Aerial view showing location of trail improvements at Gallup Park. (Links to larger image.)

The council approved the grant application as a part of the consent agenda at its April 7, 2014 meeting. The consent agenda is a group of items that are voted on all in one go.

The city will be applying for a grant from the federal transportation alternatives program (TAP), which is administered in this region by the Southeast Michigan Council of Governments (SEMCOG) and statewide by the Michigan Dept. of Transportation (MDOT). The grant funds, if awarded, would fund renovation of the pathway from the Geddes Dam at the east end of the Gallup Park pathway, to the parking lot east of Huron Parkway. The work would include the loop that leads around that part of the park. Total length of the pathway to be renovated is about two miles.

Funds would be used to renovate the path from the Geddes Dam at the east end of the Gallup Park pathway, to the parking lot east of Huron Parkway. The project also entails renovations to the large loop that encircles that portion of the park, totaling about 2 miles of trail. The application amount hasn’t yet been determined, but will likely be for $400,000 to $500,000. The entire project budget is in the $600,000 range, with likely about $200,000 in matching funds to come from the city’s parks and recreation maintenance and capital improvements millage.

The city would provide the $200,000 in grant matching funds from the parks and recreation capital improvements millage.

This brief was filed from the city council’s chambers on the second floor of city hall located at 301 E. Huron.

Site plan for Staebler Farm.

Commissioners approved an application to the Michigan Dept. of Natural Resources trust fund for a grant to help develop Staebler Farm for recreational use. WCPARC has owned the 98-acre property in Superior Township since 2001, and Donald Staebler – who is 103 years old – still lives there in a lifetime agreement with WCPARC. The plan calls for adding fishing piers to the property’s two ponds, as well as putting in a trail system and other features. A second phase might involve developing a farm incubator program.

Commissioners also awarded $600,000 in grants through WCPARC’s Connecting Communities program, which supports trail projects throughout the county. Grants were given to projects in Ann Arbor Township, Northfield Township, Pittsfield Township, and the village of Manchester.

In non-voting business, WCPARC director Bob Tetens gave an update on the east county recreation center, a proposed partnership between the city of Ypsilanti and WCPARC in which the city would supply the property and WCPARC would provide the building. The center would be located on part of the 38-acre Water Street redevelopment area. Tetens said they’ve been working with the city of Ypsilanti on a development agreement.

Ypsilanti mayor Paul Schreiber and city councilmember Pete Murdock both spoke to the commission about Water Street during public commentary. Schreiber told commissioners that he wasn’t aware of any “show-stopping” issues. He also gave an update on Water Street Flats, an apartment project that’s planned for the site. The complex would be rental apartments for residents with between 50-90% of area median income.

In other action, commissioners approved about $500,000 for repairs at the Rolling Hills water park, and were briefed on several financial reports and project updates.

An issue that had been raised during public commentary at the Feb. 11, 2014 meeting emerged again on March 11: How should deer overpopulation be managed? Two residents – Maurita Holland and Barb Lucas – urged commissioners to play a role in dealing with the issue, which is affecting WCPARC parks and preserves. “We know there’s a lot of political fallout and a lot of education that needs to be done,” Holland said. She reported that a new group has formed – Washtenaw County for Ecological Balance. Members of WCEB include Larry Kestenbaum, Washtenaw County’s clerk/register of deeds, and Chris Graham, who serves on Ann Arbor’s environmental commission.

Commissioners discussed the issue at length. Jan Anschuetz advocated for a cautious approach, noting that it’s a complex problem that needs to be addressed by multiple entities, not just WCPARC. She also expressed concern that action by WCPARC could affect the 10-year renewal of the operations millage that WCPARC expects to be put on the November 2014 ballot. “If we do something that displeases our public, we will not have a millage and will not have a parks commission and we will not have a preserve,” she said.

Janis Bobrin noted that in this community, “If we start talking about killing anything, there are people who will just not hear anything after that.” There’s the actual management of the problem, she said, but also a major education piece that’s needed. “How do we begin to get a dialogue that isn’t one camp against another? That would seem to be a productive first step.”

Tetens told commissioners that WCPARC has applied for a $29,960 grant through the Michigan Dept. of Natural Resources wildlife habitat grant program. Those funds would allow WCPARC to quantify the deer impact on county parks and preserves more precisely. Everyone agrees that the growing deer population is a problem, Tetens said, but “nobody can solve it on their own.”

Commissioners also authorized Tetens to draft a letter opposing a proposed sand and gravel mine that McCoig Materials wants to start in Lyndon Township, on 189 acres north of Chelsea on M-52. The rural site is located near several parks and nature areas, including Waterloo State Recreation Area, the Pinckney State Recreation Area, Park Lyndon, the Green Lake Camping area, and the Waterloo-Pinckney Hiking Trail. WCPARC has been interested in buying the property for at least two decades, and is hoping to work with the current landowner to add the site to the county’s nature preserves, rather than being mined.

The March 11 meeting began with a moment of silence for Fred Veigel, a long-time parks & recreation commissioner who represented the road commission on WCPARC. He died on March 2. Commissioners also passed a resolution of appreciation for his work. A replacement to WCPARC will be appointed from one of the current three road commissioners: Barb Fuller, Doug Fuller or Bill McFarlane.

Staebler Farm

The meeting included two items related to a Michigan Dept. of Natural Resources trust fund grant application for Staebler Farm: a public hearing, and a presentation to commissioners about the project.

Coy Vaughn, WCPARC’s deputy director, told commissioners that this is a resubmission of an application that was originally made in 2013. Feedback from the state was that the original project emphasis was weighted too much toward preservation, education and agriculture, and not enough toward recreation. So WCPARC withdrew the application, modified it, and is resubmitting for the current grant cycle. “We’re confident that we have a much stronger application,” Vaughn said. [.pdf of staff memo]

By way of background, commissioners had approved the 2013 grant application at their March 12, 2013 meeting. The public hearing at that time had drawn four nearby property owners who raised concerns about trespassing. No one spoke at the public hearing on March 11.

First phase of the master plan for Staebler Farm.

The $300,000 grant would help a master plan for the Staebler Farm County Park. The 98-acre property, which straddles Plymouth Road in Superior Township, had been a family farm for nearly a century. WCPARC has owned the property since 2001, but Don Staebler – who is 103 years old – still resides there under a lifetime agreement with WCPARC. A farmer also raises hay on several acres south of Plymouth Road. Fleming Creek runs through the property, and it has frontage on Frains and Murray lakes. [For additional background, see Chronicle coverage: "County Parks: Options for Staebler Farm."]

The acreage on the south side of Plymouth Road, where Staebler lives and which is still being farmed – will be part of a second phase, Vaughn explained. So the initial phase to develop for recreational use will focus on the north side of Plymouth. There are two ponds that were created as a result of the construction of M-14. There’s a demand for fishing from the public, he said, so the application is proposing a parking lot, a trail system with a pavilion and restroom, some improvements to Fleming Creek, and fishing piers in each pond. Vaughn noted that fishing piers receive extra points on the trust fund applications.

Eventually, the site will provide a learning center to teach the history of farming, including sustainable farming practices that are currently used. “We don’t want this to just be a farm theme park,” Vaughn said. “We want it to be an active farm.”

The total project is expected to cost about $700,000. WCPARC is asking for the maximum amount from the trust fund – $300,o00 – with the remainder coming from a $400,000 WCPARC match.

Rolland Sizemore Jr. asked if WCPARC would need to find a way to let people cross Plymouth Road. Vaughn said they hoped to discourage that, so the design will reflect that. Fences will be installed on both sides of the road, for example.

Sizemore then said he’d gone out to talk with Staebler recently, and had gotten the impression that Staebler was worried about upkeep on the property. “It’s the county’s building now, but it’s not up to our standards,” he said. He suggested spending $5,000 or $6,000 to clean it up and add gravel to the driveway. Sizemore also suggested organizing a volunteer day to help with the cleanup.

Vaughn replied that Staebler and his family have been part of the design process. Jan Anschuetz noted that a video interview of Staebler is posted online.

Dan Ezekiel, the newest WCPARC member and former chair of the Ann Arbor greenbelt advisory commission.

Evan Pratt clarified with Vaughn that revisions to the plan are still in line with what WCPARC wants to accomplish. Vaughn noted that Superior Township has also seen the new plans and is supportive. Pratt then asked if a farm management plan would be developed for the site, for the portion of the site that is being actively farmed. WCPARC director Bob Tetens said the tricky thing is that not a lot can be done while Staebler lives on the property. However, WCPARC has talked with Michigan State University about the possibility of a farm incubator program, Tetens said, as well as with the Veterans Affairs hospital about a possible program for veterans who are receiving treatment.

Dan Ezekiel noted that there’s a lot of pent-up demand for fishing, so he was glad to see the fishing piers as part of the project. He also supported the idea of a farm incubator. Pointing to the dramatic decrease in the butterfly population, Ezekiel wondered whether this project could incorporate habitat for butterflies – particularly the Monarch – into the pasture and meadow areas. Other commissioners and staff supported his suggestion.

Janis Bobrin clarified with Tetens that the fishing piers would be accessible to those with disabilities. Tetens replied that the plan’s goal is for universal accessibility throughout the site.

Jan Anschuetz noted that the County Farm Park’s playground has a farm theme, and she wondered if the playground on the Staebler Farm would also have that theme. “Everything we do out there is going to have a farm theme,” Tetens replied.

Sizemore asked if the project would include a petting zoo. It won’t, Tetens replied. Anschuetz noted the proximity to Domino’s Farms, which has a petting farm, and said WCPARC wouldn’t want to compete with a private enterprise.

Outcome: Commissioners unanimously approved applying for the MDNR trust fund grant for Staebler Farm.

Connecting Communities Grants

At WCPARC’s Feb. 11, 2014 meeting, commissioners had reviewed applications for this year’s cycle of Connecting Communities grants, which covered six proposed projects. Staff made recommendations for commissioners to review and approve on March 11. [.pdf of February staff memo] [.pdf of applications] [.pdf of March staff memo with recommendations]

Coy Vaughn, WCPARC deputy director.

By way of background, in May 2009 WCPARC authorized the Connecting Communities initiative. The program makes up to $600,000 available annually from 2010 through 2014 – a total of $3 million – toward the cost of eligible trail projects. According to a staff memo, “eligible projects will be those that accomplish the Commission’s primary objective of providing valuable non-motorized connections between communities and activity centers, offering a healthy alternative for recreation, transportation, fitness, and energy conservation.” Grant recipients have two years to fulfill any contingencies, such as acquiring grants from other organizations.

As an example, the city of Ann Arbor was granted $300,000 in 2013 (of total cost of $1 million) for 1,500 feet of trail, part of a project for the “development of pathways, storm water features to improve the quality of Allen Creek … on property which will serve as a trailhead for the proposed Allen Creek Greenway.” The site includes city property at 721 N. Main. Paths would connect Felch Street to both North Main and west Summit Street. The proposal stated that the city would also apply for a match from the Michigan Dept. of Natural Resources trust fund (MDNRTF), and that the city would consider using the adopt-a-park program to help maintain the facility. The grant required success with the MDNRTF, but the city’s application in 2013 failed. The city has another year to try again.

WCPARC developed criteria for selecting projects, which include 10 primary considerations. Among those considerations are projects that provide important links between communities, parks and other points of interest, that are adjacent to waterways, or that are major multi-jurisdictional efforts. There are 14 types of projects that generally are not eligible, such as trails solely within existing local parks.

Applicants must document a compelling need for a project. Six criteria that are used to evaluate the projects. For example, projects are evaluated based on whether they directly relate to the county’s important natural features, such as a river. The Huron River corridor is WCPARC’s highest priority. Five secondary criteria – such as land availability, or the likelihood of funding from other sources – are then applied to high-ranking projects.

The process for selecting projects to be funded involves a staff review of the applications. The projects are then presented to the Greenways Advisory Committee, which provides input that staff uses to prioritize the applications and make recommendations to WCPARC for final approval.

Connecting Communities: Applications & Staff Recommendations – Ann Arbor Township

Ann Arbor Township applied for $300,000. The total project cost is $1.2 million for two miles of pedestrian and bicycle trail connecting Parker Mill and Plymouth Road along Dixboro Road, to connect to the Parker Mill trail at Geddes and Dixboro on the south, and the proposed trail from Plymouth/Dixboro to Main Street/Cherry Hill on the north.

Evan Pratt, county water resources commissioner, and Patricia Scribner, Pittsfield Township treasurer. They both serve on the county parks & recreation commission.

The application states that other confirmed project funders include $600,000 in private donor matching funds. Potential project funders include the Michigan Dept. of Natural Resources trust fund, the Washtenaw County road commission, the Michigan Dept. of Transportation alternatives program, and additional private donors. It’s part of a broader project that WCPARC has taken the lead on, hoping to build partnerships with the township and the University of Michigan to create a north-south Border-to-Border trail connection. The township has received no previous grants from the Connecting Communities program.

Dan Smith noted that he had attended a forum the previous night hosted by Ann Arbor Township about non-motorized pathways. He’d talked with some residents who live on Geddes Road, as well as someone from Pittsfield Township who rides mountain bikes in that area. Smith said he’d been taken aback because these people weren’t too keen about the trail project. The residents were concerned about increased traffic and parking. Parker Mill is already a popular destination. And the mountain biker prefers natural trails over engineered trails, Smith said. “You can’t make everybody happy, he said, adding that he fully supported this project.

WCPARC director Bob Tetens said they try to make the trails accessible to the broadest possible number of people. Last year, he noted, a cyclist had been hit along that section of road, so a non-motorized trail is needed in that area.

Evan Pratt clarified with staff that Ann Arbor Township had never received an MDNR trust fund grant. He suggested that WCPARC staff help out with the application. Tetens said that the staff works with all of the entities that apply for trust fund grants, when WCPARC is offering matching funds. Pratt said he knew that applications including regional trails score higher.

Responding to a query from Bob Marans, Vaughn indicated that the township hadn’t completed its design of the trails yet, but that WCPARC will be involved in that process.

Jan Anschuetz noted that the broader project has been on WCPARC’s “dream list” for more than 20 years, and they’ve put a lot of energy into it. “My poor husband has become a very old man – I don’t know if he’ll be able to walk this trail,” she quipped.

Tetens noted that the university hasn’t always been interested in providing trail connections in its property, which includes the Matthaei Botanical Gardens. But there are some new people who want to make it happen now, he said.

Staff recommendation: $250,000.

Connecting Communities: Applications & Staff Recommendations – Village of Manchester

The village of Manchester applied for $150,000 (of $225,000 total cost) to improve an existing rail bed owned by the village into a walking/biking trail traversing the entire community and linking several parks, businesses, schools, and neighborhoods, ending at the county’s Leonard Preserve.

The Chelsea Area Wellness Foundation will provide $100,000, and the Kiwanis Club of Manchester another $2,000. Potential additional funders include community fundraising and private donations; and grants such as the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (MAP-21); Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) and Surface Transportation Program (STP), which are both programs of the Federal Highway Administration in the federal Dept. of Transportation; and the Rails to Trails Conservancy.

The village had previously been awarded $150,000 from the Connecting Communities program in 2011, which it planned to use as matching funds for a Michigan Dept of Natural Resources trust fund grant. However, it decided not to apply for that grant, so the WCPARC funds weren’t awarded. The village now intends to apply for the state grant this year. WCPARC considers this a renewal of the previous 2011 grant, so the money won’t come from the $600,000 in Connecting Communities funds that are available this year.

Staff recommendation: $150,000 (renewal).

Connecting Communities: Applications & Staff Recommendations – Northfield Township

Northfield Township applied for $260,000 (of $600,000 total cost) for 2,925 feet of trail along Barker Road in Whitmore Lake, connecting Whitmore Lake’s downtown with the Northfield Township Library and Whitmore Lake Elementary School. This is the third phase of a project that received $120,000 in 2010 and $250,000 in 2011 from the Connecting Communities program.

Other confirmed project funders are $60,000 from Northfield Township, $60,000 from the Whitmore Lake Downtown Development Authority, $1,000 from the Northfield Area Chamber of Commerce, and $1,000 from the Kiwanis.

Staff recommendation: $250,000.

Connecting Communities: Applications & Staff Recommendations – Pittsfield Township

Pittsfield Township applied for $400,000 (of total cost of $1.9 million) for 1.8 miles of trail, phase 2 of the Lohr-Textile greenway, extending it east from the corner of Lohr and Textile, on Textile, to the Marshview Meadow Park and the Pittsfield Preserve.

Grants from WCPARC’s Connecting Communities project to the township were $300,000 in 2010; $290,000 in 2011; and $150,000 in 2013. Those 2013 funds were intended as matching funds for a MDNR trust fund grant, which the township did not secure.

Confirmed funding is from Pittsfield Township (up to $400,000); and MDOT/SEMCOG through the federal Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) program ($1,064,708).

Bob Tetens noted that this project is compatible with the township’s State Road corridor improvement authority project. Coy Vaughn pointed out that Pittsfield Township has received more money from Connecting Communities and other WCPARC sources than other communities, but the township has been successful in completing its projects and in leveraging WCPARC’s money to secure other funds.

Staff recommendations: $250,000 as matching funds for the TAP grant. (Includes $100,000 in new Connecting Community funds, and renewal of the $150,000 from 2013.)

