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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2010 Park Board Minutes PARK BOARD MINUTES January 13, 2010 Gier Community Center MEMBERS PRESENT: Rick Kibbey, Ron Lott, Paul Carrier, Cynthia Ward, Luke Canfora, Dusty Fancher, Patrick Murray (arrived at 7:30 p.m.) MEMBERS ABSENT: None OTHERS PRESENT: Murdock Jemerson, Parks Director; Jerry Ambrose, Deputy Chief of Staff; Brett Kaschinske, Manager of Leisure Services; Paul Dykema, Forestry and Grounds Manager; Loretta Stanaway, Friends of Lansing Historic Cemeteries (FOLHC); RonTheisen, Friends of Frances Park; Tamara Jorkasky and Bob Ford, Landscape, Architect and Planners (LAP); Marti Wheeler; Ron Eggleston, Friends of Fenner; Kellie Brown, Interim Board Secretary CALLED TO ORDER: 7:15 p.m. ADDITIONS/DELETIONS TO THE AGENDA: Carried asked to add a discussion regarding the creation of an advisory board for the Southside Community Center. Kibbey added an update on the Parks 5-Year Master Plan by LAP STATEMENTS OF CITIZENS: Stanaway asked the Board to seriously consider the CIP project for North Cemetery. Stanaway also commented with the park millage renewal coming up this year the Friends would like to support the millage. Theisen inquired about the status of the walkway from Cambridge Drive to the river. Jemerson stated that he is working with the Public Service Department about joining funds to widen the street and install a sidewalk from Cambridge Drive to Frances Park. BOARD MINUTES: Ward moved to accept the December 9, 2009 minutes as submitted; seconded by Carrier. 6 yeas, 0 nays Motion carried ADDITIONS 5-Year Plan Update Ford (LAP) stated the plan is being placed on the FTP site and the Board has been provided a draft copy to review and provide feedback, revisions and comments. Ward inquired what FTP site Ford was referring to. Jorkasky stated she would e-mail the link to Board members along with a password to make changes and to be advised the electronic will be constantly updated. Ward inquired who would have access to this site. Ford stated Park Board members and Director Jemerson. Fancher stated in the back of the draft there are regional groups listed and inquired where did this list of groups come from and could more be added. Lansing Park Board Minutes - January 13 2010 Page 2 Ford stated this group is comprised of individuals who participated in the public meetings and surveys. Fancher clarified she was referring to the recreation inventory. Kibbey wanted to know when to act on this. Ford stated comments needed to be completed within one week. The draft would then be sent out to be approved by staff and Park Board; the plan then would be on display for 30 days; there will also need to be a public hearing. The plan needs to be adopted by April 1, 2010. NEW BUSINESS City Budget Review Jerry Ambrose, Chief of Staff, stated the City has begun the process for the City's fiscal year 2011 budget and over the next two months administration will be working to get a proposed budget to City Council by mid-March in order to have the budget approved in May. Ambrose thanked the Board for their work and stated the park system is a jewel of the City and to consider what they would like the parks to be in five years as the department is working on the new Master Plan. Ambrose stated these are difficult economic times for government and the city is developing revenue to support the next year's budget. Property taxes are less for this year by 8%, however another source of revenue is income tax, which appears to be stable, and with new General Motors employees back to work in the area this is positive. The State Revenue Sharing Conference just occurred and state shared revenues are showing a slight improvement. However, state revenues suffered a large loss last year and the City's share was lower, therefore the city established furlough days to help offset the loss. This may be the worst year and implications are the economy may begin to improve after this year and each year will improve, but it may be 2014 before we begin to start out a fiscal year even. The city has reduced its work force from 1300 to 1100 over the last four years. The intention is to protect parks, but it will be tough to do. Ambrose encouraged the Board to look for partnerships with other entities. The City's revenue is down 8-10% and last years mid year adjustments were not enough. Staff presentation Brett Kaschinske, Manager of Leisure Services, provided a presentation on a basketball complex. The idea is to create one large complex to accommodate all ages, leagues and programs instead of the one-court sites we have throughout the city It was recommended to place the basketball complex at either Davis Park or St. Joe Park. Also included in the presentation was the concept of a multi field baseball complex. Two locations could be considered for this; one would be Quentin Park, however there are no restrooms at Quentin. The other location would be St. Joe Park, which recently had renovated restrooms. The idea would be to resurface the fields, install fencing, dugouts and backstops. Kibbey inquired if there is a baseball advisory group. Kaschinske stated there is for adult, but not for youth Carrier inquired why Quentin would be considered if there were no restrooms. Dykema stated there are fields at Quentin that need repairing. Kaschinske stated at this time this park is used for the T-ball program. Kaschinske stated in regards to providing football fields; the Mid-Michigan Youth Football group currently plays at Gardner where the fields there are short and in bad repair. Fancher stated she would have a difficult time putting money into a football facility when there already ones in Lansing Park Board Minutes - January 13, 2010 Page 3 the city at the schools and with declining enrollment there may not always be multiple high schools. She would rather look for a partnership with an existing field. Murray concurred that he would rather look into providing money to maybe resurface an existing field, instead of creating a new facility. CIP Proiects Kibbey stated he wanted to read through the list of CIP projects. Fancher indicated this was done at the last board meeting and even though not everyone was at the meeting the list was defined in the December minutes and she did not feel it was necessary to review the list again, but did encourage everyone to look at the maintenance of current facilities. Kibbed stated he would like to have the Board's consensus on citywide maintenance and kids camps. Lott indicated lines 13 through 16, citywide maintenance through kids' camp, could be the consensus. Fancher stated she had an issue with line 14, the paving projects. Jemerson added new items to the CIP list which were the Youth Baseball Complex for$250,000; Forestry Master Plan for$30,000; Conservation Plan for$25,000; Artificial Ice Rink for$150,000; and a Master Plan for Waverly Park (Golf Course)for$25,000. Fancher asked for a consensus of the Board for the silo removal. This item has been on the list for a couple of years and is a safety issue. Murray inquired why park money has to be used. Jemerson stated the silos are on parkland and are a liability issue. Ward stated Murray has a valid point, but she does not want to avoid liability responsibility. Kibbey stated this project would be added as a consensus of the Board, but the Board would like staff to evaluate other possibly funding options. Canfora suggested investigating the possibility of using State funding for this project. The Board provided consensus for the following projects Burchard Park Silo Removal $ 50,000 City-wide Playgrounds and Park Amenities $210,000 City-wide Repair and Maintenance $ 80,000 River Trail Repair and Maintenance $160,000 Kids Camps $ 40,000 The Board voted on the remaining FY11 CIP list as follows: Moores Park Swimming Pool-Locker rooms (8) $ 75,000 City-wide Park Map (7) $ 75,000 Basketball Complex (7) $150,000 Hunter Park Swimming Pool-Locker rooms (7) $ 75,000 Waverly Park Master Plan (7) $ 25,000 Frances Park Master Plan Phase 3 (6) $ 50,000 Forestry Master Plan (6) $ 30,000 Forestry Division Tree Purchasing (5) $ 30,000 Crego Park — MDNR Grant Match $175,000 Meeting adjourned at 9:00 p.m. Respectfully Submitted: Kellie Brown, Interim Park Board Secretary Approved February 10, 2010 PARK BOARD MINUTES February 10, 2010 Gier Community Center MEMBERS PRESENT: Rick Kibbey, Paul Carrier, Cynthia Ward, Dusty Fancher, Patrick Murray, Ron Lott (arrived after meeting started) = 1- MEMBERS ABSENT: Luke Canfora (excused) OTHERS PRESENT: Murdock Jemerson, Parks Director; Dick Schaefer, Landscape Architect, Lansing Parks and Recreation, Nancy Krupriaz, Executive Director Michigan Trails and Greenways Alliance; Harmony Gmazel, Land Use Planner,Tri County Regional Planning Commission; Mindy Biladeau, Executive Director, Principal Shopping District; Loretta Stanaway, Friends of Lansing Historic Cemeteries (FOLHC); Harold Leeman, Gier Advisory Board; Kellie Brown, Interim Board Secretary CALLED TO ORDER: 7:10 p.m. ADDITIONS/DELETIONS TO THE AGENDA: None STATEMENTS OF CITIZENS: Stanaway stated the Friends of Lansing Historic Cemeteries (FOLHC)would like to ask if Dick Schaefer could get an estimate on the cost to replace the arch at North Cemetery. BOARD MINUTES: Murray moved to accept the January 13, 2010 minutes as submitted; seconded by Fancher. 5 yeas, 0 nays Motion carried NEW BUSINESS Presentation —Tri County Regional Planning Commission Nancy Krupriaz, Executive Director Michigan Trails and Greenways Alliance stated they have been doing this out reach presentation through out the tri-county area and it started with nine focus groups within local government and branched out to the communities, neighborhood groups and non-profit groups. . Nancy Krupriaz discussed a green infrastructure (GI) overview. Infrastructure is a system —gray infrastructure is water treatment facilities, communication facilities, roads and they believe green infrastructure should also be a system that would be planned up front, connected to each other, funded up front and carefully monitored through the years. A green infrastructure would consist of hubs and links; the hubs could be the parks or potential conservation areas and between would be connectors which could be trails or green belts. In a green infrastructure system we have not only the scientific items like wetlands, rivers, lakes, streams, native habitat but also public amenities such as parks, athletic fields, trails, beaches, etc which are places where people gather. Green infrastructure planning is different than traditional conservation because you are not just looking at a particular parcel of land and everything that's going on on that land, but all the land around it and what other functions the adjacent land serves; an economic, ecological or social function and how those different systems leverage each other. PARK BOARD MINUTES — FEBRUARY 10, 2010 PAGE 2 The Natural Resources Trust Fund and other grants really look for planning on a regional basis across jurisdictions and the NRTF adds twenty points you can gain on a grant for being part of a green infrastructure. Harmony Gmazel, Land Use Planner,Tri County Regional Planning Commission (TCRPC) stated their partners, along with TCRPC, contracted with Michigan Natural Features Inventory (MNFI) to create two new sets of conservation data. The conservation data is an assessment of our region of those places dominated by native vegetation and they have the potential to harbor rare or endangered species. This is the first time that such an inventory has been created for our region. MNFI is a statewide conservation planning agency that works with the offices of MSU Extension. How MNFI identifies certain areas on our landscape is based on criteria they created. They looked at acreage of natural areas and based on the size of an area they were able to grant us points. There are six or more criteria that are based on whether an area is along a stream or river corridor and if it is connected to other natural areas, also whether or not a natural area could be restored. MNFI was able to pull up a state survey from 1816 and compare it to land cover from 2000 and if there were portions of natural area that contained 200 year old vegetation it was of higher quality for conservation and received higher points. Gmazel presented PowerPoint maps of scoring by MNFI. This information could be integrated into any planning efforts and grant opportunities. Murdock Jemerson inquired what areas in Lansing are high quality natural areas as he would like to include this information in the Parks 5-Year Master Plan and grant applications. Gmazel pointed out areas on the map, which where areas along Sycamore Creek. Nancy Krupriaz stated there is a low impact development manual with detailed designs and formulas on how to do rain gardens, permeable paving, neighborhood designs, green roofs, etc. There are several tools to implement the green infrastructure vision; one is the non-motorized system of trails and on-road connectors, parks and public land. Murray stated he would be happy to sit down with their Americorp group to discuss where vegetation could be placed along the River Trail. Presentation — Principal Shopping District Murdock Jemerson started out by saying this presentation is not a new plan, it was seen a couple of years ago with the City Market plan and this the next phase of the City Market plan with is the ice rink,and other entertainment venues. Mindy Biladeau, Executive Director, Principal Shopping District, stated they have applied for a grant from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation in the amount of$100,000 with a 50/50 match to offset the cost of the ice rink. This is part of the Urban Re-vitalization grant program and it does have to impact and be in downtown through a PSD. The PSD is working with the Lansing Economic Development Corporation who would be the source of the match. PSD has hired C2AE an architectural firm to obtain preliminary engineering estimates and budget estimates along with feasibility and cost of the project. They are also looking at the possibility of a splash pad and playground area to continue to develop the riverfront. Murdock Jemerson stated this ice rink is a synthetic ice rink, which would be circular and is similar to what is located at Rockefeller Center. Fancher inquired if PSD would continue to pay for maintenance, and PSD would. FY11 General Fund Budqet Murdock Jemerson stated with the other presentations this evening and discussion on the Master Plan he will withhold the presentation on the budget. However, we are just getting started on the budget and if anyone PARK BOARD MINUTES — FEBRUARY 10, 2010 PAGE 3 listened to the State of the City address you will know the City is facing a $12 million dollar deficit. Department heads were told to start with an 11'/2% budget reduction, which is about $1 million dollars from Parks. Parks 5-Year Master Plan Draft Murdock Jemerson stated this is a draft and he is receiving many comments and suggestions that he will forward onto Landscape, Architect and Planners (LAP) to add to this plan. Dusty Fancher stated she noticed Red Cedar and Waverly are now referred to as Parks not golf courses. Murdock Jemerson stated we will be going through a 30-day examination period on the plan and are looking at a Public Hearing for City Council around March 15 and he would like to hold the Parks Public Hearing at the March 10 Park Board meeting. Cynthia Ward inquired if the additional information in the appendix like the sign in sheets from the public meetings, which contains personal information, needs to be printed in a public document. Rick Kibbey inquired if the ice rink is in the plan, because if the ice rink is to happen in the next five years it would need to be in the plan. Murdock Jemerson stated one thing that will be added to the plan is a list of other