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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011 Park Board Minutes PARK BOARD MINUTES f Gier Community Center January 12, 2011 MEMBERS PRESENT: Rick Kibbey (arrived at 7:30pm), Luke Canfora, Paul Carrier, Adam Hussain, Ron Lott, Pat Murray, Dusty Fancher, Patricia Spitzley MEMBERS ABSENT: OTHERS PRESENT: Murdock Jemerson, Director, Parks and Recreation; Jerry Ambrose, Chief of Staff; Katy Tykocki, Keep Learning; Sue Eareckson, Friends of Bancroft; Jason Meyer, Executive Director, Friends of Fenner Nature Center; Harmony Gmazel, Land Use Planner at Tri-County Regional Planning Commission (TCRPG); Kellie Brown, Board Secretary CALLED TO ORDER: 7:08 p.m. by Vice Chair, Dusty Fancher ADDITIONS/DELETIONS TO THE AGENDA: Harmony Gmazel from TCRPG Greening Mid Michigan was added under new business. STATEMENT OF CITIZENS Sue Eareckson thanked the Board for the changes that have occurred at Bancroft Park. Signs have been updated, benches have been repaired, and wood chips have been placed around the park and the playground area. She also mentioned there is a resident who plays the guitar and sings and would like to do a couple of concerts in the park for the neighborhood and would like to know if permission is needed or are there any special permits she needs. Dusty Fancher stated she believes it would be fine to have a neighborhood picnic with music. Jason Meyer, Executive Director at Friends of Fenner Nature Center, stated he likes to attend meetings from time to time to update the Board. Fenner has been in the press in the last couple of weeks with the suicide in the park and John Schneider's article about potential deer hunting. Jason stated Lansing Police handled the suicide situation well and the deer hunting issue is out of the hands of the Executive Director and Mr. Schneider seems to understand that now. Jason Meyer stated Fenner is expanding programs, winter break camps were very successful and he has been meeting with the new Executive Director of Potter Park Zoo and Impression 5 to work on collaborative programs for area youth to experience all three locations. Jason Meyer stated since the Friends non-profit is running the programs at Fenner they need to raise money to keep the operations sustained. There have been a lot of people that have walked in the door at Fenner asking about wedding receptions; only to leave when they find out alcohol is not allowed. Dusty Fancher indicated this item is on the agenda under new business with a request for an ordinance change. BOARD MINUTES Motion was made by Pat Murray to accept the December 8, 2010 minutes as submitted, seconded by Luke Canfora. 6 yeas; 0 nays. Motioned carried NEW BUSINESS Budget Review Lansihg Park Board Minutes—January 12, 2011 Page 2 I Jerry Ambrose stated we are still in a recession and things are tough with the State and the City. The City is at the point where it needs to begin to plan for the next fiscal year which starts July 1. They City closed out last year, and know where we are financially this year and have projections for next year. Projections for next year are not good and the recession, from the perspective of financing local government, has had significant affects. We found out during last year, for the fiscal year which ended June 30, 2010, the state had problems and cut funding mid-year. Revenue is down due to businesses and residents who are appealing their property taxes and not only have the property values gone down, plus there are fewer people employed in the city. The city started last year with a general fund budget of$117 million but by the end of the year the revenues were only $108 million. The city was able to make adjustments and not spend $9 million that was not there, but did have to spend $4 million of the reserves. The city is currently on track for the second quarter for this fiscal year. The actual budget is about$109 million right now, but we do not know what the state government is going to do. The good news bad news, in terms of income tax revenues, is the number of individuals employed in the city is greater now than it was in June 2009, but it still far less than it was in 2008. Looking forward to next year, the property values are still decreasing and overall the city valuation of property will go down about 8%. We do not know what the state is going to do when it adopts its budget, but it is hard to believe they won't adopt a budget that reduces revenue sharing. If the City's budget is $109 million total this year, we project our revenues to be $103 million next year. This is a $6 million deficit and when we factor in the increase cost of operations, which could be $7 or$8 million equates to the estimated $15 million deficit. The Mayor has until March 28 to present his budget and Council has until around May 24 to adopt the budget. Administrations challenge is to fashion a spending plan by March 1 and look at what we really must do to operate. Rick Kibbey stated he hoped the Parks would be given the right to address cuts in a forth right manner and not be taken advantage of. Second is to look at everything in the City and put it all on the table. The process needs to be done differently and Parks should not serve as the insulation to other departments. Jerry Ambrose stated everyone has been asked to advise administration what they can do with the money they get, instead of what can not be done. Dusty Fancher stated she hopes the Mayor's office will not lose sight of the park millage success and the public's approval and value of the Parks Department and their willingness to pay for it. Pepsi Refresh Grant Program Kate Tykocki, Chief Communications Officer of Michigan Works, is volunteering with a non-profit organization called Keep Learning Our Future Depends on It. The focus of the non-profit is to change the culture in Mid-Michigan to embrace life long learning instead of being a culture that does not truly value education or believes once you have certification or a degree they are done, but to always strive for the next educational level. This non-profits mission is to help double the number of college graduates in the Mid-Michigan area. There are a number of ways they are doing this and one is trying to make education more visible in the community. They are working with parents to help start the college conversation and help generate the first generation of college graduates in a family. One way to make this more visible is along the River Trail. The River Trail is an asset and resource in our community and may be used as an opportunity to educate youth about our community. Some of those phenomenal assets may include history, architecture, the eco-system or whatever it may be to help educate youth as well as start conversations about education and careers. One example would be walking along the River Trail and viewing Potter Park Zoo and how you may be able to work there. The conversation could lead to if you do not start to care about education, especially math and science, they would not be able to work at a zoo and attend college to be a veterinarian. i Lansihq Park Board Minutes—JanuarV 12 2011 Page 3 The non-profit Iias applied for a Pepsi Refresh Grant. The Pepsi program was launched in 2010 and every month Pepsi is giving over a $1 million away in grant funding to different community organizations. Keep Learning and the City are competing to try to win some grant dollars to install learning and exploration stations along the River Trail. Kate provided instructions on where and how to vote for Lansing. Keep Learning is looking forward to working with Lansing for future opportunities. Ordinance Change Murdock Jemerson introduced Jason Meyer, Executive Director, Friends of Fenner Nature Center. Jason is an entrepreneurial person and sees opportunities to use Fenner for wedding receptions. The City does not allow alcohol at Fenner and Jason has requested a change to the City Ordinance. Jemerson stated this is a long process and does involve City Council. The City already has in the ordinance Turner Dodge House, Scott House and the golf course. Jason Meyer stated the Friends feel with the agreement they have with the City, the Friends have to be entrepreneurial and think about other revenue opportunities. He has seen in the last couple of weeks people walk out the door because they could not have alcohol at a reception. He sees $500 opportunities in revenue leave with them and thinks at that amount of money as staff time and how many programs they could offer to the public. By allowing someone to come in and enjoy a wedding reception responsibly, like they may do at some other City facilities, would help Fenner generate revenue. Dusty Fancher inquired if at the other facilities where we allow alcohol is it by permit only basis. Will the alcohol only be at the reception or will it be allowed on the trails also? Jason stated it would only be in the building and by permit. Rick Kibbey inquired if the deck would be considered "inside"? Jason Meyer stated he understands there a lot of questions; however this is not asking for a change, but to add Fenner to the existing lists of facilities already in the ordinance. Murdock Jemerson stated the Board would see a draft of the ordinance change. Patricia Spitzley inquired about liability. Jemerson stated there are requirements currently when someone rents Turner or Scott House and what liability, licenses and permits are required. Dusty Fancher inquired about other facilities in the City and maybe we want to look at this as an option, for example at Frances for weddings. Murdock Jemerson stated the question has already come up about alcohol at the ball fields and he will be meeting with staff regarding this. Dusty Fancher asked for a proposal from staff about selling alcohol at the ball fields and other venues. Luke Canfora moved to request the change to the City Ordinance to allow consumption of alcohol at Fenner Nature Center. Seconded by Dusty Fancher. 7 yeas; 0 nays Motion carried Greening Mid-Michigan Harmony Gmazel, Land Use Planner at Tri-County Regional Planning Commission, works with Greening Mid- Michigan and they have created a regional green vision plan from informational workshops held throughout the area. She provided printed copies of the plan and explained it. There are four hubs, one in Clinton County, one in Eaton County, one in Ingham County and the other is the Sycamore Creek/Red Cedar area. Each hub had information about what is happening in each hub, the species that the area hosts, the habitat and what local government and groups are doing to protect and preserve the natural areas. This is a dynamic project in that it talks to human recreation activity and the amenities needed, but it also talks to protecting the environment, open Lansing Park Board Mi l`utes -JanuarV 12 2011 I Page 4 space and promoting lowimpact development where porous pavement and green roofs are used. She reviewed the tools and practices of thin plan to protect the environment. I This project has been adopted by the City of Lansing who can now utilize the language of this vision plan and work within its own boundaries to promote these elements and tie it into the greater regional vision. Also, the Michigan DNR has acknowledged that this project has been completed and as part of their new parks and recreation and trust fund guidelines, they are looking for more of regional emphasis on grant applications and this will provide the City of Lansing 20 more points on any trust fund applications submitted to the DNR. Updates Murdock Jemerson introduced the newest member of the Park Board, Patricia Spitzley. Patricia is an attorney, specializing in environmental and natural resource law. She was the Communications Director with the DEQ and recently the Chief of the Office of Legal Services for the DNR. Murdock Jemerson stated Miller Road Senior Center was victim of this year's budget and the facility was closed. The senior program was to be moved on July 1, 2010; however it took time to find adequate space to move the program and services to and as of January 18 the program will move to the Southside Community Center. The senior leader will also be moving with the program. Murdock Jemerson stated he will be on a panel and presenting a session at the annual Michigan Recreation Parks Association conference on successful park millages. He and Joan Nelson will also be presenting a session on Hunter Park at the National Recreation Parks Association in Atlanta in November. Deer Population Murdock Jemerson stated his comment to John Schneider is that we need to involve the Department of Natural Resources Wildlife Division. The deer habitat problem is not only at Fenner; there are over 900 acres in that area where the deer are coming from. Research will need to be done by the DNR and Jemerson spoke with Russ Mason, Chief of the Wildlife Division. Mr. Mason is interested in working with us to make a determination on the impact the deer have in this area. The city has an ordinance that prohibits hunting in the city, but there may be other ways to deal with this issue. Patricia Spitzley stated there are and this problem is not only in Lansing. There are many communities all over Michigan trying to deal with large deer population in urban core areas. The DNR does issue permits, but with the permits comes a lot a controversy and lawsuits. If that is the decision that is made after the studies, she suggests looking at other options before getting a permit. Murdock Jemerson inquired if the permit would supercede the City Ordinance. Patricia Spitzley stated it does not and Parks may need to look at getting a variance. The DNR has a number of good professionals who can give options and whether or not there really is a problem. February Park Board Meetinq The next meeting is scheduled for February 9, 2011. Murdock will be attending the MRPA Conference and wondered if the meeting could be moved to February 16, 2011. Board agreed. Meeting adjourned at 8:40 p.m. Respectfully Submitted: Kellie Brown, Interim Park Board Secretary Approved February 16, 2011 PARK BOARD MINUTES Gier Community Center February 16, 2011 MEMBERS PRESENT: Rick Kibbey (arrived at 7:30pm), Luke Canfora, Paul Carrier, Ron Lott, Dusty Fancher, MEMBERS ABSENT: Excused: Adam Hussain, Pat Murray, Patricia Spitzley OTHERS PRESENT: Murdock Jemerson, Director, Parks and Recreation; Willis Bennett, Director Ingham County Parks; Cavanuagh Neighborhood Association - Dick Jensen, David Spear, Trent Spear, Toni and Cortnee Teachout, Robert and Jennifer Jones, Chris and Alaina Muth, Sam Brewster; Kellie Brown, Board Secretary CALLED TO ORDER: 7:10 p.m. ADDITIONS/DELETIONS TO THE AGENDA: ' 1 Cavanaugh Neighborhood Association was added under updates, but will be presented first on the agenda. STATEMENT OF CITIZENS Dave Leese from Cavanaugh Neighborhood Association (CNA) stated their focus is to clean up Cavanuagh Park. They have done a lot of work and provided Board members with a Five Year Master Plan. Sam Brewster stated the plan has items they would like to achieve in the park and what their mission is. The document provided the accomplishments of the group up to October 2010, before and after pictures of clean-up, volunteer hours the group has put in on the clean-up, a description of the park and a list of goals and objectives for the projects they would like to see done. Sam Brewster asked the Board to review the plan and offer suggestions of what the City can do to help with the list. Rick Kibbey stated he met with Dave some time ago about this project and all it took was for someone to say go. The group clearly ran with this project and this is exactly what the Board likes to see from neighbors. Rick Kibbey asked Jemerson to review the plan and report back at the next meeting on what can be done next for this park. Dusty Fancher stated the goals and objectives are very reasonable and there is nothing on the list to cause concern. Dave Leese stated obviously it is a public park, but they would like to make this a neighborhood park and not a cross town destination. Rick Kibbey stated that is why he wants Jemerson to provide his professional advice on this. This identifies an issue between two types of parks; the walk to park and others where you expect people to drive across town. What you put in the park, how it is structured and how it is managed depends on what role you are trying to meet. Murdock Jemerson clarified that the expectation is not that this would be a neighborhood park only. The CNA stated no. Jemerson stated the amount of use of a park is predicated on what is in the park. An example would be Moores Park, Moore Park has an outdoor pool and the neighbors think of Moores Park as their park, but of course others visit the park because of the pool. BOARD MINUTES Motion was made by Dusty Fancher to accept the January 12, 2011 minutes as submitted, seconded by Luke Canfora. 