Connecting Communities: Applications & Staff Recommendations – Ypsilanti Township

Ypsilanti Township applied for $240,000 for two projects totaling 3,032 feet (total cost of $240,000). One project (2,032 feet) would run along the east side of Tuttle Hill Road from Textile Road north across South Huron River Drive and into Ford Lake Park. The other (1,000 feet) would run on the south side of Textile from just east of South Huron River Drive to the entrance of Lakeview mobile homes.

The township received WCPARC funding for trail projects in 2010, 2011 and 2013.

Bob Tetens noted that one of the criteria for new Connecting Communities funding is that any previously funded project must be completed. The township is still working on finishing the trail that was funded by WCPARC in 2013, he said.

Staff recommendation: No funding for this cycle.

Outcome: Commissioners unanimously approved all staff recommendations for Connecting Communities grants.

Connecting Communities: Next Steps

Bob Marans noted that this is the last year of the five-year Connecting Communities program. He wondered if WCPARC staff was going to recommend continuing it. “There’s always that option,” Bob Tetens replied.

From left: Washtenaw County commissioners Rolland Sizemore Jr. (D-District 5) and Dan Smith (R-District 2) also serve on WCPARC.

Tetens told commissioners that the program has been extremely popular. In surveys of county residents, trails and open space typically rate the highest in terms of support. The Connecting Communities program was developed because WCPARC was receiving a lot of requests from local communities for help with trail projects, and it was difficult to objectively evaluate each project when there weren’t other projects to compare against.

Every year, requests are typically double the amount of available funding, Tetens said. In looking ahead, WCPARC staff had looked at using the funds that would be available after the end of the Connecting Communities program to instead fund debt payments from the proposed east county recreation center, if WCPARC decides to bond for that project. But given the popularity of Connecting Communities, Tetens said, the staff will likely propose keeping some version of it – assuming that the WCPARC operations millage is renewed by voters.

Rolland Sizemore Jr. jokingly asked if some of the money can be used to repair roads. Tetens noted that WCPARC has funded some road shoulder projects, in partnership with the road commission. WCPARC is usually involved in any significant trail project in the county, Tetens said. Much of that is through the Border-to-Border Trail project. In addition to projects in the Connecting Communities program, other trail projects are in the works for North Territorial, and an effort to connect Dexter and Chelsea, among others.

Dan Smith clarified that Tetens anticipates continuing Connecting Communities, but it’s contingent on the millage renewal. That’s right, Tetens replied. “It would be hard to do it if we don’t have that assured cash flow.”

Eastern County Recreation Center

WCPARC director Bob Tetens gave an update on the east county recreation center, a proposed partnership between the city of Ypsilanti and WCPARC in which the city would supply the property and WCPARC would provide the building. The Ann Arbor Y would then contract with WCPARC to manage the center, which would be located on part of the 38-acre Water Street redevelopment area. [For additional background, see Chronicle coverage from WCPARC's Dec. 10, 2013 meeting.]

Tetens said they’ve been working with the city of Ypsilanti on a development agreement. “There are some terms that we’re not fully comfortable with, and I think the city probably has the same feeling,” he said. WCPARC staff have met with attorneys several times to review the agreement, and work on that continues. He thought he’d have a better sense of how it was progressing at the commission’s April meeting.

Paul Schreiber, mayor of Ypsilanti, told commissioners that he wasn’t aware of any “show-stopping” issues.

Earlier in the meeting, Schreiber had spoken during public commentary to update WCPARC on actions by the city of Ypsilanti that affect the rec center. The previous week, on March 4, the Ypsilanti city council approved a purchase agreement for Water Street Flats, a development with 90 residential units. He thought it was something that’s good for the city.

Paul Schreiber, mayor of Ypsilanti.

The complex will be rental apartments for residents who earn 50-90% of area median income. For Ypsilanti, that comes out to market rate, he said. So it’s market-rate housing, Schreiber said, that’s being financed through low-income housing tax credits.

The apartments will bring more people to that area, Schreiber said. The development won’t be next to the rec center, but will be nearby – on the south edge of the Water Street property. He thought the complex would attract young professionals making $30,000 to $40,000 a year, just starting out after graduating from Eastern Michigan University or other institutions. There will be some Section 8 housing, he said. Other properties by the same developer – Herman and Kittle Properties – have had Section 8 units for between 4% and 21% of the entire development, he noted. Since this location is on the river, near downtown and the Border-to-Border Trail, “I think we’re going to be on the low end of that [percentage],” he said.

Schreiber told commissioners that there had been a “lot of spirited discussion against it,” but the majority of the Ypsilanti city council decided to approve it. The developer is applying for tax credits and financing. That’s a competitive process, he noted, so it’s still unclear how it will turn out.

Schreiber felt that the project fits in with the rest of the Water Street plans, including the rec center and WCPARC’s goals. Construction would be in 2015, with completion likely in 2016.

Ypsilanti city councilmember Pete Murdock also addressed commissioners, noting that the developer still owns similar properties that it built, “so they’re not just getting in on the front end and then leaving.” He said the developer would also be building a lot of infrastructure that would serve the rest of the site, including several roads, sidewalks and utilities.

Responding to a query from Rolland Sizemore Jr., Murdock said that even if the rec center isn’t built, the apartment project would move forward.

Rolling Hills Water Park Repairs

WCPARC director Bob Tetens described this item as the “convergence of several problems.” Part of the issue is related to the capital improvement program, but a lot is tied to conformance with current regulations, he said.

From the staff memo:

A few years ago, through dye testing, we discovered the Lazy River was leaking water from four of the seven floor and wall expansion joints. As result, this past fall we removed one of the leaking joints to investigate the extent of the problem. It was confirmed that the rubber membrane in the expansion joints had failed causing the leak. To remedy the situation each expansion joint will be removed and replaced.

The operation of the pools and Lazy River are regulated by several County/State and Federal codes or guidelines. One of these is the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act (VGBA) of 2008 (with updates in 2011). This Act was enacted to prevent hazards of drain entrapments in public pools and spas. Since enactment of the VGBA, we initiated replacement of drain grates throughout the Main Pool facility to comply with the 2008 requirements. However, the drain grates within the Lazy River have not been replaced due to their custom configurations and other needed modifications. Now VGBA and State regulations mandate further changes be made to the drain sump structures and grates to be compliant.

“Slide Mountain” and its associate stairway system are some of the original features of the Waterpark. Over time through regular patron usage and weather, the stairs have developed significant deterioration requiring extensive repair and reconstruction.

Due to the complexity of the project work, Stantec Consulting of Michigan (a local engineering firm) was hired to evaluate the above issues and recommend corrective measures to address each. As a result, an RFP was developed and structured to allow a portion of the work to be completed this spring before opening, then resume after Labor Day shut-down. The scope of work is somewhat specialize and the documentation required perspective bidders to demonstrate previous years of experience with this type of project. [.pdf of full staff memo]

Four bids were received in response to the RFP. The low bid was by Baruzzini Construction Co. of Brighton, for $497,549. The firm had worked on the water slide addition last year and is familiar with the Rolling Hills facility, according to the staff memo. Baruzzini also is doing work on Rutherford Pool in Ypsilanti.

The staff recommended approval of this contract with Baruzzini, plus a $35,000 contingency for potential change orders.

Outcome: Commissioners unanimously approved the contract for work at the Rolling Hills water park.

Communications & Commentary

Each WCPARC meeting includes opportunities for public commentary, as well as various communications from staff and commissioners. Here are some highlights.

Communications & Commentary: Deer Management

Two people spoke on the issue of deer damage in the county. Maurita Holland noted that she’d spoken to commissioners at their previous meeting, on Feb. 11, 2014. A group has formed called Washtenaw County for Ecological Balance, she reported, with members including Larry Kestenbaum [Washtenaw County's clerk/register of deeds] and Chris Graham [who serves on Ann Arbor's environmental commission].

Maurita Holland.

Holland pointed out that Time magazine had a picture of a deer on the cover of its last issue in 2013. A chart in the article shows that the deer population has grown more than any other animal since the middle of the last century. In the past 50 years, the U.S. deer population has increased about 800% to about 32 million head, she noted.

The Forest Preserves of Cook County, in Chicago, has developed a sustainability plan, Holland reported, which includes an annual cull of deer. She reported that the city of Jackson, Michigan, has been culling deer for several years. During that time, about 500 deer have been culled in the city and provided to food pantries there.

Holland concluded by asking commissioners what they needed. “We do understand that the political part of this is undoubtedly much more difficult than getting the MDNR in here with a special permit, if you were to vote as a board to do that,” she said. “We know there’s a lot of political fallout and a lot of education that needs to be done.” The new group is very dedicated to this cause, she said, but only in ways that can be as positive as possible.

Barb Lucas also spoke on this issue. She is contracted by Washtenaw County to do environmental shows on WEMU and Community Television Network – called the Green Room. The November show on WEMU focused on deer overpopulation. It had been very illuminating to interview different stakeholders about it, she said, and it led her to feel that people need to find commonalities because there are such passionate feelings on all sides.

Both sides want to preserve life, Lucas said. If the animal rights supporters were educated about the “web of life” and how there are so many different creatures that depend on the ecosystem, they might have a different view. If deer graze heavily in an area, other species will suffer and starve to death, she said. Animal rights activists talk about “species elitism,” Lucas said, so that’s something to talk about – whether it’s better to protect a “charismatic” species like deer or to protect a range of other species too. That might be a way to find common ground, rather than to start by talking about culling deer, which would “polarize everybody immediately,” she said. Lucas concluded by urging commissioners to listen to the Green Room segment on this issue.

Holland spoke again, noting that she’d spoken with Ann Arbor city councilmember Sabra Briere. Holland said that Briere was also very concerned about this issue, and had indicated that she’d be contacting WCPARC because it was a good idea to talk about how this affects both the city and the county. The deer right now are in the county’s northwest quadrant, Holland said, and are moving towards Ann Arbor. “This is going to be a moving target,” she said.

Communications & Commentary: Deer Management – Commission Discussion

Later in the meeting, WCPARC director Bob Tetens noted that the board packet included some material related to this issue. [.pdf of February 2014 staff report on deer populations in county parks] [.pdf of Feb. 17, 2014 Inside Michigan Politics article] [.pdf of Meridian Township deer management plan] [.pdf of 2012 Ann Arbor Observer article]

Tetens thanked Holland and Lucas for providing more information, and told commissioners that WCPARC staff would be collecting as much information as possible. He reported that WCPARC has applied for a $29,960 grant through the Michigan Dept. of Natural Resources wildlife habitat grant program. Those funds would allow WCPARC to quantify the impact on county parks and preserves more precisely.

WCPARC member Jan Anschuetz.

Tetens told commissioners that this will now be a regular agenda item, as the staff continues to research this issue. He noted that the county board of commissioners held a working session in February that focused on the deer population in Washtenaw County, which included a presentation by Timothy Wilson of the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture.

Everyone agrees that the growing deer population is a problem, Tetens said, but “nobody can solve it on their own.”

Bob Marans asked about a timeframe for putting some kind of plan in place. Dan Smith, who serves on the county board representing District 2, described a couple of points from the February working session. The USDA would assist in helping carry out various remediations, he said, but only after some other entity assesses the problem. In Michigan, that falls to the DNR and local entities.

Smith also reported that the “lethal” technique was surprisingly expensive. He’d expected that to be the least expensive, but that wasn’t the case. According to the USDA, the most effective technique would be even more unpopular than other management efforts, Smith said – to bring back natural predators. “That would be even more unpopular than bow hunters.”

Marans asked Tetens where he saw this headed, in terms of WCPARC’s role. Tetens replied that the DNR is responsible for managing the deer population, so ultimately it would need to be a collaborative effort with the DNR, local communities, the Farm Bureau, and others.

Marans then asked: “Is it our responsibility to push the DNR?” It’s everyone’s responsibility, Tetens replied. Right now, it’s a problem that the county can’t manage alone. The USDA representative had noted that even if the problem is solved in one location, the deer move elsewhere, he said.

As a society, “we have created the perfect environment, with our rural residential development,” Tetens said. Scio Township has been in the top five municipalities statewide in terms of the number of deer-vehicle accidents, he noted. Hunting is limited, while suburban homes plant landscape gardens that attract deer. He likened it to putting up a sign that says: “We’re not going to hunt you. Here’s free food. Come on in!” There needs to be a cultural shift, Tetens said.

Dan Smith said that from a policy perspective, WCPARC can be a driver as far as the county is concerned, because it manages significant acreage in parks and natural areas. The elected county board of commissioners has indirect control, but the county board doesn’t directly own a lot of land.

Marans agreed that WCPARC plays an important role, but “the directive should come from the county board,” he said.

Smith noted that the townships in Michigan have the most control over land use issues, so it’s important to work with the township officials too. Based on his research, Smith said, it’s clear that there are conflicting interests – farmers want one thing, hunters want another, conservationists want yet another thing, depending on what type of conservationist they are.

Barb Lucas.

Janis Bobrin referred to a point that Barb Lucas had made regarding the need to find common ground. “This is a community where if we start talking about killing anything, there are people who will just not hear anything after that,” she said. There’s the actual management of the problem, she noted, but also a major education piece. “How do we begin to get a dialogue that isn’t one camp against another? That would seem to be a productive first step.”

Jan Anschuetz said it would be presumptuous to say that culling deer would solve the problem. About five years ago, WCPARC considered the issue seriously, she said, adding that she’d spent about 40-50 hours researching the problem at that time. Studies that she’d read revealed that culling deer actually encourages reproduction. It’s a very complicated issue, she said, and WCPARC shouldn’t just jump into it.

Marans replied that clearly they need to move slowly. He described a deer management program at the Huron-Clinton Metropolitan Authority, which he said was very successful. [Marans also serves on the board of the HCMA, which oversees the Huron-Clinton Metroparks.] He noted that HCMA has more land than WCPARC, and it’s also hard to know what happens on land outside of the metroparks.

Anschuetz urged commissioners and staff to be “a little bit humble.” They need to work with and listen to the animal rights advocates, she said.

Dan Smith noted that it’s clear the deer are harming native plants and wildlife in the county’s preserves. The reason the county invests in these preserves is to ensure that native plants and wildlife have protected areas. He thought that managing the deer population could be part of the broader management efforts for those areas. But the success of that management isn’t known, he added. Smith said he’d read that deer have evolved so that their reproduction is a way to survive predators. When there are no predators – aside from vehicles – then they overpopulate.

Evan Pratt said it would be helpful to get feedback from staff about what WCPARC’s role should be. Should they be hosting symposiums? Or just providing information?

Anschuetz argued that WCPARC exists in order to serve the entire population of Washtenaw County that pays for parks. “If we do something that displeases our public, we will not have a millage and will not have a parks commission and we will not have a preserve,” she said. Deciding how to handle the deer issue is an important decision, she added – not just for the people who are concerned about this issue, but for the entire parks system.

Dan Ezekiel suggested seeing if there are any resources at the University of Michigan School of Natural Resources & Environment.

Dan Smith asked if Tetens would be comfortable preparing a recommendation over the next month or two. Smith said it sounded like Marans wanted direction from the county board of commissioners. Marans thought the county could be a leader in initiating a program, whatever that might be. It wasn’t wise to just be passive, he said.

Tetens said his staff hadn’t been able to spend much time on this issue so far. Marans wanted to see a proposal for various options within six months or so.

Regarding HCMA’s deer management, Anschuetz pointed out that HCMA’s millage is permanent and doesn’t require renewal. But WCPARC’s millage does need renewal, she noted, and “if we aren’t representing the community, we are in a very vulnerable position.” Marans countered that commissioners don’t know what the community thinks as a whole.

Bobrin said that Anschuetz’s point is well taken – WCPARC needs to understand that. Anschuetz told commissioners that she’s very involved in animal rights issues, and is very involved with the Humane Society. “I know what goes on,” Anschuetz said. “You may be underestimating the power of the people in this community.” She didn’t see WCPARC as leading this effort, but rather they should partner with other entities.

Pratt drew an analogy to weed control in lakes. Once you start spending money to try to manage it, “you’re just rolling the rock up the hill,” he said. “You just start this Sisyphean task when you try to force-fit nature into what you want it to be.” He said he wasn’t arguing against a deer management program, but WCPARC first needs to figure out what its role should be.

Dan Smith said he wasn’t suggesting that WCPARC take on deer management itself. But because they’ve invested in preserves, that’s why WCPARC has a role in it. “If the preserve just becomes a bunch of prairie grass, that’s not a very interesting preserve,” he said. “That’s not why we’re buying this land with tax dollars.”

Smith noted that if the best solution turns out to be introducing natural predators to the area, that introduces an entirely new set of problems. “Now the farmers will really be up in arms,” he said.

Communications & Commentary: Lyndon Township Mining Proposal

McCoig Materials is proposing a sand and gravel mine in Lyndon Township, on 189 acres north of Chelsea on M-52. The rural site is located near several parks and nature areas, including Waterloo State Recreation Area, the Pinckney State Recreation Area, Park Lyndon, the Green Lake Camping area, and the Waterloo-Pinckney Hiking Trail.

Janis Bobrin, a member WCPARC. In the background is WCPARC director Bob Tetens.

Bob Tetens reminded commissioners that the southern part of WCPARC’s Park Lyndon covers most of the edges of Lake Genevieve, and “we’ve always sort of felt, despite where the fences are at, that the whole lake was ours, and it’s not.” A small portion of the southern tip of the lake is part of the Cunningham family property – the site that McCoig wants to purchase.

In the past, WCPARC had talked to the family about possibly buying that land, Tetens said. WCPARC has been interested in it for at least two decades.

