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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPARKS & REC 2016-08-03 REGULAR MEETING M I N U T E S th 755 REGULAR MEETING PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION CITY OF LIVONIA On August 3, 2016 the above meeting of the Parks and Recreation Commission of the City of Livonia was held in the Livonia Community Recreation Center conference room, 15100 Hubbard, Livonia, Michigan. Mark Johnson, Chairperson of the Commission, called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Members present: Paul Condon, Kevin Summers, Roger Walklin and, Mark Johnson Members absent: Cathy Kevra Also present: Ted Davis, Superintendent Tom Murphy, Facility Manager Michelle Koppin, Asst. Superintendent Jennifer Roberts, Recreation Supervisor Tom Welsh, T.J.W. Bob Christ Upon a motion made by Mr. Condon seconded by Mr. Walklin, it was th #3515-16 RESOLVED, that the Commission waive the reading of the minutes of the 754 Regular Meeting of the Commission held on July 6, 2016 and that the minutes be approved as submitted. A roll call vote was taken on the foregoing resolution with the following results: AYES: Condon, Walklin and Johnson ABSTAIN: Summers ABSENT: Kevra The Chairperson declared the resolution adopted Upon a motion made by Mr. Condon seconded by Mr. Walklin, it was th #3516-16 RESOLVED, that the Commission waive the reading of the minutes of the 13 Special Meeting of the Commission held on July 6, 2016 and that the minutes be approved as submitted. A roll call vote was taken on the foregoing resolution with the following results: AYES: Condon, Walklin and Johnson ABSTAIN: Summers ABSENT: Kevra The Chairperson declared the resolution adopted Upon a motion made by Mr. Condon seconded by Mr. Summers, it was #3517-16 RESOLVED, that the Commission move New Business 1 to the front of the agenda. A roll call vote was taken on the foregoing resolution with the following results: Commission Meeting 2 August 3, 2016 AYES: Condon, Summers, Walklin and Johnson ABSENT: Kevra The Chairperson declared the resolution adopted Letter submitted by Edward Davis Re: Idyl Wyld Golf Course Hole 10 Proposal – Mr. Davis said we have been talking about a master plan at Idyl Wyld for a few months and have decided to do a hole by hole redesign. He explained which holes needed to be re-worked. He said we have a proposal from Raymond Hearn Golf Course Designs specifically for Hole #10 and we are asking for the Department to split the cost of $6,640 with T.J.W. Inc. He said this would serve as a test case to see if we want to do additional holes. Mr. Welsh said we are considering the safety factor of especially Hole 10 and the course is small so it is squeezed together. He said we would receive three proposals from the company. He explained that the City bought the course in 1977 and explained what has been done in the past. He said they would contract some work and do some themselves. He explained the process and the credentials of the design company. There was a discussion of who owned the course before the City. Mr. Johnson asked if the cost is only for the design? Mr. Welsh said yes. Mr. Condon suggested that if they are satisfied with Hole 10 then they could get a cost for individual holes that need to be re-worked. He also suggested that the entire cost should come from the 409 budget and said he appreciated T.J.W. Inc. wanting to chip in but he believes this is what the 409 budget is for. He acknowledged Mr. Welsh’s willingness to step up to the plate anytime the golf course is involved but he would rather they spend their money on doing some of the work. Mr. Walklin said he feels the same way and that splitting the cost would set a bad precedent but he appreciates the offer. Mr. Welsh said he wanted to show that they are behind the idea because any improvements to the course come back their way. Mr. Condon said improvements go the City’s way also because those are our assets. Mr. Summers asked if there is anything from the three proposals that would affect any of the holes out there? Mr. Walklin asked which holes were being considered? Mr. Welsh said holes 10, 12, 3 and 4. There was a discussion of how the changes would affect other holes. Upon a motion made by Mr. Walklin seconded by Mr. Summers, it was #3518-16 RESOLVED, that the Commission accepts the project for Hole #10 at Idyl Wyld Golf Course and that the entire cost of $6,640 will be paid from the 409 budget. A roll call vote was taken on the foregoing resolution with the following results: AYES: Condon, Summers, Walklin and Johnson ABSENT: Kevra The Chairperson declared the resolution adopted Mr. Welsh passed out an article about Raymond Hearn