Michigan DNR Recreation Services Division and he has also worked in the Chicago Park District and as the Flint Parks and Recreation Director . Tony Noyola is the Supervisor of Competitive Sports . Brett Kaschinske and Milton Alston are the new Community Building Programmers . Dominic Fucciolo and Irene Cahill are the new Forestry Supervisors . The next meeting will be November 17 , 1993 . The October 20 , 1993 meeting has been cancelled . BOARD MEMBER COMMENTS Samuel Fata discussed the preschool program . It is so popular at Foster he could not enroll his child and wondered if there room to expand the program or should we raise fees . Mr . Reickel explained that while there is a market for this program there is no room to expand . While this is an extremely popular program , fees are tied to the cost of the program. MARKET REPRESENTATIVE Mary Margaret Woll reported the Riverfest event was a success but publicity didn ' t get out as it should . Meeting adjourned 8 : 20 P .M . * Park Board Minutes November 17, 1993 12-01 -43P02 : 05 RCVD MEMBERS PRESENT: George Harlow, Mary Margaret Woll, Sally Laurion, Samuel Fata, John Pollard, Barry Crown, Judith Mohay Filice OTHERS--PRESENT: Rick Lilly, City Council; Jack Siebold, Lansing Youth Recreation Fund; Pat Lindemann, Ingham County Drain Commission; Greg Minshall, Fishbeck, Thompson, Carr & Huber; R. Eric Reickel, Murdock Jemerson and Richard Schaefer, Lansing Parks and p ' Recreation CALL TO ORDER: 7:35 P.M. , Parks & Recreation Conference Room APPROVAL OF MINUTES Mary Margaret Woll moved the Park Board Minutes of September 15, 1993 be approved as submitted; seconded by Samuel Fata. Motion carried. Other department minutes were accepted. MINOR LEAGUE BASEBALL Councilmember Rick Lilly spoke to the Board at length regarding minor league baseball and Lansing. The Blue Ribbon Committee appointed to study this issue will be releasing their report soon and a copy of this will be forwarded to the Park Board. At the present time, the Committee prefers the Red Cedar Golf Course site. The report will recommend the City be compensated for the use of this space. The new stadium could also be used for other things including graduation cermonies or concerts. In addition to the new stadium, it is proposed that Kircher/Municipal be moved further north and a little league complex be built around the new ballfield site. This would also allow the riverwalk to be extended to MSU. A nine hole golf course would be relocated elsewhere or perhaps use these funds to expand Waverly to 18 holes. The City proposes to lease the land. The Red Cedar Golf Course has a reverter clause in the deed and cannot be sold or used for non-recreational uses. Councilmember Lilly stressed the importance of keeping the staduim within the Lansing City Limits to benefit Lansing businesses and to add to the tax base. George Harlow repeatedly expressed concern for the loss of Red Cedar Golf Course as it is a course seniors frequent. Also the interruption of Municipal/Kircher play during the changeover is not acceptable. George Harlow requested it be made clear to the citizens of Lansing that the golf course will be lost. Rick Lilly stated the replacement of the golf course should be specifically stated with details on when, where and how replacement would occur. The Park Board discussed this issue at length and Board Members are interested in reviewing the Blue Ribbon Committee's report. JACK SIEBOLD - LANSING YOUTH RECREATION FUND Jack Siebold, Executive Director for the Lansing Youth Recreation Fund was introduced to the Board. George Harlow thanked Mr. Siebold for taking this voluntary position and giving to the community. Judy Filice inquired as to the Friday open skate in February. Mr. Reickel reported Don Ballard has been working with Kris Nicholoff on this and it looks as though free skating (entrance, skates and hot chocolate) will be sponsored by LYRF every Tuesday night. Park Board Minutes November 17, 1993 Page (2) EVALUATION OF THE PARK BOARD Eric Reickel will prepare a rough draft based upon the last year's activities from the minutes and it will be referred to Barry Crown and Judith Filice. INGHAM COUNTY DRAIN COMMISSIONER - GROESBECK DRAIN Pat Lindemann, Ingham County Drain Commissioner, and Greg Minshall from Fishbeck, Thompson, Carr & Huber, spoke to the Board regarding the Groesbeck Golf Course and the Groesbeck Drain project. There are actually two projects involved; one is the Tollgate Drain and the other is the Groesbeck Drain. They are asking for permission to run storm drainage to a pond in Groesbeck. The pond will remain essentially the same. The water will go through this pond and on into Bancroft Park. This glacial gravel area is perfect for dispersement. There will be some disruption of the golf course but it will be kept to a minimum. The Tollgate Drain serves the Groesbeck Subdivision. This subdivision