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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2000 Park Board Minutes PARK BOARD MINUTES January 19, 2000 MEMBERS PRESENT: Mary James, Wilbur Howard, Judith Mohay Filice, Ruth Leyrer, Ron Lott MEMBERS ABSENT: Robert Brockwell, Kris Nicholoff, John Pollard (all excused) OTHERS PRESENT: Robert Ford and Roger Fox of Landscape Architects & Planners, Inc.; Jim Smit, Gregg Lyrics, Jim Savage, The Rotary Club of Lansing Foundation; Dr. Jim Sikarskie, Potter Park Zoo Veterinarian from MSU; Jill Sanderson, B. Smith, Curt Gates, Pete Bosheff, Lansing Area Skate, Bike & Recreation Foundation (LASBRF); Joanne Gnida, Friendship Manner; Judith Miller, RAHA; David Sage, Frandorson Corporation; Tim McCaffrey, East Lansing Director of Park & Recreation-, Dorothy Jones, Moores Park Neighborhood, Joe Keevan, Matthew Brodes. Wilfried Karmaus, Ellen Beal; R. Eric Reickel, Director; Phil Dorland, Deputy Director r- CALL TO ORDER: 7.00 P.M. Scott House, 125 W. Main St. RANNEY PARK CONCEPTUAL PLAN Landscape Architects & Planners, Inc., was hired by the Cities of Lansing and East Lansii-, to = develop a conceptual plan for Ranney Park. Robert Ford and Roger Fox were present to ASI#& questions and make a presentation. Several public meetings were held and an additional *etih- was held with Lansing and East Lansing Park Directors and representatives from the Lansing Transportation Division to respond to concerns. The proposed concept plan for Ranney Park to date includes the following recreation activities- half mile perimeter trail, playground, gazebo, improved pedestrian access from surrounding areas, improved parking lots, landscaping, a skate park and two tennis courts. Several existing features will remain including the sledding hill, the ball diamond, the handball court and restrooms. Eric Reickel also commented on the spirit of cooperation shown by East Lansing and Lansing in sharing the cost of the conceptual master plan. The next step will be to determine if it will be a partnership to finance the improvements in the park which would be a significant gesture on behalf of East Lansing. If the majority of these improvements are to take place, it will most likely be a joint effort. Discussion followed. The process for input was discussed along with maintenance issues. Specific questions were raised regarding senior activities such as shuffleboard and horseshoes. Fox explained those activities were in the primary conceptual plan but Friendship Manor representatives were not interested in these activities. Ford explained they had met with the management and residents at Friendship Manor to specifically discover what they would like at the park. Residents were interested in a shelter or a garden area they could plant. Howard was also interested in gardens being included. James wondered why tennis courts were in front rather than in-line skating. One of the complaints received by the Park Board and Parks and Recreation Department is tennis courts across the city are being used by children for in-line hockey. Ford explained there were nine heavily used tennis courts here in the past. As the courts deteriorated, they were removed but the Park Board Minutes - January 19, 2000 Page 2 demand was still there. There was interest in having courts there so two were included. James is concerned as tennis courts at Letts and Quentin are not being used, and we should consider the future. Ford explained in-line skating was proposed in addition to the skatepark itself. The skatepark has ramps and hills. There was not enough support for the in-line skating or the roller hockey. The youth was into the slopes and jumps (street course). Filice strongly supports tennis courts. Director recommended tabling this item until East Lansing has reviewed the plan. The Board can then consider this plan again in February for referral to the Mayor. Joan Gnida from Friendship Manor asked about the access for persons with disabilities and street access. She is concerned about children skateboarding in Frandor. Director explained that is operational. Once this facility is available, they would be educated on respecting the surrounding areas. She also commented about the bus routes and possible problems children coming to use the park. Ford explained there have been discussions with CATA and Frandor. Gnida likes this plan better than the others. David Sage, Maintenance Supervisor for Frandorson Properties, noted the bus stops would be moving from Trippers area further to the west. It will pull the children away from the heavy traffic area. Ellen Beal expressed concern over the need for East Lansing to put up money or it will not be done. She felt the impetus behind the plan was the creation of a skatepark and it should still take place even if the added things do not happen. James responded that the Park Board has been a big supporter of the concept of skateparks. The question of financing and what can be accomplished will be addressed in the future. Director noted the plan probably would be done on a phased basis with the skatepark being done first. Ron Lott arrived. MOTION: Filice moved the Board table this item until the February meeting to enable feedback from the City of East Lansing prior to Park Board action, seconded by Howard. Motion carried. THE ROTARY CLUB OF LANSING FOUNDATION Jim Savage, President, spoke to the Board on the Rotary's proposal to be the lead donor for the newly planned animal care facility at the Potter Park Zoo. The club has funded various projects over the years and has determined this project is the most compatible with their objectives. The zoo is an important part of the continued revitalization of Lansing as it is truly a regional facility that draws from a large area throughout mid-Michigan. The group proposes to be the lead donor with a donation of$50,000. The projected total cost is slightly less than $200,000. In return for being the lead donor, they request the facility be named after The Rotary Club of Lansing and that the club's logo and mission statement would be displayed at an appropriate location within the facility. The Zoo is marked down every year by the U.S. Department of Agriculture for not having proper Park Board Minutes - January 19, 2000 Page 3 animal care facilities within the zoo. This facility is a high priority. Dr. Sikarski has been asked to speak as to what is needed to meet requirements. Dr. Sikarski has been doing veterinary work for the zoo for 25 years. Millage or general funds are not being requested for this facility except for the funds that have been spent to get a design concept for the renovation. The Potter Park Zoological Society, Zoo Director and Zoo Veterinarian will raise the remaining funds. Dr. Jim explained that not having a hospital on site has been balanced by the proximity to MSU for the USDA. Under the Animal Welfare Act it is not just the USDA that inspects the zoo. Also the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) (formerly the AAZPA) has given the zoo leeway with the quarantine facility on grounds but the hospital off grounds. They are all getting stricter. The proposal is not to build a new hospital but to retro-fit the Farm Yard Encounters Building into a hospital and isolation/quarantine facility both of which are required by USDA and AZA. This will let us meet the requirements with only one facility. It is being called an animal care facility because it is more than a hospital—it is isolation, treatment and quarantine all in one, able to meet multiple needs. Director clarified it is the building by the animal farmyard to the left (west) by the pony rides. The building is available because its functions will be taken over by the new Exploration and Discovery Center Building. The animals currently housed in this building go off zoo grounds for presentations/educational programs. These animals are not allowed to mix with the other animals. MOTION: Howard moved that the Park Board recommend to the Mayor that The Rotary Club of Lansing Foundation be the lead agency in providing funds for the animal care facility; seconded by Lott. Motion carried. MINUTES Filice requested the Park Board minutes of December 15, 1999 be corrected on page 3 Park Master Plan to read "Ingham County Drain Commissioner" rather than "Lansing Township" in reference to Fairview Park. MOTION: Leyrer moved the Park Board minutes of December 15, 1999, be approved as corrected; seconded Howard Motion carried. Other department board meeting minutes were received and placed on file. PRESENTATION BY ROBERT MOORE, INGHAM COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION WILL BE GIVEN AT THE FEBRUARY MEETING. LANSING AREA SKATE, BIKE & RECREATION FOUNDATION PRESENTATION Pete Bosheff spoke to the Board regarding this issue and the letter that had been submitted to the Board. The groups initial intent was to work with the bike project, but the site has been designated and they are well on the way to fund-raising. The group intended to initiate fiand- raising for skateparks with the September event but needs to have sites designated first. The group is requesting Ranney Park and Davis Park. This takes into consideration a report from Tim Park Board Minutes - January 19, 2000 Page 4 Payne who has worked on parks in the past. After looking at fund-raising in other cities it was determined $180,000 could be raised in three months with off-season being the best time for fund- raising. Bosheff wondered if tabling the conceptual plan for Ranney would slow down designating Ranney as a skatepark site. Reickel explained that although the item is tabled, one of the greatest adversaries agreed the concept would work. The next issue is if the City of East Lansing agrees with the plan. Discussion followed centering on the differences in parks, competition in the area, supervision questions, and types of use. Bosheff requested site designation to enable fund-raising to proceed. He requested Park Board members call with fund-raising ideas. MOTION: Moved by Leyrer to recommend to the Mayor that Ranney Park and Davis Park be identified as skatepark sites so the Lansing Area Skate, Bike & Recreation Foundation can proceed with fund-raising; seconded by Filice. Motion carried. PROPOSED ORDINANCE PROHIBITING FISHING AT FISH LADDER Richard Leeper had written a letter recommending the City institute an ordinance similar to an ordinance from Grand Rapids regarding fishing by the fish ladder. People are fishing at the Brenke Fish Ladder and the North Lansing Dam and snagging fish. While this was placed on the Park Board agenda, in the interim Phil Dorland noted that the City had an ordinance prohibiting fishing on the Grand River at the North Lansing Dam. MOTION: Moved by Filice that the existing ordinance (660.06) be enforced to the best of City's ability to protect fisheries of Grand River; seconded by Howard. Motion carried. Discussion followed on working with DNR/Fisheries to put fingerlings into Grand River and inquiry as to the DNR reconsidering their position on planting the Grand River. A representative from the Fisheries Division will be asked to attend the next Park Board meeting. REQUEST TO RENAME COMSTOCK PAVILION A request was received to rename the Comstock Pavilion to "The Jane Mannix Center." The Board was not familiar with Jane Mannix and the Director did not recommend the renaming. The group could consider a plaque. Mr. Weiner of the Mayor's Office will take this request back to Memorial Committee Review Board. MOTION: Filice moved to table the issue and if the Friends of Comstock Park/Walnut Neighborhood wish to pursue the renaming, they can pursue this with more information, seconded by Leyrer. Motion carried. FY2000-2001 BUDGET Phil Dorland, Deputy Director, spoke to the board regarding this issue. City Charter requires recommendation from the Park Board to Mayor and City Council in regards to a budget Park Board Minutes - January 19, 2000 Page 5 recommendation. The material presented was for a Continuation Budget with no new programs, capital improvement projects, park millage projects, or wage rate increases for contractual part- time employees. City Council requested no more than 1.91% growth in the budget. Budget staff requested no more than a 2.8% increase and this was accomplished in the general fund with no substantial reduction in programs. The primary reduction was in the Forestry Section's supply account. There were increases in the Cemetery and Zoo Funds exceeding a 2.8% increase primarily due to need for building maintenance. The Golf Fund was under a 2.8 % increase primarily due to a reduction in the number of recommended repair projects. This is last fiscal year to appropriate from the Parks Millage based on the last 5 year renewal. The Mayor has a goal of presenting the millage on the August ballot. If we are limited to the 1.91% growth factor recommended by City Council, a number of program reductions will have to be considered. These will be up for discussion during the City Council Budget Hearings. The Director explained the New Programs being presented including one for 3 years at $15,000/year to remove accumulation of dead wood and chips in Crego Park. A request will be made for $15,000 now to begin now rather than waiting for July 1. MOTION: Howard moved the Board submit the budget to the Mayor as presented (copy attached); seconded by Lott. Motion carried. GRANT APPLICATIONS Director explained the department would like to apply for the following grants: Michigan Clean Michigan Initiative Grant Kircher Baseball Park Improvements MDNR $450,000 Millage $150,000 Davis Park Renovations MDNR $825,000 Millage $275,000 Michigan Fisheries Grant Cherry Hill Launch & Dock MDNR $30,000 Millage $30,000 MDNR Trust Fund River Trail - Spring Street re-route behind S&S Dye MDNR $195,000 Millage $ 65,000 MOTION: Filice moved that the Park Board recommend to the Mayor that the above projects be submitted to the City Council for approval; seconded by Howard. Motion carried. DISPOSAL OF GENESEE PARCEL - Tabled Park Board Minutes - January 19, 2000 Page 6 PARK BOARD'S EVALUATION - Tabled MRPA COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARDS RECEPTION The event is being hosted by one of the youth advisory boards but there are two winners from Lansing--The Greater Lansing Amateur Golf Association for their youth golf program and Ralph Shaheen for support of Concerts in the Park. LCC/ADADO PARKING LOT Due some difficulties this project is not being pursued. FAIRVIEW PARK A request to has been submitted to the City Attorney on liability issues regarding this park and an answer should be forthcoming by the next meeting. INFORMATION Information was mailed on the 2000 Travelogue Series, Correspondence from 427-429 Dorrance Place 12/22/99, Potter Park Zoological Society information and an updated special event calendar. BOARDMEMBER COMMENTS A boardmember questioned the GLAHA articles in the paper on the dome. Reickel noted GLAHA knew what costs were going to be at the beginning although the reporter does not make that point. The projected revenue is causing a problem with our budget. Sug.Restion made to retain copies of tapes especially regarding meetings with outside individuals/groups. MEETING ADJOURNED 9:20 P.M. Respectfully submitted Lee Ann Foreback, Park Board Secretary Approved February 16, 2000. PARK BOARD MINUTES February 16, 2000 MEMBERS PRESENT: Mary James, Robert Brockwell, Judith Mohay Filice,^Wilbur-Howard, Ruth Leyrer (7:25), Ron Lott (7:30) C.-; k 30 FN 2: 33 MEMBERS ABSENT: Kris Nicholoff (excused), John Pollard (excused)!:,.-1-i. , MY CLERK OTHERS PRESENT: Wayne Werner, Grand River Bait & Tackle; Bill Gruhn, DNR Fisheries Biologist; Carol Shull, Alex Kruzel, Friends of Comstock Park; Joan Sheldon, Friends of Durant Park; Jim Bedford; Pete Bosheff; Judith Miller, Ranney; Roger Fox, Landscape Architects & Planners, Inc.; Bob Moore, Ingham County Parks and Recreation; Jerome Winston, Diane McNeil, Carol Webster, Executive Director of Zoological Society; Murdock Jemerson, Manager of Leisure Services, and R. Eric Reickel, Director CALL TO ORDER: 7:40 P.M. Scott House, 125 W. Main St. BILL GRUHN, FISHERIES BIOLOGIST MDNR, GRAND RIVER FISHERIES UPDATE Mr. Gruhn updated the Board on fish planting. The DNR stocks Rainbow, Coho (limited amount) and Walleye yearly at the Sweeney Landing. Discussion followed regarding fishing at the dam/fish ladder area. Jim Bedford spoke to the Board. He stated a sanctuary is provided for the fish when fishing is disallowed for a specific distance from the fish ladder. Also he noted the principle of "fair chase" should apply. If the fish are snagged/caught at the dam, it decreases the opportunities for fishing at other areas. Bedford also stated there is a water temperature problem for planted fish. Walleyes are cool water fish and it is too warm by the BWL. Gruhn noted fishing at the dam is primarily a problem for the Coho Salmon during spawning time. It does not have a very large impact at other times or with other fish. Wayne Werner noted to stop the fishing around this area year round would stop a lot of fishing. Werner questioned the intent of the ordinance. Gruhn suggested the DNR law division staff could give more input. Although LPD officers cannot enforce the DNR rules they can hold people until the DNR gets there. Reickel noted the Grand Rapids ordinance is not date specific. Director will work with the DNR regarding this ordinance. ADDITIONS/DELETIONS TO AGENDA - Kircher Scoreboard Proposal, Park Millage Proposal for Ballot, Information on Tollgate Drain in Reference to Liability, Quorum Issues. JOAN SHELDON, FRIENDS OF DURANT PARK Sheldon spoke regarding the MuttMitt Box that was installed in Durant Park in August. The boxes of refills are gone and the carton that was received in September is also gone. This product is used by persons to dispose of their pet waste. Sheldon is upset because she is not being provided with MuttMitts by the Parks and Recreation Department. It would cost approximately $200 per year to have these MuttMitts. Sheldon noted their organization was not told they would be responsible for purchasing the MuttMitts. James wondered if this was an Adopt-a-park initiative. Reickel explained it was. It is now made clear to new groups that the City provides the box and the first supply of MuttMitts. The groups will be responsible for acquiring new mitts and filling the MuttMitt container. It is an economic albatross for the department. If every active neighborhood organization starts doing this, it would indeed be costly. It was suggested a system be developed for using plastic bags we all get from grocery stores, etc. Park Board Minutes - February 16, 2000 Page 2 Also gloves that are used in fast foot outlets may work for this purpose. This is a wonderful concept with a large economic burden on the taxpayer. Filice feels this is a dilemma we must solve if we are to pursue the concept of canine parks. Reickel noted at a canine park this issue would be specifically addressed and budgeted. A canine park is way down the road and this issue is immediate. Howard feels sympathy for the situation but feels it is the responsibility of the person with the dog to pay for the method to dispose of their pet waste not the taxpayers. Sheldon asked if this was taken care of or should she go on to her Councilperson. James reiterated her point of view that in implementing a new program, such as adopt-a-park, mistakes are made and the providing of MuttMitts was one of the mistakes. James noted that people are not responsible and these MuttMitts should be stocked while we come up with a new solution. Brockwell feels that if we initiated the program we should pay a portion but not all as it was at the request of the association.. Ward councilpersons have discretionary funds at their disposal. (Note to the Board: This was submitted as a Council Priority New Program Request during the budgetary process forthe next fiscal year.) MOTION: The department should continue to work with Joan Sheldon toward a resolution; seconded by Filice. Motion carried. PARK BOARD MINUTES MOTION: Brockwell moved to accept the minutes of January 19, 2000 as presented; seconded by Lott. Motion carried. Filice restated that it is important for the other department advisory boards to receive the Park Board minutes. Director explained the minutes are distributed to the staff responsible for meeting with each advisory group and the minutes are posted at each site. UPDATE ON HAWK ISLAND Robert Moore of Ingham County Parks and Recreation spoke to the Board regarding Hawk Island Park and adding ski trails that would go through Scott Woods and Sycamore Golf Course. There could be approximately 4 miles of trails. There would be ski rental available also. There will be an entrance fee to Hawk Island ($3 per car per day or$20 season pass). Moore also gave an overview of the proposed park development. MOTION: Brockwell recommended that Ingham County be allowed to use Scott Woods and Sycamore for cross-country skiing in conjunction with Hawk Island Park. Motion carried. REVISION OF ORDINANCE 608.04 FOR POTTER PARK Carol Webster, Executive Director of the Zoological Society, spoke explaining the Priggooris Exploration and Discovery Center for Education and plaza area will be open in the spring. The community room in the facility will seat 185 in banquet seating or 250 in lecture seating. The Society will be renting the room to increase revenues to support the building but groups are requesting to be able to have beer and wine at private functions. Zoo Society is requesting this ordinance to be changed to give the society the ability to serve beer and wine at receptions in the community room/plaza. This would be confined to the community room Park Board Minutes - February 16, 2000 Page 3 when the zoo was open. For after-hours events,the plaza area would also be included. Groups who are interested in reserving this area are interested in having beer and wine. Two of the caterers who will be used at the zoo also spoke on the necessity of allowing alcoholic beverages to be consumed on the premises. Jerome Winston, barbeque king, and Diane McNeil co-owner of the Golden Rose and British Isles both spoke on the necessity of being allowed to serve beer and wine. McNeil noted that out of their last 200 bookings only 2 have been alcohol free. This often falls into the line of a champagne toast or a wine tasting—not a bash. Winston reiterated McNeil's point. It is imperative that this be looked at as a money making venue. Webster distributed information on other zoos that allow fundraisers with, for example, a wine and cheese tasting, steak fry and a tour. This is very popular and non-intrusive, and it also opens the zoo up to visitors who may never have attended in the past Brockwell agrees with the concept but wants to be sure the alcohol would be in a controlled area as at other events. He also noted the Zoological Society has been very responsible in fund-raising and it is commendable they are looking to decrease overhead. Filice asked that persons using alcohol be prevented from operating golf carts/vehicles in zoo. Howard wants to ensure that with the co- mingling of public/private ventures this facility remains open for rentals to the general public. MOTION: Brockwell moved to recommend to the Mayor that Ordinance 608.04 be amended to include Potter Park Zoo's Priggooris Exploration and Discovery Center for Education and Plaza; seconded by Howard. Motion carried. KIRCHER SCOREBOARD Murdock Jemerson, Manager of Leisure Services, spoke to the Board about the necessity of replacing scoreboard at Kircher. Pepsi-cola will pay$4,400 for exclusive pouring rights at Kircher and Ranney for six years and this money will be used towards the new scoreboard. It is a good proposal but it only pays for half the board. The new board is the same type as at Gier and Ranney and the parts are interchangeable. Demmer Corporation will contribute the other half of cost of the scoreboard for a memorial scoreboard honoring Aaron Kaiser who was an employee who died in an accident. Mr. Kaiser has been acknowledged when the MEA adult men's baseball team was recognized in front of Council. Ed Demmer indicated he was interested in sponsoring the scoreboard for $4,500 in Mr. Kaiser's memory. Jemerson was present to ask that the Board approve this. This memorial would be for the functional life of the scoreboard to be determined. Also, the Demmer Corporation would be notified when the scoreboard is no longer functional and be given the opportunity to renew their commitment. MOTION: Howard moved the proposal to support the Pepsi-cola bid and the proposal from Demmer Corporation to memorialize Aaron Kaiser with the proceeds of both paying for a new scoreboard at Kircher Park; seconded by Brockwell. Motion carried. RANNEY PARK CONCEPTUAL MASTER PLAN Roger Fox from Landscape Architects and Planners (LAP) was again present to discuss this. LAP was hired by the Cities of Lansing and East Lansing to develop a conceptual plan for Ranney Park. Several public meetings were held and an additional meeting was held with Lansing and East Lansing Park Directors and representatives from the Lansing Transportation Division to respond to concerns. The Board reviewed the plan at the last meeting and tabled this item pending comments from East Lansing. A