properties that are not dedicated, but are under the care of Parks. Rick Kibbey stated under accomplishments he would like to see the addition of Maguire Park, specifics on the Hunter Pool renovations to identify the splash pad, handicap accessibility, climbing wall, and the historic renovation at Ranney Tower and also the Hunter Park Garden House needs more detail. Rick Kibbey also stated Eric Schertzing, Ingham County Land Bank, has land throughout the city where houses are going to be torn down and Kibbey would like to see more areas like the Bard Dean Tot Lot. Parks can improve any neighborhood and he would like to see in the plan the option for the Board to take advantage of the land bank to get land along a river, creek or in tight areas to consider new, small parks. Ron Lott stated he is a strong advocate of expanding the park system, but we are close to expanding what we are unable to take care of. Rick Kibbey inquired if it was stated as in-holdings in areas which are environmentally sensitive like along rivers, streams or adjacent to or in existing parks. Dusty Fancher likes the idea of adding onto park land and environmentally sensitive land, and community gardens and if we could put in broad language to allow area communities to come in and be involved. Rick Kibbey stated he believes we are going to be called upon to dispose of some land and he thinks there is charter language which gives us a good, defensible position and he was looking to have a mechanism to pick up land, especially land we would want. Pat Murray stated since Jemerson has to make an 11.5% cut and to pick up more land that we would be responsible for taking care of most of the time the timing just is not right. Pat Murray also asked if the organization/associations listed on page 20 have formal agreements with the City. Murdock Jemerson stated some do and others are adopt-a-park groups. Murdock Jemerson asked the board members to submit their comments to him as soon as possible. Harold Leeman clarified the April 1 is still the deadline for the plan. Murdock Jemerson stated yes. PARK BOARD MINUTES— FEBRUARY 10, 2010 PAGE 4 Crego Park Grant Application Murdock Jemerson stated he is working LAP and new ideas have been put together for this park, which is the largest park at 200 acres. First of all he has been in contact with DNRE to complete the paperwork and formally be removed from the state's contaminated list which could take the rest of this year. However, the DNRE has indicated they will be putting together a letter of support for this project and include that there are no harmful chemicals in the location of this plan. Dick Schaefer, Landscape Architect, provided an overview of a conceptual plan and cost estimates to develop Crego Park which is for the addition of a restroom/pavilion, play ground, launch area for boats into Fidelity Lake, a boardwalk, fishing docks, and benches. It is also important to attach this to the existing River Trail. Dusty Fancher inquired if there is a way to connect Fenner to Crego and then to the zoo. Rick Kibbey inquired if there is an area for an observation boardwalk to accommodate 15-20 people and a naturalist for programming. Paul Carrier voiced concerns about elementary age kids and the floating walkway not having rails and the "accidental falling" into the water. Dick Schaefer stated the walkway would be 30" or less to prevent any problems with someone stepping off the walkway. Rick Kibbey asked the Board if they wanted to approve the grant application to develop Crego Park. Pat Murray moved to support the grant application, Board agreed unanimously. 6 yes;0 nays Motion carried Dusty Fancher inquired if the grant could be written to mention cross programming between Crego Park, Fenner Nature Center and Potter Park Zoo. MRPA Conference Review Murdock Jemerson stated the theme was Survivor and everyone is in similar situations with budget. The first session was Directors only and a big issue was contracting out services. Another issue was the Open Carry Organization with weapons and concerns over this activity in Parks and it was suggested that we try as a organization to get parks added onto the exception list. However, our state organization stated we do not have the funds to fight the NRA. The big star of the conference was Dr. John Crompton who is a distinguished professor from Texas A & M who has written many books on repositioning of parks and recreation agencies. It is incumbent on us to make sure to define who we are which is more than fun and games; and we do impact and levitate deviant behavior by the programs we offer and we do add to economic development of the city. We also impact energy cost by planting trees, which provides shade. We do not define ourselves by activities anymore; we define ourselves by the benefits of what we do. Meeting adjourned at 8:55 p.m. Respectfully Submitted: Kellie Brown, Interim Park Board Secretary Approved March 10, 2010 PUBLIC HEARING PARKS 5-YEAR MASTER PLAN & CREGO PARK DEVELOPMENT GRANT PARK BOARD MINUTES March 10,2010 Gier Community Center MEMBERS PRESENT: Rick Kibbey, Paul Carrier, Cynthia Ward, Dusty Fancher, Luke Canfora, Ron Lott (arrived after meeting started) MEMBERS ABSENT: Pat Murray (excused) OTHERS PRESENT: Murdock Jemerson, Parks Director; Bob Ford, Landscape, Architect, Planners (LAP); Loretta Stanaway, Lorrie Miller, Phil & Julie Mannino, Friends of Lansing Historic Cemeteries (FOLHC); Heather Surface, MSU Forestry Department; Nancy Mahlow, Eastside Neighborhood Organization; Irene Cahill, LP & R Forestry Division; Judy Hackett, Oak Park Neighborhood; Anita Beavers; Kellie Brown, Interim Board Secretary CALLED TO ORDER: 6:15 p.m. ADDITIONS/DELETIONS TO THE AGENDA: None NEW BUSINESS - PARKS 5-YEAR MASTER PLAN Rick Kibbey explained the purpose of the Master Plan is to identify items the department might do in-the next five years. It is not a commitment to do all the items listed. Also if the department applies for DNRE grant funding then the project must be listed in the five-year plan. Murdock Jemerson introduced Bob Ford, consultant from Landscape, Architect and Planners (LAP) who has been working with the department to put the plan together and he is going to provide an overview summary of the new plan and what is different from the previous plan. Bob Ford handed out the summary of changes to the new plan and differences from the previous plan. On the first page the summary refers to new items for the 2010-2015 parks plan. A number of these are perfunctory in that they talk about things that relate to the Michigan Department Natural Resources and Environment (MDNRE) grant process. The public input refers to the methods LAP used to collect public input. LAP did focus groups, surveys, and interviews, public meetings with adults and youth, advertisement, and web links. The second page refers to the Capital Improvement Project (CIP) schedule which is new items that were not in the previous plan and consist of: Beck Park, Davis Park, Grand River Park, Boat Dock near Impression 5, Letts Center splash pad, River Trail expansion into Delta Township and to the north trail, Waverly Park Development. The next section on page two are CIP items carried over from the 2005-2010 Master Plan to the 2010-2015 Master Plan. These items include Ranney Development Trail, River Trail expansion from Michigan Avenue to Cherry Hill Park also from Moores River Drive to Grand River Park, Crego Development, and a Modular Skate Park at Washington Park. The third page is a list of projects completed from the 2005-2010 Master Plan; which were not all MDNRE funded. PUBLIC HEARING — LANISNG PARK BOARD — MARCH 10, 2010 PAGE 2 The fourth page is a list of items no longer required by the MDNRE. On the bottom of the page are items given to other people, for example the River Trail from Shiawassee to Michigan will be completed with the Accident Fund project. This provides a summation of the differences between the plans and new items for the 2010-2015 masterplan. Murdock Jemerson added this is the first of 4 public hearings on the Master Plan. There will be another hearing on March 18 at Gier and March 23 at Southside Community Center both at 6 p.m. and March 29 is the City Council public hearing at 7 p.m. Irene Cahill inquired if the MDNRE has a formula regarding how many individuals must be contacted per capita to apply for a grant. Jemerson stated we are required to have one public hearing on the grant, which we are exceeding, and we are required to have just one meeting for the master plan and we are exceeding that also. Rick Kibbey asked the Board if there were any questions. Cynthia Ward inquired if Bob Ford would be at the other public hearings; he replied yes. Statements of Citizens: Julie Mannino stated on page 3 regarding Mount Hope Cemetery it is indicated the fence, basin project and road repairs have been completed and she would like to know what road repairs this is referring to. Ford recalled a pavement resurfacing program for Mt. Hope, but it was a while back and he does not remember the exact dates. Jemerson clarified if she was inquiring about repairs that have already occurred. Mannino stated yes and where the road collapsed by the trail has been repaired but the rest of the roads are in bad shape. Jemerson stated money is put in the budget every year for general paving in the parks and we do have sectional paving in the cemeteries. Jemerson stated he could report what sections have been completed at Mt. Hope. Irene Cahill stated only the worst holes have been repaired and some sections of the road are not even paved. Murdock Jemerson stated there was a study done on all the boardwalk and asphalt within the park system and that is the document used when boardwalk and paving projects are done to sections at a time. Anita Beavers asked if there is an area that is particularly dangerous or a safety issue can that be brought forward. Ford stated certainly and to contact the Parks office. Anita Beavers also stated she sent a letter to Mr. Jemerson regarding the signage for the Southside Community Center and the difficulty in reading the dark blue on the building and the entrance sign is to far off Wise Road making it difficult to find the entrance. The parking lot is also in bad shape. Jemerson stated there is a meeting being scheduled to meet with Brian Ralph of the Lansing School District, Jerry Ambrose, and Joe McDonald to discuss the remaining funding and the signage. Phil Mannino inquired if there are brown and white park signs directing individuals to the Southside Community Center. Loretta Stanaway stated she went through the whole master plan and her suggestions are: remove Adam Hussain as a Park Board member; she has concerns about the noted emphasis on regionalization and she is very leery of this. She also noticed a total of$1.25 million designated for marina improvements and expansion at Grand River Park which in these difficult economic times is hard to comprehend. She also has a hard time with $250,000 for a boat dock outside of Impression 5 which is a private enterprise. She does not see a need for public dollars to be spent to enhance a private enterprise. She also sees $215,000 for a study on what to do with Waverly Golf Course, now turned park. That would have been enough to open the course back up. There is $25,000 for a cemetery management plan, but would prefer to see the money spent in the cemeteries to fix things rather than to pay a consultant. There is mention of a non-motorized transportation and passage by Council that guarantees 5% funding annually. That is inaccurate; it is a recommendation that 5% be PUBLIC HEARING — LANISNG PARK BOARD — MARCH 10, 2010 PAGE 3 designated annually, but it is not a guarantee. She also noted the Parks Department is down another 10 full- time positions. Anita Beavers stated she is a strong advocate for the golf courses, but the money for Crego only means more to maintain. She could see opening Crego and keeping it natural, however when she sees the golf courses in such bad repair she questions taking on another development project when there is not enough money or staff to maintain the parks we already have. Phil Mannino inquired if he is correct that the MDNRE grants only pay for development and no up keep or maintenance. Jemerson stated that is correct. Bob Ford clarified the boat area near Impression 5 is not intended to be Impression 5's boat launch, the intention is to have a public boat area and use the middle river(area between two dams). This will be located on public land and open to the public on a reserve system, which the reserve system has not been established yet. Also, the $215,000 for the Waverly Master Plan must be a typing error. Stanaway stated there was $15,000 mentioned in one area of the plan for Waverly and $200,000 in another section of the plan. Rick Kibbey wanted clarification on the proposed facility at Impression 5 as to if it was a launch or a dock. Ford stated it is referred to as a landing and it is meant for day use. The idea is to bring a small craft up to a dock and get out onto the river. This was developed through the EDC and was carried through in this plan to provide public access to the waterways. Dusty Fancher clarified the boat dock at Impression 5 will not be where you are able to park your car and launch your boat from a trailer, it would be a place to dock your boat and get out to go downtown. Murdock Jemerson clarified the money for Waverly is to use $15,000 for a plan and the $200,000 is to complete the CIP project. Phil Mannino stated the money for the cemetery study is a good idea and a management company would know how to look at the cemetery as a whole. Rick Kibbey inquired how long people have to make comments. Bob Ford recommended comments be received on or before March 23. Cynthia Ward inquired if the document is always changing and being updated. Bob Ford stated yes. CREGO PARK DEVELOPMENT Bob Ford, LAP, provided handouts on Crego with maps of the existing River Trail and explained the contamination and clean-up process. Within 6-months this park should be clear to re-open. The only access to Fidelity Road is off of Mount Hope and at the end is a gate into the park. The proposal is to extend the road, provide parking, barrier free access, fishing docks, an ADA accessible kayak launch and a trail to connect to the existing River Trail. Ford stated he has been told the lake has a large quality of fish, is well filtered and balanced. There may be interest from MSU and other groups to develop programs at this site. This is a $750,000 grant, $500,000 from the state with a $250,000 match from the city, which may be hard dollars or in-kind services or all of the above. Dusty Fancher commented under the development project scope that it should come as no surprise there are many on the board who do not favor paving parking lots with park dollars. This is a good ground water recharge area to have a type of gravel rather than asphalt. Also on this page she would like to clarify on the amenities breakdown cost that the amount listed for benches is not just benches, but the benches are incased in cement, includes pads, and trash receptacles because the cost listed is high for just benches. Irene Cahill recommended larger trash barrels than the black wrought iron receptacles used on the River Trail. PUBLIC HEARING — LANISNG PARK BOARD — MARCH 10, 2010 PAGE 4 Bob Ford stated on the asphalt he thought there was conflict with the City Zoning Ordinance, because the City requires paving even in park systems. It is not that they do not want use alternatives, but at this time they can not. Rick Kibbey asked for clarification as to where the language is coming from regarding the use of asphalt. Murdock Jemerson stated there are other types of paving that could be used besides asphalt that is more friendly and impervious. Ford stated the cost of other surfaces can run twice as much. Murdock Jemerson stated he spent a weekend speaking