Residents in the area are very concerned about McCoig’s proposal, Tetens said. It would mean a lot of additional traffic from trucks – 60-80 round-trip gravel haulers each day would be driving through Chelsea, throughout the estimated 30-year life of the operation. There are also concerns about the impact on local ecosystems and hydrology, Tetens said.

Part of what makes the northwest part of Washtenaw County so special is its concentration of parks and recreation areas, Tetens said, so it doesn’t make sense to take 190 acres out of that for mining.

Tetens asked for the commissioners to support drafting a letter to Lyndon Township and state officials, opposing a special use permit that would allow the company to remove sand and gravel. He stressed WCPARC’s continued interest in buying the property for the county’s natural areas preservation program, and said that an application for NAPP had been sent to the Cunningham family. The resources are available in NAPP’s budget to buy the property at fair market value, Tetens said. Any added value related to mineral rights would have to be negotiated.

Tetens also reported that the Michigan Dept. of Natural Resources has been working with McCoig to try to find an alternative site – possibly property that the DNR owned or could acquire, that could be traded for the Cunningham property so that the ecosystem in that area could be maintained.

Janis Bobrin noted that because of relatively recent state legislation, it’s very difficult for local governments to turn down mining operations in their communities.

On its website, Lyndon Township has noted that its authority is limited:

Michigan State Legislators have greatly reduced township control by passing Act 110 of 2006 (125.3205). Under that law, the township must not “prevent the extraction, by mining, of valuable natural resources from any property unless very serious consequences would result from the extraction of those natural resources. Natural resources are considered valuable for the purposes of this section if a person, by extracting the natural resources, can receive revenue and reasonably expect to operate at a profit.” The township’s authority is limited to “reasonable regulation of hours of operation, blasting hours, noise levels, dust control measures, and traffic that are not preempted by part 632 of the Michigan environmental laws,” 1994 PA 451, MCL 324.63201 to 324.63223.

Outcome: Commissioners voted unanimously to direct staff to send a letter to Lyndon Township regarding the McCoig proposal. [.pdf of Tetens letter]

Communications & Commentary: Millage Renewal

Bob Tetens updated commissioners on the process of renewing the county’s 10-year parks & recreation operations millage, which is likely to be on the November 2014 ballot.

Bob Marans, president of WCPARC.

The countywide parks & recreation operations millage is a 10-year, quarter-mill tax that was first approved in November 1976 1978, and subsequently renewed in 1984, 1994, and 2004. The current millage expires on Dec. 1, 2016. Typically, a renewal proposal is put on the ballot two years before the existing millage expires.

Tetens said there will be two separate tracks. The county staff and commission can market its services and programs to the greatest extent possible – that’s well underway, he said. As part of that, staff are developing the next five-year strategic plan.

In 2004, when the millage was most recently renewed, the county board of commissioners – the elected body that has the authority to put a millage proposal on the ballot – was asked to do that in June, Tetens said. That’s likely the timeframe that will be followed this year. WCPARC staff will be making a presentation to the county board to describe what’s been done in the past 10 years. “We’ve got a good story to tell about that,” he said. The presentation will also include a planning document about how the millage would be used in the next 10 years.

Parallel to that is the organization called Friends of the County Parks. It’s the group that handles fundraising for the millage campaign itself, Tetens explained. Nelson Meade, the long-time WCPARC member who retired in December of 2013, used to lead that effort. Tetens said that commissioners might want to designate someone to serve as treasurer of that group, in place of Meade.

Financial Reports

Each month, staff provide several different financial reports to WCPARC, focused on the past month’s expenses (the claims report), monthly and year-to-date reports on expenses and revenues in the form of fund balance reports, and a listing of major non-recurring expenses when they are significant.

There are separate reports on parks and facilities, and on the natural areas preservation program (NAPP), which includes preservation of agricultural lands. Each of these has its own, separate funding, although WCPARC administers all of these programs.

Financial Reports: Claims Report

Director Bob Tetens began by saying that the reports reflect WCPARC’s off season. Parks and facilities paid a total of $113,859 in claims during February. Most of those expenses were for capital improvements, primarily at the Meri Lou Murray Recreation Center and Rolling Hills.

NAPP claims totaled $661,101 in February. Most of those expenses – $613,784 – were spent on a conservation easement for the Bloch property in Superior Township, which commissioners had approved at their Feb. 11, 2014 meeting.

Total expenses in February were $774,961. [.pdf of February 2014 claims]

Financial Reports: Fund Balance – Parks and Recreation

Tetens noted that there hadn’t been any dramatic changes since the previous month’s report.

January 2014 began with a fund balance of $10,521,250. [This is the total of the $3,146,250 fund balance on Dec. 31, 2013, plus the $6.7 million operating reserve and the $675,000 committed to funding partnerships.] Revenue as of Feb. 28, 2014 was $4,128,849 with expenses of $696,711. The operating reserve for 2014 is $6.7 million, and the funding commitments for partnerships is $820,000. [.pdf of February 2014 parks & rec fund balance]

The projected fund balance at the end of 2014 is $6,430,817.

Financial Reports: Fund Balance – NAPP

The February report started with the fund balance of $7,195,911 and showed revenue of $1,968,881. Expenses totaled $622,947, for a projected fund balance at the end of 2014 of $8,450,839. [.pdf of February 2014 NAPP fund balance]

There was no substantive discussion of the reports.

Outcome: WCPARC unanimously voted to receive, accept, and file the financial reports.

Recreation Reports

Typically, there are several monthly reports on attendance at WCPARC facilities where attendance can be counted, with information about participation in measurable activities and revenue received at those facilities. The reports include the current year-to-date summary as well as similar information for the prior two years.

For the March 11 meeting, only one recreation report was presented.

Recreation Reports: Meri Lou Murray Recreation Center

At the Meri Lou Murray Recreation Center, year-to-date participation as of Feb. 28, 2014 was 56,541 and revenue was $250,023. In 2013, year-to-date participation was 63,615 and revenue was $262,635. In 2012, participation was 67,824 and revenue was $249,565. [.pdf of MLM recreation center report]

WCPARC director Bob Tetens noted that activity had been slow during February, which he attributed to the bad weather. “People just weren’t getting out,” he said.

Tetens reminded commissioners that two years ago, the county’s Pierce Lake golf course opened in the third week of March, and in 2013 they opened in the last week in March. So things will be slow at the golf course this year too, he said.

Outcome: The recreation report was received and accepted for filing unanimously.

Projects and Activities

Staff of WCPARC provide monthly updates to commissioners about ongoing improvements at facilities, and activities at parks and natural areas. Some of this information is provided in writing in the board packet; more is provided with visuals and informal commentary. [.pdf of projects/activities report]

Here are some highlights of items discussed at the March meeting.

• The annual ice fishing derby at Independence Lake had a good turnout, Coy Vaughn reported. Rolland Sizemore Jr. observed that in the photos that Vaughn showed of the event, there weren’t any minorities. He asked how WCPARC advertised the event. Vaughn replied that they used posters, partnered with businesses like Cabela’s and local bait shops, and posted information online. WCPARC director Bob Tetens said there is typically a larger turnout of minorities for events at Rolling Hills, on the county’s east side.
• The annual “Daddy Daughter Dance” at the Meri Lou Murray recreation center on Feb. 22 drew 168 people this year. Vaughn played a clip from a feature about the dance that aired on Community Television Network’s FYI show.
• A summer job fair was held at the gym in the Meri Lou Murray recreation center, with several county departments and the Michigan Works office represented. Attendees could apply and be interviewed on the spot. It drew over 100 people.
• Vaughn showed two short videos that will be used to promote various WCPARC facilities online. He plans to show one or two new videos at each WCPARC meeting over the next few months. The videos shown on March 11 highlighted County Farm Park and the water parks at Rolling Hills and Independence Lake.

Remembering Fred Veigel

The March 11 board packet included a resolution of appreciation for Fred Veigel, who died on March 2. [.pdf of resolution] Veigel was a long-time WCPARC member who held a seat designated for a county road commission representative.

WCPARC director Bob Tetens described Veigel as “an even more colorful figure than we’d realized,” based on pictures that had been on display at Veigel’s memorial and funeral. Veigel had been a member of International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 252 for 60 years, and the union is planning a memorial “toast and roast” on Friday, June 13.

Evan Pratt noted that the family is encouraging people to come and share stories about Veigel. “It sounded like there weren’t going to be many boundaries,” he said.

Outcome: Commissioners passed the resolution of appreciation.

Present: Jan Anschuetz, Janis Bobrin, Dan Ezekiel, Robert Marans, Evan Pratt, Patricia Scribner, Rolland Sizemore Jr., and Dan Smith.

Absent: Conan Smith.

Staff: Director Bob Tetens, deputy director Coy Vaughn.

Next meeting: Tuesday, April 8, 2014 at 7 p.m. in the county parks and recreation department’s office at 2230 Platt Road in Ann Arbor.

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Aerial view showing location of trail improvements at Gallup Park. (Links to larger image.)

Funds would be used to renovate the path from the Geddes Dam at the east end of the Gallup Park pathway, to the parking lot east of Huron Parkway. The project also entails renovations to the large loop that encircles that portion of the park, totaling about 2 miles of trail. The application amount hasn’t yet been determined, but will likely be for $400,000 to $500,000. The entire project budget is in the $600,000 range, with likely about $200,000 in matching funds to come from the city’s parks and recreation maintenance and capital improvements millage.

In describing the project, park planner Amy Kuras told commissioners that it’s being undertaken in conjunction with a major “universal access” playground that’s being developed at Gallup, using a $250,000 contribution from the Rotary Club of Ann Arbor. For background on that effort, see Chronicle coverage: “Rotary to Fund Universal Access Playground.”

PAC voted to recommend applying for the TAP grant at its March 18, 2014 meeting. The application will next be considered by the city council. The deadline to apply for the current round of funding is April 21.

This brief was filed from the second-floor council chambers at city hall, 301 E. Huron. A more detailed report will follow.

Aerial view of Bloch/Vreeland property in Superior Township. Washtenaw County parks & recreation commission approved the purchase of a conservation easement on this parcel. (Image from WCPARC board packet.)

Action included approving the purchase of a conservation easement on 129 acres in Superior Township – fronting Vreeland and Leforge roads – for $613,500. Purchase of another easement was authorized for $95,731 on the Rogers parcel, 157 acres in York Township.

Commissioners also heard an update on the proposed agreement between WCPARC and the city of Ypsilanti that would result in WCPARC building a new recreation center on 4.1 acres of land in the Water Street redevelopment area, next to the Huron River. Some of the changes in the draft agreement came at the request of the Ann Arbor YMCA, which is partnering on the project and would operate the center. The goal is to complete construction by late 2016.

Grant applications for WCPARC’s Connecting Communities initiative were reviewed. Requests from four townships and the village of Manchester totaled $1.35 million. That’s far greater than the $600,000 available for the grant program, which was created to build non-motorized trails across the county. Commissioners will decide at their March 11 meeting how to award the grants.

During public commentary, three residents spoke to the commission about the ill effects of over-abundant deer in the county, and urged WCPARC to address the situation.

The commission also welcomed its newest member to the group: Dan Ezekiel, a science teacher at Ann Arbor Public Schools and former chair of the Ann Arbor greenbelt advisory commission. One of the longest-serving commissioners – labor leader Fred Veigel, who has represented the county road commission on WCPARC – didn’t attend the meeting because of ill health. He died on March 2.

Natural Areas Preservation Program

The county’s natural areas preservation program (NAPP) is funded by a 10-year countywide millage of 0.2409 mills, which brings in about $3 million annually. Voters renewed the millage most recently in 2010, through 2020. The program enables WCPARC to purchase land worth preserving because of its natural features, and to purchase development rights on agricultural land.

The Natural Areas Technical Advisory Committee (NATAC) advises WCPARC on natural areas acquisitions. The Agricultural Land Preservation Advisory Committee advises WCPARC on the purchase of development rights for agricultural land.

NAPP: Bloch/Vreeland Road Property

Tom Freeman, retired WCPARC deputy director who now serves as a consultant, presented a report to support his recommendation, and that of ALPAC, that WCPARC purchase a conservation easement on the Bloch property – 129 acres in Superior Township at the southeast corner of the LeForge and Vreeland Roads. [.pdf of staff memo]

At their meeting on Dec. 10, 2013, commissioners had authorized staff to prepare a purchase offer for the conservation easement.

Freeman highlighted what he and NATAC found as the most valuable features. First, although the land is primarily in active agricultural use, it holds a seasonal stream that flows into the nearby west section of WCPARC’s Meyer Preserve, and has wetlands along Vreeland Road on the north edge of the property. Second, preserving the agricultural use of the property will serve to buffer the Meyer Preserve. A farmer will, Freeman said, buy the property and continue to use it for agricultural purposes.

Freeman reported that Bosserd Appraisal Services had valued a conservation easement on the property at $613,500, or $4,750 per acre; that Mannik & Smith group had done a phase 1 environmental assessment and did not identify any significant environmental concerns; and that the county had a boundary survey, legal description, and sealed survey drawing.

NAPP: Bloch/Vreeland Rd. Property – Commission Discussion

Robert Marans, WCPARC  president, asked why this conservation easement was being purchased by NAPP when the land is agricultural. Freeman answered that the existence and importance of the stream justifies using some of the 25% of NAPP’s money that can be used to purchase conservation easements on agricultural land.

Commission member Evan Pratt, who also serves as Washtenaw County water resources commissioner, asked whether WCPARC could require buffers along the stream. Yes, Freeman replied – the easement gives WCPARC the right to work on a management plan using guidelines from the National Resources Conservation Service [formerly known as the U.S. Soil Conservation Service].

Outcome: Unanimous approval of the recommendation to purchase a conservation easement on the Bloch/Vreeland Road property in Superior Township for $613,500.

NAPP: Rogers Property

Freeman also made the presentation for this recommendation, supported by ALPAC, to contribute $95,731 toward the purchase of a conservation easement on the Rogers family property in York Township. The property consists of three parcels located along the east and west sides of Saline-Milan Road at Judd Road. Together, the parcels comprise 157 acres.

Freeman explained the proposed arrangement. Because the Legacy Land Conservancy already holds easements on other nearby Rogers properties, the conservancy would hold this conservation easement too. The conservancy has obtained an award from the federal Farm and Ranchland Preservation Program (FRPP) for 39% ($88,734) of the price. The owner, Kendall Rogers, is willing to contribute another approximately 19% ($43,859), leaving $95,731, which Freeman recommends WCPARC provide. That amount works out to $1,449 per acre.

The justification for the purchase is to increase the total amount of protected acreage in the area to 725 acres. Freeman explained that WCPARC could set guidelines for the owner to ensure that the use of the land continues to be a positive influence on water quality.

NAPP: Rogers Property – Commission Discussion

Discussion focused on the details of the financial arrangement, and the question of why conservancy, which is not contributing anything to the proposed purchase, would hold the easement.

Freeman explained that WCPARC staff and ALPAC agreed to that arrangement because the Legacy Land Conservancy already holds easements on nearby properties, and because that nonprofit had obtained the FRPP grant, which would contribute toward the purchase price. Should the conservancy cease to exist, Freeman assured the commission, the easement would go to WCPARC.

Outcome: Unanimous approval of the recommendation that WCPARC contribute $95,731 toward the purchase of a conservation easement on the 157 acres of Rogers Property in York township, said conservation easement to be held by Legal Land Conservancy.

East County Recreation Center

A proposal to build a new recreation center on the east side of Washtenaw County, in downtown Ypsilanti, began over two years ago. It contemplates a partnership between the city of Ypsilanti and WCPARC in which the city would supply the property and WCPARC would provide the building. The Ann Arbor Y would then contract with WCPARC to manage the center, which would be located on part of the 38-acre Water Street redevelopment area. [For additional background, see Chronicle coverage from WCPARC's Dec. 10, 2013 meeting.]

Coy Vaughn, WCPARC’s deputy director, presented a summary of the proposed purchase and development agreement between the city of Ypsilanti and WCPARC. Commissioners had been briefed on the basic features of the agreement at their Dec. 10, 2013 meeting.

This was not an action item for WCPARC, but rather a review of the basic terms of the agreement and the changes under consideration. [.pdf of staff memo and draft agreement]

Vaughn reminded commissioners that there would be a second agreement, between WCPARC and the Ann Arbor YMCA, for the Y to manage the rec center after WCPARC builds it. Some of the proposed changes came at the request of the Y, he said.

Vaughn’s presentation reviewed what he had detailed in December:

• Exact location and size of the parcel: 4.1 acres on the northwest corner of Water Street site, adjacent to Michigan Avenue and the Huron River, plus a 100-foot greenway.
• Purchase price: $1, plus WCPARC’s contribution of infrastructure worth a total of about $900,000, including a border-to-border trail worth $650,000.
• Size and orientation of the building: 45,000-50,000 square feet on Michigan Avenue with no more than a 10 foot setback. Pedestrian access across the site to the river.
• The proposed site plan and building design: Building at least 35 feet tall; entrances from the parking lot, from Michigan Ave., and from the B2B trail.
• Timeline for approvals, permits, and construction: Allows 270 days to secure all governmental approvals and closing within 30 days of approvals; termination clause if WCPARC can’t secure approvals or is not satisfied with the condition of property. Construction to start within 6 months of closing and be complete within two years.
• Plan for infrastructure development beyond the parcel footprint: Vaughn stressed the flexibility to modify the parcel configuration and infrastructure, if opportunities arise to coordinate with a developer.
• Roles and responsibilities: the city of Ypsilanti will maintain the linear park and trail. WCPARC will build Parsons Street and Water Street.
• Terms of parcel transfer, and legal responsibilities for the development and opening of the recreation facility were also outlined.