list of comments was referred to the Board from the City of East Lansing. Park Board Minutes - February 16, 2000 Page 4 MOTION: Brockwell moved the plan be forwarded to the Mayor with the input from East Lansing being accepted; seconded by Howard. Motion carried. COMSTOCK PAVILION RENAMING Carol Shull, Vice President of Walnut Neighborhood Organization and founding member of Friends of Comstock Park, and Alex Kruzel, Friends of Comstock Park, talked about the success of ice skating at Comstock Park and with the volunteer guards at the skating area. The group has also received grants for a sound system. The pavilion and skating rink have not been named. Jane Marie Mannix has been instrumental in helping things get done. Ms. Mannix is confined to bed with M.S. at this point. It would be appropriate to name this pavilion after her in recognition of her effort in working with the neighborhood organization and the multitude of neighborhood organizations. Director noted the contribution of the individual to the community that is requesting the renaming is of prime importance. We have remembrances at Gier(Gary Jacobs); Sycamore Golf Course House (Ron Borseth), and Letts Center (Richard and Olivia Letts and the James Hoye Library). A plaque may be appropriate but the significance is the contribution that the person made to the community. MOTION: Brockwell moved the Board support the renaming of the Comstock Park Pavilion to "The Jane Mannix Center' and that this be referred to the Memorial Review Board; seconded by Lott. Motion carried. POYET PARCEL ACQUISITION - GRANT AMENDMENT There have been problems in acquiring this property due to differences in various appraisals. An extension is needed to lengthen the time allowed to complete this acquisition from December 31, 1999 to August 31, 2000. MOTION: Brockwell moved the Board recommend to the Mayor an extension of this grant from December 31, 1999 to August 31, 2000 be approved; seconded by Lott. Motion carried. EVALUATION BY THE PARK BOARD - TABLED PARK MILLAGE RENEWAL The year 2000-2001 will be the final year of the millage. To keep the millage in place a renewal will have to be voted on at the August 8, 2000 ballot. This would be a renewal of the one mill for five more years. MOTION: Lott moved the Board refer the renewal of the one mill for five years for park improvements to the Mayor and Council to be placed on the August 8, 2000 ballot; seconded by Leyrer. Motion carried. Lott wondered how the Board could be involved in helping with passage of the renewal. Reickel responded the first hurdle will be the millage renewal being included as a priority for the Mayor. Park Board Minutes - February 16, 2000 Page 5 TOLLGATE DRAIN/FAIRVIEW PARK The City Attorney's Office responded to the inquiry as to liability in the form of a phone call. Every case would be different as far as liability is concerned. It would be hard to answer a liability question on a "what if?" basis. However, we do have governmental immunity for most situations and this situation would not be atypical. This is a very similar situation to the river trail. Filice is vehemently opposed to transferring this property to the Ingham County Drain Commission and this was withdrawn from the master plan. MOORES RIVER DRIVE CORRIDOR This is under construction and the work has stopped for the winter. As soon as the paving season beings, we will be paving the parking lot. Filice wants Transportation Division to come to the next meeting and explain how many speed bumps will be present in the park (not the park proper but the embankment commonly known as Moores River Drive). Director will ask the Transportation Division to send a representative to the next meeting. INFORMATION Information had been mailed on Cooley Gardens events. James commented there were almost 50 people at the annual meeting. Information was also mailed on Skate Park Sites, Rotary Club of Lansing Foundation/Potter Park Zoo Animal Care Facility, MDNR Grant Cycle, and Fish Ladder Fishing Ordinance. BOARDMEMBER COMMENTS Howard wondered why the trail was closed east of Aurelius Road. Director explained it is due to MDOT painting the overpass over the trail near 496 and 127 and the trail must remain closed. ADJOURNED 9:15 P.M. 1,4 Respectfully submitted p Y Lee Ann Foreback, Park Board Secretary Approved March 15, 2000. PARK BOARD MINUTES March 15, 2000 MEMBERS PRESENT: Mary James, Robert Brockwell, Judith Mohay Filice, Wilbur Howard, Ron Lott and John Pollard MEMBERS ABSENT: Kris Nicholoff (excused) and Ruth Leyrer (excused) OTHERS PRESENT: Amy Collett, Old Town Main Street; Dorothy Jones, Moores Park Neighborhood Organization; Keith Dunlap, The State News, Shane Silsby, Transportation Division; Murdock Jemerson, Manager of Leisure Services, and R. Eric Reickel, Director CALL TO ORDER: 7:35 P.M. Potter Park Zoo, 1301 S. Pennsylvania after a tour of the new facility. ADDITIONS/DELETIONS TO AGENDA -Addition of Old Town Main Street's proposal for a sculpture in Turner Mini Park, Park Board Evaluation removed from tabled items. STATEMENTS OF CITIZENS- DOROTHY JONES OF MOORES PARK NEIGHBORHOOD ORGANIZATION Ms. Jones updated the Board on the status of play equipment near the school. This had been tagged for not meeting safety standards upsetting neighbors and school administration. Councilmember Leeman identified funding to replace the equipment. In addition, the neighbors have collected over $5,000 to add to that funding and the school is also involved in running a candy sale which will bring in more funds. The children were involved;in . selecting equipment to be placed. The group is pleased with the outcome. PARK BOARD MINUTES MOTION: Brockwell moved to accept the minutes of February 16, 2000 a? presented; seconded by Filice. Motion carried. MOORES RIVER DRIVE TRAFFIC CALMING - SHANE SILSBY OF TRANSPORTATION Filice had requested that a representative from the Transportation Division speak to the board regarding the placement of speed bumps in the park (not the park proper but the embankment commonly known as Moores River Drive). Mr. Shane Silsby explained the Transportation Division becomes involved in neighborhood issues regarding traffic speeds and cut-through traffic. The traffic calming program has been very successful. The Moores River Drive project was moved up on Transportation's list due to the park project along the shoreline. Silsby also explained the input process. Many of the problems in the area were due to high speeds. There will be 15 raised speed humps which reduce speeds to approximately 25 mph which is the speed limit. They also discourage cut- through traffic. If the speed limit is being driven, the humps are not a problem. Park Board Minutes - March 15, 2000 Page 2 After a question/answer/comment session, the Board thanked Silsby for attending the meeting and presenting information. Filice thanked Silsby for coming but noted it was part of his job to present the traffic pattern through a city park. She also wanted to stand on record as being concerned about the number of speed humps included in this area. EVALUATION OF THE PARK BOARD Bob Brockwell distributed a draft of the Park Board's evaluation for FY 98-99. The Board discussed specifics of the evaluation. MOTION: Howard moved the evaluation be approved as presented and forwarded to Mayor and Council; seconded by Pollard. Motion carried. AMY COLLETT, OLD TOWN MAINSTREET, TURNER MINI PARK ART WORK Amy Collett, Program Manager, at Old Town Mainstreet spoke to the Board. Old Town Mainstreet is an organization dedicated to the historic restoration and economic revitalization of Old Town. Friedland Industries has offered to donate a work of public art to Old Town and the Board of Directors feels Turner Mini-Park is the ideal location for a large sculpture to depict the industrial history of North Lansing and the revitalization of Old Town. Landmark Landscape Company has offered to donate landscape planning, professional services and plantings for Turner Mini-Park. The Board discussed the current park set up and'the plan for the sculpture. Murdock Jemerson asked if there was a public art policy in place to guide the City in placing artwork on public land. There is none. Discussion moved to the River Trail area behind the Ferguson development in Old Town and the need to repair the riverbank, cleanup the area and establish a timetable. MOTION: Lott moved that the Park Board approve the concept of placing a sculpture donated by Friedland Industries in Turner Mini Parkwith the group coming back before the Board with specifics of placement and landscaping; seconded by Howard. Motion carried. BWL NORTHWEST WELL FIELD PROPERTY (PENDING BWL APPROVAL) The department desires to acquire access rights for a Board of Water and Light parcel of land in the northwest section of the city which is across the Grand River from Tecumseh Park. Future plans for this site would include the westerly extension of the River Trail across this land from Dietrich to Tecumseh Park. As shown on the attached drawing the land would encompass only the river frontage and/or low flood plain areas of the site. Access rights to this BWL property are also desired to meet Michigan Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) requirements. When the City turned over property 1301 Turner Street for development, the MDNR considered this part of the River Trail parkland. (It was not Park Board Minutes - March 15, 2000 Page 3 considered parkland by the City of Lansing.) The MDNR has designated this parcel as an adequate trade for the Turner Street property (final appraisal review still pending). The Board of Water and Light Commission, at their January 25, 2000 meeting, has conceptually recommended that the strip of land be transferred to the City for the proposed extension of the River Trail. This transfer would take the form of an easement/license agreement. Staff is recommending that the Park Board approve this property acquired or an easement be granted for an extension of the trail and that it take the place of the property at 1301 Turner Street. MOTION: Filice moved that the Park Board approve the transfer of property from the Board of Water and Light at the northwest well site to replace the property at 1301 Turner Street that was sold to Ferguson Development for development purposes adjacent to the River Trail; seconded by Lott. Motion carried. BALLFIELD DEVELOPMENT ACCOUNT - KIRCHER SCOREBOARD The scoreboard at Kircher must be replaced immediately. The department is requesting to use funds from the Ballfield Development Account for this purpose. When the contract for Pepsi-Cola is signed and the monies received and the donation from Demmer received, the monies will reimburse the ballfield development account. MOTION: Brockwell moved the Board recommend approval of this use of funds, seconded by Lott. Motion carried. DIRECTOR'S REPORT R. Eric Reickel introduced Murdock Jemerson as the new Parks and Recreation Director. Mr. Jemerson will be taking over this position as of March 20, 2000. Bob Brockwell, as Board Vice President, noted that after working with Eric Reickel for nine years , his leadership will be missed. Mr. Reickel is wished well in his retirement and future endeavors. The Board is looking forward to working with Mr. Jemerson. INFORMATION The Board will be provided with a list of lands for consideration of disposal at the next board meeting. This was one of City Council's budget priorities and the department is attempting to comply. Information was passed on regarding the Spring Program Guide, the summer job brochure, information from Cooley Gardens and a flier on birthday parties at Turner-Dodge. Park Board Minutes - March 15, 2000 Page 4 James wondered what the Council budget hearing schedule will be. Jemerson noted this will be distributed to the Board but the Parks Council budget hearing is April 20. Reickel noted that due to Filice's objection to the time schedule overruns, Council is going to be more sensitive to the time schedule. Brockwell noted the Field Office should be a priority for Council. James noted Board members should mark their calendars now for April 20 and be planning on attending the Saturday wrap-up. Pollard commented he was anxiously awaiting the list of park properties for disposal and on the Master Plan not having all parks listed such as Genesee Park. Pollard also noted the Board spent an incredible amount of time discussing MuttMitts that cost so little. Attention should be paid to the large items such as the zoo or skateparks. He noted our facilities are bringing in less revenue (zoo, ice skating and golf) but we are spending more. The Board discussed attendance and optimum meeting times. Ron Lott noted it was his birthday and Eric Reickel's last meeting. He brought a treat for the Board to share. The Board sang "Happy Birthday" and adjourned at 9.10 P.M. Respectfully submitted c� a-,,, Lee Ann Foreback, Park Board Secretary Approved April 19, 2000. PARK BOARD MINUTES April 19, 2000 MEMBERS PRESENT: Mary James, Robert Brockwell, Judith Mohay Filice, Ron Lott, Kris Nicholoff and John Pollard MEMBERS ABSENT: Wilbur Howard (excused) and Ruth Leyrer (excused) OTHERS PRESENT: Amy Collett, Old Town Main Street; Mark Chatterley, Artist; Dorothy Jones, Moores Park Neighborhood Organization; Pete Bosheff; Barb Sprague; Murdock Jemerson, Director, Phil Dorland, Deputy Director and Tanya Moore, Landscape Architect, Parks and Recreation Department CALL TO ORDER: 7:11 P.M., Scott Center, 125 W. Main Street BARB SPRAGUE, 608 BARNARD STREET, FRIENDS OF BARNARD STREET Ms. Sprague presented a map of Barnard Street. She noted for the past five years they have discussed a vacant lot belonging to Cristo Rey/Catholic Diocese. It is a lot 145x141. The Friends of Barnard Street Park(at this point there is no Barnard Street Park)are fund raising to purchase this property for donation to the City. Ed Carpenter has agreed to maintain the property. They are asking for lighting and a source of water. They want the board to support the ownership of the park. The group will maintain and adopt this park. MOTION: Brockwell moved the Board take this under advisement pending more information. Seconded by Filice Motion carried. Filice would like the group to submit a maintenance plan. Sprague noted Leyrer is already doing this. She also noted there is not through traffic and there is not a crime issue in this area. Brockwell noted lighting is not a basic requirement for a park. Director Jemerson gave Ms. Sprague his card and requested Ms. Sprague submit her request in writing with her thoughts as to this property and including the items discussed such as the group's plans for acquisition, maintenance and items needed from the City of Lansing. DOROTHY JONES, MOORES PARK NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION Jones noted two or three years ago the group asked for a second basketball court to allow different ages of people to play. It was put in within a reasonable time and was very popular. The older of the courts has no posts, baskets or backboards. The group would like two functional courts. Dorland explained this is on the schedule for replacement by Grounds and Landscape Maintenance. Jones also commented on speed humps being difficult to pass over at 25 mph. Pete Bosheff-noted speed humps work very well in other communities. PARK BOARD MINUTES , Filice had several changes to be made to the March 15, 2000 minutes. MOTION: Brockwell moved to accept the minutes of March 15, 2000 as amended; seco6ded by Filice. Motion carried. Other Board Minutes were accepted. Park Board Minutes - April 19, 2000 Page 2 UPDATES Director Jemerson updated the Board on several issues including: Ferguson Property/River Trail Repairs Update -A meeting had been held with the developer and a letter had been received explaining the timetable for repairs. Poyet Property Update -The MDNR has been notified that we are turning back this grant. Mr. Poyet is no longer interested in selling his property to the City of Lansing. Grant Status - Jemerson updated the Board on the City of Lansing Parks and Recreation Department's standing with the Grants Administration Division of the State of Michigan. Rotary Club/Zoo Animal Facility-The Rotary Club's request did pass the Memorial Review Board for the naming. When all is finalized, the group will be presenting a check. BMX/Skatepark - A license agreement is in process with the BMX organization. When details are finalized it will be forwarded to Mayor and Council for approval. An RFQP is out for developing two skateparks--one at Davis and one at Ranney. Pete Bosheff updated the Board on the activities of the Lansing Area Skate, Bike & Recreation Foundation. After almost two years of working with the City to bring public facilities to the citizens for alternate sports, the group is beginning plans for Phase Two of the project which is fundraising and public outreach. The group is also looking into grant possibilities, specifically MDNR grant opportunities. Pollard asked East Lansing's commitment to help build a park at Ranney. Moore explained East Lansing is only currently concerned about the trail on the north end of the park at this time. The skatepark will be located at the south end of the park. Nicholoff thanked Pete Bosheff for his tireless efforts towards making skateparks a reality in Lansing. The Director also updated the Board on the Grub issues facing the parks and the status of filling the Leisure Services Manager Vacancy. PUBLIC ART IN CITY PARKS - POLICY AND PROCEDURES At the March Park Board meeting Amy Collett of Old Town MainStreet spoke regarding the placement of a sculpture in Turner Mini Park and received conceptual approval. She is back at this meeting with Mark Chatterley,the artist. Director Jemerson was concerned about the lack of policies or procedures to guide the department in the placement of art in public parks. Certain issues must be addressed prior to art being placed. The intent is to have this policy reviewed and approved so a form can be developed for use by persons wanting to place art in public parks that will address these issues. Mark Chatterly explained the sculpture would be very tall(under 30')and painting it would be between $300 and $400. It would need to be repainted every eight to ten years. They are trying to make recycled material fine art in an industrial area with a dance movement type of feeling. Discussion followed on specifics and safety issues. Jemerson again noted application will be developed and forwarded. We must be assured that this sculpture is a sound structure. It will need to be approved by an architect. Collett is concerned about delays as she would like this in place soon. Jemerson wants to ensure that various items are covered (tests for play equipment such as head entrapments or pinch points and also the sculpture has been Park Board Minutes - April 19, 2000 Page 3 sealed by an engineer) and clearly understood so there is not a problem after it is put in place. Jemerson explained some difficulties that Flint had encountered with artwork in the parks. MOTION: Filice moved the Board support Public Art in City Parks Policy and Procedures as submitted for use in consideration of public artworks; seconded by Brockwell. Motion carried. SURPLUS PARK PROPERTY Jemerson explained the Department has been asked by Council (as part of Council's budget priorities for FY 2001) to "complete a vigorous examination of the existing park land owned by the City for the intent of decommissioning non-productive parcels." He then asked staff to prepare information on what really makes a park a park and discovered the many ways we have acquired parklands. Phil Dorland and Tanya Moore will explain the results of the research. Dorland explained that the budget priority language continued as"...to decrease the operational costs for the Parks and Recreation Department, the Council would like the Department/Parks Board to evaluate park land and prepare a list of parcels that it would be willing to sell off as parcels that are non-productive lands." The assumption is that this will save a substantial amount of money through reduced maintenance. Grounds maintenance staff does not expect savings as most parcels being considered receive little maintenance at this time. Filice requested non-productive be defined. James explained it was up to the Board to determine a definition. Filice believes there are two definitions. First recreational parks with people actively engaged in the use of the park for the purpose of recreating. Secondly, an open space or green space. Filice wants to know what Council means by non-productive and finds this document frightening. Dorland explained there are longstanding procedures and policies . After the current Charter was enacted, Council adopted the 1979 Park Land Policy. In 1981 the Council established park land designations. Parks are acquired by lease, easement, deed, grant, license, Assessor's record (tax defaults), letter of understanding, plat and/or designation by Council Resolution. City Attorney John R. Roberts, Jr. has issued an opinion regarding the lease, sale or decommissioning of park lands. State law and court decisions also have to be taken into consideration. Filice asked if the Department would put in Grand River Park when parcels gained by letter of understanding are mentioned. Dorland noted it was also designated in 1981. Moore explained that some parks are acquired bits and pieces at a time. Dorland explained that 22 years ago an Administrative Services Department was developed with a Property Management Division. When this department was disbanded, it was determined that each individual department would track their own property so boxes of information were delivered. We are now trying to recreate the history of each park. Moore has been working most diligently on this project. It is very time-consuming. Moore has developed a list for discussion purposes of properties. This does not address the issues of special interest groups or deed restrictions. Moore distributed a list of Proposed Land for Sale. Only the properties considered for disposal are listed. To come up with this list it involves researching plat maps, deeds, and Council proceedings. This parcels may or may not be non-productive. The Grand Woods site is being leased by Delta Township but is still a liability. It could be deeded over to Delta Township. Filice is"flabbergasted and dismayed. " Filice requested a" message be given to the President of the Park Board Minutes - April 19, 2000 Page 4 City Council that there are so many neglected properties and abandoned buildings that could be torn down before we consider giving away our patrimony of the last 120 years." She hoped these remarks would be written down. Moore continued with her presentation. Filice requested the Board walk the Glenburne lots to ensure there is not even discussion of disposing of the property. Moore continued. Filice again asked about Glenburne so she could chain herself to the lot. James interjected as the Chair of the Board. This will not be acted upon this evening and maps will be required. This is a preliminary discussion. There is a need to look at this carefully. Brockwell commented he appreciated the work that is being done on this. A large map would be appreciated so the parcels could be marked and certain areas could also be walked. James proposed the Board take the time to look at this carefully. She does appreciate it is very tedious work. She asked that this be sectioned out for such as an hour a meeting over the next few months. Jemerson reminded the Board that in 1994 the Park Board identified and voted on surplus property. He asks what the Board used at that time for criteria. Moore has been working on the difficult, tedious task of preparing this list to give the Board a starting point. For the May meeting Jemerson asked the Board to come prepared to give their thoughts on what surplus property is and staff will also prepare a definition. Filice wondered if a tour could be arranged to look at some of the natural areas with an ad hoc committee. James requested fellow Board members take a look at this list and have given consideration to the productive versus non-productive property. As a Board we can formulate our own strategy or we can go through it bit by bit. INFORMATION The Board was mailed information including an updated special events calendar and the Cooley Gardens plant sale flier. Janean Marie Mannix (Comstock Pavilion) passed away 4/10/00. REMARKS BY BOARD MEMBERS Pollard inquired as to the status of GLAHA payments. Jemerson will report to the Board at the May meeting. Adjourned. Respectfully submitted �` � �",�►� ��! Lee Ann Foreback, Park Board Secretary Approved May 17, 2000. PARK BOARD MINUTES May 17, 2000 MEMBERS PRESENT: Mary James,Judith Mohay Filice, Wilbur Howard, Ruth Leyrer, Ron"Lo�t�. and Kris Nicholoff MEMBERS ABSENT: Robert Brockwell (excused) and John Pollard (excused) OTHERS PRESENT: Dorothy Jones, Moores Park Neighborhood Organization; Pete Bosheff; George Leichtweis,Skatepark Issue;Jerry Heathcote, MSU Rowing Club; Murdock Jemerson, Director, Phil Dorland, Deputy Director, Parks and Recreation Department CALL TO ORDER: 7:11 P.M., Scott Center, 125 W. Main Street ADDITIONS/DELETIONS TO AGENDA - ADD UPDATE ON POTTER PARK ALCOHOL ISSUE JERRY HEATHCOTE, 4011 Heartford Road, Lansing