HomeMy WebLinkAbout2007 Park Board Minutes PARK BOARD MINUTES
January 10, 2007
Letts Community Center
MEMBERS PRESENT: Ron Lott, Melvin McWilliams, Brian Smith, Ruther Leyrer, Pat
Murray
MEMBERS ABSENT: Rick Kibbey, Alfonzo Mejorado, Claude Ramey
OTHERS PRESENT: Don Ballard, Interim Deputy Director, Parks and Recreation,
John Wojack and Ron Wojack, Lansing Boat Club
CALLED TO ORDER: Vice President R Lott called the meeting to order at 7:07 pm
ADDITIONS/DELETIONS TO THE AGENDA:
None
STATEMENTS OF CITIZENS:
None
PARK BOARD MINUTES:
December 13, 2006
Reviewed as distributed. Motion by P. Murray, 2r'a by R. Leyrer to approve the minutes of the
December 13t' meeting. Passed without dissent.
NEW BUSINESS
Presentation on BTS/Mt Hope Cemetery project
Postponed (No representative present)
Annual Report
Still a work in progress
OLD BUSINESS
Capital Improvement Projects for `08
Discussion held; action postponed until the next meeting with a request for staff input on
additional projects (especially in the south end of the city) and a review of input from community
and city workers that the bathroom renovations (at Foster and St. Joe) can be brought up to code
for a cost less than the $250,000 listed.
Suggestions for the next Board meeting included: Tue 1/30 or Wed 1/31 for a special meeting to
review CIP proposals and determine recommended priorities.
Also, the next Board meeting is scheduled for Valentine's Day. Suggestion made to consider
switching it to Thu 2/15 or Wed 2/21.
- GPARK BOARD MINUTES i �E VIED
i
February 21,2007
Gier Community Center 2H1 AR -5 11IN 0 � $
MEMBERS PRESENT: Rick Kibbey, Melvin McWilliams, Brian Smith, Rff&&t yr'ei;Pat
Murray, (Ron Lott arrived at 8:10 p:m.)
MEMBERS ABSENT: Alfonzo Mejorado, Claude Ramey, Ron Lott
OTHERS PRESENT: Murdock Jemerson, Director Parks and'Recreation;Richard
Leeper; John Pollard; Louise Hamilton; Ron Theisen; Judith Filice;
June Knostman; Beth Monteith John Wojack; Ron Wojack;Nancy
Parson-Mahlow
•
CALLED TO ORDER: 7:00 p.m.
ADDITIONS/DELETIONS TO THE AGENDA:
Friends of Frances Park
STATEMENTS OF CITIZENS:
John Pollard asked Murdock Jemerson to-thank Paul Dykema---for taking care of trees on his
street that were destroyed during a CSO project. There were trees that had red dots designated to
be cut down, Pollard stated he went to Mr. Dykema and asked on behalf of his elderly neighbor
to not have the tree cut,down. Dykema trimmed the tree, Mrs. Wise passed away and Pollard
wanted.to thank Paul for not just;cutting'jhe tree down so that Mrs. Wise was able to enjoy the
tree. If has now been cut down. Pollard also,stated the tennis courts at Quentin need backboards
and also signs need to be posted prohibiting skating and biking on the new courts.
June Knostman,from the Garden Club of Greater Lansing, spoke on behalf of Friends of Frances
Park who are working to bring'a master plan to Frances Park. She indicated Dr. John Burley
from MSU called and said the Frances Park project will be given to the Landscape Architectural
class on March 13 and-on March 15, Dr. Burley and the class will walk Frances Park.
Knostman stated they want a wish list from the Park Board, the City, Murdock, the Mayor, City
Council, the Garden Club, Friends of Frances and the neighborhood associations. Knostman
provided a list of wishes from the various associations.
PARK BOARD MINUTES:
January 10, 2007
Moved and supported as written
Motion carried
NEW BUSINESS
Park Board Minutes—February 21, 2007 Page 2
RICHARD LEEPER
Jemerson stated included in the board's packet was a letter of recommendation from Jake Boss
attesting Johnny Leeper was involved with Westside field. This is not an action item at this time
as other letters are pending.
Mr. Leeper stated his father was born in 1923, he played sandlot and high school baseball with a
not yet hall of fame player, named Lefty Grove. This was during Lansing,Central's,years as
state champs. Drafted right out of high school by the Cubs, Johnny had a-season of AAA and
AA ball as short stop. However, the plans ended with the attack of Pearl Harbor. After the war
and having a broken thumb, Johnny tried a disappointing year as?shortstop for the Oldsmobile
team. He later played softball for Art's Bar and the Lansing Boundaries where he was the star
on numerous local title teams and 3 or 4 state fast pitch championships, playing second base in
his later years until the age of 45. Mr. Leeper stated his fathentaught him the love of the game,
which also included principals, personal goals, and sportsmanship. Mr. Leeper asked for the
sake of inspiration to local youth who may like the game of baseball, to promote Lansing Parks
and Recreation's youth leagues and motivate such youth Mr. Leeper asks this board,;as well as
city council to approve his petition for memorial-,in naming LCD's designated diamond as Leeper
Field.
Jemerson asked Mr.Leeper if he was,getting a letter from the LCC athletic department and if he
had a new mock-up of what the sign wouldlook-like. Mr. Leeper saidhe could talk with the AD
at LCC and Jemerson stated it would be a good idea.
Leeper asked the board for their approval tonight pending receipt of the items the board
requested. Kibbey stated the board likes to have the package wrapped up before sending it and
the board would not make a decision on this item tonight.
OLD BUSINESS
BUDGET OVERVIEW
Jemerson stated Jerry Ambrose was not here tonight; however this could be done next month.
Jemerson stated as far as the budget goes, department heads have been asked to give scenarios
for 5%, 10%, and 15% budget cuts as to what we would propose. This has been done and
tomorrow, if not.Friday for sure, he would be receiving the Parks Department's budget target
number and he will;know what has been decided as to what percent of a cut this department will
receive. He thinks itJs better that he has this number first, and go over the figures next month
Mr. Ambrose could be here.
Kibbey did not think the board needed an official meeting, but did need to meet on this.
Jemerson asked the board for a meeting to discuss this. Kibbey asked when the Mayor presents
his budget to council. Jemerson stated the budget has to be presented by the end of March and
approved by the second Saturday in May.
Park Board Minutes—February 21, 2007 Page 3
Knostman asked Kibbey to explain if millage goes into the budget, does it mean cuts will be
made to what the public voted. Kibbey stated this is a major concern to the board,'the staff and
various friends of parks. What we think is unfair is for the citizens to come up with millage and
to have the budget offset by this amount. It was for capital improvements and now it feels like a
compact between the citizens and the Park Board of what we ask for and what`we get. The board
has worked hard to ensure the parks are kept at the level they need10 be kept at. If it" a little
effort, the citizens were willing to step up and he does not want to'see that undercut. This is a
question that many of them have and that is what is fair about the use of millage funds. Kibbey
stated there would be a hearing specifically for the parks department and,he hopes anyone who
works with parks and friends groups will stay active in this process. The first step is our
recommendations; the second step is the Mayor's recommendation. Jemerson stated the Mayor's
recommendation would be presented to the department heads. Jemerson commented he wanted
as a point of information as far as the millage vote; the ballot language;was modified to say "for
operations and maintenace of the park system". The operations piece was in there to give the
administration the right to use park millage money for operations of the department. ,"
Kibbey stated the Mayor would present his budget to Council on March 26 and he would urge
everyone to take a close look at the budget to see where your project is. City Council will then
have a series of hearings where you will have an;opportunity to present; they will then have a
series of discussion's on how they,are going to handle it. He believes there is one more round of
hearings at the end and then they vote. Kibbey stated the board has stayed active in this process,
but it is very helpful for them to hear from citizens who are active around specific park issues.
Kibbey said they would schedule a budget meeting when there is information to discuss.
ORDINANCE CHANGE
Kibbey stated there is a City.of Lansing change of city'policy ordinance form in the package.
Jemerson said a few months ago Rebecca Humphries, Director of the Department of Natural
Resources, approached him and asked him`if there was any we could allow recreational archery,
even more specifically there is a national program of archery in the schools, that the DNR has
adopted. The City:has an ordinance that does not allow for shooting of archery, bb guns, pellet
guns, cross bows and the like in the City. He has not only been approached by them, but by the
Boy Scouts to allow a bb'-gun range be established according to the Scout's rules as far as safety
for ranges. They-are looking'at Fenner. Jemerson stated he put together on a policy change form
new language; currently the language says "that no person shall fire or shoot any firearm, airgun,
spring gun, bow and.arrow, slingshot, cross bow or other dangerous weapon in any street or
public place or fire or shoot such a weapon in any place in a manner that would endanger or be
likely to eridarnger any person or property provided that this section shall not apply to law
enforcement or security personnel. The proposed change would say pretty much all of this, but
at the end it would say "subject to the following exceptions: A) Recreational shooting programs
and ranges specifically for air, gas and spring powered bb-guns and pellet guns, bows and arrows
and cross bows under the authority of the Lansing Police Department and approved by the
Mayor and City Council. B) Recreational shooting programs and ranges as approved in A(the
aforementioned) must be under the direct supervision of a certified instructor who has
successfully completed a nationally recognized training program as approved by the Lansing
Police Department. C) Recreational shooting ranges shall be designed according to state and/or
Park Board Minutes—February 21, 2007 Page 4
nationally recognized standards. D) This section does not apply to law enforcement or security
personnel.
Jemerson stated the form asked about the rational for changing this ordinance to what he just
read, and basically he has been approached by the DNR for this national archery in the schools
program and he has information that there are already schools in Michigan that have already
started this program, as well as we have our 4-H and scouting programs hefe in towzi requesting
for this type of change as it is part of their programs. Jemerson Stated he did not`put this down as
an action item, but as an information item. If the board wishes to take""a stance on making a
recommendation to the Mayor of he can provide more information on this. He stated there is
also a possibility, and this is from Director Humphries, that in 2008 there will be,a national
archery foundation conference, they want to have it in Lansing, but they''need a place to shoot
indoors (ie: Lansing Center), which would have economic ramifications to,have a national
conference here. Director Humphries is very interested in use taking a4ead in getting the
ordinance change. There is support from Chief Alley and he is willing to work with us on
establishing safe shooting ranges in the schools as well as Fenner or any other safe location.
Smith stated he had no problems with the archery component,but the gun part bothers him a
little. He would like to see a more recent letter from Chief Alley than his letter from 2004, in
which the verbiage does not seem as strong as part A is written. Chief Alley's letter requests
specific dates, times and locations:
Kibbey stated one of the reasons she was interested in this is that he works with scouts and they
camp at Fenner and it is nice to have things'to do there. The letter,he saw from the Chief
reflected that same sort of language that if you, going to do this you better let him know when
and where you are going to do this.
Smith stated if there could be a more current letter,than 2004 from Chief Alley he would be
willing to look at it.
McWilliams stated in the document the actual written rational speaks of arrows and bows and he
realizes it doesn't include firearms as such, but it doesn't speak as much or as clearly to the air
guns and spring gums. Jemerson stated it mentioned in the rational about 4-H and Scouting
programs, but he could provide more support from those agencies.
Murray inquired about the letter from Chief Alley mentioning permits and he did not find it
under the proposed,clange and he would like to see specific language about permits. He would
not be willing to approve anything with guns, but he has no problem with archery.
Kibbey stated there are a couple comments that may be a way to address Smith's concern about
the specifics of when, where and the permitting and the board would not be willing to act on this
tonight.
Leyrer asked what the ratio of students to instructors, have there been any accidents and what is
our liability. Jemerson stated when he hired in as manager, he would visit the kids' camps and he
noticed they would shot bows and there have not been any problems or accidents. It is no longer
done, due to the ordinance.
Park Board Minutes—February 21, 2007 Page 5
Kibbey stated they would look forward to seeing at the next meeting some language relative to
permitting and how it addresses itself to the Chief s oversight of this and some language relative
how the program involves air guns.
NANCY PARSONS MAHLOW—MT. HOPE CEMETERY
Back in October 2006, she read an article in the City Pulse regarding Mt. Hope Cemetery talking
about spooky areas that people look for at Halloween. It mentioned several things and it talked
about the boy's training school. The boys training school use to be on the east side of Lansing,
which is now Eastern High, old Pattengill, Sparrow Hospital, and the fieldhouse, about 280+
acres. It started out as a vocational school for boys, a military;style for`,adjudicated boys in the
area.
In looking at this article, it talked about the boys who were buried at Mt.';Hope and how they did
not have markers. She was able to find the location and there is a marker there about 3' x 4' and
it simply says "Boy's Vocational Training School Memorial", which has aBible!verse on it. But
behind the marker there are 61 graves that are not riiarke"d, However they are marked at the
cemetery office which shows the location and who is in which plot, but there are no`markers of
any kind for each boy. She wrote letters to Senators and Representatives that she somehow
wanted to give these boys an identity. She is on a mission to raise the money, which would cost
about $18,000. The smallest plaques that would accommodate the information are also the same
size used in baby land at the cemetery and would require Mr. Jemerson's approval. The second
part is to have the grave sight a historical,sight. The third part is to see Mt. Hope Cemetery as a
historical sight because much of Lansing's historyis there.
Mahlow stated her first goal is to give the boys graves an identity. She and her granddaughter
decorated the grave sight at Christmas and will decorate for Easter. She has as much information
as she can find on the history of the boys training school She is receiving help from LPD to
make sure the names and identities are correct. There use to be a cemetery called Lansing
Community Cemetery, which is now Oak Park and when they closed that cemetery they moved
27 boys to Mt. Hope.
Mahlow stated she has spoke with Representative Bauer and has sent letters to Lansing funeral
homes seeking help toward the cost.
Jemerson asked how much:each of markers would cost. Mahlow said it depended on whether
they used granite or bronze, but it was a total of$18,000 and there were 61 boys which equals
approximately $300 per grave sight. Jemerson asked if she had contacted state, because the state
still owns the plots. She stated she had because the state still had jurisdiction. The facility
started`in 1855 and closed in 1972, the boys were buried according to record between the years
of 1855 to 1933.
Leyrer asked about the Mt. Hope trust fund and if it was only for improvements.
FRANCES PARK
It was asked if it has been considered to leave Frances Park open in the winter and use the back
parking lot off of Oxford. The friends are interested in a more seasonal use of Frances Park as it
Park Board Minutes—February 21, 2007 Page 6
is completely closed for almost half of the year. They have received a lot of community interest
in having the park available to a greater extent. Part of their wish list is to have"cross country
trails.
Jemerson stated the auxiliary parking is closed for security reasons,arid would require an exercise
in park management to protect the rose garden and pavilion. He would want;to meet with the
group to discuss ideas on how to manage to protect the pavilion and all the area behind it.
The friends would like the board to consider this request and they,,are determined to increase the
use of Frances Park to generate more fiends for weddings and family activities. Kibbey stated he
would be contacting them about this matter.
In researching Frances Park they have determined the initial movement to create Frances and
Moores Park began in 1908 with the donation of the property by Mr. Moores. The centennial for
Frances Park will be in 2008 and they want`to bring this to the board and city,council that
Frances Park should be celebrated and encouraIn
ge the department to make plans for this event.
Knostman stated the wish list for Frances Park would be provided and distributed to the MSU
students to develop the conceptual plans for Frances Park. Mr:'Jemerson and the Park Board will
be the first to,see the conceptual plans and MSU would like to present those plans at the April 11
Park Board meeting. The students will do',the presentation as part of their training. The
conceptual plan will then go to the Mayor's office,;City Council and everyone who had a hand in
the wish list to make suggestions. After this, it will go back to MSU and become a master plan
for Frances_Park that should be good,,for many years.
McWilliams asked Mrs. Knostman how they are getting information for their wish list.
Knostman said every group they have appeared before were given a sheet to add their wishes to
and then the lists were condensed into the list the board has before them tonight. McWilliams
asked how many groups they have gone before. Knostman replied they went to Mr. Jemerson,
Park Board, Lansing City Council, Friends of Frances, Moores and Cambridge Neighborhood
Association. McWilliams clarified the condensed wish list consisted of wishes from all of these
groups.
LANSING BOAT CLUB
Jemerson stated today he reviewed a final draft of the lease agreement and the lease will be sent
out by Friday to the Commodore who is in Florida. He also understands some of the other
officers are also in Florida and contact will be made with them also. This is a one-year lease
with options for renewing.
Smith asked for a copy of the lease. Jemerson stated he wanted to get the draft of the lease to the
commodore first so he has a chance to make comments or changes it to it. Jemerson stated he
would have to confer with the city attorney to find when it would be appropriate to put the lease
out to everyone. Kibbey asked what the relationship is between the commodore and board, is he
like the president. He also asked if the commodore was the chair of the board, he is not. What is
the relationship between the commodore and chair of the board? The commodore makes the
Park Board Minutes—February 21, 2007 Page 7
decisions on repairs, bylaws and major decisions. Kibbey asked why the chair of the board
couldn't have a copy of the lease. Jemerson said he would clear the matter with the city attorney.
CIP FY08
Kibbey stated there are two things he saw, first the 07-08 CIP prioritization form looks like the
list the board approved, secondly a section of a prior document as to whaOreaks out-the cost of
why the Foster Park facility will cost what it will cost.
F
Pollard voiced his concerns about how the parks millage moneyand general fund money are
being used.
Lott commented this board several times expressed a concern about parks;money going toward
operational things and he assumes the board will continue to do so because it has been
unanimous every time.
Jemerson stated this is a list the board put together and there is a$350000 local match in the list
for Grand River Park. This is not new to the boat club, as they have met with the Mayor and the
Mayor has indicated there will be changes. At this time wedo not know what these changes will
be because the boat club people will be involved with any changes to the boat club.'Jemerson
stated he needs to a least put a place maker in the C,IP program for a grant. Ifit is not this, it will
be something else, as he feels strongly about our state tax dollars coming back to Lansing.
„
Kibbey asked the board to recall last;year this came up on the board/fast. This list is more of a
firm and accurate reflection of priorities that have been discussed,at several meetings.
McWilliams.asked Jemerson if they were going to talk about Foster and looking at other projects
in the 3`d Ward.
Jemerson stated the biggest project scheduled in the P Ward is the south side community center
at Hill Center and there will be available for that project $3.2 million. McWilliams stated a
couple of months ago that did not seem to be concrete. Jemerson said the school board is
unanimously for the project. McWilliams asked what the time line was. Kibbey said it does
have an aggressive time line because of the constraints on the bond funding, and if he recalls
correctly it is March 15, 2008 and the committee is clear that if the school board does not put it
on the line on March 15,'tthey are ready to go with Davis Park.
McWilliams asked'if there was a written report from the committee or from the administration
on those`discussions. Kibbey stated he had a notebook of handouts. Jemerson believed there
was a written recommendation. Kibbey stated in the letter to the school district there was an
outline of the program and what space they wanted. This was the clearest he had seen and can be
put in next months packet.
Jemerson stated we would utilize the swimming pool, auditorium, gymnasium, kitchen and a few
classrooms at Hill. Kibbey stated the piece of new construction was an entry way to protect
people when getting out of the car in the rain and designates it as the main door.
Park Board Minutes—February 21, 2007 Page 8
A
Kibbey stated there was an interest for this building to incorporate an ongoing program by
someone like Highfield, for example.
Leyrer asked if this was a separate amount of money and this would not;pull from;the parks
fiends. She also asked about the Foster Park renovations and looking at",
t the information
provided, she does not want to take this concept from the neighborhood and;even if it takes+
$200,000 she wants this project to continue for Foster Park and the Garden Project. Kibbey
stated without backing off of what the neighborhood needs there are questions;about shared cost
and the finish on the building.
Smith commented it was requested our people internally to look at this and give us a report if we
really have to spend that much, because there are people who feel that it could be done for less.
He is scared to send a recommendation for a$200,000 resiroom'when the city is in the financial
predicament that it is in and he is upset that they did not get the mformation they requested at the
last meeting.
Lott stated 90% of the building is non-restroom; there is storage area, meeting area, and,-garage.
Jemerson asked Smith what he was.asking for. Sinith tated he is looking for our building and
plumbing departments look at Foster and St.,Joe and'make their recommendations. Marty Riel
feels he can have that building totally operational for less $50,000 and Smith would like too see
the other $150,000 go to the parks in Ward 3.
Leyrer stated she does not want to spearhead Foster, but get,comparables to Foster and St. Joe
Jemerson stated he received information from the last meeting asking why the restrooms were
$200,000 and he thought this would suffice as far,as,showing what was put together in 2001 as a
cost estimate and understanding there would be some kind of inflation factor added to that. We
are still earlyin this to continue to look at this, he is not sure what Mr. Riel said, but when you
go into a building like Foster and start making changes you need to go up to code.
Kibbey clarified that by the next meeting Smith was asking for a report on Foster and St. Joe
from the cityplumbing and building departments. Secondly, change the name so it does not say
restroom, because it is a renovation of the whole building. Third, because the garden project is at
Foster make an inquiry to the county as to financial participation from them.
UPDATES
Hunter Pool
Jemerson stated we received the grant to repair this pool, but we will not have the availability of
the $500,000 from the DNR until spring. What we are doing with the city's match of$350,000,
which was approved by City Council, is putting the fields into an account to make expenditures
from. Our first step is to get an architectural engineering firm on board to start the design of the
repair of the facility. It will be down for the summer, but we hope the construction will be
completed this year. Council President Leeman requested, and we will do, is to put together a
program to take kids to Moores Park, Hawk Island or East Lansing.
Park Board Minutes—February 21, 2007 Page 9
Kibbey asked if there was a temporary set up to get the kids wet. Jemerson said we could work
with the fire department to arrange some opportunities.
Mt. Hope Cemetery Fence
Jemerson stated we did receive approval from City Council for the $`65,000 match.,.-There will be
a meeting soon with LAP who received this job and the fence will be"going up after the first
meeting and looking at the different designs. The Fratcher Foundation�is being run through the
trust department of National City Bank and they along with the care taker,of Mr..Fratcher's plot
will be involved in this meeting to select the style of the fence and bid'it out. This first phase is
along Aurelius Road.
Dolz Park
The bids have come in and were with in budget,the fence is going to cost $74,000.
INFORMATION
There were over'600 people at the Daddy/Daughter and Mother/Son,Dance at the Lansing
Center.
Meeting adjourned.
PARK BOARD MINUTES
March 14, 2007
Foster Community Center
MEMBERS PRESENT: Rick Kibbey, Melvin McWilliams, Brian Smith, Ruther Leyrer,
Ron Lott(arrived at 7:40 p.m.)
MEMBERS ABSENT: Alfonzo Mejorado, Claude Ramey, Pat Murray
OTHERS PRESENT: Murdock Jemerson, Director Parks and Recreation; John Pollard;
Judith Filice, Friends of Frances; Ron Theisen, Friends of Frances;
Lansing Boat Club members-Diane Ward, RobertKlaver, Chuck
Theroux, Ron Wojack, Marc Gensen, John Wojack, Jeff Venn,
John Swanson, David and Joyce Brown, Pete Boscheff.