Vaughn also briefly described the proposed changes to the agreement. Highlights included putting parking in the rear of the site; constructing all streets to city standards, including sidewalk and street trees; providing appropriate easements for pedestrian access across site; allowing flexibility for parking configuration and number of spaces; inserting language to prohibit future fitness centers on the site (a restrictive covenant); and adding a requirement to follow the local zoning ordinance.

East County Recreation Center – Commission Discussion

Discussion began with the proposed requirement to follow local zoning ordinances, with Vaughn saying that the county’s legal counsel had problems with it.

Dan Smith – a Republican who also serves as a county commissioner, representing District 2 – pointed out that the county doesn’t have to follow city zoning codes. These issues often relate back to costs, he said, because zoning compliance can add to the project’s costs. All taxpayers across the county will incur costs for this recreation center, he added, “and I’m not keen on it costing more to make Ypsi happy.” He was hesitant to agree that the county would unequivocally commit to following the city’s zoning.

WCPARC director Bob Tetens indicated that the entire Water Street site would probably be a planned unit development (PUD). [This type of zoning designation is in a sense customized, with zoning agreements developed specifically for a particular project. More information about Ypsilanti’s zoning map and ordinances is available on the city's website.]

Discussion then turned to timing. Tetens said he had talked to the YMCA, and it’s important to them to have a soft opening in December 2016 and the real opening in January 2017 for maximum membership. To achieve that, he continued, “We have to get going in the next two to three months.”

Commission member Jan Anschuetz asked whether WCPARC would put a proposal on the ballot this year for renewal of the county’s 10-year parks & rec operations millage. Tetens said yes, but that a proposal has not yet gone to the county board of commissioners. Any millage or bonding proposal must be put on the ballot by the county board.

The countywide parks & rec operations millage is a 10-year, quarter-mill tax that was first approved in November 1978, and subsequently renewed in 1984, 1994, and 2004. The current millage expires on Dec. 1, 2016. Typically, a renewal proposal is put on the ballot two years before the existing millage expires. Tetens indicated that it’s important to know if that millage funding will be available, prior to building the east county rec center.

As for the rec center, Tetens indicated there was no need to seek board approval until after bids for the project were in, likely next year. Waiting until next year also would “get it away from an election year, so it will not be a hot potato,” he said. Finally, he explained that the project needs hard numbers before being presented to the board.

Bob Marans – a professor emeritus at the University of Michigan’s Taubman College of Architecture and Urban Planning – brought up the issue of architect selection for this major project. Vaughn said that staff were thinking of a national search. Tetens added that there would be multiple presentations from potential architects, and that there would probably be teams of architects with different specialties.

Tetens said the agreement with the YMCA had to be finalized, with the help of a person from the national Y who looks at the numbers and helps with the agreement. He hopes to have a memo of understanding with the Y before WCPARC’s March meeting. All of these items will come back to the March WCPARC meeting.

Outcome: This was not a voting item.

Connecting Communities

Commissioners received a separate packet consisting of a background memo on the Connecting Communities program, and copies of five applications for funding, which covered six proposed projects. [.pdf of staff memo] [.pdf of applications]

WCPARC members Dan Ezekiel and Bob Marans.

According to the staff memo, in May 2009 WCPARC authorized the Connecting Communities initiative, through which it would make up to $600,000 available annually from 2010 through 2014 – a total of $3 million – toward the cost of eligible trail projects. According to the memo, “eligible projects will be those that accomplish the Commission’s primary objective of providing valuable non-motorized connections between communities and activity centers, offering a healthy alternative for recreation, transportation, fitness, and energy conservation.” Grant recipients have two years to fulfill any contingencies, such as acquiring grants from other organizations.

By way of background specific to Ann Arbor, the city was granted $300,000 in 2013 (of total cost of $1 million) for 1,500 feet of trail, part of a project for the “development of pathways, storm water features to improve the quality of Allen Creek…on property which will serve as a trailhead for the proposed Allen Creek Greenway.” The site includes city property at 721 N. Main. Paths will connect Felch Street to both North Main and west Summit Street. The proposal stated that the city would also apply for a match from the Michigan Dept. of Natural Resources Trust Fund (MDNRTF), and that the city would consider using the adopt-a-park program to help maintain the facility. The grant required success with the MDNRTF, but the city’s application in 2013 failed. The city has another year to try again.

WCPARC developed criteria for selecting projects, which include 10 primary considerations. Among those considerations are projects that provide important links between communities, parks and other points of interest, that are adjacent to waterways, or that are major multi-jurisdictional efforts. There are 14 types of projects that generally are not eligible, such as trails solely within existing local parks.

Applicants must document a compelling need for a project, and there are six criteria that are used to evaluate the projects. For example, projects are evaluated based on whether they directly relate to the county’s important natural features, such as a river. The Huron River corridor is WCPARC’s highest priority. Five secondary criteria – such as land availability, or the likelihood of funding from other sources – are then applied to high-ranking projects.

The process for selecting projects to be funded involves a staff review of the applications. The projects are then presented to the Greenways Advisory Committee, which provides input that staff uses to prioritize the applications and make recommendations to WCPARC for final approval.

Connecting Communities: Summary of Applications

The applications for 2014 include:

• Ann Arbor Township: $300,000 (of total cost of $1.2 million) for two miles of pedestrian and bicycle trail connecting Parker Mill and Plymouth Road along Dixboro Road, to connect to the Parker Mill trail at Geddes and Dixboro on the south, and the proposed trail from Plymouth/Dixboro to Main Street/Cherry Hill on the north. The application states that other confirmed project funders include $600,000 in private donor matching funds; and potential project funders include the Michigan Dept. of Natural Resources Trust Fund, the Washtenaw County Road Commission, the Michigan Dept. of Transportation alternatives program, and additional private donors. The township has received no previous grants from the Connecting Communities program.
• Village of Manchester: $150,000 (of $225,000 total cost) to improve an existing rail bed owned by the village into a walking/biking trail traversing the entire community and linking several parks, businesses, schools, and neighborhoods. The 13.4 acres of village-owned land has a value of at least $200,000. The Chelsea Area Wellness Foundation will provide $100,000, and the Kiwanis Club of Manchester another $2,000. Potential additional funders include community fundraising and private donations; and grants such as the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (MAP-21); Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) and Surface Transportation Program (STP), which are both programs of the Federal Highway Administration in the federal Dept. of Transportation; and the Rails to Trails Conservancy. The village has received no previous Connecting Communities grants.
• Northfield Township: $260,000 (of $600,000 total cost) for 2,925 feet of trail along Barker Road in Whitmore Lake, connecting Whitmore Lake’s downtown with the Northfield Township Library and Whitmore Lake Elementary School. This is the third phase of a project that received $120,000 in 2010 and $250,000 in 2011. Other confirmed project funders are $60,000 from Northfield Township, $60,000 from the Whitmore Lake Downtown Development Authority, $1,000 from the Northfield Area Chamber of Commerce, and $1,000 from the Kiwanis.
• Pittsfield Township: $400,000 (of total cost of $1.9 million) for 1.8 miles of trail, phase 2 of the Lohr-Textile greenway, extending it east from the corner of Lohr and Textile, on Textile, to the Marshview Meadow Park and the Pittsfield Preserve. Grants from WCPARC’s Connecting Communities project to the township were $300,000 in 2010; $290,000 in 2011; and $150,000 in 2013. Other potential project funders include MDNRTF ($300,000) and MDOT/SEMCOG ($1,064,708). Other confirmed funding is from Pittsfield Township (up to $400,000); and MDOT/SEMCOG ($1,064,708).
• Ypsilanti Township: $240,000 for two projects totaling 3,032 feet (total cost of $240,000). One project (2,032 feet) would run along the east side of Tuttle Hill Road from Textile Road north across South Huron River Drive and into Ford Lake Park. The other (1,000 feet) would run on the south side of Textile from just east of South Huron River Drive to the entrance of Lakeview mobile homes. The township received $100,000 in 2010 and $250,000 in 2011, and has pledged $80,000 for project engineering.

Connecting Communities – Commission Discussion

Commissioner Jan Anschuetz commented on how difficult it would be to decide which projects get funded. She noted the popularity of new trails in Dexter, and asked whether WCPARC should authorize an extension to the Connecting Communities program.

WCPARC director Bob Tetens replied that all surveys show an 80% approval for trails. He said it would be worth discussing whether to continue the program, but noted that there are many elements to consider, such as the millage renewal and the retirement of debt on the Meri Lou Murray Recreation Center proposed east county recreation center.

Outcome: There was no vote. WCPARC staff expects to make recommendations to the commission at the March 11, 2014 meeting.

Communications & Commentary

Each WCPARC meeting includes opportunities for public commentary, as well as various communications from staff and commissioners. Here are some highlights.

Communications & Commentary: Deer Damage

There is seldom public commentary at WCPARC meetings, although time is set aside at the start of each meeting for that purpose. Three people attended the February meeting, giving a coordinated presentation to call WCPARC’s attention to the great damage being done by white tailed deer to the natural environment – flora, fauna, and water quality – which it is WCPARC’s mission to protect.

From left: Maurita Holland and Andrea Matthies.

The first speaker was Toni Spears of Webster Township, making a second visit to talk to WCPARC about deer management in natural areas. She reminded the commission that its mission is to manage its land for the benefit of all native species and to maintain a diverse native plant population in the whole complex ecosystem. The Leonard Preserve, she said, had a deer population of over 200 per square mile, and the area from which deer are excluded has significantly more diverse life than the rest. [The Leonard Preserve is the county’s largest natural area, with 259 acres and a mile of the Raisin River.]

Outside of the deer exclosure, deer browsing on native plants has allowed invasives to thrive, frustrating WCPARC’s ability to eliminate invasives. Noting that the Huron-Clinton Metro Parks have protocols for deer management, Spears asked WCPARC to develop a long-term sustainable deer management program. She suggested starting with an assessment of the deer population this winter and developing a target level, perhaps starting with one natural area, culling the herd, and donating the harvest to those in need. “We know others will disagree,” she concluded, “but we are animal rights activists for all species. We want all to thrive. We want you to manage your property for the health of all native flora and fauna. The deer deserve to be in a healthy ecosystem.”

Andrea Matthies, the second speaker, owns five acres in Scio Township and is a master rain gardener. [Matthies is current chair of the Ann Arbor chapter of WildOnes.] She spoke of her unfulfilled hope, when she moved to the property, to create a paradise for native small mammals and birds. The deer, she said, are numerous and utterly fearless. She hired people to bow hunt and in the last 15 years the hunters have killed 100 deer on her five acres. She pointed out the damage done by car-deer collisions and Lyme disease, which she said is a major problem in every county in the state and more serious than most people think. [The Centers for Disease Control reports three cases in Michigan in 2003, increasing to a probable 98 cases in 2012.] The third danger deer pose is to spread chronic wasting disease, she said. [The state of Michigan has a website on CWD.]

The third speaker, Maurita Holland, is a master gardener and master rain gardener who once lived on 15 acres near Ann Arbor. She said she would invite hunters to cull deer there. She now lives in Ann Arbor’s northwest side on property through which Newport Creek runs. Her concerns include water quality. She noted that deer destroyed her rain garden last summer, which is especially unfortunate because her land drains 20 acres of neighboring land and the deer have ruined her efforts to filter the runoff.

In addition to eating her native plantings, the deer browse viburnum, and nine deer bed down in her yard. They eat holly through the netting she hoped would keep them away; since they can’t digest it, they vomit it. A deer died in her yard this year and she paid $300 for its removal. Deer dug up daffodil bulbs right after she planted them, even though they won’t eat daffodils. Holland closed by reminding WCPARC that county residents want protection, preservation, and management of natural resources and improvement of water quality. She asked: “Can we work together to accomplish some of these important goals?”

Communications & Commentary: Deer Damage – Commission Discussion

Bob Marans began by stating that the county board of commissioners is beginning to address this issue. Dan Smith, who also serves on the county board, added that there would be a working session on issues about deer, with a presentation by Timothy Wilson from the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture. [That session occurred on Feb. 20, 2014.]

Marans added that the Huron-Clinton Metropark Authority has done a survey and will do more. Jan Anschuetz raised a new issue in response to the concept of sharpshooters or bow hunters culling the herd: Is it legal to hunt on county land?

As background, county ordinance 128  – which established the NAPP program and assigned WCPARC to manage NAPP – begins with a “declaration of purpose” that includes this statement: “Passive recreation would be appropriate use of this land.”

The section on definitions includes this statement:

“Passive Recreation” means walking, jogging, bird watching, nature studies, quiet picnicking and other quiet inactive pastimes.

The discussion at WCPARC included some speculation about whether culling the herd would be “hunting,” or whether it would be carrying out the requisite “stewardship” of the land in the manner suggested by the three speakers.

Marans said he was anxious to know what the board of commissioners is thinking. He indicated that he’d like to know more about this from staff at the next meeting, and to know what the managers of the natural areas think.

Outcome: This was not a voting item.

Communications & Commentary: New, Outgoing Commissioners

Bob Marans invited the newest commission member, Dan Ezekiel, to talk about his expectations. Ezekiel expressed delight at joining WCPARC, adding that no one can replace Nelson Meade. [Meade, who has served on WCPARC from its formation in 1973, retired in December of 2013.]

Ezekiel said he has followed WCPARC by reading reports in The Chronicle, and that he has worked with Tom Freeman in the past. [Ezekiel formerly served on the Ann Arbor greenbelt advisory commission. He was appointed to WCPARC at the county board's Jan. 22, 2014 meeting.] Ezekiel described himself as an intrepid biker who commutes daily, with gloves and studded tires.

Jan Anschuetz thanked WCPARC staff for the wonderful party to honor Nelson Meade.

Communications & Commentary: Misc. Issues

Commission members discussed a letter that some of them, but not all, had received from residents along Jennings Road, which leads to Independence Lake Park. Concerns in the letter included the safety, trees, and drainage related to work the county road commission will undertake. Evan Pratt, who also serves as the county’s water resources commissioner, described the drainage problems caused by the soil, which is makes handling stormwater difficult and requires a ditch.

Marans reported that he, Anschuetz and Pratt will meet with deputy director Coy Vaughn to discuss the goals and objectives for WCPARC’s five-year revised master plan.

Financial Reports

Each month, staff provide several different financial reports to WCPARC, focused on the past month’s expenses (the claims report), monthly and year-to-date reports on expenses and revenues in the form of fund balance reports, and a listing of major non-recurring expenses when they are significant.

There are separate reports on parks and facilities, and on the natural areas preservation program (NAPP), which includes preservation of agricultural lands. Each of these has its own, separate funding, although WCPARC administers all of these programs.

Because there was no January meeting, the February meeting received reports for the last month of the 2013 fiscal year, and for January, the first month of the 2014 fiscal year. [WCPARC’s fiscal year is the calendar year.]

Financial Reports: Claims Report

Parks and facilities paid a total of $350,649 in December, and $86,343 in January. Most of those expenses were for capital improvements, primarily at the Meri Lou Murray Recreation Center, Rolling Hills and Independence Lake parks, plus a $75,000 contribution to Ypsilanti’s Rutherford Pool project.

NAPP claims far exceeded that with $1,445,807 in December, but only $1,390 in January. The NAPP expenses were almost entirely the cost of completing previously approved purchases of the Carr, Lippert, and Ramsey properties, a total of 235 acres in Northfield Township. [.pdf of NAPP claims]

Total expenses in December 2013 were $1,796,456; and $87,733 in January 2014. [.pdf of December 2013 claims] [.pdf of January 2014 claims]

Financial Reports: Fund Balance – Parks and Recreation

WCPARC director Bob Tetens introduced this report by saying that the fund balance was in good shape – revenues exceeded the budget, and expenses were 89% of what was budgeted.

The fund balance started the year at $12,950,815. As of Dec. 31, 2013, revenue totaled $9,917,338 – primarily from property taxes ($6,462,980) and fees and services ($3,384,207). Expenses for the year were $12,346,903. In addition, the parks budget includes an operating reserve of $6.7 million and ”partnership” funding commitments of $925,000. The projected fund balance at the end of December was $3,146,250. [.pdf of December 2013 parks & rec fund balance]

January 2014 began with a fund balance of $10,521, 250. [This is the total of the $3,146,250 fund balance on Dec. 31, 2013, plus the $6.7 million operating reserve and the $675,000 committed to funding partnerships.] Revenue as of Jan. 31, 2014 was $1,044,922 with expenses of $309,048. The operating reserve for 2014 is $6.7 million, and the funding commitments for partnerships is $820,000. [.pdf of January 2014 parks & rec fund balance]

The projected fund balance at the end of 2014 is $3,737,124.

Financial Reports: Fund Balance – NAPP

The December report showed a Jan. 1, 2013 fund balance of $10,263,644. Through Dec. 31, 2013, revenue was $3,547,655  and expenses were $6,615,388. The projected fund balance for NAPP at the end of 2013 was $7,195,911. [.pdf of December 2013 NAPP fund balance]

The January report started with the fund balance of $7,195,911 and showed revenue of $453,208. Expenses totaled $27,474, for a projected fund balance at the end of 2014 of $7,621,645. [.pdf of January 2014 NAPP fund balance]

There was no substantive discussion of the reports.