He rows at Grand River Park has heard another boat house may be built there. He also noted the Michigan Princess is sticking out farther into the river as it is wider and a pontoon boat is docked to the Riverboat on the riverside. The water-ski ramp close to Waverly Road is a safety concern of rowers also. He said the ramp is anchored but it floats around and the evening safety light is not working. Jemerson explained the MSU rowing team did speak with past Director Reickel regarding building a second rowing house for the women's rowing team as the current house is too small to accommodate both teams. Jemerson was in attendance at that meeting and suggested we look at the current house and determine if we can fix the deficiencies of the current house and see if it can be enlarged. Staff from MSU in attendance took this idea into consideration. A follow-up meeting is scheduled at this time. Staff is not in favor of an additional boat house being built. Jemerson will check into the pontoon. Filice will check the water ski ramp at night to see if it is flashing. Discussion following on the use of the river by the Lansing Boat Club, the rowers, the ski clubs and the Riverboat. There are also concerns about parking lot lighting and night fishing. NO WAKE ZONES Jemerson noted he received a visit from Paul Yauk, a DNR employee. Yauk and his daughters are members of MSU rowing clubs. He asked that this issue be considered by the department and a recommendation made to Park Board regarding"No Wake"zones on the river. The Department does not have authority to regulate the river however can make recommendations to the DNR. Discussion followed. James noted the MSU clubs should be able to reaffirm an understanding among themselves for river usage. Howard explained no-wake zones are usually in areas where boats are docked to prevent damage to docks and boats. All water craft should also be entitled to use the water. Filice wanted to know what type of signage is used along river areas with multiple uses and what other communities do about speed limiting. This area will have increased usage. James suggested contact with a DNR official knowledgeable about outcomes. Park Board Minutes - May 17, 2000 Page 2 PARK BOARD MINUTES MOTION: Lott moved to accept the minutes of April 19, 2000 as presented; seconded by Howard. Motion carried. Other Board Minutes were accepted. UPDATES Director Jemerson updated the Board on several issues including: Ferguson Property/River Trail Repairs - Not much has changed on this property and project. Jemerson discussed the lack of progress with the Mayor. Filice feels it should be repaired by the developer. Howard noted this is a political issue. Filice stated it was costing us billions of dollars. Nicholoff wondered what type of communication had taken place to date with Ferguson and what had the response been. Ferguson has met with City staff (Jemerson and staff and also Dennis Sykes, Director of Planning & Municipal Development and staff) and also has written to the DNR indicating he would be taking responsibility for repairing the retaining wall on this property as well as redoing the river trail that was put in incorrectly with completion by June 1. Nicholoff thought we should wait until June 1 as we assume Ferguson will abide by his word and the work should be finished or at least in progress. Jemerson clarified that it is a tremendous amount of work that needs to be done. Filice requested the Director state for the record how many hundreds of thousands of dollars that would finance restrooms at Davis and Kircher the community is losing because the DNR is refusing to give this City a satisfactory rating as a result of this neglect. Nicholoff asked if that was the reason we were receiving an unsatisfactory rating and the money would fix restrooms? James and Filice responded yes. Jemerson noted this is the third time that we have submitted grant proposals for restrooms at Kircher and Davis. Our lowest criteria score is capability. The reason is the issue with Ferguson because there is property that was park land and we must now get new park land. This issue hasn't been worked out totally but is on the way. There is an issue of the river trail being put back in too quickly by Ferguson with improper grades. It is Ferguson's responsibility. The DNR will not allow us to open the trail with the retaining wall that has failed which is located adjacent to the river trail. It is deemed as an unsafe situation. Nicholoff asked about one item that was an attempt to fix and resulted in an improper grade. Jemerson explained when the development was put in, the river trail had to be removed. In putting the trail back in, park's staff marked the grades and asked Ferguson to wait for DNR approval of the grades. Ferguson did not wait. He put the trail in, and it was incorrect. Howard asked how long this has been a problem. Jemerson explained the first time we had a problem with grants was Spring of 1999. Howard wondered when it was first brought to the Board's attention as a problem. Jemerson was not sure but it has been an issue for may be a year. Nicholoff wondered if the City had lost grants only because of this and if the State had clearly stated that. Jemerson explained it was one reason but noted it was not the only reason. There were about four reasons why we were getting a low grade. The other three reasons have been corrected and now this is the only one left. Nicholoff proposed staff work with the Mayor's Office to let the politicians handle it as Mr. Ferguson responds well to politicians. He would not come down with a hammer on him. Nicholoff does not feel it would be in the Board's best interest. Nicholoff does want it fixed, but how it is fixed should be left up to the Mayor's Office to come up with an idea. Filice interrupted that Park Board Minutes - May 17, 2000 Page 3 it is not up to the Mayor how it is fixed. Nicholoff noted he is not at this meeting to combat other Board members, he is here to help on issues. Nicholoff again stated it is up to the City's administration to work with the State of Michigan and developers and suggested this be handled diplomatically. Filice interrupted that she would be happy to call and speak with Ferguson's development corporation and present the ideas of the Board and the Board's concern. She asked whom she could contact to express her interest and concern. Howard stated the DNR and State of Michigan are very diverse and decisions are made for all kinds of reasons. Howard and Nicholoff agreed on this point. Howard also feels a well-placed telephone call to someone in the administration may award a grant if it is explained that someone is holding up the funding for restrooms in one location because of one failed portion. James commented Ferguson Development has failed to consider the public good and has not considered other people and their happiness. She would like to see this matter resolved. Howard agreed. Nicholoff also agrees, but has questions about the way it may be resolved. Later in the meeting he wanted it stated for the record he has no issue with this problem being addressed but has concerns about how it is dealt with to insure it does not result in a tug-of-war and slow everything down. Jemerson asked that the Board put down their wishes as a motion. MOTION: Lott moved that if the June 1 agreed upon deadline for reopening of the trail is not met, the Board urges the Mayor to consider alternative courses of action that can result in a speedy resolution to this problem and increase the department's chances of grant funding in the future; seconded by Nicholoff. Motion carried. (5 yes; Howard abstained) BMX-SKATEPARK The BMX track at Gier was approved by Council with Council appropriating$12,000 for startup costs to enable the starting tower construction to begin. They had planned to begin work this week, but there were some concerns regarding liability and design. Since the weather has not been favorable toward this construction, it has been delayed a week or so. Filice asked to have the C.W. Otto BMX Club included in any groundbreaking. The balance of the seed money, $44,000 will be going toward skateparks. There were four proposals submitted to our RFPQ. We will be evaluating those proposals along with George Leichtweis of Modern Skate and Surf and John Green of Purchasing. Once a decision is made, the bidderwill meet with the community and come up with a design and dollar amount. The skateboarding community will then raise those dollars to build this park. Filice questioned the location of the parks. One skatepark will be located in the south end of Ranney by Michigan Avenue. Davis Park is being discussed for the other skatepark site. Jemerson had been told the skatepark would be at the current restroom location (west of the ballfields near the basketball court area) but then was informed it was planned for right along Pleasant Grove Road. A change away from the roadway would need to be discussed with the skateboard community. Leichtweis had not been on the site selection committee, but nationwide the highest priority is to locate the skatepark in an area with the highest visibility. Bosheff explained that as Chair of the Location Committee, they looked for a terrific designer and succeeded in obtaining Tim Payne to come to Lansing. He looked Park Board Minutes - May 17, 2000 Page 4 at the parks and suggested Davis and Ranney sites. Visibility is critical to any skatepark. The other site is hidden. Leaves and tree roots will cause problems with the park also. The Lansing Area Skate, Bike & Recreation Foundation firmly believes the visible site at Davis is necessary. This must be addressed quickly so the fundraising can begin. Bosheff feels if the ball diamond issue is something that is going to happen, then maybe we should focus on a single park first or rethink the entire thing. When sponsors are approached, the site cannot change. Leichtweis repeated it must be in a high-visibility, high-traffic area to enable it to be self-policed and have low maintenance. Jemerson explained there have been grant applications submitted to the DNR to put in restroom facilities and a third ball diamond at Davis as well as Kircher. Howard wondered when LASBRF was notified. Jemerson explained this was done before his time as Director. Bosheff stated that the LASBRF is disappointed they are not part of the CIP (Capital Improvement Program). This is very difficult for their group to accept. In February of 1999 Council voted to make skateparks a priority. They put in many resources into writing a DNR grant and then found out they wouldn't be qualified for the grant anyway. The group feels betrayed. Howard noted Bosheff is a citizen and asked who in City government has betrayed him. Bosheff stated that was a very tough question. Howard stated Bosheff is talking very tough talk, and he wants to know. Leichtweis stated they were not told that the whole Ferguson issue would holdup their DNR grant. Many people spent time putting in a grant that everyone knew they would not get due to the Ferguson. If this had been taken care of earlier, the other requests may have been approved and perhaps this would be further up the priority list. This is a far-reaching problem. Nicholoff asked for clarification. The site along Pleasant Grove at Davis Park has been identified in an MDNR grant application as the site for the third ball diamond. It is also the same site that is recommended for the skatepark. Jemerson noted the grant will be awarded in September or October with the money available in Spring of 2001. The Department will know then. Leichtweis noted it will be Spring of 2001 before they can break ground at Davis for the skatepark. James wondered how this could happen. Jemerson was not Director and did not have an answer. Staff will review the issue and hopefully come up with some type of resolution. Jemerson did not feel the grant issue for the skatepark funding was a betrayal but simply bad advice. As a former grant administrator for the MDNR, Jemerson knows the City of Lansing is the primary administrator for leisure services and they would be eligible for writing grants. From the very beginning, the skatepark group should have been advised to go through the City of Lansing. The MDNR typically does not go through nonprofit groups. Bosheff is confident of the working relationship with Jemerson. He does feel the City of Lansing needs to make a commitment to be user-friendly in working with citizen groups. James recalled the enthusiasm the Board has for this project. Jemerson would like the park staked out to determine if three diamonds and a skatepark coexist. Leichtweis noted the group formed a 501-3C with the focus on the BMX and skatepark idea. The intention in the long run is to be long term funding agency to improve swings, paths, climbing toys, etc. This is to get people behind the idea of improving the parks overall. Lott clarified that the Board is requesting this be on the agenda for June with a resolution to some of these problems. Park Board Minutes - May 17, 2000 Page 5 Public Art in City Parks- Policy and Procedures-The policy was referred to Amy Collett of Old Town Main Street and she will be meeting with Jemerson shortly. Moores Park Basketball Court Update - One hoop has been put up at the smaller court. There are two courts—one has two hoops. The smaller court is safe for a half court. The older kids usually play full court and the younger kids play half court. Jones agreed the point was well taken that if there is only one hoop, perhaps the older kids will not monopolize the site. Grub Damage - $25,000 will be spent to treat grubs in the cemeteries. The cemeteries will be reseeded in the fall. Filice proposed the first annual Barry Crown Pea Hen campaign. The PPZS would spearhead the opportunity for residents to rent pea hens, peacocks or guinea fowl in cages so they can eat the grubs and be moved to various community spots. She has two guinea fowl and five bob white quail in her back yard that she is moving from grub site to grub site. Leisure Services Manager-The first phase (a written evaluation) is due at the end of next week. The candidates will then do two mock presentations. Jemerson would be happy to have a Park Board member in the process. Nicholoff expressed interest. GLAHA-Jemerson has met with staff from the City Attorney's Office to come to some agreement on terminating the contract. GLAHA is in breach of the contract. Jemerson explained we do want to keep the facility as an ice rink without a private organization being involved. BRENKE FISH LADDER/NORTH LANSING DAM FISHING ORDINANCE The Board had discussed this issue previously. A proposed ordinance (reviewed and approved by the Director) was discussed by the Board. This would put a "seasonal" limit on fishing by the North Lansing Dam and Brenke Fish Ladder. MOTION: Filice moved the Board support the proposed ordinance change for fishing at the Brenke Fish Ladder/North Lansing Dam; seconded by Howard. Motion carried. Filice noted that for more than 13 years there has been discussion for improved signage to inform the public of the intent of the fish ladder and what the life cycle is of the salmon. She is reminding staff and fellow board members this is an item that has not been completed. POSSIBLE SURPLUS PROPERTIES PER COUNCIL REQUEST Jemerson feels this is an important issue and it should be taken slowly. The group will be reviewing four parks at a time and the department will provide information on the exact location at each site. MOTION: Leyrer moved the Board table this issue; seconded by Nicholoff. Motion carried. AMERITECH EASEMENT Ameritech has requested an easement to install two utility cabinets and cable linkages to them at Riverside and Frances Parks. Neither unit will interfere with park use but would detract from the natural aesthetics of the area. Staff does recommend approval with landscaping. MOTION: Lott moved the Board support the request for easement at both locations with the proper aesthetic landscaping; Leyrer. Motion carried. Park Board Minutes - May 17, 2000 Page 6 POTTER PARK ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY'S REQUEST FOR ALCOHOL AT NEW FACILITY Jemerson met with PPZS to review the alcohol issue. The Park Board supported the consumption of alcohol in the Discovery Center for fundraisers and rentals. It was passed at Council Committee on Public Service but did not move out of Committee of the Whole. The primary concern seems to be the Council would like to have more control as to what is going on and how the money is being spent by the PPZS. The PPZS does raise money like all our other Boards, but the Society is so successful it puts them at a different level. Because it is a City facility, there are still rules and compliance issues such as approvals for fees and rental rates. Jemerson is drafting a more detailed agreement between the PPZS and the City of Lansing. This is a formalization of a reporting request for Council. Once this is accomplished, Jemerson will again approach the issue of alcohol at fundraisers or after-hour rentals. Nicholoff was concerned that 7:00 p.m. would be too late for fundraising to begin. Political fundraising begins at 5:00 or 5:30 p.m. Howard agrees it should be allowed earlier. Filice commented the PPZS is a regionally based organization. How can we talk about regionalization and then abuse the group? INFORMATION The Board was mailed an updated special events calendar. James reminded the Board of the Friends of Cooley plant sale 5/20. The Mayor's Family River Walk is 6/3/00. The Potter Park Zoo Entry Complex Dedication is 6/8/00 at 11 a.m. REMARKS BY BOARD MEMBERS Lott wondered about the status of the park millage renewal. It is still on for the August 8 election. Adjourn. ' �- Respectfully submitted 6;�9eP Lee Ann Foreback, Park Board Secretary Approved June 21, 2000. PARK BOARD MINUTES June 21, 2000 MEMBERS PRESENT: Mary James, Robert Brockwell, Wilbur Howard; Ruth Leyrer, Ron Lott, John Pollard and Kris Nicholoff MEMBERS ABSENT: Judith Mohay Filice(excused) OTHERS PRESENT: Janice Harper; Patrick Hudson; Pete Bosheff; George Leichtweis, Brian Smith, LASBRF; Jerry Heathcote, MSU Rowing Club; Robert Ford, Landscape Architects & Planners, Inc.; Murdock Jemerson, Director, Parks and Recreation Department CALL TO ORDER: 7:11 P.M., Scott Center, 125 W. Main Street ADDITIONS/DELETIONS TO AGENDA- add Property at 1426 Indiana Avenue-Janice Harper PARK BOARD MINUTES MOTION: Lott moved to accept the minutes of May 17 as presented; seconded by Howard. Motion carried. Other Board Minutes were accepted. POSSIBLE SURPLUS PROPERTIES PER COUNCIL REQUEST The Park Board is reviewing properties due to a Council Budget priority in the FY99-00 budget to review park property for possible surplus due to concerns over maintenance costs. The Board has decided to review possible properties a few each month. Pictures and maps of the following areas were mailed to the Board in their packets. These parcels have not necessarily had offers to purchase or for development of any kind. Brockwell had questioned if there were costs associated with each parcel. Jemerson explained most of the parcels would take less than an hour for two people with infrequent mowings. Elmhurst Park - This is a five acre parcel of land adjacent to Elmhurst Elementary School. The proposal was to sell a portion of the property along Gordon Avenue on the north side. The school uses this space as play area. This is dedicated park land. Staff recommended the property be kept as park land and open greenspace under Parks and Recreation jurisdiction. MOTION: Nicholoff moved the Board support staff's decision to keep this portion of Elmhurst Park; seconded by Pollard. Motion carried. Greencroft Park-This is a one and one half acre area parcel of land northwest of Washington Park. It is dedicated park land. The hospital uses this area. MOTION: Brockwell moved the Board recommend supporting staff's decision to keep Greencroft Park; seconded by Leyrer. Motion carried. Irving Park - This is a four-tenths acre parcel across from Sycamore Park on the west side of Pennsylvania Avenue. There is a Public Service Department pumping station on it and it is dedicated Park Board Minutes - June 21, 2000 Page 2 park property. Pollard noted he could support this as it has not been used as a park and there is park land very close by. MOTION: Leyrer moved to the Board recommend exploring the transfer of Irving Park to the Public Service Department after discussion with the neighborhood and possibly the "Irving" family; seconded by Pollard. Motion carried. McKinch Park - This is 22.5 acre parcel split into two parcels with one being .5 acres. This was originally purchased to gain access to the remainder of the parcel but it is no longer necessary. Pollard noted if the property is to be sold, it should be by a vote not a 285 review by Planning. Discussion followed on the possibility of the site being used as a future maintenance building site. MOTION: Brockwell moved to support staff decision to sell this .5 acre parcel; seconded by Lott. Motion carried. [4-3 (yes: Brockwell, Lott, Howard, Nicholoff) (no: James, Pollard, Leyrer)] Poxson Park-When reviewing this the Director pulled this to return it to staff as maps were incorrect. Quentin Park- This is a 10.3 acre parcel with the northern "leg" being 2.2 acres along the roadway. Although there are no park amenities here, staff recommends keeping this as greenspace. MOTION: Lott moved the Board support staff's decision to keep this property; seconded by Pollard. Motion carried. Reola Park - This is a small park with access through an apartment's parking lot to the south. It appears to belong to the apartment building. The foot entrance is off Maplewood. Staff recommended giving it to the apartment complex. It is being used as a park but it is extremely hidden. Discussion followed noting parks are for the benefit of the people who use them and it is a little park with neighborhood use. Also, this neighborhood is losing a school and does not need to lose a park. MOTION: Nicholoff moved the board not support staff's recommendation give this property to the apartment and keep the property for park use; seconded by Leyrer. Motion carried. JANICE HARPER, 1426 INDIANA AVENUE Jemerson explained the letterwasjust received today on this issue and information was also received from the Planning Department. In the process of selling her home, a survey was done and it was discovered that half the driveway is on park land by Bancroft Park. There is nothing in writing from past Director Bancroft giving permission for use of the property. Staff is looking for a recommendation to allow a 285 review to investigate decommissioning the land and selling it to Ms. Harper. While Pollard does not agree with 285 Review, his is an exception and he is in favor of a 285 to right a long term problem. MOTION: Pollard moved the Board recommend a 285 review be done to decommission this property to allow the property to be given to Janice Harper; seconded by Howard. Motion carried. Park Board Minutes - June 21, 2000 Page 3 Brenke Fish Ladder/North Lansing Dam Fishing Ordinance-Council acted on that today in Committee and it will go forward as included in the packet. No Wake Zone - should not have been on agenda. FUTURE DEVELOPMENT OF THE LANSING RIVER TRAIL Robert Ford of Landscape Architects and Planners gave an overview. He explained the Rails to Trails Program. There is a total of 1,274 miles of trails across the state with 203 paved. A regional trail meeting is being held to discuss a vision of the trail connecting Lansing to Leslie to Mason. Ingham County is talking about preliminary studies to connect MSU with Lake Lansing or Lansing to Webberville. All of these trails have a potential of linking up to provide a non-motorized connection throughout the state. Lansing is a pioneer. Ford thanked Tanya Moore for providing a map with the details of local maps and possible developments. There are Friends of the Trail organizations in various locations. The trail is maintained by the local agency and this is an issue. Howard noted there is a large cost of paving such large expanses of land instead of keeping it a pathway and much of it is in the flood plain. Ford explained that when this recreation is provided it must be available to all and asphalt is accessible to all. Also, the users are defining the type of surface. Jemerson noted that some priorities will need to be set in looking at the next direction for the department. He feels that the trail needs to be to the northern section. The Tecumseh Park area is not connected whatsoever with the trail. This makes sense to connect. The southern piece has a number of recreational developments. This could be important to our citizens. Pollard commented grass isn't being cut because the dollars are being spent to plow the river trail. It is a large infrastructure that will need replacing that we don't have funding for. There doesn't seem to be funding for basketball goals. Simply because the DNR has money to build trails,we do not even if there is matching funding. Pollard is concerned the trail is unsafe and is concerned it is not Lansing residents using it. Every time a trail is built the funding is gone for something else. Pollard has always been against this and suggests a moratorium until