MEMBERS PRESENT: Marty Drury, Chairman; Steve Wolfe, Vice-Chairman; Lewis Tripp, Secretary; Commissioners Bill Mazzara, John Parks, Bob Schwartz,
ABSENT: Bette Nasholm, Treasurer
ALSO PRESENT: Jim Kropp, Kensington Metropark Planner; Ken Bartoluzzi, Village Parks & Recreation Liaison; Ric Mueller, Friends of Milford Skate Park Chair; Sandi Hinzmann, Recording Secretary
Chairman Drury called the meeting to order at 7:02 p.m.
It was determined that a quorum was present.
Commissioner Parks moved,
Commissioner Wolfe seconded to approve the meeting minutes of January 18, 2005
as presented. Vote unanimously carried.
No new correspondence.
There were no comments from the public.
MILFORD – KENSINGTON TRAIL LINK
Grant Update
Chairman Drury stated there was no additional information on trail engineering or grant submission to provided an update.
Mr. Kropp reported the HCMA was contacted by Wade-Trim for the two parties to meet and work out a maintenance agreement. Meeting is set for Friday, February 25th. He noted the trail north of General Motors road would be township’s responsibility. The township will most likely have to enter into an agreement with Milford Village on maintenance for portion running on village owned property. Maintenance of the trail south of General Motors Road will be the responsibility of the HCMA.
CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF MILFORD PAGE 2
Chairman Drury said he would speak with Supervisor Green to see if a quarterly update could be provided for trail engineering and grant status.
Village Segment - Commissioner Mazzara said he had spoken with Village Parks and Recreation Chairman Brien Worrell regarding funding of the village segment by a grant obtained by either the village or township.
SKATEPARK
Mr. Ric Mueller, Chairman of the Friends of Milford Skate Park Citizens Committee (FMSK) presented an update as follows:
· A website is up and running - www.skatemilford.com.
· Meetings are on the second and forth Monday evenings of each month at 7 p.m. at South Hill Church, 1250 South Hill Road, Milford.
· Standard Logo is in the selection process.
· An article will be in the February 24th edition of the Milford Times. Mr. Mueller said his interview outlined objectives to boost interest and inform the community about the Skate Park, his passion for seeking to provide area youth with this type of recreation and his appeal for donations of time or money.
· Working on getting into community schools for parent and child involvement and information fan-out. The Commissioners discussed possible ways of disseminating information though the Huron Valley School District, which reaches surrounding communities.
· At the March 14th Meeting, a representative from a company, which sells modular skate park systems, will give a presentation. Mr. Mueller said he feels this will be a good opportunity to gain information and find out about the pros and cons of modular equipment.
· Mr. Mueller said he is open to all ideas and suggestions and feels passionately about providing something for the youth of this community.
The Commissioners and Mr. Mueller discussed Skate Park tourism and using this avenue as a way to gain DDA support. In other communities skate parks have generated business and activities to surrounding down towns. Commissioner Wolfe referenced a study on the impact on local economy from the Paint Creek Trail.
Bottle/Can Drive
The bottle drive had a good turnout resulting in the collection of $906.00.
Fundraising Efforts
To focus on Fundraising efforts sub-committees have been established.
CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF MILFORD PAGE 3
1. T-shirts - Greg and Angie Koenig (owners of Aura Board Sports), featuring committee logo. Target price of $12-15 dollars.
2. Public Relations – Bill Mazzara will be duplicating the rendering of the conceptual Skate Park. The rendering will be placed on collection jars and included on informational brochures, with the goal of creating recognition and recruiting volunteers.
3. Bottled Water - Marty Drury is working on this campaign. Private label bottled water can be purchased from Gordon Food Service in quantities of a 1,000. At least two advertisers will be sought to offset the cost. Possible advertisers were discussed along with locations and events for sales.
4. Letter Writing - Carol Husman is working on a letter to mail directly to all residents providing information on the skate park and requesting donations. She is working on creating an outline for the youth to follow in writing their own letters to corporations or large donors for financial support.