Outcome: WCPARC unanimously voted to receive, accept, and file the financial reports.

Recreation Reports

These monthly reports include attendance at WCPARC facilities where attendance can be counted, with information about participation in measurable activities and revenue received at those facilities. The reports include the current year-to-date summary as well as similar information for the prior two years.

Recreation Reports: Meri Lou Murray Recreation Center

In December at the Meri Lou Murray Recreation Center, year-to-date participation as of Dec. 31, 2013 was 322,999 and revenue was $1,2274.466. In 2012, year-to-date participation was 324,817 and revenue was $1,163,354. In 2011, participation was 339,946 and revenue was $1,244,466.

As of Jan. 31, 2014, participation was 28,311 and revenue was $144,393. In 2012, the comparable numbers were 33,151 and $156,018. In 2012, participate was 34,901 with revenue of $142,232. [.pdf of MLM rec center report]

Recreation Reports: Pierce Lake Golf Course

As of the end of December 2013, 17,021 people had paid greens fees totaling $373,131 at Pierce Lake Golf Course. In 2012, the golf course served 19,278 people with revenues $399,049. In 2011, attendance was 15,836 with revenues of $346,049. [.pdf of Pierce Lake report]

Programming and retail operations brought in $590,975 in 2013. That compares to $110,589 in 2012; and $89,523 in 2011. Thus, total revenue in 2013 was $590,975, compared to $614,620 in 2012 and $526,501 in 2011.

There was no report for January 2014.

Recreation Reports: Rolling Hills Park and Water Park

There is an entrance fee, and gate count, for everyone who enters Rolling Hills Park. There is a separate fee, and gate count, for those who go on to enter the water park there. [.pdf of Rolling Hills report]

As of Dec. 31, 2013, 30,attendance was 836 with revenues of $241,038 for Rolling Hills Park. That compares to attendance of 34,786 people in 2012 and revenues of $268,288. In 2011, attendance was 34,844 with $267,130 in revenues.

The water park recorded higher attendance: 94,266 people bringing in $715,239 in 2013; 114,522 people in 2012 and revenues of $780,122; and 115,012 people in 2011 with revenues of $780,995.

Total revenue for all operations at Rolling Hills was $1,205,355 in 2013; $1,322,531 in 2012; and $1,310,515 in 2011. There was no report for January 2014.

Recreation Reports: Independence Lake Park and Blue Heron Bay

Blue Heron Bay is a water-feature area separate from the rest of Independence Lake Park. Because Blue Heron Bay opened in 2013, there are no comparisons to earlier years. [.pdf of Independence Lake/Heron Bay report]

As of Dec. 31, 2013, attendance was 15,437 with revenues of $122,363 for Independence Lake Park. In 2012, attendance was 17,743 with $137,217 in revenues; compared to 2011 attendance of 157,019 and revenues of $132,602.

Attendance at Blue Heron Bay was 17,668, for $69,787 in revenues. Total revenue for all of Independence Lake Park was, through December, $295,718 in 2013; $211,578 in 2012; and $209,960 in 2011. There was no report for January 2014.

Outcome: The recreation reports were received and accepted for filing unanimously.

Projects and Activities

Staff of WCPARC provide monthly updates to commissioners about ongoing improvements at facilities, and activities at parks and natural areas. Some of this information is provided in writing in the board packet; more is provided with visuals and informal commentary. This report summarizes the most significant items at the February meeting.

• Rolling Hills Park: Construction bid documents to repair the Lazy River’s water leaks, drain cover compliance changes, and reconstruction of the stairs to Slide Mountain have been released and bids were due on Feb. 18. Eight bids were received to repair concrete walkways throughout the water park, and staff is reviewing the three lowest bids.
• Ann Arbor skatepark: City of Ann Arbor staff had scheduled a meeting with the contractor for Feb. 18, 2014, to develop a timetable for the remaining construction work. A grand opening for June 21, 2014 is in the planning stages.
• Staebler Farm: Staff began preparation of an application to the DNR for an Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund (MNRTF) grant to develop the northern portion of the farm as a recreation-based park.
• Border to Border Trail (B2B): The Michigan Dept. of Transportation is reviewing staff plans for the final 1/8-mile of the River Terrace Trail in Dexter. The project agreement for the MNRTF 2011 grant to the city of Ypsilanti to bridge the Huron River, cross Michigan Ave., and construct a fishing pier and connecting trails was executed, and WCPARC authorized design of the bridge and crossing. The Washtenaw Area Transportation Study (WATS) continues to lead the effort to produce revised and new maps for the B2B trail route.
• Natural areas stewardship: A conservation plan for the agricultural portion of the Trinkle Marsh Preserve is in preparation for the Natural Resources Conservation Service.
• WCPARC master plan: Staff have completed a preliminary draft and will hold public meetings in Ypsilanti, Dexter, Chelsea, and Saline in April.

Officer Elections

The nominations committee – Nelson Meade, Evan Pratt, and Rolland Sizemore Jr. – nominated Robert Marans to continue as president and Patricia Scribner as vice president. Jan Anschuetz was nominated as the new secretary-treasurer, replacing Nelson Meade, who retired from WCPARC in December 2013.

There were no competing nominations.

Outcome: Commissioners unanimously elected their slate of officers.

Present: Jan Anschuetz, Janis Bobrin, Dan Ezekiel, Robert Marans, Nelson Meade, Evan Pratt, Patricia Scribner, Conan Smith, and Dan Smith.

Absent: Rolland Sizemore Jr., Fred Veigel.

Staff: Director Robert Tetens, deputy director Coy Vaughn, and consultant Tom Freeman.

Next meeting: Tuesday, March 11, 2014 at 7 p.m. in the county parks and recreation department’s office at 2230 Platt Road in Ann Arbor.

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Larry Deck of the Washtenaw Bicycling and Walking Coalition gave a presentation to the Ann Arbor park advisory commission about the Border-to-Border trail. (Photos by the writer.)

The main presentation focused on the Border-to-Border trail connections in Ann Arbor. The trail runs roughly along the Huron River from Livingston County in the north to Wayne County in the east, using paved shared-use paths, unpaved paths and bike lanes.

Larry Deck from the Washtenaw Bicycling and Walking Coalition highlighted three areas that WBWC has identified as high priorities: (1) between Bandemer Park and Barton Park/Huron River Drive (the B2B trail ends at the north edge of Bandemer Park); (2) near the intersection of Fuller Road and Maiden Lane; and (3) near the Fuller Road bridge over the Huron River.

Another WBWC priority is to improve the bicycling connections between the University of Michigan’s central and north campuses.

Deck suggested that PAC consider a resolution recommending to city council that these projects be designed and funded, and in general renew the priority of the B2B trail along the Huron River greenway. It’s been a city priority for decades, he noted, but it’s good to have a reminder of that.

Discussion among commissioners focused on the challenges of crossing railroad tracks at various points along the B2B route, as well as interest in coordinating with other projects like the recommendations of the North Main Huron River corridor task force.

During the meeting, commissioners also got an annual update from George Taylor, president of the Cobblestone Farm Association, as well as briefings from PAC’s dog park and downtown park subcommittees. Results from surveys to solicit public input for both subcommittees are now available, and will be analyzed by commissioners and staff in preparation for upcoming public forums. [.pdf of 306-page dog park survey results] [.pdf of 110-page downtown park survey results]

Two public forums are scheduled for the downtown park project: On Monday, Sept. 9 in the basement of the downtown Ann Arbor District Library, 343 S. Fifth, from 6:30-8:30 p.m., and on Wednesday, Sept. 18 at city hall’s basement conference room, 301 E. Huron, from 6:30-8:30 p.m.

The dog park subcommittee – which is looking for a possible location for a third dog park – will hold a public forum on Wednesday, Sept. 11 at 7 p.m. at Cobblestone Farms, 2781 Packard. In noting the history of opposition to proposals for a dog park at West Park, Tim Berla wondered whether it would be possible to locate a dog park anywhere near a residential neighborhood. It’s a “classic Ann Arbor trap,” he said – everyone is in favor of it, until something specific is proposed and the neighbors say no.

In his manager’s report, Colin Smith highlighted several upcoming events. The annual season-closing “dog swim” at Buhr Park pool will be held on Sept. 4 and Sept. 5 from 3-8 p.m. On Sunday, Sept. 15 at 1 p.m. in Liberty Plaza – the downtown park at Division and Liberty – a grand opening will be held for the “sensory garden” there. It’s a project of the Ann Arbor commission on disability issues, in collaboration with the city’s adopt-a-park program and the University of Michigan Matthaei Botanical Gardens.

Smith also noted that the popularity of Argo Cascades has led to a shortage of parking in that area. As a result, beginning Labor Day weekend the staff will start using a portion of Longshore Park to park cars. It’s a short-term measure while the staff seeks longer-term solutions, he said.

Border-To-Border Trail

Larry Deck from the Washtenaw Bicycling and Walking Coalition (WBWC) gave a presentation on the Border-to-Border trail connections in Ann Arbor, highlighting some areas that need attention.

WBWC has been an advocacy organization, Deck said, and he briefly described some of the work that the group has done, including advocating for changes to the city’s crosswalk ordinance. Members have participated in the city of Ann Arbor’s alternative transportation committee, Ypsilanti’s non-motorized advisory committee, the Washtenaw County greenways advisory committee, and other public groups. WBWC also partners with other entities, he said, including the Ann Arbor Bicycle Touring Society, Center for Independent Living, and the getDowntown program.

The Border-to-Border (B2B) trail, an initiative spearheaded by the Washtenaw County parks & recreation commission, runs roughly along the Huron River from Livingston County in the north to Wayne County in the east, using paved shared-use paths, unpaved paths and bike lanes. About half of it is complete, Deck reported, with more segments in the works.

WBWC has prioritized parts of the trail countywide, Deck said. Those priorities are based on several factors: (1) connecting centers of population and activity; (2) connecting to the existing Border‐to‐Border trail; (3) accommodating the needs of all people and abilities; (4) countywide significance; (5) near‐term feasibility; and (6) whether trails are prioritized in current plans by local municipalities, like Ann Arbor’s non-motorized transportation plan.

Outside of Ann Arbor, Deck noted that about 7 miles of trail between Dexter-Huron Metropark through Dexter and out to North Territorial Road will be completed by the end of this year. There are a lot of projects in the Ypsilanti area too, he said, to pull the trail segments together.

Within Ann Arbor, one WBWC priority is to improve the bicycling connections between the University of Michigan’s central and north campuses. Deck reported that WBWC is working with staff at the city and university on this project.

But Deck focused on three other primary areas that WBWC has identified as problems: (1) between Bandemer Park and Barton Park/Huron River Drive (the B2B trail ends at the north edge of Bandemer Park); (2) near the intersection of Fuller Road and Maiden Lane; and (3) near the Fuller Road bridge over the Huron River.

Three problem areas in Ann Arbor for the Border-to-Border trail, as identified by the Washtenaw Bicycling and Walking Coalition.

Some of the city’s plans also identify these areas as locations that need to be addressed, Deck said. For example, the 2007 non-motorized plan calls for a new pedestrian/bicycle bridge over the Huron River just west of Maiden Lane at Fuller, plus trail connections at three existing underpasses in that area. When the existing bridges were built in the 1980s, they included wide concrete paths underneath the bridges, in anticipation that connection to those trails would be completed. “But 30 years later, we still need to complete them,” he said.

The city’s parks and recreation open space (PROS) plan also shows trails at all of those underpasses in the Fuller/Maiden Lane and Fuller/Huron River area. In addition, the PROS plan indicates plans for an underpass under the railroad, connecting Bandemer and Barton parks.

Deck showed PAC members a series of maps that indicated how B2B connections might be achieved in these three areas. In the case of the Fuller Road/Maiden Lane area, the goal is to avoid the “nasty” intersection where pedestrians and cyclists are expected to cross now. WBWC also hopes to see some existing shared-use paths widened to 14 feet. [The Fuller Road and Maiden Lane intersection has one of the higher volumes of pedestrian traffic in the city.]

Deck noted that demand is high, especially in the Fuller Road/Maiden Lane area. A 12-hour traffic count at that intersection in 2006 – conducted between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. – recorded 1,767 pedestrians and 443 bicyclists on Fuller Road, plus 2,694 pedestrians and 292 bicyclists at Maiden Lane. More than 90% of the bicyclists weren’t using the road, but were on sidewalks. “So there is a need for improving these facilities,” Deck said. He estimated the cost at about $500,000 for that area.

Possible B2B connections at Fuller Road and Maiden Lane. (Image by WBWC.)

Possible B2B connections at Fuller Road along the Huron River. (Image by WBWC.)

Possible B2B connections between Bandemer and Barton parks. (Image by WBWC.)

Possible B2B connection between Barton Park and Foster Bridge. (Image by WBWC.)

Making connections at Bandemer and Barton parks would be more expensive, Deck noted – likely $2 million or more, because it involves the railroad tracks. Currently, there’s an “informal” crossing and path that Deck described as “an accident waiting to happen.” With higher-speed trains coming, it will be even more risky, he said. There are other alternatives, Deck noted, but none are as desirable as a railroad underpass.

Deck said that of the projects considered by the city’s North Main Huron River corridor task force, the highest priority for WBWC is the Bandemer/Barton connection. Lower priorities, from WBWC’s perspective, include: (1) a railroad underpass near Main & Depot; (2) sidewalk repair and possible extension in the North Main Street area; (3) a park on the DTE site, with a trail and bridge over the Allen Creek; (4) a railroad gate at Lakeshore Drive; (5) a crosswalk to Bluffs Park; and (6) Main/Depot intersection improvements.

In terms of financing, Deck told PAC there was funding available for significant projects, especially for regional initiatives. Possible sources include the Michigan Dept. of Natural Resources Trust Fund, the federal transportation alternatives program, Washtenaw County parks & recreation, local transportation funding, the city’s park maintenance and capital improvements millage, and the University of Michigan.

Deck suggested that PAC consider a resolution that would recommend to city council that these projects be designed and funded, and in general renewing the priority of the B2B trail along the Huron River greenway. It’s been a city priority for decades, he noted, and it’s good to have a reminder of that.

Border-To-Border Trail: Commission Discussion

Alan Jackson told Deck that there are different groups with different priorities, and he wanted to give some pushback on the WBWC’s priorities. He wondered whether all bicyclists would use the B2B connections, or whether it would be better to spend money on road improvements, for those cyclists who ride on the roads. At Fuller Road and Maiden Lane, for example, it’s possible to cross the road, even though it’s difficult, he said. In contrast, the railroad crossing between Barton and Bandemer is a real impediment.

Ann Arbor park advisory commissioner Alan Jackson.

Deck replied that bicyclists do have the right to be on the road, and that’s what many bicyclists do. But a lot of people don’t ride their bicycles because they’re afraid to go on the road, especially at busy intersections like Fuller and Maiden Lane. Deck said he does a lot of biking – he rode to the PAC meeting, for example – but he prefers a good trail, if it’s available. He thinks most people would prefer to use a trail.

Jackson also raised the issue of the route between UM’s central and north campus, saying he agreed it wasn’t a good connection. He wondered if WBWC has worked with the university in any substantive way, and did UM officials indicate they’d be willing to fund such a project? “Certainly that would help us in our decision-making,” Jackson said.

Deck replied that some WBWC members recently met with UM staff and Eli Cooper, the city’s transportation program manager. There’s no indication of funding, but UM is willing to work on these issues, he said.

Bob Galardi told Deck that he’s involved in the Allen Creek Greenway Conservancy. If the greenway gets built, it would go through downtown Ann Arbor and allow a lot of people to connect to the B2B trail. One of the difficult connections is at Main & Depot, and he wondered what Deck thought about that. Deck replied that the proposed greenway would enhance the B2B trail, though he saw the greenway as a longer-term vision. A good first step would be to figure out a way to cross the railroad tracks near Main & Depot. That would make it easier to justify funding for other projects in that area, Deck said.

Galardi pointed out that getting across Main Street is another challenge. He was on the B2B trail the previous day, Galardi said. “It’s so nice, but getting to it – for a big population that are Ann Arbor residents, at least – is not easy.” Deck suggested looking at building a passage underneath the Main & Depot intersection and the railroad, though he acknowledged it would be very expensive.

Tim Berla agreed that there were a lot of expensive projects related to these connections, but the city should get some of the projects moving. The biggest challenge is the railroad tracks, he said, and it should be the highest priority. Berla recalled that Amy Kuras, the city’s park planner, had worked on that a few years ago. How should the city proceed if they wanted to get this project “back on the tracks,” he quipped.

Ann Arbor park advisory commissioner Bob Galardi also serves on the Allen Creek Greenway Conservancy board.

Kuras recalled that the city did an engineering study about eight or nine years ago, and negotiated with the railroad to get some preliminary commitments for a pedestrian crossing. The biggest issue is that the railroad – which is now under new ownership – wouldn’t allow any changes that might interrupt train service, Kuras said. She’d spent a lot of time lining up potential federal, state and local funding sources, but then the city decided not to move forward with the project. The estimated cost was around $2 million.

Berla noted that a crossing had seemed possible at the time. He suggested that PAC could weigh in and recommend it as a priority, so that Kuras could re-initiate the project. Kuras cautioned that a lot has changed since her previous work, including priorities that are being recommended by the North Main Huron River corridor task force. So it would be important to look at the bigger picture and coordinate with other entities, like the state and University of Michigan. Berla felt it would be a good long-term priority.