these problems are solved. James noted there are many different users and this is a safe place for children to ride bikes and for families. The trail is along the river and thus in the flood plain. This is a diverse society with many people with many different taste. The Letts tennis courts were empty as they are every evening at 5:30 p.m., but this doesn't mean they aren't being used. This is an update that was requested. Jemerson noted Assistant Police Chief Helen Perry-Buse updated the Public Safety Committee of Council on the crime on the trail. The Golf Cart Patrol was discussed. Much of the crime is taking place during lunch time until early evening. Bosheff stressed that LPD should be putting a designated bicycle patrol to increase police presence. Several Board members had to leave (Brockwell, Lott, Nicholoff) and there was no longer a quorum. UPDATES FROM THE DIRECTOR Ferguson Property/River Trail Repairs - Repairs are underway and should be completed by next month. Howard abstained last month as he felt he did not have all the information as to what may Park Board Minutes - June 21, 2000 Page 4 have been holding up grants. Howard investigated this on his own and feels the Board was not acting on complete information. There was more than one issue holding up grants. Pollard agreed. BMX Park at Gier- Jemerson noted the dirt is being moving onto the park. There was not a ground breaking but there will be an opening with Park Board, Council and Mayor involved once the rough track is in. James suggested the Park Board ride the track as an opening. It was well received. GLAHA-Jemerson met with GLAHA representatives and discussed several items. The building has not had the ownership transferred. A letter of understanding is being prepared. The issue of the financial reports that were not received is being dealt with. The key issue is GLAHA is required to rent 752 hours but they only used 300+. The issue is they are paying for ice but not using it. There is one person who is wanting to use the unused time. It is being worked out as to a lesser number of hours. Monday through Thursday 4-9 or 6-9. If GLAHA only needs half the time, the rest will be for others. This must be determined soon. The Golf/Ice Manager noted that if ice time is not available for rental by July, most people find other locations to use. Skateboard Park - Design\Build Contractor - Gerace Construction Company, Inc. of Midland will be the design/build contractor for the skateparks. Millage Campaign-A Friends of Parks Group has formed to put out information regarding the millage renewal vote August 8, 2000. Pontoon Boat- Grand River Park-The boat docked on the river side of the Michigan Princess has been removed. City Council Committee of the Whole - Potter Park Zoo - June 29, 2000 at 5:00 p.m. INFORMATIONAL ITEMS Information was mailed to the Board on 41h of July and Apple Pie activities and the River Trail West dedication. Jemerson had pictures available of the Mayor's River Walk and the Mt. Hope Cemetery General Logan dedication. Adjourned. Respectfully submitted GL L-mac _ Lee Ann Foreback, Park Board Secretary Approved July 19, 2000. PARK BOARD MINUTES July 19, 2000 MEMBERS PRESENT: Mary James, Judith Mohay Filice, Wilbur Howard, Ruth Leyrer, Ron Lott, and John Pollard MEMBERS ABSENT: Robert Brockwell and Kris Nicholoff (both excused) OTHERS PRESENT: Steve Sheils; Dorothy Jones; Murdock Jemerson, Director, Parks and Recreation Department _j CALL TO ORDER: 7:11 P.M., Scott Center, 125 W. Main Street ADDITIONS/DELETIONS TO AGENDA - none -- ry STEVE SHEILS, 2800 DARIEN DR., LANSING -- -� Sheils mentioned his love of the Riverwalk and went on to state Sycamore Golf Course has outlived its usefulness. The course is frequently flooded and full of weeds. It would be better used as part of the Riverwalk connected through Shubel to Scotts Woods to the new park at Cavanaugh. It would add to the Riverwalk significantly. The trail could be further away from the flood water. While it is a good golf course for beginners and children, there is still Red Cedar to fill the need. Discussion followed on the RiverTrail development. A group is currently meeting regarding the southern extension of the trail. This group includes assorted area government officials who are looking at various funding sources. It is very much in the planning process at this point. Sheils also noted the school playgrounds are natural parks and efforts should be combined with the school and parks. Jemerson noted there are a number of park/school sites, and we have joint programs. Sheils has played on some park tennis courts such as Clifford and Moores. He stated tennis players don't like to play in these locations because there are too many other activities occurring. The three high schools have tennis courts that are a total embarrassment to the City of Lansing. If the City of Lansing is going to think of rebuilding these courts, perhaps the money would be better spent to build a tennis complex for Everett with 8 tennis courts. They will be used there but not at Clifford Park. Filice noted the decline of tennis in the schools is a direct result of the City taking care of park courts and the Lansing School District taking care of school courts. Sheils felt it would be a better use of funding if a complex was at one of the high schools and it would be a better use of staff for maintenance and provide users for the courts. James noted this has been debated. As the schools abandoned physical education, the usage has declined. Pollard and James have worked to ensure there are low income children involved in the Todd Martin Camp. Even a bad tennis court as a learning experience will help children learn. Dorothy Jones noted that at Moores Park there were people involved in the upgrading of the park that wanted the courts. PARK BOARD MINUTES MOTION: Pollard moved to accept the minutes of June 21, 2000 as presented; seconded by Lott. Motion carried. (Filice abstained.) Other Board Minutes were accepted and placed on file. Park Board Minutes - July 19, 2000 Page 2 POSSIBLE SURPLUS PROPERTIES PER COUNCIL REQUEST The Park Board is reviewing properties due to a Council Budget priority in the FY99-00 budget to review park property for possible surplus due to concerns over maintenance costs. The Board has decided to review a few possible properties each month. Pictures and maps of the following areas were mailed to the Board in their packets. These parcels have not necessarily had offers to purchase or had offers for development of any kind. Fairview Park is 3-acre parcel east of Wood Street and Groesbeck Golf Course that was recently renovated a part of the Tollgate Drain project by the Ingham County Drain Commission. The park is currently maintained by the Ingham County Drain Commission. Staff recommended that as the park serves a recreational and utilitarian purpose that it be maintained as is and not sold. MOTION: Moved by Lott to support staff recommendation; seconded by Leyrer. Motion carried. Foster Park is a 3.92 acre parcel at Foster Street between Marcus and Kalamazoo with parcels of land on the south side of Marcus also. These parcels are being used as community gardens by"The Garden Project." Park Board had recommended to sell the south vacant lots (garden plots) in 1994. Staff recommended this property not be sold. MOTION: Moved by Lott to support staff recommendation; seconded by Leyrer. Motion carried. Foster Street Lots are a 1.4 acre parcel at the end of Foster Street on the north end of 1-496 which have contamination. Park Board had recommended the lots be sold in 1994. Staff recommended the current status of the property be maintained and lots be "for sale." The Board discussed the ethics of selling this property if it is contaminated. MOTION: Filice moved the Foster Street Lots be retained by the City until such time that the environmental condition of the property can be determined for its possible sale and the 1994 vote of the Park Board be rescinded; seconded by Leyrer. Motion carried. (4-1 Lott no) Genesee Park is an .04 acre parcel on the corner of Genesee and Butler Streets near Black Child and Family Institute. The Genesee Neighborhood Association petitioned to remove the park from the neighborhood and Council has acted upon their petition and has moved to dispose of this land. Council has additionally requested the playground equipment be constructed at BCFI rather than Genesee Park. BCFI leases the property from the Lansing School District. This item was for information only as action had been taken by Council. Pollard was extremely upset and spoke at length. He stated this is avoiding taking the sale of park land before the people by using a 285 review with Planning. He doesn't want this to become a precedent. Pollard noted it was tabled by the Park Board but now it has been advanced without Park Board input. Prior to disposing of public land a public use is to be found. If a public use is not found, it should be sold. He will use referendum or recall to stop this. Pollard stated he was furious and if it is approved, he will go to the papers and he doesn't care if it jeopardizes the millage because a stand must be taken. James asked for a motion. Howard arrived. Lott had to leave the meeting but noted he did support staff recommendations. Park Board Minutes - July 19, 2000 Page 3 Filice asked who authorized the removal of the playground equipment and the park sign. Jemerson noted it was his understanding this was not dedicated park land and the requirement for a vote is not mandatory. Filice pointed out several parcels have been voted on although they were not park land. Filice reiterated that at the December meeting the Board had been left with the impression the property would not be disposed of without a vote. Pollard stated at one of former Director Reickel's last meetings, a list of properties thatwas distributed did not have Genesee listed. This cannot be changed on a whim. Howard noted Ron Gillum, former Director of BCFI, had proposed the playground equipment be placed on BCFI. The neighborhood association headed up by Carol Wood and the Housing Commission wanted new houses there. Howard isn't against the play equipment being moved and housing being built. James again requested a motion. Filice wondered if this means that playground equipment can be moved because a group wants it. Jemerson noted Genesee is a lot not a park and he was not involved in the movement of the playground equipment. James explained BCFI is rented from the Lansing School District and it is a collaboration. Pollard's issue is for 18 years Genesee was listed as parkland. Is it a park? What about the past sale of parcels? James again asked for a motion. Pollard wants to know the history and wants to know it quickly so he can take appropriate action. Howard encouraged Pollard to meet with various staff. Pollard stated he knows who the people are and it is the Planning Board, Bob Brockwell and Carol Wood. Jemerson explained that this property never was considered "Park Land". Filice statedthis was considered a park and recognized as such and this administration is very anti-parks. Filice wants to know why the playground equipment was moved and why the sign was removed without the Park Board being made aware of it. It is now a dismantled park. MOTION: Howard moved the Board meet with the appropriate people in City government who disagree on this issue both from Council and the Mayor's Office to enlighten the Board on the history of this issue and clarify why the Board was not informed. Seconded by Pollard. Motion carried. Jemerson will contact the City Attorney's Office. Kimberly Park is a 19.5 acre park located in the Groesbeck Neighborhood between Chester and Autumn. Staff recommends keeping this parcel as it provides valuable green space. MOTION: Filice moved the Board support staff's recommendation to keep this parcel; seconded by Pollard. Motion carried. Larch Park is a .5 acre parcel of land along Larch Street in a residential area. Staff recommends keeping this parcel. MOTION: Pollard moved the Board support staff's recommendation to keep this parcel; seconded by Filice. Motion carried. Park Board Minutes - July 19, 2000 Page 4 Parcel B is a 12.1 acre lot south of 1-96. It is in a natural state with a cell tower located in the park. In 1994 the Park Board recommended 5-2 to sell the property. Staff recommends to maintain the status of the Parcel B as for sale. James wondered why this parcel was before the Board as it is not dedicated park land. Filice noted recommendations should be made by the Park Board whether it is dedicated park land or simply property under park jurisdiction and it should require a vote of the people for a sale. Jemerson again stated the list of properties to be reviewed for disposal should have been reviewed more thoroughly prior to presentation but it is the list, and we must work through it. It is not a list Council provided. MOTION: Filice moved Parcel B be removed from the for sale list by rescinding the Park Board's action of December 1994 and the disposal of Parcel B be contingent upon a vote of the citizens; Pollard seconded. Motion carried. ELECTION OF OFFICERS MOTION: Pollard moved the officers remain as is with Mary James as President and Robert Brockwell as Vice President; seconded by Leyrer. Motion carried. UPDATES Ferguson Property/River Trail Repairs - Filice is outraged that this is not completed. Howard wondered when it was first brought to the Board.James would like it researched to see if there is fault on both sides and to get the Board thoroughly updated. Jemerson asked for specifically what the Board is looking for. James noted that the responsibility of the Department is to make the advisory board immediately aware that the financial status with the State is in jeopardy. Howard wants to know when Ferguson was aware and when the department was aware of the jeopardy. Filice only wants to know when it will be repaired. Jemerson explained that when the City was turned down for a grant Reickel did write a letter requesting why. The response listed four or five items and this was one. Filice again stated she understood this but when will it be repaired. Jemerson will refer the letters to the Board. BMX (c_ Gier - Jemerson explained this is a popular track already and it is not open. It has been fenced off by department staff along with a track is closed - under construction sign. While it is exciting to see it be accepted so overwhelmingly, as a department we must always ensure our liability is taken care of when we allow groups to place a facility on park land. Pollard asked that the extra costs the department is accumulating be kept track of and the group be billed. Brian and Debbie Haught are the BMX representatives. Jemerson talked to the designer of the track and all ages of persons can and have enjoyed the challenge this track will offer. GLAHA - The Law Department has determined that GLAHA has essentially met their contractual obligations in terms of payment of the hours and provided financial statements. They are not in breach of the contract. They have until September 1 to submit their need for ice time. James suggested this be amended to be a July 1 date. Filice is concerned that the dome be open to open skating from 2:30 to 4:00 P.M. Howard wondered how GLAHA had encouraged Lansing residents to use the dome and how the City Attorney had rated GLAHA's performance. Filice thought they could help supervise the LSD time from 2:30 to 4:00 P.M. Pollard noted he never received the membership list from GLAHA noting City Residents and also how many scholarships have been given to Lansing children. Subletting was also discussed. Jemerson will forward the information from the Board to the Law Department as the Board feels GLAHA is in Park Board Minutes - July 19, 2000 Page 5 breach of contract. Jemerson asked if the contract is found to be in breach, what does the Board want. James feels as they did not provide 25 scholarships per year it should be 75 this year or 25 with an active input for the Lansing School District after school program. Pollard and Howard would simply like the contract enforced as it was written. Skateboard Park - There has been concern expressed over the design-build successful bidder. LASBR called for a meeting with the Mayor to discuss the contract. A contract was to be signed tomorrow. LASBR is concerned that $33,000 should design two skateparks and not just one park. Both parks were listed as possible sites but it was listed clearly that it would only be at one park. LASBR did not understand it was a design-build contract. To have this be a discussion at this point is a concern. LASBR feels the cost is too high per foot. This is a design-build project and the build portion does make it more costly. Hopefully, we will not have to rebid the project. The two sites are at Ranney Park and Davis Park along Pleasant Grove in a very visible site. At this point, it will not be built this year. Pollard remembered Tim Payne, a world famous skateboarder,was going to design and build this for$3,500. Jemerson explained this was not a sole-source provider and Mr. Payne did not respond. Pollard feels we are not treating people fairly and making things difficult. Millage Campaign - Friends of Lansing Parks - James spoke to the Board explaining the group has continued to meet and have put out various brochures explaining the park millage. The Potter Park Zoo Society, Friends of Turner-Dodge, Foster Advisory Board, Letts Advisory Board, Gier Advisory Board, Friends of Fenner, and the Lansing Youth and Recreation Fund all have been represented. INFORMATION ITEMS Information was mailed detailing Kris Nicholoff being a Richard Letts Community Service Award Winner. Also the Moores Shoreline Dedication is coming up and pictures were available for 4th of July Celebration and L&L Zoo Days. RUTH LEYRER- Boy Scout Jesse Kibby wants to install a nature path at Regent Park. The F.A.I.R. Neighborhood Association has had other Eagle Scout projects at the park. Kibby should contact Murdock Jemerson. Filice noted the person should be aware that projects are sometimes modified or eliminated overtime. They are not guaranteed to remain as is. JUDY FILICE- It is time to encourage the Potter Park Zoological Society to continue towards working to regionalize the zoo. Filice noted it is in the best interest of the Society and the City of Lansing to be able to serve beer and wine at private events at the new Priggooris Exploration and Discovery Center. Jemerson explained this is a City building under City of Lansing jurisdiction and the ordinance revision has not been voted down. It has not been referred out of Committee as there are some areas that are being worked on. Meeting adjourned. Respectfully submitted Lee Ann Foreback, Park Board Secretary Approved August 16, 2000. PARK BOARD MINUTES August 16, 2000 MEMBERS PRESENT: Mary James, Robert Brockwell, Judith Mohay Filice; Wilbur Howard, Ruth Leyrer, Ron Lott and John Pollard L' s 7 MEMBERS ABSENT: Kris Nicholoff (excused) OTHERS PRESENT: Jerry Heathcote; Barb Sprague, Friends of Barnard Park (currently no Barnard Park exists); Ed Simmer, Citizens for a Better Lansing; Pete Bosheff, Rod MacDonald, Brian Smith, LASBRF; Murdock Jemerson, Director, Parks and Recreation Department CALL TO ORDER: 7:12 P.M., Scott Center, 125 W. Main Street ADDITIONS/DELETIONS TO AGENDA- none JERRY HEATHCOTE OF EAST LANSING Heathcote spoke regarding issues with the Oar and Paddle Club. He is no longer a member and had been evicted from the club. He wondered if he could still use the dock and if he can continue to drive down the dirt road to the boathouse so he is closer to the dock. He has a key to the gate by the dirt road and wondered if he can keep the key. Jemerson stated the docks were public and Heathcote could continue using them. He noted the key and chain is for city employees. The lock may be changed. Heathcote said traditionally the railroad people, Michigan State rowing club and crew club, and a few members of the Lansing Oar and Paddle Club have had keys. Heathcote noted people do go over the curb around the gate and he has even seen police officers drive over the curb. Discussion followed and Jemerson gave Heathcote permission to keep a key to use the drive area. PETE BOSHEFF, 227 CUSTER - FOSTER PARK Bosheff urged the department recommend keeping Foster Park as it is on the list of possible surplus properties. A football team currently is practicing there, and the park is extremely active. Leyrer noted the F.A.I.R. Neighborhood has received grants for picnic tables and grills. She appreciated the comment. There has been some conflict of neighborhood functions with City Parks and Recreation functions with neighborhood softball, basketball games, the football and a t-ball league. Leyrer has repeatedly complained about not having a restroom atthe park. The building has a restroom that is not available and there had been a situation with the sewer at one point. She would like to pursue this again. Bosheff stated football players are using the bushes around the perimeter of the park and he advocates opening the building. James also clarified Foster Park was not on the list for possible surplus properties. It was the garden area near the park and the Board voted to keep. BARB SPRAGUE, FRIENDS OF BARNARD PARK Sprague had presented a possible park project to the Board at the April meeting. She lives on Barnard Street bordered by the railroad on the east, Larch on the west, Liskey parking lot on the north and a pipe company on Park Street to the south. The yards are very small and a business has Park Board Minutes - August 16, 2000 Page 2 moved in at the end of the street causing quite a bit of traffic. The children have no place to play and there is a vacant lot on their street owned by the Catholic Diocese and donated to Cristo Rey in trust. She has the option to purchase on behalf of the Friends of Barnard Street Park. She pleads with the Board on behalf of the 20 children on the street to turn this lot into a park. The closest park is Oak Park or Bingham School. The lot is 141 x 45 and the price is $4,000. She wondered what her next step is to get the City of Lansing to use the property. What they want is a picnic table and a flat lot the children can. Filice suggested that Sprague contact the other Council members as we are in a period where Council wishes to dispose of parkland. Sprague noted that she is a tremendous fundraiser and she wants to develop the property and give it to the City of Lansing. She wants to donate it and is not asking for funds. She would like a light and access to water. James asked for a staff report at the next meeting. PARK BOARD MINUTES Discussion on the draft minutes of July 19, 2000 took place. Filice does not feel the minutes are accurately reflecting the Board's comments. Discussion followed on possible changes that could not be found. MOTION: Leyrer moved the minutes of July 19, 2000 be accepted as presented; seconded by Lott. Motion carried. MOTION: Brockwell recommended they be received and placed on file; supported by Lott. Motion carried. GENESEE SITE This is a .04 acre parcel on the corner of Genesee and Butler Streets near Black Child and Family Institute. The Genesee Neighborhood Association petitioned to remove the park from the neighborhood and Council has acted upon their petition and has moved to dispose of this land. Council has additionally requested the playground equipment be installed at BCFI rather than Genesee Park according to the neighborhood's wishes. BCFI leases the property from the Lansing School District. Intense discussion occurred at the July Park Board meeting, and the Director was asked to refer this to the City Attorney for an opinion. Jemerson put together a summary of the Council Proceedings regarding Genesee and referred the issue to the City Attorney for an opinion. The Attorney agreed with Jemerson's findings that the Genesee property was never a city park and was never dedicated as a city park. Jemerson and Pollard had met on this subject. Filice wondered if there had been a sign that said "Genesee Park." Director noted it did. Filice commented it is then a park because if the public has understood for the last 20 years it is a park, then it is a park. She noted it has been called a park all this time and now it is expedient for it not to be a park so with the wisdom of Council, it is no longer a park. Pollard spoke at length on the issue noting he had looked though the packet but started with the mission of the Parks and Recreation Department, which is"to enhance the quality of life through the preservation and maintenance of park land and the provision of quality leisure time activities and the provision special facilities which would otherwise not be available to Lansing residents." He finds it ludicrous and inane that City Council would ask the Park Board whose mission it is to preserve and protect greenspace in the city (not only for his generation but from now until the end of time) to look at property to unload it to balance a budget or for whatever reason. Park Board Minutes - August 16, 2000 Page 3 Pollard then spoke on the City Charter where it details the purchase and sale of real property. The Charter requires a vote of the people before the sale"of any park, recreational, cemetery or riverfront