has combined sewers. The storm drains will then drain into Fairview Park as a detention area. There is currently a low marshy area. The water will be recharged into this area and wildlife will be encouraged. R. Eric Reickel reminded the Board a portion of Groesbeck Golf Course is leased from the State. Hopefully, this land will be transferred soon. Mary Margaret Woll moved the Groesbeck/Tollgate Drain be supported in concept as presented with minimal disruption to the golf course, Bancroft Park and Fairview Park based upon meeting the criteria of the DNR; seconded by Judith Filice. Motion carried. MURDOCK JEMERSON, MANAGER OF LEISURE AND SPECIAL RECREATION SERVICES Murdock Jemerson distributed information regarding the organizational structure of the division including changes he has instituted. RecTrac Recreation Software information was also distributed. A centralized registration process will be used in December. Mr. Jemerson explained the various benefits of the RecTrac Software and how the computerized registration will work. George Harlow wondered about the pre-school registration at Foster Center. Some program participants wanted to be able to register for the school year instead of the semester. The Board requested this be investigated by Murdock Jemerson. Murdock Jemerson also informed the Board there is a possibility of a traveling exhibit coming to Lansing from from the National Park Service in Atlanta with information on Martin Luther King. A program description was distributed. TRANSITION TEAM REQUEST Dave Weiner from Mayor-Elect Hollister's Transition Team approached Mary Margaret Woll to obtain a list of four or five priority items from the Park Board for next year. After serious discussion, the board agreed on the following priorities. It should be noted that the Board was hesitant to devise a list on such short notice. 1) Increase community supported events and youth programs; 2) Development of a park brochure that outlines what facilities/programs are available; 3) Extension of seasonal workers so they begin earlier in the spring to begin park preparation for programs and are kept later in the fall to perform park maintenance; 4) Continuation of Capital Improvement Program and repair and maintenance of facilities with emphasis on the neighborhoods; and 5) Work towards the renewal of the Park millage for 1995-2000. Park Board Minutes - November 17, 1993 Page (3) Judy Filice stated any increase in programming should occur at the middle school age level. John Pollard is very concerned about the millage funds being spread into the neighborhoods (playground equipment) . LETTER TO MAYOR-ELECT HOLLISTER Barry Crown recommended the Board send a letter to Mayor-Elect Hollister. With the turmoil this department has been through in the past few years, it would be ill advised to have a change in personnel. The Board also wants the new adminis- tration to be aware of the sanctity of the one mill approved for park renovation/ improvements. Also, the Board is not aware of what the new administration's vision is for recreation and parks. Barry Crown moved the letter be placed upon departmental stationery, signed by the Board President and forwarded to the Mayor-Elect; supported by Mary Margaret Woll. Motion carried. Mary Margaret Woll left at this time. ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY WONDERLAND OF LIGHTS This concept was presented earlier in the year but action was not requested. Barry Crown moved that for the Wonderland of Lights event at Potter Park Zoo the regular fees be waived and in their place a $3.00 per vehicle fee be collected. These fees are to be distributed two-thirds to the Zoo Capital Improvements account and one-third to the Potter Park Zoological Society to defray expenses of the lighting event; seconded by Judith Filice. Motion carried (5-1) (no-J. Pollard) MIFFLIN "PARK" The property located in the 700 block of Mifflin Avenue is commonly referred to as Mifflin "Park." This parcel is 1.4 acres of land located at the south end of Mifflin Avenue, north of I-496. It has been leased by Lansing Township but the Township is vacating the lease. It is not a designated park and serves no function for the department. The department wishes to dispose of the property as the Planning Board recommends with the proceeds from the sale going to the park acquisition and development account. Judith Filice moved the Board concur with the Planning Board action; seconded by Sam Fata. Motion carried. GARDEN STREET PARK Dick Schaefer presented an overview of the conceptual design for this park. The park will be developed using CDBG funds. This site was part of an environmental clean-up. It would include open-space, horseshoe court, volleyball court, picnic area and play equipment. This is a neighborhood park with no parking lot. Barry Crown moved that the concept for Garden Park be approved as