Julie Grand, who has served on the North Main Huron River corridor task force, clarified that one of that group’s recommendations will be for a railroad crossing at Fourth & Depot, to connect to the DTE site and on to the Huron River. [The city hopes that the land now owned by DTE, next to the Huron River and across from Argo Cascades, will eventually become parkland.] There might be grant funding for that project, she noted, which might make it rise in terms of priorities.

Kuras added that three locations have been considered for pedestrian underpasses at the railroad tracks: (1) at Nichols Arboretum; (2) between Barton and Bandemer parks; and (3) at Fourth & Depot to connect to the DTE property. A bridge over North Main Street has also been discussed, she said. The challenges with bridges include the clearance needed for the trains, and making the ramps ADA accessible. And any connection needs to be done in a way that makes people want to use it, she added, or else millions of dollars will be spent and people will just use the current informal routes, if those are more convenient.

Colin Smith, the city’s parks and recreation manager, said there’s been a lot of attention over the past year regarding the B2B trail, the area around Main Street and the Allen Creek greenway. A lot of opportunities have been identified, and PAC can help figure out where the city should focus when applying for grants to pursue some of these projects, he said.

Outcome: This was not a voting item.

Cobblestone Farm Association

George Taylor, president of the Cobblestone Farm Association, delivered a brief update to the commission, along with a written annual report for 2012. [.pdf of 2012 annual report] The association is a nonprofit that works in partnership with the city of Ann Arbor, which owns the Cobblestone Farm property and buildings at 2781 Packard Road, adjacent to Buhr Park.

George Taylor, president of the Cobblestone Farm Association.

Noting that it seemed like ancient history now, Taylor reported that in 2012 the city hired an architect to assess the facilities, and determined that roof replacement and work on the windows were priorities. Taylor contacted Preservation By Design to look at the windows. Soon after that, one of the windows was broken from an attempted break-in, so that window was replaced by PBD. [On Jan. 7, 2013, the city council approved a contract to replace the roofs at Cobblestone Farm's event barn and the Tincknor-Campbell House.]

One of the newest activities at the farm is a weekly farmers market, Taylor reported. It’s held every Tuesday from 4-7 p.m., and there have been up to 300 people on some Tuesdays, with 10-20 vendors. There are arts and crafts for kids, bicycle repair, free music. He invited commissioners to drop by later that day.

Among other activities held at Cobblestone, Taylor highlighted the first craft show, which had five vendors. They’ll all be coming back for an event in September, he said.

Taylor reported that the parks system rents out the farm for lots of weddings. The association is tapped into the resource, he said, and rents out the Tincknor-Campbell House for two hours for wedding parties to use as a staging area and tour, for a $75 fee. “It’s been a great revenue source from us,” he said. Many people who come say that they’ve lived in Ann Arbor all their lives, but haven’t ever been to the Cobblestone Farm house, he said. “The word’s getting out there that Cobblestone Farm is probably one of the best kept secrets of the city of Ann Arbor.”

Next year will be mark the association’s 40th year in partnership with the city of Ann Arbor, which owns the facility. The group is planning a large party at its annual meeting in April, and Taylor invited commissioners to attend. He noted that there have been ups and downs over the years at Cobblestone, but now “everything is really looking up.” He thanked the parks staff for their work.

Downtown Park Update

PAC received a briefing on the downtown park subcommittee from Ingrid Ault, who chairs that group. Other members are Julie Grand, Alan Jackson and Karen Levin.

Ann Arbor park advisory commissioner Ingrid Ault serves on the dog park subcommittee and chairs the downtown park subcommittee.

The online survey has closed, with about 1,600 responses. The results are posted on the subcommittee’s website. [.pdf of 110-page downtown park survey results].

A lot of the questions had been open-ended, so that the community could drive the conversation, Ault said. The subcommittee members and parks staff will be analyzing and categorizing the results.

The subcommittee’s next meeting is on Tuesday, Sept. 3 at 5 p.m. at city hall’s 6th floor conference room. They’ll be discussing how to do more community outreach, now that the survey results are in, Ault said. The meetings are open to the public.

Two public forums are scheduled as well: On Monday, Sept. 9 in the basement of the downtown Ann Arbor District Library from 6:30-8:30 p.m., and on Wednesday, Sept. 18 at city hall’s basement conference room from 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Dog Park Update

PAC’s dog park subcommittee consists of Ingrid Ault, Karen Levin and Missy Stults. Stults and Levin did not attend PAC’s Aug. 20 meeting, so Ault gave the update. A survey to get public input closed on Aug. 12, and over 1,500 responses were received. The subcommittee will next meet on Friday, Aug. 23 at city hall to discuss the results. Another meeting is set for Sept. 11 at Cobblestone Farm.

The survey had asked a range of questions, Ault said, including whether respondents used the existing dog parks and what people like or don’t like about them. The survey also asked for feedback on specific parks that might include a dog park. Julie Grand noted that about two-thirds of the respondents were female.

Colin Smith, the city’s parks and recreation manager, said the number of responses for this survey and for the downtown park survey had been extremely high, compared to other city surveys. Both subcommittees had done outreach to solicit input.

Julie Grand, chair of the city’s park advisory commission.

Tim Berla asked whether the results are available to the public. Smith reported that the results are posted on the subcommittee’s website. [.pdf of 306-page dog park survey results] Berla suggested that in addition to making the information available in a .pdf file, the raw data should be posted in a format so that anyone could download it into a spreadsheet and do their own analysis. He felt it’s important to “just let the ideas into the marketplace and people can figure it out.”

Grand noted that it’s also important to remember that the survey is just one piece of input. It wasn’t intended as a way for people to vote, she said. The survey will be used to help inform PAC’s recommendation, along with feedback at public meetings and other types of information.

Berla then alluded to the prior recommendation to put a dog park in West Park. [In 2012 and then earlier this year, two locations for a new centrally-located dog park were explored at West Park, but ultimately rejected because of protests from nearby residents as well as the New Hope Baptist Church, which is located across the street from the park.] Based on what happened at West Park, he said, “people are going to say, ‘Yeah, I’m in favor of dog parks – just not anywhere near my house.’” It seemed like almost an intractable problem to him. The city’s two existing dog parks, on the far north and south sides of town, aren’t near anyone’s house, he noted.

Berla wondered if there was any way to move forward. It’s a “classic Ann Arbor trap,” he said – everyone is in favor of it, until something specific is proposed and the neighbors say no.

Grand replied that’s why the dog park subcommittee is taking these steps to get more input and look at the broader policy issue. She thought that would make it easier to move forward with a decision. Amy Kuras, the city’s park planner, expressed interest in developing standard criteria for things like a recommended distance between a dog park and residences. That’s something the subcommittee hopes to develop out of this public process, she said.

In terms of input, the day after PAC’s meeting, the parks & rec staff received an email from Tom Egel, a resident who lives near West Park, with the subject line “Ode to the PAC Dog Park Subcommittee”:

I do not want a loud dog park
I do not want to hear dogs bark

Parks are for people (and dogs on leashes)
Not for a fence that's filled with feces

I live in Ann Arbor and enjoy when it's quiet
Walking my dog means we don't have to diet

We do not need a dog park in "The Ann"
For those who insist, I have a good plan:

There's plenty of land on the outskirts of town
Where dogs can run free and play with more hounds

People with dogs will come from afar
No need to walk there, 'cause they have a car

For those in the city, you can take a nice walk
You'll meet other dogs as you circle the block

So give up this obsession (some call it a lark)
To insist on a centrally located dog park

The residents will thank you, to say the very least
As we relax and enjoy our quiet and peace

Egel had spoken against locating a dog park at West Park during PAC’s March 19, 2013 meeting.

Communications & Commentary

There were several opportunities for communications from staff or commissioners during the Aug. 20 meeting. No one spoke during the two slots available for public commentary.

Communications & Commentary: Officer Elections

Julie Grand, PAC’s current chair, reminded commissioners that officer elections would be held at PAC’s Sept. 17 meeting. She encouraged anyone who is interested in holding an office to talk to current officers, including herself.

Ingrid Ault is vice chair. Grand’s term on PAC ends on Oct. 18, 2013.

Communications & Commentary: Manager’s Report

Colin Smith, the city’s manager of parks and recreation, gave several brief updates on upcoming events. The annual season-closing “dog swim” at Buhr Park pool will be held on Sept. 4 and Sept. 5 from 3-8 p.m. Even if you don’t own a dog, it’s pretty fun to watch, he said. Local businesses are providing prizes for raffles.

Colin Smith, parks & recreation manager.

On Sunday, Sept. 15 at 1 p.m. in Liberty Plaza – the downtown park at Division and Liberty – a grand opening will be held for a “sensory garden” there. It’s a project of the city’s commission on disability issues, in collaboration with the adopt-a-park program and the University of Michigan Matthaei Botanical Gardens.

Smith also highlighted the grand openings held earlier this summer for the Ann Arbor skatepark at Veterans Memorial Park, and for the newly renovated ballfields at Vets, West Park and Southeast Area Park.

Attendance at the city’s pools has been down in August because of the cooler weather, Smith reported. On the other end of the spectrum, the Argo Cascades has been extremely busy, he said. In July of 2013 compared to July 2012, operations at the Argo livery increased by 52%.

That has resulted in an extreme shortage of parking, especially on the weekends. As a result, beginning Labor Day weekend, the staff will start using a portion of Longshore Park to park cars, Smith said. They expect to accommodate up to 50 vehicles there.

The parks staff will be looking for longer-term solutions, Smith noted, but in the short term, that’s the plan. Part of the problem now is that people are parking on Longshore Drive, which narrows the road and limits the access of emergency vehicles.

Present: Ingrid Ault, Tim Berla, Bob Galardi, Julie Grand, Alan Jackson, Graydon Krapohl, Jen Geer and councilmember Mike Anglin. Also Colin Smith, city parks and recreation manager.

Absent: Karen Levin, Missy Stults and Christopher Taylor (ex-officio).

Next PAC meeting: Tuesday, Sept. 17, 2013 at 4 p.m. in the city hall second-floor council chambers, 301 E. Huron St., Ann Arbor. PAC’s land acquisition committee meets on Tuesday, Sept. 3 at 4 p.m. [Check Chronicle event listing to confirm date]

Next downtown park subcommittee meeting: Tuesday, Sept. 3 at 5 p.m. at city hall’s 6th floor conference room. Two public forums are scheduled as well: On Monday, Sept. 9 in the basement of the downtown Ann Arbor District Library, 343 S. Fifth, from 6:30-8:30 p.m., and on Wednesday, Sept. 18 at city hall’s basement conference room, 301 E. Huron, from 6:30-8:30 p.m. More information about that group is on the subcommittee’s website.

Next dog park subcommittee meetings: Friday, Aug. 23 at 2:30 p.m. at city hall’s first floor north conference room; and on Wednesday, Sept. 11 at 7 p.m. at Cobblestone Farms, 2781 Packard. More information is on that group’s website.

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A view of the 721 N. Main site in Ann Arbor, looking south from Summit Street. The Washtenaw County parks & recreation commission awarded the city a $150,000 grant to develop trails in the property, but only if the city gets matching funds from the state. (Photos by the writer.)

Four communities received grants from WCPARC under that trail-building program: the village of Dexter ($225,000); Ypsilanti Township ($75,000); Pittsfield Township ($150,000); and the city of Ann Arbor ($150,000). Funding for Ann Arbor – only half of the $300,000 that the city had applied for – is to fund a trail at 721 N. Main, a city-owned site that’s being redeveloped. The award is contingent on the city receiving a matching grant from the Michigan Dept. of Natural Resources Trust Fund (MDNRTF).

WCPARC is also applying for an MDNRTF grant, hoping to get $300,000 to help develop a master plan for the Staebler Farm County Park. The 98-acre property, which straddles Plymouth Road in Superior Township, had been a family farm for nearly a century. The commission held a public hearing on this issue, and heard from four nearby property owners who raised concerns about trespassing. The proposal calls for WCPARC to contribute $450,000 in county funds to the project.

Moving forward on another major project, commissioners approved three actions related to the proposed recreation center on Ypsilanti’s Water Street redevelopment site, located along Michigan Avenue. WCPARC agreed to share equally with the Ann Arbor YMCA in a $28,000 market study to help determine whether there’s enough community interest to support the proposed center. Commissioners also authorized staff to move forward with the acquisition, for $31,500, of an easement from the Huron Fischer Honda Leasing Co. for a section of the Border-to-Border (B2B) trail that would connect Riverside Park to the Water Street site. The third action was a resolution acknowledging a partnership between WCPARC and the city of Ypsilanti to design, build and operate the rec center.

And WCPARC also authorized staff to apply for $1.4 million from the federal Transportation Alternative Program (TAP) to extend the B2B River Terrace Trail from Dexter-Huron Metropark east 1.1 miles to Zeeb Road. TAP is administered through SEMCOG (Southeast Michigan Council of Governments). The application would be in partnership with Scio Township and the Washtenaw County Road Commission.

Connecting Communities Grants

Deputy director Coy Vaughn presented a report about WCPARC’s Connecting Communities project, beginning with a review of information he had provided to WCPARC in February. The program is a commitment by WCPARC to provide $600,000 a year for five years – a total of $3 million – to help governmental entities in Washtenaw County build trails for non-motorized transportation. This is the program’s the fourth year, Vaughn said – 2014 will be the last.

This year, he said, six communities applied for funding for eight projects. WCPARC staff met with its greenways advisory committee to score each project. The projects with the highest ranking – labeled “rating” on a score sheet provided in the WCPARC meeting packet – received funding. [.pdf of Connecting Communities staff recommendations] Not recommended were a $230,000 application from Northfield Township and a $300,000 application from Superior Township.

The village of Dexter had the highest score for its proposal to continue the River Terrace trail from the bridge going west into the village – a 1,300-foot connection. Although the request was for $300,000, Vaughn said staff felt it could be built for $275,000, so that was the recommended award.

Second-highest rated proposal was from Ypsilanti Township to build three segments of trail along Whittaker, Tuttle Hill, and Textile Road. The township had applied for $295,000. However, staff recommended awarding $75,000 to build only a 1,000 foot section along Textile Road, since the township has not yet completed the project awarded by Connecting Communities in 2012. Staff suggested that the township defer the two other segments until the 2014 round of applications.

Pittsfield Township scored third highest for the second phase of the Lohr-Textile Greenway (LTG). This phase would be 1.76 miles extending east along the north side of Textile Road, past State Street, to the Marshview Meadow Park and Pittsfield Preserve. This is an expensive project because it contains extensive wetlands, according to the staff report. The township is applying for grants from the Michigan Dept. of Natural Resources Trust Fund (MDNRTF) and the Federal Transportation Alternatives Program to help fund the $1.8 million project. The township had applied for $400,000 from Connecting Communities. Staff recommended awarding $150,000, contingent on success obtaining the other grants. Failing that, the award would not be granted and the money would become available for other projects.

A map showing recommendations for the city-owned property at 721 N. Main St.

Ann Arbor’s proposal for a $300,000 grant – for an as-yet-incomplete plan to build a trail at 721 North Main on city-owned property formerly used for vehicle storage and servicing – only scored fifth highest. Even so, WCPARC staff recommended awarding the city $150,000, contingent on the city obtaining a $300,000 grant from MDNRTF. As with the Pittsfield Township grant, if no state funding is received, the Connecting Community grant would not be awarded.

Vaughn provided additional background on Ann Arbor’s applications. In 2011 and 2012, the city submitted applications to Connecting Communities to construct the initial segment of the Allen Creek Greenway, on the city owned property at 415 W. Washington. The site’s limited connectivity to other trails or public spaces caused these proposals to score low.

Vaughn said WCPARC had suggested that Ann Arbor start closer to the county’s Border-to-Border trail, and he indicated that the city has done so with this current request. However, Vaughn said, the city hasn’t yet figured out exactly how those B2B connections will be made, and are still researching options.

By way of background, a task force established by the Ann Arbor city council on May 7, 2012 has been working to develop recommendations for a much broader area than 721 N. Main, including the North Main corridor and extending to the Huron River. The task force is supposed to provide recommendations for the area by July 31, 2013. Meanwhile, on Feb. 19, 2013 the council approved a $30,000 study of the main building on the site. The council also has voted to use a FEMA grant to demolish two buildings on the site that are in the floodway.

Connecting Communities: WCPARC Discussion

WCPARC vice president Patricia Scribner recused herself from the discussion and vote, citing her position as treasurer of Pittsfield Township.

Commissioner Jan Anschuetz asked about Northfield Township’s application. “They came in fourth,” she said. “What do we say to them?”

Commissioner Dan Smith responded, saying that the township still needs to finish the project’s first phase, which he described as involving “complicated engineering” over a railway crossing, a creek, and a freeway interchange. Smith – who represents District 2 on the county board of commissioners, which includes Northfield Township – then continued by thanking staff for their “great work in sorting through all of this.”

Outcome: Commissioners unanimously approved the staff recommendations for Connecting Communities grants totaling $600,000.