property." He noted there are people who think this means that if land is taken in, it must be dedicated as official park land and he does not think this is what the Charter says. It must go to a public hearing. He quoted Section 8-403.6 of the Charter "No park, recreation, cemetery, or waterfront land may be sold without the approval, by a majority vote, of the elector of the City voting on the question at a regular or special election." Pollard then discussed the meaning of park, recreation, cemetery or waterfront. Pollard then referred to "What Makes a Park a Park?"which was distributed at the April Park Board meeting. He requested it be noted that a "shell game" was being played. He read City Council Budget Priority for FY 2000-2001 which stated "Parks and Recreation Department shall complete a vigorous examination of the existing park land owned by the City for the intent of decommissioning non-productive parcels." He questioned the right of Council to decommission properties and asked what makes a park non-productive. He noted they forget what they write and change words around. He read from the 1979 Land Policy Act based on the 1961 Land Policy Act. "If a certain piece of park land should become unsuitable for park/recreation use...." He again wondered what would make park land unsuitable and suggested a toxic spill. He feels that if land is put under the jurisdiction of parks and recreation, it becomes park land whether it is dedicated, community, neighborhood or regional park as it is all semantics to him. Pollard continued that if the land is unsuitable it must be replaced with other land used for park purposes. The only reason parkland should be disposed of is for the long-term benefit of the parks and recreation department and never for the benefit of a private citizen, a developer or in the name of making money. Pollard continued speaking on"What makes a park a park?" 10. Designated by Council Resolution as open space until the parcel can be marketed (i.e. Genesee Park)." This was used as an example of how things can be used as a park. Pollard continued with the Land Policy Act "Encroachment: The Parks and Recreation Department and the City of Lansing must preserve and defend park lands, including those classified as being held for projected park needs, from encroachment by public or private uses." Pollard noted that current land should be kept. Pollard explained that if this property is to be disposed of, it must come to the Park Board. The Board has not moved action on this item. Signs, planters and play equipment were removed. Even Carol Woods knows it's park land because she wants BCFI space to become park land to replace the park land which they want to sell. He noted this will not happen. He said it must go to the "Park Board and the Planning Board who shall submit recommendations to the Mayor. These recommendations, along with that of the Mayor, must be received by the City Council" before they can proceed according to the City Council's land policy. Pollard continued that if park land is being disposed because it is unsuitable, not unproductive, then it must be brought to the Park Board and the Planning Board. An effort is to be made to exchange this land for some more suitable land. If that is impossible, then perhaps the land can be transferred to another City Department. The City Department must pay the citizens of Lansing through the Parks and Recreation Department, the fair market value of the land and the money is to be used to purchase more park land, preferably in the neighborhood where it came from, so that the people in that area will continue to have a park. Park Board Minutes - August 16, 2000 Page 4 Pollard exclaimed, "The politicians will do what they want by reinterpreting and misinterpreting, but the Board should support parks." Pollard went back and reviewed the timetable received in the packet. Genesee Center existed prior to 1969. When the nonparkland was purchased, the Parks and Recreation Department was in the center. There were four parcels purchased. Only two deeds have been located but the other two have mysteriously been misplaced. In 1969, the City paid $98,000 for the land. Pollard wondered if the corner is worth that much today. He explained that in March of 1969 the second piece of property was purchased. In January of 1978, the land was transferred to Public Service. He wants to view the minutes of the Park Board meeting where the Board agreed to the transfer. He wants to know how much money the Parks and Recreation Department received in 1979 for the transfer before the City Attorney forces this ruling on the Board. If there was no money, there was never a transfer. Land that was used as a park must come to the Park Board. Pollard voiced his opinion on the sale of park land including that the Park Board's job is to protect and preserve greenspace for the future generations of Lansing. Some of the land is on a flood plan and it may be washed to the river. It is the most precious thing we have in this town--parkland. It is a quality of life issue. There are 108 parks, and they are taken for granted. When money gets tight, they should not be sold like a corner drugstore. Pollard continued his review with noting that in February of 1981 Mayor Graves wanted someone to buy the property. Pollard believes someone knew ahead of time someone wanted to buy it. In April of 1981 Mayor Graves wanted someone to tear the building down. In May of 1981 it was time to explore "other options" to figure out how to take care of the land. In 1982, Council adopted a resolution saying it is grass covered open space until it can be marketed within the character of the surrounding neighborhood. Before it can be sold to the private sector, every possible public use must be explored. From January of 1983 until last August, this was green space. Pollard wondered who was responsible for mowing this property? Does Public Service Department mow it. Director noted Parks and Recreation staff mow it. Pollard noted that once play equipment is installed, it becomes, at a minimum, recreational land. The City Charter requires approval by the people of the City of Lansing prior to the property being thrown or given away. Pollard asked what is the current market value of the land that the City paid $98,000 for in 1969? If it is over$50,000, City Council can't make a move until a recommendation is made by Park Board and Planning Board. The Mayor then can make a recommendation and Council can proceed. Pollard pointed to the Park Map and noted Genesee is listed as a park. Pollard wondered what is so difficult about following the City Charter. No one wants to revise it because it would cost $50,000. Of course, that is the only proposal that every EVEN lists the cost. They're (?) afraid someone might come in with good ideas or convince the people that we need to change the way the City is operated. Pollard continued that for the 1991 millage, there is listed an inventory of the Parks and Recreation properties and Genesee is listed as a park. In 1995-1999 Genesee is listed as a park; it's been mowed; it's been taken care of. There was a sign that said it was Genesee Park. There was playground equipment on it. Pollard noted playground equipment is not at the library, the cemetery or on 496. It is on recreational land. Pollard noted when the new master plan was being created last October and November, Genesee was still listed as a park. At the March meeting, Genesee Park is no longer listed. After all these years, it was erased. Park Board Minutes - August 16, 2000 Page 5 Also, Pollard wonders if this was never park land, why Carol Woods is so concerned about the play equipment that was put at BCFI. She wants BCFI to become Genesee Park because they're operating under the same idea that the people of Lansing are...that this was a park and in order to get rid of this parkland, they must come up with something else in the neighborhood to replace it. Even Carol Woods who wants this thing to hold two houses...and give some to a neighbor for$1. Pollard noted the Charter says land cannot be given away for the private use of anyone. The land is for the people. It was brought in and used as a park. It has been called a park. It has been under the Parks and Recreation Department and he wants the total of the funds that have been spent taking care of this park since 1969. He wants it transferred with interest. If it is not Parks and Recreation property, what other Public Service property has ever had recreation equipment on it? None! It is a park, it is a park, it is a park! He recommends it stays a park; and if it is a good idea to sell it, take it to the people. James noted she does not like to be yelled at as she can listen better when people are not yelling. Pollard said he didn't care and the Board could do what they chose to but that it was a park. Pollard also noted it shouldn't even be discussed as Council has already taken the action they feel they have the right to take. Pollard is asking in the name of everything that is holy, decent and your City Charter and the Constitution of the United States to protect all of our greenspace and to let City Council know this is no way to do business with people who continually tax themselves in the name of parks and recreation and greenspace. This is no way to treat people. Either Council lied afVd OR defrauded him. Howard asked when Pollard was going to tell them. Pollard said he'd tried to tell them before but the Board told him to shut up so the millage could be passed. Filice noted the Board did not. Pollard noted the millage is passed and there hasn't been a meeting with Carol Wood and the rest. He will meet them tonight, the next day or in the press on the front page. He noted if they try to sell the park without taking it to the people, they will fight him to his last breath. Pollard noted that was all he had to say and stepped out for a moment. Brockwell noted he could not compete with what had taken place before him, but he could answer the question about the sign. Brockwell noted he'd asked the Parks and Recreation to build the sign at the beginning and had built the planter with his own money. Brockwell noted that if the Council Proceedings are reviewed November 1, 1982, a council resolution rejected a recommendation that the property be turned into a parking lot for the Lansing School District Personnel. It was adopted that the City retain the Genesee Center property to be used as green covered open space until it could be marketed for use in character with the surrounding neighborhood. January 10, 1983, Council resolution requested the Mayor drop all efforts to market the property and assigned the Committee on Public Properties and Safety to work with the neighborhood to make a recommendation for future use of the property. The neighborhood felt that at the time, the land should be used as playground space. Equipment was placed there. The equipment was removed because it was unsafe. The neighborhood in conjunction with BCFI (which has become part of the neighborhood) and their new leader (Pollard was a previous leader) agreed the play equipment should be located at BCFI so the neighborhood children and the children at BCFI can use the equipment. Brockwell noted that it is interesting to note that the trash problem has moved with the play equipment. Previously very few children used the equipment. Drug dealers used it at night as a focal point. Brockwell noted it is not dedicated parkland even though it is greenspace and according to what he understands it does not need a vote of the people. However, if the people want to vote on it, it probably could be done, but it would take education. Brockwell named a few people in the audience and noted they probably haven't been to see Genesee Park. Brockwell noted some people see it as they drive home to another neighborhood. In the beginning, the neighborhood wanted it as greenspace to give the children a place to play. The neighborhood now feels the equipment has been placed in a central location and this area is not needed. Brockwell noted the main thrust of the neighborhood (which he lives in) is to bring more home ownership. As Sprague mentioned about the Park Board Minutes - August 16, 2000 Page 6 Barnard area, BFaekwef+ this group wants it to be a better area than it has been. Brockwell again noted it was never intended to be a dedicated park space and he had asked for the sign to be placed. Filice wondered if Council asked for the sign and play equipment to be removed. Brockwell explained the neighborhood watch and neighborhood group asked it to be removed. Jemerson removed the sign as it is not a dedicated park. James is confused because by Pollard's reading of the Charter it would not appear the park must be dedicated parkland to be considered a park. She wondering if it had been reinterpreted. This has been a virtual park/recreation space since 1969, and It is suitable for continued use as a park space. James wondered who was able to get $98,000 out of the City in 1969 for the parcel and what happened to the money that the department should be paid. James noted Pollard has valuable ideas. James also noted as Chair of the Park Board that she wished he wouldn't yell because she hears better when people do not yell. There are very serious questions over what is within the Park Board's jurisdiction. Is the jurisdiction over designated park land or those things that are parks whether they are designated or virtual. Filice likes it when Pollard yells. Filice wondered what happens with the Board's discussion. It was very clear last spring that the Board felt this was a matter that needed to be brought before the public. Equipment was removed and the sign was removed. She noted the neighborhood should have a say as they live there. They should come before the public and educate them on their issues. Filice is concerned as the Board does not want this to be a precedent for any person on City Council or in the Mayor's Office or anywhere else to believe that when it is convenient for them they can make the decision on the disposal of park land. This is not their decision alone. If it were their decision alone, then the Board is wasting their time. The advisory board made their recommendation last spring. Obviously some new City Councilmembers feel they can make decisions and settle matters regardless of what advisory boards decide. Filice noted it was not up to Councilor the Mayor to make these decisions regardless of whether or not some feel the electorate can understand this issue. Howard feels the Board should meetwith Council or he could personally pay$100 to get an injunction to determine if they are wrong. Howard noted you do not simply yell at someone. You get a lawyer and let a court decide if Pollard is correct or if Smiertka is correct. Howard feels the question is if it can be resolved informally. Howard is for resolving this issue in a peaceful manner but Pollard can have the court decide if he wishes. Lott is not sure what the options are as a park board and as an advisory board. Based on the issues raised by Pollard and the variety and length of motions made by Council and other parts of city government, it would be wise to recommend that prior to the property being disposed of the citizens be allowed to vote on the issue. Lott realizes that elections are expensive but if we do not do that it could be a battle that would be fought for years to come. Lott recommended putting it on the ballot. Jemerson recommended the Park Board review Pollard's comments regarding the Charter and ask for clarification as to what the charter says regarding land and open spaces. The background clearly shows this has not been adopted as dedicated parkland although it has been used as a park. When a point is raised as to the vagueness of the Charter, it deserves a second opinion. Filice noted park land is subject to political whims of whoever is interpreting the law. She is not so much interested in the legalese. She wants to know what has been traditionally regarded as park, greenspace and dedicated. Jemerson noted the legality must be considered. Filice was concerned with the traditional understanding of terms. Jemerson had foreseen the confusion over what makes a park a park and that is the reason he had Park Board Minutes - August 16, 2000 Page 7 put the handout together in April. He will request an interpretation of the Charter. Brockwell noted he's lived in the neighborhood since 1965 and remembers when the building was there and when it was demolished. He can't remember when the play equipment was put in but he had requested a park sign be erected. Eventually the disadvantages outweighed the advantages. The neighborhood association decided it was time to put the modern equipment at BCFI. The director of BCFI attended the neighborhood meetings. Brockwell noted this is a neighborhood park just like the space at Barnhard will be. The neighborhood no longer wants it and has alternatives. MOTION: Howard moved that the Parks and Recreation Director write a letter to the City Attorney requesting his opinion regarding the definitions of parks, city lands, recreational lands and dedicated park lands in reference to the City Charter. Seconded by Lott. Leyrer agrees with Pollard as $98,000 was spent in 1969 for this property. Filice commented the letter from Woods was extremely aggressive and threatening. Howard noted this should be pursued by the Director whether the Board is here or not. Filice commented she doesn't feel it is in the Board's best interest to be placed in a situation where if you disagree with the appointed and elected officials, you will not be reappointed. Filice doesn't like the underlying threat. James requested the Board to discontinue this line of thought as to"we're all going to be out of here!" She pointed out that Rick Kibbey has been serving on the Public Service Board for many years past his last appointment. Filice interrupted with a comment and was overruled. James noted it was past his reappointment. The Board is jumping to conclusions politicizing this in a way that she finds offensive. Let's discuss the issue. The reason James would like to avoid this being on the front page of the paper is because they won't get it right. She would rather settle it as it is an important issue for the Park Board. Pollard has raised important issues that deserve answers. She would like to do it in a civil manner. Leyrer wanted to go to Committee of the Whole and Filice desires this also. Brockwell explained the Board could request a meeting with the Council. Leyrer noted the response from Smiertka is fine but a meeting with Council is needed. James explained the two requests are not exclusive. Filice wondered if we ask for a legal opinion from Smiertka if we could ask for what these terms historically mean. She doesn't just want the Lansing Code Book. She wants the historical interpretation as defined historically in communities (parks, parkland, dedicated lands). Howard wondered if the Board is bound by the City Attorney's opinion. Jemerson explained the Board can ask any question and as an advisory board make any recommendation they desire. The City will then act. Motion carried. MOTION: Brockwell moved the Director and President of the Park Board communicate with the City Council President the Board's desire to meet regarding this matter and that a meeting be established that is convenient for most people; seconded by Howard. Motion carried. Bosheff commented that the public depends on the city officials to follow the process that is delineated in the City Charter, and when signs are pulled off parkland, it will generate a reaction. He did note that the legislative body has the power to change laws by their action and it should be kept in mind. Hearing this causes him to mistrust his government. Bosheff also noted regarding the skateboard park, in February of 1999 Council amended the master plan and it is not included. Park Board Minutes - August 16, 2000 Page 8 James interrupted that Bosheff was out of order. Skateboard issues will be discussed at the proper time. The meeting needs to move on. She does not mistrust her government because she is her government. She is giving her time and others are giving their time observing. The Board needs to move on because there are other issues to discuss. RESUBMISSION OF DNR GRANTS FOR KIRCHER AND DAVIS The Department has been notified the three submissions were not funded for Kircher, Davis and the RiverTrail modification by S&S Dye. Jemerson explained how the MDNR scores grant applications. They use capability, project site quality and then need for the project. The last two times we have been graded we have received a very low score for capability due to past performance on grants as well as the issue with the Ferguson project. Due to our improvements and the Ferguson project finally being started, we received a perfect score for all three criteria for Kircher. The Ferguson project is no longer an issue and the DNR is satisfied with the progress. The perfect score on Kircher put it into a tie-breaker. There are four criteria that are used for the tie-breaker, three of which we cannot control as they deal with the makeup of the community compared to other communities and the past number of grants received. The only criteria we could improve in the next round is the amount of our match. If the bare minimum of 25% is no points to the tie breaker; 26-29% is 2 points; 30-39% is 3 points and it goes up from there. We are looking at giving 40% which would give us 3 points. Our total score for the Kircher grant is 246 and the cutoff point was 249 so we missed it by three points. The grants are automatically resubmitted as they are unless we tell them not to resubmit. We are sweetening the pot and putting in for Kircher and Davis which are the two highest priorities. We have upped the local match from 25 to 40% for Kircher and about 32% for Davis (the limit they will give is $750,000) Jemerson is asking for the Board's support in resubmitting the grants. MOTION: Filice moved the Board support the Department's recommendation to resubmit grant requests for Kircher with a 40% match and the grant request for Davis with a 32% match; seconded by Lott. Filice asked about the impact of events that block the RiverTrail such as Common Ground or the Ferguson construction as many people were disturbed by the closing. Jemerson noted he received one phone call regarding Common Ground and the RiverTrail. Jemerson contacted the DNR and was given a response via e-mail so he would have something in print. They do expect us to manage the RiverTrail and it can be closed down for safety reasons, special events or construction. The DNR does not have a problem with closing/rerouting for a short period of time. It becomes a problem when a section is closed for a length of time that stretches into years. Motion carried. FOSTER PARK BUILDING MOTION: Leyrer moved the Director review shared usage of Foster Park's building between the Garden Project and neighborhood so the restroom can be open to the public; seconded by Pollard. Jemerson explained there is a study of restroom facilities being done. This restroom could be added. Pollard wants to ensure the restroom is open to all and not just the neighborhood or the Garden Project. Leyrer spoke as the neighborhood president assuring that everyone was welcome. If this is a public use restroom, it should be open to the public at certain times of the day. Jemerson commented keys seem to be passed out freely for gates and buildings. This is something that will be dealt with administratively in the future. Park Board Minutes - August 16, 2000 Page 9 Motion carried. BMX PARK AT GIER The Department noted that the BMX Park needed assistance in terms of securing the facility. A request for a claim form has been received from a 35 year old man who broke his arm. James noted it was an unopened BMX track under construction without adequate security BMX Park. Parks and Recreation requested from Council a transfer of money from the park millage interest fund ($28,000) to put up an 8' security fence around the track so there is security in opening and closing the facility. It was passed by Council. Bid specs are being prepared and bids should go out quickly. Once this is completed the remainder of the construction will be completed including parking, installing water and installing electricity. Once that is completed, the track will be open for public use. It will open at approximately 8 a.m. and close at approximately 9 p.m. Gier Community Center Staff will open and close the facility. On Tuesdays and the weekends when the Capital Area BMX Club runs their functions, they will open and close the facility. Their insurance is in place now. Pollard noted people will break bones whatever they are doing and he wants to talk about the parking lot in the future. Jemerson explained CABMX also wants to put a tower up but prior to that CABMX must submit plans to Planning and the Parks Department. A stamped sealed drawing with proper permits and a correct site plan is required.A site review by Planning Department looks not only the facility but potential uses of the facility. Parking needs are calculated based on potential usage. This track is for national events and that would be for thousands. They will look at all the spaces around the track (tier Center, School, Otto School and the Parking Lot). They may determine a national track may be too much but a state track would be appropriate. GLAHA- Director will report at September meeting. SKATEBOARD PARK The City will be meeting with LASBRF sometime during the next week to discuss finding regarding the Gerace contract. Nothing really has changed. Pollard is concerned as there has been citizen involvement as the City wanted but the project is going on and on. When he meets children in the city and they ask about it, he doesn't know what to say. He wondered what century or decade will they be skating. Jemerson thought it would be after July 1, 2001. Jemerson also noted the LASBRF needs to be asked about the fundraising portion of the project. Jemerson is not ready to say how large the project will be until the dollar amounts are in. Pollard feels it is a very popular item that we have said we would do. If we can come up with more match funding for Kircher and Davis, why not fund the skate park. It would seem like we should be able to put more into it. Pollard stated the earlier money was given by Council and that some millage money should go towards the effort. Other cities are able to accomplish this and he's told the kids this year. He thinks the Park Board needs to look at what they want to do for children. Howard wondered if Pollard wants it on a fast track. Pollard said if it was built tomorrow it wouldn't be on a fast track. Rod MacDonald, LASBRF, spoke to the Board and reiterated Pollard's comments about the slow progress. The first meeting was almost two years ago where almost 300 people were present on one day's notice. He has four different major reports giving the city all the information they need to put a park together. There are details on the design, administration, and fundraising plans. A consolidated skateboard parks plan was given the city along with plans from the information guide creating a city or private skate park. He doesn't know what more could be done. The citizens Park Board Minutes - August 16, 2000 Page 10 committee has met at least once a month. They finally had a meeting with the Mayor three weeks ago. It was clear to him the Mayor, his Chief of Staff, and the others in the room had no idea of what was happening. At any rate, they went as far as bringing in a world class skateboard designer who surveyed the parks and told what he could do in terms of designing the parks and gave very rough quotes. They put a proposal before the past park director to take some of the seed money and build a temporary park at Washington Park. Now Jemerson is saying July of 2001. The information here says a park can be done in 1 'h months. MacDonald noted one of the reasons a fundraiser has not been done is that prior to asking for money you need at least a drawing stating how big it will be and where it will be. Recently the design bid went out. The committee thought it was a design bid but it is a design construction bid and it will use up all the seed money. It is interesting that all the bids came in at$34,000. Jemerson noted they did not all come in at that price and the contractors were not told how much money was available. MacDonald thought it was interesting that bids came in so close to the funding available but at any rate the best person in the country and probably in the world was called in (Tim Payne). MacDonald said the former Director told him in no uncertain terms this would not be bid out but that it would be done on a sole source basis. When the bid came along the group went along with it. MacDonald just got back from the NBC Gravity Games. His son is Andy MacDonald and he is the number one ranked professional skateboarder in the world for the last three years. He brings those connections and his experience of raising a son and having to deal with a lack of a facility while his son was growing up in Ann Arbor. He brings his expertise and Andy's goodwill. As his son, Andy is willing to come here and help in the design and fundraising. While at the games he spoke with some of the major representatives of the industry. The president of the World Cup Skateboard Association laughed when they heard how much it would cost as it doesn't cost$34,000.The designer of the park for the gravity games also noted he could help but he won't ask people to help when it would cost $34,000. Sponsors won't help with these outrageous prices. The frustration is getting to a boiling point. The Park Board and Council have supported the project but he can't figure out why it can't proceed. MacDonald noted he can't believe they are not in the master plan and they aren't eligible for a DNR grant and Mason is also applying. What is the answer? They met with the Mayor and three weeks have went by and nothing has happened. He will vent anywhere he can at this point. Howard noted MacDonald was very polite and had inferred information was provided that went nowhere, and had inferred we are wasting money. How much should be spent for the design of a park? MacDonald doesn't believe the Mayor and Parks Department are communicating as there is confusion as to whether the Gerace contract had been signed. MacDonald does not want the Gerace contract signed as the burden of raising the money is on the private group. People in the industry don't like the cost and it makes it difficult to raise money. Tim Payne has said for$15,000 he could design two parks with all the drawings to include his transportation costs with three more visits if necessary. If it is under three visits the price goes down Howard asked if it was difficult to workwith this government because we don't understand or because we do not want to act in a progressive fashion. Howard understands that Tim Payne is a tremendous person in the private sector. Government has difficulty relating to who is good but they do understand low bid. Somethings from government or the private sector don't understand. All the reports were done in collaboration with the four citizen committees and Landscape Architects and Planners facilitated this process and Ranney Park meetings with the Parks and Recreation Department. MacDonald noted past Director Reickel would have loved the temporary park built, before he retired Park Board Minutes - August 16, 2000 Page 11 on March 1. For Jemerson to say that it may just be beginning on July 1, 2001 it is frustrating. Jemerson said to remember, they were asking for a date and this was just a conservative estimate. Bosheff stated that Howard may be right that the government isn't used to working with the private sector and there may be a bit of an issue with progressiveness. He thinks the citizen involvement like this is new to Lansing. MacDonald noted the usage for ballfields, tennis courts, basketball courts does not compare with a skatepark. Filice noted she has a solution. She suggested they go with 100 kids every Monday night to Council and they get to speak and ask why it wasn't on the master plan and why it isn't being done. Do it every week until Council gives the funding. MacDonald noted the group had tried to do it in the proper format but nothing is happening. The last thing they want to do is embarrass the city. Discussion followed. MOTION: Filice moved the Park Board wishes to inform Council and reiterate their position on skateboard parks and that they have been support of this park for two years and the Board urges the construction of this park to meet the groups requirements. The Board also strongly advises the LASBRF to bring 200 skaters to Council each week. Seconded by Howard. Amendment: Pollard amended the motion to include skateparks in the Park and Recreation master plan; seconded by Howard. Motion carried. MILLAGE CAMPAIGN The park millage was overwhelmingly approved by voters once again. INFORMATION The Board received in their packets a copy of a letter from the Lansing School District regarding Otto tennis courts. Pictures were available from the Concerts In The Parks and the Hope Soccer Dedication is scheduled for Saturday, September 9 at 9:00 A.M. Meeting adjourned. Respectfully submitted ` "`J'� -�" 9-a, Res p y Lee Ann Foreback, Park Board Secretary Approved September 20, 2000. PARK BOARD MINUTES September 20, 2000 MEMBERS PRESENT: Mary James,Judith Mohay Filice, Wilbur Howard, Ruth Leyrer, Ron Lott, Kris Nicholoff and John Pollard MEMBERS ABSENT: Robert Brockwell (excused) OTHERS PRESENT: Dorothy Jones, Moores Park Neighborhood; Pete Bosheff, Brian Smith, LASBRF;Christine Timmon, Jewels of Knowledge TV; Ernie Boone, BCFI; Bonnie Bennett; Kathie Dunbar,Sagamore Hill; Belinda Fitzpatrick; Greg & Lois Klink; Gordon Wilson, NAACP; Robert Ford and Andy Linebaugh of Landscape Architects & Planners, Inc. City Staff: Harold Leeman, Jr., Councilmember; James D. Smiertka, City Attorney; Parks & Recreation Staff-Mary Winegar, Manager of Leisure Services; Dick Schaefer, Landscape Architect; Phil Dorland, Deputy Director, Murdock Jemerson, Director CALL TO ORDER: 7:12 P.M., Scott Center, 125 W. Main Street ADDITIONS/DELETIONS TO AGENDA-James asked a Staff Report on the Friends of Barnard Park Request be added as item 5.13. MARY WINEGAR, MANAGER OF LEISURE SERVICES was introduced to the Board. Ms. Winegar has been a Parks and Recreation employee for almost 23 years. Winegar noted she has worked in many sections of the department and is very familiar with the Leisure Services Division. She is looking forward to implementing various ideas and is open to suggestions. The Board congratulated Ms. Winegar. FOSTER PARK RESTROOM - PETE BOSHEFF Bosheff asked the restroom be opened for the Blackhawks. Jemerson explained the restrooms are on the list for renovation and are not suitable to be open to the public. Bosheff noted team members are relieving themselves in the bushes; Bosheff was asked to contact Jemerson. PARK BOARD MINUTES MOTION: Filice moved the minutes of August 16,2000 be accepted as presented; seconded by Pollard. Motion carried. No other department board minutes were received. GENESEE SITE -James D. Smiertka, City Attorney This is a .04 acre parcel on the corner of Genesee and Butler Streets near Black Child and Family Institute. The status of this land as park land has been discussed at length at previous Park Board meetings and an opinion was requested from the City Attorney "regarding the definitions of parks, city lands, recreational lands and dedicated park lands in reference to the City Charter." James Smiertka, City Attorney, explained when the issue was first presented(about 1 Y2 months ago by Jemerson), it was presented as an administrative matter concerning whether"so called Genesee Park"would need to be put to a vote of the people before it could be disposed of. A review was done and a short response was compiled that noted the lack of restrictions on the real estate transaction, and in review of the Charter, the Ordinance and state law, the sale did not have to go to a vote of the people. He also indicated it was not a formal legal opinion but a formal legal opinion could be done. Park Board Minutes - September 20, 2000 Page 2 The formal opinion was completed at Council's request but Attorney Smiertka made efforts to have it done by this evening so copies could be available for the Park Board. Smiertka explained the opinion lists the issue, a history of facts, applicable State statue, City Charter and City Ordinance and also case law which interprets the state statute which governs the sale of park property. The state statute takes precedence over charter and local ordinance. The analysis and conclusion round out the opinion with the various resolutions. In summary the history shows that when the property was acquired there was no restriction on the deed. Council,who accepts the deed, can note it is reserved for park purposes. Also Charter doesn't define park, recreation or waterfront property, but through an ordinance the Charter provision was implemented. The ordinance required that there be filed with the City within one year of the adoption of the ordinance an inventory of what is park, recreation, waterfront and cemetery properties. The ordinance goes on to direct that as items are added to the list, the Mayor must submit them to Council. The inventory was filed in 1981 subsequent to the purchase of the property. Genesee is not listed on this inventory and it has never been listed on the inventory required by the ordinance. It was never added to the inventory at any time after this. The resolutions were all reviewed and the discussion in the resolutions did not have an indication it was park property. It discussed demolishing the building, marketing the property, stopping the marketing and then simply holding on to the property until a use if found. It was to be held for some future date when the use could be determined. The record required by the ordinance which is the inventory and the legislative record does not support this for a park. This is from City records. Smiertka went on to explain state statute indicates in interpretive case law that it prohibits the sale of park property without a vote of the people with an addition of except if it is part of a city's master plan. The two cases noted were from Grand Rapids. There were properties on a master plan. Filice interrupted asking for the date. As noted in the handouts, one was a 1988 case and one was a 1962 case. In essence, if it was on a master plan of the City under the state statute it could not be sold without a vote of the people, but it could be removed from the master plan of the city and then be sold. In this case, it has never been on the master plan of the City of Lansing. It has always been zoned residential, whereas on the master plan there are some units of park properties within residential areas. Smiertka noted that between 1985 and 1990, in a park plan prepared by the Parks and Recreation Department this property was listed as a park and in the latest one it is not listed as a park. Even if it was claimed the master plan talked about in Verber and Nash is the Park and Recreation Plan, it was removed. This claim would not be valid because there is a special terminology for the master plan of the city--a zoning plan. Consequently, in both the cases removal was allowed. There is no concept in the law of a defacto park. This is the legal analysis. Filice noted she was glad that Smiertka was here and asked Smiertka to go over the process by which park land that appears on one five year plan is then dropped for the next five year plan. Smiertka noted he was not familiar with this process because it is not legally significant. The master plan that is talked about in the cases is the master zoning plan. Howard asked for clarification on the history and use of the property. It was discussed that the property was once the First Church of the Nazarene. What was the property called when Lincoln Center occupied that building. In 1982, there is a reference to Genesee Center. In 1982, it was rejected that the property be turned into a parking lot and it states it can be retained as grass covered open space so it can be marketed in character with the surrounding area. Howard noted $98,000 was paid for the property. Smiertka explained the City speaks through its resolutions and there is no indication as to the intended permanent use of the property. Filice wondered what the intention of the land acquisition fund was and was this federal or state. Smiertka explained land acquisition fund is an accounting term from that time much like we have a capital building fund now The intent of the fund is not significant to this issue as determining park Park Board Minutes - September 20, 2000 Page 3 land falls under strict rules according to the case law and statute. The resolutions and deed do not state this land is to be used for any particular purpose. Filice wondered if there is a way to find out the intention of the land acquisition fund at that time. Smiertka doesn't believe there is as the budget only lists the title unless there is something in one of the budget discussion minutes of the time. He went on to explain the line items for Personnel, Capital Equipment, Operating Expenses. By looking at the budget, it is difficult to see what it is exactly for, but in the working papers it may be described. It may be found in previous records. February 10, 1969 was the purchase of the property. Filice asked if we knew what the intent was for the use of the property, and Smiertka again explained it would be expressed in the resolution if it was to be used for a particular purpose. Typically when land is sold or purchased today, it is reflected in the resolution. The official record of a legislative body is in its resolutions and not what people said or what came before. Pollard stated the site was purchased for $98,000 in 1969. According to the resolution he read it states that the purchase of the following described property is"for the use of the Department of Parks and Recreation." After a property description, it notes it was for$98,000 to be charged against the land acquisition account. It is perfectly clear to him it was purchased as a park facility for use by Parks and Recreation and it remained Parks and Recreation until it was transferred nine years later to Public Services Department in 1978. In September of 1978 additional property was purchased at this site for$13,900. From 1978 to January 1983 when the final resolution of Council says leave it as open green space until it can be market. From 1983 until today, it has been greenspace and it has been called a park. Signs called it a park and it has been used as a park. Since 1969 only five years has it not been associated with Parks and Recreation. During that time either Parks and Recreation or the neighbors maintained the land. $27,000 was paid to demolish the building. $139,000 forthis property plus$1,950 in maintenance peryearwhich is the justification for disposing of the property. Pollard noted the land had been listed in the Parks and Recreation Master Plan until after the draft 2000-2005 master plan. It is not gone until the final copy. It has been whited out of the final document. It is also now gone from the inventory for the first time since 1985. It has been associated with Parks and Recreation and has been left as greenspace. This was brought to the Park Board for an opinion December 15, 1999. It was tabled and was to come back up in January. It was tabled again. The play equipment disappeared and the sign disappeared and now it is not a park. He feels that for 26 years of 31 it has appeared to be a park. It is on the latest parks and recreation map as a park. He also noted the land policy act requires the department be reimbursed for the expenditure but it doesn't appear to have happened. Pollard feels if the money wasn't transferred, it is still a park. Smiertka noted the legal opinion has been completed. He had not tracked the park from the beginning. He took it from the history as noted in the Council Proceedings and formed the conclusion. If dollars were supposed to be transferred under a 1961 policy, it still wouldn't change the rules. Also in 1978 there was a Charter change. The policy adopted in 1961 is not binding on future Council and it can be changed. Pollard questioned if the 1979 policy was no longer binding. Smiertka explained it is a policy of City Council and during the budget process they can change the policy by an appropriation. They are allowed to make changes and do something in conflict with a prior policy of Council simply by an appropriation or lack of appropriation because they are not bound by prior policy. Pollard notes that the Charter clearly states park land cannot be sold without a vote of the people. He wondered why on previous occasions small parcels have been to the voters, but not this parcel. The legal opinion is one thing but the political reality is quite another. Smiertka explained he was present to explain the legal opinion not argue politics. Pollard questioned if a parcel is not dedicated as parkland, can it be disposed of as chosen. Smiertka noted the state law clearly states that if property is not on the master plan (a city's zoning plan) it can be sold by a vote of the people. Filice wondered again how things were removed from the master plan (parks & recreation). Smiertka again explained the master plan the statute refers to Park Board Minutes - September 20, 2000 Page 4 is the master zoning plan not the parks and recreation master plan. Filice noted this is a very big issue for the Park Board. Some parks are dedicated and some are not. She needs to know how things are removed and what is the responsibility. Smiertka noted he wasn't present to be adversarial and in going to the statutes if it is found there is an error, please approach him. He explained again when property is deeded and it expressly says for park purposes it cannot be touched. When Council receives property and says in the resolution the land is designated for park purposes, waterfront purposes, or recreation purposes, it would be recognized as park land.. The City has set up an inventory established by ordinance which began in 1979. If it is on the inventory accepted by Council, it is park land. Council may remove properties from the inventory and by removing it the land is decommissioned. However, if it is carried on the master plan (zoning plan) of the city, the state statute says it cannot be sold by vote of the city. Council by ordinance adopts zoning ordinances and the zoning maps along with that and if the land is on the zoning plan as park land, it cannot be removed without a similar ordinance removing the land from the plan. James asked for clarification. If a parcel is on the official zoning map (the official zoning master plan) it cannot be removed except by Council action. If Council acts, then it is no longer on the list and it can be sold unless there is some other reason it cannot be sold such as a deed restriction or a reservation by Council when it first received the property. Smiertka noted that is correct unless the parcel is on the inventory that has been approved by Council. James clarified because there is no indication that this piece of property was deeded to anyone as a park and Council did not accept it specifically as a park and reserved its use and the fact that it does not exist on the master plan zoning map nor on the inventory, that all means it is not a park. Nicholoff asked if this property was ever on the official master plan, not the master plan for parks but the zoning plan. Smiertka noted they investigated and it was never on the zoning plan. Filice wondered about which properties are on the zoning plan and safe. Smiertka explained a starting point is to take the inventory requested in 1979. James requested an up-to-date list of park properties that are dedicated by being on the inventory or by deed or by Council Resolution on acquisition or on the master zoning plan. Howard asked since the City Attorney has been asked to make a formal opinion and an opinion has been rendered, does it have the force of law. Smiertka noted it did not. The City Attorney's opinion is advice under the Charter. By not following the City Attorney's advice, they may be opening themselves up because they were on notice. Pollard spoke regarding the Land Policy Act of 1979 saying it clearly states if land is to be disposed of it should go to the Park Board, Planning Board and a recommendation should be obtained from the Mayor before action is taken by Council. Smiertka noted the process known as a 285 review and the property did go though this. Pollard asked about the January 10, 1983 resolution where the resolution asks the mayor to drop efforts to market the property and directs the Committee of Public Properties and Safety to work with the neighborhood to make a recommendation for future use of the property. Smiertka explained under the Charter, the Council cannot direct the Mayor to do anything. They can request. The charter and the ordinances empower the Mayor as the manager of all real estate. One Council cannot bind a future Council. Council's look at past resolutions but they are not legally binding. Filice feels there is a serious attitude by some Council individuals who think that if park property is passive recreational property it is not productive. We also have a tradition of creating pocket parks which are intended for greenspace. It is imperative that we have a list of properties that are now being considered to be dropped. Smiertka again noted the original inventory, the deed, Council's Park Board Minutes - September 20, 2000 Page 5 acceptance resolutions and the Zoning master plan are all ways a parcel is dedicated property. Pollard asked if the BCFI property has become a park over night. Jemerson noted it is not park land, and it is property that is under lease to BCFI from the Lansing School District. Filice wondered what the process was to place the play equipment at BCFI and questioned ownership of the equipment. Smiertka noted when property is leased, it is a tenant improvement. Ernie Boone of BCFI noted there are many things that the City paid for that belong to BCFI. MOTION: Pollard moved the Board inform Council that the Park Board concludes Genesee is a park, that it remain a park; and if it is to be sold, it go before the people; seconded by Filice. Nicholoff feels that based on the