presented; seconded by Sally Laurion. Motion carried. Park Board Minutes - dovember 17, 1993 Page (4) DONORA/BAKER The Ameritech request was deleted from consideration as the site was not suitable for their needs. Dick Schaefer updated the Board on park improvements. The contractor for the CSO project has been bringing in clean fill and the site is two-thirds completed. The contractor has given Parks $5,000 for trees and a woodchipped path through the site. The site looks very attractive. Judith Filice was disappointed that the area did not have a planned naturalization with wildflowers, etc. This decision had been left up to the contractor with neighborhood input and the suggestion did not advance. Mrs. Filice had been cataloging plants for the site per the department's request. FRANCES PARK GRAVEL PARKING LOT A request has been received to abandon the gravel parking lot at Frances Park by placing topsoil on it and seeding over the lot. Discussion followed, centering on the use of the lot. Judith Filice moved that the lot be retained, improved and fenced with hedging; seconded by Sally Laurion. Motion carried. CIP 94-95 A new copy of the list was distributed to the Board for their review and action at the December meeting. PARK BUILDING DEMOLITON Reasoner Park restroom building and Fenner Arboretum metal storage building are scheduled to be demolished. The Sycamore Golf Course storge building is also to be demolished contingent upon funding being available to replace this building. The department is requesting the Board's recommendation on the demolition of the Pleasant View Park restroom building and the Clifford Park restroom building. Pleasant View is used extensively by the Boys and Girls Club and the restrooms are unneeded. The Clifford Park restroom building has not been used in over 5 years and some neighbors have requested the demolition. In addition, Ameritech is asking to use Clifford Park as a switching station. Sam Fata moved the Pleasant View Park restroom building be demolished but the Clifford Park restroom building should be retained at this time due to recent development in the park; supported by John Pollard. Motion carried. The request of Ameritech is therefore denied. Evergreen Cemetery Rule Variance L56, Sec. 0 John Pollard moved the board recommend a cemetery rule variance to allow a monument to be centered on graves 1 and 2 instead of 2 and 3 in Evergreen Cemetery on L56, Sec.O. ; seconded by Barry Crown. Motion carried. Park Board Minutes - November 17, 1993 Page (5) SALE OF HOUSE AT 238 E. HAZEL ST. Judith Filice moved the house at 238 E. Hazel be sold and moved off the property to a lot within the neighborhood as intended; seconded by John Pollard. This completes the goal of owning riverfront property while maintaining homes and a viable tax base. Motion carried. DIRECTOR'S REPORT The American Association of Zoological Parks and Aquariums awarded Potter Park Zoological Gardens a Significant Achievement Award for the Indonesian Sumatran Tiger Program. The award was given for "assistance in the development of an Indonesian Conservation Strategy for Captive and Wild Sumatran Tigers." Gerald Brady, Curator/Manager, has been in charge of this program. This is a significant national Conservation Award. Turner-Mini Park - bids have been awarded. Judith Filice requested she be informed when work begins on this park. The Fenner Arboretum and building renovation contract has been awarded. Status Report on projects by Ford and Hornung was distributed. Press Release on State Transfer of Parks to City was also distributed. Riverpoint Park Plan was available at the meeting for review. REQUEST FROM CLERK George Harlow received a letter from the City Clerk requesting all Park Board procedures, bylaws, articles of incorporation and all minutes from Park Board be sent to their office. The Board placed this letter on file with a request to Eric Reickel to follow-up on information. The Director informed the Board that all minutes are forwarded to the Clerk in a timely fashion and that a copy of the Park Board Rules of Procedure as approved August 27, 1979 by Council will again be forward to the City Clerk. Meeting adjourned 10:30 P.M. * Park Board Minutes 01 -05-94A08 : 25 RCVD November 17, 1993 MEMBERS PRESENT: George Harlow, Mary Margaret Woll, Sally Laurion, Samuel Fata, John Pollard, Barry Crown, Judith Mohay Filice * MEMBERS ABSENT: Dorothy Kowalski OTHERS PRESENT: Rick Lilly, City Council; Jack Siebold, Lansing Youth Recreation Fund; Pat Lindemann, Ingham County Drain Commission; Greg Minshall, Fishbeck, Thompson, Carr & Huber; R. Eric Reickel, Murdock Jemerson and Richard Schaefer, Lansing Parks and Recreation CALL TO ORDER: 7:35 P.M. , Parks & Recreation Conference Room APPROVAL OF MINUTES Mary Margaret Woll moved the Park Board Minutes of September 15, 1993 be approved as submitted; seconded by Samuel Fata. Motion