Staebler Farm County Park

WCPARC president Robert Marans invited Coy Vaughn to present background information about a proposal to apply for $300,000 from the Michigan Dept. of Natural Resources Trust Fund. The grant would fund a master plan for the 98-acre Staebler Farm, which WCPARC has owned since 2001. [.pdf of staff memo and WCPARC resolution]

Plymouth Road bisects the site, which is immediately south of M-14. Vaughn explained that because crossing Plymouth is treacherous, the plan is to put parking, trails, and other public activity on the north side of the road. To the south, where Don Staebler still resides under his agreement with WCPARC, a farmer raises hay on several acres. South of the hay fields the land drops off and becomes marshy, and Vaughn said those areas would be left natural. There are several water features on the site: Fleming Creek runs through it, he said, and it has frontage on Frains and Murray lakes. Vaughn said the intent of Phase I in developing the park is to continue farming on the south side of Plymouth. Vaughn referred briefly to a presentation made to WCPARC in June 2012. [See Chronicle coverage: "County Parks: Options for Staebler Farm"]

Vaughn continued to describe the activities that would be possible at Staebler Farm. In general, it would be a “farm learning center,” he said, perhaps including a program to help Michigan State University train farm managers, which would also provide a caretaker for the park. Other features could include a community garden; a trail and bridge across the creek, leading to fishing in the two ponds from borrow pits created when M-14 was constructed; pavilions; and rest rooms.

Vaughn expressed optimism about the grant application: “We think it will score high with the trust fund because of the pedestrian trail, fishing pier, and improvements we will make to Fleming Creek, which is highly eroded by the presence of about 20 cattle walking in it.” He said the creek was damaged by the cattle “doing what cattle do in creeks.” The applications are due April 1, and use of the grant money would be possible in 2015. The maximum grant this round will be $300,000. Because the master plan will cost about $750,000, applying for the grant commits WCPARC to providing the remaining$450,000.

Staebler Farm County Park: WCPARC Discussion

In response to a question about trails, Vaughn said they would be limited, and would keep visitors on the north side of Plymouth Road. Commissioner Evan Pratt, who serves on WCPARC by virtue of his elected position as county water resources commissioner, asked whether WCPARC would use a consultant they already know. WCPARC director Bob Tetens responded that they would put the project out to bid to about a half dozen of the “same cast of characters” who typically bid on such projects.

Commissioner Dan Smith commented that WCPARC staff had done some planning themselves. Tetens said that yes, they did the WCPARC master plan in house, and used MSU staff to help with the outline of the farm plan.

A slide showing Phase 1 of a plan to develop the Staebler Farm.

Commission member Janis Bobrin clarified her understanding of the cost as $750,000, and asked for more information about when grant money would be available. Vaughn explained that preliminary scoring will be done in August and final scoring in December; money would not be in the WCPARC budget to spend until 2015.

Dan Smith had another question: “Have you found anything at all like this around the state?” Vaughn said yes, they had, at Wolcott Mill, but they had not yet visited it. [Wolcott Mill is one of the Huron Clinton Metroparks in Macomb County. It is east of Romeo Plank Road, and extends from 26 Mile Road to 29 Mile Road.] Commissioner Nelson Meade commented that his parents used to use Wolcott Mill.

In response to a follow-up question from Dan Smith, Vaughn noted that the only other similar site is at Kensington Metropark, but it is not an operating farm.

Commission member Rolland Sizemore Jr., who also represents District 5 on the county board of commissioners, moved to go into the public hearing on this project, and WCPARC voted unanimously to do so.

Staebler Farm County Park: Public Hearing

The public hearing was somewhat informal, with commissioners and staff responding to speakers throughout the hearing.

Three members of the Fishbeck family – William, Betty Jo, and Anne – spoke first. [As background, according to Superior Township records, the Fishbecks own 14 properties in the vicinity of Plymouth-Ann Arbor Road and the Staebler Farm. Salem Township records show two properties owned by Betty Jo Fishbeck. A report from the Ecology Center in June 2006 noted that purchase of development rights from the Fishbecks was a “cornerstone” in creating the northeast section of the Ann Arbor greenbelt.]

Anne Fishbeck asked: “What are your plans to protect the neighbors from the public wandering in? I live right next door.” She wondered how WCPARC planned to “keep people from getting confused” between her private land to the east of Staebler Farm, and the public land that WCPARC owned.

Vaughn replied that WCPARC would probably fence in the entire property. Anne Fishbeck said she would like that. She then asked about Murray Lake. Vaughn indicated that the plan is to keep it natural, with no public access. “It’s very wet around the lake,” he said. “At the most we might build a trail in the future, but no swimming, boating, or fishing.”

Kevin Conway said he lived off Prospect Road near Murray Lake, and that he was interested in the farm’s development after Phase 1. He asked if he was correct that there is no plan right now beyond that first phase? Several commissioners indicated that he was correct. Conway then remarked that the public would like to go on Frains and Murray lakes, but those lakes are private. What, he wondered, will ensure security when the park is closed? Does the county see an issue with people crossing the Staebler Farm parkland and going onto the lakes?

Vaughn replied that there would be a caretaker on the farm, and that there will be no convenient place for people to park on the south side of Plymouth. Tetens told Conway that “we try to manage access. We don’t provide access to every bit of what we own, and we don’t intend to build public access on the south side.”

Commissioner Jan Anschuetz added: “You will have time to provide input when we get to the next phases. We have a major problem with Plymouth Road – we don’t want families getting mowed down there.” She indicated that WCPARC is very interested in using this park to teach children about farms all year long. There might be beekeeping classes, barn or country dances, or 4-H meetings. “I hope we can use our parks 100% of the time,” Anschuetz said. “We’ve done a careful job restoring the barns with taxpayers’ money, and we want to continue to use that money carefully. People are getting interested in raising their own vegetables and chickens.”

Bob Marans, president of WCPARC, then asked Vaughn what his best guess on timing was – when would the actual work be done? Vaughn indicated that the work would happen in 2015.

Marans asked what would happen beyond that? Vaughn said: “I would guess the trails and other improvements are five to eight years out. We will slowly implement the type of farming we want over time and build that up, but that is not a new use.”

Marans pointed out that this project is a work in progress that will evolve over time, with additional opportunities for public input. Tetens built on the idea, saying that WCPARC staff had met with representatives from MSU as well as from the Dept. of Veterans Affairs, who are interested in the possibility of having veterans work on the farm.

Sizemore added that WCPARC tries to go out of its way not to create problems for the public, and WCPARC staff are available to address any problems. With respect to the southern portion of the site, Dan Smith indicated that Plymouth Road will act as a block to pedestrian access. “We do not want people to cross it, and that will prevent us from putting anything for the public on the southern half,” he said, adding that WCPARC will probably put in fencing all along Plymouth Road.

Conway asked whether most of the recreation will be on the north side? Yes, commissioners replied, at least for the foreseeable future. Tetens amplified the idea: “The south side might have naturalist classes and interpretive signs, and guided tours for school kids.”

From left: WCPARC director Bob Tetens, and commissioners Pat Scribner, Rolland Sizemore Jr., and Dan Smith.

Conan Smith turned to the Fishbecks and asked: “How do you feel in general?”

Both Anne and Betty Jo Fishbeck repeated the issue regarding trespassers, which was their major concern. “It is super naïve to think people will not cross Plymouth or try to go to Frains Lake, which is all private,” Anne Fishbeck said. “Right now, people drive into our drive. We see them, and there are not enough sheriffs to take care of it.”

Anschuetz, looking surprised, said, “We have not heard about this before.” Betty Jo Fishbeck replied: “People think they can come on the property and go cross country skiing. The sheriff was chasing a guy who went right through Don [Staebler]’s property and ours, trying to trespass back to the lake. That field and Plymouth Road will not be any deterrent.”

When Anschuetz asked whether a fence would help, Anne Fishbeck replied that “it would have to be a big fence.”

Anschuetz observed that no matter who owns it, “there is a problem with an attractive piece of property.” She asked what WCPARC could do. Anne Fishbeck suggested having someone live on the property, and having daily sheriff deputy patrols come by.

Sizemore recommended that “we wait and see what really happens. I can tell you that this board will do all it can to keep people from trespassing.”

Conan Smith suggested that residents could meet with Coy Vaughn to discuss options for protecting their property. “We have preserves all over – some have public access, but some don’t, and we have to grapple with these issues,” Smith said. “Coy can talk to you about management plans. These are private lakes. We can establish guidelines and agree on what we want to have the rules be, and work to make sure they are effectively enforced.”

Dan Smith expressed his appreciation “that you came here to tell us your concerns. With Plymouth Road and Prospect Road, there is more public knowledge and access. Thank you for coming out at this early phase.”

Marans also thanked the four residents who had spoken, and declared the public hearing at an end. There was no further discussion.

Outcome: Commissioners gave unanimous approval for staff to proceed with a grant application to the state Dept. of Natural Resources Trust Fund for $300,000 to develop a master plan for Staebler Farm.

Eastside Recreation Center

Several items on WCPARC’s March 12 agenda related to a new recreation center proposed for just east of downtown Ypsilanti, at the northwest corner of the 38-acre Water Street development site. [For additional background on this project, see Chronicle coverage: "Public Gives Input on East County Rec Center"]

Eastside Recreation Center: Market Study

On the agenda was a resolution approving a market study about the new recreation center, in partnership with the Ann Arbor YMCA. The cost would be split, with each entity paying $14,000.

This item of new business, WCPARC director Bob Tetens explained, is the next step as the county looks to partner with Ypsilanti and the Ann Arbor Y to develop the recreation center. “The more partners, the better,” he said. “The Y is very interested but they have to do due diligence.” Part of that is a market study, he continued. The proposal before WCPARC was to authorize staff to proceed with the market study and to pay $14,000, or half the total cost of the survey, with the Ann Arbor YMCA paying the other half.

Commissioner Janis Bobrin said she would play devil’s advocate: “We are doing this to see if the market can indeed support a rec center? What if we find we don’t have the market we thought we did?”

Tetens had several responses. First, he said it would not be a surprise if the study found there wasn’t a current market for the center. The Y has scholarship programs for people who could otherwise not afford membership, he continued, and “we can program to attract people.”

Janis Bobrin, a member of the Washtenaw County parks & recreation commission.

Tetens also spoke of “informal surveys” that WCPARC has done, but noted that WCPARC has a “vested interest” in the project. [As background, Tetens has frequently stated that WCPARC surveys over the years have shown strong interest in having WCPARC facilities in the east part of the county.] Also, he noted that CBRE – the real estate broker charged with selling sites in the Water Street redevelopment area – has studied the site, and even without a recreation center, the WCPARC’s Border-to-Border trail will run through the property.

Bobrin had another question: “Can we take it on faith this will be cost effective and well done, and trust the Y?” Yes, Tetens replied.

The WCPARC meeting packet included the proposal for a market study by FourSquare Research Inc. of Atlanta, Georgia. [.pdf of market study proposal] The proposal states that the company has conducted nearly 700 studies for YMCAs and nonprofits nationwide, and has worked with many YMCAs in Michigan.

The scope of work described in the proposal includes:

• community needs and demands, which covers how many households will join and how much revenue will be generated;
• programming and member services to determine which features are most desired;
• marketplace and pricing;
• partnerships;
• social impact, i.e. how a new facility could make the community better and improve the quality of life of residents.

The proposal describes a nine-step process, using qualitative and quantitative research, including focus groups, developing a survey instrument and conducting a telephone survey, tabulating results, and delivering results to answer questions about the forecasted number of households that would join. Other information to be provided in the final report includes anticipated annual revenue, specific recommendations for facility development, and specific suggestions for marketing, programming, and pricing strategies.

The proposal states such studies take between two and three months, and that this one will cost $28,000. According to the proposal, if the project starts in mid-March, it will be completed in late May.

Bobrin took note that the proposal identified the YMCA as having “full ownership of the study findings and final report.” She asked that it be modified by adding WCPARC as an equal owner. Tetens agreed that could be changed. There was no further discussion.

Outcome: Commissioners gave unanimous approval of the proposal to proceed with the market study in partnership with the Ann Arbor YMCA, and to split the cost with each entity paying $14,000.

Eastside Recreation Center: Easement for B2B Trail

This item has often been before the commission: The question of how to get the countywide Border-to-Border (B2B) trail from Ypsilanti’s Riverside Park to the site of the proposed rec center. To do this requires crossing the Huron River, navigating the grade up from the river to street level, and crossing Michigan Avenue.

The city of Ypsilanti and WCPARC have worked on this problem for the last year, first hoping to build a new pedestrian bridge underneath the Michigan Avenue bridge over the Huron River to the Water Street site and further south, eventually, to Waterworks Park. Ypsilanti obtained a Michigan Dept. of Natural Resources Trust Fund (MDNRTF) grant in partnership with WCPARC to do that, but later the Michigan Dept. of Transportation (MDOT) determined that the bridge was not feasible, because it would cause “a serious scour problem,” according to a written report from Tetens.

Therefore, an alternative location for a pedestrian bridge was identified: perpendicular and to the north of the Michigan Avenue bridge. According to Tetens, this would bring people using the B2B trail across the river and allow them to cross Michigan Avenue, via a crosswalk, to get to the Water Street site. The plan requires purchasing an easement from the Huron Fischer Honda Leasing Company. It also requires obtaining an MDOT permit to install a high intensity activated crosswalk (HAWK) traffic signal to facilitate safe crossing of busy Michigan Avenue.

The city of Ypsilanti is unable to afford the easement cost, so the proposal before WCPARC was to authorize the county parks & rec staff to move forward with purchasing the easement for $31,500.

Bob Marans asked for clarification of the location of the easement, which has a triangular shape, and Coy Vaughn provided a slide to show that. Tetens explained that while the first MDNRTF grant will pay for this bridge over the Huron River, another MDNRTF grant would be required to extend the B2B trail along the east side of the Huron River south of Michigan Avenue all the way to Grove Road. He noted that “documentation of site control is a requirement of state funding – the project cannot move forward unless the easement is purchased by WCPARC.”

Tetens said he eventually wants to connect all the way to Ford Lake.

Commissioner Jan Anschuetz spoke of the original wonder of Waterworks Park decades ago. It was, she said, “incredible, with a dam like a waterfall with a fish ladder, and a real zoo during the Depression. People would come and camp out there.” Commissioner Rolland Sizemore Jr. recalled that there used to be a glass factory in the vicinity, and “we used to play down there – there were hundreds of bottles.”

Sizemore also expressed a concern: “Are we going to be able to build a walkway across Michigan Avenue? We don’t want to pay for an easement we can’t use.” Tetens responded that the agreement is written so that WCPARC has until August, “and if we can’t cross Michigan Avenue, or if the bridge is too expensive, then we aren’t committed to buy the easement.”

There are already indications, he said, that a crossing is warranted there. “I am optimistic that we can get a pedestrian activated crossing there.” Anschuetz asked if she understood correctly – that WCPARC must have an agreement on the easement in order for MDNR to disperse the grant money. Tetens indicated that was correct.

There was no further discussion.

The document provided in the WCPARC meeting packet indicates that Burgoyne Appraisal put the value of the easement at $28,000, and the appraisal cost was $3,500.

Outcome: Unanimous approval of the proposal to authorize staff to move forward with the purchase of an easement, for $31,500, required to proceed with this project to extend the B2B trail across the Huron River and across Michigan Avenue.

Eastside Recreation Center: Partnership with Ypsilanti

The third item related to the eastside rec center was a resolution acknowledging a partnership between the city of Ypsilanti and WCPARC to design, build, and operate a community recreation center in Ypsilanti’s central business district – the Water Street redevelopment area. [.pdf of partnership resolution]

The proposal in the WCPARC meeting packet made reference to the Jan. 10, 2012 letter of intent between WCPARC and Ypsilanti, as well as the WCPARC contract for design services from the University of Michigan’s Taubman College of Architecture and Urban Planning. Noting the limited resources available to Ypsilanti, the resolution called for Ypsilanti to “provide sufficient land” at the Water Street redevelopment site to allow WCPARC to proceed to the design phase. That phase would include defining the site plan and determining the exact footprint of the project and the amount of land necessary.

The resolution’s three resolved clauses state:

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that by way of this resolution the undersigned parties publicly demonstrate their support for this project and their commitment to provide the necessary resources and/or skills, to work together cooperatively and in good faith, in the best interests of the community, towards the completion of this ambitious effort, and;

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City of Ypsilanti agrees to provide sufficient land at the preferred site as previously agreed to in the Letter of Intent approved on January 10, 2012 to allow the Commission to confidently proceed to the design phase; that the Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation Commission agrees to proceed with the design phase for the building and further define the site plan, including determining the exact footprint of the project and the amount of land necessary, and;

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the parties agree that this intergovernmental, public/private partnership demonstrates a commendable and challenging level of collaboration that should serve as a model for future efforts to improve the quality of life for residents in communities throughout Washtenaw County.

The meeting packet also included a copy of the same resolution passed unanimously by the Ypsilanti city council on Feb. 19, 2013.

At WCPARC’s March 12 meeting, Tetens explained that the amount of land would be between 8-12 acres, and that the Ann Arbor YMCA was not part of this agreement because “the Y was more comfortable with it being a two-part agreement.”

There was no further discussion.

Outcome: The partnership agreement was approved eight to one. Dan Smith voted against it, but did not state his reason for voting no.

Transportation Alternative Program Application

Coy Vaughn presented a proposal that authorized WCPARC staff to proceed with an application for $1.4 million from the federal Transportation Alternative Program. The application would be made in partnership with Scio Township and the Washtenaw County Road Commission, with WCPARC providing a $300,000 local match. [.pdf of staff report]

He explained that the program – known as TAP – is a federal transportation funding program to support non-motorized transportation. It’s administered by the Southeast Michigan Council of Governments (SEMCOG).

Vaughn explained the root of this proposal. In 2012, Scio Township received a $250,000 Connecting Communities grant from WCPARC to build the first phase of a trail from the township offices – located on Zeeb Road just north of I-94 – heading north on Zeeb Road to Dexter-Ann Arbor Road. The project is stuck due to problems acquiring the easements needed to build the trail.