fact Genesee was not on the original master plan (zoning) and that officially by state law that is the only master plan and that Park and Recreation master plans are just a term. Based on that, he opposes forwarding this issue to the people as it creates confusion. In addition to the legal aspect, his supporting inner feelings on this are the neighborhood has worked extremely hard and have the best intentions. A park is nothing without a neighborhood. He has worked sweeping glass, scraping graffiti, raised money in all weather conditions for the parks closest to him (Westside, St. Joseph, Dunnebacke, Comstock)and is very sensitive to the way neighbors feel about their park. Based on that, he will side with the neighborhood. They did their homework and are consistent with the law. He does have his own opinion regarding the Parks and Recreation Master Plan and the information within that doesn't count based on state law. He opposes moving this forward due to those reasons. Belinda Fitzpatrick, licensed attorney, believes this legal opinion is one sided. Her opinion as an attorney is the interpretation of a charter is by the role of common understanding. She stated Carol Wood is not the neighborhood and Genesee Neighborhood Association is not the neighborhood. She stated they are a small group of people who have alienated others who do not want to socialize with them. They are a self-appointed group. She is concerned as a licensed attorney as the people will look to her to sue the city over this issue. Lois Klink, 905 W. Genesee, noted that she and her husband walked the streets of the neighborhood and collected 170 signatures of neighborhood people who want it to stay a park and greenspace. They are not represented by the neighborhood organization which is a fine organization but not a representative organization.It costs $5 to be a member and it would be a hardship for many people. They say they will let people vote if it will be a hardship. She asks the park people to decide between a neighborhood of 170 or more that actually signed the paper as compared to 19 or 20 who attended the meeting. They have the original petition and copies could be submitted. Christine Timmon, Jewels of Knowledge television show, asked about removal of a park by Council and wondered if a hearing had to be held. Council can amend the inventory or the master zoning plan can be changed and the hearing would be the typical hearing. Timmon noted she hadn't hear of any hearing to remove Genesee. Smiertka again noted it was never on the list. She asked if the city would received any money for the property. Jemerson explained $1 had been offered by the Housing Commission. Nicholoff asked if it would go on the tax rolls, and it will. Timmon also said whoever removed the play equipment should be charged with a theft of city property and there are 19 neighborhood bullies who know they have the power of certain people on Council. She is totally opposed to this. Bonnie Bennett noted this is really not just one issue. Now it is Genesee Park but she is concerned it will be every little park. She said the easiest way to solve this issue is to have an ordinance written that noted that anything owned by Parks and Recreation will become a dedicated park so this won't happen in the future. Anything owned by Parks and Recreation should be zoned park land. Park Board Minutes - September 20, 2000 Page 6 Greg Klink, 905 W. Genesee, noted his concern is the map given out states Genesee Park. If it isn't a park,why is it on the map. He wondered if there are any other red dots on the map that aren't parks that may disappear in the next couple of years. He feels this is false advertising by the city. He and his wife gathered signatures from the former Mayor Graves to criminals and that shows they did not discriminate. Gordon Wilson of NAACP spoke noting the NAACP has received complaints because it has been reported the petition was delivered to the Lansing Police Department. He noted schools, parks, houses and people make a neighborhood. It is false advertising in park brochures if they state Genesee Park. Also, consider grandfather clauses and past practice. If this is called a park for all these years, it is in essence a park. The NAACP is also upset that the Genesee Neighborhood is not representative of the 435 homes in this neighborhood. Formal open meetings should be held where the area can put in their comments. Dorothy Jones noted that she had heard someone ask why people who don't even live in the neighborhood care. As one who doesn't live in the neighborhood, she does care. It is her money and she resents having $98,000+ of taxes being used and sold for$1. She does mind paying taxes to hand property over to individuals for$1. In 1963 the value of parkland was appreciated and touted as a plus for the City of Lansing and the mood of the City has changed. Howard stated he may abstain but this is not a simple situation as there is basically no responsibility on the part of the Park Board as it now stands. Council and Planning make the decisions. The Park Board is an advisory board. Howard interprets the City Attorney's opinion basically informs Mayor, Council and the Director of Parks how they should respond. He understands neighborhood organizations do work for all. He feels it is good that the playground equipment is close to the children at BCFI. It should be resolved and the power rests with Council and the Law Department. Nicholoff noted he was opposed to the motion for two reasons. One reason is the legal opinion, and if that is overturned, he would likely change his position. This is the first Nicholoff has heard there are others in the neighborhood who do not agree with the association. He is part of an organized neighborhood association and it is truly representative of the neighborhood--the Old Oakland Neighborhood. He wasn't aware the Genesee Neighborhood Association, as Mr. Wilson described it, was not representative of the neighborhood. He will now base opposition to the motion solely on the legal opinion. Filice stated persons who are on the Board have gone before the City and Council and pledged that they without partisanship feel a responsibility of stewardship for land. This is regardless of political whim, regardless of finance but with the intention that the board feels a commitment to land stewardship. If members don't have that commitment, she is not sure why they serve on the Board. She has felt this responsibility very keenly for the past 18 years. Pollard reminded the Board that Council asked the Board to look at land that is unsuitable. A line must be drawn somewhere if the Park Board is here to protect, preserve and maintain the greenspace not just for us but for the future. Pollard noted various parks listed on the 1981 list have been reviewed by the Board as to a recommendation to sell or keep. He noted all the parks are at risk. James asked Pollard to stop yelling and he apologized because he did not know his first amendment rights had a volume level. James explained there is a civility level. Pollard asked for forgiveness. He also thanked those who came and said it was time to send a message to Council. Pete Bosheff spoke noting he believes the Park Board should be more than advisory, and he has lived in Cities where the ultimate authority was the Historic District Commission. He met the Klinks and he feels they are exactly the type of people we want to attract to live in this city. They are teachers who moved into the neighborhood with no biases. They looked at the neighborhood unlike anyone else present could because we all know the history and know the rumors. The Board should vote the way they would vote if they did live across the street from that parcel. He has visited that Park Board Minutes - September 20, 2000 Page 7 park repeatedly. There is fabulous housing stock there but we don't see it that way because we are biased. James interrupted that she is not biased, and she lives in the area. Bosheff concluded with he would like to see the park left alone. Ernie Boone of the B.C.F.I. doesn't understand the issue of the neighborhood association versus the neighborhood, and it disturbs him to see that kind of controversy. He has yet to see an organization that is representative of all the people in a neighborhood. He has lived in an area with one of the strongest neighborhood organizations in the City and it wasn't representative of the total neighborhood. Regarding B.C.F.I. they have recreational equipment on their site, and the neighborhood has access to that recreational equipment virtually all the time. When they are programming in the summer, there are 180 kids on average daily. There are times they ask children who are behaving inappropriately (or children who are in a group that are behaving inappropriately) to leave the park. He doesn't know how the equipment on B.C.F.I. has anything to do with the Genesee site being a park. He is concerned that there is an issue that neighborhood children do not have access to that equipment. BCFI worked with the neighborhood to remove the lock from the gate to give the neighborhood children ease of access. He understands the reason the equipment was allowed on this site was that BCFI could provide some degree of supervision. If there are bigger kids making it unsafe for smaller children, they send the big kids home. If they see children behaving inappropriately, they send them home. If that is viewed as inappropriate, then the City needs to rethink if the equipment should be on the property. If it is on BCFI and they are programming, they will insist that people behave like children should and that they have a safe situation. Howard called the question, and the motion was restated. MOTION: Pollard moved the Board recommend to City Council and the Mayor that Genesee Park remain as a park and that if it is to be sold, it be sold after a vote of the people per the City Charter; seconded by Filice. Roll Call: Filice, Leyrer, Lott, Pollard - yes Howard, James - abstain Nicholoff- no Motion carried. James thanked James Smiertka for attending.The Board took a short break. Boardmember Nicholoff left the meeting. FRIENDS OF BARNARD PARK - Director will report at October meeting. BENJAMIN DAVIS PARK SITE PLAN Robert Ford and Andy Linebaugh of Landscape Architects and Planners presented a proposed site plan for Benjamin Davis Park with copies available for Boardmembers. The plan details three adult lighted softball fields, a skate park, a basketball complex, climbing equipment, two youth ball diamonds which also accommodate soccer. Phase I has been applied for in the second round of DNR. It would look like the west end phase would be the first. Also, the skateboard park could also be the next phase. Leyrer is interested in tennis courts at this site. Filice noted she has been called a racist for always supporting ice skating and hockey and also tennis, but sports is color blind. Howard noted there are more complaints regarding people bouncing balls at all times of the evening at basketball courts than complaints regarding tennis courts. MOTION: Lott moved the Board support the site plan for Benjamin Davis Park as presented by Landscape Architects and Planners; seconded by Filice. Motion carried. Park Board Minutes - September 20, 2000 Page 8 PROPERTY ISSUES Jemerson explained there have been a number of property issues that came before the department. There are not huge, controversial issues. They have been reviewed and the department is seeking the Board's support on various property issues. Dick Schaefer, Landscape Architect with our Design Section, has worked with these items and reviewed them with the Board issue-by-issue. Maps were included with the Board's packet. Conrail R.O.W. (3301-05-451-201-1) (3301-08-227-181) This is an abandoned railroad ROW that would be used to expand the River Trail to northwest Lansing. Conrail has been purchased by another railroad company, and we have contacted the new owners. They would like to delay negotiations for another year. We would like to purchase this parcel and recommend a 285 review be done. MOTION: Filice moved the Board support the department's recommendation to pursue the purchase and recommend a 285 review; seconded by Lott. Motion carried. Esch Property(3301-05-352-001)This is a private parcel at the end of Kaplan Street through which a river trail extension is proposed. The owner has not been contacted. The department is pursuing purchasing the parcel and will be initiating a 285 review. MOTION: Lott moved the Board support the department's recommendation to purchase or obtain an easement and initiate a 285 review; seconded by Leyrer. Motion carried. Ranney Parking Lot Easement Landscape Architects and Planners is inquiring about an easement from David Krause by the southeast end of Ranney for the parking area shown on the site plan. The Department is pursuing an easement and will be initiating a 285 review. MOTION: Leyrer moved the Board support the department's recommendation to pursue the easement and a 285 review; seconded by Pollard. Motion carried. Obtain License for Board of Water and Light Wise Road Property (3305-06-251-021) As the preliminary site plan for Davis Park noted, the proposed skate park facility and trails are on BWL property. The department is pursuing a license for a portion of the BWL property and will be initiating a 285 review. A license is required because the City cannot give an easement to itself. MOTION: Lott moved the Board support the department's recommendation to pursue the license and a 285 review; seconded by Leyrer. Motion carried. Impression 5 Easement-When Impression 5 had their property surveyed, it was discovered a small portion of the river trail was constructed on land just outside of our easement. Impression 5 Board will be reviewing this at their next meeting and are expected to approve extending the easement. The department is pursuing an easement and will be initiating a 285 review. MOTION: Howard moved the Board support the department's recommendation to pursue the easement and a 285 review; seconded by Pollard. Motion carried. Turner/Dodge Acquisitions: 1. Turner/Dodge 117 W.North(3301-090178-091)This is property west of Turner Dodge which Park Board Minutes - September 20, 2000 Page 9 is required for future parking as outlined. The owner has rejected the department's request for right of first refusal. Department will contact the owner again with an option to purchase. The department is pursuing the purchase and will recommend a 285 review. 2. Turner/Dodge 127 W. North (3301-09-178-112)Staff recommends we approach the owner with an option to purchase and the pursue a 285 review. Discussion followed. Filice noted there is currently sufficient parking and the carriage house hasn't been built at this time. James clarified that in concept the Board has approved the carriage house and parking lot by approving the Turner-Dodge Master Plan. Howard explained there is very limited parking now and more parking is needed. Leyrer expressed concern over saving homes that may have historical value. This area is becoming an attractive area to own. Jemerson also noted the Turner-Dodge Board was also considering the purchase of one of these properties for administrative offices so the Turner-Dodge could be more museum like. This property could be used to house a welcome center. Filice noted she is a strong supporter of Turner-Dodge but they must come up with a larger outreach into the community to warrant this type of expansion. Their programs do not reach enough children to warrant this type of plan. Howard is also concerned about the houses. The Board asked for a realistic price and also options as to a parking lot location. MOTION: James moved the board ask for more information and it be resubmitted; seconded by Pollard. Motion carried. Wise Road Property Option to Purchase(3305-06-251-014)This is a private parcel surrounded on three sides by Davis Park. The department would like to have the option of purchasing this property. It would increase the available land for park development and provide a consistent land use. The department is pursuing purchasing the parcel and will be initiating a 285 review. MOTION: Lott moved the Board support the department pursing the purchase of this parcel and initiating a 285 review; seconded by Pollard. Motion carried. Lott noted on the map of the site sand volleyball courts are listed, but on the site plan there is a tot park. Schaefer noted it would be the tot park. Board of Water and Light Northwest Well Site-The department is interested in securing a license from the Board for river frontage for the extension of the river trail. This is between the Esch property and the Conrail R.O.W. This is currently used as an ash disposal site. The department is pursing a license and will be initiating a 285 review. MOTION: Filice moved the Board support the department pursuing the license of this parcel and initiating a 285 review; seconded by Leyrer. Motion carried. GREATER LANSING AMATEUR HOCKEY ASSOCIATION (GLAHA) UPDATE Jemerson explained the department has contacted GLAHA and asked for the dates and times they will be using the dome. They will not be using Friday, Saturday or Sunday and those dates had been included in their contract. Also, they will not be using 3:30-6:00 P.M. on Wednesday as well as 4:30- 6:00 P.M. Monday, Tuesday and Thursday. All those times will be going up for public use. Don Ballard, Manager,will be advising independent teams that these times will not be used by GLAHA and they will be allowed the opportunity to participate in a lottery for these times that are not included in GLAHA's request for this season's times. The department is awaiting the response as to how they are encouraging the participation of Lansing children. The response will be brought to the Board. Filice wondered who was using the dome between 2:30 P.M. and 4:00 P.M. weekdays because this is the best time to encourage school groups to participate as the after school bus is available. Park Board Minutes - September 20, 2000 Page 10 SKATEBOARD PARK The Department explored having a consultant complete the skateboard park element of the master plan. The consultant could contract with Tim Payne to do the skatepark. This did not work out. This will be rebid; and if Tim Payne is interested in this project, he must team up with a licensed architectural engineering firm as he does not have the license to do all the parts of this project. This must be a completed project. We will not allow another project like BMX where we end up trying to figure out the parking, electrical, water, irrigation, etc. Pete Bosheff has noted the group also wants to see a complete park not just a piece. As it was an insurance issue with the consultant, James wondered if Jackson National Life would be able to help. Pollard thought someone from the City should be able perform these functions to allow Payne to proceed. Howard suggested the City pay the insurance premium and the work could be done. Jemerson noted he'd take that under consideration but at this time the Finance Department is completing the paperwork for rebidding. He was hoping we could go back to the previous company but they have withdrawn. Bosheff noted he called a civil engineer friend, and the type of company that would have this level of insurance is the type that does buildings and roads and things that have high liability potential. Bosheff will find out how Payne completes these projects in other areas. Payne is not a licensed architect or licensed engineer and has requested an engineer to sign off on the drawings. Mason is contracting with Tim Payne through Wolverine Engineering. Bosheff stressed rebidding is not favorable to their process right now. The problem in terms of their mission of fundraising is to have the elements committed to approach the big companies. He has requested a letter from the Mayor committing to the project. Last year they launched fund raising but because things were not "tied- down" they lost opportunities. Businesses dedicate funds to advertising in their 4th quarter, and he wants that on the record. They will proceed with fundraising. CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECT UPDATE FOR PARKS & RECREATION MASTER PLAN Phil Dorland, Deputy Director, explained Appendix E in the plan is the list of all parks and recreation projects. This was handled at a special meeting last year as a work item. This document has had several changes made including the skateboard project. The Board was asked if they would like to hold a special working session again this year to review the updated master project list and accept public input. The Board elected to meet on the Tuesday prior to the October Board meeting. The Board will be asked to approve this list regular October meeting. The Board questioned the validity of the Parks and Recreation Five Year Master Plan. Jemerson explained the Parks and Recreation Five Year Master Plan is a legitimate document that must be in place to apply for various funding. INVITATION TO HOLD PARK BOARD AT JOEL FERGUSON'S CONFERENCE ROOM Joel Ferguson has invited the Park Board to hold their October meeting at his building on Turner Street. INFORMATION - The Board was reminded the Fall Community Services Guide is available. ADJOURNED Respectfully submitted Lee Ann Foreback, Park Board Secretary Approved 10/18/00. PARK BOARD MINUTES October 24, 2000 MEMBERS PRESENT: Mary James,Judith Mohay Filice,Wilbur Howard, Ruth Leyrer, Roh:Lott,- Kris Nicholoff MEMBERS ABSENT: Melvin McWilliams (excused), (1 vacancy) OTHERS PRESENT: Murdock Jemerson, Director of Parks and Recreation Department CALL TO ORDER: 6:10 P.M. at Washington Park, 2700 S. Washington ADDITIONS/DELETIONS TO AGENDA- None. WASHINGTON PARK PARKING LOT PROPOSAL George Abraham had approached the City with a proposal to trade or swap land by Washington Park. Mr. Abraham is proposing to erect a medical complex between the Washington Park Skating Complex and Washington Avenue on his land. Mr. Abraham is proposing trading a portion of the land owned by him, located behind the proposed medical complex, for land the City owns which is just to the south of the proposed medical complex. In addition, the land traded by Mr. Abraham will be converted into a parking lot which can be jointly used by the medical center and the participants of the Washington Park Skating Complex. This land will become City of Lansing park land and an easement will be granted for Mr.Abraham's use during the regular business hours (Monday through Friday, 8:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M.) of the proposed medical center. The Department recommends this proposed land trade. The Park Board had briefly reviewed this at their regular meeting October 18, but determined they wanted to meet at the site to view the area in question. MOTION: Filice moved the Board support the department's recommendation to trade a portion of land along Washington Avenue for a portion of land across from the Washington Park Skating Complex to be used as a joint parking lot. The Board also requested the existing wall be preserved and the every effort be made to preserve the trees at this location. Seconded by Howard. Motion carried. Meeting adjourned. Respectfully submitted: Lee Ann Foreback, Park Board Secretary Approved November 15, 2000 as amended. _ ARK BOARD AGENDA November 15, 2000 BOARD MEMBERS: Mary James, Judith Mohay Filice,Wilbur Howard, Ruth Leyrer, Ronald Lott, Kris Nicholoff and Melvin McWilliams CALL TO ORDER: 7.-00 P.M., Scott House, 125 W. Main St. 1. ADDITIONS/DELETIONS TO THE AGENDA 2. STATEMENTS OF CITIZENS The public may address the Board on the non-agenda items. Comments should be limited to three minutes on any single item. The public may also address the Board on agenda items after the presentation of the item and the Park Board members' questions have been answered. 