carried. Other department minutes were accepted. MINOR LEAGUE BASEBALL Councilmember Rick Lilly spoke to the Board at length regarding minor league baseball and Lansing. The Blue Ribbon Committee appointed to study this issue will be releasing their report soon and a copy of this will be forwarded to the Park Board. At the present time, the Committee prefers the Red Cedar Golf Course site. The report will recommend the City be compensated for the use of this space. The new stadium could also be used for other things including graduation cermonies or concerts. In addition to the new stadium, it is proposed that Kircher/Municipal be moved further north and a little league complex be built around the new ballfield site. This would also allow the riverwalk to be extended to MSU. A nine hole golf course would be relocated elsewhere or perhaps use these funds to expand Waverly to 18 holes. The City proposes to lease the land. The Red Cedar Golf Course has a reverter clause in the deed and cannot be sold or used for non-recreational uses. Councilmember Lilly stressed the importance of keeping the staduim within the Lansing City Limits to benefit Lansing businesses and to add to the tax base. George Harlow repeatedly expressed concern for the loss of Red Cedar Golf Course as it is a course seniors frequent. Also the interruption of Municipal/Kircher play during the changeover is not acceptable. George Harlow requested it be made clear to the citizens of Lansing that the golf course will be lost. Rick Lilly stated the replacement of the golf course should be specifically stated with details on when, where and how replacement would occur. The Park Board discussed this issue at length and Board Members are interested in reviewing the Blue Ribbon Committee's report. JACK SIEBOLD - LANSING YOUTH RECREATION FUND Jack Siebold, Executive Director for the Lansing Youth Recreation Fund was introduced to the Board. George Harlow thanked Mr. Siebold for taking this voluntary position and giving to the community. Judy Filice inquired as to the Friday open skate in February. Mr. Reickel reported Don Ballard has been working with Kris Nicholoff on this and it looks as though free skating (entrance, skates and hot chocolate) will be sponsored by LYRF every Tuesday night. * Judy Filice expressed concern regarding the lack of a daytime after school skating opportunity for children. There should be a two-hour block of time available at least once per week to accommodate afterschool skating. * revised 12/15/93 Park Board MinuteF November 17, 1993 Page (2) EVALUATION OF THE PARK BOARD Eric Reickel will prepare a rough draft based upon the last year's activities from the minutes and it will be referred to Barry Crown and Judith Filice. INGHAM COUNTY DRAIN COMMISSIONER - GROESBECK DRAIN Pat Lindemann, Ingham County Drain Commissioner, and Greg Minshall from Fishbeck, Thompson, Carr & Huber, spoke to the Board regarding the Groesbeck Golf Course and the Groesbeck Drain project. There are actually two projects involved; one is the Tollgate Drain and the other is the Groesbeck Drain. They are asking for permission to run storm drainage to a pond in Groesbeck. The pond will remain essentially the same. The water will go through this pond and on into Bancroft Park. This glacial gravel area is perfect for dispersement. There will be some disruption of the golf course but it will be kept to a minimum. The Tollgate Drain serves the Groesbeck Subdivision. This subdivision has combined sewers. The storm drains will then drain into Fairview Park as a detention area. There is currently a low marshy area. The water will be recharged into this area and wildlife will be encouraged. R. Eric Reickel reminded the Board a portion of Groesbeck Golf Course is leased from the State. Hopefully, this land will be transferred soon. Mary Margaret Woll moved the Groesbeck/Tollgate Drain be supported in concept as presented with minimal disruption to the golf course, Bancroft Park and Fairview Park based upon meeting the criteria of the DNR; seconded by Judith Filice. Motion carried. MURDOCK JEMERSON, MANAGER OF LEISURE AND SPECIAL RECREATION SERVICES Murdock Jemerson distributed information regarding the organizational structure of the division including changes he has instituted. RecTrac Recreation Software information was also distributed. A centralized registration process will be used in December. Mr. Jemerson explained the various benefits of the RecTrac Software and how the computerized registration will work. George Harlow wondered about the pre-school registration at Foster Center. Some program participants wanted to be able to register for the school year instead of the semester. The Board requested this be investigated by Murdock Jemerson. Murdock Jemerson also informed the Board there is a possibility of a traveling exhibit coming to Lansing from from the National Park Service in Atlanta with information on Martin Luther King. A program description was distributed. TRANSITION TEAM REQUEST Dave Weiner from Mayor-Elect Hollister's Transition Team approached Mary Margaret Woll to obtain a list of four or five priority items from the Park Board for next year. After serious discussion, the board agreed on the following priorities. It should be noted that the Board was hesitant to devise a list on such short notice. 