CALLED TO ORDER: 7:00 p.m. r�
ADDITIONS/DELETIONS TO THE AGENDA:
STATEMENTS OF CITIZENS: ' ^''
John Pollard stated he had the latest issue of the City Pulse and administration stated they OeGa
considering outsourcing the Forestry Division and he is against it. Forestry trimming trees is a
safety issue, especially during storms which could lead to power outages. Pollard is asking the
Park Board to advise the Mayor we are not outsourcing anything. He stated he has never seen
privatizing anything save money. He also voiced his concern on leases and the Lansing Boat
Club only has a one year lease, while the MSU Men's crew team had a 5 year lease from 1998-
2003, the Lansing Oar and Paddle Club had a five lease from 1998-2003, the MSU Women's
crew team has a 20 year lease, and Baker Donora received a 10 year lease, which is renewable
for another 10 years. Now the Lansing Boat Club is being offered a one-lease and when he was
on the Park Board the LBC had two to five year leases and Pollard thinks it is wrong they are
being mistreated,when they are the original tenants who have been there since RE Olds gave the
City the park. Pollard stated he would advise LBC to file a civil rights complaint against the
Board and Parks Department.
Jemerson asked for a change to the agenda as far as the presentations. He would like Judy Filice
to make her statement about Frances Park first.
Filice said tomorrow at 3 p.m. they would be meeting with the MSU Landscape Architect
students and instructors. She wanted to thank Mr. McWilliams for his encouragement to broaden
the group's scope on community people to involve in the master plan ideas. With that
suggestion they contacted Lewton School and will have students working with MSU to assist
with the prof ect. She encouraged anyone who wanted to, to join them. She also voiced concerns
about the Forestry Division.
Lansing Park Board Minutes March 14, 2007 Page 2
PARK BOARD MINUTES:
February 21, 2007
No action taken on the February 21, 2007 minutes.
OLD BUSINESS
St. Joe/Foster Park Restroom Renovations
Kibbey stated on the CIP recommendations the board made, the number they were given to work
with on St. Joe and Foster was for much more than restrooms. However, what they are interested
in is fixing the roof and making the restrooms functional.
Leyrer stated the dollars that were going to be spent would be for beautiful renovations, but since
we are crunching the budget, let's get the basic needs of bathrooms and exterior exposure.
Kibbey said there is meeting space at Allen Neighborhood Center and Foster Center. He asked if
more modest renovations could meet the needs at the parks.
Riel stated it depends on what would be done. It sounds like it could be far less than the
$200,000 to renovate, by looking at putting a roof on the structure as is, updating the bathrooms
inside to make them functional, a coat of paint and new lights. Leyrer stated that would be fine
with the neighborhood. Riel stated it should be able to be done for$125,000 or less, depending
on how extensive the damages are in the building. He stated he was in there last year and the
structure was sound, but there are inherent problems with how it stands right now. Leyrer
stated she is sure the neighborhood would rather see improvements, rather than not seeing
anything because it is not budgeted. Kibbey stated the CIP budget they approved was $2 million,
but they know it will be less than that and they are looking to keeping things working in the
neighborhoods. Riel stated what they were looking at doing was gutting everything to the floor
and re-doing all the interior and exterior and taking an old out dated building and trying to make
it to the current standards.
Jemerson stated he had met with a member of the garden project today and she advised him the
roof is leaking.
Kibbey said St. Joe was presented as the same type of deal, and he understands there are large
events there and they require restrooms. They are also looking at concessions and there were
discussions about a warming house. Kibbey asked if there was any variation within this
configuration to allow for a more economic way of meeting the basic needs. Riel stated the
accessibility to those restrooms is rough and it would require concrete work, replacement of
some exterior and interior doors, the outside is brick, which is good, and there is a new roof. It is
just restrooms that are required; this project would cost significantly less to open it and could
cost less than$20,000 to have lights, paint, some concrete work and new doors.
Jemerson stated at St. Joe there are ceiling problems, and although we are not talking about a
warming house there is the community based football program that operates out of the facility
and they would like to clear one room for storage and also the garage area. Jemerson stated the
original figures came from a study that was done on all of the restroom facilities in 2000. Mr.
Riel has the study and the probable costs.
Lansing Park Board Minutes March 14, 2007 Page 3
Riel also added that when we go through our facilities and do renovations, we try to look at the
most economical way to try and do it knowing it is a structure that will be highly used and use
heavy duty supplies. Also, if money is not all used on one facility the money is moved along to
the next project.
Kibbey stated he had a request for the Board. He has been serving as a representative of the
Parks Board on the BWL tree trimming committee. There are potentially 40,000 ash trees in
Lansing that will be dead within the next 10 years and if you do not get into the trees while they
are still sturdy, the trees will break, fall over, fall onto houses, and fall on wires or into the right-
of-ways. Forestry is where this department started and on the CIP list the forestry software listed
is a survey that assesses what we have now and will provide information to plan for this. The
software is a database and identification of all the trees we have in the right of way. There is
discussion taking place with the BWL, since we both have people working on trees, of going
back to the transition team recommendations of when there are people doing the same thing next
to each there may be a way for them to work together. Kibbey asked Jemerson if on a technical
level this is listed as a 5, and states a project which supports and improves service levels, if there
was a correction to make it a 1, which states a recognized hazard or imminent threat which result
in significant damage. Kibbey's understanding was this was a decision that was up to the board
and he would like to put it on the table for them to think about.
NEW BUSINESS
GRAND RIVER MARINA
Jemerson stated he is sure this will be the first of many public meetings regarding the Grand Park
Marina. The Mayor has launched a grand vision for the Grand River downtown as well as along
the Grand River. The grand vision does include the boat club. The Mayor had a meeting and
announced that changes were coming for the Grand River,which meant changes to the boat club.
Jemerson distributed a draft layout of what is envisioned for a city marina. This would not be a
boat club, but a city marina. We are not interested in taking away boat slips from existing
members,but we are interested in making changes and having a municipal marina. The draft
consisted of what was considered for a new marina at Grand River Park. This marina would
provide walking paths, slips for 66 boats, fishing piers on both sides, and a pavilion. The
building that is already there is in the township, but as you drive in there would be a new parking
lot area. There would be a lighted pathway along the river. This is being looked at to be built
through State assistance with a DNR Trust Fund Grant in the amount of$500,000 and$350,000
from Park Millage for the local match. This would be a phased project.
Jemerson stated grants are due to the trust fund on April 1,we are looking for public input in
order to submit a grant by April 1. If we are fortunate to get a grant, that decision will come in
December and the funding will come the spring of the following year. If we were to get a grant
this year to do this kind of construction, we would not be able to start building until June 2008.
Jemerson referred to Mr. Pollard's comments about the lease and yes the lease has expired,we
have been working with the Commodore on trying to get this settled. We made revisions to the
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Lansing Park Board Minutes March 14, 2007 Page 4
lease where there is now a renewal clause in there for year after year up to five years. There was
also concern about if the boat club was to leave that they would have to clear the property and
we are talking now that the trailer would have to go. Jemerson verified with the Commodore
that they would be discussing this at their meeting tomorrow.
This is designed with the piers out in the water and there is only one way to get out and we are
talking about fences and guarding. Another discussion was if there was a way of things closer
like the current piers are.
It was asked if the shoreline would need to be dredged. Jemerson stated Capitol Consultants
(aka C2AE)put this plan together and they would be the ones to do the engineering and at this
time they did not see that would be necessary.
It was asked if this was in the same place as the boat club. Jemerson said it is not, it is further
down and one thing that was being looked at is to have all the boat launching activities located in
one area. Currently the Michigan Princess is there and it would be moved down past the fishing
pier. Currently what is now happening is people who are attending the Michigan Princess have
to dodge the boat trailers as they are launching. Another part of the reason is the Michigan
Princess is a private business and when the boat ramp was put in with State funds the project area
is suppose to be all a public venture and we want to have the private venture moved out of the
project area. If we are allowed to get a grant to do this, the project area would include the fishing
pier and sidewalk and so it definitely has to remain public. Jemerson indicated on the plan the
project area would include the parking lot, walkway down, the piers, fishing area and walk and
the Michigan Princess would be west of the fishing pier.
It was asked how much money was planned to go into this project. Jemerson stated again this is
a phased project. The first year the max that we can do is $850,000; actually the max for the
trust fund is $500,000. It was stated from the audience that this could be a$4 or $5 million
dollar project. Jemerson stated that C2AE has it at $1.4 million dollars and even from that we
are going to carve down to get a project in our range. The maximum for the trust fund is
$500,000 and we have to provide a match that is at least 25% of the total project cost and we are
not going to submit a project cost of$1.4 million dollars,because after what we hear tonight we
are going to pare this project down some. Jemerson stated he did not want to pare down the
number of slips, but the project would be pared down. The Park Millage can go as high as these
guys recommend for this project and right now we are only talking $350,000 for this. We want
to work with the public on what a new city marina might look like. Jemerson stated he
understands according to C2AE that putting the piers along the shoreline would reduce the cost.
Someone commented they thought the boat club marina was not in the 5-year plan. Jemerson
stated it was taken out of the CIP plan,but it is still mentioned in the text of the plan. If you
recall when this was being put together, the main issue to City Council for the community was a
southside community center. Since this document was adopted in 2005, we have addressed
many issues including the southside community center. This project is just now being
introduced, but it can be tossed out in terms of council deciding they do not want to do this.
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Lansing Park Board Minutes March 14, 2007 Page 5
It was asked why the boat club has to pay taxes on this property, but none of the other parks have
to. Jemerson stated it is in the contracts for other folks to pay property taxes, but he does not
know how much that has been in the past.
It was asked about the property from the boat club to the Princess that is not used and why it
cannot be used and leave the boat club where it is. Jemerson stated there is a lot of shoreline
before the boat club and that is what we are looking at using for the 66 boat slips now,but there
may be a need to expand. We are trying to put all the boat launching activity as close to where
the boat launch is. We are still going to try to accommodate the Michigan Princess,because he
is good for the river and he may need to expand in the future. Jemerson stated housing has not
been talked about, but if the Michigan Princess is down here there may be someone who may
want to sign on as a concessionaire and put a restaurant on park land as a concessionaire.
Kibbey asked where on the map the boat club is currently; it was stated they are not on the map
as they are west of the fishing pier.
It was asked about moving the Michigan Princess east and leaving the boat club as it is.
Jemerson stated there is the Oar and Paddle Club and all of that activity and past that we are
running out of park land.
Jemerson said there is a lot of land that we want to take a look at for the Mayor's Grand Vision.
Public comment was made that the river is finite and how many slips can this fragile ecosystem
maintain. When it was looked at for the restoration of the south bank of the Grand River when
Frances Park's parking lot was repaired 8 or 10 years ago the erosion and damage to the
shoreline was so severe that Moores River Drive was in the likely hood the concrete would fall
into the Grand River. We have a mix use situation; we have relatively passive water sport
enthusiasts (the kayakers and rowers), we have the Michigan Princess, we have a long
established boat club made of up citizens of Lansing and outlying communities who have clearly
an interest that has far greater precedent than anyone who has money enough to buy one of these
slips. There was concern about the increase in the number of slips and if the Corps of Engineers
dredged part of the Grand River and if we could accommodate more use of the Grand River she
did not think anyone would be disappointed. Right now we have a stretch of shoreline that goes
from the MLK Bridge to the Waverly Bridge and are we going to have high-speed boats and is
the wake still being considered. It was also mentioned this was an attractive nuisance and there
was no pedestrian access off of old Lansing Road.
Public comment was made about the Corps of Engineer study that took place for two years and
the public reaction. Rumors were also addressed with a specific focus of the possibility of
removing the North Lansing dam. In November of 2005 the EDC asked for public involvement
on that question, because you just don't take a dam out without good science and engineering.
One of the things going on across the country and throughout the state is a project that looks at
dams that are no longer used for their original purpose. In regards to the North Lansing dam,
that dam was reconstructed in '36 to create a cooling lake or impoundment for the Ottawa Street
power plant, which no longer generates electricity eliminating the need. However, for the
Erickson Station the Moores Park dam is there to create an impoundment, which we boat on and
Lansing Park Board Minutes March 14, 2007 Page 6
is 8 miles dam to dam. The genesis of the Grand Vision really goes back 20, 30 or more years,
and the various efforts to look at the Grand River, redevelop it or revitalize it and we said we
want to respect those studies that have happened before. The task force that is going on now
wants this effort to meaningful and people to use the river. One committee consists of James
Woods-DNR; Rick Schram-DEQ; Fisheries Biologist; and NTH consulting engineers. Every
stretch of the river is being looked at, we have a strict rule for public participation and there is a
strong attitude that the river should remain navigable. The question is if you take the dam out
what do you get? We have been sounding the river,we know how deep it is and there is an
average of 6 to 9 feet from the confluence with the Red Cedar down to the North Lansing dam,
so we know this is a navigable river and some areas are 18 to 20 feet deep.
Last year MSU Landscape Architect senior students did all four sections of the Grand and Red
Cedar Rivers in terms of their senior project. There is about 27 or 30 concept drawings they
presented last spring, and the same professor has her class doing the same this year and is in
process right now. Both of those efforts have paid specific attention to that stretch of river and
they have tons of ideas; bridges, hydroponic tomato farms and all kinds of stuff. These young
people are coming up with amazing concepts for the river.
Judy Filice was made expressing happiness that old master plans are being looked at and that the
Corps of Engineers looked at what they had been done less than 20 years ago, because it was a
massive undertaking by the Corps which focused on dredging Sycamore, Red Cedar and the
Grand River. She encouraged anyone interested in the Grand River to read the master plan of
1921. There is also interest in the solutions for the heavy metals that once the dam is removed
what kind of heavy metal at the bed has been the recipient of the 201h Century industrial age
refuge.
Comment was made to the board that on the Grand River from Moores Park dam to the Waverly
Bridge is the only safe boating area the general public can go on the river. You can go from the
other side of the Waverly Bridge, but if you are not an experienced boater you will most likely
be towed back.
From the Waverly Bridge looking west where it is wide open it is only about 2' or less and you
can't go straight across and if you don't stay in a channel your boat will probably run aground.
Comment was made from the public that one of the things they are looking at is high impact, low
cost, small things to do to enhance the river experience. The REO Town group is the most
energized group, we have the two lead scientists from the PBB case who sit on the committee
and drive the science part. We also know of only one prohibition of eating fish in our stretch of
the Grand River and that is Pike by Portland. The navigation on this river is tough, and the other
thing we are talking about is the Oar and Paddle people are rowing at dusk with i-pods and no
lights and a boat coming down the channel at 85mph, there is going to be an accident. This is
another low cost item we are looking to address and with the mismatch of jurisdictions down
there makes things challenging, but we are not being co-opted. The process is good, there could
be more press on it, we are encouraging this and there is opportunity to work on this whatever
happens.
Lansing Park Board Minutes March 14, 2007 Page 7
It was asked if we are looking at every stretch of the river, why the marina wouldn't be put right
downtown.
Response by Boscheff was made that the committee has identified with photos and digital tape,
there is no docking areas downtown. The docks are not designed to moor boats. We are looking
at small elements and putting marina elements downtown, but this is a concept and right now
there is a
drawing, a concept and a lot of people trying to make our city a better place. The marina,
whatever it is going to be, you need to understand there is going to be changes and the river in 10
years is going to be better and could look like Austin, Texas and other highly livable places.
There are so many things going on and every one has an opportunity to be part of the change.
Kibbey stated this really is not a public hearing, because for a public hearing you would need to
have a proposal and there is not a final proposal. The advantage of this meeting is the board is
hearing information they did not know, like the other side of the Waverly Bridge. The idea of a
marina downtown could be part of a plan and what we are trying to do know is hear the public.
He does not think anyone needs to be defensive about anything,because it is not like this or no,
but what to we need to do to make this the most useful to the various user communities; rowers,
boaters,bird watchers, fishers, and walkers. Kibbey said what we are doing here tonight is
conversation and public participation in a process.
Public comment was made that after reading history the old boat club was downtown at one time
and moved to the position it is now. Kibbey asked where it was located downtown. That
information was not provided, but the boat club moved when RE Olds donated the land.
Public comment was made about the time when they were going to bulldoze Grand River Park,
we know Mr. Arbaugh died in the shed and we are not stupid and insensitive about that,but I
believe this process is an evolution from that time. I think this is a reasonable process and as Mr.
Jemerson said this is one of many meetings and he is the Park Director and if you read the
charter, he speaks in place of the Mayor. This is a process of many meetings and be a part of it.
Public comment was made about appreciation of the other comments made about improving the
river especially at high impact, low cost. As a boat club member and one of the few people here
who is not an executive board member of the club, but you have to look at things from the
perspective of the boat club. For 66 years, since 1941, that has been the mission of our club and
it looks like now that the attempt to develop a city marina is going to squash the activities that
this club has been involved in for 66 years. The boat club has taken care of the park, improved
the park, done maintenance and put porta pottys out there and the public uses the park. It is a
usable park, we have 57 slots and the design has 80 so not much is being added,but taking away
from the people who are currently using that facility and putting in a high cost marina. As a
retired GM employee he stated he cannot afford the price of a slip of the city marina and would
not be using the river if there is a marina there. He felt this would not increase the use of the
river,but be a determent to the use of the river.
Kibbey stated this is what the board is looking for and what would be helpful if the boat club had
a survey of membership or users to begin to document this. Kibbey stated he is extremely
sensitive to this question because he does not want to kick working class people off the river so
Lansing Park Board Minutes March 14, 2007 Page 8
the rich guy as a place to put his big boat. If this is an issue we can document, that lets
strengthen this point and have it in writing so it goes forward as requested. The point is to
provide access equitably to potential as well as current users.
Pollard stated in addition to the comments made he has many concerns. We are going to get
involved in a public process, but this is one of the first meetings for a grant that is due April 1 so
how many meetings can there be before the grant is due. In 2005 he was told a marina would
cost$2.5 million dollars,now he is being told that there are drawings here worth $1.4 million
dollars and Jemerson is saying this is only phase one that is equal to $850,000 and then we are
going to have phase 2 that is equal to some other millions of dollars. He stated he has never seen
any project come in on budget and we have a limited amount of park millage money and we
should be spending$2.7 million dollars this year on capitol improvement and maybe
maintenance and handicap accessibility issues. However, the Mayor has decided to take $2
million of those dollars to pay for administrative costs, paying for city attorneys,public service,
and things that were never meant to be part of the parks millage. Basic operations, basic
maintenance and little pieces of equipment is where it is going, so next year we get $2.2 million
dollars and I don't know how much of that we will get and I am not ready to commit $350, 000.
We did that this year for Hunter Park and by the time you take out landscape architects and their
drawings, and$100,000 every year for city-wide maintenance, there is only $30,000 to $80,000
left out of$2.2 million dollars and this is going to kill you the next time you go for a parks
millage. Because we took the public marina, the amphitheater, the clubhouse/banquet facility for
Groesbeck, the starter house for Waverly Golf Course out this master plan so people would pass
the parks millage so we would spend more money in neighborhood parks where we live, not on
grandiose ideas for public marinas. Pollard feels there is no way there will ever be another parks
millage passed, because we were told this was not going to be done and only two years in none
of the money has gone for what it is suppose to, so why should we keep paying taxes for a
handful of folks and displace the people who have been down there and part of the river. Pollard
wanted to caution everyone this is on a fast track because it involves getting state money, which
is his money too and in these times this is the fountain, the circle, planting and benches on
Michigan Avenue, except this is in the river. He said this may be a great idea in the next 5-year
master plan, but not in this 5-year master plan because we said there would not be one. He also
asked for a number on how much to build,maintain and operate a marina.
Kibbey said there is obviously more conversation that will happen on this item, he appreciates
everyone coming to the meeting and he strongly urges everyone to stay involved in this process.
He stated he heard tonight really useful contributions to the discussion, heartfelt concerns, a long
standing commitment to the river and to making the river accessible to all people.
From the audience an invitation was made to the boat club members to call him and provide
written statements and he will write them up and submit the statement to the park board for
distribution so they will have a feel where the boat club is really coming from.
Kibbey stated there are two guys in the audience tonight that have kept the board aware of what
was going on, inviting people down and taking him for a ride on the river so we know what the
boat club is talking about. Kibbey feels this is being done right, everyone is approaching this on
the up and up and he thinks this is the way the solution is going to come.
Lansing Park Board Minutes March 14, 2007 Page 9
Comment was made from the public the boat club has on their agenda to work out their own
master plan.
HILL CENTER
Kibbey said there is a copy of a letter from an engineering firm to Joe McDonald about what
would need to happen at Hill. Kibbey wanted to make sure everyone had seen it,read it and if
there were any questions to bring them up now. This project is on the fast track,because there is
a time bomb in the financing mechanism for the south side community center at Hill. There is
money available and if not spent by day certain it goes away.
Kibbey stated the memo summarized two categories of uses: one is shared use areas,where they
are not selling or leasing us the whole building. The shared areas are the gym,pool and the
kitchen and then the area that will be the exclusive use for us. There are some cost items and
comments on the third page that Kibbey felt needed explanation. It states "clearly define the city
is not responsible for any improvements or changes to the buildings mechanical or electrical
systems". Next bullet"the city must define its not responsible for the cost of improving
mechanical or plumbing", basically we don't have to maintain the pool. Next"the school district
is responsible for any change to the exterior envelope". Kibbey wanted to know why the school
district would want to do this and do they use the pool. Jemerson said the school district does
use the pool and they have to maintain it anyway.
Someone asked about the greenhouse, Kibbey stated it is not mentioned in the letter. Leyrer
stated she just joined the Hill Advisory Board for Horticulture and they are in need of more
greenhouse space and she could not see them sharing greenhouse space with what they have
now. In helping out the community they have a sale for Mother's Day of bedding plants and
such. Leyrer stated at this point the school district is still interested in keeping it, the numbers
are up on their classes, and they share in the co-op of the other schools.
Kibbey also asked about page 2 and the $240,000 improvement cost of new finished
improvements in the shared spaces. Riel thought it had to do with the leaking roof and dated
material that needs to be updated. Kibbey stated there would also need to be furnishings for the
kids' room, teen room, and library. Riel said when the architects went through the space and if
we assumed it as is what would we have to do to update it to accommodate a community center
of sorts. That is what this was generated from,but the ongoing negotiations and talks they have
now is that those costs would be shared with the school district.
McWilliams asked what the advantage to Hill is to have the city as a tenant. Kibbey summarized
at the committee it was Hill versus a new building at Davis Park. Hill is interested in doing it to
help share the cost, as they have a building that is bigger than they need. It is a nice building and
we are getting a pool and gym. Jemerson said we would not be paying rent, it would be our
facility to use with the understanding there are shared spaces. They benefit by us using the $3.2
million dollars and about$3 million of it will go for updating the facility. There will be some
type of formula based on the square footage for the utilities we share.