for the Commission to read. He said the proposal will give us drawings that contractors can follow measurements, etc. and all the rest of the work is on us. Mr. Welsh left the meeting at 7:25 p.m. Mr. Davis introduced Jennifer Roberts the Department’s Marketing and Special Events Coordinator. The Commission welcomed her to the Department. Mr. Johnson asked Mr. Christ if he would like to address the Commission. Mr. Christ said he is a resident of Redford but lived in Livonia for 12 years. He explained that he started the Music Under the Stars program and passed around two plaques he received from Ed McNamara. He said he was requesting to receive the Livonia rate for an annual membership due to Commission Meeting 3 August 3, 2016 the volunteer work he did for the Livonia community. Mr. Davis explained that Mr. Christ left the City 20+ years ago and he didn’t feel comfortable giving the discount without Commission’s approval. Mr. Johnson said the only issue is setting a precedent for individuals that have lived in Livonia in the past but now live somewhere else. He said Livonia residents pay taxes that support the Department and the facility. Mr. Condon said that is also his concern as taxpayers pay a fee. Mr. Christ said he paid taxes when he lived here and the effort and time he put into the program was priceless. Mr. Davis said it might be different if he had recently left due to a housing issue. Mr. Walklin said we recently didn’t allow a resident to include his non-resident son on his membership. Mr. Davis said a veteran with a similar request was referred to a group who could provide alternate funding. Mrs. Koppin asked Mr. Christ if he is a veteran? Mr. Christ said no. Mr. Condon asked if there is a less costly membership available? Mr. Christ said he would want to use the pool and track and would like to meet people and he would probably not use the machines. He said it would be during the week and on Saturdays due to his schedule. Mr. Davis said a matinee membership is cheaper but limits the days and times. Mr. Christ said the Commission is proving that charity and community service work is a thankless job and that this is not big time money. Mr. Summers said that is not the issue, it is that everyone would want this. Mrs. Koppin suggested a 10 visit pass. Mr. Christ said that wouldn’t work and that he would leave his card for Mr. Davis to call him. Mr. Christ left the meeting at 7:37 p.m. Reports from Staff – Mr. Johnson asked how the first meeting of the Healthy Livonia Committee went? Mr. Davis said it went well. Mr. Davis said everyone should have received an invitation to the Clement Circle Pool opening. He explained that some pieces of the game room have been moved to the MAC wedge and in September the rest would be moved out and we could program that room. He said we want to get nd birthday parties off the 2 level and we need classroom space. Mrs. Koppin said we haven’t received any comments after moving the two games. There was a discussion of the game room re- design and who uses it. Mr. Condon asked if there has been thought of extending the outdoor pool closings due to the heat? Mr. Davis said Clement Circle will stay open until September 18 but we are hard pressed for lifeguards and we are already short staffed. Mr. Johnson asked who will be at the Clement Circle opening? Mr. Davis said we have not requested RSVP’s, but some of the Department and the Mayor and Commission. Communications Green fee report – July – Mr. Johnson said the warm weather had an impact. Mr. Davis said it is up over last year and over the 5 year average. He said Fox Creek is doing well but Whispering Willows and Idyl Wyld has been hurt a little this year. Mr. Johnson said it seems Whispering is always busy. 409 Report – Mr. Johnson asked what Spartan Distributors is providing. Mr. Davis said it the greens mower. LCRC Package Totals – July 2016 – Mr. Johnson said it is creeping up a little and he hopes the trend continues. LCRC Code of Conduct – There was nothing to report. LCRC Comment Card Report – July 2016 – There were no comments. Commission Meeting 4 August 3, 2016 Letter from Livonia Civic Arenas Re: Capital Improvements made to Eddie Edgar and Devonaire Arenas during fiscal year 2016 – Mr. Summers said this is very impressive. Mr. Johnson said they have put in a lot of things. Mr. Davis said we have a nice relationship and they are doing a good job. There was a discussion on the cost of a Zamboni. Old Business Clement Circle Pool – Mrs. Koppin said it is coming along. Mr. Johnson said it is looking nice and the extra items are really cool. Mr. Davis explained what still needs to be done and said the state th inspection is August 10. He said the Playground