5 yeas; 0 nays. Motioned carried NEW BUSINESS Land Easement Willis Bennett, Ingham County Parks Director, stated the County is in the process of building a new tubing hill at Hawk Island. This has taken some time and the County has matched the grant. One of the key things needed was enough dirt to take the existing sledding hill and making it twice as high. The dirt started showing up last Thursday and 20,000 cubic yards of dirt is being delivered. This hill will be much higher and the length will be extended. In order to extend the length of the hill, an easement is necessary from the City for a piece of land between Hawk Island and Scott Woods. Willis Bennett reviewed a map and survey of the area needed. This area is currently not being used and is already fenced off from the dog park. It will not affect the River Trail or the current paved path. Paul Carrier inquired how long the run will be, Bennett replied it would be about 1,000 or 1,200 feet. Rick Kibbey inquired about issues with the wet area of Scott Woods and the DNR. Willis Bennett stated this has been investigated and the County is working with the DNR on the required permits. Murdock Jemerson stated the Board would be voting on this pending legal review of the documents. Board members inquired if Bennett had a resolution. Willis Bennett asked if this could be passed at the next meeting. Rick Kibbey asked the Board if there were any issues. The Board does not see any issues and requested a resolution at the next meeting. Board entered into an Executive Session. Meeting adjourned 9 p.m. Respectfully Submitted: Kellie Brown, Interim Park Board Secretary Approved March 9, 2011 PARK BOARD MINUTES Gier Community Center March 9, 2011 MEMBERS PRESENT: Ron Lott, Pat Murray, Patricia Spitzley, Adam Hussain, Luke Canfora, Rick Kibbey (arrived at 7:15pm), MEMBERS ABSENT: Excused: Paul Carrier, Dusty Fancher OTHERS PRESENT: Brett Kaschinske, Leisure Services Manager, Lansing Parks and Recreation; Cavanaugh Neighborhood Association - Dick Jensen, David Spear, Trent Spear, Toni and Cortnee Teachout, Robert Jones, Chris and Alaina Muth, Sam Brewster, Jessica Leese; Carrie Burns, South Lansing Community Development Association (SLCDA); Chad Gamble, Director, Public Service; Rusty Owen, CZAE; K91lie Brown, Board Secretary ' CALLED TO ORDER: 7:05 p.m. by Board Member Ron Lott ADDITIONS/DELETIONS TO THE AGENDA: Brett Kaschinske added setting a date for a special Park Board meeting to discuss budget. _ !r STATEMENT OF CITIZENS Sam Brewster presented a demographic profile of the precinct 14 neighborhood. This information included area schools (both public and private), library information, major streets, and additional parks within the area, housing data, neighborhood watch groups and neighborhood crime statistics. Ron Lott commended the neighbors for their work and information. The Park Board looks forward to continuing to work together with the neighborhood association. Brett Kaschinske asked the neighbors to take the large map of the park and place on it what amenities they would like to see in the park and what areas they would like to have the amenities placed. Carrie Burns provided a sketch of the garden plots, location and size. The area would be approximately 62'x80', fenced in and would havel5 community plots. The center area would be a community area, which they would like to see used by the students at the school or used as a community pumpkin patch. Brett Kaschinske inquired what type of fence they would like to use. Carrie Burns stated it could be a 4' fence with T-posts or use 4'x4' fences that would be 8' high. This would be a plastic fence garden fence. Brett Kaschinske stated a water source needed to be identified. One idea was using rain barrels, but what building would be used for run off and could the school be used. Carrie Burns stated the school is far to from the garden. Rain barrels could be placed to use the run off from the shed or there is a special attachment obtained from the fire department to reduce the pressure and hook a garden hose up to a hydrant. Brett Kaschinske inquired to the size of the shed being requested. The neighbors stated it would be a 7'x8' wood shed, there currently is a metal shed being used. Neither would be permanent and could be moved. Patricia Spitzley inquired who determines who would get the plots. Carrie Burns stated her organization SLCDA, the Garden Project and the Greater Lansing Food bank send out registration forms, which individuals would return requesting a plot. This would be a first come, first serve basis and plots would be assigned. They would start with the neighbors, the school and open to the public. This summer the neighborhood group plans to continue working on the walking trails they have already started in the park. Lansing Park Board Minutes—March 9, 2011 Page 2 Rick Kibbey moved to recommend approval for the Cavanaugh Neighborhood group to proceed with this project, seconded by Adam Hussain. Pat Murray questioned the placement of a shed and a fence in a public park and he had no idea if there are any city regulations to give power to the Park Board to do this. The neighborhood group stated both the fence and the shed would not be permanent and could be removed; they would work with Director Jemerson on the guidelines. Motion carried. 5 yeas; 0 nays Brett Kaschinske stated in the past the agreements have been made with the Garden Project and other neighborhood groups to use park land, however the agreement could be changed to SLCDA. He also asked the neighborhood group to let the Parks Department know when cleanup has been done to allow for debris pick up. BOARD MINUTES Motion was made by Pat Murray to accept the February 16, 2011 minutes as submitted, seconded by Luke Canfora. 5 yeas; 0 nays. Motioned carried NEW BUSINESS Land License Agreement—Scott Woods Brett Kaschinske stated previous conversations were regarding an easement; however the City Attorney has recommended a license. Pat Murray inquired if this is part of the dog park and is it currently fenced. It was clarified this is an area between Hawk Island and Scott Woods that is currently fenced and not in use. Patricia Spitzley asked if we were going to allow, through this land use license, the county to use this stretch of land. Kaschinske stated yes. Patricia Spitzley stated as land use owners, the City would have to get any required permits, not the county. Brett Kaschinske stated in talking with Willis Bennett, Ingham County Parks Director, he said the architect, Lansing Architect and Planners, was taking care of the project and he thought the only permit was a soil erosion permit and that would be given by the City. He also stated the only other permit they may need is a DNR Wetland Permit, if necessary, and they will not know about this permit until the snow is gone. Patricia Spitzley stated she believes a permit will be needed, which can take a very long time and if this is the City's property the City is the one who will need to apply for the permit. Rick Kibbey stated in this case it will be the contractor applying for the permit. Patricia Spitzley stated it would still be a City permit. Pat Murray asked if there is a downside to this for Lansing. Patricia Spitzley stated she did not think there is; only if a Wetland Permit is needed for the property it is the responsibility of the land owner, which is the City of Lansing. Pat Murray stated it would take the same amount of time whether it is the City or the County. Ron Lott said it would be sad to wait on this and waste time stalling the project. Pat Murray stated if there is no downside to doing a license instead of an easement and it is recommended by the City Attorney, he would move to recommend the proposal before the Board. Supported by Ron Lott to approve the license as recommended by the City Attorney. Lansing Park Board Minutes—March 9, 2011 Page 3 Ron Lott inquired if there are any legalities to be worried about. Brett stated the City has similar agreements with the County regarding the use of City land. Rick Kibbey requested a provision for liability assumption by Ingham County. Motion carried. 5 yeas; 0 nays MDNR Trust Fund Grant Brett Kaschinske stated this involves a walking path inside Grand River Park. Chad Gamble stated this is part of a major non-motorized project that not only the City of Lansing is working toward, but so is Lansing Township and Ingham County Road Commission. He reviewed a map of Moores River Drive and Waverly and the proposed non-motorized path. The City of Lansing in late 2011 or early 2012, depending on the acquisition of some property, will be constructing a non-motorized path from Moores River Drive to Jolly Road. It is ten feet wide, with the possibility of six exceptions; there are six properties with right of way which was not acquired when Waverly was built. The City is talking with property owners and if everything goes well, there will be a multi- use path from Jolly. South of Jolly down to the 1-96 overpass, the Ingham County Road Commission will be milling, re-constructing and installing curb and gutter in the area, along with live shoulders which will function as a non- motorized path. By the end of 2012 there will be a non-motorized pathway from 1-96 all the way to Moores Drive. Over the years the Public Service Department has worked with the Parks Department to build a non-motorized path along Moores River Drive which ends at the bottle neck jurisdictions of the City of Lansing, Delta Township, Lansing Township and Ingham County Road Commission. The City of Lansing would like to form a partnership with Lansing Township and the Ingham County Road Commission to build a safe passageway to the YMCA and Grand River Park. Chad stated they started thinking about the enhancement grant and talking about opportunities to turn Moores River Drive back into a non-boulevard section, pull the road way out and the flood wall and create a meandering path with benches. There is a draft agreement with Lansing Township to sign as the partner for the design and the construction. The path will run along Moores River Drive, which Public Service will be working on to change this section to Mt. Hope. Chad reviewed the map and the route of the path. In essence this project and series of projects will install a non- motorized pathway from 1-96 all the way through the corridor, connecting the YMCA to Grand River Park, back over to Frances Park as well as install bike lanes all the way to Pleasant Grove. Chad Gamble provided a detailed map of the proposed pathway for Grand River Park. The enhancement application has been submitted to MDOT, which summarizes the objectives of the roadway, pathway, benches and asphalt and concrete pavement. The thought is to put the enhancement grant together with the MDNRTF grant. Chad Gamble stated the objective is to present this to the Park Board in order to obtain the Board's support to proceed to Council and meet the April 1, 2011 grant deadline. Pat Murray inquired if a permeable surface as been considered instead of asphalt. Chad Gamble stated permeable surfaces are more expensive, but he would not completely discount the use of a permeable surface. Patricia Spitzley inquired what the total project cost is. Chad Gamble stated this project is $600,000 for construction and the enhancement grant is roughly$1.3 million. Chad Gamble stated the Trust Fund application is for$600,000, $300,000 of which would be funded by the Trust Fund and the MDOT Enhancement Grant could serve as the matching grant. This would be a fiscal year 2013 project and would provide time to work with Michigan State University and the YMCA. Ron Lott moved to offer the Park Board's support of the application process for the grant; seconded by Adam Hussain. Lansing Park Board Minutes—March 9, 2011 Page 4 Rick Kibbey asked if there has been discussion with the Trust Fund. Chad Gamble stated yes, he had met with them several months ago and Murdock met with them last week. Rick Kibbey inquired what type of vehicles would be on the trail. Chad stated an ATV and a truck with a plow. Motion carried. 5 yeas; 0 nays Rick Kibbey stated he would like to hear from Chad Gamble regarding the metrics. Chad Gamble stated with the challenges of fewer staff, he believes it is necessary to keep track of metrics which are important and give value to what we are doing and show a measure of problems we can change. We do not want to keep track of things just for the sake of keeping track. We want to keep track of metrics which are for the measurement of the use and utilization of the parks which may be indicative of changes that we don't easily see. In a certain degree some of those things are being tracked, to a large a degree there is an opportunity to track different things. He would like to understand what metrics are important to the Park Board to keep the parks looking as close to what they have in the past; however with the staffing levels and the budget cuts this may be almost impossible. Luke Canfora inquired what task an employee would do during the day that would not be worth keeping data on. Chad Gamble stated for example running a street sweeper along the parks. Luke stated he thought that would be valuable information. Chad Gamble asked for what purpose. Luke stated for the budget, to see how often it was done and if someone asked we could provide the data. Chad Gamble agreed for operational purposes, but he inquired if anyone had ever asked. Board members stated yes. Chad Gamble stated he can not keep track of every piece of information. Rick Kibbey stated the Board would like to meet amongst themselves to review the metrics that were presented as the initial contract, review possible additional metrics and make changes. This could be done within the next couple of meetings. Special Board Meetinq A special Board meeting was set for Wednesday, March 23, 2011 at 7 p.m. at Foster Community Center to review the Parks budget which will be presented to Council. Updates ITEC Brett Kaschinske stated ITEC is a computer teaching group, with three staff and are in need of office space. They are a grant funded program with two years remaining on their current grant and are looking to make this a sustaining project; they do computer training for kids and adults. ITEC approached Lansing Parks for space and the offices at Foster have all been combined together on the second floor, which leaves the first floor offices open. The old computer room is not being used and the equipment is out dated. They are looking at the offices, old computer room and the room adjacent to it. They would be running after school programs for the kids, adult learning programs, they would provide Wi-Fi at the center. As far as rent, we are looking at$12,000 a year for the offices and two rooms, the City Attorney is drafting an agreement and ITEC is looking to move in as soon as possible. Meeting adjourned Respectfully Submitted: Kellie Brown, Interim Park Board Secretary Approved April 13, 2011 PARK BOARD MINUTES Foster Community Center April 13, 2011 MEMBERS PRESENT: Rick Kibbey, Dusty Fancher, Ron Lott, Patricia Spitzley, Adam Hussain, MEMBERS ABSENT: Excused: Paul Carrier, Luke Canfora, Pat Murray OTHERS PRESENT: Murdock Jemerson, Parks and Recreation Director; Marti Wheeler; Jody Washington; Julie and Phil Mannino; Virginia Crump; Harold Leeman; Kellie Brown, Board Secretary CALLED TO ORDER: 7:15 p.m. ADDITIONS/DELETIONS TO THE AGENDA None i STATEMENT OF CITIZENS Jody Washington stated she understands the dire straits of the city and the items that were presented b,"tthe`--ry departments at the budget meeting held on April 12, 2011 are brilliant and everyone has to give up something and that is what everyone has done. Everyone has to give up a little bit of everything and this situation:is not going to last. BOARD MINUTES Motion was made by Ron Lott to accept the March 9, 2011 minutes as submitted, seconded by Dusty Fancher. 