BUDGET OVERVIEW
Lansing Park Board Minutes March 14, 2007 Page 10
The representative from the Finance Department, who was to do the presentation on the budget,
canceled at 5:30.
Jemerson stated he would like at this point because we don't know exactly what the dollar figure
is going to be for capitol improvements, that at this meeting we should nail down what the
priority projects are from top to bottom. Kibbey indicated we have gone through the
prioritization process twice and he is reluctant to do it again. He thinks they know about where it
is going to come in. Jemerson said things have been changed since the last time he and Kibbey
have talked. Jemerson is not going to say a dollar amount, but he does need to know what the
Park Board feels is it's number 1, 2, 3......priority on this list. Kibbey said they have gone
through this twice and it did not make any difference. Jemerson asked if the board could give
him at least the top ten. Kibbey asked if the board wanted to start at the top or the bottom.
McWillams said they did not come to do this again, and they waste their time and that the Park
Board has stated their priorities already. Jemerson asked if he should have a list of their
priorities already. McWilliams stated there are Park Board priorities, staff priorities and the
Mayor's office has priorities and when the decisions get made we are not there no matter what
and he is not sure why it keeps coming back to them like the board has power. It is frustrating
and a waste of a time. Kibbey said this year the Mayor's office did not receive staff
recommendations, they advanced the board list.
The committee then went down the CIP list from last meeting, and reviewing.
Kibbey stated for St. Joe he heard there were ways to make the building usable to groups with
bathrooms. There are two types of concessions; you can either have the stainless steel
compressed air concessions or the kind with boxes of popcorn and candy and canned pop with a
couple of refrigerators and there is apparently a need for a hard ceiling and the number for that
seems to be considerably less than$200,000. Riel said St. Joe could probably be $50,000 or less
and the remainder of the money not used would go to another park facility.
Kibbey said the next thing on the list is the marina and if it is to go in this year it has to be April
1.
McWilliams said if there is to be a motion, he makes a motion the park board is not in the
position to recommend a marina project of this kind at this time with all the issues the city is
facing with tax dollars and he could not support a marina. Leyrer commented if it is going to
dollars out of our already"trying to budget dollars"for our parks, it is way too quick of a time
and why can't we do it April 1 next year. This would give the public more opinion time.
McWilliams said as a board some of us may be more attuned to this,but he is hearing this for the
first tonight and there are a lot of issues associated with this. It seems if we want all the input,
there needs to be a little slower workup of the project. Lott added there needs to be what the
options and alternatives and questions that we can't answer yet.
Kibbey said we know we have a wizard (Jemerson) in this grant process. But the political reality
of the situation is if we want this it needs legs under it. Conceptually we are there but not in
terms of having a project to go down the road.
Lansing Park Board Minutes March 14, 2007 Page 11
Kibbey stated on the forestry software it scared him when they started talking about what
happens when they start climbing around in old dead ash trees and stuff breaking off. Kibbey
stated that when you bring the pros into the room, even though they represent different
organizations, you find the consensus in the middle of the room. The 4-foresters were in basic
agreement on the technical issues.
Kibbey asked if the board agreed that the data base is a correction to "of a recognized hazard or
imminent threat which may result in significant damage", which moves it up the list. The answer
was yes.
Leyrer asked for the list while they wait for copies. Kibbey read the list:
Bleacher replacement $80,000; City wide maintenance $100,000; Rivertrail maintenance
$100,000; CDBG playground renovations (3 playgrounds) $92,000; Playground renovations
general (4); Foster Park Restroom down to $100,000; St. Joe Restroom down to$50,000;
Moores Park$50,000; Ranney Tower$150,000; Frances Garden $30,000; remove Grand River
Park match; Fratcher Foundation(fence match) $65,000; Gier Gym Expansion$200,000 (not full
project cost); Kids Camps $40,000; Professional Fees $80,000; Tree Assessment &Database
$150,000. We went through this a couple of times and came in at $2 million which we thought
was pretty modest and did our due diligence.
Bosheff commented he and Joan Bauer are planning to bring people together in the next 30 days
and start working on the fund raising events for Ranney.
McWilliams made a motion the Park Board identifies these revisions as outlined and going
forward in light of the budget pressures, seconded by Leyrer to advance these recommendations.
McWilliams stated he does not want our decision to do this to be taken that we don't think all of
the park millage money should be available for these projects,but we are trying to react to what
we were asked to do.
Leyrer stated she hoped the council listens to the board's recommendation and really does
consider it.
Kibbey stated he appreciated the staff s frank willingness to work with us at every level.
Lott stated he was not sure what the motion said and was trying to categorize in three priorities.
Kibbey clarified the board did not prioritize. Lott verified the board took out the Grand River
Park local match out, and reduced the amount of Foster and St. Joe restrooms. Kibbey added
that the tree assessment and data base was moved up to a higher priority. Lott stated he had 1
through 10, 14 and 16 as high priorities and 12, 13 and 15 as second level. He agreed we have
cut this enough and it bothers him we have to prioritize from the list.
Council President Leeman commented that this information be presented from Murdock to the
Mayor and one would hope the board's priorities are the same as Jemerson's and it be reflected
in the paperwork. Be sure to communicate the board's wishes with a letter to council after the
Lansing Park Board Minutes March 14, 2007 Page 12
meeting with the board's priorities. Kibbey stated the nicest way would be if council requested
such a letter, Leeman said he does request the letter comes from the chair of the boar.
Jemerson advised President Leeman that he does put together a memo to the Mayor as to what
actions were taken by the board and send it to the Mayor and it accurately reflects what
happened at the meeting and it is also on tape.Leeman asked if current and past Mayor's for the
most part backed the Park Board when it comes to their recommendations. Kibbey said there
was some confusion for a couple of years and there were some negotiations with Mr. Wiener
under former Mayor Benavides. This year there is not three recommendations, but one
recommendation.
Jemerson stated as far as the projects that were presented we all agreed on them,but now there
are changes to the list.
Leeman stated once the budget is received from the Mayor they look in detail at the Park Board
recommendations and if it fits the Mayor's recommendations or not. If there are issues that
come out of that, the council will talk about them.
Kibbey stated he thinks the board at least has the list where they want it.
Motion carried. (Park Board identifies these revisions as outlined and going forward in light of
the budget pressures) 5 yeas; 0 nays.
CITY ORDINANCE
Jemerson stated the presentation from MSU will be rescheduled. He knew there were concerns
from board members on the air/pellet gun range and MSU,by way of a grant from MDNR Trust
Fund, will be building a .22 caliber small bore rifle range as well as a bb-gun and air rifle range
at MSU. It is a collegiate sport and you can get scholarships and letters in the shooting sports.
Jemerson provided an update from LPD on how they would treat a bb-gun range permit.
Jemerson said he had spoken with them today and they are still supportive of it. Jemerson said
he was with the YMCA Shooters Club and showed them his badges from his youth.
Kibbey asked for the next meeting to have some recommendation from staff on the power of the
air guns involved and some designation of feet per second.
Jemerson said the air gun they are talking about has a muzzle velocity of 240 feet per second and
is very low powered. This program is for accuracy and this is what the Boy Scouts program is.
Kibbey asked for some language, like mentioned above, to go into the ordinance.
14
Meeting adjourned /
Respectfully Submitted
Kellie Br wn, Interim Park Board Secretary
Approved April 11, 2007
PARK BOARD MINUTES—SPECIAL MEETING
March 28, 2007
Gier Community Center
MEMBERS PRESENT: Rick Kibbey, Melvin McWilliams, Brian Smith, Ruth Leyrer,
Claude Ramey, Patrick Murray, Ron Lott(arrived at 7:51 p.m.)
MEMBERS ABSENT: Alfonzo Mejorado
OTHERS PRESENT: Murdock Jemerson, Director Parks and Recreation; JohnPollaA;
Janice Brigham,Potter Park Zoo; Julianne Price = =a _
/ti
CALLED TO ORDER: 7:00 p.m.
M
-r�
ADDITIONS/DELETIONS TO THE AGENDA:
r.. d
STATEMENTS OF CITIZENS: y
John Pollard commented the board only had 17 pages of the lease and he had schedule a,b,c,d,
and e and he feels the board does not have enough information to make an informed decision.
When the millage was passed he was under the assumption that the park/zoo would have more
money than in history to operate. However, now prisoners will mow and maintain instead of
UAW workers, if it is gone with what is written. In a cover letter from Council President
Leeman to Mayor Bernero, it is stated the County will immediately begin to negotiate a
memorandum of understanding with the bargaining units with respect of working conditions and
will immediately begin to negotiate new collective bargaining agreements. He stated this should
be done before it comes to the board for approval,because we don't know what is going to
happen with employees until it is done. He stated he has an issue with the advisory board and
who will make up the advisory board. In the lease it states at least two people from the county,
two people from the City and one person from the zoological society. The lease states this is the
minimum and there is nothing stopping the county from putting four people on the board. He
asked who they thought the zoological society would go with if there was ever a controversy and
there were two people from the county and two from the city that disagreed. The zoological
society will go with the people who will give them the money, which is the county. He stated
the president of the zoological society does not live in Lansing,but Delta Township. In fact
what does the zoological society think about this?
The AZA does not kick in until after July and after this is signed off. Name something else
where he could lease your property and he could sell all the machinery and equipment without
ever coming back to you and asking. All of that language is in the lease. This park is 95.8 acres,
a$15 million dollar asset, we put in over $4 million dollars over the years in parks millage and
we are leasing this for$1 and they can sell everything over there.
He wanted to know if there would be a charge to use just the park. When he was on the park
board, the city forester told him when you increase people walking through the park you are
destroying the old oak trees.
Park Board—Special Meeting March 28, 2007 Page 2
BOARD MINUTES:
None
NEW BUSINESS:
Potter Park Zoo Lease
Jerry Ambrose from Mayor Bernero's staff said he would be glad to answer any questions.
Kibbey stated he didn't know if anyone had gone to the clerk's office, but the copy of the lease
in their office has all of the schedules with it.
Mark Thomas, Chair of the Ingham County Board of Commissioners was introduced. Mr.
Thomas said they approved the agreement unanimously and they are now looking for the Park
Board's guidance and approval as well as from City Council. The plan is for the county to take
over management of the zoo July 1, but they really do need to know as soon as possible that the
agreement will be in place, because there is so much to do for this transition.
Kibbey stated the schedules that are involved are: A) a copy of the deed of conveyance from Mr.
Olds to the city; B) Potter Park Zoo vehicles and equipment. McWilliams stated the way he read
this is when the equipment ages or breaks down and the decision has to be made about replacing
it even is this doesn't go 5-years, there is a likeability you won't get back the same equipment
and whether or not you will get back an equal amount of equipment, will be determined in part
by whether or not the county has determined the replacement of the equipment reasonable and
necessary for the zoo operation. All he is suggesting it does not necessarily mean all that goes
will come back. Kibbey stated the way he understood the lease is that the county has a right to
run the zoo, and if we decide it will not work and we get it back and in the meantime they get to
do what they need to do to run it. Jemerson said the lease says the county may sell or otherwise
dispose of the personal property for the furtherance of the park and zoo operations. Kibbey
stated there was quite a list,but then he read the lease and this is what is needed to run the zoo.
Schedule C) is a Pontiac GrandAm for administrative use, a diesel mower and a chain saw.
Jan Brigham, senior zoo keeper, said she had seen the list and a lot of the equipment on the list to
be gotten rid of or sold are mostly trucks that are in dire need of repair or replacement, and
equipment with many miles on it. It is not the best of equipment.
Kibbey schedule D) is actually the master plan of the zoo. Schedule E) is a list of the positions
and salary schedules.
Leyrer asked what MCL 124.1 and MCL 124.2 are. Ambrose stated these are both state laws
that say the city and county, as separate governmental jurisdictions, may enter into these kinds of
contracts. They are local agreements by the city and the county, and state law says it is
permissible.
Park Board—Special Meeting March 28, 2007 Page 3
Leyrer verified that the park is up for accreditation this year, and as of now the zoo is accredited
and July 1, 2007 it would still be. Also, is it every 2 or 3 years for accreditation? Jemerson
responded it is every 5 years. Leyrer asked if to keep the zoo accredited does it require a certain
amount of animals? Jemerson replied it is not the number of animals, but the manner in which
the zoo is operated at by standards set by the AZA. Leyrer stated besides having an inventory of
trucks,buildings and such, she is sure there is an inventory of animals the county will be taking
over and to keep our standards if the zoo should be transferred back,we should have at least the
same number of animals.
It was clarified that the number of animals at the zoo changes on a daily basis due to births and
deaths. Also, a lot of the animals are not owned by the City or the Zoological Society,but are on
loan from other zoos. The numbers are never going to be stable. A lot of the accreditation is
based on whether we participate in SSP survival programs, which is endangered species.
Ambrose stated fundamentally we expect and agreed the intent is to keep the zoo accredited; it is
in the lease and is grounds for termination of the lease for that to be in jeopardy. The City also
has the absolute right to inspect the premises at any time. The county operates an excellent parks
system and we have no reason to think they have any other standard than this. We have built in,
we think, the appropriate safe guards to assure us the zoo is not only going to stay as it is, but it
is going to get better. We have a county that will now have access to over $3 million a year, and
certainly the zoo does not have that at this point and time. We believe we have built in safe
guards where we can monitor that and if necessary, we can terminate the lease but we don't
expect to have to.
Kibbey said his own rule of thumb is he has had an opportunity to meet the zookeepers and that
is where he is taking his guidance from. The zookeepers are strongly committed to the zoo and
if there is a problem we will hear about it from them first.
Commissioner Thomas stated their standard is much higher than the accreditation and we are
roughly doubling the budget and our plan, intent and pledge is that there will be a much, much
better zoo within the next year or two and that may or may not involve more animals. That will
be left up to the experts.
McWilliams stated when he was reading through the document it seemed at some point in time
there is a possibility the county wide zoo millage might not be put back on in five years and that
the operation would continue. He asked if there had been much discussion about this or if he
was misreading this.
It was stated there is a possibility the county board would decide not to want to renew the
millage for whatever reason, which would be grounds for termination of the lease.
McWilliams feels the document addresses a lot of contingencies and his sense is there has been a
lot of time spent with.
McWilliams also had concerns about the language on page 6 and the creation of the zoo board.
The sentence that starts out saying"the Potter Park Zoo Board shall provide advice and
recommendations to the County Parks and Recreation commission." That is what he thinks the
Park Board—Special Meeting March 28, 2007 Page 4
Parks Advisory Board voted we provide advice and recommendations. But then the next part of
that sentence starts talking about including preparation of annual operations and capital
improvement budgets, and he can't tell from reading it if they are saying the zoo board provides
advice and recommendations of the annual operations and capital improvement budgets or it
actually develops the budget. It seems to him there is a significant difference in terms of those
two things and at some time they will be disagreeing over what the role of the zoo board is.
Ambrose stated clearly the operations and management of the zoo would rest ultimately with the
County Board of Commissioners; we are transferring that responsibility and authority. The
county board has created the Parks Commission, which by statue has certain responsibilities but
ultimately is subject to the Board of Commissioners. Fundamentally, anything the zoo board
does is basically advisory in nature and that it has the role of making recommendations,which
ultimately are approved. It is possible the Board of Commissioners could by itself establish
directly to tell the Parks Board to do something and the parks staff to do something. The history
with the county is that when they establish bodies like this they are establishing a body that are
most interested and experts in the area and they rely on them to provide recommendations. This
body is not empowered to manage the zoo,but he does expect that they will rely heavily on that
body as the body of interested and expert people who will be interacting with the zoo staff and
making recommendations to the Parks Board and Board of Commissioners.
McWilliams clarified that they really are an advisory board, but may give advice on the
preparation on the budget.
McWilliams also asked about the accreditation and a question that was out there was whether or
not the zoo,presently in the hands of the city, is poised for re-accreditation. He could not
remember what the issues were, there was some discussion and there was something that was to
happen so this would not be a problem. If for some reason between now and July 1 something
comes up and we can not get the accreditation as of July 1, what does it really mean.
Jemerson stated the zoo is accredited all this year. The accreditation process begins with a team
of evaluators being sent to the zoo to make their initial review of the zoo. The issue he thought
McWilliams was referring to was that normally the evaluators come in May or April and we
knew at that time, because some of the things they look at during their visit and consider are
questions of financial stability,we could not give the best review because the city's financial
condition was that we did not have all the financial resources to keep the zoo at an adequate
level. It was arranged that the visitors would make their first visit after July 1, and the zoo would
be in a much better state and they will evaluate the zoo as it is at their first visit.
It was asked when the lease was going to go before council for approval. Ambrose said the
Mayor transmitted it to council on March 19; it was discussed last Thursday at the Committee of
the Whole and the issue is scheduled for discussion again tomorrow.
McWilliams also stated since Mr. Pollard raised the question, for lack of a better term, the
balance of power. Were there thoughts of anything other than having some balance between the
city and county representation on the board? So his question would be, since this has come up,
Park Board—Special Meeting March 28, 2007 Page 5
could something be added simply to say the intent is to have equal representation between the
city and county on the board?
Ambrose stated this issue was brought up and discussed and it is the position if they are charged
and accept the responsibility of operating and managing the zoo they may choose to have a
different balance. Be mindful the city is part of the county; it is not on the outside. There are 5
members on the Board of Commissions who represent some or all parts of the City of Lansing
and are all directly elected from within the City of Lansing. What we are thinking about from
the City's perspective is not figuring out how to co-manage this but how to have enough input
and visibility in the operation of the zoo by the county that we can make some judgments about
whether things are going the way we expect.
Mr. Thomas stated between now and July 1 the county will be looking at the composition of the
board and he envisions good representation from the City of Lansing, as well as good
representation from other parts of the county. He could not provide a formula right now,but it
will be a good and fair representation.
McWilliams stated he recognizes the city is part of the county; fact was that was a legitimate
question. This does happen to appear to be a discretionary area, even though this is a decent
document; it has language that says one side can't modify the agreement without the other.
Thomas added the composition of the zoo board,which is advisory, will be looked at over the
next couple of months which will be a separate process and they certainly encourage the Parks
Board involvement in the process as we move forward.
Smith stated he felt two representatives from the City of Lansing is to small a number and he
wishes that could be increased. Also, in the document "the structure of the zoo board shall be
determined by the County Board of Commissioners but shall include at least two representatives
from the City of Lansing and selected by the City". Smith asked if this would be from the
Mayor, is it from Council or Mayor appoints and council approves. Ambrose stated the Mayor
proposes and Council approves. Smith asked what happens if they agree on the representatives,
but the lease reads, "Shall be determined by the County Board of Commissioners" and what if
the commissioners don't approve of the Mayor's and councils recommendations. Ambrose
stated it puts them on the board automatically.
Smith also said he had one other concern about the parking but and could the parking but be
moved back about 10 yards. The way it is now, you can't get in the park, not the zoo,without
going around and having to pay. He thinks this is a wonderful park and Lansing families should
be able to pull into the park without paying.
Leyrer commented she thought this was very fair with what the public is receiving now: free zoo
days, a day with a lesser rate, she did not know if there way anything in there for senior citizens
or for elementary schools to come in for educational days. She is going to assume that if there
are any rented pavilions that are coming up that they would honor those for the price they have
been rented for.
Park Board—Special Meeting March 28, 2007 Page 6
Jemerson stated the pavilion Smith is talking about is pavilion one,pavilion two is the larger one
in the middle and pavilion three is just before you enter the zoo. All of those are pavilions you
rent, it doesn't mean you can't just walk up and use them,but if someone has rented it and has
the permit to show they have the right to be there you may be bumped. Those pavilions are
rented and revenue producers and are part of this agreement.
Kibbey stated one of the interesting outcomes from the millage election was there was no fall off
in the support of the zoo and the people in the out county were voting at the same or higher level
in many instances than city level.
McWilliams asked about the contracts, other than the bargaining units, if they are assignable to
the county and are there any contracts that we are aware of that may not be assignable and may
be problematic.
This was discussed and one of the things the county asked for was a list of contracts.
Jemerson stated the majority are not contracts,but purchase requisitions/orders like food for the
animals, cleaning services and things of that nature,which are really purchase requisitions.
There is a contract with the Potter Park Zoological Society that the county would be entering into
a separate contract, for the concession operations, camel rides and things of that nature.
Kibbey stated what has made the zoo great is the competency that resides inside the zoo. It is the
staff of the zoo and the zoological society that makes it work and that is being transferred to the
county.
Leyrer asked about the trees in the zoo and does the county have their own forestry department
that will be taking care of the trees that are there. She is looking forward to improvements,but
we are against cutting down trees for any improvements and hopefully working with city
personnel and this board that honor would be taken with the trees.
Thomas stated he could not see any reason why they would want to do anything drastic with the
trees. The county does not have a forestry division, but their parks department has people who
work in that area.
Kibbey asked if the board was ready to pass on this.
Motion was made by Murray to approve the zoo lease as submitted, supported by McWilliams.
Motion carried. 7 yeas 0 nays
Meeting adjourned.
Respectfully Submitted �—
Kellie B own, Interim Park Board Secretary
Approved April 11, 2007
PARK BOARD MINUTES
April 11, 2007
Letts Community Center
MEMBERS PRESENT: Brian Smith, Claude Ramey, Dusty Fancher, Rick Kibbey, Pat
Murray
MEMBERS ABSENT: Melvin McWilliams, Ron Lott, Alfonzo Mejorado
OTHERS PRESENT: Murdock Jemerson, Director Parks and Recreation
C j i
CALLED TO ORDER: 7:00 p.m.
C;S C-
M
�? Ui m
ADDITIONS/DELETIONS TO THE AGENDA:
None
STATEMENTS OF CITIZENS:
None
Jemerson asked Kibbey to introduce our new Park Board member, Dusty Franscher. Dusty
Franscher stated she lives in the Groesbeck area, she works full time for the State of Michigan,
Governor Granholm as her legislative liaison to the Michigan Senate. Her background before
that was in the policy shop at MDOT, ran the budget for the Michigan Senate for a number of
years, worked for Lerf-a-LanaPollack at the Michigan Environmental Council doing
transportation and land use policies, and contract work with Michigan L-adios Land Use
Institute. She has two degrees from MSU; one in community relations and a Master's in
Resource Development. She is married with three children.
PARK BOARD MINUTES:
Regular Minutes-March 14, 2007
Minutes were approved with minor changes to wording/phrases and names assigned to
comments.
Special Park Board Minutes-March 28, 2007
Motion was made by-Frmmcher, Fancher moved and seconded by Ramey to accept both regular
and special board minutes.