with the residents on Fidelity Road; a couple of the homes are rental homes, but the family that lives right next to and to the left of the entry way stated they would not like to see the park open. However, there were two cars parked at the end of the driveway, which they also did not like. Jemerson explained to them the electronic gate and a developed parking lot which should eliminate people parking at their driveway, which they liked. Jemerson also explained what would impact their property value more; being next to a closed facility that has the image of being polluted and toxic versus a facility that is open, maintained, managed and is not toxic. It was the same with the next house located on the east and the house located to the south was indifferent. All of the residents did have a problem with the city and county trucks that use the road. Jemerson stated there will be discussion about moving the city dumping operations for trees and wood chips to another location. Loretta Stanaway stated she would support this project if the DEQ would sign off without any qualifiers on its cleanness; second if the city could afford it; and third there would be port-a-potties located there. Rick Kibbey stated he does not know of any environmental agency that will ever issue a notice with out qualifications. Julie Mannino voiced concerns about developing Crego and the additional man hours needed to maintain the upgrades. Kibbey stated he would like to see what the maintenance burden would be for this project, especially if there is a fish cleaning station. Brett Kaschinske, Manager of Leisure Services, commented about the ADA accessibility and taking kids out to use the launch and to have the ability to get into the canoe and then into the water will be much easier to use with kids. Dusty Fancher stated it is one of her goals to incorporate Crego, Fenner Nature Center and Potter Park Zoo into activities together into this four corner area. Jemerson encouraged the audience to attend the other public hearings and he will discuss with Bob Ford other alternatives for paving. Meeting adjourned at 7:30 p.m. Respectfully Submitted: Kellie Brown, Interim Park Board Secretary Approved April 14, 2010 PARK BOARD MINUTES March 10, 2010 Gier Community Center MEMBERS PRESENT: Rick Kibbey, Paul Carrier, Cynthia Ward, Dusty Fancher; Luke Canfora, Ron Lott, Patrick Murray MEMBERS ABSENT: OTHERS PRESENT: Murdock Jemerson, Parks Director; Brett Kaschinske, Manager Leisure Services, Parks and Recreation; Loretta Stanaway, Lorrie Miller, Phil & Julie Mannino, Friends of Lansing Historic Cemeteries (FOLHC); Heather Surface, MSU Forestry Department; Nancy Mahlow, Eastside Neighborhood Organization; Irene Cahill, LP & R Forestry Division; Judy Hackett, Oak Park Neighborhood; Anita Beavers; Kellie Brown, Interim Board Secretary CALLED TO ORDER: 7:45 p.m. ADDITIONS/DELETIONS TO THE AGENDA: Rick Kibbey removed items B, C, and D under IV New Business, pertaining to the sale and relocation of Oak Park due to the lack of information at the time of the meeting; added an item from Public Service Committee of Council. STATEMENT OF CITIZENS Loretta Stanaway requested to go on record that she is not in support of moving the Forestry division from Oak Park to the south transfer site due to lack of room and if it is necessary to move the facility there must be an alternative location. BOARD MEETING MINUTES February 10, 2010 regular Park Board minutes were approved as submitted by Cynthia Ward, seconded by Pat Murray. 7 yeas; 0 nays Motion carried NEW BUSINESS Summer Kids Camp Brett Kaschinkse, Manager of Leisure Services, stated this evening Michigan Recreation and Park Association is recognizing through their community service awards Cooley for Kids Program, which is Cooley Law School as sponsor for the summer kids camp trip to the Lansing Lugnuts; also MSU 4-H Extension for their work with Lansing youth. Brett Kaschinke stated in the Board packet was a proposal for changes to the Kids Camp Summer Program for 2010. This proposal changes playgrounds from 15 sites throughout the city, not including the community centers, to 4 sites this summer by bussing from old sites to the 4 schools proposed. Kaschinske stated Carrier requested the use of Wainwright instead of Woodcreek. The Lansing School District(LSD) is looking at going to four ten hour days and they would not be open on Friday's for us to be at 15 schools. Our proposal was to go to the 4 schools and be open all five days. Dusty Fancher reiterated the proposal is to have 4 sites, bus kids in and be open Monday through Friday with before and after care. Fancher asked if the bussing is just for the main program or will there be several times the busses will run. Kaschinske stated the bussing would be for the main program and parents would be responsible for transportation for drop off and pick up for the before and after care. Dusty Fancher stated we are talking about children age 5 to 12 and she has concerns about the younger children being dropped off at the bus stop and if a parent is not there to pick them up. Kaschinske stated in the past when PARK BOARD MINUTES— MARCH 10, 2010 PAGE 2 we had a grant for extended camp we had a staff person ride the bus. Carrier stated the school districts policy is that if the child is kindergarten or younger the parent has to be there. Fancher inquired if it is not a parent picking up the child, would there be a list of who may pick-up the child. Kaschinske stated yes, there is currently a release form used for open recreation listing who children may be released to. Luke Canfora inquired what busses would be used. Kaschinske stated they are Lansing School District(LSD) busses. It is a competitive bid and the only time we do not use LSD busses is when there is a special need and LSD contracts with Dean Transportation. Paul Carrier inquired if this proposal is a one time pick up. Kaschinske stated yes. Dusty Fancher inquired if there is going to be a policy for children under the age of 7 to ensure they will not be left at a bus stop to early. Kaschinske stated we already have that issue where parents drop children off and tell them to wait until the program opens. Brett Kaschinske stated we have known the program has been used as "day care" even though it is a drop-in program. We are now going to be a licensed day camp and the changes reflect this with the before and after care. The kids camp program was free before, now there will be fees attached to this program. Brett Kaschinske provided comparisons from other communities ie: YMCA charges $112 a week for members. Paul Carrier inquired about scholarships to offset the cost. Brett Kaschinske stated we do offer scholarships; however it is only$40 per term, per child. Luke Canfora inquired about staffing and what are these positions and if staff are from the area or if staff are college students. Brett Kaschinske stated this is our TEA (temporary employment agreement) staff that we hire for the summer. They are mostly college students who are from the area or are local college students. We also have retirees, adults and teachers who want summer work. Pat Murray stated he was in shock when he saw this plan. He was shocked in the past when the program went down to 15 sites. In his area of Moores Park the majority of kids walked to Moores Park before it was shut down and they did not arrive until around 11 a.m. and they will not make the 8:15 a.m. bus. The kids who need this program the most can not afford $50 a week. Paul Carrier inquired if this wasn't the same issue in last year's budget and didn't the board agree to reallocate money to keep all the sites open. Is there somewhere to take money from and place back into the summer camp program. Brett Kaschinske stated in last year's budget$132,000 was spent on the kids' camp/playground summer program. Paul Carrier stated when you look at last year's budget it was being based on the kids that participated and the way the 2010 summer program is structured and the reasons that have been outlined this evening, the numbers will not be as high at the original sites because the kids stay up to late to make the bus. Brett Kaschinske stated it is fully understood the number of kids will not be the same as they have been in the past. Dusty Fancher reiterated last year the city spent$132,000 on kids' camps, so why is there a charge for this year. If last year the camps ran for free and the money was budgeted for kids' camps this year, why is there a charge to serve fewer kids? Dusty Fancher stated she will not support this; the mission of the kids' camps is to be free. Paul Carrier is concerned with the early bus pick up and would like to consider regionalizing the bus pick-ups to where the kids that are utilizing the programs and have multiple pick-ups. Brett Kaschinske clarified Parks is not trying to make money on this program. Even with the charges, it is an estimated $43,000 loss. Pat Murray stated he understands fewer locations as he has witnessed sites with very few kids and all different ages and there is an advantage to have larger sites, but there has to be a zero option for those who can not pay and a second pick up at noon. PARK BOARD MINUTES— MARCH 10, 2010 PAGE 3 Dusty Fancher stated she does not have a problem with fees for the before and after care, but the main program has to be free. Brett Kaschinske stated he is not sure if before and after care can be provided if it cannot pay for itself. Paul Carrier stated the Lansing School District completes the free and reduced lunch list and it is thoroughly checked out by staff and people fall within a formula to determine their co-payment. What we offer to the public needs to be accessible to everyone. Brett Kaschinske stated it is his charge to somehow make money and if he does not he has to make cuts and that becomes tough to do. Brett Kaschinske stated the LSD will not be open five days as they are cutting back to four ten-hour days, but they had agreed to open it up for five days at the 4 schools listed for a charge of$1,000 per site, $4,000 total. Murdock Jemerson stated our dilemma is what happened last year and people are looking at us as daycare. We need to have some way to offer a program that people will not look at us as day care, but as recreation where neighborhood kids could walk to, play and leave when they are ready. Pat Murray asked if there is a cost to running this new program that is different than the cost of running the previous program. Brett Kaschinske stated it is the cost of transportation. Pat Murray clarified the only transportation we were providing in the past was for field trips. L-We Luke Canfora inquired what the attendance was for the pools for the summer. Paul Carrier inquired if there could be a small charge for the pool. Brett Kaschinske asked the Board members for another proposal with a sliding scale, if the Board wants no fees he also needs to hear this. Rick Kibbey stated the kids camps has always been a mainstay of what we have to offer; have we applied for CDBG money? Brett Kaschinske stated last year there were 5 sites that were CDBG, 5 sites were millage and 5 sites were general fund for a total of$132,000 in wages and supplies. Brett Kaschinske stated we could do fifteen sites without Friday. Rick Kibbey asked how close we could get to last year with the budget. Brett Kaschinske stated he could go four days, there would be staff money by not having Fridays, but he could not bus or provide before or after care. Dusty Fancher stated she would like to hear from the Board how they feel about bussing. If we went to 4 sites is the bussing an integral part of it and she would like to discuss the pros and cons of having busses or not having busses if the program was free versus $70 a week. Ron Lott stated an overall negative factor with 4 sites and the bussing you lose flexibility with kids oversleeping and missing the bus and the lack of flexibility is a significant issue and will hurt attendance as much as the cost. He would prefer 4 days and the neighborhood concept. Pat Murray stated the program has to be free and if it can run at 4 site and be free, come back with a new plan. Rick Kibbey clarified whether or not the Board could live with four days a week, not five; and if there is a way to get increased revenues that wouldn't cost us more to collect$.50 cents for swim. Dusty Fancher inquired what if we could go to the 4 sites, but parents would have to drop off their kids which would cut$21,000 off the proposal. Paul Carrier asked if a eempFise compromise to keep the proposal at 4 sites and without bussing to save $21,000, could this keep the camps free. PARK BOARD MINUTES—MARCH 10, 2010 PAGE 4 Rick Kibbey inquired if we have researched church sites. Brett Kaschinske stated we have been at Tabernacle of David on Holmes, but the question is also what parents are comfortable with. Are people comfortable with Grand River since it is no longer a school; Cristol Rey is not a school, but parents are very comfortable sending there kids there; people are comfortable with Georgetown Park since it is in the middle of Highlands Cooperative. Brett Kaschinske clarified the Board was saying they wanted to go back to the free program, with 15 sites, 9:30am- 3pm, Monday throughThursday and find another source of funding. Cynthia Ward stated it sounded like there stills needs to be something done about the issue that presented itself last year and the liability issue. Ron Lott stated he is not hung up on 15 sites, but there needs to be more than the 4 presented and more than 8 sites. Pat Murray stated he has not heard anyone say the four site plan is bad; the four site plan, charging and only having one bus route are the issues that have been raised. Rick Kibbey asked for this conversation to continue through e-mail to the entire Board. Public Service Committee Rick Kibbey stated the Public Service agenda for March 3 had an item on the agenda for a plan to eliminate park land. Murdock Jemerson stated this committee is chaired by Eric Hewitt and when he heard the Mayor's state of the city speech there was a misunderstanding on Mr. Hewitt's behalf regarding some mention about looking at park land. What the Mayor was referring to was that we have land that is not dedicated park land that we would like to get rid of. Murdock Jemerson spoke with Mr. Hewitt and this administration does not have a plan to eliminate dedicated park land. Remarks Ron Lott inquired where we are on the millage that expires this year and we are looking for a renewal. Murdock Jemerson stated the vote will be in August and the language would be the same. Rick Kibbey stated the campaign should begin soon. Anita Beavers stated she would like to see fifteen sites and no bussing. Meeting adjourned at 8:50 p.m. Respectfully Submitted: Kellie Brown, Interim Park Board Secretary Approved March 10, 2010 PARK BOARD MINUTES Foster Community Center April 14, 2010 MEMBERS PRESENT: Rick Kibbey, Paul Carrier, Cynthia Ward, Luke Canfora, Patrick Murray (left at 8 p.m.); Ron Lott (arrived at 8:05 p.m.) MEMBERS ABSENT: Dusty Fancher (excused) OTHERS PRESENT: Murdock Jemerson, Parks Director; Brett Kaschinske, Manager Leisure Services, Parks and Recreation; Dick Schaefer, Landscape Architect, Lansing Parks and Recreation; Loretta Stanaway, Friends of Lansing Historic Cemeteries (FOLHC); Kellie Brown, Interim Board Secretary CALLED TO ORDER: 7:10 p.m. ADDITIONS/DELETIONS TO THE AGENDA: Rick Kibbey asked to add that the Parks Millage language needs to be due in May. Murdock Jemerson removed New Business item IV A- Sale of Oak Park due to the lack of the completed ACT 51. STATEMENT OF CITIZENS None BOARD MEETING MINUTES March 10, 2010 Public Hearing Park Board minutes were approved as submitted by Pat Murray, seconded by Luke Canfora. 5 yeas; 0 nays Motion carried March 10, 2010 Regular Park Board minutes were approved with two corrections, page 3, line 17 Luje to Luke and page 3, line 39 comprise to compromise. Approved by Pat Murray, seconded by Luke Canfora.' 