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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2001 Park Board Minutes PARK BOARD MINUTES DA%1's ff February 21, 2001 MEMBERS PRESENT: Mary James, Judith Mohay Filice,Wilbur Howard, Ruth Leyrer, Ron Lott, Melvin McWilliams MEMBERS ABSENT: 2 vacancies OTHERS PRESENT: Dorothy Jones, Moores Park Neighborhood Organization; Tom Barnhill, Edward Steelman of Consumers Energy; Marni Harris of Quentin Park Neighborhood Watch;M.S.Allaire,La'Maire Properties,LLC;Joe Wright, Capital Consultants; Nancy Finley, Landscape Architects and Planners; Jesse Kibbey, Troop 33; Bonnie Bennett, Jerry Heathcote; Susan Staehowiak, Planning & Neighborhood Development Department, Dick Schaefer,Landscape Architect, and Murdock Jemerson,Director of Parks & Recreation CALL TO ORDER: 7:00 P.M., Scott Center, 125 W. Main St. ADDITIONS/DELETIONS TO AGENDA: Action Item on Women's Hall of Fame Parking moved to Informational Item. STATEMENTS OF CITIZENS: Jesse Kibbey spoke to the Board regarding a proposed Eagle Scout project to renovate the trails in Regent Park. He proposes adding chips and edging for approximately 300 feet. The current trail is rough and this will make it easier for community residents to enjoy the trail. He is applying'for a neighborhood grant. The FAIR Neighborhood Association is backing him on this project. The Director noted this is an appropriate project. Leyrer noted Kibbey has shown leadership regarding this project and a past Eagle Scout project in this park was well accepted. PARK BOARD MINUTES: MOTION: Howard moved the Park Board minutes ofNovember 15,2000 be accepted as presented; seconded by Leyrer. Motion carried. MOTION: McWilliams moved the Park Board minutes of December 20, 2000 be accepted with corrections; seconded Lott. Motion carried. Other department advisory board minutes were accepted. FEE HISTORY - GOLF AND CEMETERY At an earlier Board meeting questions were raised on fee histories for Golf and Cemetery. Howard noted Waverly is the only facility where play has decreased. This is a nine-hole course and there has been an increase in golf opportunities in the surrounding area. REUTTER PARK UTILITY EASEMENT Thomas Barnhill and Edward Steelman from Consumers Energy spoke to the Board explaining the Park Board Minutes - February 21, 2001 2 easement request. In conjunction with the I-496 project,the gas main will be removed from an overpass bridge. This would put the downtown gas main in a regulator pit at the intersection of Kalamazoo and Capitol. There will be an 8' stack and the pit will be approximately two inches above grade. This will be camouflaged with a tree and shrubs. The grading easement is requested to enable Consumers to have a staging area. The actual regulator pit and pipe will be in the right of way. This is a sh rtterrxt,pro74ct that will be completed the first part of April. Discussion followed. �' �- MOTION: Filice moved the Park Board recommend approval of the easement for the purposes of grading the area around the regulator pit; seconded by Lott. Motion carried. MASTER PLAN REVIEWS Dick Schaefer, Landscape Architect, explained the various departmental master plans that had been brought to the meeting and that were available for review. Those plans included Turner-Dodge,Potter Park,Davis Park, Quentin Park,Ranney Park, Crego Park,RiverTrail including RT West and East, St. Joseph Park,Westside Park, Tecumseh Park,Washington Park, Groesbeck Golf Course,Waverly Golf Course, Gier BMX, Scott House,Fenner,Restroom Renovations,Reutter Park,Frances Shoreline and Frances Pavilion and Overlook. OUENTIN PARK MASTER PLAN Nancy Finley of Landscape Architects and Planners presented the Quentin Park Master Plan for the Board's review. This plan had been reviewed by the neighborhood. MOTION: Lott moved the Board accept the master plan of Quentin Park as presented; seconded by Howard. Motion carried. ST. JOSEPH PARK AND WESTSIDE PARK MASTER PLANS Joe Wright of Capital Consultants Engineers presented the master plans for these two parks. These two plans had not been reviewed by the neighborhoods. After further discussion and Board input,the Board requested the plans be presented to the neighborhoods for review prior to Park Board action. LAND DONATION TO EXPAND HORSEBROOK PARK A subdivision development is being proposed northeast of Horsebrook Park at the north end of Westwood Avenue. The developer, La'Maire Properties LLC, is proposing to donate 1.5 acres to the City for park use. This is contiguous with Horsebrook Park and would provide a 20'wide access to the park for the residential neighborhood to the east. Access to this park has been less than desirable and acceptance of this land would afford improved access. It would eliminate many ofthe problems the City has experienced with the current access. M.S. Allaire from La'Maire properties was present to answer questions. Discussion followed. MOTION: Lott moved the Board recommend acceptance of the parcel; supported by Howard. Motion carried. CRMI TREE PLANTING GRANT APPLICATION Park Board Minutes - February 21, 2001 3 Grants are available from the Cooperative Resource Management Initiative Tree Planting Grant Program. The department proposes to apply for a grant to plant an additional 500 trees per year while providing recipients descriptions of the trees to enable them to properly care for the tree. Discussion followed. MOTION: Howard moved the Board supports the grant application to CRMI for Tree Planting and education; seconded by Lott. Motion carried. ¢ 0 % FEDERAL FOCUS - COMMUNITY EDUCATION AND TREE INVENTORY GRANT Forestry is proposing a tree inventory and outreach program involving professional staff, private industry, professional organizations, and volunteers utilizing a grant from Federal Focus group. This would involve guided tours of various neighborhood and parks and emphasize the tree species and the importance of trees . MOTION: McWilliams moved the Board recommend approval of this grant application; seconded by Lott. Motion carried. UPDATES BY THE DIRECTOR Updates had been mailed to the Board on the Goals for 2001 and Accomplishments for 2000 prepared at the Mayor's request. The Board suggested including Park Status Determination as a goal for 2001 along with exploring the possibility of new revenue gains through regionalization and other strategies The Director updated the Board on the Skate Park Workshop conducted with Tim Payne at the Lansing Center and the receipt of the Clean Michigan Initiative (CMI) Recreation Bond Development Grant received from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources for the Kircher Park renovation. Recommendations will soon be made by the Mayor to replace the Board vacancies. Copies of Lansing State Journal articles regarding a"Cut in cash pares city's parks plan"and"Lansing hears ideas on park improvements" were discussed. Also mailed to the Board was the memo from the Law Department regarding Judge Houk's decision regarding Genesee and a press release on ski trails at Hawk Island Park. The Director updated the Board on the Women's Hall of Fame parking needs. The group is considering parking on the west side of Cooley Gardens. CORRESPONDENCE Kris Nicholoff s letter of resignation was accepted. Mr. Nicholoff was appointed to City Council on January 15, 2001. BOARD MEMBER COMMENTS ADJOURN. PARK BOARD MINUTES March 21, 2001 MEMBERS PRESENT: Mary James,Judith Mohay Filice,Wilbur Howard, Ruth Leyrer, Ron Lott, Claude Ramey, Monica Terrell, Melvin McWilliams OTHERS PRESENT: Dorothy Jones, Moores Park Neighborhood Organization; Jim Blair, Friends of the River; Jerry Heathcote; Troy Stowell; and Murdock Jemerson, Director of Parks &Recreation CALL TO ORDER: 7:00 P.M., Scott Center, 125 W. Main St. New board members Claude Ramey and Monica Terrell were welcomed to the Board. ADDITIONS/DELETIONS TO AGENDA: None STATEMENTS OF CITIZENS: Dorothy Jones noted that spring has not improved the appearance of the chain link fence in the'--middle of Moores Park. Discussion followed. Jones noted the shuffleboard members are back in May. The Director will arrange a meeting at that time Jerry Heathcote spoke regarding the Lansing Oar and Paddle Club. Heathcote had been evicted from the club and had appeared before the Park Board in August of 2000. Heathcote asked the club's lease not be renewed in 2003 and asked for a key to the boat house. Discussion followed. Howard asked if the dock can be used without being a member. Jemerson explained that Heathcote is claiming discrimination and Heathcote has the responsibility to following this up legally. The club currently has a signed legal document. Jemerson will look at the group having total exclusive use of the boathouse. McWilliams indicated that it is difficult for an advisory board to become involved with the internal workings of a group. McWilliams noted the legal action is the course to pursue at this point. McWilliams noted disputes occur within organizations and not every dispute will result in a contract not being renewed. Heathcote wants use of the facility because it is on public park property. Filice noted at the time the club was given permission to build the storage facility and dock, these issues were addressed. Membership is available to all for a nominal fee and it is accessible to most people. Along with this stipulation it was agreed that youth oar and paddle programs would be created. Membership is required due to the expense of the equipment and the need to maintain safety on the premises. Filice noted many issues have come up regarding Grand River Park including the lighting at the park. She also would like to revisit creating a trail on the northern bank of the river and investigate the condition of the boat house. Filice requested the May meeting be held at the park. Howard would like to review the lease but has viewed the park. MOTION: Leyrer moved the May meeting be held at Grand River Park on the Michigan Princess if arrangements can be made; seconded by Filice. Motion carried. (7-1 Howard) Jim Blair,President of Friends of the River, spoke regarding lighting a section of the River Trail. He has adopted a section of the trail between R.E. Olds Museum and I-496. The trail is used heavily at dusk. It is lit from Riverfront Park to R.E. Olds parking lot. From that point on through to under the Kalamazoo St. bridge there are no lights. From there on to almost Spring Street it is lit from private Park Board Minutes - March 21, 2001 2 business and nearby streets. He is requesting the 200 yards from the Kalamazoo St. Bridge north be lighted. He is looking for support from this board to light the trail from under the Kalamazoo Street bridge about 200 yards north. Blair also thanked the department for the quick action in removing graffiti under the bridge. He asked that grass damage be handled now when it only takes someone to tamp it down after having been rolled by snowplows. He also asked for a trash barrel to be placed year round on his section of the trail. There is a barrel that is there during the time seasonal help is on staff but the barrel is needed year round underneath the Kalamazoo St. bridge. Blair also commented that the Park Board and the Board meetings are not listed under the City of Lansing's web page under Parks and Recreation. Jemerson noted the lighting issue has come up for this previously. The RiverTrail lights are taken care of by the Board of Water and Light. Board discussed possible lighting. Discussion followed and Jemerson will report back to the board. PARK BOARD MINUTES: MOTION: Lott moved the Park Board minutes of February 21, 2001 be accepted as presented; seconded by Howard. McWilliams requested the minutes be changed under Correspondence to reflect the letter of resignation was noted instead of accepted. Board agreed with amendment. Motion carried. TENNIS COURTS STATUS OF COURTS USED BY HIGH SCHOOLS Jemerson reported the St. Joseph Park courts are used by Sexton and had pictures available for the Board's review. In 1993, three of the six courts were renovated. There are now three others in need of renovation, and they will be added to the list of repairs. Filice is extremely disappointed that consideration for C.W. Otto or Gier tennis courts has not been included. The Gier community is very concerned about having non-functioning tennis courts. Ramey also noted this is a problem. If these programs are not available in the middle schools, they cannot flourish in the high schools. Jemerson will contact the Lansing School District Superintendent to meet to discuss these issues. Howard also noted that it takes six courts to hold a high school tennis meet. If we fixed St. Joseph there would be that site and Letts Center to hold a meet. This would be working in conjunction with the Lansing School District. Filice had also talked with staff regarding working with Court One and the Todd Martin Fund. MOTION: Howard moved that the$40,000 in millage funding that is being held for lights at Everett High School baseball field be used for tennis court repairs; seconded by Lott. Board members commented that Dr.Banks should be approached prior to the funding being withdrawn from Everett lights. Motion carried. TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER GRANTS - U.S. FOREST SERVICE The U.S. Forest Service Midwest Center for Urban and Community Forestry has grants available for Park Board Minutes - March 21, 2001 3 various technology transfer applications including research and practical applications. With this grant we proposed to exchange urban forestry information regarding soil compaction and sidewalk replacement due to trees whose roots have grown near the surface. The proposed project will install "structural soil"under the hard surfaces to encourage the roots to grow deeper. This will be filmed and shown on the City TV channel, American Public Works Association Conferences, MRPA conferences and training and Municipal League meetings. MOTION: Lott moved the Board support the application for a Technology Transfer Grant; supported by Filice. Motion carried. CLASSIFICATION OF PARK LAND Jemerson explained an updated resolution is needed classifying park land. A draft had been mailed to the Board for their review two weeks prior to the meeting. Jemerson requested the Board review the information and refer thee item to the Mayor for approval and referral to City Council. Discussion followed centering around properties that have been added and deleted from the list. Howard noted an additional list noting changes since 1981 would be helpful. Filice wanted definitions included and centered her concerns around Genesee not being listed. She would also like a definition of a "required" park. Jemerson again explained that Genesee was property that was used as a park but Council did not include it with the 1981 list and their resolutions were clear that this property was not intended to be used as a park forever. Filice commented this is not accurate and it remains in litigation. She will not vote for this document. Terrell wondered if the Genesee property was the only property in question. Filice