5 yeas, 0 nays Motion carried NEW BUSINESS Naturalization of Parks Jemerson stated at the budget meeting last night he and Chad Gamble discussed the naturalization of parks as a means of reducing the mowing in the parks. The first meeting has been held with Pubic Service to discuss naturalization, which is basically not mowing certain areas of parks. Public Service came up with some parks and suggestions. Jemerson stated he informed Public Service he.wanted to discuss this proposal with the Park Board and the parks involved. One thing missing from the Public Service list of parks is the element of community involvement and some of the parks Public Service mentioned are not connected with the community, however others are. For example Beck Park; Beck Park is located between Northrup and Miller Streets and has two areas. The south end has playground equipment, benches, and a lot of activity. Public Service suggested mowing the south end where the equipment is and letting the north end go "natural', however there is a Beck Park Friends Group. Jemerson stated he is not in favor of letting this park go "natural" because the friends group has plans for both sides of Beck Park. Another example was Ingham Park which has a wood lot area and it has been mowed under the trees for some time. Jemerson stated this park has a neighborhood group and this park has been mowed for a certain reason. Public Service also suggested Davis Park, which has two sides and a drive between the two sides. It was discussed to stop mowing in the middle, which is questionable. Again there is a Friends of Davis Park group and the South Lansing Community Development Association (SLCDA). The SLCDA has created a master plan for Davis Park, which did not include naturalization of the park. Jemerson stated the first meeting was held on Monday, April 11 to review the suggested parks. One example of a naturalized park is Washington Park where the ash trees were removed. He will be sending the Park Board Lansing Park Board Minutes —April 13, 2011 Page 2 members the list of suggested parks to receive back board member input and ideas on parks to naturalize. Jemerson stated everything is very conceptual at this point. Kibbey inquired if the board members could expect a list of parks soon. Jemerson stated yes, he would put a list together for them. Kibbey stated letting a park grow wild is not naturalization. Naturalization is a restoration of native species, which takes a lot work with described burns, different plants with an immediate succession of species and a series of varieties that will come in after this until you get a relative stable population. Fancher stated this does not happen overnight. You have to continue the controlled burns, you have to plant the natural flowers and it is expensive, but well worth it, if you want to spend the money to actually naturalize the park. However, if we are just trying to stop mowing it is not naturalization. Spitzley stated when you do not mow you allow the introduction of invasive species which is not naturalization. She also would like to know when and if the tide turns, how much will it cost to bring the area back to useable space or is the naturalization in perpetuity? Will it have an end date and if so, we need to look at the cost and what it will take to restore the park or area back to useable space. Fancher stated if the grass is allowed to go wild you need to think about the liter that will collect in the grass, what it will do to the character of community and how it will have an effect on the neighborhood and the values of the properties. Spitzley commented she is not against the proposal and in regard to Ingham Park there is a reason why the wooded area has been cleared, which is to minimize crime and the criminal element that is there in addition to the litter. She would like to know if this needs to be more than Public Service and Parks, but also include LPD and receive their input regarding public safety. Kibbey stated in these areas drugs will be stashed, people dump couches and mattresses and there is more to this than the mowing issues. Jemerson stated when he was director in Flint, which has gone through worse situations than Lansing, it was called systematic neglect. Fancher stated when we, as a City, decided to have systemized neglect of the golf courses we paid the price for it in the media and we may want to think about that. With all the press Waverly received when we refused to take care of the property as the law states we should, there are citywide, county and township ordinances we need to think about as well. Kibbey stated right now we mow with a lawn mower and high grass needs to be cut with a brush hog. Maybe it would make sense to bring in a brush hog a couple of times a year and take the weeds down. He also stated he walked past Sycamore Park and noticed all the trees had tire rings around them. There is one of two things which cause this; one they are spinning the mower against and around the tree or two they are mowing when it is wet. This did not happen when Parks staff was mowing and who ever is in charge of mowing need to train the operators. Lott stated Waverly and Red Cedar Golf Courses are not exactly shining examples of the "naturalization" process. Spitzley stated there has to be a middle of the road between willful neglect and naturalization, which true naturalization will cost money. Are there partnerships we do with schools, garden clubs, etc so that some real naturalization could happen? We will eventually want to use these parks and there will need to be a clean up process which will cost money. We will save now, but down the road will the argument be it is cost prohibitive and we just lost the park area. Fancher stated that is what has happened with the golf courses and she feels the answer to Pat's question has been forthcoming. She agrees it is a great idea to reach out to schools, both private and public and it is a much better idea than to let it go wild. Lansing Park Board Minutes—April 13, 2011 Page 3 Virginia Crump suggested using a large 580 mower and not weed whip to eliminate time and one staff person. Also, involve residents who back up to a park to mow an area behind each house. Kibbey stated we need to involve groups such as Rails to Trails. He also asked why it is never on the agenda to repurpose Waverly and Red Cedar Golf Courses. OLD BUSINESS FY12 Budget Jemerson stated last evening, April 12, was the first City Council public hearing regarding the budget. The departments reporting were Public Services, Parks and Recreation, Human Resources, 54th District Court, Mayor's office, Planning and Neighborhood Development and Finance Department. Thursday evening's hearing will be City Clerk, City Attorney, Human Relations Community Services, Economic Development, Police, Fire, LEPFA and Community Media. Jemerson stated there was a Park Board sub-committee meeting on March 23, 2011 to provide a preview of the budget he presented at last evenings meeting. The Parks Department has several divisions, which are referred to as cost centers in the budget. These divisions consist of the following: Administrative Division which includes the administrative support; Forestry, Grounds and Landscape; Pools and Athletic Field Services; Leisure Services; Community Centers; Lifetime Sports; Special Recreation Services; Turner Dodge House; Fenner Nature Center; Kids Camp and the two enterprise funds-Golf and Cemeteries. Administration asked the department heads to show their 20% reduction from each cost center. In Administration (10 series)the change was made to the Landscape Architect position which no longer is paid out of the general fund, but is paid out of the park millage. Administrative Support (11 series) is now included in the administration cost center. Forestry (21 series) consists of the money provided to the city's contractor, Public Service. The change in this cost center is stump removal will no longer be included, instead permits will issued by the City so the citizen may remove the stump. Tree trimming will be done on an as needed basis, instead of a schedule cycle. They will make sure trees are trimmed at the regulation height on sidewalks, trees interfering with wires and signs and limbs hanging over boulevards. Fancher inquired if we have considered putting out an RFP to Ingham County Parks. Jemerson stated Ingham County does not perform tree trimming, they contract those services. Spitzley inquired if we could contract with a company for stump removal. She indicated when you normally contract with a company or you have given someone a pot of money there is a value study done to ensure you receive the most bang for your buck. She recalls the Park Board trying to figure out some benchmarks and some actual numbers of what the Parks Department is getting for the money being transferred to Public Service, instead of Public Service stating they are not going to do x, y and z when Parks is giving them money. Fancher stated Public Service is the Parks contractor and if we are not happy with the service we need to go out to bid. If Public Service is not performing for the money being received, Parks needs to look elsewhere. Jemerson inquired how important is stump removal to the board. Fancher stated it is not only stump removal; it is the overall whole package. This includes stump removal, rings being mowed around the trees, the naturalization of parks, it is everything. Spitzley stated it is a symptom of a bigger problem. The board has asked questions and asked Public Service to come back and report to the board on what is being done with the money provided, so when Public Service comes back and states they can not do the tree trimming the board will know what is being done instead. Right now the board has no basis to make a decision and it is unfair and unreasonable to ask for a decision with no base line to base it on. Lansin4 Park Board Minutes —April 13, 2011 Page 4 Lott stated as part of the decision making process if we are contracting out with Public Service we should have input in the things Public Service are doing or not doing in the parks. If Public Service is making the decision and bypassing the Parks Department and the Park Board completely we should not have the 15% reduction, the board should at least have the chance to provide some input on what the priorities are in the park system. Kibbey stated he asked a friend on the Public Service Board, since they are somewhat Parks Department now, is there a policy component to inform the discussion. Are there park members on the Public Service Board, is the Park Board receiving information and where is the public in this discussion. This arrangement has not produced the results the Park Board has asked for. Jemerson asked the board members to think about Ron's comment in terms of priorities. Jemerson continued to review the cost centers. Grounds and Landscape is another cost center(22)which was reduced. A management agreement has been entered into with Ingham County to maintain 25 parks with 5 acres or less and 15 parks along the River Trail. The River Trail is a regional asset and the county agreed to take on the maintenance of these parks for$200,000. Pools and athletic fields (24 cost center) have been reduced by proposing to close Moores Park Pool. However this depends on the park millage, which is proposed to subsidize cemeteries and golf. If cemeteries and golf go to private management and the subsidizes are reduced there will be money to do the repairs to Moores Park Pool and the utilities and staff involved in the operation of the pool. The 30 series is the administration of Leisure Services and the only change is the 10% salary reduction for the Leisure Services Manager. The 31 series now consists of both the 31 and 38 series, which is the community centers and the school enrichment programs. The 32 series is Lifetime Sports and now includes Kellie's salary from the 31 series. This includes adult sport leagues and youth programs consisting of soccer, flag football, softball, baseball, and floor hockey. Special Recreation is the 33 series and includes the pools, which has a reduction for the closure of Moores Pool. It also includes Hunter Park Pool staff, Therapeutic Recreation, Kids Camp, 4th of July Parade, Mayor's Riverwalk Mother/Son & Daddy/Daughter dances, contractual services for the pools. Fancher inquired how much does it cost for the Mayor's Riverwalk and Mother/Son & Daddy/Daughter dances. Jemerson stated a lot of cost for the Mayor's walk is covered by donations. Turner Dodge (36 cost center) has had a reduction in TEA staff cost. Spitzley inquired if Ingham County would maintain Turner Park. Jemerson stated yes, the parks which are listed under the proposed River Trail Authority are parks which are not heavily programmed or programmed at all. Fancher inquired if this is a different way to divest our park property to someone else. The list includes 15 parks which will be dedicated by a non-existent River Trail Authority, 6 parks taken care of by other individuals, 8 parks and undedicated park property to dispose of; which looks like 52% of the parks will be taken care of by others, given away or disposed of. Jemerson stated we do not have the staff we used to have and we can not maintain 114 parks; we need to have a system to reduce the maintenance of 114 parks and this is an attempt to reduce the maintenance. Fancher asked if she was correct in her thought process is that we have the staff to maintain the parks, but instead of putting our resources and staff into maintaining our park system we are taking the money and paying enterprise funds elsewhere. It's not that we do not have the money; the city is choosing to pay for something other than the property we own. Spitzley stated she is not opposed to having an authority, but she wants to know why we can't do the same management agreement with Turner Dodge as was done with Fenner by turning it over to the friends. Lansing Park Board Minutes —April 13, 2011 Page 5 Fancher disagreed and stated these are our parks, our city money has paid for them, they are for the benefit of our city, we need to take care of them, we need to own them and we need to make our city great with them. We have already closed two golf courses, one has become private, we are trying to get rid of the cemeteries, we are closing one pool, we are contracting out 52% of the parks and what is next. Jemerson stated the 37 series is Fenner Nature Center. The Friends of Fenner has changed to the Fenner Conservancy and have changed their advisory board to an executive board. They are raising revenue to pay for the executive director, but the city does supply money to pay for temporary employee staff. Kibbey inquired if we are still maintaining the Fenner building and mowing for the property. Jemerson stated yes. Jemerson stated we are considering private management for golf and cemeteries. At this time one proposal has been received for the cemeteries, which came from StoneMor. Jemerson stated he has reviewed the proposal, but can not comment on it at this time. There were 6 proposals received for the management of the golf course. Kibbey stated there was discussion recently about a review committee for the proposals for golf and cemeteries which involved users and others with an interest in the issue and how are we going to proceed on this. Jemerson stated if we do proceed on golf, we are looking at providing a copy of all the proposals received and sending them to the National Golf Foundation, who will be paid to look at the proposals, interview the city, put together a scoring criteria and make a recommendation. They will provide information on all the management firms in regard to past performances. Once the recommendation is received, in accordance with the purchasing rules, an internal group will get together to review the recommendation. Kibbey inquired who is in the internal group. Jemerson stated the group will consist of himself, Jason Crocker, Parks Golf Supervisor; Jerry Ambrose; Scott Keith, LEPFA Manager; and Doug Kelly, Director of Golf for Ann Arbor. Kibbey stated he knows it is possible under the current purchasing rules for there to be citizen involvement in the process and sit on the review committee. This allows for a different set of concerns outside of internal city personnel and golf professionals and was a useful process in educating citizens who have other responsibilities for the site and including additional items on the review list. It greatly enhanced the credibility of the recommendation because it became an open process. Jemerson inquired if the Park Board would like to have a member on the committee. Spitzley commented she found it amazing that there is not a Park Board member on the committee. Fancher commented about adding a member from the Bancroft Park Friends Group. Kibbey stated he would like to have a member from the Park Board, a Lansing resident who is familiar with golfing and a Friends member. Fancher made a motion to add a Park Board member and at least two members from the public to the recommendation committee for the golf course management recommendation committee. Seconded by Spitzley. Motion carried. 