3. BOARD MEETING MINUTES A. October 17, 2000 Park Board Minutes (not available) B. October 18, 2000 Park Board Minutes (not available) C. October 24, 2000 Park Board Minutes D. Receive other department board meeting minutes 4. OLD BUSINESS 5. NEW BUSINESS A. Master Project List for Mayor's Capital Improvement Budget to Council B. Capital Improvement Projects to be Scheduled for Grant Applications C. Department Accreditation 6. UPDATES A. Skateboard Park B. Potter Park Zoo Education and Discovery Center Rentals -Alcohol Policy 7. CORRESPONDENCE - none 8. INFORMATION A. Genesee Site before Council Committee of the Whole 11/16 at 1:30 P.M. B. Project Play Sites (status as of 11/13/2000) C. The United States Navy Band from Washington D.C. - Commodores Jazz Ensemble - Thursday, November 16, 7 p.m. @ Everett Auditorium D. Potter Park Zoo Wonderland of Lights (11/23-12/31 excepting 12/24 & 25) E. Turner-Dodge Old-Fashioned Family Christmas - Holiday Open House for City Employees and Families. Park Board invited 12/5 from 4-7 P.M. 9. REMARKS BY BOARD MEMBERS Bold - requires board action PARK BOARD MINUTES November 15, 2000 MEMBERS PRESENT: Judith Mohay Filice,Wilbur Howard, Ruth Leyrer, Ron Lott,Kris Nicholoff, Melvin McWilliams 2: 20 MEMBERS ABSENT: Mary James, Robert Brockwell (excused) OTHERS PRESENT: Dorothy Jones, Moores Park Neighborhood Organization; Brian Smith, LASBRF; John Pollard; Jerry Heathcote; Lori Feldman; Harold Leeman, Councilmember; Dick Schaefer, Landscape Architect, Tanya Moore, Landscape Architect, Phil Dorland, Deputy Director, and Murdock Jemerson, Director of Parks & Recreation CALL TO ORDER: 7:15 P.M., Scott Center, 125 W. Main St. MOTION: Filice moved that as the President and Vice President were absent, she nominated Ruth Leyrer be acting president of the Park Board; seconded by Nicholoff. Motion carried. ADDITIONS/DELETIONS TO AGENDA- None STATEMENTS OF CITIZENS Dorothy Jones spoke on behalf of the Moores Park Neighborhood Organization. MPNO hopes the playground equipmentwill be installed in December. The fence is still there and the meeting has not been scheduled with the shuffleboard club. MPNO does not want the chain link fencing. If it is 2.5' high and painted green, they will accept it. Plantings can surround it. She noted that paving and concrete should be put at the bottom of the list in priorities. Nicholoff noted once the fence is painted green, it will be much better. Jones noted the group still doesn't want the fence that tall. Filice noted the Riverside Neighborhood Association also brought up the chain link fence that separates the eastern boundary of Frances Park and Oxford. This is chain link but it had been asked to be green. Jemerson met with representatives of MPNO and it was agreed a meeting needed to be held with representatives of MPNO and the Shuffleboard Club. Moore noted she had talked with Lela Rau, President of MPNO, yesterday. The fence can be painted but she recommends black as the rest of the fences in the park are black. Black will fade into the background just as green does and sometimes more so. The department will work on plantings. Plantings and painting will not occur prior to spring due to the temperature. Jemerson noted the department will research this with fencing companies and get costs. Jemerson does feel it is important the two groups meet. Jones also wants the shuffleboard group to police around the fence for trash. Jones noted again the group did not know this fence was being put in. Dorian stated for the record, the fence was in the Parks Board budget recommendation to the Mayor and it was in the Mayor's budget recommendation. Council adopted that recommendation. The original recommendation came from the Shuffleboard group who attended the Park Board meeting several times. Jemerson noted that this was before the Board several times and before Council. The department is not going to remove a $3,800 fence that was just installed John Pollard spoke noting the Park Board was the watchdog for citizens to preserve greenspace. He is concerned that the parks will not be held sacred and it is a quality of life issue. The things that are important are not the large scale rivertrails but the restrooms and porta-johns. Budget priorities should include the trees. Senior citizens should have more done for them. Lansing people want supervision in the neighborhood parks. These parks relieve stress. Genesee is on the Council agenda Monday and he would like to see the Board at the meeting. Leyrer thanked Pollard for his Park Board Minutes - November 15, 2000 Page 2 comments over the years and hoped he would continue to attend meetings to remind the Board of his perspective. PARK BOARD MINUTES MOTION: Filice moved the following be added to the Washington Park Parking Lot Proposal motion in the October 24, 2000 Park Board Minutes, "The Board also requested the existing wall be preserved and the every effort be made to preserve the trees at this location." Seconded by Howard. Motion carried. MOTION: Howard moved the minutes of October24,2000 be accepted as amended, seconded by Nicholoff. Motion carried. Other department minutes were accepted. PROJECT LIST FOR MAYOR'S CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT BUDGET TO COUNCIL Jemerson noted this was the list compiled by the department taking into consideration all of the proposed projects and determining priorities for the$1.8 million which is available. The department is asking for the Board's support. Jemerson noted in looking at all the projects,there were some that had grant proposals already submitted. There have been commitments made to the Skateboard Park and restroom renovation and then the neighborhood parks. Jemerson turned the meeting over to Phil Dorland, Tanya Moore and Dick Schaefer. Dorland explained the grant commitments including River Trail Spring to 1496 (S&S Die), Davis ballfield improvements, Kircher improvements and Cherry Hill.Cherry Hill improvements are currently funded so they are not showing up as a funding request for FY 2002. Moore explained these grants in detail after Board discussion. Dorland explained at the previous meetings, the Board reviewed the master project list. From that list, projects that fit the CIP definition of$15,000 or greater were identified and given to the Board. Now, the challenge is to narrow down the list to $1.8 million. Howard noted he understood that the State of Michigan only gives grant funding for certain projects but he is concerned that the match funding does not drive our decisions. There are needed items that must be done but do not qualify for grant funding. Jemerson explained again the grant match must be listed as the City has committed to these projects, and they have been approved by the Board. Filice noted Moores River Drive project (Frances Park shoreline improvements) did not include the trail from the park into the trail. She would like this to be a top concern. Dorland clarified this was what the neighborhood is requesting along Moores River Drive from Cambridge this area. Filice said this is an attractive area but there is no access. Filice would like the construction of a pedestrian river walkway from the west entrance of Frances to Waverly Road and the construction of a river pathway from the shoreline walk east to Cambridge Road added to the list forwarded for funding. She noted this is an attractive nuisance and there is not adequate pedestrian access. Moore noted in the beginning it was a phased project. The neighborhood objected to the path through the neighborhood because they did not want"those people" in their neighborhood. It had been originally proposed to be the rivertrail and it was strongly opposed and the project was scale back. Filice noted that this is an unfinished site on park land and has nothing to do with the previous problems on Moores River Drive. She had been under the impression it was a phased process. Jemerson explained Filice can recommend to include this project and delete another project. Dorland noted the City Traffic engineer has been looking at this project and the cost estimate is approximately$350,000 from Cambridge to Park Board Minutes - November 15, 2000 Page 3 the new development. Howard wondered how many different types of funds the department deals with. Dorland gave an overview of Ballfield Development Fund,Community Development Block Grant Fund,the designated fund from community center rentals, Golf Fund player surcharge, Park Acquisition and Development Fund, Park Millage Fund, Park Trusts, Potter Park Zoo improvement fund from parking fees, State and Federal Grants. McWilliams is concerned about not meeting safety issues as discussed at the previous meeting. Leyrer noted this was short notice for the Board to be taking action on projects to be funded. Jemerson explained this is a yearly task of the Board and Board has dealt with this issue at two previous meetings. The Board had been told to look at the list and determine what projects they felt were priorities prior to this meeting. Jemerson noted there are compelling reasons as to the reasons for the projects the department has selected. The grant projects were already approved by the board and selected. These must remain on the list. Howard noted he just wants the restroom improvements handled. Schaefer explained the Potter Park resurfacing of the parking lot and the walkways will amount to $22,500. A plan of the walkways is being done and a prioritized list of the walkways to be repaired will be followed. Rivertrail Pavement and Walkway repairs cover the annual inspection and paving, railing and decking repairs as some of the areas of the trail are over 20 years old. Evergreen Cemetery Section P needs to be graded and paved so it can be opened for grave and lot sales. Groesbeck Golf Course needs #2 green and #3 tee relocated for golfer safety. The total cost for renovating the 7 restroom facilities studied was close to $3.5 million and Sycamore Park Restroom renovation was selected for inclusion in next year's proposal. Westside baseball field is a possible partnership with LCC and the Lansing School District to convert the south field for use as a baseball field. Playground equipment items to replace Horsebrook, Scott Woods, and Sycamore. Stabler is being requested through CDBG funds. Additional funding is requested to replace bleachers, swing sets, trash containers, etc. at various parks. Kid's camps and consulting fees will also be added. Howard and Nicholoff are interested in seeing the plans for the Groesbeck renovation. They are concerned about moving the green. Nicholoff will contact the Golf Manager, Don Ballard, directly. Howard left the meeting at this point. He supports staff's decision but he is concerned about restrooms and does want to know about the renovation of Groesbeck. Leyrer is concerned about the restroom facilities not being included on the list for the other parks that were studied. Jemerson noted Davis, Sycamore and Kircher all deal with restrooms at very high use parks. McWilliams wondered how the decision was made to select these restroom facilities for inclusion this year. Jemerson noted Davis and Kircher were agreed upon previously by grant applications. Sycamore is a very high use and affordable renovation. There have been numerous complaints about Sycamore's restrooms from the public, Council and the Mayor's Office. Leyrer encourages the Parks and Recreation Department to include port-a-johns at various high-use neighborhood parks. Jemerson noted this would be anew expense for the department and it is being worked on. Filice noted the master list did not have an item submitted for Fine Park. It is on the Grand River and has wildflowers and has nothing to protect it. She would like a wildlife habitat and preservation. She is concerned with the verbiage"no items submitted"signaling the park is available for sale. Jemerson explained that this is a list of projects. If there is no project, there is nothing to put on the list. Dorland explained if there was a $15.000 project, it would be listed, but there is not. Dorland explained this is an issue to be addressed in the verbiage of the parks master plan not the CIP list. Park Board Minutes - November 15, 2000 Page 4 Filice also commented on the lack of a North American Wildlife Habitat at the Zoo, the sale of Jones Lake, and Washington Park replacement of outdoor ice slab. McWilliams wondered if all the number one priorities have been addressed. The number one capital improvement issues are being addressed. The others which are under$15,000 are addressed by our operating budget and the Building Maintenance Department. Filice noted she cannot vote for this list as she feels the pedestrian access to the river is critical. Board members discussed this issue at length discussing budgetary constraints and priorities. Dorland noted that in order to accommodate the Board's concerns, the Board can recommend Council appropriate more than one mil for improvements this year. Jones feels the parking lots be eliminated and the other pathway be added. McWilliams wondered if there is something that could be done short term until the funding is available with this pedestrian access given a priority for the next budget year. After the last meeting the department did review the priorities. MOTION: Lott moved the Board support the Department's recommended Capital Improvement List for 2001-2002 (attached) while further investigating short and long-term solutions to the issue the access to the fishing pier along Moores River Drive; seconded by Nicholoff. McWilliams moved to amend the motion to allow the Evergreen Cemetery Section P funding to be used allow improvements at the Moores River Drive site if necessary; agreed upon by the Board. Motion carried. (4-1 Filice opposed; Howard left meeting at this point) GRANT SUPPORTED PROJECTS FOR FUTURE SCHEDULING TO BE INCLUDED IN THE FIVE YEAR PARK PLAN Potential grant supported projects on the CIP list were discussed including the River Trail from 1-496 to Spring Street, Benjamin Davis improvements, Kircher improvements, Cherry Hill launch and dock renovations, Ranney park improvements, River Trail (Norfolk R.O.W. - Riverfront Park and north leg of trail), St. Joseph Park, Westside Park and Quentin Park. McWilliams questioned if the Board would be committing to these projects by approving this list. It would not be. It would simply put them on the plan making them eligible for consideration if the opportunity arose. MOTION: McWilliams moved the Board support the Department's recommended Master Plan Amendment(03/01/2001 thru 02/28/2005) Capital Improvements Schedule--Potential Grant Supported Projects(attached)with the proviso that Frances Park improvements be included if deemed appropriate; seconded by Lott. Motion carried. DEPARTMENT ACCREDITATION The Board received information regarding the National Accreditation of the Parks and Recreation Department. Jemerson explained this would set a high standard for our department. It provides the checks and balances and documentation necessary to meet these high standards. At this time,there is no agency in Michigan that is accredited. Jemerson included the first set of standards that the department will be reviewing. The mission statement will be reviewed as part of our periodic review to ensure it is appropriate. Park Board Minutes - November 15, 2000 Page 5 Filice is opposed to the proposed draft as the first priority should still be managing public lands and facilities and not providing leisure time activities. Jemerson asked for suggestions as to the mission statements. Lott echos Filice's statements on the statement, and he does feel it is a valuable process. Leyrer wondered as to the time frame. It will take approximately one year to meet these standards. The Board will be discussing this at future meetings. UPDATES Jemerson updated the Board on the Skateboard Park and Potter Park Zoo Education and Discovery Center Rentals Alcohol Policy. INFORMATION Information was mailed to the Board or reviewed including the COW meeting 11/16 on Genesee Site; the United States Navy Band event at Everett,the Potter Park Zoo Wonderland of Lights and Turner- Dodge Old-Fashioned Family Christmas. ADJOURNED �II Respectfully submitted Lee Ann Foreback, Park Board Secretary Approved 2/21/01 updated 11/09/00 P.Dorland PARKS&RECREATION DEPARTMENT CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS PROJECTS FY 02 DEPARTMENT RECOMMENDATIONS TITLE LOCATION PROJECT FY 2001 FY 2002 Approp. Re uest P --ARKS--- ---MILE---AGE -- - - -- - ---= -CAPITAL b PROJECTS -- ---- _._ POTTER PK RD MAINT/ASPHALT POTTER PARK/ZOO road, rking lot ang_pathway repairs !-- 22,500 _ N RANNEY PARK DEVELOPMENT RANNEY skate board rk challenge match 200,000 RIVER TRAIL SPRING TO 496(S&S DIE) ADADO/RIVERFRONT/TRAIL trail-reroute trail behind S&S Die,trail improvements 65,000 3-1,000 !PAVEMENT&WALKWAY-RIVERTRAIL ADADO/RIVERFRONT/TRAIL-E river trail annual inspection,pavin /railin /deckin re - _-- • g g g pairs(schedule annually) 28,625' rt -�-- -DAMS,BENJAMIN F.IMPROVEMENTS(GRANT MATC DAMS,BENJAMIN F. replace lights on two softball fields,park lot improvements,rest roondwncession,basketball,ad 80,000 533,135 i -1 EVERGREEN CEMETERY-SECTION P EVERGREEN CEMETERY _grade and pave the road around section P- I 50,200 i Z --- - - ----- - ---- -- O . I C GROESBECK GOLF COURSE IMPROVEMENTS GROESBECK GOLF COURSE relocated#Z green/3 tee 29,8101 (p _ __SYCAMORE PARK RESTROOM RENOVATIONS SYCAMORE -__ renovate restrooms per architectural plans prepared in 2000 �20,000 290,900 (D KIRCHER IMPROVEMENTS(GRANT MATCH) KIRCHER — - _ construct restroom/concession/storage bldg.,fence replacement&parking lot improvements 240,000 WESTSIDE BASEBALL FIELD_ WESTSIDE - convert southneld for use as a baseball field(backstop,fencing,irrigation,benches,bleachers lay-by-play t 195,558 - ---- - ------ - --- -- ----- --- ---c- - -PARK PLAYGROUNG EQUIPMENT_ rs,_ _ VARIOUS bleache swing containers etc.*trash containe etc. _ _ __ _ 25,000 PARK PLAYGROUNG EQUIPMENT ____ HORSEBROOK _ replace IP ayground equipment in compliance with ASTM&CPSC guidelines _ _ _ _~ 35,000 PARK PLAYGROUNG EQUIPMENT SCOTT WOODS _ _ replace playground equipment in compliance with ASTM&CPSC guidelines _ _ 25.000 C) PARK PLAYGROUNG EQUIPMENT SYCAMORE re lace la round O - ---— __--- - -._ equipment in compliance with ASTM&CPSC guidelines 35,000 Total Park Mlllage Capitalg&cProjects -- -- -_ _- -.-_ _-- - - --_ - _- 166,000 L 1,839 194 ro ---- __ W -_.-_ U Total Park Mlllage Operating 8 Ca Ital --1 - -FY 2002 miilage target$1,785,625+3°,6= ' 1,839,194 - - ---------- --- _... - --- - ----- - -- --- ----- -- Target less total request ll � - --------------- rt - fD 11/09/00-04:57:48 PM 1 FY02 MSTR PROJECT LIST.123 updated 11/09/00 P.Dorland PARKS&RECREATION DEPARTMENT CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS PROJECTS FY 02 DEPARTMENT RECOMMENDATIONS TITLE LOCATION PROJECT FY 2001 1 FY 2002 CDBG _ I Approp I Request STABLER replace Playground ui ment in compliance with ASTM&CPSC guidelines 35,000 Total CDBG ---- __.-- - -� 0 35,000 Potter Park Zoo Fund - -- -- ------ --- -- -- - --- N Repair&Mainenance _ ___ I POTTER PARKIZOO renovate Bi Ham SheepIsland until replacement can be implemented 5 g, Repair&Maintenance POTTER PARK/Zoo replace penguin chiller - ---—I Total C.I.P.Repair&Maintenance 200 0 25 6005,000 i Municipal Golf Courses Fund - -- --- -- CAPITALOUTLAY&CONSTRUCTION WAVERLY GOLF COURSE grade and pave Parking lot -- -� -'----- Total rlay&Construction 28,000 27,6W rt 28,000 27,600 0 PARK TRUST - - rt, DAVIS,BENJAMIN F.IMPROVEMENTS GRANT MATCi DAVIS,BENJAMIN F. use as grant match in conjunction with park millage and balKekl development player fee 0 110,000 tD Total Park Trust - - 0 -- 110,000 Z -- -- O C Cr fD fi F- N O O O n x td O a F1 a rt cD In 11/09/00-04:57:48 PM 2 FY02 MSTR PROJECT LIST.123 PARKS&RECREATION DEPARTMENT AMENDED MASTER PLAN(0 310 112 0 0 1 thru 0212812005) CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS SCHEDULE-POTENTIAL GRANT SUPPORTED PROJECTS LOCATION I PROJECT T arget Year Target Year Target Yea Ta et Year Local Est.Grant Grant 2003 2004 2005 Match Amount Source RNERTRAIL reroute trail from 1496 toSpring St.(construct new section along the east bank of the GrandRiver) 60 000065,000 195,000 MNRTFIISTFADAMS,BENJAMIN F. j park Improvements(tennis,light 2 ball fields,park bt,restroom/concession,basketball,add 3rd softball27,635 - --777,635 750,000 CMULWCFKIRCHER mark Improvements restroom/concession building,parking lot,fencing,etc.) 00,000 240 000 CMI -- - - -- - ---. -- -- - --- 360,000 CHERRY HILL renovate launch&dock 60,000 30,000 30,000 FISH implement ballfield,parking IoUgazebo,trail,recreation area phases _ ---- -- RANNEY _ -..----' -- 1,341,258 670,629 670,629 LWCF acquire Norfolk(Conrail)R,O.W.-Riverfront Park and north I of River Trait — RIVER TRAIL - -- - — 300,000 75,000 225,000 j MNRTF I RIVER TRAIL develop from Potter/Crego Park area south to Hawk Island County Park 1,900.000 380,000 : 1,520,0 0 ISTEA I ST.JOSEPH __ renovate restmom/concess_io_n/strorage bldg.,relocate and improve softball fields construct a soccer 856,700 428.350- 428,350 LWCF 1" 1 and football field. _ - - — - ---- — WESTSIDE _ new restroom/concession/storege bldg.,renovate softball field renovate play by play bldg relocate 1,013,203 506,602 506,602 LWCF rt --- — _ — — - -- w _-_ basketball cis.,baseball field_lighting,and make parking lot improvements O QUENTIN _ FImplement 2000 she plan proposals 271,781 135,891 135,891E LWCF TOTAL GRANT EST_ 1 - 1,335,000 895,629 2,454,952 135,891 4,821,471 LOCAL MATCH -. --- 1,112,635 745,629 1,314,952 135,891 3,309,107' -i ct !TOTALS 2,447,6351 1,641.2581 271 782 8,130,578 j rt O Note: Project location maps are included under Appendix H 3309106 4,821.471 8130578 Grant Codes: (D MNRTF=Dept.of Natural Resources Trust Fund LWCF=Dept.of Natural Resources Land&Water Conservation Fund O BOND=Dept.of Natural Resources Recreation Bond J ISTEA=MI Dept.of Transportation-Inter model Surface Transportation Efficiency Act � FISH=Dept.of Natural Resources-Waterways-Fisheries Grant UPARR=Urban Park&Recreation Recovery (D N PARK MILLAGE 773.135 395.629 1.314.952 135.891 i RANNEY TRUST FUND 350,000 DAVIS PARK TRUST FUND 110,000 N BALLFIELD DEVELOPMENT FUND 54.500 O APPROPRIATED IN FY 2001 175,000 O O 1,112.635 745,629 1.314,952 135.891 rd ri x td O a n N• 11/09/00-05:03:01 PM 1 FY02 MSTR PROJECT LIST.123 J= rt rD co PARK BOARD MINUTEni December 20,2000 MEMBERS PRESENT: Mary James,Wilbur Howard,Ruth Leyrer,Ron Lott(excused/arrived 9:20),Kris Nicholoff, Melvin McWilliams MEMBERS ABSENT: Judith Mohay Filice(excused) OTHERS PRESENT: Dorothy Jones,Moores Park Neighborhood Organization;Brian Smith,LASBRF; Jerry Heathcote;Phil Dorland,Deputy Director,and Murdock Jemerson,Director of Parks &Recreation CALL TO ORDER: 7:00 P.M., Scott Center, 125 W. Main St. The Board was informed that Robert Brockwell had resigned from the Board. MOTION: Filicc Howard moved that as the President and Vice President were absent, she mom ii. atee} Ruth Leyrer be nominated as acting president of the Park Board; seconded by Nicholoff. Motion carried. ADDITIONS/DELETIONS TO AGENDA-None STATEMENTS OF CITIZENS -None PARK BOARD MINUTES MOTION: McWilliams moved the Park Board Minutes of October 17, 2000 be approved as presented; seconded by Nicholoff. Motion carried. MOTION: Nicholoff moved the minutes of October 18, 2000 be approved as presented; seconded by McWilliams. Motion carried. The November 15, 2000 minutes were not available and the Board expressed concern over the timeliness of receiving minutes. This will be addressed by the department. Other department minutes were accepted. TENNIS COURTS Howard asked about information on the condition of the tennis courts in the City. This information will be sent out to the Board prior to the next meeting. FY2001-2002 BASE BUDGET Murdock Jemerson and Phil Dorland reviewed the base budget. MOTION: Howard moved to accept the department's FY 2001-2002 base budget; seconded by Nicholoff. Motion carried. FY 2001-2002 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY OF BUDGET Jemerson explained how the department had tried to produce a budget that was responsive to the priorities of the city administration,Council,Park Board,staff and citizens. Items included new technology requests,replacement of computers, web registration software, teen dances, Forestry Section staffing, youth football, opening of Evergreen Cemetery's Section P, and fee increases to increase contract staff wages. Park Board Minutes -t)ecember 20, 2000 2 FY 2001-2002 FEES The Board reviewed the proposed fee increases. After discussion of fees, the board requested historical information on fees and a per user subsidy for Golf,Cemeteries and Potter Park users. The Board also wondered how our fees compare to the private sector as to cemeteries and golf. FY 2001-2002 NEW PROGRAMS New Program requests were presented to increase wages for contractual workers in the Leisure Services Section, conversion of four seasonals and a contract inspector into four full time Forestry workers to shorten the pruning cycle and decrease the backlog, matching funds for a tree purchase grant and WebTrac registration software to allow for Internet class registration. MOTION: Leyrer moved the Board support the department's recommended New Program Requests; seconded by Nicholoff. Motion carried. REFERRAL FROM COUNCIL COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SERVICES FROM FRIENDS OF COMSTOCK PARK Council Committee on Public Services referred a letter on November 16, 2000 from Friends of Comstock Park for the Park Board's review. The FOCP expressed concern over the elimination of greenspace. After discussion the Board recommended deferral of action on this letter until the park inventory was completed. This will be sometime after the first of the year. ELECTION OF VICE PRESIDENT As Robert Brockwell has resigned from the Park Board, a new Vice President is needed. MOTION: Filicc Leyrer moved Lott be selected as the Vice President for the Park Board; seconded by Howard. Motion carried. Lott accepted the position. UPDATES Jemerson updated the Board on the Skateboard Park and the Accreditation process. A letter had been received from John Pollard expressing extreme disapproval of changing the mission statement. Jemerson had responded with a letter explaining the need to simply review the statement as all statements are reviewed periodically. Pollard's original letter will be sent to the Board. INFORMATION Information was mailed to the Board on Potter Park Zoological Society Income Statements and an updated Park Board Member list. The Winter Community Activities Guide was also available. ADJOURNED Respectfully submitted Lee Ann Foreback,Park Board Secretary Approved 2/21/01.