Program is testing it on August 12. Mrs. Koppin passed out pictures and explained them. Wolves and Hawks Soccer – Mr. Davis said there is nothing to report. Letters to expired members – Mr. Davis said we still haven’t figured out the Etrak issue. New Business Letter submitted by Edward Davis Re: Park Rules – Mr. Davis said this was brought about at the Legislative Affairs Committee meeting. He said there has been a problem at Bryant Field with people flying model airplanes so the Committee referred it to the Commission to come up with a rule or guidelines regulating or prohibiting use of the aerial models in parks. He explained that several surrounding communities do not allow model airplanes or drones. Mr. Johnson asked if this includes any launch device. Mr. Davis said yes. Mr. Condon suggested listing drones for clarification. Mr. Davis said the Amateur Model Aircraft Association recommends that a flying field be 54 acres and we don’t have that kind of space available. He said we could do it and limit the hours but we don’t want the police to have to monitor that. There was a discussion of other fields and FAA standards. Mr. Condon suggested changing “Commercial activities prohibited” to “Commercial activities prohibited without prior written approval from the Parks and Recreation Commission”. Mr. Johnson said this allows you to control the type of activity occurring there and we can stop it if it creates a health or safety risk. Mr. Condon asked about signage for each park. Mr. Davis said this would go in all of our parks except nature preserves. Mr. Johnson asked what would go on the sign? Mr. Davis said everything would go on it and there would be one at each park. He said the City charter gives the Commission authority to approve rules for parks and it doesn’t need to be a City ordinance. He said the police will enforce our park rules. There was a discussion regarding Commission never having discussed park rules in the past. Mr. Johnson asked if there are any current park rules in the last Master Park Plan? Mrs. Koppin said she’ll check. Mr. Davis said he can’t find any park rules approved by Commission but some are ordinance based. Mr. Johnson asked how it will be policed? Mr. Davis said the same way we do now, three parks are staffed and they would make a call to police. He said one day he would like to have rangers as ordinance officers. Mr. Condon asked if the change will be in the L Magazine and website? Mr. Davis said yes. Mr. Summers said this isn’t anything different than you would see in a Metro Park. Upon a motion made by Mr. Walklin seconded by Mr. Condon, it was #3519-16 RESOLVED, that the Commission accepts the proposed additions to park rules as amended: - Park hours are 6am – dusk - No littering or dumping - No alcohol is permitted unless an alcohol permit is issues - Animals must be kept on a leash and under control of the owner - No motor vehicles on trails or paths - No amplified and loud music unless permitted - No carving, cutting or removal of trees or other natural vegetation - No trapping, capture or frightening of any wild or domestic animals Commission Meeting 5 August 3, 2016 - Pollution of water resources, pools, fountains, ponds, streams or sewers is prohibited - Fires shall be built in designated places only - Commercial activities prohibited without prior written approval from the Parks and Recreation Commission - Playing or practicing of archery or golf, flying motor-driven model air craft, drones, or launch any type of device, regardless of the power source is prohibited - Tents, portable grills, inflatables and large groups (20+) require permit - No livestock/farm animals are permitted A roll call vote was taken on the foregoing resolution with the following results: AYES: Condon, Summers, Walklin and Johnson ABSENT: Kevra The Chairperson declared the resolution adopted Letter from Tom Murphy approved for submission by Edward Davis Re: Lap lane rental fee – Mr. Johnson asked if we are rescinding the previous resolution? Mr. Murphy said it would be cleaner to do a new resolution so the resident and non-resident fee can stay together. Mr. Johnson said we th need the resolution number from the May 4 meeting and then this motion would be to rescind this resolution. There was a discussion on how to handle this. Mr. Condon requested putting this on as Old Business. Mr. Johnson requested a copy of the original resolution from May so it can be rescinded and reformulated at the next meeting. The Chairperson called the meeting adjourned at 8:16 p.m. MARK JOHNSON, CHAIRPERSON PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION NEXT MEETING: WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 2016 AT 7:00 P.M.