5 yeas; 0 nays. Motion carried NEW BUSINESS Sale of Oak Park— removed from agenda OLD BUSINESS First Tee o f Mid-Michigan/Sycamore Driving Range Murdock Jemerson stated according to the addendum to the contract with the First Tee, the City split their contribution of$45,000 into two payments and the First Tee received their first payment today. The First Tee program is at Sycamore and is operational. Groesbeck staff is providing technical support. Jemerson reviewed the advertised programs listed in the Lansing Parks and Recreation spring/summer activity guide. Parks Budget Hearing Budget Hearing PARK BOARD MINUTES —APRIL 14, 2010 PAGE 2 Murdock Jemerson stated Parks was originally scheduled for 9:00 a.m., however he requested and was granted to have Public Service put on the agenda first. It will be difficult to estimate when Parks will present, but if board members are interested in attending 11:00 a.m. may be a good time to arrive. Murdock Jemerson reviewed the proposed plan for the consolidation of Oak Park staff and Public Service. The Public Service Department is in need of assistance. They have vacant positions and will be reducing some of their staff. Jemerson provided draft copies of the proposed organizational chart to board members. Public Service has five divisions, the new division will be grounds maintenance; there is also surface, waste reduction, streets and sewers. Park staff will be placed in grounds maintenance, which will also include supervisors Paul Dykema, Grounds Manager; Mark Mayhoe, manages park mowing; John Bauer supervisors maintenance of the downtown parks and river trail; and Irene Cahill who is a forester and oversees the cemeteries. Forestry will be placed under the surface division which includes supervisor Dominic Fucciolo. Murdock Jemerson stated one of his tasks is to make sure Public Service is aware of the performance metrics we require for maintaining our parks and he his working with Paul Dykema to complete the metrics which includes the performance responsibility, seasonal time frames involved, frequency of task, locations, materials needed, description of task involved and staffing level needed. This will create a unique system to ensure all of the metrics are met for general maintenance, mowing, repairs and over 800 ball field fittings and over 180 special events. Luke Canfora inquired what will happen if the performance metrics are not met. Rick Kibbey stated when this matter arose he had the opportunity to meet with the budget director, public service director and parks director. This is a major deal and parks have set a level of performance that has been highly satisfactory to the residents of Lansing. The first step is to provide a description of the level of service and what will be done if service is not maintained; and at this time there is no answer to this question. Kibbey also stated he does not know to what degrees this can be contingent, reversible, or what role collective bargaining plays in this. Murdock Jemerson stated he has been assured by Jerry Ambrose that this is what has to be done and the performance metrics are being put together for additional assurance. Luke Canfora inquired if a resolution could be put together stating the importance of ensuring the performance metrics are followed and met. Pat Murray asked how Parks Millage money is going to be kept out of Public Service work. Murdock Jemerson stated he will continue to be in charge of Parks and Public Service will serve as the city's contractor for these services such as mowing. He needs to make sure Public Service understands this involves a lot more than mowing and having Forestry CDL drivers plowing. The Parks Department will continue working with community groups to put together their park plans. The Parks Department will also continue to be in charge of how the parks look and if the "contractor" (Public Service) is not doing the job right he will meet with Jerry Ambrose and Chad Gamble from Public Service to ensure the work is done properly. Jemerson will continue to work with the Park Board and managing the Park Millage budget. One half of the millage goes to pay for activities of the Parks and Forestry Divisions and the other half for park projects; Public Service can not charge more than what is already being charged now. Kibbey stated the points he tried to bring up during the meeting with administration was to borrow or coordinate the use of Forestry's CDL drivers for a plow out, in fact it was recommended in the Mayor's transition plan. The metrics system is the first step to describe our expectations and the Board may wish to have a discussion before the budget hearing to decide what an appropriate response is to this step. Kids Camp PARK BOARD MINUTES —APRIL 14, 2010 PAGE 3 Brett Kaschinske, Manager of Leisure Services, stated the proposal the Board had originally received with the four community centers and four playground sites, is the plan that will be implemented with the exception of Wainwright being a site instead of Woodcreek and the cost per week will be $10 instead of$50. The program is scholarship eligible with a co-payment and the camp will include the cost of the field trips. There is a $40 scholarship limit per season, per child. The pre and post camp charges remained the same. Paul Carrier inquired about the bus transportation and if the pick up was still 9 a.m. Kaschinske stated we could not do two pick-ups and we could not do a later pick-up. The community center and playground sites will be on the same hours. Kaschinske stated with the work schedule the city is proposing the camps will be running Monday through Thursday. The issues with the city's proposed 36 hour work week is that he has one full time staff at Letts Community Center and one full time staff for the four playground camps and he is not comfortable with the camps being run when a full time staff person is not available. Brett Kaschinske stated for the fall, winter and spring the community centers will be open the same hours they currently are, but summer has to be reduced. Rick Kibbey stated one of the sites he is familiar with is Baker Donora and it was a site that would have 90 to 100 kids that would walk from the neighborhood. He can not imagine how this schedule would work for them and is there some way to make it a site. Brett Kaschinske stated he knows it qualifies for CDBG money and he could meet with Planning and Neighborhood Development (PND) to see if funds could be found. Baker Donora does have their programs and we will try to accommodate doing something at that site. Rick Kibbey recommended speaking with PND to see if there is money to add to the scholarship fund; $40 for four weeks of Kids Camp is extraordinarily economical for a quality program. Brett Kaschinske stated the scholarship budget is already at a deficit; which is a good thing because it shows it is being used and the need for it during these tough economic times. We realize the need is out there and we have not said there are no scholarships available, but we need to find ways to replenish this fund. Cynthia Ward inquired if this is a department wide scholarship fund and previously kids' camps were free and there was not a need to use the scholarship fund for camp. Brett Kaschinske confirmed this is a department wide fund and the rules are you must be a city resident, under the age of 18, the scholarship can not be used for a special event, one-day event or team fee. Cynthia Ward inquired if money could be designated for kids' camp scholarships. Kaschinske stated one example would be Letts Advisory Board paying for trips for Letts youth. Carrier and Ward inquired if funds could be raised and designated for kids' camp. Kaschinske stated we have an example of that; the Tony Noyola Memorial Fund is designated for youth sports. Garage Consolidation Murdock Jemerson stated Central Garage will be moving over to O&M and this is part of the reason why the grounds crew is moving over there. The thought is the Parks staff will be incorporated into Public Service creating one whole unit that will provide maintenance throughout the city as well as garage operations throughout the city. UPDATES CIP Protects Dick Schaefer, Landscape Architect, provided the following updates: PARK BOARD MINUTES —AP_RIL 14, 2010 PAGE 4 Mt. Hope Basin — Projects are still wrapping up from last year which includes the columbarium, fountain, and landscape. The fountain has mostly been completed, along with utilities. The columbarium and landscape should be finished within the next month. This year there will be a walk installed; bids are due next week. The funds for last year and this year are through grants from the Fratcher Foundation. We have applied again for this next year in the amount of$70,000 for the upper plaza retaining wall. Rivertrail Map - There have been three proposals received from different firms. Williams &Works has been awarded the project and a kick off meeting has been scheduled for April 19. Sam Quon from Informational Technology (IT) will be working to complete GPS locations for the map. The map will also have the parks that have walking trails in them, which are Davis, Frances, Hunter, and Fenner. Cynthia Ward inquired the time line for this project; Schaefer stated hopefully June or July. Rivertrail Repairs - Repairs for fiscal year 2010 have been completed which includes a section from Pennsylvania up to Beech, which backs up to BWL. Two parking lots along the rivertrail at Aurelius and Oakland have been done; also spot repairs have being done. We are asking for$160,000 for fiscal year 2011. Frances Park—There was a meeting today with the friends committee; there was $100,000 budgeted for this year and we were planning on improving the two entrances to Frances Park. The committee has thought about the plan and figured since there is $100,000 and the $197,000 from the grant that was not approved they would like to discuss with Public Service how these funds could be used to go 50-50 with Public Service to make the walk connection from the end of the trail at the north entrance all the way up to Cambridge. Some of the $100,000 would be used to complete landscape projects also. The entrances will not be done year. INFORMATION Parks New Recreation Plan — Kibbey stated the new plan was passed by Council by a vote of 8 to 0 Crego Grant Submission —Jemerson submitted the grant which was also passed by Council by a vote of 8 to 0 Meeting adjourned at 8:20 p.m. Respectfully Submitted: Kellie Brown, Interim Park Board Secretary Approved May 12, 2010 PARK BOARD MINUTES Foster Community Center May 12, 2010 MEMBERS PRESENT: Dusty Fancher, Ron Lott, Paul Carrier, Rick Kibbey (late arrival), Luke Canfora (late arrival) MEMBERS ABSENT: Excused Patrick Murray and Cynthia Ward OTHERS PRESENT: Murdock Jemerson, Director, Parks and Recreation; Bill Kiebler and Robert Tetzlaft, Friends of Bluebell Park; Todd Haywood; Harold Leeman; Betty Draher, Caesar-Donora Park; Council member Eric Hewitt; Nancy Mahlow; Jason Crocker, Parks and Recreation Golf Supervisor; Jason Meyer, Executive Director, Fenner Nature Center; John Greenslit, Executive Director, First Tee of Mid-Michigan CALLED TO ORDER: ADDITIONS/DELETIONS TO THE AGENDA: Sex offenders and facility rental has been added under new business. STATEMENT OF CITIZENS Bill Kiebler, Friends of Bluebell Park, is requesting additional equipment, such as swings and picnic tables. The Friends would also like to request a barrier to block vehicles from driving through the park. Also, the basketball courts are drawing large groups of 25 to 50 people, causing fights and police are being called. Murdock Jemerson stated he met with Bill and the Friends two weeks ago and discussed working toward providing the swings and other equipment they requested; if not this fiscal year it would be next fiscal year which starts July 1, 2010. Betty Draher, representative for Caeser-Donora Park, stated they are looking for upgrades to their park. The equipment is 15 years old and there are a lot of kids who use the park. The neighbors take care of the park and they would like to see a climbing wall, new swings, teeter-totter, and park bench. Murdock Jemerson stated he would have staff out to repair the bench. The parks department has.a list of all the parks and when the last time work was done at the park. He will check to find out where Caeser-Donora playground equipment is on the list and will meet with the community to discuss what they would like to have in the park. _ Council member Eric Hewitt stated he recalled seeing this park on the list for the summer of 2010 or-2011. He also asked if Board members have been to the playground area at Bancroft. He stated there used-to be a tire swing and he noticed recently that it was missing. UPDATES Staff Introductions Jason Crocker— Has worked for the city for 15 years and currently oversees operations for Groesbeck Golf Course. As of today's date rounds are up considerably, conditions are good, have a full staff on the course and Groesbeck is doing well. Jason Meyer— Is the new Executive Director of Fenner Nature Center and works for the Friends of Fenner Nature Center who have taken over management of the facility. Stated he has officially been working for a PARK BOARD MINUTES — MAY 12, 2010 PAGE 2 week after a 5-year hiatus from Fenner when he worked as a naturalist interpreter. Is excited about the opportunities at Fenner and is excited to see an increase in school children visiting the center. John Greenslit— Executive Director of the First Tee of Mid-Michigan. He provided a report and literature to Park Board members and acknowledged Council member Hewitt who was instrumental in negotiating a very unique management contract for First Tee to partner with Lansing and utilize Sycamore Driving Range. Mr. Jemerson and Mr. Ambrose put together a very unique proposal that protected a resource, saved the city money and continues to serve the youth of the community. Part of the program is to go into the Lansing Schools through principal invitation and meet with the physical education classes. The program met at 14 schools, ran 16 clinics and served about 1,800 children in 4th 5th and 61h grade, which is up about 400 from last year. The First Tee also expects to increase from 260 children in the summer certification program to 400. ** Board President Rick Kibbey arrived and was provided status of agenda items. Vice President Fancher stated Statement of Citizens had been completed, moved Staff Introductions up on the agenda, added sex offenders under new business, there currently is not a quorum to act on Board Minutes and they are officially on New Business, item A which is also an action item, however there is not a quorum so the Board will continue with updates. Summer Kids Camp Murdock Jemerson stated Kids Camp registration is going along fine, fees are not a problem and we are registering individuals before camp starts and even before the budget has been finalized. Paul Carrier inquired if the Kids Camp registration form has gone out to the schools. Fancher inquired if the web site has been updated to include the programs that were not included in the community guide. Spring/Summer Sports Registration Murdock Jemerson indicated registration is up tremendously. Scott House/Miller Road Center Murdock Jemerson stated in the budget there is a proposal to shut down Scott House. All the groups have been notified, once we know for sure on the budget we will work with the current groups to find new locations for meeting sites. In regard to Miller Road we have met with the seniors, as well as the leadership of the Miller Road group, and Miller is proposed to be closed but the program moved to the Southside Community Center. We have met with Brian Ralph from Lansing School District to locate another room within the Southside Community Center and we will continue to discuss this plan. We have also met with Tri-County Office on Aging to continue the lunch program at SSCC and they are ready to do so once we re-locate. New Friends Groups See statements of citizens. Murdock Jemerson stated he met with the Friends of Cavanaugh and they have a list of items they would like in the park and the Friends have spent several days cleaning the park. The Friends of Dunnebach are most interested in having their tennis courts done. BOARD MEETING MINUTES April 14, 2010 Regular Park Board Minutes Dusty Fancher moved to approve the April 14, 2010 minutes as submitted. Seconded by Luke Canfora. 