5 yeas; 0 nays Kibbey inquired where we stand with the cemeteries. Jemerson reported there is one proposal and he has not heard what the plan is for only one proposal. Spitzley inquired how many management companies this was sent to. Jemerson stated at least 8 or 9. Kibbey stated in his experience when only one proposal is received you re-bid. If it is going to be re-bid he would like to ask for the same consideration for cemeteries as is being done for golf. Fancher made a motion to add a Park Board member and at least two members from the public to the recommendation committee for the cemetery management recommendation committee. Seconded by Spitzley. Motion carried. 5 yeas; 0 nays Lansing Park Board Minutes—April 13, 2011 Page 6 Kibbey asked the Board's permission for the department to do some research on the pre-sale of lots to raise sufficient cash to obviate the need to withdraw from the park millage fund. If enough cash was generated to fill the hole, the time could be used to develop a sustainability plan. Spitzley commented she liked the idea because the use of park millage money is a one time fix. Fancher stated she is in favor of this and inquired if there is on-going maintenance fees associated to the grave sites. Julie Mannino stated it is part of the lot sale. Currently the city has a resident price of$600 and a non-resident price of$900, the price will increase to $1,600 for residents and $2,400 for non-residents if anything other than the standard headstone is used. Spitzley asked for an estimate of how high the fees would go if the cemetery was taken over. Julie Mannino stated the fees for StoneMor are $1,425 for a single grave. UPDATES Splash Pad—Jemerson stated this was voted on last year and is funded through the park millage. The architectural engineering firm has provided a cost estimate, which is a little higher than the money we have. They are putting together specifications to go out to bid on the project. The maintenance on this project will be one staff person checking on the filtration system. Fancher inquired how much is budgeted for the project; Jemerson stated $349,000. Kibbey stated one of the issues which has come to his attention is the pre-sale of lots at the cemeteries has been held up because we have been unable to obtain a survey. Could there be some money used from the $349,000 to pay for an actual survey to allow for the sale of lots. Fancher inquired how much it would cost to repair Moores Park pool. Jemerson stated the staffing is $100,000, as well as the actual cost of the repair of the filter which is estimated at $190,000. There is $150,000 available from the budgeted amount for the renovations to the locker rooms at Hunter and Moores. However, Public Service said with the repair of the filter system we would also have to address the issue of draining the pool correctly and that would create an additional cost over and above the filter system. Fancher stated she has a hard time supporting a new splash pad, when we are talking about closing down Moores Park pool. She has a hard time putting in something new, when we can not afford to maintain the facilities we have. Spitzley stated the splash pad was approved before she was on the Board, however she can not understand putting in the splash pad when Moores Pool is in danger of not opening. Kibbey asked for a presentation at the next meeting on the cost of repairing and opening Moores Pool as opposed to the splash pad. Jemerson stated money has been spent on the for the splash pad, plans have been designed and construction specifications have been prepared to go out to bid. Spitzley stated the money which has been spent is on the plans and the plans will keep; she would hate to get as far as putting it out to bid. Burchard Park—Jemerson reported the silos are coming down. The bid came in at$14,000. River Trail Repair—There is a contractor and repairs should begin in a couple of weeks. Kibbey stated at the next meeting we will look at the splash pad and he would like a report from Public Service. He would like discussion from the board of some criteria to give staff regarding parks considered for disposal. Jemerson inquired what the Board's thoughts would be on giving the park land back to the schools. Fancher stated it would be easier for people to give the park land back to schools for playgrounds than it would be to sell the park land. Lansing Park Board Minutes —April 13, 2011 Page 7 Spitzley commented in order for the Board to make an informed decision we need information and all the Board is receiving is what can not be done. As we go through this process and the hard choices that need to made, give the Board the tools to make the choices. Fancher asked for an update on Red Cedar at the next meeting and Kibbey asked for an update on Sycamore. Jemerson stated there is a conservation easement on Sycamore. Kibbey asked for material on conservation easements. Meeting adjourned at 9:20 p.m. Respectfully Submitted: Kellie Brown, Park Board Secretary Approved May 11, 2011 PARK BOARD MINUTES Foster Community Center May 11, 2011 MEMBERS PRESENT: Rick Kibbey, Dusty Fancher, Ron Lott, Adam Hussain, Paul Carrier, Pat Murray, Luke Canfora MEMBERS ABSENT: Excused: Patricia Spitzley OTHERS PRESENT: Murdock Jemerson, Parks and Recreation Director; Pat Lindemann, Ingham County Drain Commissioner and 2 representatives; Bob Trezise, EDC; Randy Hannan, Mayor's office; Marti Wheeler; Julie and Phil Mannino; Sue Eareckson, Friends of Bancroft Park; Will Rogers and Marylou Mason, Chavez Commission; Joan Nelson; Kellie Brown, Board Secretary CALLED TO ORDER: 7:10 p.m. ADDITIONS/DELETIONS TO THE AGENDA - a None fO _ <: ril STATEMENT OF CITIZENS None BOARD MINUTES ' Motion was made by Pat Murray to accept the April 13, 2011 minutes as submitted, seconded by Dusty Fancher. 7 yeas, 0 nays Motion carried NEW BUSINESS Cesar Chavez Memorial Committee— Presentation Will Rogers, Cesar Chavez Committee, proposed a memorial at Riverfront Park and provided a rendition of the proposed monument. It would be a three sided, polished gray granite monument with bronze plaques on each side depicting the history of Mr. Chavez. Mr. Rogers stated Great Lakes Monument received the project. The monument would be 70 yards north of the Shiawassee Bridge in Riverfront Park. They are proposing the monument would be housed in a 20'x40'x10' pergola. The design of the pergola has not yet been determined. On each side of the monument would be benches engraved with sponsors. Rick Kibbey inquired if this is in the vicinity of the restrooms and playground. Mr. Rogers stated it is not. Kibbey also inquired if it is in the flood line and that would need to be checked and verified. Murdock Jemerson stated he had spoke with Mr. Rogers about the process and this is a preliminary presentation. The committee has been provided the form from the department regarding memorials to complete and return. Luke Canfora inquired if funding has been established. Mr. Rogers indicated the project is almost completely funded. Rick Kibbey suggested the committee meet with the Parks Department's landscape architect to obtain his professional opinion. Red Cedar Renaissance Plan — Presentation & Resolution Lansing Park Board Minutes—May 11, 2011 Page 2 Pat Lindemann, Ingham County Drain Commissioner, stated years ago they were working off of a federal grant to figure out what was wrong with the Red Cedar River. This river is one of the most polluted rivers in the state, which means it exceeds the total daily maximum loading by the EPA regarding quality for human contact. When the study was done there were 236 storm inputs that went into the Red Cedar River and out of all of them the Montgomery Drain was the worst. The Montgomery Drain is the drainage district which encompasses Frandor, the neighborhood to the north, a little bit of Lansing Township and the Red Cedar Golf Course. This watershed is 70%to 80% impervious, which means about 9 out of 10 drops of rain run right into the river. Lindemann reviewed pictures of discharges and pollution which run into the river. Pat Lindemann stated about 5 years ago he contacted the City of Lansing, Mayor Bernero and the Park Board to talk about his plans. He worked with a team from Clean Water Action and some MSU students who put together a survey which encompassed businesses in Frandor and golfers to receive their input about cleaning the river and what they thought of Frandor as a shopping center. The bottom line was almost 100% of people interviewed agreed the situation needed to be repaired. Pat Lindemann stated a couple of years ago they started to work steadily to examine every possibility and there is a huge interest in the economic development possibilities and rebuilding the park. Pat Lindemann stated they would like to use the golf course to take the polluted water and run it off the landscape through a series of interventions, such as rain gardens, wetland systems, etc. The water will run through a series of ponds to make the park a semi-recreational area to interact with the storm water. Lindemann provided and reviewed conceptual drawings of the interactive park, reviewed the economic impact to offer 12 acres along Michigan Avenue as part of an incentive to draw cash from the project. If engineered correctly, this could create 95% clean up of the polluted water. Pat Lindemann stated this is only a vision; it is not a designed, engineered project. Their intent is to go to every neighborhood group, CATA, bicycle clubs, etc to find out what they would like to see in the park and design the best possible project in the end to meet everyone's needs. Paul Carrier stated he remembers a previous presentation and inquired about possible grants. Lindemann stated Bob Trezise will discuss the contamination and Brownfield possibilities. Pat Lindemann stated Phase I I of the Clean Water Act which kicked off in March 2003 obligates areas such as this, under Federal Law, be cleaned up. Pat Lindemann asked for a Park Board member to sit in on the monthly project meetings to provide input on the design of this project. Bob Trezise, Lansing Economic Development Corporation, stressed this is the first step of a conceptual vision. There will be a summer full of participation to receive input on what will work and will not, criticisms, and what people would like. Fundamentally they are trying to make a connection between communities, the river front, the environment and jobs. Bob Trezise stated three words describe the Red Cedar Renaissance and those are jobs, environment and recreation. The first step toward devising the Michigan Avenue gateway is to obtain 12 acres of the Red Cedar Golf Course. This will create a new project investment, clean the run water off before it enters the river and provide recreational opportunities. The Red Cedar Renaissance would be located where what was known as the Red Cedar Golf Course and is now known as the Red Cedar Park is located. The Park is owned by the City of Lansing, is deed restricted and can only be sold with consideration by the Park Board and with approval of the people of the City of Lansing in a public vote. That still will not be the end of it, the real decision making process is when City Council would need to consider a purchase/sale or development agreement. Specifically the City is proposing to sell 12 of the 61 acres. The 12 acres run along Michigan Avenue on the eastern edge. This does not include the western corner, which has another set of restrictions. Trezise stated this is a private, mixed use development and in discussions with Michigan State University they are interested in international areas. Forty-nine acres is for the "backyard" of the development for a natural park. Lansing Park Board Minutes—May 11, 2011 Page 3 The Michigan Avenue Gateway is the grand vision and encompasses the Michigan Avenue corridor along the park and Frandor and the area represents a lot of job creation potential. Dusty Fancher inquired about the 12 acre development along Michigan Avenue and would the building allow for an open view to the "backyard" park and where the parking and access to the park would be. She does not want the park to be hidden. Bob Trezise stated the question has come up regarding significant flooding issues at the park. The 12 acres exists in a flood plain, but not a flood way which makes a large difference. Construction in a flood way is difficult to do, but in a flood plain it is fine with the right construction techniques. Bob Trezise stated an environmental study has been done and the soil is badly contaminated from the pesticides and fertilizers used over the years at the golf course. This does make it a Brownfield eligible, but the soils are strong and good for development. A TIF would be placed around the 12 acres and new buildings would create tax revenue. The plan is to capture the money for 10 years or so to pay off development; second proceeds from the sale of the property could be used for amenities; third there should be some attempt in the RFP of how the developer would participate in the "backyard" and fourth would be to utilize EDC, DNR, EPA, etc grants to off set costs. Kibbey is concerned with money from the sale of the land being diverted to something else and not being used for the original intentions for the park. He also inquired what the land is appraised at. Bob Trezise stated the appraisal is about one-half of the way finished. Randy Hannan stated on behalf of Mayor Bernero there is not a problem with using proceeds for capital improvements to the park. The process for selling the 12 acres would be placed on the Council agenda before May 23 for approval in order to be placed on the August ballot for public vote. If the city voters approve the sale, the EDC would do a national RFP, a web site would be created with questions and