Motion carried
NEW BUSINESS
Budget
Park Board Minutes—April 11, 2007 Page 2
Jemerson stated he included excerpts from the City's budget book. To summarize quickly, on
page 7 is the General Fund summary for Parks. Our actual for FY06 was $7.4 million, our
adopted budget for our current fiscal year, July 1 to June 30, 2007, and our FY07 projected for
the end of this year is pretty close to that. The difference between the FY07 adopted budget
column and the FY07 projected is what is after 6 months into the fiscal year we project what our
balance will be, or how much of the budget will we expend to the end of the year. What we
project for FY08 is $8.4 million, which looks like a 2.3% increase, but it is a lot of fringe
benefits. In terms of personnel and the way in which the city eliminated its $6.6 million dollars,
part of it had to do with the city having 44 vacant, funded positions, which the department had 4;
park maintenance position, landscape architect position, community center programmer and a
forester position which did not get funded. There was a reduction in the CIP budget, but not our
CIP.
Our other line items within this budget are pretty much the same as we are right now. This is
pretty much a no growth budget. We will have the same number of seasonal employees, which
is 47; however we are budgeted for 54. Not all of the seasonal came back, so Personnel is
recruiting seasonal workers. There are only about 26 or 27 seasonal out of the 47 we can have.
Kibbey asked the board to look at the Parks Millage fund on this page. This year it is $1.2
million. Jemerson stated the cemeteries were restored at$346,000, down almost 11%because
we had a position we could not fill. We still will be able to maintain our cemeteries with 3 full
time and 4 seasonals. Kibbey asked about the golf fund. Jemerson indicated there is nothing
listed for golf, but it is the intention to run the golf courses throughout the rest of this fiscal year.
All of the courses are open with the exception of Sycamore, but it is very close. At this point in
time he is not sure about next fiscal year. He knows we will be operating Sycamore and
Groesbeck,but Red Cedar and Waverly are up in the air right now. The Mayor is still interested
in decreasing the number of golf courses in Lansing.
Jemerson also stated the CIP is our Parks Millage which will bring in$2.2 million dollars this
year. It states for FY08 $1.2 million for CIP projects with the balance going into Parks
operations and not into CIP projects. Jemerson referred to the second to the last page, which is
the CIP schedule which was presented in the Mayor's budget and is exactly what the Park Board
recommended with the exception being the marina and forestry software. He feels it is a
neighborhood friendly list of CIP improvements to Barb Dean Tot Lot, Letts, Bassett, Graves,
Hull Court, Wainwright and Ormand Park; as well as Foster and St. Joe Park. There is currently
budgeted in this year's CIP money approximately$50,000 for St. Joe, so when this gets done it
this will be $100,000 for St. Joe; Moores Park has $50,000; Ranney Tower $150,000; Frances
Garden Renovation for Master Plan; Gier gym expansion,professional fees for architectural
engineering services $80,000; Marshall bleacher repairs; city wide repair and maintenance
$100,000 which will grow because Jemerson went through some past projects that had residuals
and those residuals will be put into city wide maintenance; Rivertrail repair and maintenance has
some major repairs for this next year. There are major sections that will be replaced, at Dietrich
Park someone fell on the stairwell so that whole stairwell is being replaced.
Kibbey asked when the budget hearings will be. Jemerson stated his first pre-budget hearing is
tomorrow. This is where the departments come in and describe what kind of operation we are
Park Board Minutes—April 11, 2007 Page 3
going to have for the next fiscal year. Jemerson stated he was putting together a power point
presentation on what we can do with this budget. The meeting is only one-half hour and we can
only present. There will not be line item questioning, which will take place later. Council will
host community budget meetings and the first one will be April 19 at Foster Center from 6 to 8
p.m. The next community budget meeting will be April 24 at Dwight Rich from 6 to 8 p.m. As
far as the intense hearing for Parks, it will be held April 27 at 9 a.m. Jemerson provided the
board with a list of budget meetings. The budget should be adopted on May 21, 2007.
OLD BUSINESS
Frances Park
There will be a meeting on Wednesday, April IS at the Lansing Center at 7 p.m. At that time
the Landscape Architecture Department from MSU, Dr. Burley's graduate class will be
presenting their thoughts on how to re-do Frances Park. This will be the first presentation of
recommendations for the master plan. Everyone is invited to this presentation.
UPDATES
Lansing Boat Club
Jemerson stated he thought there would be a signed lease; however the boat club has obtained
Foster, Swift, Collins as their attorney. They have reviewed our draft lease, but the changes they
made were not substantial at all. They did not object to the one year lease with one year
renewable up to 5 years. We are allowing for this year to continue letting the trailer sit there.
Kibbey stated he heard it had been tagged. Jemerson stated it is in the lease they must comply
with all city regulations, as well as state regulations and code compliance and there are problems.
Franscher asked what was in the trailer. Jemerson stated the caretaker stays there and she has a
Doberman on public property. Jemerson stated they erected at sign that states dogs have to be on
a lease per ordinance. He knows the code compliance people are looking at the situation and
they must have to come into compliance or it has to go. The boat club people will have to have a
new way of securing those boats, because we cannot have this continue.
Kibbey stated it raised an interesting question about is there any other private use of park land.
The only one that came to mind was a greenhouse. Jemerson stated we receive money for that.
Jemerson said MSU has an agreement with us to operate the boat house, but within that they
have provisions they must deal with in terms of providing community out reach.
Jemerson stated as part of this new "look at the riverfront" is to pull all of the stake holders.
Grand River Park has the MSU Varsity Women's Crew Club, the Lansing Oar and Paddle club,
which is a public rowing facility, the MSU Intramural Rowing Club and the Michigan Princess
(who pays to be there). There is a paved parking lot that was built by way of a Fisheries Grant,
which is for the trailers and is part of the reason why we were talking about a new marina and
moving him to where the boat club is.
Audio delay
Park Board Minutes—April 11, 2007 Page 4
Kibbey asked for an update on the air conditioning unit at Gier Center. Jemerson phoned and
left a message for Marty Riel from Building Maintenance for an update.
Ramey stated the whole unit needs to be replaced. In the winter there is not proper heat.
A motion was made to place on the agenda for the May meeting an update on the installation of
the air conditioning unit at Gier. Supported.
Motion carried
Kibbey stated the next meeting will be at Gier and we are looking for not just an update but
action on this item.
Kibbey asked Jemerson to stop by John Green's office in purchasing and ask where this is in his
process.
Jemerson stated in the up and coming budget there is $75,000 worth of revenue from BWL. We
have talked with representatives from BWL and what we are trying to do is respond to a major
problem that happened with the BWL and their line clearing program. The BWL contracted with
Wright Tree Service to clear tree branches away from high power lines, which resulted with a
number of trees looking bad (Jemerson provided pictures). Parks was called in to help with this
project, and BWL went ahead and finished the work for this year and agreed to let the Parks do
the city trees, however Wright may still do private trees. The Parks will trim city trees and bill
BWL up to $75,000.
Kibbey stated he and Smith are both on the committee and one of the reasons it has come to this
is there is a 25 year history between neighborhood organizations and the city on tree trimming.
The city has learned the Forestry Division delivers a good project and is considered to be the
gold standard and Wright Service was doing it wrong. This will be a demonstration project for
this year and the BWL is on a 5 year trim cycle and they are already coming back into the
southwest side of the city and this is were it will start out. The other big issue that exists for both
the City and BWL is the Emerald Ash Bore and who is going to take them down and how to get
ahead of this process.
Kibbey also stated at the last meeting there was not time to discuss the issue of a possible air rifle
range at Fenner. Smith asked for an update. Jemerson provided background information that the
DNR has approached him through Director Humphries about a program they are promoting
which is Archery in the Schools. This is a national program and they have assigned a staff
member to try and get this program in as many schools as possible and here in the City we have
an ordinance that prohibits archery shooting,bb guns, cross bows and firearms (with exceptions).
He has not only had this request, but requests from Boy Scouts for a bb range at Fenner and 4-H.
Jemerson stated he drafted an ordinance change which he sent to the police department attorney,
because this would be a matter for them as far as reviewing request to set up a range. The
attorney is still in the process of editing the draft. Jemerson stated Dr. Banks returned his call
and thought it was a good idea and a meeting will be set.
Park Board Minutes—April 11, 2007 Page 5
Murray stated his wife brought this up at the last neighborhood meeting and they were
unanimously against the bb gun, but archery was fine. He was at Fenner and talked with bird
watchers and they were very concerned with the noise from bb-guns chasing away the birds.
Jemerson stated the bb-guns that are used by 4-H and Scouts are very low powered.
Smith asked how many days they would plan to have the events with bb-guns. Jemerson stated
this is not saying just anyone can go out; this would be for badges and very controlled situations.
Kibbey inquired about a previous meeting and was someone talking about an enclosed range at
MSU. Jemerson stated MSU is still fund raising, but they will be building a range for .22 caliber
small bore shooting as well as air rifle and archery on campus.
Smith asked if the Friends of Fenner have been notified about this plan. Jemerson stated they
probably know about it because Clara and the scouts have been talking for a long time about this
type of an activity happening there. There is also Crego Park across from Fenner, which we
really don't use.
Murray stated there is also property behind Evergreen Cemetery.
INFORMATION
Jemerson provided an article from LSJ and stated we obtain evaluations on our programs. This
was a fun event and the same event is held at various parks departments.
Meeting adjourned. q
Respectfully Submitted ---- IN
Kellie rown, Interim Park Board Sec tar
Approved May 9, 2007
PARK BOARD MINUTES
May 9, 2007
Gier Community Center
MEMBERS PRESENT: Rick Kibbey, Dusty Fancher, Alfonzo Mejorado, Melvin
McWilliams, Pat Murray, Claude Ramey, Brian Smith, Ron Lott
(arrived late)
MEMBERS ABSENT:
OTHERS PRESENT: Murdock Jemerson, Director Parks and Recreation; Shannon
Moody, S.P.O.C; Anthony Williams, S.P.O.C.; Pete Bosheff,
LASBRF/S.P.O.C.
CALLED TO ORDER: 7:00 p.m.
ADDITIONS/DELETIONS TO THE AGENDA:
Murfay Smith asked to add Reasoner Park and Dietrich Park to the agenda. McWilliatris asked
to add to the agenda discussion on the closing of golf courses. Also,there was a request bytl�e
skate park operating committee to do a presentation. `
)
STATEMENTS OF CITIZENS: fit
None ca
t- -
PARK BOARD MINUTES:
April 11, 2007
Murray moved to approve the minutes with minor spelling changes and the insertion of"CIP"
and"Parks" on page 2, paragraph 4. Seconded by Rainey.
Motion carried
NEW BUSINESS
Department Accreditation
Jemerson stated he wanted to put this in as an informational piece, as far as the
MSU/Commission for the Accreditation of Parks and Recreation Agencies (CAPRA). This
accreditation has only one parks and recreation department in the State of Michigan at this time,
which is Canton, Michigan. Jemerson stated he wants to get our department accredited. What
this accreditation is about is similar to the zoo accreditation process, in that a panel of parks and
recreation professionals would come and check to see if we have the required 128 standards of
operation in place as far as our operating procedures. If we do, than we would be accredited for
a 5 year period, which tells everyone we are operating at a very high level of operation. MSU is
involved from the stand point that one of the professors from the parks department asked if his
Park Board Minutes—May 9, 2007 Page 2
class could assist us in getting ready for this accreditation process. The students spent a semester
working with staff and last week they presented their findings; we still have a little ways to go
and some things we need to do, but we are not that far off the mark where we could not be ready
to go before a accreditation commission. There are things we need to do, this will take at least a
year because we have to have evidence of at least a year of operating at this level before we get
accredited. We need to put together an overall comprehensive policy manual, a risk management
manual, and we need a list of goals and objectives from individual sections within the
department. We are working at reaching these standards, a lot of the other standards we have.
Jemerson said he would provide copies of the MSU accreditation presentation. The professor is
going to continue with this process, he is going to assign graduate assistance to help with the
missing pieces.
Smith asked if there are major costs involved with accreditation. Jemerson stated the
accreditation is $1,000. Smith asked if there were any perks for being accredited. Jemerson
stated it is like a self assessment and the best perk is that we will know we are operating at a very
high level. The department will be put in various magazines as an accredited agency.
McWilliams asked how long Canton has been accredited. Jemerson replied he thought Canton
has been accredited for 2 to 3 years.
Skate Park OperatinjZ Committee
Pete Bosheff thanked the board for supporting the Ranney ball field improvements in the budget.
He stated in regard to the ball field appropriation and the budget approval on May 15, they are
interested in public involvement. What is important to them is that the building for our local
experts' coaches, it is so important for our young women to participate, see the plans and learn
some about the process as we have done with other projects in the city. There has been an
informal Friends of Ranney Park with all the users, but they would like to formalize Friends of
Ranney as a third entity. Bosheff asked if they remembered the Lansing Area Skate and Bike
Recreation Foundation (LASBRF) and the citizenship to build the skate park and the intent once
the park was open was to sustain the organization and do other things. They wanted to sustain a
citizen's group separate, but related to this, that functioned like a community center organization
and would act like an advocacy group for the skate park. The group is called S.P.O.C. (Skate
Park Operations Committee) and was formalized with by-laws in the fall of 2005. As necessary,
we have met with Murdock, Marty or various people in the city to discuss concerns.
The last couple of months Bosheff stated he has got to know Shannon Moody and Anthony
Williams who have stepped up to the plate and want to take the SPOC organization to a level of
meetings every month and advocate for some things that are needed. They have had 3 meetings
and are looking at a solution for the graffiti issue, which is a graffiti wall and also a rules sign.
McWilliams asked if the sign was for rules unique to the skate park.
Bosheff provide some examples of rule signs from around the country. They want to put in
something more permanent, which looks cool and let the skaters help design. McWilliams asked
if the rules that were posted were adequate or if they are proposing some additional rules.
Bosheff said they went through a lengthy process to approve the current rules and he thinks they
Park Board Minutes—May 9, 2007 Page 3
are adequate. They want to increase the visibility of the sign and would be willing to take the
project to the LASBRF board to help pay for the sign. Bosheff wants to make sure the protocol
and procedures are correct so they can encumber the funds. Bosheff stated restrooms are a big
issue and they have talked with Marty about some ideas. Lights are always an issue for security
and are common in most skate parks. Beginner pool is huge on the minds of the public and
parents. Other ideas of interest are security, buildings, shade and events and fund raisers.
Bosheff said there is a group of bicyclist who are asking for access to the park and he thinks it is
a fair question to city officials and may be presented to city officials at some point.
Anthony Williams said he is a skateboarder, who has been skating for about 5 years; he travels
around the country and has two sponsors; one in Ann Arbor and one locally. They pay him to go
around to skate at other parks, to see how they skate, and what he likes about them and film
video. A lot of parks he visits have lights and different things that make the park unique.
Ramey is a really good park, but there are things that could be added to make it better, and get
rid of some of the problems, like graffiti. One of the ideas he has to get rid of graffiti would be
lights or walls brought in for graffiti.
Jemerson asked Williams if in the other parks he has been in has he seen a lot of graffiti.
Williams stated sometimes, but it depends on the area. In parks where there are lights graffiti is
not a big issue. Williams stated he wouldn't mind graffiti if it was good and with out gang signs,
because it is an art. Jemerson commented when they were developing the park, it came up that
maybe they would let people graffiti, and wondered if Williams has seen any parks covered with
graffiti. Jemerson stated when he was director in Flint they had put a park in downtown and it
started to get graffiti, so they invited the graffiti artist to meet with their and they allowed some
good graffiti along some areas of the park which helped. Williams stated they have several ideas
to help with the graffiti.
Bosheff stated when the graffiti was being removed the blaster being used had the most
aggressive tip which etched into the paint.
Shaimon Moody stated she has been skating for about 1 '/z years. Williams touched on a lot of
things she wanted to talk about. She stated the main goal is to not only make these
improvements for the skaters, but it will affect the parents that come to the park and the
community and make the park more accessible.
Bosheff added they want to continue with the protocol and the excellent communication and
would like to see the rules put back up as soon as possible.
Jemerson said they would have the rules put back up and encouraged the group to look at the
rules again. Bosheff said he would send an e-mail reminder.
Kibbey stated he would look forward to suggestions from LASBRF on the question of bike use
and the sooner there is a policy in force the better it will be.
Park Board Minutes—May 9, 2007 Page 4
OLD BUSINESS
Leeper Field
Kibbey indicated this is listed as an action item and he thought it was largely in response to the
enclosed letter. Jemerson stated it has been on several agendas and he put it on the agenda in
case the board wanted to act on it. There should be two more letters of support coming. No
action was taken by the board
BudlZet Update
Jemerson reviewed a power point presentation on the budget that he had presented to city
council. Jemerson stated the budget forecast is looking good; our general fiend levels are
consistent with FY07 with the exception of the four vacant funded positions that were
eliminated. The positions eliminated were the landscape architect, one cemetery position, one
community center programmer and one forestry position. There were no layoffs, no contracting
out services, the CIP increased from $750,000 to $1.2 million. The city can expect from Parks in
FY08: continued great service, administrative support, departmental administration and
budgeting, friendly customer service, and payroll services.
Jemerson reviewed the budget dollar amounts from FY06 actual dollars, FY07 current budget
and FY08 requests and indicated there is not much of a difference. He indicated we had done 93
city wide special events, managed 21 leases, continued coordination of Scott House and Oak
Park community room, 325 pavilion rentals, 70 weddings at Frances and Cooley. He also
reviewed salaries, fringe amounts, programs, kids' camps, special events, golf courses, and CIP.
McWilliams stated this is the first time he has seen the budget. He knows there continues to be
talk about the golf courses being closed and he did not know if the Mayor and Council was going
to ask for the Parks Advisory Board recommendation on closure or not. If the board is going to
be consulted about this, the case should be made to the board so they can understand the
rationale and not just make a decision on it and he would like to make sure all of the options are
being considered. He knows other cities have managed to keep their courses open and have
private entities run them at a profit and pay money to the city.
Kibbey asked if the board should ask for a presentation on the basis on which this decision was
going to be made.
McWilliams stated yes.
Fancher said she would like to have a more detailed look at what the budgets are. She stated she
knows this is a subsidized program, and it would be interesting for her from a budgeting
perspective where budgeting is often done through subsidized programs and if our golf programs
make money they help subsidize other programs. If you look at the MSU football program; this
program makes money to support other sports like the women's crew team. It would be
interesting to look at the fees and what the fees bring in and look at the rates to see if they could
be adjusted. She would like to see a presentation on golf, what is coming in, what the subsidy
rates are, what the participation levels are and what kind of money is coming in and going out.
Park Board Minutes—May 9, 2007 Page 5
Jemerson stated in order to do that since the budget gets finalized soon, is to have a special
meeting. Fancher said she did not mind coming in to sit down and does not need a big
production. Jemerson offered for anyone to come in and meet with him and Mr. Ballard.
However, it could involve the "open meetings act" and the meeting would need to be published.
Kibbey stated it is emerging that this board as a whole is becoming more comfortable with its
budgetary responsibilities. Even if this is not an issue for this year, it is something we could be
looking at for next year to start getting ready and the golf issue has urgency to it. Now would be
a good time to have a presentation and let's see the factors, revenues, and costs so we are
prepared to make a decision. Kibbey asked the board if this is something they would like to see
at a future meeting after the budget.
Jemerson stated one thing not mentioned under the administrative golf budget as a new
expenditure is $15,000 for marketing. Jemerson also asked the board members for any ideas
they have for marketing the golf courses.
McWilliams mentioned having brochures at the welcome centers at the state border to advertise
Lansing attractions.
Kibbey suggested a separate meeting for marketing and increased use for the facilities we have
on the agenda.
UPDATES
A/C at Gier Community Center
Marty Riel reported that what he has on the air conditioning for Gier Center is the Mayor has
signed off in making sure that"no city business didn't get the advantage of not bidding for the
project" and it has been awarded Meyers Plumbing. He is trying to get pre-construction meeting
next week to discuss preliminary stuff, but a delivery date has not been given.
Kibbey summarized the bids are in, a bid has been accepted, and a contract is being drafted. Riel
stated a contract would be out tomorrow.
Ramey asked when it would be on the roof. Riel stated when he received a signature back from
them he would get a schedule. Riel stated the schedule would be provided to Murdock to
forward to the Park Board.
Riel stated after July 1 there would be other renovations to make this building more energy
efficient; the boiler, lighting and other things.
Update/Amendment Master Plan
Kibbey stated Jemerson asked for the Update/Amendment for the Master Plan to be pulled from
the agenda for this evening.
Park Board Minutes—May 9, 2007 Page 6
Lansing Boat Club Lease
Jemerson informed the board the lease was sent last Thursday to the boat club, their attorney
acknowledged the receipt and would get back with us next week. This information was provided
via e-mail from our assistant city attorney, Don Kuhlhanek. The LBC has our proposed lease
agreement, which will be a one year lease.
Kibbey asked if the trailer was gone. Jemerson stated the trailer is still there.
Dietrich and Reasoner Parks
Mur-r-ay Smith stated he meets twice a month with Council President Leeman and today Mr.
Leeman drove him around. They looked at the staircase that was being talked about, and other
than one plank that was missing, neither of them could see the problem with the stairs. He asked
why they couldn't just repair the problem. Jemerson stated the whole structure is old, there are
amain members that are old and rotten, so that is why it is closed off. The person that fell did put
a claim in to the city for a torn rotator cup. Jemerson said when they were looking at it with that
gentleman they made the decision to yank the whole thing, because it is to far gone.
May Smith also mentioned at Dietrich Park when you walk across the street where the
rivertrail and bridge are there is brown but that belongs to the Federal Gov't/water monitoring
and next to it is one half of a coke machine that is trash and asked for it to be removed.
Mur+ay Smith also asked about the building at Reasoner and the hole in the roof. Riel stated it is
slated for demolition.
Murfay Smith also asked where we were on mowing. Jemerson stated that we are behind on
mowing, because when we started our mowing season we were budgeted for 54 seasonal
workers, but when we started we only had 25 seasonal workers and at this time last year we had
37.
Meeting adjourned.
Respectfully Submitted
Kellie Prown, Interim Park Board Secretary
Approved June 13, 2007
PARK BOARD MINUTES L `1 f :
June 13, 2007
Foster Community Center L L
MEMBERS PRESENT: Rick Kibbey, Claude Ramey, Brian Smith, Ronald
Ward, Dusty Fancher, Pat Murray, Melvin McWilliams
MEMBERS ABSENT:
OTHERS PRESENT: Don Ballard, Deputy Director Parks and Recreation; Richard
Leeper; Loretta Stanaway and Jesse Lasorda of Friends of
Lansing's Historic Cemeteries
CALLED TO ORDER: 7:03 p.m.
ADDITIONS/DELETIONS TO THE AGENDA:
Kibbey stated he asked Ballard about several update questions on: golf start ups, league sign ups
for baseball, information on mowing schedule, the review process for Ranney and status of A/C
at Gier.