1) Increase community supported events and youth programs; 2) Development of a park brochure that outlines what facilities/programs are available; 3) Extension of seasonal workers so they begin earlier in the spring to begin park preparation for programs and are kept later in the fall to perform park maintenance; 4) Continuation of Capital Improvement Program and repair and maintenance of facilities with emphasis on the neighborhoods; and 5) Work towards the renewal of the Park millage for 1995-2000. Park Board Minutes November 17, 1993 Page (3) Judy Filice stated any increase in programming should occur at the middle school age level. John Pollard is very concerned about the millage funds being spread into the neighborhoods (playground equipment) . LETTER TO MAYOR-ELECT HOLLISTER Barry Crown recommended the Board send a letter to Mayor-Elect Hollister. With the turmoil this department has been through in the past few years, it would be ill advised to have a change in personnel. The Board also wants the new adminis- tration to be aware of the sanctity of the one mill approved for park renovation/ improvements. Also, the Board is not aware of what the new administration's vision is for recreation and parks. Barry Crown moved the letter be placed upon departmental stationery, signed by the Board President and forwarded to the Mayor-Elect; supported by Mary Margaret Woll. Motion carried. Mary Margaret Woll left at this time. ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY WONDERLAND OF LIGHTS This concept was presented earlier in the year but action was not requested. Barry Crown moved that for the Wonderland of Lights event at Potter Park Zoo the regular fees be waived and in their place a $3.00 per vehicle fee be collected. These fees are to be distributed two-thirds to the Zoo Capital Improvements account and one-third to the Potter Park Zoological Society to defray expenses of the lighting event; seconded by Judith Filice. Motion carried (5-1) (no-J. Pollard) MIFFLIN "PARK" The property located in the 700 block of Mifflin Avenue is commonly referred to as Mifflin "Park." This parcel is 1.4 acres of land located at the south end of Mifflin Avenue, north of I-496. It has been leased by Lansing Township but the Township is vacating the lease. It is not a designated park and serves no function for the department. The department wishes to dispose of the property as the Planning Board recommends with the proceeds from the sale going to the park acquisition and development account. Judith Filice moved the Board concur with the Planning Board action; seconded by Sam Fata. Motion carried. GARDEN STREET PARK Dick Schaefer presented an overview of the conceptual design for this park. The park will be developed using CDBG funds. This site was part of an environmental clean-up. It would include open-space, horseshoe court, volleyball court, picnic area and play equipment. This is a neighborhood park with no parking lot. Barry Crown moved that the concept for Garden Park be approved as presented; seconded by Sally Laurion. Motion carried. Park Board Minute: November 17, 1993 Page (4) DONORA/BAKER The Ameritech request was deleted from consideration as the site was not suitable for their needs. Dick Schaefer updated the Board on park improvements. The contractor for the CSO project has been bringing in clean fill and the site is two-thirds completed. The contractor has given Parks $5,000 for trees and a woodchipped path through the site. The site looks very attractive. Judith Filice was disappointed that the area did not have a planned naturalization with wildflowers, etc. This decision had been left up to the contractor with neighborhood input and the suggestion did not advance. Mrs. Filice had been cataloging plants for the site per the department's request. FRANCES PARK GRAVEL PARKING LOT A request has been received to abandon the gravel parking lot at Frances Park by placing topsoil on it and seeding over the lot. Discussion followed, centering on the use of the lot. Judith Filice moved that the lot be retained, improved and fenced with hedging; seconded by Sally Laurion. Motion carried. CIP 94-95 A new copy of the list was distributed to the Board for their review and action at the December meeting. PARK BUILDING DEMOLITON Reasoner Park restroom building and Fenner Arboretum metal storage building are scheduled to be demolished. The Sycamore Golf Course storge building is also to