5. Grants - Ric Mueller, the Friends of Milford Skate Park is not yet a 501C3 but he has an appointment with Bette Nasholm to put paperwork together.
6. Competitive Type Fundraising - looking into having an organization come and set up a skating exhibition featuring skating tricks and stunts. The entrée fees create the revenue.
Chairman Drury implored members to get involved in FOMSP committee and support this initiative and share Mr. Mueller's enthusiasm.
COMMISSION VACANCIES
Chairman Drury said there are two vacancies if anyone knows someone interested in youth or recreation please let him know.
The Commissioners discussed the possible appointment of Mr. Mueller to the Parks and Recreation Commission. Chairman Drury stated Supervisor Green would be looking into whether or not this would create a conflict of interest.
WELCOME NEW OFFICERS FOR 2005
Officers for 2005 as follows:
Betty Nasholm Treasurer.
Lewis Tripp for Secretary.
Steve Wolfe for Vice-Chairman
Marty Drury for Chairman.
CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF MILFORD PAGE 4
Chairman Drury said he is excited to take on the role of Chairman and move forward on the Skate Park.
TOWNSHIP PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION NOTICE
Chairman Drury requested that Recording Secretary Brandt check on what is required to have the Parks and Recreation Commission meetings listed in the Milford Times Municipal Calendar and the Friends of Milford Skate Park Committee meeting posted in the Milford Times Community Calendar.
PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN REVIEW/UPDATE
Chairman Drury asked that the Commissioners look through the Master Plan and prioritize goals to discuss at next month’s meeting. The Commissioners discussed the advantages of reviewing the Master Plan and, specifically, the goals now that they are half way though 5-year plan, since the main focus in creating the plan was as a requirement for grant applications.
The Commissioners discussed ways to go about obtaining/creating a township park. The newly formed Land Acquisition Criteria Committee is establishing guidelines for land purchases.
TOWNSHIP PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION FREQUENCY
Chairman Drury asked if the commissioners felt monthly meeting are necessary. The Commissioners felt that regular monthly meetings are important for moving forward and staying up to date on trail progress.
Commissioner Mazzara felt it is important to publicize the Parks and Recreation Commission though creation of an identifiable logo. An established identity is necessary for recognition. Chairman Drury encouraged someone to take initiative to work on logo. Commissioner Wolfe said he will look into creation of a logo. The commissioners discussed the idea of approaching local high school art programs. The goal of a logo is for letterhead, brochures, and T-shirts.
VILLAGE PARKS AND RECREATION CENTRAL PARK MASTER PLAN
Mr. Bartoluzzi explained that the Village Parks and Recreation Master Plan he highlighted the following items under consideration:
· Updates and improvements to Central Park.
· Redoing Veterans memorial in Central Park.
· Liberty Street underpass for pedestrian access to baseball fields.
Chairman Drury said it appears that the DDA is looking at taking on Central Park as a project. Mr. Bartoluzzi said the DDA looks for ways to improve the downtown area and its seems the Liberty Street underpass is a major focus.
CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF MILFORD PAGE 5
Mr. Bartoluzzi asked if the Commission would like him to continue to explore the idea of a temporary skate park location in Central Park. The commissioners discussed liability and funding issues related the Central Park location. Chairman Drury encouraged commissioners to attend the Village Parks and Recreation Committee meeting on March 2nd.
The Village Parks and Recreation Commission meetings are the first Wednesday of each month.
Commissioner Tripp said the new stormwater regulations encourage, and in some cases require, natural plant materials.
Chairman Drury requested more copies of the Skate Park Feasibility Study.
Monday, March 21, 2005, at 7:00 p.m., Milford Township Conference Room.
Commissioner Wolfe moved, Commissioner Tripp seconded to adjourned the meeting at 8:28 p.m.
Charter Township of Milford,
Lewis Tripp,
Secretary