STATEMENTS OF CITIZENS:
Loretta Stanaway, President of the newly formed group Friends of Lansing Historic Cemeteries.
They felt a need to begin this group, they started meeting in April and have their DBA. They
hope to become a non-profit. They exist to advocate for the cemeteries and the workers so that
they can be sure the cemeteries receive adequate attention, funding and staffing, in order the
cemeteries can be maintained, beautified and represent the City in a good light and show the
proper respect and decorum for the departed. One of the first things will be a group tour for the
Friends to familiarize members with the cemeteries and to generate a list of potential projects to
work on. They are also looking at a fundraiser in the fall. They have some potential projects:
the fence at Mt. Hope, the potential development of the basin at Mt Hope. Stanaway stated she
owns Memorial Minders, a business that takes care of gravesites for people who cannot. One of
her clients left an estate and part of his estate is to go to a foundation that will generate fiends for
Mt. Hope Cemetery that will be used to beautify the cemetery in a way the city cannot afford to
do and is not routine maintenance. One of the first things to be done is to pay for one-half of the
fence and secondly is to develop the basin area. This area is when you first come into the
cemetery there is a sunken area, which will be made into a memorial garden area with a gazebo,
walkways, fountain, benches and flowers. Detailed description of the area was provided to the
board members. Stanaway stated when the cemetery was first developed that sight was created
as a horse pasture for visitors to the cemetery.
Lasorda commented that there is no plan for the care of the trees and they are growing higher
than planned.
Kibbey commented that when Friends groups begin they will ask for help in developing a master
plan.
Park Board Minutes—June 13, 2007 Page 2
Stanaway responded she understood there was a master plan for the parks and cemeteries, but it
is also her understanding that the cemetery section has not been updated for years. She also
commented she attended a meeting with Mr. Jemerson and others where he requested part of the
funding from her clients estate be used to update the master plan.
Lott encouraged the board to look at and update any master plans, because it also makes us more
attractive to potential grants if there is a written plan in place and he encouraged them to work
with the department to update the master plan.
BOARD MINUTES
May 9, 2007
Moved and supported with the following corrections: Page 1 under Additions Murray should be
Smith and Page 6 under Dietrich and Reasoner Park paragraphs 1-4 Murray should be Smith.
NEW BUSINESS
Cynthia Ward introduced herself as the new Park Board Member. She is a Professor at Cooley
Law School, lives in Old Town and is a member at-large. Board members introduced
themselves and the wards they represented.
OLD BUSINESS
Leeper Field
Mr. Leeper reiterated from previous meetings information on his father's background. Leeper
stated he was asked by Mr. Jemerson to get letters and other verification of support for this
request. Leeper commented that he had typed a generic letter and gave it to the people who had
seen the trophies at Art's Bar or may have newspaper clippings. He is asking that the designated
baseball field for Lansing Community College be named Leepers Field in memory of his father.
He is asking for the approval of the board and reminded them there would be not cost incurred
by the City of Lansing for the plaque or its maintenance. He and the athletic department
volunteers from LCC would take stencils to the side of the dugout to give it a name to start.
Kibbey stated the board would not take action on this item that it is still an ongoing discussion.
Leeper provided copies of an outline and information on a stainless plate that would go on the
back of the backstop. There would be nothing in the ground to interfere with mowing or
maintenance.
Ranney Handball Court
Kibbey stated it was dedicated last month; however he was not able to attend. He did visit the
court three days after the dedication and there were four young guys playing and gave him a
flyer for a tournament. He also went out a week later and there were 3 elders playing.
Park Board Minutes—June 13, 2007 Page 3
UPDATES
First Tee
Ballard stated they met last week with building maintenance to go over the items they saw
needed to get done as soon as possible in order to receive final inspection for occupancy of the
building. They met with the representative from Clark Construction who is the general
contractor and those concerns and items were taken back to the construction foreman to be taken
care. The walk and landscaping work was started this week and they will be pouring the
concrete in the upcoming week. As soon as occupancy is granted they will open and will look at
options should this be delayed past July 1. The representative from the First Tee Midwest stated
he would come back and explain what changes their program is going through. Ballard stated
for this summer he has worked out an arrangement with MSU's golf school at Forest Acres and
they will be offering three youth golf camps at the Sycamore facility the last two weeks of July
and first two weeks of August. Information on registration, cost, etc should be out next week.
There will also be at least two youth discover golf programs, which is a free program MSU
offers.
Ballard stated they were waiting on fixtures for installation in the restrooms.
Lott asked if they were still looking at July 1. Ballard said yes.
Rivertrail
Ballard stated we have received the permit approval from the DEQ so the project may proceed.
This is the section from Mt. Hope to Scott Woods and will go out to bid late summer to early
fall.
Murray stated they have an at grade crossing on the River-trail that crosses Lake Lansing and they
have an on call pedestrian light to get across and he about crossing Mt. Hope. Ballard stated
there has been discussion, but he did not know what the final result was and if it was a
possibility.
Smith stated the Ingham County Board of Commissioners passed some type of resolution for
Scott Woods and will be approaching us to work in some kind of cooperative venture. Ballard is
not familiar with what the resolution was and if it had to do with maintenance of the trail and the
park. Kibbey said they were going to essentially take over maintenance.
It was asked if once the Rivertrail entered Scott Woods is that where it will continue to go south
into Delhi Township. Ballard said it will go through Hawk Island to Cavanaugh, along
Sycamore Creek and we will go as far as Jolly Rd.
Kibbey stated because there is a light agenda he would like to catch up.
Kibbey asked how the golf numbers look compared to last year. Ballard stated at all three of the
courses 2005 was a good year, the best year in the last four years. Last year was an off year, he
Park Board Minutes—June 13, 2007 Page 4
is sure the fee increase, wet spring and hot weather all had something to do with it. This year
Groesbeck is seeing about the same numbers as last year. There are coupons available, we are
working on the marketing plan, and the commercial should be ready for next week.
The coupon provides a discounted rate. Ballard stated the first time the coupon program ran this
spring there were over 1,400 coupons used. This program was also used last year. There are
internet options to print coupons from. Ballard stated everyone is feeling the pinch of the
economy.
Ballard said the 9-hole courses had the controversy last year which prevented them from opening
on time; last year the late start in April and the weather in May delayed a come back. This year
the numbers for Waverly are about the same as last year and Sycamore has had an increase.
Kibbey stated the reason he asked for this report is because we will be asked to make a decision
on this later in the summer and he thought it would be a good time to educate the board on this
and to prepare our questions.
Ward asked if there was any expense information available on the golf courses. Ballard stated
they monitor it, but the reports are put together twice a year, usually in June and December.
Ward asked for an example of expenses of a 9-hole compared to an 18-hole. Ballard said it is
about half the cost for a 9-hold versus an 18-hole. For example at Red Cedar there are 2
maintenance employees and 1 employee in the clubhouse and at Groesbeck at there are 5
maintenance employees and 2 in the clubhouse.
Kibbey said there are issues with the expenses in the degree of which you are allocating non-
direct expenses that are spread over the whole department. For example the city attorney fees,
the director, as opposed to paying for a starter. The in-direct costs are what is subsidized and if
the golf courses went away the in-direct costs would not, as there is still a city attorney, director,
etc.
McWilliams asked Ballard to share information on how the late opening of the courses may have
impacted league play and also about this years talk about closing next year and leagues possibly
looking elsewhere to play. Ballard reported they lost two leagues out of five last year at Waverly
and were unable to recruit any new ones for this year. Red Cedar has only had one league and
that was through the YWCA and they have not had leagues last year or this year. Groesbeck has
a full slate from 3:30 to 6:30 Monday through Thursday and continues to be popular for leagues.
Kibbey asked about league sign up for baseball. Ballard provided information on adult softball
and baseball. Last year there were 128 teams in adult softball, this year there is 121; in the adult
baseball there where 21 teams last year and 18 this year. Ballard indicated Tony Noyola's
comments were that from what he has seen state wide and the economy it is not unique to
Lansing to lose teams. Sponsorship opportunities are tough to get for new teams, so teams have
more players.
Kibbey shared information from last year on the mowing schedule that basically had four levels:
there was a way to mow if you were going to play on it, mowing it a couple of times a year,
Park Board Minutes—June 13, 2007 Page 5
brush hogging it and leaving it alone. They were going through the parks to determine where
they could do what. He wondered if that scheduled had been adopted and if so, how was it
working.
Ballard stated what he probably saw was "what if' options like if we lost the 15 seasonals as a
budget savings and we prepared some scenarios. To a certain extent we do implement that, we
do maintain our heavy use areas. The ball fields are mowed at a different height and frequency
than park land that is not used as actively. This year we are in better shape than last year due to
the increase in seasonal employees we have; last year we had 46 and right now we have 53.
When Potter Park goes to the county the 4 seasonal employees working at the zoo will come
back to the parks system. Kibbey inquired if one of the problems this year was we had monies
for 40+ seasonal, but only 20+ came back and we needed to catch up. Ballard said we typically
call back all of our existing seasonals and then if there are vacancies we have a process to go out
and find additional people; this year,just before the seasonal recall, 10 seasonals that were going
to be recalled received factory jobs and we had to quickly recruit. By the time we recruit, do
background checks and drivers license checks, the process can take up to 4 weeks and gave us a
slow start.
Kibbey said the issue was the cemeteries and they needing to be mowed by Memorial Day.
Kibbey stated he thought the budget process was better this year than last, but he would still like
to start a month earlier than we did this year. We were not able to have hearings like the board
would have liked to have.
Kibbey said he has a specific request for Ranney. There is a group that is interested in a high
profile event at Ranney and the project has money in the project, but it has to make it through the
process. This is to replace the amiouncing tower, dugouts and such and we have a group who
wants to bring the women's Olympic softball team to Ranney. Kibbey is asking for the boards
permission to ask Murdock to have an expedited review process.
Ballard stated he spoke with Murdock and his plan is to meet with the stake holders involved
with the softball program to look at the plans we have to see if they want to tweak the current
plans and go with them or if other options need to be explored.
Kibbey also talked about the restrooms not being open year round. He has talked with someone
on how they use porta-potty but build a structure around them to appear permanent, but they can
still be serviced.
Kibbey asked about the status of the A/C at Gier. Ballard said it is on the COW agenda for
tomorrow to provide a timeline, but according to Marty Riel the bid process is over and it
probably will not be until late summer.
Ramey made a motion to have the next Park Board Meeting at Gier.
Motion carried with recommendation for appropriate notification of the change to the meeting
location.
Park Board Minutes—June 13, 2007 Page 6
Ballard said the COW meeting would be tomorrow at 1:30 p.m in Council Chambers.
Information
Moores Park Pool opened today.
Juneteen event is at St. Joe Park this Friday and Saturday
Greater Lansing Association of Realtors has an event at Ferris Park
Indian Pow Wow will be at Riverfront Park this weekend
Cooley Law School is having a tournament at Gier this weekend.
Meeting adjourned
Respectfully Submitted
Kelli Brown, Interim Park Board Secretary
Approved July 11, 2007
PARK BOARD MINUTES
July 11, 2007
Gier Community Center
MEMBERS PRESENT: Rick Kibbey, Claude Ramey, Brian Smith, Ronald Lott, Melvin
McWilliams, Dusty Frncher
MEMBERS ABSENT: Cynthia Ward, Pat Murray,
OTHERS PRESENT: Murdock Jemerson, Director Parks and Recreation
CALLED TO ORDER: 7:00 p.m.
ADDITIONS/DELETIONS TO THE AGENDA:
Smith asked to add the Flying Aces to the agenda. Jemerson stated he wanted to talk about the
Master Plan.
STATEMENTS OF CITIZENS:
r i
BOARD MINUTES
June 13, 2007
c: Cl)
Motion by Ramey to approve the board minutes as submitted, seconded by Smith.
�.s
Kibbey asked about the discussion under cemeteries, he noticed Ms. Stanaway stated one of the
first things to be done is to pay for one-half of the fence and the second is to develop the basin
area. Lott stated the fence was part of the board's approval, but he does not recall the basin.
Kibbey stated he was not aware the basin was on a list to be done. Kibbey requested this
sentence be struck from the minutes.
McWilliams and Lott both commented these were her comments and not what the board's plan is
and Lott is not sure we need to change this.
Kibbey asked Jemerson if the Fratcher fund comes to the Parks or if it is a free standing
foundation that can do what they want. Jemerson said these fluids are managed by the National
City Bank and are to be spent on projects at Mt. Hope and the funds go to the City and we do the
proj ect.
Jemerson stated Ms. Stanaway has been asked to sit in on the fence project and probably all of
the projects, but he believes the bottom line is with the department working with the bank. The
bank has a committee, and we make proposals to the committee as to fielding projects.
Park Board Minutes—July 11, 2007 Page 2
Motion Carried
NEW BUSINESS
Lansing Flying Aces
Smith stated on the weekend of the 4"', an individual had gone to Elm Park to play softball and
provided Smith with a copy of a flyer that is posted all over the park that indicates the Flying
Aces have an exclusive lease to use the dome. Jemerson said it wasn't stated it would be just
airplanes.
Smith stated the individual had been there on Saturday to play softball, however they were flying
all over the park. On Sunday there were fewer people with no planes flying, but a gentleman
approached the individual and presented a posting that indicated exclusive use. The person from
Flying Aces would not allow the others to play softball.
Jemerson stated they have designated dates and times to use the park and he would look into this.
Master Plan
Jemerson asked if the board recalled during the marina controversy, the whole issue of the
Master Plan came about in terms of the marina not being or should not have been in the Master
Plan. We went back and looked at not only the marina but other items that council said should
have been out of the plan, but were still in it.
Jemerson stated he and the administration started talking about the Master Plan and the fact there
is a new Mayor who would like to see his agenda carried forward throughout each department..
We have completed a number of the items in this Master Plan and we were thinking this might
be a good opportunity for a mid-year update. To make changes to the plan to reflect not only
comments made during the marina controversy, but also to incorporate some of the wishes of this
administration; primarily looking at the Mayor's Grand Vision which not only talks about
marinas, but docking, fishing opportunities, and beautification along the river. Jemerson
indicated he would be communicating with the Board as we go along with this. The Mayor is
serious about amending the plan,the Lansing Boat Club, providing docking facilities.
Fancher stated since the last meeting she has been watching the RiverTrail and uses it and
noticed the Common Ground organizers are interested in building an amphitheater. She
commented with her background, she thought it would be interesting for the Board to look at the
property the Parks and City of Lansing have along the riverfront and what kind of joint effort
could be done with the Planning Board. She thought Bob Johnson could come in to talk about
what they are looking forward to doing and make sure what Parks is doing with their Master Plan
does not work against the city's plan. She encourages going forward with looking at the Master
Plan and working with the planning board.
Kibbey stated he has had good luck over the years with using a master planning process as an
organizing process to help citizens groups to find what they are interested in doing and he would
be interested in the Master Plan process as an organizational development approach. He believes
Park Board Minutes—July 11, 2007 Page 3
it strengthens us in the budget process to the extent there is a good linkage to the projects on the
ground and the plans.
McWilliams asked if in talking about updating the plan are we talking about updating the plan
that would start in 2011 or are we talking about updating the 2005-2010 plan. Jemerson stated
he is suggesting looking at not only those comments/corrections that need to be made as
amendments and incorporated into the existing plan, but come April 1 we are ready to present a
grant proposal to the DNR for some new development along the river.
McWilliams asked if do you put something in the Master Plan and then decide whether or not it
is feasible during the period or do you look at it in terms of feasibility to decide if you even want
to put it in the Master Plan. He commented one of the big problems he had with the marina is
they heard of all of the engineering and things that had not been done; so to suddenly have this
something to be fiinded when it is a big plan and other issues have not been looked at.
Jemerson stated there is a process to amend the Rec Plan, which is a process, dictated by the
State. You need to submit any amendment to your rec plan through the same level of review you
subjected your rec plan to, which means public hearings and things of that nature.
Jemerson stated he would come back to this board with recommendations on amendments to the
Rec Plan. We could have public hearings before the Park Board and Council. What is stated as
far as a regulation is we have a public hearing, where there is a certain amount of notification
and it is run as a public hearing and there is a process dictated by the DNR.
McWilliams asked if the Rec Plan is different than the Master Plan. Jemerson clarified what
Kibbey was referring to as a Master Plan process relates more to a master planning process for a
park. The Rec Plan is to a master plan of our recreation development programming for a 5-year
period and what Kibbey is referring to is a master plan for a geographic area called a park.
Kibbey stated a Master Plan is made up of several little plans.
Smith asked if amendments need to go before Council. Jemerson stated yes they do.
OLD BUSINESS
Leeper Field
Kibbey stated this has been around for awhile and the reason this is on the agenda is for the
purpose of a motion. Kibbey asked the wishes of the board on this issue.
Lott moved the board recommends the naming of the field on the west side Richard Leeper
Field. Supported by Fancher.
McWilliams stated he thinks it is great that Mr. Leeper is so committed to this, but he is not sure
the record in front of this measures up to our protocol and is rather thin. McWilliams stated he
does not know anything other than what Mr. Leeper has said about his father, and his sense is
there are other individuals on those teams and he has no way of measuring the importance of this
Park Board Minutues—July 11, 2007 Page 4
father to other players on the team. He does not have a strong feeling to support this given our
protocol.
Kibbey advised new members that a summary of the protocol is that the board looks for someone
who has made a contribution to the system and Lansing and not so much a matter of individual
achievement. It is a matter if they have helped to build the league, helped build the system or
bring people into the system rather than individual achievement by any particular person.
Smith stated he echoed Kibbeys thoughts and in our guidelines the board have used it states
"make major contributions of a public service nature" and he will be voting no. Smith stated Mr.
Leeper has not provided this and he feels if this is passed it could start anybody who ever had
relatives who played in the city will want something named after a relative. The guidelines were
put together for a reason and his vote will be no.
Faucher asked to see the guidelines.
Kibbey asked for clarification if this had been reviewed by the Memorial Review Committee.
Jemerson said it was presented to them, he did not know how review it received, but it was
referred to the Park Board for recommendation.
Smith asked if the Review Committee took action on it. Jemerson stated they did not.
Lott asked if the Review Committee is the final word. Jemerson stated no, the Park Board makes
a recommendation to the Mayor and the Mayor passes it onto council. In this case the Park
Board will also pass on their recommendation to the Review Cormnittee who will make a
recommendation to council and council will probably make the final decision. The Park Board's
recommendations do hold very heavily on what council does.
Kibbey indicated he was confused where this was in the Review Committee and that he had
spoke with Mr. Hubbell and they had turned it down.
Lott feels there has been effort made and this is not a key issue with him, but he understands the
rest of the Board's opinions.
Kibbey stated his other concern is that this field is essentially LCC's home field. Jemerson
stated they are allowed to use the field a certain period of the season, but Lansing Parks also uses
the field. LCC does not own the field, but it is their home field.
Kibbey had expected some sort of position from LCC on this, when you look at the number of
people who have been involved in this program over the years and he is not sure if this would be
their choice.
Jemerson clarified LCC was asked to have input on this and they did not and he had spoke with
the Athletic Director who said they did not have a position on this field as far as naming and they
were remaining neutral.
Motion to approve re-naming of Westside Field to Leeper Field. 1 yea; 5nays
Park Board Minutes—July 11, 2007 Page 5
Motion defeated
UPDATES
Air Conditioning at Gier
Fancher indicated it was 84 degrees in the meeting room. Jemerson said the situation has not
changed since the last update. Meyer Plumbing is in the process of securing the equipment and
once it is here, which may be fall, it will be installed.
Ramey asked if the contract has been signed. Jemerson said it is his understanding that it has
been signed, and we cannot enter into any purchasing agreements, which this company has
ordered the equipment, unless everything has been ok'd and the contract is signed.
Jemerson spoke with Marty Riel via cell phone and confirmed the A/C unit will be delivered in
August and should be running by mid-September.
Lansing Boat Club
Jemerson reported there was a meeting which had two new people,the Commodore and Pete.
They are in the process of re-writing their by-laws and membership forms. They are ready to
have the trailer removed as it is vacant. Jemerson stated he had to remind the Commodore that
the trailer is in the LBC's name and he could not just take it, so the LBC are looking at the
options to remove it. The issue the LBC has is security and before they get rid of the trailer, they
need to have a plan in place to put a guard shed or something there to protect the boats.
Jemerson said in the thoughts of a marina there was a plan to have a building with contracted
security. The LBC still have yet to sign the lease, they want a five year and the city is saying a
one year with yearly extensions. The reason for a one year is because they need to get things
together regarding the operations of the LBC. The City is not looking at trying to get rid of the
LBC, but are interested in a boat club that would be open and available to the public and the
practices and operations reflect a publicly run facility.
Kibbey asked how long the LBC has to sign the lease. Jemerson said the committee wanted four
weeks. Fancher asked about liability with them not having a lease and being city property. They
have insurance, but the city would be sued also.
4"' of July
Jemerson reported this year was a wonderful 01 of July parade and provided pictures. LPD
estimated attendance at 5,000.
Lott said the Lansing Exchange Club ran out of flags and they had 1,500 to hand out to kids.
Jemerson reported he asked staff to participate with a float; each community center, Turner
Dodge, Fenner, Sports and Special Recreation; staff were upset at first, but came through with
some great floats.
Park Board Minutes—July 11, 2007 Page 6
Lott stated he knows it is a problem in the summer, but a parade needs bands.
Fancher said at the Mason parade they had about 15 members of the Mason High School Band
on a trailer playing, which she thought was a good alternative.
Sycamore Driving Range
Jemerson reported it opened on July 6 and Kris Nicholoff was there and provided $4,000 in
scholarships ($2,000 for the driving range and $2,000 for two camps). The driving range is open
9 a.m. to 8 p.m., buckets of balls cost $5 small, $7 medium and $9 large bucket. There will be
two camps that MSU will sponsor to teach golf, because the Lansing First Tee volunteer group is
still going through the process of getting together, raising enough money to hire an instructor and
in their absence MSU has volunteered to put together the two camps. Camps will run July 30
through August 2, Monday through Thursday and August 6 through August 9. The fee is $50 for
Lansing resident youth ages 7 to 17 and the non-resident fee is $100. If residents are unable to
pay the $50, they may apply for the department's scholarship and may a small co-payment
thanks to Mr. Nicholoff and the Lansing Youth and Recreation Fund.
Web Site
Jemerson reported the Department is on the verge of opening a new web site on the City web
site. He was working with Don Ballard yesterday and today, inputting the golf information and
capital improvement program, which are the last two pieces for the web site.
Rivertrail South
Jemerson reported he just received today in the mail from MDOT the bid proposal package that
MDOT will be letting out in September, with bids back in October and construction will begin in
late fall. During the winter we will be clearing trees and brush for the trail.