be demolished contingent upon funding being available to replace this building. The department is requesting the Board's recommendation on the demolition of the Pleasant View Park restroom building and the Clifford Park restroom building. Pleasant View is used extensively by the Boys and Girls Club and the restrooms are unneeded. The Clifford Park restroom building has not been used in over 5 years and some neighbors have requested the demolition. In addition, Ameritech is asking to use Clifford Park as a switching station. Sam Fata moved the Pleasant View Park restroom building be demolished but the Clifford Park restroom building should be retained at this time due to recent development in the park; supported by John Pollard. Motion carried. The request of Ameritech is therefore denied. Evergreen Cemetery Rule Variance L56, Sec. 0 John Pollard moved the board recommend a cemetery rule variance to allow a monument to be centered on graves 1 and 2 instead of 2 and 3 in Evergreen Cemetery on L56, Sec.O. ; seconded by Barry Crown. Motion carried. Park Board Minute, November 17, 1993 Page (5) SALE OF HOUSE AT 238 E. HAZEL ST. Judith Filice moved the house at 238 E. Hazel be sold and moved off the property to a lot within the neighborhood as intended; seconded by John Pollard. This completes the goal of owning riverfront property while maintaining homes and a viable tax base. Motion carried. DIRECTOR'S REPORT The American Association of Zoological Parks and Aquariums awarded Potter Park Zoological Gardens a Significant Achievement Award for the Indonesian Sumatran Tiger Program. The award was given for "assistance in the development of an Indonesian Conservation Strategy for Captive and Wild Sumatran Tigers." Gerald Brady, Curator/Manager, has been in charge of this program. This is a significant national Conservation Award. Turner-Mini Park - bids have been awarded. Judith Filice requested she be informed when work begins on this park. The Fenner Arboretum and building renovation contract has been awarded. Status Report on projects by Ford and Hornung was distributed. Press Release on State Transfer of Parks to City was also distributed. Riverpoint Park Plan was available at the meeting for review. REQUEST FROM CLERK George Harlow received a letter from the City Clerk requesting all Park Board procedures, bylaws, articles of incorporation and all minutes from Park Board be sent to their office. The Board placed this letter on file with a request to Eric Reickel to follow-up on information. The Director informed the Board that all minutes are forwarded to the Clerk in a timely fashion and that a copy of the Park Board Rules of Procedure as approved August 27, 1979 by Council will again be forward to the City Clerk. Meeting adjourned 10:30 P.M. * Park Board Minutes December 15, 1993 MEMBERS PRESENT: George Harlow, Judy Filice, Dorothy Kowalski, Sally Laurion, Mary Margaret Woll MEMBERS ABSENT: Barry Crown, Sam Fata, John Pollard (all excused) OTHERS PRESENT: Sandy Allen, Councilmember-Elect, 2nd Ward; David Weiner, Mayor-Elect Hollister's Transition Team; Bob Ford, Ford and Associates; Carol Abbott, Murdock Jemerson, R. Eric Reickel, Department Staff CALL TO ORDER: 7:30 P.M. , Parks & Recreation Conference Room SANDY ALLEN, COUNCILMEMBER-ELECT 2ND WARD Ms. Allen spoke to the Board expressing her interest in Parks and Recreation particu- larly pertaining to youth. She co.mplemented the Board on the fine job they have done. The Wonderland of Lights at the zoo is very impressive. George Harlow explained the Zoological Society with many volunteers was the impetus behind this very successful project. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - NOVEMBER 17, .1993 Judy Filice requested the minutes be amended to include her concern about the lack of a daytime skating opportunity for children. It is critical that at least one afterschool skating opportunity be provided. Ms. Filice stressed again that there should be a two hour block of time available at least once per week to accommodate afterschool skating. Mary Margaret Woll moved the minutes of November 17, 1993 be approved as amended; seconded by Dorothy Kowalski. Motion carried. EVALUATION OF DEPARTMENT The assignment of the draft evaluation had been referred to Sam Fata. Mr. Fata has been unable to complete this evaluation and is absent from the meeting tonight. FOSTER PRESCHOOL UPDATE Murdock Jemerson, Manager of Leisure Services, reviewed this program. The department's goal is to maintain some term slots in all young children's classes (Young Children's Enrichment, Junior Preschool and Parent & Toddler) to allow new participants to come into the program. The City of Lansing's goal is not to run a preschool program as the private sector does. It needs to be kept open to the public to allow all citizens an opportunity to participate while meeting some of the yearly