5 yeas; 0 nays PARK BOARD MINUTES — MAY 12, 2010 PAGE 3 Motion carried NEW BUSINESS Park Millage Language Rick Kibbey inquired if board members had reviewed the language and it was his understanding the language is exactly the same except with date changes, which is what the Board requested. Murdock Jemerson stated we are under a tight time line to get the language approved to be on the ballot. Rick Kibbey stated one issue that has come up as a result of other activities on the budget is how to make sure the park millage money is used for park purposes and not public service. Kibbey had asked this question of Mr. Ambrose who stated the budget tracking system and bookkeeping will continue to provide the capacity to track the millage money. Ron Lott moved the Park Board support the submission of the language for the Park Millage; seconded by Paul Carrier. 5 yeas; 0 nays Motion carried Ron Lott stated because we are on a tight time line the Board needs to be thinking about getting interested people together and how we are able to proceed from here in an efficient manner. Rick Kibbey stated he has a folder full of information and a list of the board members and he will be contacting members in the next week. Sex Offenders Murdock Jemerson stated he attended the Public Safety Committee and on the agenda was an item regarding sex offenders and the Parks and Recreation Department facility use. Council member Eric Hewitt is a member of the committee, Council member Wood is the Chair of the committee and Jessica Yorko is a member. Jemerson stated this issue is a result of an incident that occurred a few months ago when a gentleman was passing out flyers that he wanted to do an event in the park at Letts Community Center. A community member who knew this individual had a sexual offense and was listed on the Michigan Public Sex Offender Registry (MPSOR) notified staff at Letts Community Center who then notified the Parks Director. Jemerson stated he referred the issue to the police department and the police department indicated this person was not to have the rental and the person had a warrant out for his arrest. The Public Safety Committee thought it would be necessary for the Parks Department to change the building use policy and made a request to the city attorney to do so. There is language proposed for the public building use policy which states "The Parks and Recreation Department reserves the right to perform background checks, including criminal background checks, on the applicant and any person associated with the request and to deny or cancel reservations based on the result on such background check." Jemerson stated he was asked if he was going to instruct staff to conduct background searches on people who are interested in renting a facility and he said no. What we are looking at is public policy and implementing a public policy does not start and end in the Public Safety Committee. We always bring issues to the Park Board, because the Park Board exists to make recommendations to the Mayor and the Mayor will state the policy. Jemerson stated this is the beginning of the discussion and he stated in the committee meeting that this is a bigger picture and it needs to be looked at from a bigger perspective, including the Park Board and the public since this is a public policy. Council member Wood recommended a public meeting, which will be held June 3, at Foster Community Center at 6:30 p.m. Until the policy has gone through and the decision has been made by the city to make a change, the Parks Department will not perform background checks. PARK BOARD MINUTES — MAY 12, 2010 PAGE 4 Rick Kibbey stated if he understands correctly this is not the first time we have thought about sex offenders in our facilities and the department's current policy is to perform background checks on anyone who is being hired. Jemerson confirmed that we do background checks on any perspective employee, volunteer coach, volunteers and any one involved with children. Dusty Fancher asked if there was discussion in the Public Safety Committee about what state law currently has to say about where offenders may be. There are certain rules that state they cannot live within a certain area of schools, day care centers and she encourages as we move along in this discussion that these laws are reviewed and the city is compliant. Jemerson stated there was not discussion on state law. Council member Hewitt stated he is the Vice-Chair of the Public Safety Committee and this issue has been reviewed for 7 to 8 weeks. This came to their attention when a non-registered sex offender who had slipped through the cracks wanted to host and advertise a program in a city facility and a community member brought it to the department's attention. The city went through the process of identifying the fact this individual was someone of concern and the facility was not rented to the individual. Since that time there have been a number of discussions with the city attorney's office asking the best way to address this issue. We want to take very seriously the sex offender law, which places a lot responsibility on elected officials, Park Board and appointed officials to protect the safety of families and children who utilize city facilities. After talking with the City Attorney he indicated he was crafting language to be placed into a policy, which is where it needs to be. The committee was later told the policy was in place and it had been enacted. The committee wanted to speak with Murdock about how it was being implemented to ensure the committee was not creating any unforeseen concerns for the Parks Department because it may be adding extra time for the review process. However, the committee found out it had not been implemented, but only discussed. At this point in time the committee has reviewed proposed language that stipulates individuals who are looking to rent facilities would allow the Parks Department to review the OTIS system to see if they have a sex offender's notification next to their name. Council member Hewitt stated the committee thought this issue was resolved, has found out it is not and is asking the Park Board to support the implementation of this language or something slightly stronger instead of at the discretion of the Director and the background check be done each time. If not tonight, the committee will go through with the public review process and the Park Board will find out the majority of the community is very concerned about how sex offenders are interacting with children in the park system. There are provisions within the state law that state an offender cannot live within a certain distance of a bus stop, school or a park. Hewitt stated one of his concerns is if an offender rents a facility, permission is being provided to be on park property and legitimizes someone who is not suppose to be near a park to actually be in a park. Ron Lott inquired if the event the person was handing out the flyers for was aimed for adults or children. Hewitt indicated he did not know. Luke Canfora inquired exactly what a "sex offender" is. Hewitt stated it is someone who has been convicted of what is known as a criminal sexual conduct felony which can be anything from what is referred to as a Romeo and Juliet issue all the way up to a full blown murder rapist. The Romeo and Juliet scenario is a situation where an 18 year old is dating a 15 or 16 year old and pushes the issue and now the 18 year old is a sex offender because the charge is statutory rape. It is not a perfect system and if this is implemented there may be consequences but as an elected body, Council has committed to work with state legislatures to have this tweaked. Dusty Fancher stated her concern is the Romeo and Juliet considerations where you have a 17 year old dating a 16 year old, the parents find and it does go as statutory rape and those boys and girls are on the list for the rest of their lives. She does not want anything the Board does to pull away from the support a community center or community park can provide for these individuals. There are hardened criminals who we do not want PARK BOARD MINUTES — MAY 12, 2010 PAGE 5 around children, but she would have to inquire how to draw the line and the use of OTIS to find out if it is a Romeo/Juliet or a public urination act and how to differentiate. Council member Hewitt responded he would rather error on the side of caution. There will be a few unfortunate individuals that may get caught up, but it is the responsibility as policy makers and elected officials to find a way to evaluate the impact and find a way to not create a problem. The question is do you not check for hardened criminals because there are Romeo and Juliet issues, which opens it up for a predator to prey on someone. These individuals did commit a felony, but do we allow our policy to be softened for those who unfortunately got caught in a situation because of their actions, in lieu of protecting the safety of the public. Council member Hewitt stated it is not the responsibility of the worker who is reviewing the MPSOR or OTIS System to determine the degree of someone's offense, but if they show up on the list or are identified unfortunately until the policy makers find a way to off set it we need to go with what is out there. Rick Kibbey stated the Board is interested in doing the right thing, but what is the right thing. Paul Carrier stated within the last couple of years when the school district had to start having anyone who interacted with school kids fill out a form he thought it was a nuisance, however we are now in a time when it is a standard practice. Council member Hewitt stated his preference is the Board to support the language in the facility use policy that the Parks Department will view OTIS and decline a request if the person is listed. The longer end is to go through public hearings for public input and determine where we need to go. The final alternative to this is Council also has the possibility of finding a way to make this a across the board public safety issue through the City Ordinance or Charter. Dusty Fancher stated she would encourage anyone to check the site. She thinks it is good for public practice; however she is concerned with the "then what". Is there discussion about whom we would absolutely say no to and those that may require leniency? Hewitt stated there may not be a "then what", this may be the one and only isolated instance in 17 years and if people know they are going to be checked they may not try to use the facilities. Murdock Jemerson clarified the referenced 17 years is the number of years he has been employed by the City and in his tenure he has not seen an instance like this. Luke Canfora stated he agrees with Fancher and would move more toward the dialogue piece of this because we are passing a public safety issue. He would be more comfortable if this could be worked on together with someone from the county prosecutor's office and Lansing Police, because a city employee is going to look this up and be put in a horrible situation to contact someone and tell them they can not use a facility because they are a sex offender. Paul Carrier stated the school district has a form for background checks that has been approved by the Board of Education and MSU has a background check form for the interns that have been approved by the Board of Trustees and maybe we need to look at other practices within the community. Ron Lott stated this is something that needs to proceed with caution and he assumes from the letter that the hearing on June 3 is set and going to take place, but he hopes a couple of Board members would be able to attend and provide a report at the June Park Board meeting. Dusty Fancher stated this is an important subject; it is unfortunate this situation came forward and this is how the city and the board have had to begin to look at it. Fancher stated she would attend the June 3 meeting. PARK BOARD MINUTES — MAY 12, 2010 PAGE 6 Rick Kibbey indicated he would attend the June 3 meeting and he would like to hear from someone who does this for a living like the city attorney or the police department to help direct and handle an open discussion process. Murdock Jemerson stated he would have representatives from those two departments to provide background information on this. He will also provide information from other parks departments on how they deal with this type of situation. East Lansing does not have a check system in place for the Hannah Center. Council member Hewitt stated it was his understanding the city attorney worked with Mr. Jemerson and a representative from the police department to make sure what was being proposed as the policy change was legitimate and was able to be done by parks personnel. Meeting adjourned. Respectfully Submitted: Kellie Brown, Interim Park Board Secretary Approved June 9, 2010 PARK BOARD MINUTES Foster Community Center June 9, 2010 MEMBERS PRESENT: Rick Kibbey, Dusty Fancher, Ron Lott, Luke Canfora, Cynthia Ward, Paul Carrier (late arrival) MEMBERS ABSENT: Excused Patrick Murray OTHERS PRESENT: Murdock Jemerson, Director, Parks and Recreation; Phil and Julie Mannino, Friends of Lansing Historic Cemeteries (FOLHC); James Houthhoofd; Neogen; Karl Dorschimer, EDC,- Sue Eareckson CALLED TO ORDER: 7:10 p.m. ADDITIONS/DELETIONS TO THE AGENDA: None STATEMENT OF CITIZENS Phil Mannino introduced himself as the new president of FOLHC and as the new president he has a different idea for the group. They want to work closely with the city and provide more educational projects to involve youth and teach them the history of Lansing and the cemeteries. The FOLHC is planning their annual fall tour along with working with the Michigan Historical Society to do a tour of North Cemetery in August. BOARD MINUTES Motion to accept the May minutes as submitted by Ron Lott, seconded by Dusty Fancher. 