Kibbey asked if anything was learned from Sycamore about starting ground clearing in the fall
so it will flood in the fall, winter and early spring.
Jemerson stated a lot was learned from Sycamore and the DEQ is on board and involved and will
know everything we do, as well as our own public service department.
Kibbey asked to be kept informed, because the last time they were technically in compliance, but
he watched the water rise over the sediment fence. Kibbey asked if this section would go from
Mt. Hope to Scott Woods.
Jemerson clarified it would go from Potter Park through Scott Woods to Maguire Park at Jolly
and Aurelius Roads. Delhi is working on a trail system to conrmect with Lansing's.
Hunter Pool
Jemerson reported we do have a contractor who will be doing the design. This is a company that
has a lot of experience and is the company that put in the spray pad at Hawk Island. Kibbey
Park Board Meeting—July 11, 2007 Page 7
asked when this would be done. Jemerson stated we have the designer, but the construction
dollars are still tied up in the legislature; we are watching Bill 4828.
CORRESPONDENCE
Kibbey asked if there is going to be further discussion on changes to City golf courses, would it
be possible to meet with someone from the Mayor's office ahead of time to develop some
guidelines for reviewing proposals so that the board agrees on what to use for criteria.
Jemerson recommended the board request of the Mayor that he briefs the Park Board on any
future changes or recommendations that he may have for golf.
McWilliams thought this had been asked to be done at a previous meeting.
Kibbey stated he had attended 2 evenings of Sunsets with Shakespeare and the first night there
were 82 in attendance and the second night there were 75. He received a letter thanking us for
"the continued, incredible support of the Parks Department."
Kibbey reviewed the information of activities.
Smith asked if there was time for election of officers. The board agreed to elect officers at the
August meeting.
Meeting adjourned at 8:30 P.M.
Respectfiilly Submitted /
Kellie B lown, Interim Park Board Secretary
Approved August 8, 2007
PARK BOARD MINUTES
August 8, 2007
Letts Community Center
MEMBERS PRESENT: Rick Kibbey, Claude Ramey, Brian Smith, Ronald Lott, Melvin
McWilliams, Dusty Fancher, Cynthia Ward, Pat Murray
MEMBERS ABSENT: None
OTHERS PRESENT: Murdock Jemerson, Director Parks and Recreation; Judy Filice and
June Knostman, Friends of Frances Park; Pete Bosheff, Lansing
Boat Club
CALLED TO ORDER: 7:00 p.m.
ADDITIONS/DELETIONS TO THE AGENDA:
It was requested for an update of the situation at Hunter Park. Jemerson asked for an update on
the status of the City's DNR Trust Fund grant application. Kibbey indicated these items would
be added under number 6 of the agenda.
STATEMENTS OF CITIZENS:
A thank you from the audience was made for the labyrinth and a request for an idea of the
timeline. Jemerson stated an RFP needs to be put together to get an architectural firm on board
and the departments architect planner will start on this.
BOARD MINUTES
July 11, 2007
Motion made by Fancher, seconded by Ramey to approve minutes as submitted.
c_
Motion carried
NEW BUSINESS C7.11
Election of Officers
Kibbey indicated this is the time the board elects the President and Vice-President. L(3f stated
the board is looking for nominations for the office of the President of the Park Board. Fancher
nominated Rick Kibbey, Murray nominated Brian Smith; no further nominations were made.
Lansing Park Board Minutes—August 11, 2007 Page 2
Lott indicated this nomination is for the office of the president with a term to expire June 30,
2008. Kibbey received 3 votes, Smith received 3 votes; Lott cast the tie breaking vote and
nominated Kibbey.
Motion was carried to elect Rick Kibbey, President of the Lansing Park Board.
Lott nominated Brian Smith for Vice-President, with no further nominations, nominations were
closed. Kibbey stated hearing no objections Smith received 8 votes for Vice-President
Motion was carried to elect Brian Smith, Vice President of the Lansing Park Board.
OLD BUSINESS
Lansing Boat Club
Jemerson stated he asked Pete Bosheff, who was recently elected as chairman of the board, to
provide a report.
Bosheff stated he sent an updat letter to Jemerson indicating a time line for completion of the
action items. There are 6 items; corrective actions specific to operations, communication and
policies is in progress; updating documentation, including membership application concurrent
with bylaws; updating and revising LCB by-laws; remove mobile home/trailer, goal is to have
this done by September 1; assembling club information/documentation, a sub-committee has
been formed; and docking grounds evaluation.
Bosheff provided an update on the removal of the trailer. The sub-committee has assessed the
unit's removal, which includes frame, pitch, axels, wheels and tires; the committee agrees these
components are sound and are sure they can be moved. Personal items from the trailer have been
removed, some personal items, including the shed are still being evaluated. The deed for the
trailer is available.
Bosheff stated on the grounds the store club house has been painted. Docks are always a
question, but it is on the list of manual chores and is in the process of being done.
The sub-committee on documentation has changed the mailing address. There were two mailing
addresses, one on Main Street and it has been changed to the existing post office box.
Kibbey asked that the board members have a copy of the report.
Amendments of 5 Year Recreation Plan
Jemerson stated this is still being worked on. The City Attorney and staff are looking into the
legal aspect to amending this plan.
Lansing Park Board Minutes—August 11, 2007 Page 3
Friends of Frances
Knostman stated the Friends of Frances Park have taken on the proposal submitted by MSU for
the updating of Frances Park over many years. The current plan for Frances Park was activated
in 1950 and it took until 1956 to get the park where it is today with the overlook, rose garden,
and pavilion and for 51 years it has remained. However, 2/3 of the park is vacant and this is not
what the donor intended it to be.
The Garden Club saw a need at Frances and found out the neighborhood was also concerned, but
was not sure what they could do. The Garden Club joined with the Riverside Home Association
and together they decided to form Friends of Frances Park.
The Friends of Frances Park group is functioning and went to MSU for a plan for the
development of the 59 acres. These students, with supervision, do the preliminary drawings and
submit them to the group for selection. At the June 11 meeting MSU showed the conceptual
plan. A report of five items was provided to the Park Board that the Friends feel would be
capable of handling in the next five years.
Filice asked if any of the board members have reviewed any of the projects submitted by MSU.
Kibbey indicated he saw at least three board members and the chair of the department at the
meeting. Filice asked for the board's opinions and to reflect back on the projects and add them
to the list of five.
Knostman asked if Frances is in the 5-year plan. Kibbey said yes the entire park system is in the
plan. There are two types of plans: A facility plan, which is a sight specific plan like what the
MSU students did and which would be a trail, a pavilion, a parking lot etc added to a sight. Then
there is a 5-year plan that is submitted to the State of Michigan which includes background on
recreational facilities in the City and identifies projects that are high priorities within the next
five years. Kibbey stated he would volunteer, ask for volunteers from the board and ask Mr.
Jemerson to meet and review the plans.
Filice stated the group has been in discussion with the LSD and LPD on the HOPE Scholarship
and the HOPE Scholarship program is willing to work with the Friends to raise money and create
a new kids garden play area at Frances. They will be meeting with LSD, LPD and LCC on
August 16.
Jemerson reminded everyone as part of this fiscal year there is an allocation in the CIP Park
Millage of$30,000 to start developing the plan. We have a draft done for getting an
architectural firm on board to do a facility plan. When an architect is chosen, the architect will
work with the Friends to put together a process that is conducive to what is wanted. What we
want at the end of this whole process is to have a master plan. We will look at what MSU has
done, but what is needed to proceed is a sealed drawing by a licensed architect.
Lansing Park Board Minutes—August 11, 2007 Page 4
Bosheff commented that we need to find a way to use benefactors and private money to help
find parks and build projects. We cannot depend on just tax dollars to fund parks.
Knostman stated they want to have a grand opening of Frances Park in May of 2008. Filice
asked if there are any plans to celebrate the 100"' year of the parks system for 2008.
UPDATES
Mt. Hope Cemetery—Fence Project
Jemerson reported this is the project that has the Charles Fratcher Foundation monies in it.
These are dollars that are not City dollars. The project has been awarded to DeWitt Fence with a
bid of$122,420 for this project. The Mayor signed the contract on Monday; tomorrow there is a
pre-construction meeting and as soon as the fence is ordered and in the project will begin
probably in 2-3 weeks. The existing fence will be sold and there will be a notification in the
State Journal saying that any group interested in buying a section of the fence in the
neighborhood of$50-$60 per 6' section.
Rivertrail South
This is Potter to Scott Woods and Cavanaugh to Maguire. MDOT will be advertising for bids
the first week of August with bids back in September and construction will start late fall or
spring, depending on flooding conditions.
Kibbey mentioned they know it will flood. Jemerson stated the work they want to do in late fall
is the removal of trees and brush clearing. This project is being worked on closely with the DEQ
to monitor sediment issues. There are some trees and brush that will be removed that were
reviewed and approved by MDOT, DEQ and DNR.
Filice asked what it would take to create safe pedestrian access to Frances on the most beautiful
stretch of the rivertrail, but is also the most dangerous where people end up walking in the street.
Bosheff said this is our city; we are here on personal time and want to work with the Board. He
recommended if you look at Moores River and one of the things to put on the list is with the
amount of roadway is to put in a sidewalk.
Averill Playground
Jemerson reported the existing playground structure has been removed and the new structure is
scheduled for installation at the end of this month and first weeks of September. Miracle
Recreation is the company supplying the playground equipment. This is the last wooden
structure in the Parks Department system to be replaced.
Lansing Park Board Minutes—August 11, 2007 Page 5
Hunter Park
Kibbey stated there is a proposal in limbo for a while. Fancher reported the legislature each year
has to appropriate Natural Resource Trust Fund dollars. It was originally appropriated at about
$500,000 in a House Bill that moved through the House to the Senate. The Senate decided that
the way it was appropriated was improper, so they introduced an additional bill with all the
projects remaining. There is still $500,000 for the City of Lansing Hunter Pool renovation, it is
expected to pass through the committee process and the Senate and is expected to have floor
action in the Senate on August 22. Hopefully this will move quickly through the House.
Jemerson added the opening of Hunter Pool is predicated on how fast this moves. If we do not
get the allocation for the Hunter Pool soon so we can get the plans drawn and construction
started as early as we can in the spring, we risk not having the pool open again. The pool
numbers at Moores are around 4,000 per month, which is double to what we normally get.
Kibbey stated the other issue at Hunter, which he thinks is related to a closed pool, is the murder
at the park. This park normally has hundreds of kids and huge volumes of foot traffic, eye traffic
and drive by traffic. When the people look away from the park this is the kind of stuff that
happens. He thinks there is a strong commitment from the neighborhood and he hopes from the
Parks Department that answer to this is more use of the parks. To solve the problems is to get
more people in the park; there is a walking path and a greenhouse.
Jemerson stated we have launched a new web site for the department, go to
www.cityoflansingmi.com, go to Departments, and click on Parks. The approved minutes will
also be placed on the web site.
Knostman invited the board members out to the area on the river front where there needs to be a
safe way to cross the road. She recommended they witness this at 5:30 p.m. to see how bad the
situation is.
Meeting adjourned
Respectfully Submitted)
Kellle Brown, Interim Park Board Secretary
Approved September 12, 2007
PARK BOARD MINUTES
September 12, 2007
Foster Community Center
MEMBERS PRESENT: Rick Kibbey, Brian Smith, Ronald Lott, Melvin McWilliams,
Patrick Murray, Dusty Fancher, Cynthia Ward
MEMBERS ABSENT: Claude Ramey
OTHERS PRESENT: Murdock Jemerson, Director Parks and Recreation; Bob Trezise,
President Lansing Economic Development; Ron & Marily Wojack;
John Wojack; Judy Filice, Friends of Frances Park
CALLED TO ORDER: 7:00 p.m.
ADDITIONS/DELETIONS TO THE AGENDA: 71-1
Muff ay Smith asked to add Lifetime Sports Office to the agenda. Kibbey stated this would�ke
added under new business.
STATEMENTS OF CITIZENS:
BOARD MINUTES
August 8, 2007
Moved by Murray to approve minutes as written; seconded by Lott.
Motion carried
NEW BUSINESS
Jemerson opened by saying he would like to begin the conversation on the Master Plan and talk
about ideas and projects for the Master Plan. He invited Bob Trezise, President Lansing
Economic Development to discuss one idea.
Clean Michigan Initiative (CMI)
Mr. Trezise stated the CMI is a grant program run through the DEQ and is fundamentally meant
for a municipality who had an economic development project, which means private investment
on the riverfront; you could get an X amount of money for the riverfront in front of and around
that development. They were beginning to understand what good development on the river front
meant and the money could not be used for just private development, in fact the money had to be
used to make the river publicly accessible along with the private development.
Park Board Minutes - September 12, 2007 Page 2
The City of Lansing was awarded a$3.9 million dollar grant about nine years ago and it has been
sitting. Lansing is the only municipality in the State of Michigan that has never been able to
spend its grant money.
The DEQ has taken some money back from this grant, leaving us with $3.2 million. The original
grant application was meant to improve the public accessibility of the river front related to an
economic development project on the east or west side of the river between Shiawassee and
Kalamazoo streets. Between these streets is the power station, City Market, Riverwalk Theater,
Impression 5, the south parking ramp and another surface lot.
There are some things that could re-configure the downtown and are the right development for a
urban environment. They are by developers who understand parks, and health and physical
fitness. We have been working for a long time to make sure everything is as right as possible to
be presented to council, the public and boards. This will be a huge opportunity and the DEQ is
on board if one or more of these projects were to go forward. The developers, Park Board,
Planning Department, EDC and the Mayor will be able to pull together,take a huge amount of
money and design the river front. The money can be used for infrastructure, clean-up, fountains,
lights on bridges, etc. Hopefully the money will cover the whole stretch. A design firm will
need to be hired. This does require a 25%match and the DEQ has already approved that match
will be our CSO project on Grand Avenue next year.
Jemerson asked if when the developers do these projects between Kalamazoo and Shiawassee is
the $3.2 million dollars available or available to the developers. Trezise stated the money is
available to the City. Jemerson stated the west side of the Grand River is an area that definitely
needs help.
McWilliams asked if the process was complete in terms of soliciting proposals and who is
sorting through them. Trezise stated yes and EDC is going through them. Jemerson asked if
Parks wanted to include a project in the parks millage CIP list that was on the river and included
some economic development component, recreational component or DNR grant, could some of
this $3.2 million be used for grant writing. Trezise said it could not.
Master Plan & FY09 CIP Schedule
Jemerson stated he would like to introduce other new possibilities that could be included in
FY09 CIP list and he would also like to see some in the amendment to the 5-year plan. He can
start by talking about how this amendment may look and has a start of a draft of the amendment
to amend the master plan and some of these things could be selected as part of a CIP plan for
either FY09 or FY10. Jemerson would like to start getting thoughts of some projects to get a list
together.
Kibbey stated he would like to start early enough this year to take the time to review what we
have.
Jemerson stated the 2005-2010 City of Lansing 5-Year Rec Plan was adopted by City Council.
In order to be eligible to receive grant funds from the State of Michigan Department of Natural
Park Board Minutes - September 12, 2007 Page 3
Resources, the Michigan Department of Transportation, and the US Department of Interior and
in order to receive park millage fields projects must be contained within the 5-year plan.
The Mayor of the City of Lansing, whose term of office started after the adoption of the 5-year is
desirous to amend the 5-year plan to incorporate new initiatives, specifically concepts from the
Grand Vision Plan, Grand River Marina District Plan and others and whereas the following
changes need to be made to the Capital Improvement Plan so as to be eligible for available
grants. Jemerson stated he has started a list of items he has heard mentioned thus far.
Murray asked if there have been any plans to extend the walkway from where the walkway ends
at the country club to Frances Park. Jemerson stated there have been plans before he was
Director and they are filed away, but we can bring them back and discuss them.
Smith asked for as much material as possible provided to the Board for review on projects.
Filice stated the Friends do not feel the Parks Department and the City shouldn't bear the full
financial responsibility, but MDOT may also consider because it is a pedestrian safety issue. She
stated they had made contact with a representative of MDOT and his specialty is pedestrian
access and safety. She is very delighted these plans may be brought forward and she hasn't seen
them in about 7 or 8 years and the plans were done by LAP.
Filice stated their particular concern is the pedestrian trail that goes down from the children's
play area and crosses the road which is dangerous.
Fancher stated the road there is not owned by the State so MDOT could not give the department
or the city non-motorized transportation funds for it. Fancher said Moores River Drive is owned
by the city and in order to get non-motorized transportation funds, there is a dedicated amount of
PA51 public road money set aside at the city level for non-motorized functions which is usually
accumulated over 10 years and spent on one large project, the group would need to go to the City
Transportation Department.
Jemerson stated when the river trail south was done and getting MDOT money we had to work it
through Public Service, but we have been able to work with them to receive funds.
McWilliams commented he would like to have one come to talk to the board about the marina
project so the board could have a better idea about what is involved,justification for putting it in
the plan as this is one we want to have more information on.
Kibbey clarified there are no decisions being made tonight, that Director Jemerson is looking for
ideas.
Kibbey suggested separate meetings to discuss the Marina and Frances Park issues.
Murray asked if there was an actual marina plan/drawing. Jemerson stated there is and it is same
as the one presented last year.
Kibbey requested a special meeting to be held on Thursday, October 4 at 6:30 p.m. at Foster
Community Center to discuss Frances Park issues.
Park Board Minutes - September 12, 2007 Page 4
Jemerson stated C2AE's charge is to design the Master Plan for the park and they will not be
designing anything out on the street or anything like that. What they are going to be paid to do is
the Master Plan for the park, so if they are at the meeting their time will be for the Master Plan
and not along Moores River Drive. Their charge is to deal with the plan for Frances Park and not
the street issues or water on the other side of Moores River.
Kibbey inquired about setting a meeting to discuss the marina and McWilliams stated there
needs to be a meeting, but Murdock needs to line up the people for the meeting.
Jemerson stated the City is still negotiating and working with the Lansing Boat Club on their
lease, the LBC is working on getting rid of the trailer and he would like a couple more weeks for
the meeting so the LBC can solidify details.
Someone asked for clarification between the Grand Vision Plan and the Grand River Marina
Plan. Jemerson stated the Grand Vision Plan is directly related to the Mayor's office; Bob
Trezise and Bob Johnson have been involved with the Grand Vision Program for over a year.
Lott commented he does not want to see new ideas push projects back that have been on the list
for several years.
Kibbey suggested a list be put together of possible in holdings that need to be acquired so we are
ready should discussions begin. Kibbey also commented about East Lansing's web site having
their tree inventory available and you can go to a street and know what kind of tree, size, etc.
Also, he would like to see the park map and River Trail map re-printed.
McWilliams asked about the Southside Community Center. Jemerson said Hill is still the spot
and it is in the school districts court.
Lifetime Sports
Smith commented that from Friday, August 10 to Tuesday, August 16 we lost a lot of
institutional knowledge. Jemerson commented Mary resigned two weeks prior to Tony's
passing. Smith stated he started with the department in 1982, Walt Kepler and Tian May, Tim
left in 1986 when Tony hired in. Walt left in the 90's with early retirement and Mary joined the
department. In a five day span to lose all of that institutional knowledge he is concerned because
that office serves the city recreation in so many ways; adult and youth baseball, softball,
volleyball, floor hockey and soccer. That office is a pivotal part of providing recreational
opportunities and what contingency is in place to keep this office going.
Jemerson also stated the secretary has resigned. Jemerson stated Mark Simon, Programmer from
Letts Center, has a sports background and is now in Tony's office to provide the service to
continue our programs. All three positions will be filled, we posted Mary Mill's job a week
before she left. However, we would like to hire Tony's position first.
OLD BUSINESS
Park Board Minutes - September 12, 2007 Page 5
Frances Park
Jemerson confirmed C2AE has been selected to work on the Master Plan. He has spoken with
Joe Wright, who will be one of the principals working on this; as part of their responsibilities is
to have a kick off meeting with the community, with the Friends of Frances Park.
Labyrinth
Jemerson stated the Labyrinth is part of Moores Park and he received a call from Dorothy Jones
who was pleased that the RFQ has gone out. The work will include repair of the stone stairway
and railing walls east of the pool, repair of the four park entrance pillars, new drinking fountain
and to design the labyrinth.
Mt. Hope Cemetery Fence & Basin Projects
Jemerson stated the fence project should start in the next week or so with removal and
installation. The basin project has DLZ Inc. is the consultant on the project and they to will be
doing a kick off meeting.
Ranney Park
Jemerson reported there is a cost estimate of between $100,000 and $120,000 to totally remove
what is there and rebuild the score tower, as well as two upper wings and the dugout. This is
under what was budgeted and we would like to have the project done by spring.
UPDATES
River Trail South
Jemerson reported MDOT put out the bid for the River Trail south taking the trail from Potter
Park Zoo to Jolly and Aurelius and the engineers estimate was $2.4 million dollars and three bids
came in under the $2.4 million. The lowest bid was $2.2 million. The bids will be reviewed, the
start date will be 10 days after the award, which we should hear about soon and a completion
date of May 2008.
Averill Playground
Kibbey reported at 5:30 today we replaced the last piece of wood playground equipment with
new equipment to include extensive climbing structure, 215Y century teeter-totter and when the
Mayor cut the ribbon the kids ran screaming to the equipment. There were 60 adults and 40
some children. The only problem is this was scheduled at the same time as the school fair. He
thinks we will see more out of this group.
McWilliams commented that was the park that before the equipment was put in the kids played
in the street and to now see the kids in the playground is great.
INFORMATION
Park Board Minutes - September 12, 2007 Page 6
Dog Park Leash Cutting
Kibbey reported there will be a leash cutting on September 17 at 11:30 a.m. and will take place
at Scott Woods in the area north of Hawk Island and all board members are invited.
Someone asked about the fact Everett High School's cross country team uses the park as their
course. Jemerson stated he had a meeting with the coach, received a schedule and we will be
talking with the Friends and there should not be a problem with the dates and times for the park
to be closed.
McWilliams asked for clarification on the ownership of Scott Woods. Jemerson stated Scott
Woods is a city owned park, we are working with the county park system on maintaining the
park since it is next to Hawk Island and they have expressed the interest and offered to maintain
the park. We will probably be entering into some formal agreement soon about the management
of the park, that they would maintain it.
Fancher stated the Natural Resource Trust Fund dollars we were waiting for on the pool
renovation; the bill went through today and was signed by the Governor and filed today.
Lott stated he had the draft of the CIP for 2008 and he asked for a copy of the FY08 budget that
shows which projects were funded and what level. Kibbey also asked for the status.
Filice asked if the individual board members prepare an evaluation of the Department as was the
practice since the board was created. Kibbey replied they do not, Lott clarified it is not each
person, but one representative from the Board. McWilliams commented Ruth agreed to draft a
report for this year, however she has been replaced.