noted all other properties are listed except for Genesee. McWilliams noted that he doesn't believe everything is noted on this list. Filice discussed what makes a park and the Genesee issue at length. Howard commented properties that were used as parks but were not officially designated as such could be listed as such. Filice asked to be on the record that she questions why the parcel known as Genesee Park does not appear at least for the historic record. MOTION: Ramey moved the Board table the action on this item until the next meeting; seconded by Leyrer. Lott appreciates the effort to compile this list and complete the research. Leyrer wants more clarity on "required." Motion carried. James commented a map highlighting the locations of the various lots would be helpful at the April meeting. UPDATES MSU Boat House#2 - Jemerson met with Steve Webster, Vice President for Governmental Affairs of MSU and Chuck Reid of the Athletic Department. They have requested to erect another boathouse at Grand River Park and will attend the April meeting. The department does not have a problem with this addition. Groesbeck Golf Course entry - The CSO project has been delayed in this area due to the closing of I- 496. Construction staging from Marshall Park was denied by the Director. Construction staging will Park Board Minutes - March 21, 2001 4 be in Ormond Park which is by the actual work area. Also, instead of payment for using the land, the possibility of creating a new entryway into Groesbeck is being investigated. UPARR Grant Program-Jemerson has submitted the Parks&Recreation Five Year Plan for review as our"Recovery Action Plan." Our regional liaison feels it will be acceptable. Due to the criteria for the grant the swimming pool at Hunter is an excellent project as a new liner is needed. I-496 Closure/River Trail Detour - Construction will begin April 5 and the River Trail at Elm is where the construction will begin. The trail has been re-routed as it will be too dangerous to pass underneath even with a structure. A structure cannot be built that would protect against a falling beam. Maps were distributed. MDOT is committed to providing the alternate route. The MDNR has no problem with the trail being closed for construction or special events as long as they are informed. BMX Park-The fence is being erected now which will allow for more control. The survey and site plan are completed. An additional $70,000 is needed for the infrastructure of the track. Home Depot has donated labor and materials to do the announcing tower and the starting booths. Skate Park-We are still waiting to hear from LASBRF on their fundraising efforts. Lott noted Bosheff had spoken with him and he is trying to get people working again. Jemerson noted the facility design is moving right along and construction documents will be ready to bid before long. The City would like to be ready July 1 with construction on the premiere Tim Payne skatepark in Ranney. Bark Park- Approximately 70 people were present at the bark park meeting. It went well with many energetic people. A representative from Soldan's was there and noted George Soldan would be interested in supporting the park. Currently, committee assignments are being made. Dr. Peter Witt -Dr. Witt will be presenting seminars at Potter Park in April. INFORMATION The Special Events Calendar and the Potter Park Zoological Society Highlights 2000 and program statistics had been mailed to the Board. The Spring Community Activities Guide is also available. Adjourned. Respectfully submitted 1 Lee Ann Foreback, Park Board Secretary Approved May 16, 2001. PARK BOARD MINUTES May 16, 2001 MEMBERS PRESENT: Mary James,Judith Mohay Filice,Wilbur Howard,Ruth Leyrer,Ron Lott, Monica Terrell, Melvin McWilliams MEMBERS ABSENT: Claude Ramey(excused) OTHERS PRESENT @ GRAND RIVER PARK: Dorothy Jones, Moores Park Neighborhood Organization; Steve Webster and Chuck Reid, MSU; Ben Darling, MSU Land Management; BeBe Bryans, MSU Women's Crew, -Stacy Rippetoc, MSU; Bruce Miller, Lansing Oar and Paddle Club; Jerry Heathcote; and Murdock Jemerson, Director of Parks& Recreation OTHERS PRESENT @ SCOTT HOUSE: Dorothy Jones, Moores Park Neighborhood Organization; Steve Webster and Chuck Reid, MSU; Ben Darling, MSU Land Management; BeBe Bryans, MSU Women's Crew; Karen Langeland, MSU Athletes/Crew; Bruce Miller, Lansing Oar and Paddle Club; Stephen Baker, American Tower Corporation; Pete Bosheff and Brian Smith, LASBRF; Belinda Fitzpatrick, Jerry Heathcote; and Carol Abbott, Administrative Assistant, and Murdock Jemerson, Director of Parks &Recreation CALL TO ORDER: 6:30 P.M. @ Grand River Park 7:40 P.M.@ Scott Center, 125 W. Main St. The Park Board met at Grand River Park to visually examine the park and the proposed placement of the MSU additional building. Steve Webster and Chuck Reid from Michigan State University presented the University's concept on site. After arriving at Scott House, discussion continued. Heathcote wondered if could speak before the motion was made and was told there was time for public comment prior to the vote. MOTION: Lott moved that the Board go ahead with the recommendation the plans continue for the building of a rowing team building in Grand River Park. Seconded by Howard. Terrell commented she was not comfortable with her knowledge of the issue and the plans for the park. The greater good of the community must be examined. While she feels strongly about the need to support women's athletics, as a boardmember, she needs more clarification and would like a written proposal as to what is actually being proposed and how it relates to everything else. Terrell also commented this park has the feel of private land and it does not lend itself to public use. Filice supports the motion also but would include the regular updating of the specific plans, design possibilities, environmental statement on the health of the embankment. Leyrer is in favor of more activities on the river and more activities involving youth. She is wondering how the public is being contacted and informed. She prefers placing the building to the east. McWilliams wondered how this fits in with the long-term plan for the park. Howard removed his second from the motion. James wondered if there was a master plan for the park as the land use issue is critical. Issues of the master plan, watershed, riverbank erosion, outreach and general public use issues were discussed. Howard noted the land is for people to enjoy and there is nothing wrong with having the land be used. Park Board Minutes - May 16, 2001 2 MOTION: McWilliams moved the Park Board request staff present to the Board the status of a master plan prior to the finalization of the MSU plans; seconded by Terrell. Motion failed. MOTION: Lott restated the motion that the Board proceed with more detailed planning and move forward with the project of the Women's Crew facility at Grand River Park. Seconded by Filice. Lott feels this is a winner for everyone. MSU will not have a problem maintaining interest and being part of the community. It has benefits to the Lansing area and it will make people more familiar with this fairly new varsity sport. He understands issues need to be addressed, but the Board could be kept updated. James opened comment to the audience now that the Park Board had commented. Steve Webster expressed concern as MSU must know within a few weeks where it will be located. This is why they requested to come before the Board last July. MSU has been working with staff, resolving issues. All of these issues have been discussed repeatedly. If this is not an acceptable site, they just need to know that and they can move on. Partnering with the City and the outreach is very extraordinary. They will not shore up the riverbank. Landscaping options have been discussed. Filice noted the design should address the erosion. James also explained there are four people on the Board that are new. Jerry Heathcote noted he did not remember this being addressed last summer. Heathcote noted it was on the agenda for last month's meeting which was canceled, and now it's on the agenda for action with no public input or discussion. He thought it was moving too quickly with no public discussion and there needs to be more input.Heathcote pointed out the number of racks in the current boat house, and stated there is enough space to stretch and store boats in the current location. BeBe Bryans,MSU Women's Crew commented there are hardly any children using the park at this time and this activity with the outreach would make them familiar with the park. James noted Grand River Park has been frequently discussed due to many issues. Webster clarified that this issue has been before staff since last July. Jemerson noted the department has been working with MSU for about one year. It was not presented at that time as there many issues the board was dealing with. Staff is supportive of the concept. In some long range planning a parking lot is included and also the river trail. Motion carried. (5-2) (Terrell, McWilliams against) The Board requested a master plan be prepared for this site. Filice reminded the Park Board they were invited to National Learn To Row Day and an open house at Grand River Park JERRY HEATHCOTE,PRESENTATION ON BUILDING USAGE AT GRAND RIVER PARK Heathcote noted the Board was irresponsible to act without input. He brought photos of the Quad City Rowing Association from out-of-state. This group presented their ideas prior to building the boathouse. He reiterated the direction of the parks is not to have three private boathouses. The current two are eyesores and one more addition will be another eyesore. He restated there was no public input. He has Park Board Minutes - May 16, 2001 3 been there more than anyone in the world and has never seen a park board member there. The Board doesn't know what goes on between club members and it shows extreme irresponsibility. He has been there every day from 1992 to July 29,2000,when he was evicted due to false accusations. Private clubs are kicking people out. Two or three people in the club are conducting the business and this is against the bylaws. He again noted any new construction in this park needs more public input. He also wanted to be involved in all Jemerson's meetings with others regarding boathouses and has been denied. He was told it did not concern him. He feels it certainly does concern him and he needs boathouse space now that he has been evicted. He asked again of Jemerson that he be involved in all meetings Jemerson holds regarding boathouses in Grand River Park. He feels slighted by Jemerson's comment. The use of public park land to build a private facility for use of female MSU crew members is not the direction the city should take. This is discriminatory on the basis of age and sex. Heathcote again stated he has been evicted from the Robert L. Ryden Boat House and also the Lansing Oar and Paddle club for false allegations. The LOAP&MSU have been operating unchecked and clicks develop. Heathcote further elaborated on the connections between the persons using these buildings. He noted he is the only one under extreme distress as he has been evicted from the club. He has devoted his entire life to rowing to see if he could compete for a spot on a national team and now he's kicked out of the club. Heathcote noted he has been unable to row for over five months and missed the national championships because he was evicted. He asked the Park Board to promote a community based rowing facility as one group/individual should not have influence as to control of equipment and facilities on the riverfront in Lansing. He noted the Quad River Rowing Association has a twenty-year lease for one dollar per year with the City of Moline but it is not private and anyone can join. He again noted the Board was irresponsible to vote before he had a chance to speak. ADDITIONS/DELETIONS - Ormond Park added under new business. John Pollard noted he received a copy of the classification of park land. Things have been added without the date of acquisition being included and parks are missing. He suggests this be reviewed further. He wondered if city-owned property under the jurisdiction of Parks and Recreation is not covered by Charter then is it covered by the Land Policy Act of 1979. Belinda Fitzpatrick would like to see someone take the park list(anything that has ever been considered a park) and note which would require a vote of the electorate prior to sale and which would not require a vote. The language of dedicated, designated, deed restrict is confusing to her. She wants a definition of a 285 review including the steps in the process. Filice is also concerned with the definitions and terms being used. She would like Judge Houk to explain what is meant by a"required park." Dorothy Jones,representing Moores Park Neighborhood Organization,again spoke regarding the chain link fence around the shuffleboard court. She wants the Park Board to recommend to the Mayor a policy be formed to ensure that where there is a partner to the park, there will be communication in a timely manner whenever there will be more than routine maintenance in the park. James commented that as an Adopt-A-Park group, neighborhoods should be informed but this is a park issue. Jemerson also noted a meeting is set for this week between the MPNO and the Shuffleboarders to discuss the fence. Jones commented the five foot fence is more than the MPNO will ever agree to. Jemerson explained it was unfortunate that the group was not involved in the shuffleboard fencing project. Jones stated MPNO was many years ago,but their input was conveniently forgotten. Jones stated the Shuffle- boarders want their own private club. Brian Smith spent 1'/z hours mowing "Genesee Park" on Sunday, May 6. Park Board Minutes - May 16, 2001 4 Pete Bosheff spoke that Park Board should be mindful of public facilities being taken over by private uses. It is a critical issue. James noted the Board is very mindful of this issue, and the Board is open to suggestions. PARK BOARD MINUTES: MOTION: McWilliams moved the Park Board minutes of March 21,2001 be accepted as presented; seconded by Howard. Motion carried. TENNIS COURTS Jemerson met with Dr. E. Sharon Banks of the Lansing School District. LSD cannot cost share any facility repairs due to their financial situation. Dr.Banks also commented the matching funds for ballfield lighting at Everett are not available, and if the City wishes to use the $40,000 to repair tennis courts, it is fine with the LSD. The $40,000 will not completely repair the three courts at St. Joseph Park. Filice urged efforts continue to reach organizations for private funding. CLASSIFICATION OF PARK LAND (TO BE ACTED UPON AT THE JUNE MEETING ORMOND PARK James noted a letter was received from residents by Ormond Park,next to Groesbeck Golf Course,who are worried about a new entrance to the course. Jemerson met with Don Ballard, Golf Manager, and Councilmember Harold Leeman and visited the community to discuss a proposed new entrance to the course. The residents they spoke with had no problem with the entrance. This