answers for all developers to view regarding the project. Rick Kibbey inquired if the owners of Frandor are receptive. Pat Lindemann stated yes and no. Randy Hannan stated the objective with the Frandor owners is to push the assessment down as low as possible with Brownfield money to minimize the effect on the tenants. Rick Kibbey inquired if everyone had a chance to review the Committee of the Whole resolution. He stated the one thing that caught his eye is the language which reads "WHEREA AS, any net proceeds from the sale of the Parcel would be exclusively dedicated to capital improvements within the remainder of the park; and". His suggestion was "the idea that 12 acres of dedicated park public park land along Michigan Avenue could be incorporated into a "gateway" project between East Lansing and Lansing. We further agree with the concept presented that the urban portion of the site (the 12 acres along Michigan Avenue)would be developed to urban standards and uses, and that the balance of the site would be an improved and upgraded public park including uses to process storm water from the Montgomery Drain, some recreational uses including trails and naturalized vegetation and habitat consistent with the Red Cedar floodplain. The overall use of the site is to feature low-impact development practices as typified by the Tollgate project by Groesbeck golf course". "Any funds from sale of Red Cedar are not to be used for predevelopment expenses for the project, but to be retained for capital improvements at Red Cedar Park ONLY." "We have been lead to understand this action is for the purpose of allowing the drain commissioner to explore proposals and partners for the project and that no sale of the property will be finalized until the Park Board and the public have an opportunity to review the proposed project. In case the project does not proceed, the parkland will not be sold. We have additionally been told that the Park Board will have voting representation on the committee which reviews the RFP responses. Kibbey stated he wrote this down so that the Board would have a written record of what the understanding of this project was and he would like to see this as an addendum to the resolution. Paul Carrier moved to approve the resolution with the recommended amendment. Fancher supported. Lansing Park Board Minutes — May 11, 2011 Page 4 Pat Murray stated he could support the proposal with the removal of a line in the fifth WHEREAS that states "the redevelopment of the Parcel is in the best interest of the City because". Without the removal of said line, Murray stated he could not support this resolution. He is not against people voting on this, but he cannot support this with people thinking he feels it is in the best interest of the people. Randy Hannan stated it is a matter of procedure and a recommendation can be made to make this change, but it has been submitted to Council and only they can change the resolution. Pat Murray clarified the Park Board does not vote on the resolution, but votes to support the resolution. Murdock Jemerson stated he would like to see the Park Board mentioned in the resolution in some way and what action was taken by the Board in relationship to this resolution. Dusty Fancher called for question. Kibbey stated a question has been called and a vote will be on the resolution as presented with the understandings of what has been on the table. 5 yeas; 1 nay; 1 abstained Motion carries Ron Lott stated he was going to vote no until he read the last paragraph on the second page which states if the voters approve this is August, there will be a second vote on the plan. His reservation is, in any best case scenario and in the past, plans have not always materialized as first presented, making him reluctant to change any plan. Randy Hannan stated in response to Murdock's comment about having something in Council's resolution about the Park Board's action he will recommend it to the Committee of the Whole and add an additional WHEREAS. Waverly Park Randy Hannan stated on Monday Mayor Bernero proposed to City Council to seek authorization for voters to sell Waverly Park and Michigan Avenue Park in the August primary election. As you know they are adjacent parks to Michigan Avenue and Saginaw. Both parks are outside of the city limits in Lansing Township and total about 100 acres. As is the case with Red Cedar the authorization to sell would be the first step, not the last. Any actual deal would come back to the Park Board for consideration and to City Council for final approval. Randy Hannan clarified that Mayor Bernero is and has always been a strong advocate of the city's park system, however he has a lot of other departments to manage just as well as the City likes to manage the parks. There is an extremely limited amount of resources due to the national recession and the collapse of real estate values; we are challenged to do with less and less revenue. As a result of this, we have to take a hard look at our park system and we have to ask what we can afford to maintain in the manner we all expect in order to meet the standards we have for the park system. Randy inquired if there are too many parks, some would argue there is no such thing; we have over 2000 acres of parks including cemeteries and are adding more parks, such as Hunter's Ridge and Maguire Park and re-opening Crego Park. Over the years the budget challenges have forced the City to put more and more of the Park Millage money into operations and maintenance as opposed to capital improvements. This does not leave much for capital improvements or for matching funds for Trust Fund grants. Administration would like to put on the table and consider selling these parks to generate very much needed money for capital improvements in our parks. That is exactly where the net proceeds from the sale of these properties would go. None of it would be used for operations, because as stated it is never a good idea to sell capital assets and then use the money for annual operating costs, because it is a one-time fix. Randy Hannan stated at this time administration does not know how much the properties are worth. It would clearly be in the millions of dollars. Dusty Fancher stated on the resolution presented to the Board, the third WHEREAS states the net proceeds "can be" dedicated and could a recommendation be made and would the Mayor support the recommendation to change the "can be"to "shall". Lansing Park Board Minutes—May 11, 2011 Page 5 Randy Hannan stated he would make the recommendation. Dusty Fancher moved to support the resolution with the changes discussed with Mr. Hannan. Adam Hussain seconded. Pat Murray stated he has a similar argument; he could support the proposal with the removal of a line in the third WHEREAS that states "the sale of the Property is in the best interest of the City because". Without the removal of said line, Murray stated he could not support this resolution. He would be love to vote on a simple proposal that states the Parks Board believes the proposal to sell the property should be submitted to the eleGt ves electors of the City of Lansing for approval, but on a vote to support this whole resolution he would be a no vote. Ron Lott stated he has more reservations probably because this seems vaguer and we are not planning to keep any of this as park land and he is nervous because he feels he was appointed to this Board to try to protect the City's interests in the parks. He appreciates the net proceeds could help with capital improvements, but he is not sure this language would necessarily protect that in future budgetary problems and crisis down the road when money may be needed in other areas outside of the parks. He has strong reservations and would not be supportive. Dusty Fancher stated in her opinion putting this before the Park Board to ask the voters of the City of Lansing if they want to sell this or not is how our charter is designed and extraordinary times call for extraordinary measures and she would have a lot more reservations if this park was in the city. Pat Murray inquired if anyone has spoken to Lansing Everett's Cross Country team. Murdock Jemerson stated he has not spoken to them about the sale of the property. Rick Kibbey called for question. Ron Lott stated when the Park Board states this type of resolution, in some voters' minds it may appear the Park Board encourages a yes vote and he still has reservations. Rick Kibbey clarified the motion was to accept the resolution with the amended language to change "can be dedicated" to "shall be dedicated" 5 yeas; 2 nays Motion Carried Murdock Jemerson asked Randy to make the same recommendation regarding including the Park Board's action to the resolution. OLD BUSINESS Park Metrics Tabled until next month. Naturalization of Parks Rick Kibbey stated last month they had a list of parks they were going to look at and asked for a list of criteria to use in reviewing the parks. The list is not available. Tabled until next month UPDATES Golf RFP Lansing Park Board Minutes—May 11, 2011 Page 6 Murdock Jemerson stated they received six proposals and this Friday the committee will be meeting to review the proposals. Jerry Ambrose, Stephanie Robinson, Doug Kelly, Jason Crocker, Murdock Jemerson, Tom Beavers, Scott Keith, Mr. Baker, and Pat Spitzley. At the first meeting there will be a consultant, Director Richard Singer, from the National Golf Foundation who has reviewed all the proposals and will be providing a synopsis of the companies and the proposals, questions will be entertained from the committee to Mr. Singer and the committee will get the proposals to review to come back with recommendations. Luke Canfora suggested obtaining their OSHA history and their labor violation history. Murdock Jemerson stated that question was not asked in the RFP to provide that information. Cemetery RFP Murdock Jemerson stated only received one RFP and it is back out to bid with a June 2 return date. A similar process will be done to put a committee together and a request for a park board member will be made. Murdock Jemerson stated Pat Spitzley was concerned with doing due diligence in the sale of Waverly and Red Cedar and making sure grant monies were not used in the development of these parks. Murdock provided a list of grant history and neither of these parks were listed as receiving grant money. Meeting adjourned at 9:15 p.m. Respectfully Submitted: Kellie Brown, Park Board Secretary Approved June 8, 2011 PARK BOARD MINUTES Foster Community Center June 8, 2011 MEMBERS PRESENT: Rick Kibbey, Dusty Fancher, Ron Lott, Adam Hussain, Paul Carrier, Pat Murray, Patricia Spitzley MEMBERS ABSENT: Excused Luke Canfora OTHERS PRESENT: Murdock Jemerson, Parks and Recreation Director; Steve Lundberg and Bill Bryan, AT&T; Doug Furman and Jeff Autenrieth, Consumers Energey; Loretta Stanaway and Diane Clark, Friends of Lansing Historic Cemeteries; John and Chris Chamberlain, J&K Steamboat; Sue Eareckson, Friends of Bancroft,P-ark; Philip Damico; Kellie Brown, Board Secretary CALLED TO ORDER: 7:15 p.m. ADDITIONS/DELETIONS TO THE AGENDA None STATEMENT OF CITIZENS ... ry Sue Eareckson invited everyone to the Friends of Bancroft Park picnic on August 13, 2011 from 4-6 p.m. BOARD MINUTES Motion was made by Ron Lott to accept the May 11, 2011 minutes with requested corrections on page 5, paragraph one, seconded by Pat Murray. 7 yeas, 0 nays. Motion carried NEW BUSINESS AT&T Easement at Riverfront Park Bill Bryant, Engineer at AT&T, stated the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) is replacing the Saginaw Street Bridge in 2012 and AT&T has conduit and cable in the bridge that will need to be moved out of the bridge. Bryant reviewed a map of the current cable line and the proposed 10' easement for the proposed conduit to cross the river and onto railroad property. This would not require any digging in the park; they would do a directional bore under the sidewalk and streets from the west side to the east side. The DNR requires they be at least 10' below the bottom of the river and they do not dig near the river. Dusty Fancher inquired if permits have been obtained. Bryant stated no. AT&T has made adjustments to the design to get outside of MDOT's construction zone and further south of Consumers gas line. Patricia Spitzley inquired if DEQ permits are needed. Bryant stated not as long as perimeters are met, they are not digging within 200 feet on either side of the waterway and they staying 10' below the river. Bryant stated they are unsure if the Ingham County Drain Commission has any jurisdiction, however they will submit the plan to them for their review. Bryant stated this went before the Planning Commission on June 7 and this plan was approved. This is a major conduit for the northeast quadrant of homes and businesses, east of the river, north of Saginaw and somewhat south. The only visible change will be a new man-hole cover. Park Board Minutes —June 8, 2011 Page 2 Fancher inquired if permits were not necessary, who would be checking to verify the perimeters have been met. Bryant stated he did not know. Pat Murray moved to approve the easement request, Lott seconded. Fancher wants to clarify there will be compensation from AT&T for the easement and it will be dedicated solely for utilization in the park and for recreational activities. Murdock Jemerson stated they have reviewed fees and there will be further discussion. All revenue from projects such as this will go into the land acquisition fund, which is dedicated to parks. There is one estimate based on a formula used for cell tower rentals, but further review is necessary to ensure the rate is fair and accurate. Ward stated she does not have any issues with the easement and is reassured by Fancher's question and the answer. Murray and Lott agreed to the additions to their motion regarding compensation and final inspection. 7 yeas; 0 nays Motion carried Consumers Energy Easement Jeff Autenrieth and Doug Furman, Consumers Energy, are requesting an easement for a line that already exists on park property. In 2003 MDOT asked Consumers to remove the gas line from the bridge and the contractor inadvertently placed the line on park land. They are asking for an easement in order to leave the gas line where it already is. The gas line is further under the river than the requested AT&T line. Fancher clarified Consumers will not be doing any work, only requesting the easement to leave the current gas line where it is. Authenrieth and Furman stated MDOT has already approved where the line is. Consumers will do some adjustment; currently Consumers is deeper than AT&T and the easements will not be overlapping. On the drawing it appears the lines are on top of each other, however the Consumers line is 2' below AT&T and there is 15' between the two lines. As a precautionary measure, Consumers will temporarily cap the gas line while work is being done. Ward inquired about permits. Consumers fell under the same perimeters as AT&T, so DEQ permits were not required. This work will start after Common Ground and be completed by the end of the year. Ron Lott moved to approve the easement request, Murray seconded. Dusty asked for the same two provisions. 