Fancher asked on behalf of new members to receive a list of policies, plans, by-laws, procedures,
etc.
Meeting adjourned
"Y"
Respectfully Submitted vLj
Kellie Brown, Interim Park Board Secretar
Approved October 10, 2007
PARK BOARD MINUTES = '
October 10, 2007
Letts Community Center --- "!
(7,
MEMBERS PRESENT: Rick Kibbey, Brian Smith, Ronald Lott, Melvin McWiMams j ;;
Claude Ramey, Dusty Fancher, Cynthia Ward i
MEMBERS ABSENT: Pat Murray
OTHERS PRESENT: Murdock Jemerson, Director Parks and Recreation; Rhonda Fuller;
John Pollard; Emily Hains, SLCDA; Kathie Dunbar, SLCDA;
MSU Journalism Students
CALLED TO ORDER: 7:00 p.m.
ADDITIONS/DELETIONS TO THE AGENDA:
Smith asked to add Ranney Park port-a-potty. McWilliams asked to make note on the agenda
there is a Park Board report due.
STATEMENTS OF CITIZENS:
John Pollard stated he is here to provide feedback on what is wrong with the Park Board. He
stated the Board's most important thing to due is based on land policy. He stated the Board's
main job is to protect, preserve and maintain park space for us and future generations.
Acquisition of property is what the Board is involved in, taking recreation land studies and
classify land if it is to be used now or for the future. Development is a decision of whether a
park is a Community Park, City Park, Neighborhood Park or Regional Park. As for
encroachment, the Parks and Recreation Department of the City of Lansing must preserve and
defend park land including those being held by projected park needs from encroachment of
public or private uses. To dispose of park land, there needs to be a recommendation from the
Board whether we can sell park land and it must be for a public purpose and not a private
interest. If the property would be used for public use, like a highway, firehouse, etc, we must
get a fair market value, if it is transferred to another department the money must come back to
Parks for the acquisition of replacement park land.
BOARD MINUTES
September 12, 2007
Smith made a correction under additions, replacing Murray with Smith. Lott moved to approve
the September minutes as amended by Smith. Supported by Fancher.
McWilliams referred to page 3 and asked when the speaker is not a board member that a first and
last name also be used.
Motion carried.
Park Board Minutes— October 10, 2007 Page 2
NEW BUSINESS
Adopt-a-River Trail Program
Rhonda Fuller commented this is a new program. She contacted the City and met with Mr.
Jemerson who said the Parks did not have a program like this and asked her if she would be
willing to volunteer to start this program.
Fancher stated MDOT Adopt-a-Highway has a rule that the area adopted must be cleaned up a
certain amount of times per year and is that what is anticipated from this program.
Rhonda Fuller stated it would be and there would be a contract where a group would sign up for
a certain pre-determined time that the individual/group would be responsible for a certain portion
of the trail. She thought the smallest portion assigned would be % mile.
Fancher inquired about whom would pay for signage regarding the adoptee of each section.
Fuller stated she would not be able to, and Fancher stated she was not sure the Parks could either.
Lott asked Fuller the distance assigned if it would be on both sides of the river or one side and
another group on the other side.
Fancher commented she thinks it is an innovative idea to get citizens and local businesses
involved to keep the RiverTrail and water clean. She also commented there may be some
liability issues that would need to be discussed with the city attorney. She also commented the
volunteers from MDOT Adopt-a-River pay for their own signs and in turn receive the advertising
associated with the sign.
Kibbey stated this is an area of emerging programming in the department and there will be
discussion around liability, and how to limit activities to stay out of the City insurance.
Davis Park Trail Way
Kathie Dunbar, is the Executive Director of the South Lansing Community Development
Association and their projects encompass anything south of the rivers in the city. In this area are
18 neighborhood organizations, 28 schools, 96 churches and hundreds of businesses. This year
they received opportunity for funding through the Michigan Department Community Health
(MDCH), as they have in the past for initiatives like the Hawk Island Triathlon. They are
looking at doing at Benjamin Davis something similar to what was done at Hunter Park. She
stated the 3rd Ward is legging in Park Millage investment, there is no RiverTrail access to
connect people to a larger path, bike lanes and sidewalks are not available consistently through
the area.
They have been lobbying on behalf of Waverly Road for a long time for a sidewalk on Waverly
to connect people to the Westside YMCA. One of the problems with this is that it would be a
second assessment on a property that already has a sidewalk. In order to get around the
assessable part of that, Andy Kilpatrick is looking at using enhancement funds to do 12' multi
Park Board Minutes—October 10,2007 Page 3
level asphalt path, and since we control the part from Jolly to the river we could possibly get
something in with out assessing costs.
Kathie Dunbar stated while they were on the subject she started talking about Davis Park and
how we could connect these paths to green space and have destinations for further use and talked
about the Consumers right-of-way and the use to get from side of the city to the other. Meridian
has been successful with their leases. She encountered individuals at Davis Park coming out of
the woods who indicated there was a path and she found out there had been a trail that is now
overgrown. There is a BBQ pit about 50' back into the wood line, there are wood structures that
appear to be exercise equipment. They walked the path, which is overgrown, and started talking
about whether to pave it or wood chip it, how to do it, and accessibility issues. They informally
asked about 1,600 people who came through the park at the Southside Showcase how many lived
in the area and how many would use the path; they received positive feedback.
They started talking about looking at a circular exterior path around the park, which would be
about I1/Z mile and about %mile within the woods, with a goal to connect the path at Wise Road
and where there are no sidewalks at Pleasant Grove.
They have applied for money and have received favorable response from MDCH. Dunbar stated
she is before the Board to put this out there as a project for the CIP list. She thinks it would be a
great use of Park Millage money for the 3`d Ward.
Kathie Dunbar indicted she is the chair of the Public Service Committee for the City and she
held their meeting at the Park last week with Council members, Murdock, Paul Dykema,
Forestry Manager, Jeanine from MDCH,Nancy from Michigan Trails and Greenways and others
and when the meeting was finished everyone had the feeling this was feasible. When they
walked through the trails, they noticed there is very little indication of negative use, which was
encouraging.
Fancher asked if any of the schools use the path through the woods for cross country; Dunbar
replied they do not. It was discussed about using the woods as a teaching environment for
science for the area schools. Fancher mentioned behind Okemos High School they have learning
stations set up behind the school.
Kathie Dunbar stated when you are on MLK near Lindell Drop Forge,heading North the trail
heads down to the left and up to right toward Baker Donora, and up behind Washington Park.
The trail itself dead ends close to Holmes Road; when it used to cross Holmes and Pleasant
Grove it went into the eastside of Churchill Downs. The Colonial Village neighborhood is very
supportive to see this trail change into some kind of positive use, which would hook up to the
Holly Park and part of their neighborhood.
Kathie Dunbar stated she wanted the Board's input, wanted to give the Board the heads up and
would appreciate the Board's recommendations for Parks Millage funding for this.
Park Board Minutes—October 10, 2007 Page 4
Kibbey stated he understood there were six parts to this; the part of engaging the consumers right
away, the trail through the woods and teaching, the trail around the Davis Park, Holly Park to
Walsh, the Washington connection to Moores Park and the trail path along Waverly.
Kathie Dunbar also added Pleasant Grove connectivity money for sidewalks.
Kibbey stated the Consumers right-of-way is an issue that has come before the Board before
when they tried to get the RiverTrail across the right-of-way it was met with grief Dunbar stated
Meridian received a seven year lease. Jemerson stated Consumers has loosened up by allowing
local units to lease up to 20 years.
Kibbey asked Dunbar if she was asking for something from the Board tonight or just providing
information. Dunbar stated she was just providing information since the budget process is
beginning.
Ranney Park
Smith stated he received a call from Council President Leeman regarding problems with
urination and defecation at Ranney Park. He had left a message with Mr. Ambrose asking if he
had contacted Parks about a port-a-potty. Jemerson stated one has been ordered and should be at
the park.
Jemerson stated when there are programs the restroom facilities are open. The problem is a
financial one, in that like for the skate park and even for this building we do not have enough
money to properly maintain our restroom facilities.
Fancher asked if there wasn't an employee to go around checking the restrooms. Jemerson said
that was correct. Jemerson said there is a very limited weekend employee that takes care of 2 or
3 locations, opens up Moores and Grand River Park and the restrooms at City Market. When we
a get request for additional services, we will quickly put out a port-a John for a limited time.
Fancher stated it seems if we want people to use our parks, they should be able to use the
restrooms whiles they are there. She would like to see how much it would cost to properly
maintain the restrooms at the parks.
Kathie Dunbar stated during this budget process is for the Board to get advocates to speak to
Council regarding what the priorities should be. Council needs to hear from people that Parks
are a priority.
McWilliams stated there is frustration because Council and Administration have not consistently
utilized the Park Millage in the way in which voters had hoped and expected. We are asking to
not take Park Millage and use it for other things that were previously supported by general funds.
Kathie Dunbar quoted she and her committee had put in the Public Service Parks priorities was
that Park Millage money was going to be used for CIP has intended and not for personnel and
operations.
Park Board Minutes—October 10, 2007 Page 5
Her argument in that regard was if the millage ever went away, we still have to maintain what
ever was built.
Kibbey asked if the Ranney project has been bid. Jemerson stated it has not yet; discussions with
Mr. Every are that we definitely want to get the project done by early spring for his season. It
should be ready to bid in another week or so, this is a project that can be done during the winter.
Clarification on Park Board Reporting Responsibilities
Jemerson stated this was brought up at the last Park Board meeting about what the Board's
responsibilities were and that each Board Member is to do a report on the Department. Jemerson
stated he knew that wasn't the case, but each year prior to December 1 as stated on page 14 of
the City Charter, each Advisory Board prepares a written report evaluating the effectiveness of
the agency it advises.
Kibbey stated this clarifies the question, but it also places before the Board when this should be
done. Fancher stated it should be done before the next meeting. Kibbey asked if there was a
volunteer or should staff be asked to do it. Lott asked if it needs to be lengthy or one or two
pages. McWilliams suggested it should be the product of the Board and not staff. Kibbey stated
the way he has seen it done is the staff prepares some kind of numerical summary of what the
department has done for that year. If we received something from staff, it would indicated what
kind of programs offered, number of people involved, the number of trees cut, etc. Ward asked
if outside the Board meeting are there any existing reporting requirements of the department to
use as a starting point for the Board's review.
Jemerson stated tonight he was going to give a status of our current CIP program and CIP
program in the 5-year plan and there are a lot of times he has to supply the Mayor's office with
updates of what we have done so far and he can provide those to the Board. Jemerson also
explained the new CITISTAT program and how it is used to pick out key elements to how well a
department is doing. Jemerson stated he could these statistics to someone on this Board that will
provide an indicator. The Parks CITISTAT will include Park and Forestry, Golf and Leisure
Services.
Kibbey asked for the Board's approval to appoint someone to prepare this report from the
information provided from Jemerson after the November 6 CITISTAT meeting.
Five Year Plan
Kibbey stated there are some issues that have risen in the last couple of months that are not in the
plan. The current plan is for 2005-2010 so there may be an amendment coming for the current
plan.
Jemerson stated in the Board package this month there was a listing of our FY08 projects that we
are currently working on. Jemerson provided a status report on those projects, as well as an
update of the 5-year plan for potential grant supported projects to indicate where we are.
0
Park Board Minutes— October 10, 2007 Page 6
Jemerson stated the list in the packet has the FY08 projects, as well as the $6.5 million dollar list
of projects the Board will need to go through and select. If there is another$1.2 million for CIP
projects, we added to this potential projects along the river, Frances Park, Davis Park, a band
shell, phase 2 of Gier gym expansion.
Smith asked for the numbers the Board will be using for CIP as soon as possible.
Lott inquired why the Mt. Hope fence was not on the list. Jemerson stated it was accidentally
omitted and there should be $65,000 on the list for the project.
UPDATES
River Trail South
Jemerson stated today they had the second construction meeting. River Trail south is from Potter
Park going into Scott Woods along Sycamore Creek, then from Cavanaugh to Aurelius and Jolly.
The contractor is Millbocker Construction Company and they want to start the project on the
15th. Our first construction meeting was with MDOT where we went over their concerns and this
mornings meeting was with DEQ about what we can and cannot do in the area. This winter we
will be doing a lot of the logging, clearing, placing the abutments for the trail, nothing to disturb
the soil. We are doing this step-by-step with DEQ involvement and approval to avoid problems.
The next pre-construction meeting will be next week with MDOT, DEQ and the constractor.
Gier A/C
Jemerson reported this is being worked on. Ramey said Myer was there to look at electrical and
left. Jemerson stated he was told the units were supposed to be put on the roof in the next few
weeks. Fancher asked for another update in November. McWilliams asked for the installation
schedule for the sake of Ramey and the Board.
Hunter Park Pool
Jemerson stated there was a meeting this week with the design consultants.
Meeting adjourned
Respectfully Submitted
Kellie Brown, Interim Park Board Secretary
Approved November 14, 2007
c^
PARK BOARD MINUTES
November 14, 2007 �r
Foster Community Center
MEMBERS PRESENT: Rick Kibbey, Brian Smith, Pat Murray, Melvin McWilliaf�s,
Claude Ramey, Dusty Fancher, Cynthia Ward
MEMBERS ABSENT: Ron Lott
OTHERS PRESENT: Murdock Jemerson, Director Parks and Recreation; Mayor
Bernero; John Pollard; Neil Kenter, Boy Scouts of America;
Mary Emmons, DNR; Randy Hannan, Mayor's office; Bob
Trezise, LEDC; Eric Hart, LEPFA; Pat Gillespie, Gillespie Group;
Loretta Stanaway, Jesse Lasorda, Tim Bogar, Friends of Lansing
Historic Cemeteries
CALLED TO ORDER: 7:00 p.m.
ADDITIONS/DELETIONS TO THE AGENDA:
Friends of Lansing Historic Cemeteries asked to provide a report.
STATEMENTS OF CITIZENS:
John Pollard stated at the last Council meeting, Kathie Dunbar made a statement about Quentin
Park and the amount of dog waste and you must bring a scooper or bag to clean up. She later
stated you could not bring a dog into any park in the City of Lansing that is why we have a dog
park. Pollard stated his understanding is you can take a dog to any park, on a 6-foot leash and
bring something to take care of waste. He has seen people at all the parks with 30-foot leashes,
walking and wondering around without a bag or scooper. He suggested that signs with the rules
be placed at the parks regarding dogs.
Jemerson stated a sign could be put up at Quentin about the rules. Pollard stated it should be
done at all parks.
BOARD MINUTES
October 10, 2007
Murray moved to approve minutes as written, supported by Fancher.
Motion carried.
NEW BUSINESS
EDC—Riverfront Development
Park Board Minutes—November 14, 2007 Pame 2
Bob Trezise, President of EDC, stated he is here as a follow-up to a previous Park Board meeting
about how the Parks and Development can be involved in a whole new dynamic of thinking
about downtown. Trezise introduced Eric Hart from LEPFA and Pat Gillespie. He stated they
have started this public feedback process on projects, primarily the City Market project and their
intent is to listen and get as much feedback as possible. The designs have started; they have met
with vendors and the Eastside Neighborhood Organization. He urges everyone to ask questions
and bring up comments.
Bob Trezise explained the downtown diagram he had on display. He stated the national
companies are very blunt in their talks with him. There are two things that are very important
when they look at the national economy; they bring in clients every week to Lansing from all
over the country and part of trying to impress the client not only comes from the company but
about the company's location. Complaints include the airport, the amenities and wanting a great
city to pitch to clients. They want a fantastic riverfront, a great Lansing Center for conventions,
arts, culture, flowers, fountains and feeling of pride in their downtown. There is also an issue of
the lack of hotels.
One of the main things that bother these companies are the vacant buildings in the city. The
second is they are in a mad rush to recruit and maintain their talent quota; which ranges from call
center personnel to accountants to attorneys to executives and everyone in between. These
companies, like Capitol Banc Corp have major offices here and in Phoenix. When they recruit
someone and the individual is assigned to Phoenix the individual is eager to move and the
company does not have to pay for moving costs, however when they are offered a job in Lansing
the company has to pay the moving costs to get them to move here.
These are two of the major issues driving the thinking of why we need to think about a clean,
beautiful riverfront,parks system, green space and rehabilitation of these buildings. He went
over the diagram and pointed out the buildings, development, parking, etc.
Bob Trezise also referred back to his last presentation to the Park Board; there is $3.2 million
dollars available of Clean Michigan Initiative money. It was $4.1 million dollars from the DEQ
to the City of Lansing for public infrastructure improvement along the riverfront,but it has to be
directly related to an economic development project; literally job creation and or private
investment.
Bob Trezise stated in January it is their intent to bring in the architects of several projects, key
stakeholders, Park Board and BWL to have two months of design discussion. We will be using
the Grand Vision architect that Bob Johnson has hired for the Mayor's Grand Vision project.
Pat Gillespie displayed concepts that have been generated through market consultants and
research of what kind of residential is needed. Pat stated he met with Jemerson a couple of
months ago to discuss use of some parkland at the City Market. Gillespie wanted to purchase the
City market and have along the riverfront kayak rentals, boat slips, bike rentals, and have a urban
park that would be fully utilized. The river trail could be used more with bike rentals.
Park Board Minutes—November 14, 2007 Page 3
Pat Gillespie stated they want to make this the "park" in Lansing. Gillespie thinks the reason this
could be a successful park and a venue that draws people, is the market place itself. They
propose moving the market place closer to the river, it is more of an open air structure and semi-
enclosed; and place a development behind it for people to live downtown with patios, decks and
roof top views. This development would put about $1.5 million dollars into the park and how it
would be allocated would be for the most part up to Parks and Park Board. Gillespie reviewed
and explained the drawings.
Jemerson commented that the City Market does involve parkland and we are discussing how it
can still exist on parkland.
Eric Hart presented conceptual designs of the amphitheater. The key to having something that
will work for Common Ground is what has been discussed, but also for community festivals. At
this time the show mobile is brought in and there is a lot of setup, cost and tear down. To spend
this for a stage may seem like a lot, but to rent a stage we pay$40,000 and another$30,000 to
tear it down. This permanent stage comes into play for Common Ground,but it also opens the
door for us to be on the national circuit. There are still some challenges with fences, but we will
work through it. This stage could also be used in the winter,but without all of the amenities;
there would still be electrical. The suggestion to pay for this is to use proceeds from the sale of
the City Market. The projected cost is about $1.8 million. This stage would also provide more
room during Common Ground and opens the door for more revenue.
FRIENDS OF LANSING HISTORIC CEMETERIES
The Friends presented the Board with their wish list of what they would like to see over the next
few years as the Board begins the budget process. The top three priorities are restoring
monuments, dealing with overgrown trees and shrubs and ridding the cemetery of woodchucks.
The Friends have also recently conducted a survey of each section of Mt. Hope and they
provided the Board with a CD of the results. There are 139 monuments that are vandalized,
broken or down; there are 561 sights where there is excessive or not enough dirt; there are 100
sites with overgrowth, 70 sites with sucker trees; 42 woodchuck holes; 34 sunken graves; and 93
old urns that have not been used in years.
OLD BUSINESS
DNR-Archery
Mary Emmons is the Archery Coordinator for the DNR and here to speak in support of
modification of the City's recreational shooting ordinance currently in place. Basically the DNR
has been implementing this program since 2004 and is a partnership between the Department of
Education and the DNR to implement an Olympic target archery program in grades 4 through 12
and physical education classes during the school day. Target archery is different from other
sports, as it does not have limitations as far as age, size, gender and individuals with physical
disabilities can participate. Currently there are over 200 Michigan schools participating in the
National Archery in the Schools Program; including Okemos, Haslett, Waverly, and Bath. We
would like to implement the program in the Lansing School District, East Lansing, and Holt.
Park Board Minutes—November 14, 2007 Page 4
She is aware there is a recreational shooting ordinance in Lansing that may prohibit the Lansing
Schools from participating in this great program. This is more than getting kids involved in
archery, there are studies that show it improves their self esteem and performance in school, gets
them involved in after school activities and involves kids who don't normally participate in
activities.
The program works by certifying Physical Education teachers as basic archery instructors, we
take safety in to consideration and nation wide over 2.3 million students have participated in the
program to date with not accidents.
Ingham County has been chosen as a pilot county to launch a community archery program
initiative. Due to the success of the National Archery in the Schools Program we don't want the
kids to just participate during the school day and then have nowhere to go. Currently the Parks
and Recreation Department offers programs like softball, volleyball, etc, but you can't really
participate in a shooting sport. We would like to make it a little more mainstream since a lot of
kids that will go through this program may want to continue it elsewhere. In Ingham County the
DNR was blessed with getting approval of building over a$3 million dollar shooting sports
facility at MSU which should be completed in the spring of 2009. This facility will account for
indoor shooting ranges, as well as outdoor shooting ranges for target archery and air guns.
Having this facility here is a great starting point to enroll Parks and Recreation Departments as
well as schools with target archery and the DNR has the ability to help the Parks and Recreation
Department get this program off the ground, if Parks chooses to participate and offer target
archery, with the purchase of equipment.
Neil Kentner, Boy Scouts of America Chief Okemos Council, stated for many years they have
had the traditional opportunities for day camps to do shooting sports with the Boy Scout program
in Eaton, Clinton and Ingham Counties. He would like the Board to consider the great
opportunity for the youth to learn safety, self-confidence,understanding of rules and regulations.
The trainers and instructors for the day camp programs are certified for proper safety for any
shooting sport programs with the Boy Scouts. He would like the Board to consider amending the
ordinance so that we can have these opportunities.
Kibbey stated in the Board package was the current ordinance.
Jemerson asked Mr. Kentner to comment on the air rifles. Kentner stated the air rifle would be
BB gun certified, with no 22's, and there would be compound bows and single bows for archery
use.
Jemerson stated the BB guns would be in the area of 200 to 300 feet per second, which is very
low powered.
Kibbey stated this has come up a couple of times and what the Board has is a draft of the
ordinance.
Jemerson commented that in the paper yesterday there was an article in the LSJ about the MSU
facility. This programming, especially the archery, is something that is all over and he has
support from three principals in Lansing that would like to be involved with this program.
Park Board Minutes—November 14, 2007 Page 5
However, the amending of the ordinance needs to be dealt with to allow for this program.
Jemerson stated when he was working for Flint Parks and Recreation they did BB-gun at 15-foot
range in the community center. These are good youth programs and give the kids the
opportunity to do other things.
McWilliams moved to recommend the amendment of the existing ordinance, supported by
Ramey.
Murray stated archery is fine; even though Jemerson and the Boy Scouts talk about the low level
of fire power of the guns there is nothing in the proposed ordinance that limits the fire power of
any of the air gas and pellet guns. Without limits on that I cannot support this.
Jemerson stated he did not know if that could be written in the ordinance. He is not familiar with
all of the different kinds of pellet and BB-guns the organizations use, however BB-guns are
lower powered.