letter is the first opposition letter. The entrance is envisioned as splitting the park with berms, fencing and landscaping that would protect park users from the golf course entrance. The CSO project will be in the area this fall. The construction company was searching for a staging area. We are looking for partial work in lieu of payment for park use, and the company is eager to work with this. This would take traffic out of a larger neighborhood and it would be traffic calming. Millage residuals from completed projects have been transferred to begin this process. Filice is opposed to the entry way. Terrell wondered what process is used to bring it to the neighborhood. Jemerson noted a public meeting will be held inviting the persons in this area. Howard wondered if LPD has been contacted to research accidents in the area. Howard thought there may be a history of accidents. Jemerson noted there have been two accidents with children being hit by autos. Leyrer would like a diagram of the area. James encouraged the Board to drive to the area. AMERICAN TOWER CORPORATION-WESTSIDE/DUNNEBACKE PARK Steve Baker from American Tower Corporation explained they would like to expand their leased area surrounding the tower and fence the area. The site is adjacent to the railroad track. The tower will remain as is, but equipment will be placed at the base and the fence would be around the area to limit access. The goal is to expand the use of the existing tower rather than build new towers. Monies received for the land use will be placed in the land acquisition fund. MOTION: Lott moved the request of American Tower Corporation to expand their leased area by the cell tower on Stanley Street and fence in the area be approved; seconded by Filice. Park Board Minutes - May 16, 2001 5 McWilliams wondered if the department had any concerns that the cell tower area expansion would interfere with other park uses. Jemerson noted that this area is along the railroad tracks and there is no plan for uses in this area. Motion carried. RULES AND REGULATIONS FOR COLUMBARIUM Jemerson introduced Carol Abbott, Administrative Assistant,who handles cemetery administration. A columbarium is located at Evergreen Cemetery now and the rates have been approved. (A columbarium is a structure that holds cremains.) The Board reviewed the following rules: 1. Each niche may contain two (2) standard size receptacles: 5 '/2" x 5 '/2" x 7". Other size receptacles will limit how many may be interred in each niche. 2. A memorial bronze marker may be attached with maximum size of 8 '/2" wide by 6" high. Only one marker per niche is allowed. The marker may have a small vase attached with maximum height of 5 1/z". This is the only attachment allowed. Marker will be centered on niche face. 3. Government markers are available through the Veteran's Office. The cemetery office will help coordinate this. The owner/next of kin will be responsible for hiring a monument company to attach the marker. 4. Fresh flower bouquets may be placed in planted area directly around the columbarium. These will be removed by cemetery staff when unsightly. No other objects such as balloons, windmills, chimes, pictures, etc., may be placed around or on the columbarium. Filice noted the columbarium is a handsome looking addition to the cemetery. Filice wondered about the condition of the pond near the front of Evergreen Cemetery. Leyrer asked if the area was wetland all year or in the spring. Abbott noted it is wetland year round. Filice noted it is usually wet but would like to know the quality of the vegetation and the pond at the next meeting. Filice wondered about the condition of the vegetation in Section P at Evergreen purchased by the Jewish Cemetery Association. Abbott explained the vegetation is looking much better and the lot owners are satisfied. MOTION: Filice moved the rules for the columbarium be accepted as presented. Seconded by Howard. Motion carried. UPARR GRANT APPLICATION- COMSTOCK PARK The United States Department of Interior,National Park Service is accepting Urban Park and Recreation Recovery Program,Rehabilitation grant pre-applications for the next grant cycle and Director Jemerson recommended the City apply for funds to renovate and reopen the Comstock Park building. The building could be used as a public meeting room, summer kids program site and winter ice rink site. The reopening of the site is contained in the Five Year Master Plan 2000-2005. If the grant is awarded, the City match from the park millage would be required in fiscal year 2003. The Board support was requested in recommending to the Mayor that the Comstock building renovation project be submitted to City Council for approval and that the City apply for grant funds for renovations at the Comstock park building with $385,450 from the UPARR grant and $165,198 from the park millage. Farm Bard Minutes-May 16�2001 6 MOTION: McWilliams moved the Board support the grant application. Seconded by Lott. Motion carried. UPDATES River Trail and I-496-Detours were put in place with the cooperation of MDOT and the bicyclers. We hope to have a pedestrian pass in time for the June 2 Mayor's Riverwalk. Sycamore Restrooms - The drawings and specifications are complete and the drawings are in Planning being reviewed. It is our hope that July 1 we will be able to award a contract for the restoration of the restroom. Lansing Rotary Animal Hospital at Potter Park Zoo - A ground breaking took place last week and construction is proceeding. We hope to have this open by mid-July. BMX Track- Council approved a transfer from millage residuals and one of the projects is putting in drainage under the track as well as electrical conduit. Also the City will do some turf establishment around the banks. This will hopefully take place near the end of the BMX season. Skate Park-East Lansing included $20,000 in their budget for the park this year and $20,000 for next year. Pete Bosheff explained a sign will go up at Ranney Park regarding the park. LASBRF is preparing for road shows and to kick off their campaign. Bosheff noted money is being donated from many sources. Students at Otto donated in memory of two of their classmates who were avid skateboard fans. Students at Everett and Eastern have been involved in fundraising. LASBRF is looking for an August 1 groundbreaking, and they also expect Ingham County to donate. They have studied failure modes in other areas as they are looking to prevent problems. James asked that pictures chosen have persons utilizing helmets. He also distributed pledge cards. Jemerson also updated the Board on the Bark Park and Millage Projects. An updated member list had been included in the mailing. Adjourned. Respectfully submitted � -�'- Lee Ann Foreback,Park Board Secretary Approved June 20, 2001. PARK BOARD MINUTES June 20, 2001 MEMBERS PRESENT: Mary James, Judith Mohay Filice, Wilbur Howard, Ruth Leyrer, Ron Lott (excused late), Claude Ramey, Monica Terrell, Melvin McWilliams (late) OTHERS PRESENT: Bonnie Bennett, Friends of Comstock Park, Susan Dougherty, Moores Park Neighborhood Association; Steve Webster, Stacy Rippetow,Matt Weiste, MSU; Christine MacDonald, Lansing State Journal; Gene Buckley' Gladys Collison, Jerry Heathcote; John Pollard; Brian Smith; Clyde Smith; Brad Vauter; and Murdock Jemerson, Director of Parks &Recreation CALL TO ORDER: 7:00 P.M.@ Scott Center, 125 W. Main St. ADDITIONS/DELETIONS : The MSU Women's Crew Outreach Program presentation requires action. STATEMENTS OF CITIZENS: Jerry Heathcote expressed concern over the Lansing Oar and Paddle Club at Grand River Park.-.He noted the Club will not let him join after the club had stated it was open to all at a Planning Board meeting. He asked that this be investigated by the appropriate department. James noted a letter from Mr. Heathcote is listed later in the agenda and this item will be dealt with at that time. Brian Smith asked the Board what their stance was on the meeting scheduled to discuss Ormond Park and Groesbeck Golf Course entry. James noted it was discussed at the last meeting and action was not taken. Jemerson noted this not an action item for the Board. It will be brought to the Board again after the public meeting with the community. Bonnie Bennett expressed thanks to the Board and the department for applying for the UPARR grant to renovate the Comstock building. John Pollard voiced vehement opposition to a road going through Ormond Park,and asked the Board to also oppose this roadway. Gladys Callison endorsed Mr. Pollard's comments. PARK BOARD MINUTES: MOTION: Howard moved the Park Board minutes of May 16, 2001 be accepted as presented; seconded by Leyrer. Filice wondered if a response had been received on what a"required park" is? Jemerson noted City Attorney Smiertka explained Judge Houk's opinion regarding" required parks" refers to the parks listed in the City Zoning Master Plan. Those parks are the parks required to be parks. Filice had further comment, but James noted this item will be dealt with under the appropriate agenda item. Motion carried. (5-1 Filice against) Other department board minutes were received. Park Board Minutes June 20, 2001 2 MSU WOMEN'S CREW OUTREACH PROGRAM Steve Webster, VP of Governmental Affairs for MSU, distributed handouts regarding the outreach program including letters of support and minutes of the organizing meeting of the outreach program. The specific outcomes include the Women's Crew program working the Parks and Recreation"Girl Power"program, expanding the Junior Learn to Row with the Men's Crew Club working with Parks and Recreation and the School District, offering community focused activities to integrate and coordinate the programming of the Lansing Oar and Paddle Club with a Learn to Row Novice Program, Open Houses and a quiet water symposium. Access to boat storage and equipment is through membership in the LOAPC. The university is also aware of not violating any NAAC rules. Discussion followed with questions on informing the Lansing School District and cost. Matt Weiste of MSU spoke and noted the committee discussion had centered around the Men's Rowing Club wanting to do a summer camp for the entire summer. Mary Winegar,Manager of Parks&Recreation Leisure Services, had explained many children cannot commit for an entire summer and the department runs one and two week camps similar to aviation camp which is$40 to $60. The second idea is linking into some of the existing programs to handle transportation. The entire idea of the Girl Power Program is to use what is already in place to visit the site and work with the athletes. Filice questioned the targeted age and it is 11 to 18. Filice also requested an update on Girl Power. Jemerson will provide an update at the next meeting. Howard noted he attended a program sponsored by the Boys and Girls Club which was a learn to golf at Waverly. They had arranged transportation with 2 church vans and had 40 children. It became a joint project with volunteers. James suggested the business at the entrance to Grand River Park may be interested in being involved at the park. James thanked Steve Webster and others for the report. Melvin McWilliams arrived. John Pollard commented prime river front property should be leased for fair market value. The number of Lansing children participating should be tracked. Howard noted he had requested MSU spell out their outreach program. He congratulates them on their effort and supports MSU and the plan for use. CLASSIFICATION OF PARK LAND James explained the list included in the packet is the preliminary list of properties. Once the list is forwarded to Planning Department, they can do an analysis against their existing inventories. The analysis will then be forwarded back to the Parks and Recreation Department. This is the beginning of the process. Pointed discussion followed. Jemerson explained this is the first step in updating the list of 1981 parks. The park system has grown from 1,598 acres to 1,948 acres and the list must be updated to ensure the list is correct prior to taking action. After more pointed discussion, Jemerson again explained parks which are located on the City of Lansing's Master Zoning Plan are considered "required" parks. If they are not listed, Parks and Recreation staff must first be aware they are not listed to take steps to correct this. Jemerson noted this could have been done administratively, but this is a major policy issue, and he would like a recommendation from the Board. Park Board Minutes - June 20, 2001 3 MOTION: McWilliams moved the list of park properties be sent to Planning to compare against the Master Zoning Plan and the results of the analysis be referred back to the Park Board for review. Seconded by Howard. Lott arrived. Filice asked if McWilliams felt Planning is more expert as to what lands are park lands and if they should be listed. Jemerson again explained, Planning does not determine parks. As noted in many meetings, the Master Plan for the City of Lansing is the Zoning Plan. This plan lists parks and open spaces. The Zoning Plan must agree with the list of park properties. If there are discrepancies, they will be discussed, researched and resolved. John Pollard spoke asking which parks are for sale, explaining the sale of the Opper Addition and suggested asking Planning to develop a list and Parks and Recreation could do the comparison. Bonnie Bennett asked that explanations be included on park lands not listed and commented Planning cannot be asked to list parks as there is no definition for park land. Susan Dougherty asked Moores Park be considered a Community Park and not a Neighborhood Park as far as maintenance and programming are considered. Brad Vauter stated the tenseness seems to be from concerns if Planning does not agree, what authority will Parks and Recreation possess. Clyde Smith asked that someone from Planning be present when the list is presented to the Park Board. Jemerson explained a team of people will review the list including representatives from Planning,Law and Parks and Recreation Departments. Pete Bosheff wondered how this will be presented to the public as the public is very concerned. The motion was re-read and voted. MOTION CARRIED. (7-1 Filice opposed) James requested a large map be available when the list is brought back to the Board. UPDATES: Skate Park-Pete Bosheff reported the group has raised $120,000 towards a park. BMX-Leyrer wondered about the completion time line. The fence is now up. Ramey noted there is good control at the site. When it is open, it is supervised. There are over 1,000 attending each weekend and Ramey requested bleachers be brought in for spectators. Jemerson noted a bleacher had been scheduled to be delivered at the site. Bark Park- The group has been meeting regularly in committees and another large group meeting is planned. The group will then present ideas at a Park Board meeting. Park Board Minutes - June 20, 2001 4 Millage Projects - The proposed Ormond Park project would be funded partially through millage funds if approved. The neighborhood meeting is scheduled and hot pink post cards went out to all owners