participation needs. REGISTRATION FOR WINTER CLASSES Murdock Jemerson reviewed the new sign-up process which includes telephone registration and the ability to use Mastercard or Visa for the first time. LAND PURCHASE - FIDELITY FARMS PLAT (by Crego) This land is adjacent to Crego Park and is for sale for $10,000. This is one of the highest pieces of land in this flood plain. This property is in the key part of the high property. At this point, Crego is not being developed due to the contamination. Dorothy Kowalski moved the property be acquired if funding can be found; seconded by Mary Margaret Woll. Motion carried. Amended 1/26/94 Park Board Minutes - DL mber 15, 1993 Page (2) EQUITY PROJECTS On December 9 we received a letter from the Mayor's Office requesting Equity Fund items. The Department quickly put together a list of projects from our master plan which included Potter Park Zoo Exhibit ($25,300) , Cooley/Scott Landscaping ($20,000), Turner-Dodge Interior Improvements ($37,000) , Fenner Arboretum ($27,500) and Frances Park Overlook ($45,000) . Judith Filice noted pond bank stabilization is listed under the Zoo proposal and requested the principles learned while completing this project be applied elsewhere in the department. Judith Filice moved the Board support these projects for Equity Funding; seconded by Mary Margaret Woll. Motion carried. NEIGHBORHOOD PARK AND PLAY EQUIPMENT The Department has received a grant ($225,000) from the Department of Natural Resources for a phase of our playground improvement program. By the time 1994 is done we will have invested at least $500,000 into the neighorhood playground program. (We have $300,000 budgeted. ) Bob Ford from Ford and Associates spoke to the Board. The four major parks being funded through the DNR are .Davis, Frances, Hunter and Washington. Other parks receiving updating of play facilities are Beck, Durant, Ingham, Comstock, Forest View and Marscot. Various design approaches were discussed which all include soliciting neighborhood involvement. All equipment- will be installed by the manu- facturer. Mary- Margaret Woll suggested the things that. are ,available be presented I ather than soliciting general ideas. The exact dollar amounts, rules and regulations, etc. should all be the stressed while meeting with the neighborhoods. It was agreed a Design/Build approach will be used. BUDGET ITEMS Capital Improvement Programs The draft of the Capital Improvement Program that was distributed at the last meeting was updated and redistributed. Future year CIP needs FY 1995 through FY 2000 were listed along with funding sources. Projects are funded primarily through millage funds and all are in previous plans that have been approved. Judy Filice inquired about including riverbank stabilization for the south bank of the Grand River along Moores River Drive between Mount Hope and Cambridge. Judy Filice moved the proposed CIP list be approved with the addition of improvements to stabilize the south banks of the Grand River between Cambridge and Mount Hope; seconded by Sally Laurion. Motion carried. David Weiner from Mayor-Elect Hollister's Office arrived. General Fund Budget Carol Abbott has been in charge of coordinating the department budget. We worked hard to meet deadlines and update the previous budget but feel there will be changes coming after the first of the year. Carol Abbott distributed information giving the FY 93 actual figures, FY 94 original appropriations, and FY 95 request. This included the percentage of difference. General Fund request is up 13%. Potter is up 14%. Cemetery and Golf are virtually unchanged. Most of the changes are in personnel costs due to contract wage increases and equipment requests. The equipment requests are never approved in total. A Park Board Minutes - De,-ember 15, 1993 Page (3) specific dollar amount is approved and we purchase items in priority order. This in turn brings the percentage down. Potter has had new exhibits and this increases costs. Hopefully revenues will also increase with the new exhibits. This is a continuation budget. It does not include any changes. All new programs are submitted separately and added in if approved. The Board elected to receive the continuation budget figures. New Programs A draft list of new programs was distributed to the board and reviewed by the Director. Judy Filice asked if there has been consideration for an increase in tennis instruction. There is a local group putting together an Arthur Ash Memorial Tennis Tournament to raise funds for youth tennis. The Director has received community contacts from persons interested in sponsing a tournament with motives similar to LYRF. The MRPA Awards Committee notified the department that the Summer Youth Fishing Program was recognized for an Innovative Recreation Programming Award for populations of 100,000 and over. The DNR provided the expertise and LYRF