5 yeas; 0 nays Motion carried NEW BUSINESS Park Board Meeting Schedule —July 2010 through June 2011 Two proposals were presented; proposal one was to rotate between the community centers on a quarterly basis, the other proposal was to hold monthly meetings at Foster Community Center. Ron Lott moved to support proposal one to rotate the meetings on a quarterly basis, seconded by Cynthia Ward. 5 yeas; 0 nays. Motion carried Building Use Policy Dusty Fancher stated as the board continues to debate whether or not a policy regarding facility use by a sex offender is in the best interest of the city the board should be well versed in this subject. Fancher provided factually based packets on the Offender Tracking Information System (OTIS), Michigan Public Sex Offender Registry (MPSOR) and Sex Offenders Registration Act. OTIS is through the Department of Corrections and is the system council member Hewitt suggested he would like to see used to find out if someone is eligible or not to rent a park facility. The OTIS system only tracks within the last three years and if more than three years has elapsed since a person has been within the Department of Corrections they would not be on this list. There is a secondary list the Michigan State Police regulates which is the MPSOR, however this list changes often and it would be the parks responsibility to verify any records accessed through this registry pertain to the correct Lansing Park Board Minutes —June 9, 2010 Page 2 person. The Michigan Sex Offender Law is a very complicated law and the Michigan State Police have a frequently asked question section, which also provides a list of offenses one would have to commit and be guilty of to be on the list. Last is the Sex Offenders Registration Act of Michigan. Currently under Michigan law registered sex offenders are only prohibited from being on school property, there is no prohibition for them to be in public facilities, in public parks, libraries, day care centers or elderly homes. Dusty Fancher stated the National Institute of Justice has looked at sex offender laws; there are 27 states and hundreds of municipalities that have passed sex offender laws. Many of these laws make it difficult, if not impossible, for people to find housing which causes them to become homeless and they go underground making it difficult for local police to track them. Chicago does have a law; their law encompasses public parks and golf courses. South Carolina has a state law on parks sitting in the legislature right now, California banned sex offenders, Broward County in Florida has a ban on the county level and covers parks, schools, school bus stops, day cares, but allows a local opt out for municipalities. In nearly every case of a municipality passing an ordinance, the ACLU has found some person they can fight for and put forth a lawsuit. Murdock Jemerson stated at the meeting city council held at Foster, Council member Wood asked him to step outside to advise him of what she expected to happen at this public hearing; she also advised him the sex offender was at the meeting. Jemerson asked Council member Wood to have the offender come out to speak with him. Jemerson spoke with the person and asked if he knew if the conditions of his parole included items about being in a public building. Jemerson advised him there were TV stations at the meeting and if he did not know the conditions of his parole that it may not be in his best interest to be there. Jemerson told the gentlemen he would contact LPD regarding the conditions of his parole and if the chief could not find the answer that it may be in his best interest to leave. Lansing Police could not find anything and the person chose to leave and not risk violating his parole. Captain Hall called back later to verify the person he could have stayed in the building. Murdock Jemerson stated there was an article in the City Pulse about the incident and the report stated it was a violation of the Public Meeting Act. The city attorney disagreed, as it was a mutual agreement for the peson to leave. Rick Kibbey stated the task that remains before the board is what, if anything, the board wants to do with the building use policy to deal with situations like this. Does it rise to the level of changing a policy and if it does what would that policy be. The department's current policy is to screen anyone working with kids and do we want to screen everyone walking through the door and is it possible to do so. Dusty Fancher has concerns on the wording of the draft, how long it would take LPD to run reports, what they consider a risk and would it cost the department. Cynthia Ward stated whatever procedures are proposed really need to address the issue and she is not sure of what the issue is; is it to protect the safety and welfare of children in our facilities or is the issue to know if someone who is seeking to rent our facility a registered offender. If the issue is the former than this procedure does not address it, because anyone can come into our facility without an application to rent the facility and still place children at risk. She does not think this proposal or what she heard at the public safety meeting address the issue. Ron Lott stated this is bigger than the board and involves things the board cannot address. The board needs to be involved, but does not need to take the leadership due to the number of unanswered questions and issues that are not addressed. Dusty Fancher stated she had asked Jemerson if the department did go forward with something like this would the city have a liability. Lansing Park Board Minutes —June 9, 2010 Paqe 3 Cynthia Ward asked if there is a body that is asking for the board to act. Fancher stated at the last board meeting Council member Hewitt asked the board to pass a resolution that would state the parks department would run a background check on everyone who wanted to rent a facility. Rick Kibbey stated there is time to work on this and there will be many questions. The board needs to identify their questions and concerns and put together a working group to assemble a list of questions. Cynthia Ward inquired if the board is considering the paragraph in the building use policy that states we "reserve the right" to search the MPSOR or only the seven-bullet point draft. Murdock Jemerson stated the seven-bullet point draft is from Carol Wood and the language in the building use policy is proposed language from the city attorney. Jemerson stated at the public safety meeting, Carol Wood thought the language in the policy would require the department to make calls, but when he pointed out the language "reserves the right" she came up with her seven-bullet point to force calls now. Dusty Fancher inquired what action would be required next on the proposed language from the city attorney to make it an actual policy instead of a draft policy. Murdock Jemerson stated the process would be for the board to make a recommendation on the proposed language from the city attorney and make a recommendation on the proposed procedure Carol Wood put together. Luke Canfora moved to form a committee to review this issue, seconded by Fancher. 5 yeas; 0 nays Motion carried Rick Kibbey asked Luke Canfora, Cynthia Ward, Dusty Fancher and Ron Lott to be on the committee. Kibbey wants to hear from the committee at the next board meeting and he would also like to hear from LPD and the city attorney. OLD BUSINESS Oak Park Packets were provided with the proposed purchase of Oak Park by NEOGEN Corporation, which included maps and the 285 report. This property is not dedicated parkland. Murdock Jemerson stated the next section of this would be an additional building, the Vector Building, which does sit on dedicated parkland. The forestry division will be combined with public service and they will work out of the operations and maintenance building, which would leave the Oak Park field office vacant. FTCH has been putting together a plan for the parks staff to move into the O&M office. James Houthoofd, NEOGEN Corporate Controller, stated this building has been reviewed and it would need maintenance. NEOGEN would expand their current building to include this area as warehouse space and parking. Luke Canfora inquired if this expansion would create jobs; Houthoofd stated yes. Karl Dorschimer, Economic Development Corporation, stated this is a good deal for the city; this property would become surplus, but there is a good buyer ready to purchase the property at a fair price. EDC also works with Brownfield and this will help clean up the contamination at no cost to the city and the property will go back onto the tax roll. Rick Kibbey turned the gavel over to Vice-President Fancher in order to vote on this matter. Lansing Park Board Minutes —June 9, 2010 Page 4 Luke Canfora moved to approve the sale of Oak Park; seconded by Lott. 5 yeas; 0 nays Motion carried. Park Millage Resolution Rick Kibbey stated he has started the 2010 Park Millage campaign notebook. The Committee of the Whole has approved the language and the primary is August 3. UPDATES Mt. Hope Project is moving along. Jemerson received notification from the Fratcher Foundation that $50,000 has been granted and will be put with the existing balance to install the pathways. The fountain and columbarium are complete. Memorial Day Parade Wonderful parade with 25 units. Mayor's Walk Almost 500 participants, this year the walk went south to Hawk Island. The hope for next year is to go south to Maguire Park. Bluebell Park After the incident that occurred at the park a neighborhood picnic was held with about 50 people in attendance. Lifetime Sports Programs The adult and youth programs have all had an increase over the last year. Kids Camp Kids camp enrollment is doing well, several weeks are filling up at various sites. Feedback is positive about the structured program and there has not been an issue with the price. The department is providing scholarships in accordance with the department's guidelines. Rivertrail Map Drafts of the new rivertrail map were provided for board members to review. Meeting adjourned at 8:35 p.m. Respectfully Submitted: Kellie Brown, Interim Park Board Secretary Approved July 14, 2010 PARK BOARD MINUTES Southside Community Center July 14, 2010 MEMBERS PRESENT: Ron Lott, Cynthia Ward, Paul Carrier, Pat Murray, Adam Hussain, Rick Kibbey (arrived 7:20 p.m.), Dusty Fancher(arrived 7:45 p.m.) MEMBERS ABSENT: Excused Luke Canfora OTHERS PRESENT: Murdock Jemerson, Director, Parks and Recreation; Sue Eareckson, Kellie Brown, Board Secretary CALLED TO ORDER: 7:15 p.m. Ron Lott, Acting Chair NEW MEMBER: Adam Hussain stated as a new board member he is excited to volunteer his time. He is a life long resident of Lansing, he and his wife are both educators and he looks forward to giving back to the community. ADDITIONS/DELETIONS TO THE AGENDA: Cynthia Ward requested to add under information the Friends of Frances Park celebration. Ron Lott requested to add under new business the election of Board Officers. STATEMENT OF CITIZENS Sue Eareckson invited the Board to the Friends of Bancroft Park's annual picnic on July 24 from 4 to 6 p.m. at Bancroft Park. Rain date would be July 25 at the same time and location. BOARD MINUTES Motion to accept the June minutes as submitted by Pat Murray, seconded by Cynthia Ward. 0 nays Motion carried NEW BUSINESS Performance Metrics Murdock Jemerson stated the city has a program called LANSINGSTAT, which the department and the whole city are operating under. This is a program that was formed after another program called CITISTAT, which grew out of New York City and the New York Police Department. Police department's, as you know; have numerous statistics as far as crime statistics. There were measures for metrics added to CITISTAT-that would apply to other departments within city government and this was used in New York as a way of tracking efficiencies in the form of city work. It was successful in New York, Baltimore and Providence Rhode Island and now Lansing is using this reporting system. At the beginning of this the city worked with MSU and the different departments put together samples of performance measures and a decision was made on what was relevant to track. The parks department tracks open recreation for youth and teens, kids camp attendance and pool attendance; the number of service calls for the cemeteries, parks and other city properties; the number of mowing related service calls; the percentage of parks mowing completed on schedule. The mowing metric set for the department is to mow a city park every 12-calendar days. We also track the number of trees removed, number of trees with deadwood and number of trees pruned; number of picnic tables repaired and the number of parks supported by a volunteer group. Pat Murray inquired if Friday is counted since Public Service does not work on Friday. Jemerson stated he would know more when LANSINGSTAT meets again July 19. Park Board Minutes —July 14, 2010 Page 2 During the budget proceedings, Parks also introduced a set of metrics to help guide Public Service in the activities that are important to see continued. Parks will be reviewing those metrics presented and continue to change them to ensure Public Service is servicing the parks on a regular basis. Murdock Jemerson stated he would know at the next LANSINGSTAT meeting on July 19 if the metrics are being incorporated in the Public Service section of the report. Rick Kibbey stated a metric that is not counted is useless and referred to comments when this first occurred which were can the metrics be done or not. There are standards the parks have set and want to see continued and who makes the decision if they are being met. Ron Lott stated he is concerned that on his copy of the report it has the number stumps that have been removed and the goal for the number of trees to be planted is 451, but right now it states zero have been planted. He is concerned the report states there has been 800 trees removed and zero trees have been planted. Rick Kibbey inquired if the members think the board should be guiding the Public Service Department through reporting on this. Ward stated yes and Lott believes the reporting process needs to be refined. Cynthia Ward stated her understanding is the report the board has is for the year prior and this is what was included for the Parks and Recreation Department and these measures will need to be included in the Public Service report. Does the board need to make the request to include these measures to the Mayor or to the Director of Public Service? Murdock Jemerson stated the board's charge is to make recommendations to the Mayor. Pat Murray inquired if Public Service has a citizen's board. Kibbey stated yes. Murray suggested making the recommendation to the Mayor and the Public Service Board. Cynthia Ward asked who is responsible for identifying targets and baselines, Parks or Public Service. Jemerson stated that is a good question. A lot of this data is based on prior years work and is comparison from one year to the next. Pat Murray stated if Public Service is the parks "contractor' why would the Parks not continue to keep the statistics. Why would you rely on a "contractor" to keep statistics? Cynthia Ward stated if Public Service is the "contractor" then Parks would identify what needs to be accomplished and the "contractor" would report back to Parks what is being done. Parks would have no way of knowing what was accomplished unless the "contractor" doing the work reported it. Pat Murray stated Parks should set the standards and Public Service should report to Parks as opposed to Public Service setting the metrics for what needs to be done in the parks. Rick Kibbey asked if the board should jump in or will the Parks Director. Jemerson stated he thought it would be a good idea for the board to express their feelings in the way of a motion regarding performance metrics. Ron Lott stated it might be early to get a definitive opinion if this is only the second week, but by the September board meeting he would like to have someone from Public Service or a report from Jemerson on how the metrics are monitored and how the numbers are determined. The board needs to continue to ask questions and raise concerns. Cynthia Ward stated she thought she heard a consensus, at least no objections, that the board wants Public Service to include this information. Rick Kibbey stated there are several issues; one is the actual measures, accountability and quality and record keeping and recording. Park Board Minutes —July 14, 2010 Page 3 Cynthia Ward stated she cannot see how this information can not be collected. It has to be reported and with the change in operations, as it relates to these measures, it is critical at this point that this information is collected and it can be assured the change is working. Murdock Jemerson stated Paul Dykema is still the go-to person for Parks and he will still be attending department staff meetings. Rick Kibbey stated if the board is looking to put together a recommendation, the first item would be measures and the quality of the measures, second if Public Service is doing the work they should be the one to report, and third is the issue of customer inspection and satisfaction and what if the performance is not satisfactory. Pat Murray stated it sounds like the director would like a statement from the board on how the board hopes this will work. Murray moved for the chairperson, working with the director, to put together a letter on behalf of the Park Board asking the metrics continue to be used to make sure the parks are maintained. Lott asked to add some of the questions that had been asked this evening. Kibbey inquired if the board wanted to see the letter before it was mailed. Lott asked to have an e-mail version of the letter so the members would be aware of what was sent out. Seconded by Fancher. Motion carried. 