and occupants of tracks 401 through 415 which encompasses a large area surrounding this site. Leyrer noted as a neighborhood traffic advisor, she is always in favor of moving traffic out of neighborhoods but the park issue is an equally strong issue. This should be a spirited meeting. GLAHA - A correspondence received was forwarded to the Board. Board members were disappointed GLAHA did not keep track of the scholarship dollars for Lansing youth as it had been made clear at the beginning this was the desire of the Board. Terrell asked correspondence be sent expressing the disappointment of the Board. Minutes from previous board meetings will be researched as to when GLAHA appeared and what was requested. Shuffle boarders/Moores Park Neighborhood Association-The two groups met in the department to work out issues. The possibility of lowering the fence or sprucing up the area around the fence is being researched. A shuffleboard outreach program was also discussed. River Trail & I-496- The area has been opened by Cedar and 496 for several special events(runs, etc.) and should be opened permanently very soon. LETTER FROM/TO DR. JERRY HEATHCOTE Copies of correspondence from and to Dr. Heathcote were sent to the Board. Dr. Heathcote expressed his concerns over not being allowed membership in the LOAPC. He noted the City has a duty to resolve this issue for him as the group operates on park property. He requested all leases be reviewed and that only year-to-year leases be approved. He recommended public fundraising for a public boathouse. He requested the Board resolve his issue with LOAPC. James noted this is a dilemma and a tremendous loss for Dr. Heathcote but it is not a Park Board issue. There is a current lease with a dispute over payment from Dr. Heathcote for membership. James recommended this be handled by the Dispute Resolution Center. Dr.Heathcote was upset and had hired a private attorney to pursue this matter as recommended originally by staff. INFORMATIONAL ITEMS The City of Lansing has once again been named as a"Tree City U.S.A." for the 17t`year. Income statements from Potter Park Zoological Society had been mailed along with information on the National Jr. Cross Country Championships to be held at Groesbeck on November 10. COMMENTS BY BOARD MEMBERS Lott wondered if the Consumer's Energy project at Reutter Park was still in process as it is very unattractive. Jemerson noted the grading has been done and bushes will be in place soon. The same type of project is happening in Wentworth Park. Lott also noted he had participated in shuffle boarding. Filice asked if the property at Genesee and Butler was still city property and asked why it was not being mowed. Jemerson will follow-up. Adjourned. Respectfully submitted: X� Lee Ann Foreback, Park Board Secretary Minutes approved July 18, 2001. PARK BOARD MINUTES Special Park Board Meeting July 10, 2001 MEMBERS PRESENT: Mary James,Judith Mohay Filice,Wilbur Howard,Ruth Leyrer; Claude Ramey, Monica Terrell MEMBERS ABSENT: Ron Lott (excused), Melvin McWilliams (excused) OTHERS PRESENT: Dorothy Jones, Moores Park Neighborhood Association; Christine MacDonald, Lansing State Journal; Brian Smith, Citizens for Better Lansing; Gladys Collison, Belinda Fitzpatrick, Mike Howland; and Murdock Jemerson, Director of Parks & Recreation CALL TO ORDER: 7:00 P.M.@ Scott Center, 125 W. Main St. ADDITIONS/DELETIONS : None STATEMENTS OF CITIZENS: Dorothy Jones thanked Mr. Jemerson. The pavilion at Moores Park was a mess on Sunday morning but when they arrived to looked at the site, a department employee was already there cleaning the park. CLASSIFICATION OF PARK LAND Information was included in the packet and copies were available for the citizens. Jemerson explained the draft resolution was attached to dedicate the parks formally. There are 118 parks listed and this is significantly higher than in 1981. The main list now includes properties such as riverfront properties that were not on the main list in 1981. The 119`h Armory was listed as a lease but there is only a 1949 letter that links the property to the department. The Army is not interested in selling us this land. They are interested in selling the entire area, armory, land and park but currently have no plans for the area. The last page has all the properties combined. The correction to the list includes the following sentence being added to the last page, "This is subject to the 1979 park land policy in regarding disposal, encroachment..." Howard wondered how this list compares to the many other lists. and public Staff has reviewed documents and has determined these 118 parks should be included in the list of dedicated parks. Discussion of lists ensued including the Park and Recreation Master Plan list, zoning list, the 1981 list and the park map. The purpose of this exercise is to create one correct list. Leyrer noted there is a problem about the river trail. She wants Adado Riverfront Park and the acreage of the trail system. Jemerson noted there are parcels that will continue to be added to including the river trail. It was suggested Adado Riverfront Park be added and then the acreage of just the river trail. Filice asked what a dedicated park is? She would like the definition of dedicated park, site location park and a required park. James noted Filice was confusing the naming of the park with a dedication of a park. Filice denied confusion. James explained a dedicated park per the resolution is one recognized by the charter as not being able to be sold. Filice interrupted and disagreed. She has asked for the definition Park Board Minutes - July 10, 2001 2 repeatedly. Filice requested the definition in writing. Jemerson noted the resolution is extremely clear that it is dedicating the property for public park use. This resolution has been reviewed by the Law Department. This is to be a simple, clear resolution. It dedicates for public park use that these parks will be required to be used as a public park and prior to changes as in disposition of property, the public must vote. Leyrer also requested definitions of designated, dedicated and required. Leyrer requested Turner Dodge be listed as being part ofDodge Park. Jemerson noted Kingsley Park includes Letts Center and Gier Park includes Gier Center. Those will also be noted. Terrell asked the resolution note it is subject to the City Charter, Chapter 8, Sec. 403. Filice asked that one of the Glenburne lots be dedicated as her concern is there are two lots and both are the only entrance to Fulton Park. The two lots are separated by an existing house. If they are both sold, the park would have no public access. One lot closest to the park should be kept. James agreed with Filice that one site should be moved to the dedicated list. Filice again asked who is mowing the former Genesee Park. James wondered why some islands are listed and some are not? Jemerson noted we receive a list from the City Assessor and have matched that list. Leyrer noted some of the lots have playground equipment, such as 1190'park. If the lots are sold, what happens to the playground equipment? James suggested the Board include in the document to the Mayor that any park purchased equipment on non-dedicated land shall be reassigned. The Board will act on the classification of park land at the July 18 meeting with a corrected resolution with definitions and a corrected park list. Jemerson wanted to review what the Board asked so it can be passed: • The City Attorney advised all property owned by the City is subject to the City Charter so citing legal history was unnecessary. He will try to have this included once again. • Include the facilities such as community centers and Turner-Dodge. One Glenburne lot will be moved up into dedicated section. Adado Riverfront Park will be noted and the riverfront acreage will be listed. • Additionally,James noted the front list is"Dedicated Park Land." She suggested the second list be called"Managed Properties"to give it a different name and listed not subject to park land policy of 1979. Others commented from the audience. Belinda Fitzpatrick spoke regarding the need to coordinate with Planning to ensure the properties are listed on the master zoning plan. Park Board Minutes - July 10, 2001 3 Dorothy Jones noted in 1963 they moved to Lansing and they were proud of the park acreage but now the politicians do not seem to feel that way. Gladys Collison supported Jones' claims. They too moved to Lansing because of the parks and the river and do not want park land disappearing. The taxpayers purchase these properties and they appreciate the efforts of the Park Board to protect these properties. Howard wondered who the master plan belongs to. Jemerson explained Planning Board is separate from the Council. Filice interjected there is no complete master plan. INFORMATION Information on"Girl Power" was mailed in the Park Board packets. BOARD MEMBER COMMENTS Filice asked that prior to plans being developed for a project such as Ormond Park,the temperament of the community should be taken into account. Jemerson noted that not more than $1,000 was spend in preparation for the meeting. Jemerson was working under a time frame and did want to have a drawing given as to what could have happened in the park. Literature circulating prior to the meeting was not factual. Meeting adjourned. Respectf MY submitted: Lee Ann Foreback, Park Board Secretary Minutes approved July 18, 2001. PARK BOARD MINUTES July 18, 2001 MEMBERS PRESENT: Mary James, Ruth Leyrer, Ron Lott (excused late), Claude Ramey, Monica Terrell J-J MEMBERS ABSENT: Judith Mohay Filice (excused), Wilbur Howard (excused), Melvin, McWilliams (excused) OTHERS PRESENT: Kathleen Badgley, Belinda Fitzpatrick, Jerry Heathcote, John Pollard; Robert Berning and John Fifarek of Capital Area United Way; Gary Andrews, Terry Bentley, Kim Kramar, Stanley Rodgers and Robert Strabal of Lansing Flying Aces; Jason Kilgore and Pam Kilgore of Richard Road Neighborhood Watch; Mark and Teagan Chatterley of Old Town; Harold Schmidt of Friedland Industries; Brian Smith of LASBRF; Michael Seres, Intern, Tanya Moore, Landscape Architect, and Murdock Jemerson, Director of Lansing Parks and Recreation CALL TO ORDER: 7:00 P.M.@ Scott Center, 125 W. Main St. The Board did not have a quorum until later in the meeting but began by reviewing non-action items. FLYING ACES Gary Andrews, president of the Lansing Area Flying Aces spoke to the Board regarding model aviation activities. Aircraft were also on display. The group flies control-line flyers, free-flight models, radio control helicopters and park flyers. They have been working with Ingham County and Lansing Parks and Recreation Departments and currently fly at the Hope Soccer Complex. They are charter members of the Academy of Model Aeronautics, a national organization representing hobbyists. There will be Model Aviation Days at Elm Park. They will be sponsoring some model builder's workshops this fall at Letts Community Center. They would like some sites designated in some city parks for flying. The group's intention is to become a nonprofit. They appeared at Park Board to answer any questions and ask the Board to join in a community partnership to recognize and endorse this hobby/sport. They would like the City of Lansing to partner with them to develop the site at the Hope Soccer Complex for the long range development of the Lansing Model Aerodome. The site is about half used and they want to be involved in these plans. Andrews introduced Stanley Rodgers,Head ofthe Helicopter Division and Safety Officer;Terry Bentley,Vice President and a longtime control liner; Kim Kramer, Secretary/Treasurer, and Robert Strabal, documenter, photographer and flyer. Jemerson noted he had been meeting with Andrews and the group, and he is very supportive of this. This is the type of activity that needs to be promoted. It is not only recreational but it has a great educational value. This creates a bond between the adults and children in the flying of the aircraft. Terrell commented this is a wonderful idea,and she is glad to see the department getting more diverse in terms of leisure time activities. This is a hobby that can be a lifetime passion. This will give citizens an opportunity to become involved in the activity or simply to enjoy watching it. DOG PARK PRESENTATION Michael Seres, an intern from Michigan State University, explained he has been working with the citizens who volunteered to work on the various dog park committees at the organizational meeting. Park Board Minutes - July 18, 2001 Committees were formed on location, fund raisin 2 committees have been progressing. The location committee is recommendingEl g, rules and regulations, desi dog park site. This is an old baseball field that is not programmed and it ' Park etc. The y fenced in. it would be an easy sites get operating m Park fora small quickly. The second location would be he area behind Scott Woods (Off from Aurelius on Willard). It is a beautiful natural area with a area. These are the three natural elements that we would most like in a do pond, field, and forested main dog park. The group is confident they can raise the funding. To et fen Scott Woods area, the group is estimating$53,000. IfElm g park. This would be the $2,000 to $3,000. This would include appropriate si pin g fencing and water in the Park was also selected,it would be about The group has begun working on rules. They are to sinin forming a Friends of the oup would want a double gate. are working on bylaws. S eres has discovered dogfighting and cleanup issues have no Park group and been problems as peer pressure from other dog owners solves many of those type issues in do Terrell is on two committees and is very excited about this ro' g parks. volunteers are highly motivated. The goal is to have a pleasant, saafe environmenttes needs, and the humans. Terrell has also found that established do for pets and this may be a help for all the parks as persons who currently let their dogs g parks tend to be extremely clean. James noted designated for this purpose. run will have a park Jemerson informed the Board that Mr. Soldan from Soldan's Pets and Feeds h support to the development of a dog park as pledged financial James thanked Seres for the presentation and the Board looks forward to hearing ng more. PD River Trail& I-496 - Jemerson noted the River Trail is now open. Sycamore Restrooms- The Contractor is reviewing the contract. Once the cont will give permission to proceed. Hopefully, this will begin within a week. tact is returned, we RotaaAnimal Hospital at Potter Park Zoo - This is going well. It is scheduled crud August. The Board will be informed of the ribbon cutting. to be completed by Beck - Board member Ramey was at the BMX event. He noted there were 2, there. There were about 500 children with eighty-seven runs that Sunday. Ram talked wit people Ramey from many other cities(Flint, Traverse City,Detroit)and they praised this track h people They thought it was one of the nicest riding tracks they had been to and they would be back. Jemerson on the way. More than $100,000 was transferred to improve drainage, install noted water is electrical, and seed. This is the first phase. The Capitol Area BMX water, provide Depot m getting the starting tower construction donated and two small shelters (start with Home Skateboard Park- Council did approve the transfer to allow (start and finish). here to construct the park at Ranne . for enough funding to bring Tim Payne to begin August 13. The contract with Tim ndb Payne is beng is pl nnin for August 7 with construction P p d. The Board took short break. Ron Lott arrived making a quorum. 