PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION                               FEBRUARY 21, 2006

CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF MILFORD                                                            PAGE 1

 

 

 

MEMBERS PRESENT:                 Doug Arrowsmith, Chairman; Marty Drury, Vice Chairman; Commissioners Bill Mazzara, Bob Schwartz, Steve Wolfe

 

ABSENT:                                          Bette Nasholm, John Parks, Bill Terian

 

ALSO PRESENT:                           Bill Serchak, Village Parks & Recreation Liaison; Al Walko, Holly Brandt, Recording Secretary

 

 

Chairman Arrowsmith called the meeting to order at 7:07 p.m.

 

It was determined that a quorum was present.

 

APPROVAL OF MINUTES, JANUARY 17, 2006

Vice-Chairman Drury moved, Commissioner Mazzara seconded to approve the minutes of January 17, 2006 as presented.  Vote unanimously carried.

 

CORRESPONDENCE

The Commissioners discussed an email from Ms. Leah Groya, Township Grant Coordinator (Wade Trim) for the Milford Recreational Trail, which indicated the status of two grants that were applied for.  The grant with the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) Enhancement Program, in the amount of $600,000 is still in the review process.  The grant with Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund (MNRTF), in the amount of $400,000, was denied last year and will be re-submitted for 2006 by the April 1, 2006 deadline.

 

 A proposal for re-submitting the MNRTF grant application from Wade Trim, which included a grant approval timeline, was also discussed.  Commissioner Mazzara commented that the first application was denied due to concern over the ownership and control of the trail, which will be addressed more specifically in the re-submittal.

 

The Commissioners also discussed the report to the Township Board from the Land Acquisition Criteria Committee (LACC) a/k/a Milford Open Space Team (MOST).  Commissioner Mazzara said the report was sent to the Planning Commission for their review and input.  The criteria in the report will most likely become part of an ordinance.  They felt this item should be discussed with Commissioner Terian present as he served on the LACC/MOST.

 

PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION                               FEBRUARY 21, 2006

CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF MILFORD                                                            PAGE 2

 

CALL TO THE PUBLIC

Mr. Al Walko, 1865 Orchard Hill, Milford, presented a request to install a safety path along N. Milford Road from Rowe Road with a connection to village sidewalks.  The Commissioners and Mr. Walko discussed locating a path there and felt this was an excellent idea however there was no funding for such a project.

 

It was noted for the record that Vice-Chairman Drury left the meeting at 7:25 p.m., which left the meeting without a quorum.

 

Commissioner Mazzara stated that the Planning Commission is currently reviewing the Township Master Plan and he would ask them to address having an ordinance requiring developers install a safety path when a site is developed.

 

Commissioner Mazzara announced that the Township Board approved the sponsorship request from Doug Klingensmith, Director of the Huron Valley Running Club however they stipulated that they did not want any spray paint markings on trees or roads.

 

It was noted for the record that Commissioner Mazzara left the meeting at 7:30 p.m.

 

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

MILFORD RECREATIONAL TRAIL

Engineering/Grant Update

Schedule of Key Dates/Timeline

The Commission noted that these items were addressed previously in the meeting.

 

FRIENDS OF MILFORD SKATEPARK (FoMSP) UPDATE

There was no one present to address this item.

 

VILLAGE PARKS & RECREATION UPDATE

Spring Community Picnic

Mr. Serchak stated that the date for the picnic would be Saturday, May 13, 2006 in Central Park.  Village Parks & Recreation members on this event committee are Bill Serchack and Jennifer Davis.  Township Parks & Recreation members serving on this committee are Bill Mazzara and John Parks.

 

Mrs. Brandt noted that the deadline for the next Community Newsletter is April 13, 2006 with an expected mailing date of May 1st if they would like to announce the picnic.

 

PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION                               FEBRUARY 21, 2006

CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF MILFORD                                                            PAGE 3

 

The Commissioners discussed sending an email request for volunteers for the picnic.  Mrs. Brandt responded that she would send that out prior to the next meeting.  They also discussed posting the event on the township’s website and decided to approach the Township Board to revamp the website to allow greater visibility of Parks & Recreation events and other community events.

 

COMMISSION VACANCY

Chairman Arrowsmith noted that Commissioner Drury mentioned that Ms. Alessandra Navetta, LACC, may be interested in the vacancy. 

 

NEW BUSINESS

There was no new business.

 

The Commissioners stated they would like to address a Parks & Recreation web page for the township’s website and the LACC/MOST Report at next month’s meeting.

 

COMMISSIONER’S COMMENTS

Commissioner Schwartz related his recent surgery and cancer treatment.  He thanked everyone for their encouragement and support and for the Parks & Recreation shirt.

 

NEXT MEETING

Monday, March 20, 2006 at 7:00 p.m. in the Milford Police Department Conference Room.

 

ADJOURN

Chairman Arrowsmith adjourned the meeting at 7:47 p.m.

 

Charter Township of Milford,

 

 

 

Douglas Arrowsmith

Chairman