7 yeas; 0 nays. Motion carried Grand River Easement John Chamberlain owns and operates the Michigan Princess which is docked at Grand River Park. A few years ago the Parks Department paved the parking lot at Grand River Park and the contractor was to put in a sewer and water line. The sewer line was installed; however the water line was not. The understanding is after the contractor was paid by the city he went broke and never finished installing the water line. Chamberlain is not sure if the contractor every came to the Board to request an easement, but he would like to request an easement to run a water line from the hook up. The hook up is at the top of the hill by the road and they need water on site. Roberts-Sinto Corporation, located on Lansing Road, has been allowing J&K Steamboat to hook into their water with hoses, but they are moving the business and water will no longer be available. Ward inquired what the water is used for. Chamberlain stated they need water to wash dishes and without water he can not run an ice machine and needs to continually purchase ice, which costs up $6,000 a year. Chamberlain is requesting a water line running down the hill which is on open park land. Their request is to run a buried water line down the hill and they will pay for the entire installation. They will restore the grass and there will not be a need to tear up pavement. They currently take care of the park by picking up trash, watering the grass, etc. Park Board Minutes —June 8, 2011 Page 3 Jemerson stated John has always supported the Parks Department and assisted with our programs free of charge. Murray asked Jemerson's opinion. Jemerson stated he has been working with John to remove the hoses and he is not looking for any compensation from J&K Steamboat. Pat Murray moved to approve the easement request, Lott seconded. 7 yeas, 0 nays. Motion carried OLD BUSINESS Cemetery RFP Loretta Stanaway stated the Friends of Lansing Historic Cemeteries are not in favor of out sourcing to Stonemore Cemeteries. Stanaway reviewed her list of concerns which she had presented at City Council - Stonemore is currently on the insider trading watch list for the FCC and there are reported financial indicators with the company. This is not a company to do business with; their staff is uncooperative and rude, they are an out of state entity and they work on a bottom line only mentality. They have not provided adequate care at Deepdale, which has not had water for two years, and they do not allow flowers, trees, etc. and have a flat mow policy. Deepdale is full and they want to buy Waverly for a Deepdale North Cemetery. The city is presently not meeting the terms of its perpetual care fund as it is, what makes you think the management company would do so? Flowers and wreaths which are required to be placed under the perpetual care agreements between the city and certain plot holder families has not been honored for at least one consecutive year already. Spitzley inquired about the statement regarding the perpetual care fund and the City not fulfilling its responsibilities. Stanaway clarified this is the special care fund where individuals pay in advance to have plants put on their grave. Spitzley clarified this is not the State mandated perpetual care, but a separate agreement. Diane Clark stated she finds it odd to outsource to a company who over the years has shown a lack of interest in maintaining graves, has no regard for Lansing history or park land. Stanaway inquired who wrote the RFP for the cemeteries and did Stonemore write it. Spitzley stated she has an issue with the statement. The RFP was written and issued by the City and the implication that a private company is pulling the strings or running the administrative actions of Lansing Parks and Recreation and the Park Board is uncalled for. Fancher asked the Director for an update on the cemetery RFP. Jemerson stated the City did write the RFP and they have received one proposal back. The thought is to do a similar process like was done for golf and that would be to create a committee. However, since only one proposal was received Jemerson is waiting to hear from Jerry Ambrose on how best to proceed. Kibbey stated it is his understanding that there has been considerable consolidation in this industry in the last 10 years and what he has heard is there are only a couple of firms left. They are holding companies with hundreds of funeral homes and cemeteries. Fancher stated the RFP was out twice and should Mr. Ambrose decide to go through with it, she would hope written in the RFP is the ability to bring the winning bidder to the table and start the real discussion about what will and will not be included in the contract. If this is a take it or leave it proposal, she would prefer to leave the cemeteries as they are. If administration were to consider this company she would want to see a very tight contract which is good for the city and she might be willing to support it. An RFP, in nature, is an effort to get companies to the table to have contract discussions and just because a proposal states one thing, that does not mean we have to take it. Spitzley stated the points brought forward by Ms. Stanaway are valid and need to be reviewed. Naturalization Park Board Minutes —June 8, 2011 Page 4 Jemerson stated Chad Gamble, Public Service Director, was going to be at the meeting to discuss naturalization of parks and park metrics. Carrier asked to table this agenda item. Spitzley stated one item which was discussed at a previous meeting was if we have consulted with Lansing Police and neighborhood groups who have a vested interest. Ingham Park, for example, has a huge crime issue and letting the woods fully naturalize and go further out into the park would provide more ground coverage and could increase criminal activity and dumping of trash and she would like to hear other department's view on the issue. Chad Gamble arrived at 8:25 p.m. Kibbey asked Gamble what his definition of naturalization is. There are two points of view on this; one is used in the environmental community which is the restoration of an eco system; this requires burning and replanting. The other definition is basically neglected. Gamble stated it is a matter of perspective; if letting grass grow and planting species is the long term direction the Board would like to go than Public Service is open to it. This is a combination of both; the driving force behind a lot of this is the budget. Gamble stated he had to find ways to decrease the amount of money, as the contractor, he was provided to due their duty of mowing the parks. Gamble stated the plan is called woody mowing, which means mowing twice a year to knock down trees that start to grow up. He would retract the rest of the season's mowing to a lesser acreage and then perform a woody mowing in the fall. Gamble stated as he was preparing the budget and working with Director Jemerson about how to approach the naturalization plan, which some refer to as a lack of mowing, but is not the case, he was trying to provide service as he had been directed. The goal of this plan is to allow natural areas to become established. Gamble reviewed a PowerPoint presentation which provided an overview of what will be the "natural" areas in the following parks: Ranney, Ben Davis, Tecumseh, Riverside, Pleasant View, Ormond, Munn, Graves, Michigan Avenue, Ingham, Grand River, Fulton and Fine, Beck. Murray inquired where the determination that there is limited recreational value came from. Gamble stated he would not say it is limited recreational value, but they had to look at program areas versus non-programmed areas and parks he had to make a decision to reduce mowing. Spitzley asked if there is an estimate on how high the grass and saplings will get if the natural areas are mowed twice a year. Gamble stated several feet. Spitzley stated she has concerns about individuals dumping trash in the tall grass, which will cause problems when it is mowed at a later date. Fancher inquired how many hours a week are being reduced from mowing with this plan. Gamble stated there are 13 less people. Fancher inquired how many hours one person would mow if that is what he is assigned to do and were all 13 individuals assigned to mowing. Gamble stated it would be a full shift and the individuals would be mowing, trimming, etc, but he can not specifically say how many, on average, the crews would typically go out and mow. He can say on the budget provided and the number of people he could fund, he could not continue the previous level of mowing. Some of the maps provided in the PowerPoint did not include playground areas that have been installed over the last few years. Naturalization will continue to be discussed at the next Park Board meeting Park Metrics Tabled until next month. Meeting adjourned at 9:20 p.m. Park Board Minutes —June 8, 2011 Page 5 Respectfully Submitted: Kellie Brown, Park Board Secretary Approved July 13, 2011 PARK BOARD MINUTES Southside Community Center July 13, 2011 MEMBERS PRESENT: Rick Kibbey, Dusty Fancher, Ron Lott, Adam Hussain, Paul Carrier, Pat Murray, Patricia Spitzley, Luke Canfora MEMBERS ABSENT: Excused Adam Hussain OTHERS PRESENT: Brett Kaschinske, Parks and Recreation Director; Sue Eareckson, Friends of Bancroft Park; Kellie Brown, Board Secretary CALLED TO ORDER: 7:05 p.m. ADDITIONS/DELETIONS TO THE AGENDA r= None STATEMENT OF CITIZENS C—' Sue Eareckson advised everyone the Friends of Bancroft Park picnic has been changed to August 6,�2D11=from 4_A p.m. , C) BOARD MINUTES Motion was made by Dusty Fancher to accept the June 8, 2011 minutes as submitted, seconded by Pat Murray. 6 Yeas, 0 Nays. Motion carried NEW BUSINESS Election of Officers Kibbey turned the gavel over to Ron Lott who opened the floor for nominations for Board President. Paul Carrier nominated Rick Kibbey for Board President, Dusty Fancher seconded. Luke Canfora moved to declare the ballot closed with a unanimous ballot. 6 Yeas; 0 Nays. Motion carried Ron Lott turned the gavel back over to Board President Kibbey who opened the floor for nominations for Board Vice Chair. Luke Canfora nominated Dusty Fancher for Vice Chair of the Park Board, Paul Carrier seconded. Patricia Spitzley moved to declare the ballot closed with a unanimous ballot. 6 Yeas; 0 Nays. Motion carried OLD BUSINESS Naturalization of Parks Pat Murray stated after last months meeting where he had asked Director Jemerson if he still had the employees could he get the job done he went home and looked back through a number of old records. From what he could find it appears we are mowing less than one-half of the parks this year than in previous years and we still plan to naturalize. He would like a serious accounting of which parks have been mowed in the past and which parks are proposed to be mowed this year. Murray stated the MSU Cross Country coach stopped him on the River Trail and told him the team was unable to run up the hill at Ranney because it is not mowed. Murray inquired if a trail could be mowed up the hill. There are three other teams who use the hill for training which are East Lansing High School, Eastern High School and Lansing Catholic Central. LANSING PARK BOARD MINUTES -JULY 13, 2011 PAGE 2 If we are proposing to mow about 55 parks and we mowed over a hundred last year, why do we need to naturalize. Murray is requesting someone report to the Board exactly how many parks have been mowed each year in the past, how many we are mowing this year and how many are proposed to be naturalized so the Board is able to completely understand the actual numbers and what is going on in the parks. Rick Kibbey stated there is also a question where the mowing agreement stands with the County. Rick Kibbey reviewed the agreement which states the county is to mow parks with 5 acres or less and parks along the River Trail. Kibbey stated it is his understanding the agreement is held up at the County for the moment and the City is mowing parks they did not expect to be mowing at this time. Brett Kaschinske reviewed the agreement and the areas where changes need to be made. Areas in question are the gardens at Cooley, graffiti removal, Sunday mowing, boundaries/property lines of parks, and protection of trees. The payment is $236,000 annually and includes snow removal. Luke Canfora inquired if reports from the County could be done monthly instead of quarterly. Patricia Spitzley stated if there is a monthly invoice there should be a monthly report attached to the invoice. Brett Kaschinske stated under item 9, page 4 it states quarterly and he will discuss this with Willis Bennett. Ron Lott asked Pat Murray if anyone contacted Public Service about mowing a trail at Ranney. Paul Carrier inquired if Ranney would be mowed for the concert. Kaschinske stated he will contact Public Service prior to the concert. He had to contact Public Service prior to the concert at Grand River Park to have some of the naturalized area mowed. Luke Canfora stated he has never heard from neighbors as much as he has in the last month and a half. One neighbor, an elderly woman, had to have two ticks removed from her neck and the doctor stated it could be from the long, un-mowed grass in the area. Patricia Spitzley understands we have to do what is necessary, but the parks look bad. The parks look un-mowed not naturalized; naturalization is a process. She is also receiving comments from people about how unkempt it looks and she wonders if we are not doing a good enough job at letting people know what we are doing or what we are doing is not working. Dusty Fancher stated she was riding her bike on the River Trail and went past Red Cedar and she was embarrassed about how terrible it looked. She understands it will never be a golf course and there is a proposal to sell part of the property and develop it, but there are weeds growing in the parking lot and none of it has been mowed. Kibbey stated it has been brought to his attention the Committee of the Whole would like to have a joint meeting to discuss park naturalization. Ron Lott stated the timing is not very good because by the time we get the agreement and all the details worked out, it will be time for snow removal. Patricia Spitzley inquired what the hold up is on the agreement. Brett Kaschinske stated the agreement is in committee and both the City and the County feel the agreement will go through committee. This agreement was created by two Park Directors, however the county commissioners are asking if the County is sure they want to do this, whether it will take away any union jobs, plus they will be a need to purchase equipment. Patricia Spitzley stated if we are going to compensate the county for depreciation is the City saving any money in the long run. LANSING PARK BOARD MINUTES -JULY 13, 2011 PAGE 3 Brett Kaschinske stated the County has a reputation for mowing their parks and if these parks are mowed and maintained similar to Hope or Hawk Island, we see this as a longer term committment. Kaschinske referred to page 5 about equipment, depreciation and buying back equipment. Rick Kibbey stated he has not heard that the City doesn't have equipment; he has heard the City doesn't have the personnel. Dusty Fancher inquired how much the mowers cost and is the County using them to mow their parks. If we get into this contract and say after one year we are not happy with the agreement, has the County abused the equipment the City purchased in this agreement and what may the value be if the City may need to buy it back. Brett Kaschinske stated in the agreement it is not stated the equipment will only be used for City Parks, but after talking with Director Bennett it is the spirit of the contract. Dusty Fancher followed up with if the contract is not renewed on an annual basis going forward there may need to be a time frame added. If$140,000 is spent on equipment and the county renews the contract for several years, what will the value of the equipment be in a few years. Patrick Murray appreciates the concerns everyone is raising, but is thrilled the parks would be mowed and does not want to pick at the agreement, but would like to see this completed. Rick Kibbey stated this has been about the mowing question, but the naturalization question is bigger than the County contract. The issues he has been confronted with are safety issues with naturalization around the trails and how close to houses it will be. He has not heard anyone mention anything about the possibility of fire. Rick Kibbey stated there is a series of questions about when to mow to avoid ground nesting birds and baby rabbits; when do you want to mow down the woody growth, the best process for the restoration of indigenous species, should there be controlled burns, does