3 Park Board Minutes - July 18, 2001 OLD TOWN SCULPTURE ndustries spoke to the Board regarding for Turner Mini Park. The Harold Schmidt of Friedland I The group Board had approved this in concept at the March 2000 meeting the sculpture may o into a different worked within the Public Art Pol cy. ah ound. The request ise is discussion tto have the Board approve the current location such as in the middle of a l, it will be built sculpture in pri e it is built, it will be dismantled nciple to be refereed to City Council. Once approved d andreassembled onlsite A detailed p and approved structurally. Onc proposal was given to the Park Board. rmation. ChatterlY gave Mark Chatterly had pictures of the proposed sculpture tot e revitalization or Park f N s is a tribute to Lansing with detailed information on the sculpture. Thi three dancers in celebration. There will be a plaque with the wording under consideration. Jemerson added James and Lott were in attendance when this proposal as originally igi allyrson was concerned resented. The department quickly put a policy together and the group follow policy. the sculpture would be structurally sound as it had been a prob�lfe rt in othertely areas.Old Town group has The group had three public meetings to get input and inform the community• changed and Council passed a resolution not to put a sculpture in Turner Mini Park. James clarified this is being reviewed as a concept with the site of designated. would have the Schmidt cementplwork ained the group had an arrangement with the Old Town group thaty com leted. The metal work is a total donation from Friedland. Moving the structure and site P preparation has not been discussed. MOTION: Lott moved the Board accept the concept of the ut admini trapivelys Secon ded by Ramey on to the next phase with details worked o Motion carried. EASEMENT RE VEST FROM CAPITAL AREA UNITED WAY Robert Berning,Director of Capital Area United Way, and Jo Fthat usedtto front onto Washtenaw torney for CAUW,spoke to the Board regarding this request. United Way owns property Street. When this portion of Washtenaw was closed for the elementary ur school,immediately to to the parcel became landlocked. At the time Washtenaw was closed, the city purchased the two lot west of the CAUW properties so parking and ingress and egress re The deed ned for e CA p property. as The City also made parking improvements to the CAUW property. Community Nurse ry never conveyed with the title remaining with the city• This use by the been conveyed when attempting o sell the has been exclusive. CAUW discovered the lots had neveregress and ingress. They have property. CAUW is seeking a permanent such an easement. Sin e t e Community Nursery closure, a buyer for the property who will acce p CAUW's intention has been interested in having the building and op erate this building as child care use for the neighborhood. The prospective purchaser intends to reopen p center. the intentions of the Tanya Moore,Parks Landscape Architect,further explained o that in for researching lo n eying this property. Yave city from twenty-five years ago, there appearsof 1974 been the closest documentation found to be able The Kingsley Master Plan,written in January plan,the _unity Nursery is listed to iece together what the intentions were. According to thes of the CAUW property Were included P as an Ad-Committee member, and we assume that the wls e Park Board Minutes - July 18, 2001 at that time. Moore cited various excerpts from plan on site planning objectives 1 4 demolition and construction that applied to the CAUW property. and acquisition, From these excerpts in the plan, it appears that originally it was to be the CAUW's r construct the parking lot. However, according to City Council resolution(6-20-1977 536 construction of the"parking lot adjacent to the CAU or m the Master Plan"was built W, as provided f responsibility to as an additional item to the Kingsley Phase I portion of the construction P �� the according to the city attorney, this property is not landlocked. Public and urrouexpndslained that, pedestrian access. It just does not have vehicle access. t and has A recommendation on the means and cost of conveying this property is needed b the Bo is asking for an easement. The Board could make a recommendation other than what requesting, such as a license, easement, or sale of the land. Accordingy Board. CAUW the CAUW is any option requires the decommissioning of park land, to the city attorneys o$ice, James asked about the zoning of these parcels and what obligation an individual would the property for a compatible neighborhood use once they own theproperty. Moore explained it is have to use zoned "B" Residential, and daycare operations are allowed under this zoning classification purchaser wanted to put in a retail store, it probably would not be allowed under the currentIf the Moore noted the Board's action on the means of conveying the property could include zoning. use of the property. the intended MOTION: Leyrer moved the parcel ofproperty be submitted for approval for an ease ment within the current zoning of"B" Residential to meet the intended use as a day care center and would be subject change if the zoning or intended use of this parcel is changed. Seconded by Terrell. Moore also noted that in speaking with the Law Department, the Board could make this a nonexclusive use so that the easement could be granted and the public would still have access. Bermng's concern is the owner is responsible for maintenance and there are liabilityissues John using the parking area. It is very small and it could be a problem for persons dropping c to have others using the lot. There may also be liability issues for with others it could be listed as public pedestrian use. It looks like parkland PP g luldren off the business holder. James noted parkland. Moore noted the easement would still be subject to the ordinance nn so far as the like it e park is closed at dusk. hours the Discussion followed. Motion carried. PARK BOARD MINUTES MOTION: Lott moved the Park Board minutes of June 20, 2001 be approved with of when he arrived; seconded by Leyrer. the notation Motion carried. MOTION: Leyrer moved the Park Board minutes of July 10, 2001 be a roved corrections; seconded by Lott. PP with minor Motion carried. Park Board Minutes - July 18, 2001 5 Other department board minutes were received. CLASSIFICATION OF PARK LAND Jemerson had copies of the property list available for the audience. He reviewed the changes made due to the Board's comments at the special meeting in July 10. Pictures were available of many of the managed properties to explain why they are not under the dedicated portion. Jemerson noted that he is not advocating anything to be sold. This issue came up with Council's request to review "unproductive" parklands. This has been discussed many times, but there is no list of properties available for sale. Additionally, Jemerson requested the Board also recommend park lands be reviewed annually. James also investigated Act 285's and is convinced recommending this resolution is the proper path to take. James thanked the staff for their diligence in investigating this to develop the list. She fully supports this being done annually. MOTION: Leyrer moved the Board accepts the resolution and park land inventory and recommends referring this to the Mayor for his action and submission to Council with the understanding there may be minor changes in the acreage and additionally moved the Board review park land annually; seconded by Lott. Moore noted minor acreage changes to the list. Jemerson explained that the Parks and Recreation Department does not have a property manager. When the previous list was developed, the City had a property manager. In 1990 all of the property was handled by the Planning Department, but then in 1993, it was turned back to each department. In 1993, we received boxes of information to compile. Moore has been spending an inordinate amount of time trying to figure these acreages. Just verifying one park can take from an hour to more than two weeks. Copies of the master spreadsheet working document will be sent to the Board. Jerry Heathcote asked for clarification on Elm Street lots. John Pollard asked ifDodge Park had taken into account the loss of the Opper Property. Pollard also expressed appreciation to Tanya Moore for her work in getting an accurate park list. Pollard noted the Park Board had voted on selling various properties on June 28, 2000 and July 19, 2000. Pollard explained this is why he keeps asking if properties are for sale. He is concerned these will be used to sell future park land. James noted these are two separate actions. The Board can send the list and keep the prior actions. The Board can recommend selling a property that is dedicated. It would simply take a vote of the people. Motion carried. Motion: Leyrer moved the Park Board review their previous actions of June 28, 2000 and July 19, 2000 within the next few months. Discussion followed. Jemerson explained the actions were the result of a six-month study to review unproductive park land at Council's request. The study was not completed and a formal action was not sent to Mayor or Council for their action. Leyrer rescinded her motion. Park Board Minutes - July 18, 2001 6 REMARKS BY PARK BOARD MEMBERS James asked about the toxic playground equipment. Moore exph4ned that would be wooden play equipment treated with CCA. In 1994, when the City of Lansing began replacing equipment,wood was not used as the equipment did not last. James wondered about die woodchips under equipment. Moore explained these are not chips treated with CCA. The chips are either from our trees or they are fibar that is not treated with CCA. Respectfully submitted: 6&x e Lee Ann Foreback, Park Board Secretary Approved August 15, 2001. PARK BOARD MINUI—o September 19, 2001 MEMBERS PRESENT: Ron Lott, Judith Mohay Filice, Wilbur Howard, Ruth Leyrer, Melvin McWilliams, Claude Ramey, Monica Terrell 6 MEMBERS ABSENT: Mary James (excused) OTHERS PRESENT: Dorothy Jones,Moores Park Neighborhood Organization; Brian Smith, LASBRF;Bonnie Bennett, Friends of Comstock Park, Gladys Collison, Belinda Fitzpatrick, Jerry Heathcote, John Pollard; and Murdock Jemerson, Director of Lansing Parks and Recreation CALL TO ORDER: 7:00 P.M. @ Scott Center, 125 W. Main St. ADDITIONS/DELETIONS TO AGENDA Additions to the agenda included updates on Potter Park Accreditation Trip and the Quentin Park drinking fountain. STATEMENTS OF CITIZENS John Pollard spoke on several items noting that Council approved a ten year lease with the MSU rowing club but the Lansing Boat Club is a hold over tenant. He asked what the lease length is for the Oar and Paddle Club and the Men's Crew Club. He also asked how many youth will be served by the Women's Crew, the ages of the youth, the programs and how many weeks of the year the program will operate. Pollard also commented that once a site is used as a dog park, it will forever be limited to being a dog park. He also noted that dogs should be banned from festivals due to the confusion and noise. He commented on the property exchange for the Opper property. He has been contacted by a woman on Sunset who noted there are beautiful mature trees that have been painted at the base for removal. Pollard would like to ensure the mature trees are not cut prior to the City purchasing the property. Pollard explained he has a letter from the executive director of the Board of Water and Light assuring that nothing will be done with the trees until there has been a public hearing. Pollard will forward the letter.He also expressed environmental concerns over this property. Filice expressed interest in walking the area. Jemerson noted the property would not be purchased until a Phase 2 environmental study is done. The trees were marked but they aren't going to be cut down. Jemerson would not recommend the purchase of denuded property. We are working with EDC on a grant through the EPA to fund the environmental study in March. We are also looking at including Crego and possibly property north of Bancroft Park and Groesbeck Golf Course. Brian Smith asked if the City had a response to the newspaper article of September 9, 2001 that park land may have been sold improperly. Jemerson said it has been recognized as parkland by the DNR and they are proceeding with a conversion process. Gladys Collison noted that she has been circulating a petition on a non-related issue and residents of the area from Grand River to Waverly are appalled that the City of Lansing sold Genesee Park and that a road was suggested through Ormond Park. The group would like anything defined as greenspace to be considered necessary for the City of Lansing. Ron Lott explained the Board and the City have been identifying properties and designating titles so there is a clear understanding if city owned land is to be used for parks and recreation or other purposes. Park Board Minut_ - S,.,raember 19, 2001 2 PARK BOARD MINUTES MOTION: Howard moved the Park Board Minutes of August 15, 2001 be approved as presented; seconded by Ramey. Motion carried. AMERITECH EASEMENT REOUEST- RISDALE PARK Jemerson spoke regarding a request received from Ameritech to obtain a 17' x 25' easement in Risdale Park adjacent to the road right of way to place telecommunication cabinets. Ameritech has offered$4,000 as a one-time payment to obtain this easement. The Department recommends granting this easement with the payment going into the park land acquisition fund. Discussion followed. MOTION: Howard moved the Board support staff recommendation to approve the easement request from Ameritech for a communication cabinet in Risdale Park with payments for this easement going to the park land acquisition fund; seconded by Leyrer. Motion carried. Melvin McWilliams arrived. BUDGET 2002-2003 The Director discussed budget presentations with the Board. Board asked the department focus on what is a continuation budget and what is a change for the next year. The board would like to know what the critical issues may be and who has determined these are critical issues--the public, staff, or Mayor and Council. The Board also wanted an update on the possible limitations for the upcoming budget preparation so they can make reasonable recommendations. If there are cuts to be made, the Board requested recommendations from staff on the most important things to keep. Also, if there are programs that receive matching funding,the Board would like those programs highlighted. The Board decided to begin their October 17 