Kibbey stated under Item 5 the promulgation rules are up to the Board.
McWilliams asked Mary Emmons about what kind of funding is available through the DNR.
Mary Emmons stated the DNR has the ability to provide free archery equipment to the Parks
Department.
Jemerson asked Murray if he wanted to see restrictions put into the ordinance that no BB-gun
more than 200 feet per second or no pellet gun at 1,000 feet per second. Jemerson stated this is
coming on-line and he would hope in getting this passed that we could build the rules so that
when kids get older they could step up to a higher grade Olympic style gun to prepare them to
continue and shoot at MSU.
Kibbey made a suggestion for under section 2 "a person who is an authorized participant in an
approved recreational shooting program" and under 3 add"an approved recreational.....audio not
available to continue statement
Ward stated she didn't see an issue to restrict the type of devices if it is an approved recreational
program and an authorized participant. She wanted to make it clearer that it was an approved
recreational shooting program.
Jemerson stated the programs would be presented to the Police Chief, Mayor, and Council for
their approval of the programs.
Ward asked what "under the authority of the Lansing Police Department"mean versus "as
approved by the Mayor and Lansing City Council".
Jemerson stated he would think they would be the ones to go out and inspect the ranges, and
inspect the safety measures that are put into place for these programs.
Park Board Minutes—November 14, 2007 Pate 6
McWilliams stated it does talk about under the authority of the Lansing Police Department and
he wonders if the Police Department would read it as if they would have to oversee the program.
Jemerson stated when we first talked about this; we had discussion with Chief Alley that this
would have to be under his authority because it is firearms. Chief Alley wants to review the
programs, and inspect the sites and if he is happy, it would move on. It would have to be cleared
by the Police Department before this would go to the Mayor and Council.
Ward asked if we have any say other than the promulgation of rules or is there say on the
program. Jemerson stated he could look at a program and take it to the Police Chief who would
look at it and the site. Jemerson would then bring it to the Board for their recommendations to
the Mayor and Council. This is a canned program with guidelines already set.
Ward had concerns about if someone could say they are doing a recreational event, but not a
Parks and Recreation event they wouldn't have to follow the rules.
Jemerson stated he thought the scenario of a private person coming in to set up a gun range
would be dealt with entirely differently.
Motion carried. 5 Yeas (Kibbey, McWilliams, Ramey,Ward, Faucher); 2 Nays (Smith,
Murray)
CITISTAT
Jemerson reported CITISTAT is a program that grew out of New York, where the New York
Police Department used crime statistics to better their department and operations. The NYPD
saw a lot of value in this and spread it city wide as it proved to be very efficient and successful.
Other cities like Baltimore, Buffalo, and Providence, RI implemented CITISTAT programs.
Mayor Bernero has implemented a CITISTAT program; the whole thing is for department head,
the Mayor and Mr. Ambrose to come together to take a look at how we are performing on a
statistical level and see where we can improve our performance. LPD was the first to report,
then Planning Neighborhood Development, Fire and Public Service and then Parks. After
listening to four previous reports with just statistics being rambled off and hearing the City
Attorney ask what does that have to do with anything. Jemerson asked the Mayor after the
Public Service presentation what direction do you want to take with this. The Mayor did not
have thoughts on it, but he mentioned Golf. Jemerson stated he wanted to an approach with
CITISTAT viewing it as a management tool and relating it to specific issues. Jemerson stated he
started with Golf, and can it make money. After raising the rates in 2006, showing it did not
work and taking the fees back down. Jemerson also addressed through Leisure Services south
side activities and what would improve those; Southside Community Center, as well as more
promotion. He also took a look at mowing and keeping it at a 12-day schedule. Jemerson stated
one thing to improve the mowing is to get seasonal workers started earlier and increase cemetery
seasonal workers next spring.
Kibbey stated he would like to see more of these statistics presented to the Board to help them
understand where the department is.
Park Board Minutes—November 14, 2007 Page 7
UPDATES
River Tail South
Jemerson provided drawings of phase 1 and phase 2 and described where the trail would go.
Graves Park
Jemerson stated the playground installation should be completed by the end of November.
A/C Gier
Jemerson stated on November 13, Spartan Electric started the electric work in the building for
the installation of the new unit. The new unit should be installed approximately 2 weeks after
Thanksgiving.
Mt. Hope Fence/Basin
Jemerson stated the fencing is done around Mt. Hope Cemetery and The Friends Group would
like to have a dedication ceremony. We did receive a second grant from the Fratcher Foundation
and the next project will be the basin. Jemerson provided conceptual plans and a more formal
plan. The next Friends of Cemetery meeting is November 28 at Foster.
Meeting adjourned.
Respectfully Submitted
Kellie Br wn, Interim Park Board Secretary
Approved December 12, 2007
C
PARK BOARD MINUTES
December 12, 2007
Foster Community Center
MEMBERS PRESENT: Rick Kibbey, Brian Smith, Ron Lott, Cynthia Ward, Paul Carrier
MEMBERS ABSENT: Dusty Fancher(excused by Board Members), Patrick Murray,
Tina Houghto
OTHERS PRESENT: Murdock Jemerson, Director Parks and Recreation; Loretta
Stanaway, Friends of Historic Cemeteries; Ron Theisen, Judy
Filice, Marilyn Fedewa, Friends of Frances Park; Paul Dykema,
Lansing Parks and Recreation; Donald McNabb, Northern
Environmental; Mark Jenks, Director, Delhi Township; Bob
Moore, Director, Ingham County Parks; John Pollard; Kathie
Dunbar, Councilmember; Darnell Oldham, Sr.; Tina Houghton`
CALLED TO ORDER: 7:00 p.m.
(7)
ADDITIONS/DELETIONS TO THE AGENDA:
Smith asked that Public Service or someone does a suitable "thank you"to Mr. McWflliams)and `
Mr. Ramey for their years of service. --
STATEMENTS OF CITIZENS:
Loretta Stanaway, Friends of Historic Cemeteries stated they have been working on a site plan to
create a memorial garden at Mt. Hope Cemetery in the basin area. Their vision for this area is to
create a memorial garden for tours, memorial services and make it acceptable for interment of
ashes.
Ron Theisen, Friends of Frances Park, stated they had received $5,000 from the Garden Club
which helped to process conceptual plans through MSU and they know the Park Board is in the
process of setting the budget for Frances Park and the Friends will work hard to get matching
funds for Frances Park.
Marilyn Fedewa, Friends of Frances Park, asked how one formally makes a request for matching
funds for the budget year. Kibbey stated first you finish the park plan which usually has a
budget and the firm you would be working with would help to break it out into phases. Secondly
by conversation with the Parks Director and staff to get an in-house idea of how much costs
would be for phases.
Judy Filice, Friends of Frances Park, stated they are prepared to start with what they think is the
first phase, which is to create the walking path along Frances and they would like to have the
approval and support of the Park Board in order to proceed with any type of matching funds they
can work toward. They are very anxious to create the memorial for the 100`h celebration of the
park. She would like the Board's approval for money for the memorial, as specified in the plan
and to have the walking trail around the park.
Park Board Minutes—December 12, 2007 Page 2
Kibbey recommended those requests be put in a letter with a cost attached.
Paul Dykema, Lansing Parks and Recreation, Manager of Grounds and Forestry, stated his
division encompasses over half of the department (37 of the 64 fulltime employees, 54 of the 64
seasonal workers, 2,000 acres of grounds managed, 19 baseball, 52 basketball courts, 20 tennis
courts, 46,000 street trees and 250,000 park trees to maintain, 3 cemeteries, 2 formal gardens,
community centers). Dykema stated they have a very old mower, which is a production piece of
machinery, which costs about $65,000 and needs to be replaced. He also stated they need to
know what they are managing. Forestry did an inventory of their trees in the mid-90's, but they
need to do a recount to determine how many trees need to be replaced and how many trees need
to be grown in the nursery, also what kind need to be grown, the size they are, etc. He stated he
needs about $150,000 to have a company do a physical account and they will put in for the only
grant available through the State in the amount of$20,000. He would like to have this done over
a one and half year period.
Cynthia Ward asked how often the county does this. Dykema stated history indicates about
every 15 years people work on this.
Kibbey also asked to add under"new business" Davis Park Trail, and "old business" South Side
Community Center.
John Pollard stated he was a former Park Board member for fourteen years and for those years
and Forestry was always under funded. The trees should be trimmed every four to seven years
and this is a public safety issue. All it takes is one night of ice and we will see what will happen.
BOARD MINUTES
November 14, 2007
Ward moved to accept the minutes as written. Seconded by Smith.
Motion carried.
NEW BUSINESS
Northern Environmental—Monitoring Wells at Waverly Golf Course
Donald McNabb requested access to a section of property at Waverly Golf Course to install
monitoring wells for the ground water resulting from a former release of the gas station, CITGO,
across the street. This station is now abandoned and boarded up, but they had a release from the
older underground tanks (new tanks had since been installed) and contamination has migrated to
the property borders. The State of Michigan Department of Transportation will not allow work
in the right-of-way, so the only option is to cross the road. He is here to ask the Board's
approval for access. Kibbey asked if they were going to bore the wells and monitor them over a
period of time. McNabb stated it would be 2 to 3 years, but it is speculation. Due to the width of
Saginaw it could be as short as 2 or 3 years, but they need to determine the full extent and how
they can clean it up. Kibbey asked if they wells could be placed out of the way. McNabb stated
Park Board Minutes—December 12, 2007 Pate 3
the wells would be as close to Saginaw and out side of the fence; also the wells will be set at
grade and will not interfere with park maintenance. McNabb stated they would be the ones to
monitor the wells and will the Parks know the results. McNabb stated if his firm's contract is no
longer with this company he has a letter stating the client will continue with monitoring.
Jemerson indicated when we have these kinds of situations there is an agreement drawn up
between the company and the City Attorney stating when the company's period is up that they
will come back and take care of the wells. Jemerson stated this is similar to Grand River Park
where there are monitoring wells and it is not a problem. Jemerson stated if the members were
to recommend this easement we will work with the City Attorney and this company to put
together an agreement with stating what is in the letters.
Lott moved to approve taking the first steps to create an agreement with this company and the
City Attorney to allow monitoring wells on this site. Seconded by Ward.
Motion carried.
River Trail South
Mark Jenks, Director, Delhi Township stated his purpose is to provide an update to the Park
Board on their non-motorized/pedestrian plan. Last year a township wide plan was approved and
Landscape Architect&Planners (LAP) administered for them. They are now getting into a
segment of the contract, which is the north to south direction. This coming summer they plan on
starting at Willoughby Road and going to Holt Road, the center of the first section. This would
come through Valhalla Park. Jenks stated they have the Downtown Development Authority
(DDA) engaged in this project. The north to south, from Jolly Road to College Road, falls
within their authority and district, which will be a large player for matching funds. As this heads
back toward Jolly Road this will come into the Soccer Complex and one of his requests is to get
an easement from the City of Lansing through the soccer complex as we are continuing toward
Jolly Road. He also hopes to be administering a grant in 2008 for this segment and at that point
he would like to have the City and the County as partners within the grant to gain maximum
points. Delhi would do the administration and submission, but as a partner with both the City
and County they feel they would have a favorable viewing with the DNR. The easement that
would come across, they know there are some gas issues and LAP has designed a few different
routes through the complex; after they get through the complex they plan on going underneath
the expressway at the Sycamore Creek. They have had MDOT review it and provide
preliminary opinion that it would be suitable. On the other side of the expressway the Township
has 44 acres of undeveloped park land. There is discussion on whether we head north in 2009
from Willoughby Road to Jolly Road or do we head south from Holt Rd to College Road. It is
our hope that Mason will continue their trail to College Road and we will have this connection
ability from Mason through Delhi and into Lansing.
Jenks stated their request is several fold; first they would need the easement granted, second
whether the City would be interested in being a partner in the grant they will be writing in 2008
and third would there be any funding for the match on this.
Park Board Minutes—December 12, 2007 Page 4
Kibbey recalled the County was a financial partner in the City's trail. Kibbey stated he heard
three parts to a motion. He stated they can't grant an easement, but the Board can certainly
recommend it. Also, whether the City would want to be a grant partner and whether or not the
City would want to be part of matching funds. Kibbey asked Jemerson's position on this;
Jemerson stated his position is definitely favorable. He would love to see someone get on the
trail at the zoo and ride to Mason. Jemerson stated when we get to the CIP priorities there is a
sheet to vote for recommending the department being a financial contributor to Delhi
Township's grant request to the DNR. Ingham County was a participant in our grant request and
was looked upon favorably for both phase one and phase two of the River Trail South. Since this
trail is going through City property, were Ingham County has the soccer complex on City
property that they maintain, that we should be a partner.
Kibbey asked for a sense on the board.
Carrier asked if this is part of the same game plan that Kathie Dunbar has presented. Jemerson
stated Ms. Dunbar would provide a presentation next and her trail was more east to west.
Jemerson provided a plan site and explained the location of the land they are looking for an
easement and the trail route.
Kibbey asked Mr. Jenks if there was a time deadline. Jenks stated they would be submitting the
grant in April 2008. They will begin working on the grant immediately.
Ward stated she is comfortable with request one and two, and is comfortable with request three
but is there a dollar amount.
Ward moved to recommend to support an easement, enter in as a grant partner and to review to
the CIP process to become a funding partner. Supported by Lott.
Motion carried.
Moores River Drive— Grand River Fishing Pier
Jemerson stated one of the projects is Moores River Drive for Grand River Park improvements
for fishing and boating access. The exact location is not confirmed now, but there are a couple
of locations they are looking at along Moores River Drive. Jemerson stated he would be asking
for a marker, if you will, of$350,000 to provide the local match for some type of fishing or
boating access along the Grand River, with the location TBA. He wants to be able to submit a
grant, to be able to have the funding available for matching funds for a grant submission in April.
Kibbey asked before the next meeting is to have a meeting with the Friends of Frances to get
their ideas. The meeting was set for Thursday, December 20 at 2:00 p.m. at 1474 Cambridge.
Davis Park Trail
Kathie Dunbar stated there are two different projects they are considering and both are multi
stage. One is a path around Davis Park which would be a one and half miles in the green space.
Park Board Minutes—December 12, 2007 Paize 5
In the center of Davis Park there is an area that has trails in it, they are fairly well worn by the
neighbors and the trails were last maintained in the 60's. The request being made in these phases
is to start with Benjamin Davis, they would like to leave the wooded part natural. The second
phase is the wooded trail they would like to have with phase one. Phase three is to connect from
Benjamin Davis at Pleasant Gove, down Pleasant Grove to the South Side Community Center.
The Michigan Department of Community Health has an interest in connecting the community
center with the green space. After the connection is done and the vision that started this was the
Consumers Power right-of-way(which goes from west of Waverly past Aurelius) and connects
four city parks and ends up at Aurelius and Jolly at the southern tip of the new River Trail. The
goal is to get the southwest end of Lansing connected and they are, as of now, are the only Ward
that does not have access to the River Trail. Dunbar stated Andy Kilpatrick, from the City's
transportation department, has applied for MDOT transportation enhancement funds to put a path
on Waverly. With the grant, the property owners will not be assessed again for another
walkway.
Dunbar stated that since Pleasant Grove does not have sidewalks, enhancement money could be
used to make this a safe area to walk.
Dunbar stated they have spoke with the community on numerous occasions and have not run into
any opposition on this trail.
Kibbey asked if numbers were available for the part that the Parks would be involved with.
Dunbar stated it would depend on what is done. Kibbey asked for a letter with numbers.
Carrier stated the most important part of this is creating a safe walkway for children from the
community center to Davis Park.
Kibbey clarified this is not the Davis Park trail plan, but the south west Lansing transportation
plan.
OLD BUSINESS
Park Board Annual Report
The draft of the annual report was provided to the Board Members. Lott referred to one
inconsistency in that this Board is referred to as one board,but we charged with the
responsibility of overseeing dozens of parks in the Lansing system. The last time this was
discussed, it was decided to be "Parks Board"plural, but it can be re-visited. The other
suggestion was the Charter talks about the report being an evaluation of some type, and if he
recalled discussions in the past was were we evaluating the Board Members and actions, or the
staff, or the Mayor's interaction with the Board. Lott asked for some direction as to what we
want to evaluate.
Smith commented he has been coming to the meetings since 1998 and he agrees, to his
recollection, it is the Park Board. He stated he went over the agendas for the last year or two and
the number of things that have needed action over the last year and he feels there is not that
much to be evaluated on over the last year and he moves to support the report.
Park Board Minutes—December 12, 2007 Page 6
Ward stated that sounded like a evaluation in of itself, that if there is not much to report on that
sounds like an evaluation. She stated she has only been on the board a short time and she does
not feel comfortable with his support this draft report if it is intended to be an evaluative report.
Kibbey stated he has served on other boards and their reports were usually summaries of the
department's activities during the year. He knows some of this data has been collected for Parks
for the CITISTAT report, which is a selection of measures of department activities and is by no
means comprehensive. If we are to do this, for instance the work Forestry does like how many
trees are cut and trimmed or how many acres were mowed. In the Community Centers, it would
be how many kids attended Kids Camp and how many people participated in how many
activities. One of the advantages of this type of report is to give a sense of how much we do.
Lott commented that he felt that was some what evaluative, is with the shrinking resources we
have we have had an increase with citizen participation, friends group participation and the staff
has continued to provide a complete program even with fewer staff.
Kibbey commented about "doing more with less" has been the motto of the Parks Department
for the last three years.
Lott stated he would fine tune the report and get it to the board members.
Ward asked if the report would be submitted without a vote. Lott stated he thought it has been
done and submitted in the past with discussion,but not votes.
Lott stated if there are concerns with the amended version he will be sending out by a couple of
board members, he won't send it out and it will be brought to the January meeting.
Southside Community Center
Jemerson reported there is a resolution and he was asked to have the Park Board look at the
resolution to see if this is a resolution the Board could support regarding the Southside
Community Center. This will be before the Committee of the Whole tomorrow and will be
voted on the 171h. We would like to have the Park Board support the resolution and support the
Southside Community Center that is being proposed.
Lott stated he thinks this is exciting that this has gotten to this point and he moves to support this
concept. He thinks it is a win win for the citizens of Lansing and thinks it will help foster the
cooperative efforts between the school district and the City of Lansing.
Carrier seconded the motion.
Motion carried. 4 Yeas; 1 Nay
Smith asked if there would be public comments. Kibbey stated he would take comments.
Darnell Oldham, Sr. stated he is a member of the Churchill Downs Association and in 2005 he
brought the attention back to the City and south side residents for a south side community center.
Park Board Minutes—December 12, 2007 Page 7
It has been seventeen years into Parks millage and approximately$37.4 million dollars have
been generated in that time. He does not feel Hill is the right place for a community center and
he thinks the school district will be the bigger beneficiary. There are questions that have not
been answered; such has convicted felons being able to be on school property. There are
programs that will be needed in the center where anyone should be able to come freely and have
access to the building. The agreement and resolution that are being voted on, the City has not
made a counter proposal to the proposal from the school district dated October 25, 2007. We are
going into approving resolutions for agreements that have not been seen. There are documents,
like the proposal from the school district, which council members have not seen like the original
paperwork from the architectural firm from Grand Rapids who did the study about using Hill.
The improvements, in the amount of$2.2 million dollars, could probably do better in a new
building. Two examples of pouring money into a gapping hole, is the North and South Police
Precincts. The attitude here is that we will give you something and this will be a grave injustice
to the kids on the south side. There has not been a lot of everyday citizen input into this process,
so to do this to the south side is unconscionable on part of the Park Board, City Council and the
school district.
John Pollard stated he is opposed to this project. In 1994 the Civic Center was sold for
$5,848,000. The veteran's, senior citizens, programming that was there is what this new center
is for; it is not just for kids. It is suppose to serve south west Lansing, we need another one in
south east Lansing, there are three on this side of town. There is no bus transportation, except on
Miller and Jolly roads, and there are no sidewalks in the area. Basically this is taking$2.2
million dollars of City money and taking care of deferred maintenance the school district has not
done on the newest, most underutilized and neglected school in the city. Then you are taking$1
million dollars of Park Millage money and use it for operations.
CIP Priorities
Kibbey went over the list of projects and the priority explanations provided in the packet to
familiarize Board members with the items they were prioritizing.
Kibbey suggested the way to proceed is to talk amongst ourselves, to familiarize the new board
members with some history and then vote.
Carrier asked about Fenner Nature Center's deck and the location of the deck. Dykema
commented this deck is over by the ponds.
Jemerson advised the Board the dollar amounts are not set in stone and the Board can
recommend different amounts on a project.
Jemerson stated there are a couple of projects not on the list,but are on the large list presented at
the meeting. Jemerson is also asking for funding to fund a second Landscape Architect. The
current Landscape Architect started out being funded through Park Millage, so this request is not
precedent setting, but it can be used for this. Jemerson also pointed out Adado Riverfront band
shell is predicated on the sale of the city market and if the sale goes through the funding the City
receives will go to purchase a band shell.
Park Board Minutes—December 12, 2007 Page 8
Kibbey asked the permission of the Board to remove the band shell from the list.
Jemerson stated playgrounds were accidentally left off the list. Normally we do six playgrounds
a year, there is a list and we took a quick look at the playgrounds coming up next and we can
recommend an"x" amount of dollars to do specific playground repairs.
Kibbey stated the items that will show up this year no matter are: city wide maintenance for
$100,000, River Trail maintenance for$88,000, Kids Camps $40,000, and professional fees of
$80,000. The number the Board had to work with last year was about$1.2 million dollars; this
year may end up around $1.5 million.
Lott advised the Board he would need to be leaving soon.
Kibbey asked we are voting tonight or just prioritizing. Jemerson stated he needed the Board to
pick out the top ten projects to compile the dollar amounts to report to administration.
The Friends of Historic Cemeteries indicated the Fratcher Foundation is expected to generate
$65,000 a year, which can be dedicated the first three years to the Basin Project and they are
asking that the CIP fund holds $65,000 a year to match this. Kibbey stated the Board should put
up $65,000 on the list.
The Board discussed the projects and put their"dot" on the projects they would like to have
included in the CIP priority list.
Kibbey reviewed the items:
Five or more "dots": Gier Center Gym Expansion, Davis Park Trail System, River Trail
Expansion South, Fratcher Grant, Forestry Division Tree Inventory and Mower. $785,000
Four or more "dots": Fenner Deck, Citywide Playgrounds, Forestry Division Tree Planting.
$270,000
Three or more "dots": Frances Park. $150,000
Gier Air Conditioning
The air/heat unit is in.
Jemerson stated Joe McDonald had called during the meeting and he would like to see Board
Members at the Council meeting on the 17tt'to support the South Side Community Center.
Meeting adjourned.
Respectfully Submitted
Kellie brown, Interim Park Board Secretary
Approved January 9, 2008