there need to be buffers between houses and trails and there needs to be conversation with LPD about burglary and the over growth providing hiding. Brett Kaschinske asked from the maps provided if there are areas for naturalization but not in these parks or are there areas for naturalization, but not the suggested areas in the park. Dusty Fancher commented it hinges on the definition of naturalization. Brett Kaschinske stated some of the areas would look better if there were trees and other plantings done. Ricky Kibbey stated there was a time when there was a list of parks to sell or close, however he doesn't want to do that unless there is a plan. If we are going to review areas to naturalize, could this be a dual exercise. Ron Lott will look at parks and visit parks to photograph for the project. Park Metrics Tabled until a later date UPDATES Golf RFP There were three companies; one company eliminated themselves with their presentation. Billy Casper is a company familiar with municipal courses in Troy, Chicago and Plymouth Township. They are very experienced, come in with a plan and their fee was $72,000 for the first year. The other company manages Walnut Hills and their first year fee was $54,000. At this time there will not be a decision made. Discussion has taken place with Jerry Ambrose and we are looking at making changes in how we run golf currently to reduce cost and increase revenue. All administrative cost has been LANSING PARK BOARD MINUTES -JULY 13, 2011 PAGE 4 removed, debt has been removed, funding for First Teen was removed and a comparison done to come close to the proposals presented. A new budget will be presented to reduce the subsidy. Kibbey asked for a review of the budget before it goes to Jerry Ambrose. Brett Kaschinske stated they may look at a different concession agreement. Also looking at removing staff parking in front and allow customers to park up front, employee uniforms, computerized tee times, Facebook page, transfer one and one-quarter full time staff to another department, staff will remove dead trees, update web page and ultimately change the entrance. Cemetery RFP There has only been one proposal received, which has yet to be reviewed. At first glance, the fee starts at $200,000 and decreases. Kids Camp Opened seven camps, Wainwright did not open due to low enrollment, but everyone who was signed up for Wainwright was transferred to Southside. Meeting adjourned at 8:30 p.m. Respectfully Submitted: Kellie Brown, Park Board Secretary Approved September 14, 2011 PARK BOARD MINUTES Southside Community Center September 14, 2011 MEMBERS PRESENT: Dusty Fancher, Adam Hussain, Paul Carrier, Pat Murray, Luke Canfora MEMBERS ABSENT: Excused Rick Kibbey, Patricia Spitzley, Ron Lott OTHERS PRESENT: Brett Kaschinske, Parks and Recreation Director; Greg Pratt; Steve Babcock; Julie Mannino; Loretta Stanaway, FOLHC; Kellie Brown, Board Secretary CALLED TO ORDER: 7:05 p.m. ADDITIONS/DELETIONS TO THE AGENDA C�; -� None " STATEMENT OF CITIZENS _ i�-rj Gregg Pratt stated he lives in Lansing Township by Waverly Park and Michigan Park. At this time nreither'Qne of the parks are being mowed which places the City of Lansing in violation of Lansing Township's ordinance. -fhb Waverly sledding hill was created from the dirt removed for 1-496 and is used by many people in the winter. In order to remain safe for sledding this winter it would need to be mowed before snowfall. There are large trucks parking overnight, along with truckers sleeping in their trucks at Michigan Park. Waverly Park is located on a busy intersection with out sidewalks. Recently there were upgrades done by MDOT to meet ADA standards at the corner of Waverly and Saginaw, however the City will not put in sidewalks and with the over growth of grass and weeds individuals are put in danger when trying to reach the bus stop. Again, this park is on a busy intersection which visitors travel from the airport and presents a terrible impression of Lansing. He would like to see the city work with the township on a solution for this property. Dusty Fancher stated she appreciated his input and the Board understands Waverly is an issue and is working with the City and Parks Department on a solution. Loretta Stanway stated her opinion is the Request for Proposal (RFP) for the cemeteries was not written by the Parks Department, but by an outside source. She believes LF Sloan is the company who wrote the RFP and they are directly linked to Stonemore Companies and that LF Sloan wrote the proposal specifically to meet Stonemore's credentials. She also stated Stonemore has an outstanding business deal with LF Sloan for a contract. LF Sloan has a prior relationship with Stonemore and they structured the RFP so only Stonemore could meet the standards. Dusty Fancher stated she spoke with the Director and understands information has been sent to him; however no decisions are being made on the cemeteries at this time. Brett Kaschinske asked Loretta for information on the other companies that felt they were interested in the agreement. The RFP was sent out to 93 companies. Loretta Stanaway stated Brett Kaschinske had asked for statements from concerned groups and for a compilations report. BOARD MINUTES Motion was made by Luke Canfora to accept the July 13, 2011 minutes as submitted, seconded by Pat Murray. 5 Yeas, 0 Nays. Motion carried LANSING PARK BOARD MINUTES —SEPTEMBER 14, 2011 PAGE 2 NEW BUSINESS Memorial Review Process Brett Kaschinske stated this is in committee and he expects it to pass. Anything in regard to re-naming of a park, pavilion, plaques, etc. would be the sole decision of the Park Board. Wentworth Park Steve Babcock has been with the Lansing Fire Department for 18 years and an Honor Guard member. In 2002 when a piece of the south tower was brought back to Lansing, it was a monument that stated Lansing remembers the over 3,000 individuals who lost their lives on 9/11. The Lansing Fire and Police Departments each have small plaques located at their main stations. Babcock stated he would like to see something similar to Toronto where there is an area for city employees who have died and he would like to have a place in Lansing for all people to honor those lost in the line of work. Steve Babcock stated he would like to honor all these individuals by requesting Wentworth Park become known as Remembrance Park. This is the largest piece of the trade center and there currently are bricks with 20 names of individuals from Michigan who perished. Paul Carrier inquired if there are any restrictions regarding this park and possibly changing the name of it. Brett Kaschinske read an e-mail from Dick Schaefer which indicated there were no known restrictions. Brett Kaschinske inquired if both Chief Cochran and Chief Szymanski have been asked for their opinion on this. Steve Babcock stated Chief Cochran has been and supports it. Also, Councilmember Quinney supports the idea. Greg Pratt inquired if there is a Purple Heart memorial and what all military personnel are honored. Loretta Stanaway stated Little Arlington has a Military Memorial and Mt. Hope Cemetery has a Firefighter memorial. Dusty Fancher stated the Board will look into the request to ensure it would be done correctly. Red Cedar Project Brett Kaschinske stated the sale of a portion of the property will be placed on the ballot and the 12 acres has been appraised at$5,000,000 dollars. He would like the Board's input on ways to use some of these funds and do we want to spend it all at Red Cedar. With the proceeds from the sale of this property, it may be the time to look at starting a Parks Foundation and the Park Board could entertain ideas to upgrade other parks using the foundation funds. Dusty Fancher wants to be sure foundation money cannot be raided for other things and only used for parks. Friends of Greater Lansing Dog Park Brett Kaschinske stated The Friends of Greater Lansing Dog Park are dissolving and they will turn account balances over to Ingham County to assist with maintenance and upgrading the park. At this time the park is not circular, but we are looking at the bridge to make it a full circle. The Key FOB system is working well with identification. There have been two dogs that have been removed from the system. There is an appeal process in place which owners may go through. Adam Hussain inquired about usage of the park since the FOB system has been put into place. Brett Kaschinske stated the park is used well. Due to the volume of traffic there is no grass and the flooding caused erosion. LANSING PARK BOARD MINUTES —SEPTEMBER 14, 2011 PAGE 3 Park Board & Committee of the Whole Joint Meeting Pat Murray inquired about the report regarding what parks have been mowed over the years and what are we mowing now. He is questioning the reason for"naturalization"when we are mowing 50% fewer parks. Brett Kaschinske stated there are 114 parks, out of which 40 parks are in the agreement with the County and 11 parks are school sites. Pat Murray inquired how many parks are we mowing and how much of each park. He stated when we had the park employees, all the parks were mowed. Now Public Service has the employees and the parks are not all being mowed. Paul Carrier stated the Board members find out about this information when they read the papers or watch the news, but are not included or informed by the City. Dusty Fancher provided Brett Kaschinske with an article about naturalization and it is not abandonment. Brett Kaschinske stated in other communities it is referred to as "no mow zones"which better describes the situation. We are also working on plans for wild flower plantings for butterflies and tree plantings. Greg Pratt inquired if,the Parks Department had looked into the Wild Ones Organization for grants. Also Detroit is getting sponsorships for parks; however that may require the re-naming of parks such as General Motors Park. Steve Babcock stated they have noticed an increase in wildlife habitat at Fire Station 6 with the naturalization. Adam Hussain stated he can not understand why the Park Board and neighborhood organizations were not brought in on the discussion and decision and it also appears that certain areas may be targeted. Brett Kaschinske stated we need to look at where to go from here. Some changes have been made at Ranney Park, Grand River Park, Beck and Ingham Parks. UPDATES Ingham County Mowing Agreement Brett Kaschinske stated the mowing agreement with Ingham County is ready for signatures. Any park less than five acres and along the RiverTrail will be mowed by the county. The agreement includes mowing, weed whip, graffiti removal which takes less than one hour, trash, snow removal of side walks and lots. They will comply with the city ordinance on snow removal. Hunter's Ridge Acquisition Paperwork is being completed and this should be closing in October. River Trail There is significant damage at 1-496 and 127 due to heavy rains. The RiverTrail will be closing (narrowing) down during repairs. Washington Park Washington Park has some options on the table with a curling club and Todd Martin Development Fund/USTA. Personnel LANSING PARK BOARD MINUTES —SEPTEMBER 14, 2011 PAGE 4 The Manager's position should be posted soon. The Southside Community Center programmer is leaving on September 30 and there are clerk openings at Southside and Foster Community Centers. Next Park Board meeting will be Wednesday, October 12 at 7 p.m. at Letts Community Center, 1220 W. Kalamazoo. Meeting adjourned at 8:30 p.m. Respectfully Submitted: Kellie Brown, Park Board Secretary Approved November 9, 2011 PARK BOARD MINUTES Letts Community Center November 9, 2011 MEMBERS PRESENT: Rick Kibbey, Dusty Fancher, Paul Carrier, Pat Murray, Patricia Spitzley MEMBERS ABSENT: Excused Ron Lott, Luke Canfora, Adam Hussain OTHERS PRESENT: Brett Kaschinske, Parks and Recreation Director; Jenelle Jagmin and Neal Valley, South Lansing Community Development Association (SLCDA); Sue Eareckson, Friends of Bancroft Park; Kellie Brown, Board Secretary r..._ CALLED TO ORDER: 7:05 p.m. by Dusty Fancher, Vice-President ADDITIONS/DELETIONS TO THE AGENDA Rick Kibbey added additional information on budget and policy issues regarding the November elections STATEMENT OF CITIZENS Neal Valley, SLCDA and AmeriCorps, received a grant to put a community garden in a neigh borhood..and-they are currently looking at Potter Walsh. They have started planning and designing and would like to do a garden this summer, but more outreach is needed for the project. Patricia Spitzley inquired how big the garden would have to be. Neal Valley stated approximately 40' x 50' and including fence the area would be 75' x 75' or 90' x 90'. Brett Kaschinske inquired if they had spoke with Willie Davis and what his opinion is on the project. Also, is this in cooperation with the Lansing Garden Project? Neal Valley stated representatives from SLCDA are going to the neighborhood association meeting on the 16t" and they will also canvas the neighborhood for opinions. The grant states the garden needs to be in the Potter Walsh neighborhood. Brett Kaschinske asked if structures would need to be built. Neal Valley stated structures should not be necessary, but erecting a fence is a possibility. There is currently a pavilion and gutters could be placed on the pavilion or pole barn structure to catch run off into rain barrels for water. Patricia Spitzley asked where they currently have gardens. Neal Valley stated this is the first garden he has worked on, but SLCDA has 5 gardens total. Rick Kibbey also suggested the SLCDA talk with Dan Chapman. Jenelle Jagmin stated this garden may be used as an inclusion garden with raised beds to allow those who may not otherwise be able to garden to use this facility. There is a paved path to the pavilion allowing ADA accessibility. Rick Kibbey inquired if this was for informational purposes only at this time. Neal Valley stated it is. Neal Valley stated the Cavanaugh community garden does not have access to water close to the garden and the run off from the shed is not sufficient. They had looked at the possibility of digging a shallow ditch, but have found out that is not possible. He wondered if the Board could look at ideas on how to have accessible water at the garden. Jenelle Jagmin stated she would like to team up with the Parks summer program to provide a youth nutritional series. PARK BOARD MINUTES— NOVEMBER 9, 2011 PAGE 2 Board Meeting Minutes Pat Murray moved to approve the September 14, 2011 minutes as submitted; seconded by Paul Carrier. 5 yeas; 0 nays Motion Carried River Trail South Land Transfer Brett Kaschinske stated the south extension of the River Trail is in and this would be a quit claim deed by the County to obtain the necessary parcels at the end of the trail. As far as we can research there was never been approval from the Park Board for the quit claim and we also need to have an easement. Carla Eno who originally worked on this project through the Planning Department is working on the easement. Murray moved to approve the land transfer; Dusty Fancher seconded. 