6 yeas, 0 nays Officer Elections Dusty Fancher moved to nominate Rick Kibbey as President, seconded by Carrier. Motion carried. 5 yeas; 0 nays Cynthia Ward moved to nominate Dusty Fancher as Vice-President, seconded by Carrier. Motion carried. 5 yeas; 0 nays UPDATES Mount Hope Basin — Next step is the transfer of$50,000 from the Fratcher Foundation to complete walkway. 41h of July Parade —This year had over 90 entries. Oak Park Sale —Getting closer to being completed, however final buy/sell agreement has not been reviewed. Hunter Park Picnic Shelter— Proceeding and should be done by the end of the month. Roof is being completed this week. Tennis Courts— Georgetown and Elmhurst went out to bid and contract information is due on the 20tn Kids Camp —This year the camp changed to a State of Michigan licensed day camp. With the staff we have the average number of kids is 45 and the camps are full. INFORMATION Cynthia Ward reported on Thursday, July 22 from 5 to 8 pm the Friends of Frances Park would be hosting a celebration to show off the improvements at the park. The community, neighborhood associations, residents, community leaders and park board members are all invited. Pat Murray inquired if it would be possible to mow a walking path at Red Cedar and communicate with Everett's Cross Country team for a path at Waverly. Jemerson stated he would check with Public Service. Meeting adjourned Respectfully Submitted: Kellie Brown, Interim Park Board Secretary Approved September 8, 2010 PARK BOARD MINUTES Southside Community Center September 8, 2010 MEMBERS PRESENT: Rick Kibbey, Luke Canfora, Pat Murray, Adam Hussain, Dusty Fancher (arrived 7:45 p.m.) MEMBERS ABSENT: Excused Ron Lott and Paul Carrier OTHERS PRESENT: Murdock Jemerson, Director, Parks and Recreation; Brett Kaschinske, Manager of Leisure Services, Chad Gamble, Public Service Director, Phil and Julie Mannino, Friends of Lansing Historic Cemeteries (FOLHC), Brad Vauter, Kellie Brown, Board Secretary CALLED TO ORDER: 7:15 p.m. ADDITIONS/DELETIONS TO THE AGENDA: None - STATEMENT OF CITIZENS Phil Mannino, FOLHC, invited the Board members to the annual fall cemetery tour on Sunday, September 26 at 3 p.m. at Mount Hope Cemetery. BOARD MINUTES Motion to accept the July minutes as submitted by Pat Murray, seconded by Dusty Fancher. 5 yeas; 0 nays Motion carried NEW BUSINESS Kids Camp Brett Kaschinske, Manager of Leisure Services, reviewed the changes to the summer kids' camp program. This year we received more compliments than ever before, camps were licensed with the State of Michigan, provided before and after camp care at all sites, camps ran Monday through Friday, bussing was provided from 17 locations, breakfast and lunch were offered at all locations, not just the community centers as in the past, fees were charged for before and after care as well as day camp and the number of sites were reduced from 18 to 8. There were 774 youth enrolled this year compared to 1468 last year. However, this year with the licensing we were restricted to a 10 to 1 ratio and had 8 sites this year instead of 18 like last year. There were 47 students registered for riding the bus, however there was a high no show rate for the busses. For the first time there was a fee for the kids camp, as well as for the before care and after care which generated $54,330 in revenue. On-line evaluations were sent out to parents and the results were as follows: 96% stated the camp met their needs with 82% rating the camp above average or excellent; 92% rated staff above average or excellent; 90% would recommend the camp to others; 63% were willing to pay more for the services; and 92% were comfortable with the new site requirements. Moores pool attendance for the summer was 7,559 and Hunter pool was 18,404. The Concerts in the Park offered a new location this year at Grand River Park, which was well received by participants. Surveys were provided to concert participants and 100% believe the concerts help promote the LANSING PARK BOARD MINUTES — SEPTEMBER 8, 2010 PAGE 2 community and are grateful for the sponsor support and will return next year; 76% were Lansing residents and the 2010 attendance was 8,095. The goal is to offer a variety of music at various parks throughout the city. Adult sport teams for summer and fall have 43 men's, 10 women's and co-ed softball has 103. Senior softball is down, but they are coming back from Delhi Township. Men's baseball has 22 teams with a combination of 18 and over, 30 and over, 40 and over. Leisure Services has an e-marketing campaign which includes EMMA an e-newsletter, Facebook, RecTrac on- line registration and we are working on web videos. Rick Kibbey stated he followed Baker Donora over the summer and they had issues with the bus driver who was crabby and did not show up on time and he would like to see this issue rectified. He also would like to have this type of report each summer. Moores Pool Murdock Jemerson provided a estimate from B&B Pools regarding the pool at Moores Park. The Moores Park pool had a filter quit working this summer and the estimate if$94,500. The recommendation is to convert the current out-dated filter systems and go to horizontal filter tanks. Jemerson inquired if this is the time to look at this pool and do something similar to what was done at Hunter. This is a historic pool and it would be nice to maintain it, but also improve it with additions and could we save up CIP money over a couple of years and then make the improvements. Pat Murray stated clearly the attendance numbers indicate Hunter has more to offer. The neighborhood is proud of Moores pool and it would be hard to dispute improvements and "fun" additions to the pool. Murdock Jemerson inquired about closing Moores pool for 2-3 budget seasons to save funds for new features for the pool. Dusty Fancher stated she wants to have the neighborhood and neighborhood association's input. Rick Kibbey commented that Hunter Park was successful before the pool upgrades due to the walking trail, greenhouse and pavilion and a park can be a revitalization engine for a neighborhood. Murdock Jemerson stated he would take the recommendation, communicate and work with the neighborhood. He would like to attend the next meeting of the Moores Park Neighborhood Association. Rick Kibbey recommended the October Park Board meeting be held in conjunction with the Moores Park Neighborhood Association meeting on October 13 at Shabazz Academy. Board Member Update Rick Kibbey advised the board members that Cynthia Ward has regretfully resigned from the Park Board. There has not been anything officially announced, but she may be being considered for another board. Park Millage Murdock Jemerson provided a print out of the election results from the City Clerk's office, which indicated a 73% approval rate and no precinct reporting anything lower than 60.1%. Soldan Dog Park Murdock Jemerson provided copies of the handout that is available at the dog park regarding the new fee that was reported on in the Lansing State Journal. Effective November 1, 2010 there will be a charge for the dog LANSING PARK BOARD MINUTES — SEPTEMBER 8, 2010 PAGE 3 park, which was a decision by the Friends of Greater Lansing Dog Park (FGLDP), but the city and county will be administering the program. This will be a key-fob system which is an electronic gate and will only allow someone in with the key fob. There will be an annual fee of$40, which will go toward regular maintenance including dog waste bags, port-a-john rentals, capital improvements for the park such as fence repair, erosion control, etc. and membership to FGLDP. The article did not clarify that this is a initiative of the FGLDP and not the city or the county. The FGLPD group was adamant that they needed some type of control in place to manage the dog park. This system allows them to register the owners and the dogs; which will ensure the dogs are current on vaccinations and provide the ability to locate trouble dogs. Dusty Fancher inquired if there is a report generated on how many times an individual uses the park. Jemerson stated yes. Fancher also inquired how many passes are anticipated to be sold. Jemerson stated there are easily 50 to 100 dogs in the park a day. Fancher inquired if the money is going to the FGLDP and how is this going to work. Jemerson replied the FGLDP will take the money and put it back into the park. Fancher stated she would like to know where the accountability is. Rick Kibbey stated if he recalls they are a 501 c3, which means they are required to file an annual report. Luke Canfora inquired who the payments are going to. Jemerson stated the payments are going to the county. Rick Kibbey inquired if the issues with the neighbors have been resolved. Jemerson stated he has not heard anything from the neighbors since the closure of the one area of the park. Brad Vauter stated he was the attorney who donated his time and assisted with the legalities of setting up the dog park, getting their 501 c3 application and helped with some of the initial donations. He is troubled by the fact that this is a city park and it should be a decision of the city regarding fees based on a recommendation from the FGLDP and not a FGLDP decision. Also, no word of this was mentioned during the successful campaign to raise money for capitol improvements and the FGLDP may use money for other things because in the 501 c3 any charitable purpose, particularly related to a dog park, can use money toward other developments. The FGLDP raised in excess of$120,000 (almost $200,000), which includes the Soldan's pledge of$50,000 over ten years, which is more than most park groups have raised for a dedicated park and now they are saying they need to charge people to get in. Vauter stated when he did the initial work this was going to be a free dog park and be part of an array of parks the city had and to now say it is going to be $40 with a discount student rate. This seems unfair and even if the FGLDP this is because of bad dogs, dogs are suppose to be licensed with the county no matter if the dogs are in the park or not. If the $40 is to keep out certain individuals, there is no guarantee that someone will not let others use the key-fob to get into the park. Vauter stated he has problems with the city allowing a non-profit group to dictate fees for a park that was suppose to free and this seems like a stab in the back to individuals who raised money for this park and also after the park millage has been passed. Murdock Jemerson stated due to budgetary reasons groups are running facilities, for example the Friends of Fenner have a formalized agreement with the city to run Fenner; the Friends of Turner Dodge help run Turner Dodge, as well as the Allen Neighborhood running the greenhouse. This is similar because the FGLDP are the first management for the operation of the dog park. The city and the county have an agreement where the county operates Scott Woods Park and maintains the dog park. We look to the FGLDP to assist with management of the park and this is a best practice they brought to the city and is patterned after a park in Ann Arbor. This is also a control measure for those who may not have a dog licensed and are not following the rules and we were encouraged by the FGLDP to work on a system that will aid the city and county in making sure the dog owners in the park will up hold the rules and regulations of the park. Rick Kibbey stated the task this evening is not to make a determination or investigation, but he encouraged Mr. Vauter to meet with Murdock Jemerson to continue the discussion and if it requires additional intervention from the Board to bring the issue back to the Park Board. LANSING PARK BOARD MINUTES — SEPTEMBER 8, 2010 PAGE 4 Basketball Complex Murdock Jemerson provided a preliminary sketch and stated staff met regarding the basketball complex and would like to recommend Davis Park along Pleasant Grove for this project since there are only a few residential homes in the area. The site would be programmed and it would have set hours and be locked when not in operation. Rick Kibbey requested this be brought to the neighborhood groups, Kathie Dunbar and Lansing Police because basketball courts are difficult to control. Brett Kaschinske stated he is looking at bringing someone on to program the site and would talk with LPD about installing cameras. Performance Metrics Chad Gamble, Public Service Director, provided a draft schedule of plowing and salting for city streets, parking lots and parks. The recent consolidation of Public Service and Parks Forestry/Grounds is to put 95% of public property maintenance together. The core supervisors met and the responsibilities were discussed about what metrics need to be met for the public and this is the beginning communication device to accomplish what needs to be done. Chad Gamble reviewed the plow and salt chart which listed the parking areas, sidewalks and trails and the time line in which they would be plowed, the type of service received and the location that would receive it and the time in which it would be done. Phil Mannino stated the plowing of cemeteries indicated it would be done within 24 hours. If there is substantial snow on Friday evening and a funeral on Saturday, people would not be able to get into the cemetery. Chad Gamble stated exceptions would be made. Mannino also stated outlying lots may need to be looked at. For example the city lot behind Emil's restaurant which would be used on the weekends and evenings by restaurant patrons. Washington Mall has a down slope toward the curb and on weekends cars will get stuck. Chad Gamble indicated there is a plan to cross train between Public Service employees and Grounds/Forestry employees to provide efficient service and assist each other during with emergencies. Meeting adjourned at 9:00 p.m. Respectfully Submitted: Kellie Brown, Interim Park Board Secretary Approved December 8, 2010 PARK BOARD MINUTES Letts Community Center November 10, 2010 MEMBERS PRESENT: Rick Kibbey, Luke Canfora, Paul Carrier MEMBERS ABSENT: Excused Ron Lott, Pat Murray, Dusty Fancher, Adam Hussain OTHERS PRESENT: Murdock Jemerson, Director, Parks and Recreation; Barbara Ann Jones, Marilyn Lee, Nancy McGilliard, Garden Club of Greater Lansing; Jason Meyer, Executive Director, Fenner Nature Center; Jeff Kegler, Bob Every, Jerry Murphy, Lansing Community College; Ron Theisen, Garden Club and Friends of Frances Park CALLED TO ORDER: 7:10p.m. ADDITIONS/DELETIONS TO THE AGENDA: None STATEMENT OF CITIZENS -= Bob Every, Lansing Community College head coach, stated LCC has partnered with the City of La.n5ing and use Ranney Ballpark to play college women's softball games. He spends the summer watching kids' tournaments throughout the Lansing area and decided a couple of years ago to upgrade the park."Last year it won the National Junior College Field of the Year and only one field is selected. He is very proud of this achievement and the support received from the Parks Department. They are getting more people who want to use the field and they want to keep the park pristine. However, the skateboarders are spilling over from the skate park and using the new bleachers for their skate boarding and they do not always leave when asked. Last week they witnessed what they believe to be homeless people, dismantling the aluminum support beams under the bleachers, that were just put in a couple of years ago, and taking the aluminum. This area needs to be cordoned off with an 8 foot fence. He believes this would cut down