meeting at 6:00 p.m. to enable the reviews to done in one evening. Robert Swanson,Jr.,Finance Director will be invited to this meeting to provide an overview of the City's financial status. UPDATES BY THE DIRECTOR Dog Park-The Friends group is still meeting and the ordinance will return to the forefront later this fall. Terrell noted a dog park is a year round use of a park and a requested, worthwhile activity. Howard related that he attends many events where dogs are not appropriate such as 4' of July activities or the Jazz Festival. He would like dogs prohibited from the large gatherings such as parades, 4'h of July activities and the Jazz Festival. He suggests persons supporting the dog park also support this item. Leyrer expressed concern that even if the park is kept clean, there will still be parasites that come with pets and wondered about preventative measures. Lott noted areas for bikes and skateboards have been addressed. Pet owners also need an open space and by addressing these potential problems, it will minimize difficulties once a park opens. Sycamore Restroom - Jemerson explained the main demolition on the interior should be completed by the end of next week and then the actual remodeling will begin. One of the demolition persons called Leyrer and noted the roof joists are rotten and should be inspected Kircher Park had a large electrical strike on the lights that burned out all the lights and conduit. This Park Board Minut__ - &.,.ember 19, 2001 3 is a$15,000 repair of the lighting system at Kircher. This delayed play and fall ball is behind. Some of the teams have been able to play at Oldsmobile Park. This turned into a plus for our players. Lansing Rotary Animal Hospital at Potter Park Zoo - The Rotary had a separate ribbon cutting to unveil their plaque at the hospital at the zoo. The building will be operational soon. Skateboard Park-Construction is taking place. Jemerson encouraged the board to stop by and view the site. The majority of the lower excavation is completed. The sand has been placed at the base of the park. Cement will be poured soon. Tim Payne was on site last week. There are some additional costs that were not expected in the preliminary cost estimating but we are continuing with the project. Wolverine Engineering is working on the city's behalf to ensure things are being completed according to specifications. Fundraising by the skatepark group was discussed. The LASBRF group has hired a professional fundraiser. Ingham County has resolved to give$10,000 now and will consider$40,000 in their 2002 budget deliberations. Members of LASBRF were also present during Ingham County deliberations and are aware the $40,000 is just under consideration. Potter Park Accreditation- Murdock Jemerson, Gerry Brady and Carol Webster attended the AZA Conference in St. Louis for the re-accreditation. We are still are accredited but for the five years we were seeking. Their standards have changed and a number of zoos have been tabled. We do have some areas to improve and we will be reinspected by a chair of the board and a veterinarian in one year. Discussion followed on animal quarantine issues, communication issues, grounds maintenance issues and other items. The Board was interested in making the committee aware of the level of support this zoo has acquired. Jemerson will draft a letter voicing the Board's support at a date closer to the site visit next year. Quentin Park Drinking Fountain-The fountain was taken out during the construction of the concrete walk and will be reinstalled in the spring when the water is turned back on. The Fall Program Guides are available. Also distributed at the meeting was the Council Action on the Capital Area United Way easement requested at Kingsley Park, Potter Park Zoological Society information, Friends of Turner Dodge information, and the internal newsletter for the Leisure Services Section of the Department. BOARD MEMBER COMMENTS Board members also mentioned Gier Park behind the school needs to have the brush cleared. Regent and Foster Park have picnic tables that are settling. Also the Bengal Nature Center at the former Priggooris Park has been in the news due to issues with a developer nearby. NOVEMBER MEETING - The third Wednesday in November is the Wednesday prior to Thanksgiving. The Board decided to move the meeting to Wednesday, November 14. Meeting Adjourned. Respectfully submitted '17�, f � Lee Ann Foreback, Senior Secretary Approved October 17, 2001. .,ARK BOARD MINUTES October 17, 2001 MEMBERS PRESENT: Mary James, Judith Mohay Filice, Wilbur Howard, Ruth Leyrer, Melvin McWilliams, Claude Ramey, Monica Terrell MEMBERS ABSENT: Ron Lott (excused) OTHERS PRESENT: Bev Marsh and Sherry Shaw of Thelma Osteen NLYG, Beverly Miller-, Brian Smith; Harold Leeman, Jr., City Council; Bob Ford and Bob Stasiuk of Landscape Architects & Planners, Inc.; Mary Winegar, Manager of Leisure Services; Carol Abbott, Administrative Assistant; Paul Dykema, Forestry Manager, Don Ballard, Golf & Ice Rink Manager and Murdock Jemerson, Director of Lansing Parks and Recreation CALL TO ORDER: 6.20 P.M. @ Scott Center, 125 W. Main St. ADDITIONS/DELETIONS TO AGENDA - - STATEMENTS OF CITIZENS - none PARK BOARD MINUTES MOTION: McWilliams moved the Park Board Minutes of September 19, 2001 be approved,as presented; seconded by Howard. Motion carried. Other minutes were received. STAFF REVIEW AND PRESENTATIONS FOR BUDGET 2002-2003 Carol Abbott, Administrative Assistant, spoke regarding Cemetery Administrative needs. This year paving is being put in around Section P at the south end of Evergreen Cemetery. Lots will be laid out and staked and also landscaping will be done in the spring. Signs will be erected noting various rules to enable the rules to be enforced. There is a request for more irrigation and advertising. City staff is reviewing the integrity of the Mount Hope Arch. Filice notes the pond at the entrance to Evergreen is a focal point, and she is interested in knowing the condition of the site. Discussion followed on the pond and the expansion of lot sales. Don Ballard, Golf Manager, distributed a handout on the Golf Division FY 2003 Forecast. He explained a fee increase was not recommended for the coming year. By keeping the fees as they are, players should increase, and thus increase revenue. Golf is also exploring a learning program geared toward youth and beginning golfers and looking at utilizing Sycamore as a learning center. Howard believes a summit should be called to bring the private community and the city together to develop an outstanding program. Filice noted the federal government has a 21" century grant to create afterschool programs and these grants would be available for golf, tennis, soccer or many other programs. Youth passes were discussed. Paul Dykema spoke regarding Forestry issues. The waste wood problems at Crego and potential for firewood sales were discussed. Forestry would also like to stop pruning private trees that extend over the right-of-way and hire an inspector to notify homeowners of their responsibilities. Discussion also Park Board Minutes - Octo, . . , 2001 2 followed the information homeowners receive when new trees are planted (species and how to care for tree). The Forestry Trainee Program was explained in depth. James noted Granger is paid to dispose of Lansing leaves that they turn into mulch and then sell back for an excessively expensive amount. This is not a good use of our urban forest. Filice noted the City market would be a good distribution point to sell compost and bundles of logs. Public had no comment on above items. Robert Swanson, Finance Director, spoke to the Board giving a financial update in light of the economy. The Board had received Council budget priorities and Swanson distributed the pie chart from the Mayor's current budget which shows the source of city revenues. Revenues come from income tax (27%), property tax (27%), state shared revenues (23%). The remainder comes from fees, permits, fines and other revenues such as a return on equity from the Board of Water and Light. The current budget is a little over $102 million. The national and state economic downturn has had a major impact on state government and a number of municipalities. Mid-Michigan is the strongest part of the state's economy. The City income tax receipts haven't increased as much as projected, but they are still a little over where they were a year ago. Our property tax base has kept things stable. Our property tax base increased this year by 7.7 percent which is about 4.5 percent greater than inflation. The state shared revenue has been our biggest source of revenue increases, but now that the state is suffering a downturn, the state shared revenues have been reduced by almost $3 million since last spring. There has also been a loss in revenue sharing due to our population decrease of 6 percent in the last census. State sales tax revenues are down. As the state dealt with their reductions, local government funding has been cutback. The state's revenues are down, and they will make further reductions which may impact us. The City has asked departments to submit a non-personnel operating budget at two levels. One at an inflationary level and one at a zero growth level. This will give the Mayor options. We are hopeful at this time. The budget of the city is 80 percent personnel. Between economic increases and various step increases, there is an increase of approximately 5.5 percent. Health care costs have gone up 8%, 19% and 16% respectively over the past three years. The challenge is to put it all together and live within the revenues that are available. The longer the downturn hangs on the more we will have an impact on income taxes. We do have a fully funded budget stabilization fund, funded at $10.2 million. The coining year will be a tight year. The Board thanked Mr. Swanson and department staff for attending. NORTH LANSING COMFORT STATION Jemerson explained the North Lansing Comfort Station is a facility that is under the jurisdiction of the Parks and Recreation Department held under a lease through the Department of Planning & Neighborhood Development. This facility sits next to the railroad tracks in North Town on Grand River Avenue. It is used by the North Lansing Community Association (NLCA) and the Old Town Main Street (OTMS) groups. As a department, we do not use the facility and do not have the ability to program this site. The lease is will expire at the end of December. Staff is recommending the building be sold. Discussion followed. Bev Marsh from Thelma Osteen NLYG spoke noting the building does need sorne repairs but it is basically sound. She noted Thelma Osteen, her mother, had worked diligently to make this a community building open to all. Marsh went on to detail problems with the NLCA in using the site. She would like the NLCA to become active, open to the public and helpful to all concerned. Park Board Minutes - Octo, 2001 3 Beverly Miller gave a brief history of the building. James explained that as a past-president of the Lansing Neighborhood Council, she recommends the group go to the LNC and ask for their assistance in sorting through that part of the problem. It appears to be a neighborhood organization issue rather than a Park Board issue. Marsh wondered how it would be put up for sale--to the North Lansing Community Association or Old Town Main Street orthe highest bidder. Jemerson's understanding is the current users will have the first option. MOTION: Filice moved the Board support the department's recommendation for a Act 285 Review concerning this property. Filice also suggests that the North Lansing Neighborhood Association take their concerns to the Lansing Neighborhood Council. Seconded by Leyrer. Motion carried. RIVER TRAIL SOUTH STUDY Bob Stasiuk of Landscape Architects&Planners presented the study. This included proposed routes to take the trail frorn Potter to Sycamore Golf Course to Scott Woods to Hawk Island County Park. The trail would also cross to Biggie Munn Park and continue to the Kenneth A. Hope Soccer Complex. Safety issues were discussed along with alternate routes. Ingharn County donated$12,500 towards this study. Once various routes have been decided on, the county and city will continue to work together to apply for grants. James noticed this is a project that will serve generations to come.The Board commended Bob Stasiuk and Landscape Architects and Planners on the work that had went into the plan. Filice was concerned about extending the trail south prior to correcting the pedestrian access to the embankment at Frances Park along the river trail. The department is recommending support of this conceptual plan. MOTION: Filice moved the Board accepts and approves the conceptual plan for the River Trail South as presented. Seconded by Rarney. Motion carried. (4-1 Leyrer no) (McWilliams and Howard had left meeting.) PARK MILLAGE PROJECTS FY 2002-2003 Jemerson asked that this be tabled until the Park Board Meeting on November 14 when more Park Board members can be present. MOTION: Leyrer moved to table this until the November meeting. Seconded by Terrell. Motion carried. UPDATES BY DIRECTOR Dog Park - The proposed amendment to the ordinance to allow dogs off-leash was referred to the City Council Committee on General Services, and there was concern expressed about the operation and liability. Due to that concern it was referred to Public Services to have a discussion on the concept and management of a dog park. The Friends of the Greater Lansing Dog Parks are putting Park Board Minutes - Octo, . . , 2001 4 together information to present to Council. Terrell has been very involved in this issue. Sycamore Park Restroom - The construction is still underway. The demolition has been completed and the new roof is being put in place. The interior heat ducts should be put in soon. Leyrer wondered about the rafters. There were some bad boards but the rafters were fine. This should be completed in mid-November. The next restroom facility to be updated will be Westside Park. Ranney Skateboard Park - Filice noted the kids in the community are coming to her with ideas for fundraising as they believe they must raise $200,000 or the park will not be built. Jemerson noted the preliminary money to build the actual concrete skatepark has been allocated and Team Pain is constructing the park. The additional funds are needed to address situations that have been discovered during construction and also the amenities for the park such as fencing, parking lot, lights, walks, landscaping. Terrell asked if the Friends group (LASBRF) is dealing with the children who want to raise monies. INFORMATION The Apple Butter Festival at Fenner is October 20 and 21. The new Haunted Forest event at Fenner is October 26 and 27. The Washington Dome is open and skating hours were mailed to the Board ADJOURNED Respectfully submitted 4--r-I r��z�,c /gsx Lee Ann Foreback, Senior Secretary Minutes approved November 14, 2001. PARK BOARD AGENDA November 14, 2001 BOARD MEMBERS: Mary James, Judith Mohay Filice, Wilbur Howard, Ruth Leyrer, Ronald Lott, Melvin McWilliams,Claude