funded two fishery students from MSU. They put on clinics at the playgrounds and had a fishing derby at Delta Township's Sharp Park. This introduced many children to a positive, affordable, available sport. Judy Filice commented that John Pollard had stated of all the activities offered at the Black Child and Family Institute the fishing clinic was the most popular. The Board received the new program list. DAVID WIENER, MAYOR-ELECT HOLLISTER'S TRANSITION TEAM Mr. Weiner wanted to meet the Board and bring greetings from Mayor-Elect Hollister. He expressed the willingness of the Mayor's Office to learn from the Board and asked the board to feel free to contact the Mayor's Office. Mr. Weiner gave an overview of the direction that Mayor-Elect Hollister is taking for the next month or SO. It is very much citizen participation oriented. The City is spending more than they are taking in. This must be remedied as the "rainy day" fund will be exhausted or will be unavailable if it does rain. The budget must be balanced. Taxes cannot be raised as people and business will be driven out of the community. There are many real needs to be met while maintaining the moral of the organization. Sandy Allen had to leave the meeting. She wondered who the 2nd Ward representative was. The Director will let her know. KIRCHER/MUNICIPAL - MINOR LEAGUE BASEBALL The U.S. Department of Interior expressed their concern about the monies they have invested in Kircher/Municipal . This property cannot be used for professional sports and their approval is required if the site is to be relocated. George Harlow feels strongly that the Board should take a stand against this concept and that the Board is against losing Red Cedar Golf Course and Kircher/ Municipal. Mary Margaret Woll agrees. Director explained Rick Lilly came for informational purposes only. This will come back to the Board prior to any action being taken. Judith Filice wondered if Mr. Harlow would be opposed to the baseball league if it was at, an alternate site. Mr. Harlow feels that government should be involved in those things that private enterprise cannot be involved in. A minor league baseball team is something private enterprise could do. If this park land is to be leased, Park Board Minutes - Det-ember 15, 1993 Page (4) it is being taken away from the citizens of Lansing. The citizens should vote on whether they should lose those facilities. DURANT PARK A proposal was received from the Residents of Capitol Hill District. This park is included for playground revitalization. A master plan should be done of this entire park. MARTIN LUTHER KING EXHIBIT Murdock Jemerson has raised $4,000 to bring Martin Luther King, Jr. , National Historic Site Exhibit to Lansing from Georgia. The National Park Service will send two rangers to present this exhibit the week of January 17th. Murdock is still generating funds. He noted the local banking community has stepped behind this project. Park Rangers will give two presentations a day located at a rotating center (Gier, Kingsley, Foster) . During the morning we are trying to get the school system involved with the evening presentation available to the public. The Board will be hosting a reception on January 21, 1994 at the Michigan Historical Museum. DIRECTOR'S REPORT Letters were sent to the incoming councilmembers inviting them to meet with the Director. LYRF Skating was at capacity last night (200) . It is very well received. Ad Hoc Committee Report on Tree Preservation was distributed. Willoughby Park - a copy -of a letter from Mayor Crawford to Harry Ammon of Delhi Township was distributed which reassures the Township of our intended zoning of this property which is for sale. Monies obtained from the sale of this property will be put to a project in honor of Mr. Stebbins who donated this property. ! Donora - We are having a December tree planting initiated by Millie Ceasar of the Neighbors United in Action. Robert Ford helped design the renovation of Donora/Baker. It was used as a clean fill dump site for the CSO. They were to reform it and make it attractive. Priggooris - The Wildlife Habitat Group who is buying the back half of Priggooris Park is ready to close. This has been a hard park to dispose of. This will make the 80 acres on Webster much more marketable. This money is also to go to a major project in the name of Angel Priggooris. (The group is only buying the wetland. ) BOARD MEMBER COMMENTS Scott Park - Sally Laurion had a complaint regarding the bridges at Scott. She inspected the site with the person and reported it through proper channels. She then received a call from a very happy person. Repairs had been made. Turner Dodge - Judy Filice asked about the restoration of Turner-Dodge. Two companies have been interviewed. A decision will be made after the first of the year. The Board congratulated Mr. Reickel on being retained. Adjourned.