on the theft and vandalism of the bleachers and deter the kids from the skate park damaging the bleachers with their skate boards. He does a lot of work on the field and would like to keep it looking nice and wants to appeal to city government to cordon off that area and control the flow of traffic that goes in and out of the area. Rick Kibbey thanked the coaches and volunteers for their input on the planning process to create such a great facility. Murdock Jemerson stated Marty Riel, the City's property maintenance manager, has looked at the bleachers, the missing parts and will have staff"ping" the bolts to prevent the removal of the support straps. Marty Riel will offer suggestions to protect the bleachers from the skateboarders. BOARD MINUTES Due to lack of quorum, the September minutes were tabled until the December Park Board meeting. NEW BUSINESS Blue Star Memorial Maker Marilyn Lee, Garden Club of Greater Lansing, provided example photos of memorials and reviewed the letter she submitted to Mr. Jemerson on behalf of the Garden Club regarding the Blue Star Memorial Marker. In May the Garden Club of Greater Lansing decided it was time for the capital city to honor veterans. The National Garden Club has had a program since 1945 when it decided to honor WWII veterans. This program has changed over Lansing Park Board Minutes — November 10, 2010 Paqe 2 time; in 1951 the State Legislature approved a program where the Highway Department could establish these memorials. More recently, Michigan in 1996, decided these memorial markers could go beyond the highways to any city location. These markers must be sponsored by a garden club and receive approval from the Michigan Garden Club and National Garden Club. Anyone may cooperate with the garden club to establish these markers. The Lansing Garden Club was pleased with the path at Frances Park and feel that Frances Park would be a wonderful place for the memorial marker. The Garden Club met with the Friends of Frances and they were enthusiastic. The Garden Club will work with Mr. Jemerson to select the appropriate location for the marker. This is not a costly program, but is a living memorial to pay tribute to our armed forces. The marker must be shipped to a commercial site due to the size of the marker. The Garden Club is asking the city to help install the marker and the Garden Club wants to work with the Parks Department to plan the garden around the marker. The Garden Club has budgeted approximately $2,000 for the project. This memorial is not for one individual, but maybe at a later date the subject of purchasing paver bricks could be discussed. The Garden Club will cover a portion of the marker and possibly the Friends of Frances, but hopefully others would assist with donations of food and items for the dedication and ribbon cutting ceremony. The plan is also to get youth involved in the garden project and Gardner School has shown an interest. This is a planned Fall 2011 project. Ron Theisen, Friends of Frances Park, said the Friends are in agreement with the project and the possible sight of the location, which would be an area in front of the pavilion. Murdock Jemerson stated he has no issues with the marker. Rick Kibbey stated there is no objection from the Board members present and the board will turn further discussion and the meetings over to Murdock Jemerson. Fenner Nature Center Jason Meyer, Executive Director Fenner Nature Center, stated since May the Friends of Fenner has secured a grant for additional tables and chairs for Fenner, along with support funding from the City. The Dart Foundation provided a $5,000 grant which allowed Fenner to purchase state of the art equipment for children to study the forest as a real forester would. There were 6,500 visitors to Fenner in October with between 4,000 to 5,000 visitors at Apple Butter and between 800-900 people at Candyland. Winter is a slower time at the center and staff will use the opportunity to work on funding alternatives. The partnership with the city has been extended for another 4 years and has been fantastic. UPDATES Maguire Park There was a pre-construction meeting yesterday and the installation of the pavilion will start next week. The construction company is the same one who installed the pavilion at Hunter Park. Joe Maguire is pleased with the progress and is excited about the arch. There will be an official ribbon cutting ceremony in the spring. Turner Dodge Paving of the service road should be done today. Cavanaugh Park This is a park with a dedicated group of citizen's trying to bring their park back. They have landscapers who have assisted with re-establishing Bunker Hill sledding hill. Lansing Park Board Minutes — November 10, 2010 Page 3 Attwood Park Murdock Jemerson met the residents of Village Cooperative regarding Attwood Park and there were about 30 to 40 people at the meeting. They want to take their park back and do a master plan. There will be additional meetings to begin this process. The residents would like a concert at Attwood Park. Leisure Services Report Brett Kaschinske has been asked to report at the December meeting on the busing issues from Kids Camp summer 2010 and possible solutions. This report will also include the status of the division, new staff, staff relocations, etc. Additional Board Comments Rick Kibbey stated in the new citywide master plan that is being done, "green" (open space) is in the middle of a lot of the issues and the question of how this "green" is going to be managed is not addressed. Between the land that is existing park way and the vacant land that is being created by the Land Bank and vacant land created by water related issues, if this Board has any task at all it is to figure out if that park land is to be managed as a natural resource or as a park way. Luke Canfora inquired if this relates back to the metrics and Kibbey stated yes because in the final analysis it all comes back to staff and budget. Canfora stated the Board has not seen a true to life metric on how our stuff is being taken care of. Rick Kibbey suggested a board committee to review the metrics and prepare a letter requesting a report that actually responds to the metrics submitted and how they are being met. Kibbey stated he will start a committee to create a letter. Luke Canfora stated after the election this year proved what is important to the citizens and it is parks and we can't let anything slip on the side of what people like. Meeting adjourned Respectfully Submitted: Kellie Brown, Interim Park Board Secretary Approved December 8, 2010 PARK BOARD MINUTES Letts Community Center December 8, 2010 MEMBERS PRESENT: Rick Kibbey, Luke Canfora, Paul Carrier, Adam Hussain, Ron Lott (arrived 8:20 p.m.), Pat Murray (arrived 8:20 p.m.) MEMBERS ABSENT: Excused Dusty Fancher, One vacancy OTHERS PRESENT: Murdock Jemerson, Director, Parks and Recreation; Brett Kaschinske, Manager of Leisure Services; Bill Kiebler and Tedd Sperling, Friends of Bluebell Park; Kellie Brown, Board Secretary CALLED TO ORDER: 7:05 p.m. ADDITIONS/DELETIONS TO THE AGENDA: None STATEMENT OF CITIZENS Bill Kiebler, Friends of Bluebell Park, provided a project list for Bluebell park on one year, five year and ten year projects, and a list of closed projects along with a list of sweat equity hours.the neighborhood put into the park. He thanked the Parks Department and Board for taking care of the projects in the park. Rick Kibbey stated he appreciates the neighbors from Bluebell Park, the list they have provided and the positive way they have handled a difficult situation. Bill Kiebler stated some of the neighbors were living in the area before it was a park and working in the park is a way for the neighbors to take care of their own area. BOARD MINUTES Tabled until quorum arrived; Motion to accept the September 8, 2010 minutes as submitted by Pat Murray, seconded by Luke Canfora. 5 yeas; 0 nays. Motioned carried Motion to accept the November 10, 2010 minutes as submitted by Pat Murray, seconded by Luke Canfora. 5 yeas; 0 nays. Motioned carried Murdock Jemerson stated public comments from the Moores Park Neighborhood meeting will drive the proposed changes for the pool and there has already been a Change of Intent submitted to Council to put the budgeted $75,000 for Moores Park toward updating the filters. NEW BUSINESS Leisure Services Division Update Brett Kaschinske provided statistics for 2010 on the number of weeks of kids' camp; the number of sites kids were bussed from, the number of youth registered to ride the bus and the "no show" percentage rate. The no show rate was very high for those registered which indicated parents were taking youth to camp sites, plus bussing was provided only for regular camp and not before or after care camp. Park Board Minutes— December 8, 2010 Page 2 Camps were full and the money tied up in bussing could be used to better serve more kids. Due to licensing we are required to have a 10 to 1 ratio and could use money for more staff and the money saved from bussing could create one new camp or the current sites could have maximum numbers increased and additional staff could be spread out. CATA would welcome us on their routes, however the routes are not a straight ride and transfers are difficult for kids and CATA will not vary from their routes. Staff has reviewed the savings of not having bussing, eliminating the money used for staff to ride the bus with campers which could allow for one new camp site, the addition of 90 new kids with a 10 to 1 ratio and generating a minimum of$7,200 in revenue. Paul Carrier suggested having a camp site at Potter Park Zoo or the youth development center at LCC. He also inquired if there is something near Baker Donora to use as a camp site for that neighborhood. Brett Kaschinske stated Bethlehem Lutheran Church is near Baker Donora which could work because the community room at Baker is not adequate for a licensed facility. Murdock Jemerson clarified we are talking about removing bussing, which would mean parents would drop their kids off at the camp they are registered for, and putting a camp in the Baker Donora area. Rick Kibbey added there will be new census numbers out in February and he hopes this information will tell if the kids that used to be at Baker Donora, which was around 120, are still in the neighborhood. Kibbey also asked for a demographic report on where the kids that are attending camp come from. Crego Park Grant Murdock Jemerson provided a list of DNR grants and a map of the proposed improvements to Crego Park. This project tied for third place with the DNR and the City will be receiving $500,000 to open Crego, which is the City's largest park. Jemerson stated he met with Bob Ford of Landscape, Architects and Planners (LAP)and he was representing a resident on Fidelity Road who wants to sell a lot, which could provide the ability to create a separate entrance and not enter the park via Fidelity Road. Jemerson stated he is working to find another site for the city to dump leaves which will eliminate the large truck traffic into the park. Jemerson stated the legislature, especially Joan Bauer, need to know about this project to secure votes. Luke Canfora asked for a letter or resolution from Board members at the next meeting to present to the legislature. Update on Neiqhborhood Groups/Friends Rick Kibbey tabled this item to the next Board meeting. Luke Canfora would like to see a letter written to the paper about Bluebell Park and how the neighbors worked together for their park. Scott Woods Murdock Jemerson provided a draft agreement between the City of Lansing and the County of Ingham for the operation of portions of Scott Woods and the River Trail. The Ways and Means and Public Service Committees held a joint meeting and they are comfortable with the document. This agreement will establish a dog park entrance fee and the county will be allowed to set the fee. The county has already passed a resolution that the annual fees will not exceed $30. This fee will be for a key fob to swipe and enter the park as well as creating an agreement with individuals to keep dogs under control, keep dogs current on vaccinations and licensed. This agreement also outlines what the county will be doing on the River Trail between Potter Park and Maquire Park, as well as the county's duties in the dog park. These are items the county is already doing and in terms of the City it is a win/win situation. Park Board Minutes— December 8, 2010 Page 3 Rick Kibbey believes this is something that was supposed to be passed years ago and we have had a working arrangement and now we are trying to formalize the arrangement. Ron Lott stated he is assuming the Friends of the Dog Park and the Soldan people are comfortable with charging a fee. Jemerson stated the whole movement for the fob system came from the Friends and they would rather first get the fob system in and then work on putting the bridge back in to re-generate the circular path. Luke Canfora inquired if the City receives any of the money from this system. Jemerson stated the fee is not set yet, but the money would go back into that park. Canfora inquired about if someone could not afford it and if there would be assistance available. Jemerson stated no there would not be. Luke Canfora stated he has concerns about number two, page three in the agreement and he would be more comfortable with instead of alterations being approved by the City's Director of Parks and Recreation and the County's Parks and Recreation Commission that the Lansing Park Board approves changes. Luke Canfora inquired if someone gets hurt in the park, who would be sued. Jemerson stated we are not liable for dog bites and item nine; page five clarifies who is responsible for insurance. Luke Canfora inquired what the City's benefit is. Jemerson stated we are providing another outlet that we do not pay the expenses, because the county is paying and the Friends will be participating in paying for port-a-potties and bags. This is a private-public partnership that we can benefit from by providing another type of service. Pat Murray asked Jemerson for his professional opinion if it is to the City's advantage to have the county run the park. Jemerson stated yes, because the county's maintenance facility for Hawk Island is right next to the dog park and it takes them no time to go into the park to mow and empty trash cans. Kibbey added the county takes care of the River Trail in that area also. Paul Carrier inquired how the dog owners in the community have been notified about the forth coming fees. Jemerson stated notification was provided at the dog park where signs were posted about the fees beginning October 1. Council was not aware of the fees, and they set fees for city property; however from the beginning this has been a management team with the county, city and friends group in making decisions about this park. If this agreement had been done beforehand there would not be a problem because the county would have been authorized to set the fee. Luke Canfora stated his County Commissioner stated fees should not be charged for public parks. Jemerson stated for the most part fees should not be charged for public parks, however when value is added fees may be charged. Luke Canfora does not agree with charging for parks, parks are paid for with property taxes and millage and he would like to see a senior and veteran exception for fees. Paul Carrier moved to accept this agreement. Pat Murray referred to the previous question and is Council okay with page three, item number two for the City Parks Director and the County's Parks and Recreation Commission to approve fees. Luke Canfora asked if a recommendation could be taken for a discount fee for Veteran's and seniors. Paul Carrier moved to accept this agreement with the suggested recommendations. 5 yeas; 0 nays Motion carried. Meeting adjourned 8:50 p.m. Respectfully Submitted: Kellie Brown, Interim Park Board Secretary Approved January 12, 2011