Ramey and Monica Terrell CALL TO ORDER: 7:00 P.M., Foster Community Center, 200 N. Foster 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, 2001 Park Board Minutes B. Other Board Minutes 4. OLD BUSINESS A. The Comfort Station, 313 E. Grand River 5. NEW BUSINESS A. Staff Presentations for Budget Preparation 2002-2003 (Mary Winegar, Steve Widder, Tim Simon) B. Comstock Park Input (e-mail) C. Summary of Capital Improvements-Departmental Request(includes Park Millage Projects FY 2002-2003 tabled at October meeting) D. Park Board Recommendation on City Council Priorities E. New Program Requests 6. UPDATES A. Dog Park B. Sycamore Restroom C. Skateboard Park 7. CORRESPONDENCE 8. INFORMATION A. Tree of Hope - November 21 - 5:00 P.M. - Oldsmobile Park 9. REMARKS BY BOARD MEMBERS Bold - requires board action PARK BOARD MINUTES November 14, 2001 MEMBERS PRESENT: Mary James, Judith Mohay Filice, Ruth Leyrer, Ron Lott, Melvin McWilliams, Claude Ramey, Monica Terrell MEMBERS ABSENT: Wilbur Howard OTHERS PRESENT: Jerry Heathcote; Dorothy Jones, Moores Park Neighborhood Organization; Tim Simon, Garage Manager, Steve Widder, Grounds& Landscape Maintenance Manager, Mary Winegar, Leisure Services Manager and Murdock Jemerson, Director of Lansing Parks and Recreation CALL TO ORDER: 7:00 P.M. at Foster Community Center The meeting was held the second Wednesday in November as the third Wednesday was the night before Thanksgiving. ADDITIONS/DELETIONS TO AGENDA -none STATEMENTS OF CITIZENS Jerry Heathcote spoke regarding the Women's Boathouse Proposal. He noted that one recommendation from Planning Board was for public access to the facility for the public to store their equipment and then a revised recommendation from Planning Board was made with public access deleted. PARK BOARD MINUTES MOTION: Leyrer moved the Park Board Minutes of October 17,2001 be approved as presented; seconded by Ramey. Motion carried. No other board minutes were received. COMFORT STATION The Board was asked to support staff recommendation for sale of the property. Jemerson noted there is a public hearing on this item Tuesday,November 20 at 7:00 p.m. in Council Chambers. The Park Board had recommended a 285 review be completed and this has been done. Discussion followed. Filice and Leyrer both commented they had been expecting a resolution from the Lansing Neighborhood Council regarding the usage problems of the groups. There were also concerns over the historical significance of this site. Jemerson explained that at the last meeting the board voted to proceed with the 285 review. As part of the 285 review, all of the City Department's give their recommendation as to the disposal of the property as well as the Parks and Recreation Department. The issue of historical significance will be discussed through Planning and Neighborhood Development as it falls under their jurisdiction. The Board also has the option to wait until the 285 review is completed to make their recommendation. Park Board Minutes -Novt._ ..oer 14, 2001 2 Filice commented the staff has already determined it should be sold so why was the Lansing Neighborhood Council asked for any opinion. James clarified there are two issues being confused-- one is the issue of which group is using it and who has priority and access. The Lansing Neighborhood Council is a resource for neighborhood groups who are having difficulties. The other issue is what will happen with the property. The Board recommended the sale be investigated by pursuing the 285 review. Melvin McWilliams arrived at the meeting at 7:18 P.M. MOTION: Leyrer moved the Board table this item until the results of the 285 Review are available; seconded by Filice. Motion carried. STAFF REVIEW AND PRESENTATIONS FOR BUDGET 2002-2003 Tim Simon, Garage Manager, spoke to the Board regarding the Oak Park Garage. The Garage is accountable for the Department's equipment fleet ranging from the 55'aerial tower to the chainsaws. The garage also houses a parts and supplies inventory. The Garage operation is totally internal with no outside customers. Radio purchases are one of the requested CIP items. The current system's licensing is in question and Nextel has purchased the 800 frequencies in this area. We are looking at moving to the BWL system which Public Service currently operates on. This will require different radios. Board discussion followed centering on the appropriateness of asking the department to purchase the radios, the need for a new system and the use of Nextel towers on city property. The Board asked that the relationship between cell towers on city land and the use of a broadcast radio system be explored. Mary Winegar, Leisure Services Manager, introduced Emily Shipley, a newly hired Special Recreation Services employee.Winegar distributed a handout noting points of interest for each ofthe Leisure Services Sections. Filice had specific questions regarding activities at Gier and the Get Michigan Youth Moving grant regarding the working relationship of the department and the school, the targeted age groups and the specifics of the program. McWilliams requested that the discussion center on budget presentations of needs for the next fiscal year. Winegar explained the four new program requests that pertain to this section in detail. These included the Haunted Forest, the Flag Football Program, 1'/2 clerical staff for Special Recreation Services/Lifetime Sports and the Computer Programs for the Community Centers Discussion followed on programming specifics at Gier Community Center and how those programs relate to Gier Elementary School and Otto Middle School. Also the Board discussed programming the MSU Women's Crew would offer along with First Tee Golf programs. James acknowledged there are many questions the Board has for Winegar regarding programming. After the Budget discussions, she would like to invite Winegar to a Park Board meeting to enable the Board to get more information on programming issues and initiatives. Steve Widder,Manager of Grounds and Landscape Maintenance, distributed information on staffing and responsibilities. Equipment needs have a large impact on daily activities. Snow removal equipment will be needed. Widder explained the snow removal operation for the department in detail. He also explained the seasonal process as it relates to seniority and timing issues which cause some workers to move from section to section and use specific equipment irregularly. If some of the Park Board Minutes -Novt,_ jer 14, 2001 3 seasonals were kept on longer they would be utilizing the same equipment and be available to help with the ever expanding late summer and fall programs(flag football,little kicker soccer,soccer,Mid- Michigan Youth Football).Discussion also followed on beautification programming and the need for cautious enthusiasm. NEW PROGRAM REQUESTS The Director distributed a list of staff generated new or expanded program requests. Jemerson asked the Board to review the list and determine three top new program requests to recommend. The Department has been asked to submit a maximum of three new program requests. Jemerson explained the items which included Letts Computer Program, Landscape Architect Intern (GIS), Potter Park Zoo Maintenance Supervisor, Flag Football, Haunted Forest, Regional Parks Map, Disposal of Wood at Crego, Establish a Firewood Business (staff and equipment less revenue), Increase Tree Trimming Efforts (seasonals to full time), Full time Tree Inspector- Private Trees (revenue from fines,private contractor and overhead),Two Full time Arborists-emphasis on Fenner and Potter, Increase Tree Planting Budget, Convert Teamster 580 part time to two full time and contract employee rate increases]. Lengthy discussion followed. Filice specifically questioned the Regional Park Map asking which parks would be listed on the map, if they would be included on the zoning map and if the City Market would specifically be listed. Jemerson explained this is a regional recreational facilities informational map and the City Market would probably not be listed. Filice then spoke to the audience noting that a historic site, a city park, part of the river trail, part of Adado Park, will be something that is up for negotiation and not be in the 2003 city park plan. Jemerson noted that is incorrect as this is a regional facilities map to direct people to recreation areas in the area and it is not an official map to identify all parkland within the City of Lansing. Filice commented she would vote no but asked that all public persons present alert everyone in the community that in a new park map the municipal park which is part of the RiverTrail may not appear. Jemerson noted this is a regional map and not all park areas are listed in regional maps. James redirected the discussion asking the Board members priorities for new programs they are interested in. Board members expressed preferences for choices. Leyrer moved the Board's recommendations. MOTION: Leyrer moved the Board recommend the Letts Computer Program, Potter Park Maintenance Supervisor and the Establishment of a Firewood Business as the new or expanded programs to be recommended to the Mayor. Seconded by Terrell. Discussion followed. McWilliams noted there is really very little information on which to base a decision. Others present were asked their priorities including Widder,Winegar,Jemerson and Jones. Dorothy Jones noted she hears of the problems in contacting the department to get information on coaching sports, etc., and a clerical person in that area may improve many areas. Jemerson noted he is leaning towards the zoo maintenance supervisor,the rate increases that are necessary to maintain quality persons and the tree trimming seasonals to full time. He does plan on speaking to all the issues when he presents the new programs. He is hoping that the wage increases can be handled as something other than a new program as this should be an ongoing process. If that can be handled in an alternate fashion, the clerical staff increase is important. Park Board Minutes -Novt._ .per 14, 2001 4 Motion defeated. MOTION: Leyrer moved the Board recommend the Potter Park Zoo Maintenance Supervisor as a new program. Seconded by Terrell. McWilliams asked that it be included in the Board's recommendation that the Haunted Forest and Flag Football not be treated as new revenue items as they are balanced items with revenues and expenses. James asked that the contract wage items be handled differently than as a new program each year. Terrell commented on the lack of information and the confusing process. James noted she has shared the feeling of frustration and has been on the board for several budget years. Many years the department has presented a very detailed analysis over several meetings including special meetings. The Board members then felt matters were getting too far into the administration aspect. Perhaps the pendulum has swung too far. Motion carried. Yes - 3; Filice abstained, James no. MOTION: Filice moved that a new program to provide two computers at each community center be considered by the board for referral to the Mayor. Seconded by Ramey. Motion carried. MOTION: Leyrer moved that a new program to convert the Teamster 580 half time position to two full time positions in the Special Recreation Services/Lifetime Sports Sections be recommended. Seconded by Ramey. Motion carried. (5-1 Filice opposed) CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS Jemerson reviewed the projects staff is recommending for inclusion in the budget. MOTION: McWilliams moved that the Board recommend the Capital Improvement Projects as presented. No second was received. Terrell does not feel enough information was presented regarding the radio system replacement. Jemerson explained all purchases are overseen by the Purchasing Section. We are going to lose our service and need a functioning system. Widder also noted that by being on the same system as other agencies such as Public Service Department or the Board of Water and Light, we can coordinate information better in emergencies. These agencies have also done a lot of the preliminary investigation. McWilliams left the meeting. Jemerson explained he will be making recommendations as the department head but the Park Board can table this issue and make their recommendation at their next meeting. Terrell noted that the list is already complete and the Board is not selecting items. Jemerson explained the majority of these items have been discussed already. Park Board Minutes -Nove_ .per 14, 2001 5 MOTION: Ramey moved the Board forward the items. No second. MOTION: Leyrer moved the Board table the review of the Capital Improvement Program until more information is presented on each item. Seconded by Filice. James asked that Board members review their information including five year plans so they are familiar with timely issues. Filice requested a one sentence or less explanation of these items. Motion carried. (3-2 James and Ramey opposed) PARK BOARD RECOMMENDATION ON CITY COUNCIL PRIORITIES The Council Budget Priorities were mailed out with the Board's packet. Jemerson explained asked the Board for their recommendation to be forwarded to the Mayor on these priorities. MOTION: Leyrer moved to accept and support the Council priorities for Parks and Recreation and also recommended funding be allocated to enact these priorities; seconded by Ramey. Discussion followed. Motion carried. UPDATES Brief updates were given by the Director on the Dog Park, Sycamore Restroom and the Skateboard Park. INFORMATION- Tree of Houe Director informed the Board the National Christmas tree is being provided by Michigan this year. The tree will be in Lansing November 21 at Oldsmobile Park for a special ceremony. Meeting adjourned. Respectfully submitted Lee Ann Foreback, Park Board Secretary Approved 12/19/2001. PARK BOARD MINUTES December 19, 2001 MEMBERS PRESENT: Mary James(excused late 8:35 p.m.), Judith Mohay Filice (7:07 p.m.), Wilbur Howard, ,Ruth Leyrer(7:07 p.m.),Ron Lott, Melvin McWilliams, Claude Ramey, Monica Terrell OTHERS PRESENT: Brian Smith, CBL; Dorothy Jones, Moores Park Neighborhood Organization;Tom Powers,Beverly Miller,Bev Marsh, Gordon Marsh, Becky Wick, Joyce Hook, Sherry Shaw, NLCA; Belinda Fitzpatrick; Jerry Heathcote; Christine Timmon;Pete Bosheff; Harold Leeman, Jr., City Council; Murdock Jemerson, Director of Lansing Parks and Recreation CALL TO ORDER: 7:03 P.M. at Scott Center Ron Lott chaired the meeting until Mary James arrived. ADDITIONS/DELETIONS TO AGENDA -Director distributed information on the draft Goal Statements 2002 for Information. STATEMENTS OF CITIZENS -Lott welcomed citizens and asked they sign in. Dorothy Jones of Moores Park Neighborhood Organization commented that it has been over a year since she expressed the MPNO's concern over the chain link fence around the shuffleboard courts. They did meet with the representatives of the shuffleboard courts and came to a compromise that a fence that did not come up quite so high would be acceptable. This solution does not make either group completely happy and MPNO is not satisfied with the