5 yeas; 0 nays Motion carried Budget Priorities Brett Kaschsinske stated a lot has changed with yesterday's election. The current budget was provided, however next years figures are not available. Kaschinske reviewed the account series and what is included in each account. Board members asked for a break out of line items without fringes included in the line item figures. Naturalization Rick Kibbey stated the expert from Michigan State University indicated "no mow" is not necessarily naturalization. At the last meeting Kibbey felt we turned a corner and everyone at the meeting understood what this is about. There was useful discussion about naturalization and are there areas appropriately naturalized as opposed to areas that are simply not being mowed. They went through a real quick process of doing one demonstration project in each ward. Klbbey stated you would want a neighborhood sympathetic to the idea and you would want an area where the soil is appropriate to do naturalization. This could be done along a river or create a prairie; however a prairie is more work and is expensive. Pat Murray stated he came away with the impression there is no money, so there will not be actual naturalization. Rick Kibbey thought he heard there was grant money. Patricia Spitzley stated whether we use "no mow" or"naturalization", we need to look at others for input such as Chief of Police for safety. Brett Kaschinske stated the plan was sent to the Chief and they did not see any issues with the suggested areas. Brett Kaschinske stated he heard what Pat Murray did from the public and he heard from Wild Ones there is grant money out there to apply for regarding true naturalization. Brett Kaschinske stated overall adjustments have been made. At Cavanaugh Park the hill was mowed, at Tecumseh Park grills will be removed, Ranney Park hill was mowed, the walking path at Tecumseh was mowed and neighbors at Tecumseh will be adopting the ball park. Park Board Annual Report Rick Kibbey is willing to assist with the report. This is a great opportunity to speak out in an official way. Paul Carrier stated the Board should go through the minutes of each meeting for action items and put together the report. He would like to meet someplace to put together the Board's comments. PARK BOARD MINUTES— NOVEMBER 9, 2011 PAGE 3_ Patricia Spitzley wants more thought into what exactly goes into the report to forecast priorities and what the Board wants to do for the future of Parks. Patrick Murray suggested a committee be formed to come up with a rough draft to present at the December Park Board meeting. Rick Kibbey asked for volunteers, Patricia Spitzley stated she would respond by e-mail. Rick Kibbey stated he would like to have Ron Lott assist with the report to ensure accuracy. Rick Kibbey stated he wants to include statistics on park land growth, he also wants to include what the Parks Department has lost, and list the action items over the last year as well as provide a forecast to include priorities and issues. Addition — Moores Park School Rick Kibbey stated Moores Park School has been taken out of commission. This school sits next to one of the nicest parks in the city which also has one of our two outdoor pools. Before the Board has to deal with specific proposals regarding the sale of the school the Board needs to discuss and set a policy to be prepared before there is an offer on the school. Paul Carrier inquired what the discussion would encompass as it pertains to the building. Rick Kibbey stated the Board needs to look at the sale of other schools in Lansing and what has happened to the parks adjacent to those schools. Patrick Murray stated the neighborhood association has been contacted Gillespie and the association is under the impression he has already purchased the school. He thinks a discussion is a good idea. Updates Credo Park— Brett Kaschinske reviewed the status of the clean-up and the grant. Hunter's Ridge—We have closed on this property and added 28 acres to park land. Administrative Office Re-Location —The administrative offices will be moving from City Hall to the second floor at Foster Center in December Board Comments Dusty Fancher stated in the language sent out by the City Clerk previous to the election, the Board did not agree to use the money from the sale of Red Cedar to offset drain costs for the Ctiy. Patricia Spitzley stated this is disrespectful to the Board and inquired who does the Board express concerns to and how. Paul Carrier inquired if the language used in the promotional material on the ballot. Brett Kaschinske stated we also need to look at the language Council voted on. Meeting adjourned at 8:30 p.m. Respectfully Submitted: Kellie Brown, Park Board Secretary Approved December 14, 2011 PARK BOARD MINUTES Letts Community Center December 14, 2011 MEMBERS PRESENT: Rick Kibbey, Paul Carrier, Pat Murray, Ron Lott, Adam Hussain MEMBERS ABSENT: Excused Dusty Fancher, Luke Canfora, Patricia Spitzley OTHERS PRESENT: Brett Kaschinske, Parks and Recreation Director; Harold Leeman, Gier Advisory Board Chair, Kellie Brown, Board Secretary ` CALLED TO ORDER: 7:10 p.m. by Rick Kibbey ADDITIONS/DELETIONS TO THE AGENDA T� Rick Kibbey added update on Walsh Park under Old Businessi— STATEMENT OF CITIZENS None BOARD MEETING MINUTES Pat Murray moved to approve the November 9, 2011 minutes as submitted; seconded by Paul Carrier. 5 yeas; 0 nays Motion Carried NEW BUSINESS Waverly/Michigan Parks Brett Kaschinske stated the proposal to put the sale of Waverly and Michigan Parks on the ballot was defeated Monday evening at Council by a vote of 4 to 3. The major factor was they did not want to see any votes for the sale of park land on the February ballot because it is the Republican primary ballot and they wanted a broader representation. We will try this again, however we do need to engage in further discussion on how to do this. The ideas we have at this time are only possibilities and we have not received any written proposals. Patrick Murray clarified that none of the property is in the City. Brett Kaschinske stated that is correct and Lansing Township maintains the zoning rights. Whoever would be interested in the property would also have to be in touch with the township regarding what the zoning is and could zoning changes occur. Brett Kaschinske stated the other issue was NeoGen and their request to purchase the Vector Building, about 10 feet of property north of the building and two parking lots on both the east and west sides of the Vector Building. Really no amount of park land; meaning grass, water, trees, etc is included. It is a lot of asphalt and buildings and it was previously the parks maintenance building. NeoGen purchased the property that was not on park land, however this is the portion on park land and this action failed as well. Patrick Murray inquired if we had to put Waverly/Michigan Parks on the ballot to sell it or to do anything with it. Brett Kaschinske stated we would have to put it on the ballot to sell it. Patrick Murray inquired if we could transfer to the Township. Brett Kaschinske stated that is something we have talked about. We have engaged in a meeting with Lansing Township and they have some interest in the property, especially with regard to storm water and retention mitigation. The Township needs to replace some wetlands that were taken out of a different part of the Township by Eastwood. The Township "owes" the DEQ wetlands and they are interested in the area of Waverly Park along Waverly north of Michigan where the water goes over the road. PARK BOARD MINUTES— DECEMBER 14 2011 PAGE 2 Patrick Murray clarified we would not have to put it on the ballot if we were transferring the property. Brett Kaschinske stated that is correct. It is only when we actually sell the property that it needs to go on the ballot. Rick Kibbey stated we have not heard from Lansing Township about consideration, we have only heard they are interested in the use of the property. Consideration would be a land swap, but we have not heard anything to this nature. Adam Hussain stated he heard the Township is not interested in buying. Brett Kaschinske stated that is correct, but they do have money to use for wetlands. Patrick Murray inquired how much we spend to maintain the property. Brett Kaschinske stated he was asked earlier about that, but we do not actually budget per park. We currently mow on the outside and inside of the fence, we maintain a sidewalk by the starter house which is a CATA bus stop and we pick up trash. Patrick Murray asked what we could mow in other areas if we did not mow Waverly. BUDGET FY13 Brett Kaschinske stated we have approximately a seven million dollar budget, we do not have specific numbers yet but we are looking at about a twenty percent cut. Everything is on the table, we are looking at parks, and we are looking at recreation. Rick Kibbey inquired how this relates to cuts in other departments. Brett Kaschinske stated outside of police and fire it is equal. With the millage passing it changed issues for police and fire and helped out their budget. Ron Lott stated he was mislead prior to the election, because at his neighborhood meeting it was stated the millage was not to return laid off workers, but it was to avoid further layoffs. Rick Kibbey inquired when we will see a proposed budget. Brett Kaschinske stated March or April. Ron Lott stated the budget is normally provided in February. Rick Kibbey asked for a CIP list too. Rick Kibbey asked for a finance report from Public Service on how they used park staff and park money this past year. Also, can there be a report from Ingham County. He would like to see how the contractors compare. Brett Kaschinske stated he could provide a report on how much is for forestry work, athletic fields, pools, general maintenance and River Trail. OLD BUSINESS Walsh Park Rick Kibbey stated at the last meeting the Board had a request for a community garden at Walsh Park. The issue is usually water and it was suggested they talk to the neighborhood. Brett Kaschinske inquired if any Board members had issues with this request other than making sure the neighborhood is contacted, the community is on board with this and Dr. Davis has been contacted. They did not ask for any action from the Board, but he wants to make sure the Board is ok with this request. Adam Hussain inquired what policies are in place to ensure the gardens are kept up and maintained. Brett Kaschinske stated we have an agreement with the Garden Project and they monitor these projects and if the gardens are not kept up then the agreements do not get renewed. Paul Carrier inquired if Dr. Davis has been contacted. PARK BOARD MINUTES— DECEMBER 14 2011 PAGE 3 Brett Kaschinske stated he is a person of interest on this project and his name was provided to the group. Rick Kibbey asked Brett Kaschinske to contact Dr. Davis to verify the group has spoken with him. Kibbey asked the Board if everyone was okay with this request; no one spoke up against it. UPDATES Golf RFP Brett Kaschinske stated the City is close to and looking at finalizing an agreement with LEPFA (Lansing Entertainment and Public Facilities Authority), they run the Lansing Center, Common Ground, City Market, and Cooley Stadium. They would take over all concessions and marketing, we would still take care of merchandise sales and run the golf course. We are looking at this instead of the RFP's we received. We would terminate our current concession agreement with Art's Bar. Paul Carrier inquired if we are still maintaining the park and that is the most expensive, how is this saving us money? Brett Kaschinske stated one area of growth we had was in concessions. We transferred one employee out of the golf fund to Public Service and we moved another employee out of golf for the winter. We have cut back on staffing levels to reduce costs. Rick Kibbey inquired what percentage of the concession stand revenue we receive. Brett Kaschinske does not have the exact figures, but we are looking at doubling our concession revenue. Paul Carrier asked about the expansion of the club house and would they make an attempt to readdress this issue. Brett Kaschinske stated there has been discussion about that on a long term plan, but on a shorter plan there has been talk about putting a deck on the club house to accommodate outings and for individuals to have an opportunity to stay around, have drinks and a meal. We are planning on changing furniture and bringing in televisions which will be provided by LEPFA. They are looking at bringing in clients and promote the golf course for conferences looking at using the Lansing Center. Rick Kibbey stated he heard from a neighborhood individual that the drain commissioner has not started the project at the golf course. Brett Kaschinske stated that is correct. He will find out and report back next month. Cemetery RFP Brett Kaschinske stated the City only received one bid. We heard from the Friends of the Cemetery they had a group interested and because of the specifications in the RFP there were other interested individuals who did not bid. The City advised the Friends to submit a bid; however they did not submit a proposal. We are back to just the one bid and we will now engage in negotiations to see if we will have a contract. That does mean we are going in that direction, but we are at the next step. Rick Kibbey asked if all the cemeteries are in the RFP or is it just Mt. Hope Cemetery. Brett Kaschinske stated all cemeteries are included. Rick Kibbey stated Evergreen appears to have land to sell. Brett Kaschinske stated that is correct, we are only selling lots in Evergreen. Section G has two religious groups interested in plots. Rick Kibbey asked if we have plotted out the other areas and if not, what it is going to take. Brett Kaschinske stated it would take about$10,000 and that will be part of the discussion. Park Study Rick Kibbey provided a draft of an annual report to board members to receive comments and input. He would like text and actual numbers at the next meeting. Ron Lott stated he will look at Mr. Kibbey's report and put together something by the end of the month. PARK BOARD MINUTES— DECEMBER 14 2011 PAGE 4 Rick Kibbey provided a form to board members and stated he and Dusty Fancher visited 40 parks. On the next group he wants to include how homes look at a park, either out the front door or out the back door. If the Board needs to make recommendations on parks to close, he wants to have an up to date understanding of what we currently have. Of the 40 parks they have already reviewed there was a park that is an area used by an apartment building, there was a park they could not find and a park that served as a parking lot. UPDATES Winter guides—Guides have been delivered and classes will begin in January. REMARKS Adam Hussain inquired what has been happening at the Naturalization Ad-Hoc meetings. Rick Kibbey reviewed the guidelines discussed at the meetings. Adam Hussain inquired why the Ad-Hoc Committee exists when each Ward is represented by the Park Board. Rick Kibbey stated the Ad-Hoc is a joint committee with Park Board members. Harold Leeman stated as the Chair of Gier Advisory Board there were a lot of families over the last two weeks at the floor hockey tournaments at Gier and the improvements to the gym have been a great asset to the families. One challenge he has to the Board and the Director is with the turn over of staff and the new hires the staff need to take control of the building and buy-in they are working in a building for the City and take control of the building and be more out going with citizens in the building. Harold Leeman inquired what happened to the Washington Dome. Brett Kaschinske stated we contracted with a company to remove the dome. It did cost us to remove the dome, but the costs were less than keeping it inflated. Harold Leeman inquired about the Crego Park grant. Brett Kaschinske stated we need to finalize some issues with the environmental study, but it right now we are waiting on the State of Michigan. Harold Leeman inquired about Moores Park School and does the Board have any insight on what is new with the building. Is Gillespie buying the building? Patrick Murray stated Gillespie shared a pamphlet with the neighborhood association that implicated the property was his. The assumption of the neighborhood association is that he owns the building. Patrick Murray suggested the Parks Director, the Moores Park Neighborhood Association and Mr. Gillespie meet regarding the property. Harold Leeman inquired if Park Board members have met with the Public Service Board to voice concerns and address issues. Rick Kibbey stated he talked to an individual on the Public Service Board and they have never heard anything about the issues. Meeting adjourned at 8:20 p.m. Respectfully Submitted: Kellie Brown, Park Board Secretary Approved January 11, 2012