fencing. Filice and Leyrer arrived at 7:07 p.m. Christine Timmons spoke noting that the Board represents city officials and that everything is dictated to the Board and the Director. Citizens come to express their opinions on deaf ears. She is working with a former city attorney employee on a recall study. Park Board members disagreed with Ms. Timmons' comments.Differences of opinion,volunteering of hours, and dedication were all discussed. Lott stressed this is not a"rubber stamp"group. Many issues have had long debates and often recommendations are made other than what Council or Mayor would have preferred. This is unfair to group the Board together when there is evidence from past issues and meetings that there are differences of opinion between the Board members and the Council. Lott does appreciate her input. Beverly Nfnrsf Miller commented that a portion of riverfront property is falling into the river in Old Town and is being investigated by the DNR. Jemerson explained this may be property that is owned by Ferguson Development. We have not been notified by the DNR or the DEQ about problems with the breakwall. Lott explained the Board was aware of the earlier problems and the City and Ferguson worked to resolve these problems to meet the requirements of the DNR. Park Board Minutes - December 19, 2001 2 PARK BOARD MINUTES MOTION: McWilliams moved the Park Board Minutes of November 14, 2001 be approved as presented; seconded by Leyrer. Howard noted has been on the Board for six years and last month was the first time he failed to notify the department he would be absent and he apologized. Motion carried. Other board minutes were received. COMFORT STATION The Board received further information on this item at the beginning of the month to allow ample time for review. The administration's recommendation is to proceed with the sale of this facility. The lease is administered by Planning and Neighborhood Development; Parks and Recreation does not have a key to this facility; we do not program the facility; and we do not budget for repairs of this facility. Parks administration agrees with the recommendation of the Planning Board to sell the facility to the neighborhood group and seeks the Boards support of the recommendation. Filice is opposed to the sale of the property. The City is too hasty is selling property that has taken 80+years to acquire. This property belongs to future generations. Old Town is an extremely viable and developing neighborhood which will need more community meeting places. Leyrer noted the building definitely has historical value and should be renovated and displayed much like the Turner-Dodge House. She noted there are other properties that clubs and groups lease for $1 that have great public use such as the Garden Project at Foster Park. She would like to keep the property under Parks and Recreation jurisdiction while continuing the lease. Ramey wondered if there had been offers on the building. Jemerson explained there have been no offers and it was the intent to release it to the neighborhood group that is currently meeting there. Lott asked if that was the only use of the building at this point. Jemerson clarified that the Parks and Recreation Department has no interaction with the facility and Planning and Neighborhood Development Department has been administering the lease. Discussion followed regarding the building being"dedicated." Jemerson noted that is not"dedicated" park land. Jemerson noted the only thing that connects the Department ofParks and Recreation with the property is this lease. This is not dedicated park land by deed or way of City Council action. Tom Powers,President ofNLCA, noted the NLCA partnered with Mayor Grave's office and applied for an EDC grant for the building which the city owned at the time. The only use of the City of Lansing prior to 1966 was the City of Lansing water inspector's office. The building was then shut down for 10 or 15 years. NLCA applied for the grant in conjunction with the City. The grant was to rehab the building. The NLCA also invested to bring the building up to code. The NLCA has maintained the building. The first indication it was under Parks and Recreation was about 5 or 6 years ago when NLCA received a tax bill. Prior to that it had been under Planning or Public Service. Jemerson noted that this facility came to the department by way of this lease. The Parks and Recreation Department doesn't have keys, plans or a budget for this facility. It is not dedicated park Park Board Minutes - December 19, 2001 3 land because it is not stated as such in the deed and there is no Council action stating it is dedicated Park land and the Mayor has not referred it to Council to be dedicated. The use may have been dedicated for community use, but it is not dedicated park land. This was not raised as an issue previously as being dedicated park land. This is City land but not park land. Jemerson is asking the Board support Planning's recommendation that the property be disposed of to a non-profit group for a nominal fee with the building being restricted for community use and a deed restriction be in place addressing the preservation of this historic building. Beverly Marsh, daughter of Thelma Osteen, spoke. She asked that the Board look at the Comfort Station. The building has been idle for almost 3 years. There have been Christmas parties and a few meetings. Councilmember Leeman has an office that is used for storage in the building. Since Thelma Osteen's death in 1999 there has been no active NLCA. There has not been an association meeting since last June. The NLCA should lease it and it should remain owned by the City ofLansing. Marsh feels that until there is a legitimate NLCA that meets monthly, the building should not be given to NLCA. Powers will not let the building be opened for a functioning office for the NLCA Brian Smith noted the building has plaques on it noting it is dedicated and it was last dedicated in 2000. Smith also noted the Planning Board has made no recommendation on this property and the Planning Board's agenda notes they want to market it for sale. Smith explained it was investigated for use as a North End Drop In Center in 1968 but it would have been costly to renovate the facility and bring it up to code. Smith has a copy of a student's high school report that noted tennis nets were repaired in this facility in the winter. Howard noted that the building has been leased for years to the NLCA and it has been a recent development to assign this building to Parks and Recreation. The Parks and Recreation Department was not involved in the earlier negotiations. Lott asked if the Board chooses not to go with the departmental recommendation and recommend the property not be sold, what will change in terms of use of the building and wider community use or upgrading the facilities. This takes people and money and it doesn't sound like either is happening. He is unclear in the advantage of continuing to lease out the building. Beverly Marsh noted the City continuing to own the building would assure it remain historical, non- smoking and non-drinking and available for use by the community...not just the NLCA. It is not a private club. Lott asked about scheduling of groups, regulating heat and opening and closing. Marsh though it could be handled through the association and wondered what is wrong with the lease relationship that has been in place for 20 years. Lott was hearing there have been problems because it is not available or accessible to groups and he wondered what will change by renewing a lease. li Beverly Miller noted she has been there since the beginning. It was scheduled for demo tion. The organization prior to Thelma Osteen's involvement,came into being to apply for the grant to renovate the building. The grant accomplished a lot but volunteers worked to save the building. This was an active group. Belinda Fitzpatrick agreed with Filice that it should be kept as a recreational center so it can be open to anyone who meets certain criteria. It will take minimal management. Timmons also would like the facility kept. Powers noted for 20 years the NLCA has paid for the building and let community and neighborhood groups use it free of charge. This summer if it was anything less than a formal meeting by the NLCA, Park Board Minutes - December 19, 2001 4 a written request was required submitted 10 days in advance. Groups were not willing to do this. Terrell noted the group was still having inner turmoil. At a previous meeting the group was strongly urged to contact the Lansing Neighborhood Council for help in resolving some of these issues. Tom Powers explained Cheryl Risner, President of the LNC had contacted Tom Powers, but when she discovered Bev Marsh and her sister had contacted an attorney, she bowed out. Now Powers must deal with the attorney. Terrell noted she has concerns regarding what she is witnessing between the parties interested in the building and it carries over to the decision on extending the lease or selling the facility. Terrell feels the spirit of the intent of the building is it be available for community use and it appears not to be happening. Until she is certain these issues are resolved, she is not interested in recommending continuing the lease. Lott noted it appeared the department's recommendation does not have wide support at this time and asked for a motion from the Board. He is concerned about the building being used by no one or a small group. MOTION: McWilliams moved to table this issue until the February meeting with the request that the NLCA and its members and other interested parties mediate the problems that they have in the interim. Seconded by Howard. McWilliams noted it does not make sense for the groups to come to this forum to work out issues that should be worked out at the Comfort Station. The tendency is to dispose of something that is causing a problem, but the decision to renew the lease or sell the property should not be influenced by the fact the north side groups are quarreling at this time. Leyrer supports the motion to table but feels the Board's concern is just the building not the issues between the users. Jemerson again asked if the community expects the Parks and Recreation Department to adopt, manage and solve these issues for the group. The consensus from the citizens present was they do not care who in the city manages this facility,but they would prefer to deal with one department. The citizens representing the north Lansing area would like to see the facility remain with the City of Lansing with equitable service to all groups wishing to use the facility. Motion carried. (6-1 Filice opposed) SUMMARY OF CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS - DEPARTMENTAL REQUEST INCLUDING PARK MH LAGE PROJECTS FY 2002-2003 The Board tabled this issue at their October and November meetings. A summary description of projects was included in this month's packet. The Board has reviewed these items previously. MOTION: McWilliams moved the Board recommend the Capital Improvement Projects for FY 2002-2003 as presented and seconded by Leyrer. Motion carried. RIVER TRAIL SOUTH- DEAN TRANSPORTATION EASEMENT Jemerson explained the department's interest in obtaining an easement along Sycamore Creek. Park Board Minutes - December 19, 2001 5 MOTION: Filice moved the Board recommend the City proceed to acquire an easement for the property at 4726 Aurelius Road for the future extension of the River Trail South along Sycamore Creek in cooperation with Dean Investment LCC and that this easement include the joint erection of a fence along the easement line. Seconded by Howard. Motion carried. FRIENDS OF COOLEY GARDENS PLAQUES The Cooley family has requested to erect plaques in the gardens. The Friends of Cooley has approved this and will pay for the installation and our gardener would supervise the installation. MOTION: Howard recommend approval of the request; seconded by Leyrer. Motion carried. James arrived. PURCHASE OF DNR PARCEL NEAR PARCEL B (12' X 297' STRIP) The Board had received correspondence regarding possible acquisition of this property. MOTION: Lott moved the Board support the Planning Board's Urban Development Committee's recommendation for approval ofthe Act-25-01 for the acquisition ofthis parcel for$3 00 to consolidate abutting city parcels(collectively known as"Highway Parcel B")and that this parcel receive the same designation regarding parkland status as the remainder of Parcel B. Seconded by Ramey. Motion carried. UPDATES BY DIRECTOR Sycamore Restroom-The construction is soon to be finished and hopefully we will be in there by the first of the year repainting picnic tables. Dorothy Jones asked about access and if it will be open. Moores Park restroom is locked and the group can no longer access the restroom. The key no longer works. Jemerson noted Sycamore is primarily used in the summer for sports activities. Pete Bosheff commented that many restrooms are not open and drinking fountains are difficult to find. Skate Park- The street course portion of the park is completed. Team Pain is done for the winter but will be back in the spring to finish the"big bowl" portion. The bid for the amenities package is out with the opening next month. The estimate is $521,000 and we currently have approximately $300,000. It is still a construction site and signs are being posted around the fence. An additional signed fence is also being posted. LPD and LASBRF are both working to keep the kids o$'the park. May 15 is the date the contractors are to be finished. LETTER FROM JOHN POLLARD TO JOSEPH PANDY OF BWL 12/11/01 The Board received a copy of a letter from John Pollard regarding the Sunset property trees. There are two high tension wires across the property and the trees under these wires have been trimmed. This is the case across the river and in all other locations. Park Board Minutes - December 19, 2001 6 INFORMATIONAL ITEMS The Board viewed a video on"The Vital Role for Citizen Board Members". Items were mailed to the Board on the Status Report on Goals 2001, Accomplishments 2001, Newspaper Article on Turner-Dodge Renovation,New Program Guides Available and the 2002 Salt Lake City Olympic Torch Run on January 6, 2002. Jemerson also distributed a draft of department goals for input. REMARKS BY BOARD MEMBERS Filice again mentioned Moores River Drive by Frances Park has heavier use and pedestrians are in danger. Jemerson will check with Transportation. Filice wondered what the demographics are of the users for the Friends of Turner-Dodge. Terrell noted there are broken ramps at Grand River Park from MSU. It is visible from the road. She also noted vehicles are being driven from the parking lot to the boat house and being parked. James also has been asked to have the soccer nets removed from Ingham Park. Leyrer thanked the department for fixing the broken picnic tables at Regent and Foster Parks. Leyrer also distributed some calendars for afterschool youth to Board members who work closely with various centers. Adjourned. Respectfully submittedY Lee Ann Foreback, Park Board Secretary Approved 1/16/02