Rather than risk losing the Connecting Communities grant – which will happen if Scio Township cannot obtain the easements and enter a construction contract by March 2014 – staff discussed shifting funds to help construct a portion of the Border-to-Border trail. The project would extend the recently completed River Terrace Trail from Dexter-Huron Metropark east 1.1 miles to Zeeb Road, at a cost of $1.4 million. It would be completely on Huron Clinton Metropark Authority property and in the Huron River Drive right-of-way.

According to Vaughn’s report, the project is reflected in the current capital improvement plan at $1.5 million, for construction in 2014. Vaughn added that SEMCOG would allocate $5 million in TAP funds to communities in 2013, the same amount as in 2012.

Transportation Alternative Program Application: WCPARC Discussion

Bob Marans asked about WCPARC’s relationship with SEMCOG, saying “their money is hard to get.” Bob Tetens allowed that there wasn’t a close relationship. However, he added, “we have a lot to show them if they come to visit the project site – all that we have built around Dexter.” Also, he stressed the partnership aspect of this proposal, with the county road commission and the township.

Commission member Evan Pratt underlined that this part of the B2B gets heavy use, and Tetens agreed.

There was no further discussion.

Outcome: Commissioners unanimously approved the proposal to submit a grant application to SEMCOG for TAP money in the amount of $1.4 million. The resolution also reallocated $250,000 previously granted by WCPARC to Scio Township, and added another $50,000 of WCPARC funds to make a local match of $300,000.

Rolling Hills Landscaping

Meghan Bonfiglio, superintendent of park planning, presented recommendations for the Rolling Hills ring road and water park landscaping plan. Her report explained that the ring road project was completed in the summer of 2012 but that final landscaping was not part of that project. The water park improvement project is underway and will also require landscaping.

With two landscaping projects, staff decided to achieve economies of scale by removing the landscaping portion ($85,000) from the contract with Sorensen Gross Construction Services, and handling the landscape planning in house. Staff created the plans, and put them out for bid.

Bob Tetens commented that staff who did this work were “younger, computer literate people.” Three bids were received, the lowest from Washtenaw County’s Margolis Companies, with whom planning staff have had positive experience. Bonfiglio showed slides of the plans, and photos of the plants. The plants are 95% native and chosen to provide four-season interest: Echinacea, goldenrod, and grasses, for example. Bonfiglio recommended awarding the contract to Margolis for an amount not to exceed $200,000, with a contingency of $10,000.

After the meeting, Bonfiglio provided additional information about the other bids:

• Margolis Companies: $199,935
• Underwood Nursery: $255,488
• Erie Construction: $364,400

Rolling Hills Landscaping: WCPARC Discussion

Dan Smith said it’s “fantastic” that WCPARC staff have the expertise to handle this project.

Rolland Sizemore Jr. asked about a “pretty nasty” residence that was located to the right of gate into Rolling Hills. He asked whether anything could be done about it.

Bonfiglio pointed to screening that would hide the house and its junk cars, so that vehicles using the entry road wouldn’t see it. Tetens added that Ypsilanti Township should do enforcement.

Outcome: Unanimous approval of the recommendation to award the landscaping contract to Margolis Companies.

New Signs for Rolling Hills and Independence Lake

Bonfiglio also presented a recommendation to award a contract to Harmon Sign, for fabrication and installation of new signs at Rolling Hills and Independence Lake parks. The amount would not exceed $24,500.

The signs are specifically for the improved Blue Heron Bay Spray Zone at Independence Lake Park and the water park at Rolling Hills. The signs cover facility rules, wayfinding, and other information that is either useful in the opinion of staff, or required by state law or the federal Americans with Disabilities Act. The goal, she said, is to replace all the signs to achieve “a more uniform branding” as well as assure compliance with current requirements.

As with the landscaping, staff did the design and released a request for proposals (RFP). The recommended vendor, Harmon Sign, has offices in Novi and production facilities in Toledo. They have done work for large projects, including the University of Michigan stadium and the Detroit Riverwalk.

After the meeting, Bonfiglio provided additional information about the bids:

• Harmon Sign: $24,319
• Valley City Sign: $26,958
• Signs by Crannie: $30,238

New Signs for Rolling Hills and Independence Lake: WCPARC Discussion

Discussion was brief. In response to a question, Bonfiglio explained that the content and location of signs are determined after consultation with staff who work in those parks, and with attention to local, state and national laws and regulations.

Commission members expressed approval – using words like “awesome” and “amazing.”

Outcome: With no substantive discussion, the recommendation was unanimously approved.

Financial Reports

WCPARC’s reports separate “recreation” (parks, facilities, and functions) from the natural areas preservation program (NAPP), because the two components of WCPARC’s responsibilities are funded by separate millages.

Financial Reports: Claims

The February 2013 claims report for recreation – including parks, facilities and functions, but excluding natural areas preservation – showed total claims of $559,020. The bulk of that – $345,584 – was for capital improvements.

Bob Tetens provided a separate sheet showing major non-recurring expenses for recreation that included five items over five figures:

• $251,217 to Sorenson Gross for construction at Independence Lake;
• $76,300 to Vortex for building the splash pad at Independence Lake;
• $75,360 to John Deere Financial, the annual cost for leasing equipment;
• $60,000 to the city of Saline for a Connecting Communities grant;
• $17,920 to Turfgrass Inc. for turf chemicals.

For the natural areas preservation program, claims totaled $87,112. Major non-recurring expenses on Tetens’ list were payments of $25,232 and $43,832 (totaling $69,064) to Brock and Associates for boardwalk construction at Draper Houston Meadows Preserve.

In addition $3,183 was paid to Mannik and Smith for work at Draper Houston and Baker, respectively; and $6,500 to Williams and Associates for appraisals of the Preimeau parcel ($3,000) and West Pier ($3,500).

The total claims presented to WCPARC for both recreation and NAPP was $646,132.

Outcome: with no discussion, claims were unanimously approved.

Financial Reports: Fund Balance – Recreation

Tetens introduced this report by noting that activity is at a minimum at this time of year, and that WCPARC is only in the second month of the year. The beginning fund balance on Jan. 1, 2013 was $12,950,815. The report for Feb. 28 showed year-to-date revenue of $4,747,138 (most of it property tax revenue) and expenses of $987,644 (most for personnel and land development). In addition, WCPARC keeps an operating reserve of $6.7 million and sets aside $925,000 for partnerships, such as the Connecting Communities program. At the end of February, the projected fund balance for Dec. 31, 2013 is $13,186,587.

Financial Reports: Fund Balance – NAPP

NAPP’s beginning fund balance on Jan. 1, 2013 was $10,263,644. Revenue to date at the end of February was $2,277,053, mostly from property taxes. Expenses were $223,539, mostly for land acquisition. The projected fund balance at the end of 2013 is $12,889,014. Tetens remarked that there are “no purchases on the front burner right now.”

Outcome: With no discussion, the financial reports were unanimously accepted and received for filing.

Meri Lou Murray Recreation Center

Bob Tetens pointed out that the Meri Lou Murray Recreation Center is the only WCPARC recreation operation open now. Both membership and participation are up, he said, and revenue is stable. In addition, “we are 72 days away from Super Friday” – meaning the opening day. We are, he promised “about two meetings away from a much thicker report.” Commissioner Dan Smith added, “meaning a larger file to download.”

According to a WCPARC written staff report, total year-to-date memberships at the center reached 1,187 in 2013, up from 1,165 in 2012. Total year-to-date revenue of $264,991 in 2013 is also up compared to $249,565 in 2012. However, the report showed that total participation has fallen in the last year: 63,615 in 2013 compared to 67,824 during the same period in 2012.

Commissioner Pat Scribner asked whether there had been any response to the rate increases that WCPARC adopted in February. Tetens said no, but he pointed out that those increases were not yet implemented. Commissioner Nelson Meade reported that most of the seniors he knows think the rates are too low.

Conan Smith asked, “Why can’t you rent a locker overnight?” Tetens replied that it’s a problem. “People leave the locks on and their stuff in the locker and don’t come back.” Smith said he would appreciate being able to leave his clothes in a locker. There was a brief discussion of the negative consequences to having many articles of athletic clothing stored for long periods of time. Tetens ended the discussion by pointing out that there are thousands of different users and not nearly enough lockers to allow overnight use.

Outcome: This was not a voting item.

Activities, Accomplishments, and Awards

Using written and verbal reports and slides, Bob Tetens and Coy Vaughn together presented a wide array of information about project, activities and awards. The projects to improve the water-based recreation activities at the Rolling Hills water park and the Independence Lake spray-and-play zone received the most attention, as both are major capital improvements. Vaughn showed slides of the construction, which is on schedule at both locations, and Tetens averred that both are on schedule to open Memorial Day weekend.

Slides of activities over the last month included the Daddy-Daughter dance at the Meri Lou Murray Recreation Center around Valentine’s Day; ongoing work to maintain parks, such as building picnic tables and doing repairs in the off season; and the Fat Tire bike race at Rolling Hills.

The city of Ann Arbor received the 2012 Michigan Recreation and Park Association’s Park Design Award for the Argo Cascades along the Huron River. WCPARC paid the city $112,500 to help improve Argo Cascades – it’s one of the funding partnerships to which WCPARC is committed. And WCPARC received honorable mention from the Michigan Association of County Drain Commissioners Innovation and Excellence Program, for the Malletts Creek and County Farm Park drain restoration.

Executive Session

At the end of the meeting, WCPARC went into executive session to discuss the performance review for director Bob Tetens. No additional action was taken.

Present: Jan Anschuetz, Janis Bobrin, Robert Marans, Nelson Meade, Evan Pratt, Patricia Scribner, Rolland Sizemore Jr., Conan Smith, Dan Smith.

Absent: Fred Veigel.

Staff present: Robert Tetens, Coy Vaughn, Meghan Bonfiglio.

Next meeting: Tuesday, April 9, 2013 at 7 p.m. in the county parks and recreation department’s office at 2230 Platt Road in Ann Arbor, in the County Farm property.

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A section of Miller Creek runs through a property off of Geddes Road that the Washtenaw County parks and recreation commission might help preserve, in partnership with the city of Ann Arbor. The land is located in Ann Arbor Township. (Photos by the writer.)

Commissioners were then briefed on what WCPARC director Bob Tetens called a record monthly expenditure for his time with the commission: $3.9 million in January 2013, including $2.9 million for parks and recreation – primarily for capital improvements at Rolling Hills, Independence Lake and Sharon Mills parks – and $1 million for natural areas preservation.

Expenditures in January for the natural areas preservation program included acquiring land from the Ford Road Property LLC on the east side of Berry Road in Superior Township; for improvements at Trinkle Marsh, Spike, Hornback, and Nagle preserves; and for phase 1 due diligence on the proposed purchase of the Trolz property in Manchester Township.

The commission also approved taking the next steps on several additional natural areas preservation proposals. Those steps include applying for (1) federal funds to help cover the purchase of development rights on farmland in Superior and Lima townships, and (2) a state grant to help develop the Staebler Farm, located in Superior Township, into an active park. Commissioners also approved the purchase of a conservation easement on 82 additional acres from the Ford Road Property LLC in Superior Township.

Also discussed was a proposal to help the city of Ann Arbor buy the 8-acre Taylor property on Geddes Road, east of Huron Parkway. The land is immediately east of the city’s Ruthven nature area, and is seen as a priority because a section of Miller Creek runs through it. The creek is subject to flash flooding during heavy rains, and has been the focus of stormwater management efforts by the city and the county water resources commissioner. Conan Smith, a county commissioner who also serves on WCPARC, questioned whether this is an appropriate project for the county’s natural areas preservation program. He indicated that it might be better for the city to partner with the water resources commissioner on this project instead.

In other action, commissioners voted to increase fees at WCPARC facilities, including the Meri Lou Murray Recreation Center, and Independence Lake and Rolling Hills parks. A staff report indicated that the fees would still be lower than comparable public recreation facilities in this region. [.pdf of fee schedule]

WCPARC members were briefed about applications to fund eight projects through the Connecting Communities initiative, under which WCPARC helps pay for non-motorized transportation trails throughout the county. The city of Ann Arbor is among those applicants, asking for $300,000 to fund development of trails along the Allen Creek greenway, including at the city-owned 721 N. Main site. Final decisions will be made at WCPARC’s March meeting.

WCPARC members also re-elected their officers, set the 2013 meeting calendar, and got updates on two months’ worth of activities at the county’s parks and recreation facilities – including a report on flooding at the Meri Lou Murray Recreation Center in January, and steps toward developing a new recreation center in Ypsilanti.

The meeting was attended by six of the current nine-member commission. One vacancy remains to be filled on WCPARC by the Washtenaw County board of commissioners, which appoints all WCPARC members. A vote on that position is expected at the county board’s Feb. 20 meeting.

Natural Areas Preservation Program

Several items on the Feb. 12 agenda related to the county’s natural areas preservation program (NAPP), which is funded by a 10-year countywide millage of 0.2409 mill – most recently approved by voters in 2010. It raises about $3 million in annual revenues and has preserved about 2,500 acres of land since NAPP was established in 2000. That land includes both natural areas as well as farmland.

NAPP: Graichen and Heller Properties

The Agricultural Lands Preservation Advisory Committee (ALPAC) advises WCPARC on matters relating to the purchase of development rights on parcels of agricultural land in the county. ALPAC has recommended that WCPARC apply for 2013 federal funding for two properties: the Graichen property, 72 acres in Superior Township; and the Heller property, 190 acres in Lima Township. [.pdf of staff memo for Heller and Graichen properties]

Map showing the Graichen property in Superior Township, indicated in yellow. The map also highlights other nearby protected land, including WCPARC’s Meyer Preserve, Superior Township’s Cherry Hill Nature Preserve, and the University of Michigan’s Matthaei Botanical Gardens. (Image from the WCPARC Feb. 12 meeting packet.)

The funds would come from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Farm and Ranchland Protection Program (FRPP). According to the FRPP website, the program “provides matching funds to help purchase development rights to keep productive farm and ranchland in agricultural uses.” It’s a common source of matching funds for farmland preservation, and is frequently tapped by the city of Ann Arbor’s greenbelt program.

According to the staff report from consultant Tom Freeman, WCPARC had in February 2012 given permission to proceed with appraisals and discussions with landowners as needed, so that ALPAC could make final acquisition recommendations for these two properties, along with five others. All seven properties were identified as high priority, using a scoring system that the commission previously approved. At WCPARC’s Feb. 12, 2013 meeting, Freeman showed maps of the local area, topography and soils, for each of the two properties.

The Robert and Opal Graichen property lies at the northwest corner of Vreeland and Leforge roads. The soil map prepared by the nonprofit Legacy Land Conservancy for WCPARC reports that the soils are all “prime and locally important.” WCPARC’s Meyer Preserve is less than a mile to the east on Vreeland; Superior Township’s Cherry Hill Nature Preserve is about the same distance to the north and west, helping to create what Freeman called the “developing Superior Township greenway.”

The 190-acre Else Heller property is in Lima Township, south of a line running from the west end of Liberty (at Guenther Road) to Lima Center Road; a piece of it extends across Guenther Road. The Legacy Land Conservancy’s soil map identifies 144 of the acres as “prime and locally important soils.” Freeman’s presentation highlighted the presence of Mill Creek on the north end of the property, and the proximity of the segment that is east of Guenther Road to Sutton Lake.

Freeman’s presentation concluded with a reminder that these purchases would come back to WCPARC for final approval, and that the matter before the commission tonight was to authorize submission of the grant application.

NAPP: Graichen and Heller Properties – Commission Discussion

Commissioner Jan Anschuetz asked about public access to this property, should the transaction go through. Freeman said the owners would have to agree to allow periodic public visits with prior arrangement, and that this was normally done for a naturalist to present a program. The Legacy Land Conservancy, he continued, does bus tours.

“Could they please tell us when they are going to do that?” Anschuetz asked. “It’s so hard to find out about these without a newspaper.” Freeman took the opportunity to say that once WCPARC was involved, there would be wider outreach.

By way of background, the purchase of development rights (PDR) is a common mechanism for protecting farmland, letting landowners keep their property for farming but preventing – via a conservation easement – its development. Because the landowners retain ownership of the property, the land is generally not open to the public, unless at the invitation of the owners.

Outcome: Commissioners unanimously approved ALPAC’s recommendation to apply for 2013 FRPP funding for these two properties, and to authorize staff to perform any necessary due diligence to strengthen the application.

NAPP: Ford Road Property LLC

Tom Freeman presented a written report, slides, and a verbal description of a proposal regarding an 82-acre property in Superior Township on the north side of Ford Road east of Berry Road. It was nominated for purchase in February 2012 and WCPARC’s Natural Areas Technical Advisory Committee had recommended purchase of a conservation easement on the land. [.pdf of Ford Road Property staff memo]

Map showing two Ford Road Property LLC parcels (encircled) that the county is purchasing for its natural areas preservation program. A third parcel, which fronts Ford Road, is not part of this deal. The land is located in Superior Township.

Freeman reminded the commission that at their Dec. 11, 2012 meeting, WCPARC had approved outright purchase of two adjacent parcels totaling 65 acres. Freeman’s report stated that the agricultural portion of these 82 acres was not deemed appropriate for outright purchase through NAPP. Instead, the report continued, “purchase of a conservation easement on the agricultural portion of the Ford Road property would offer a valuable buffer to the recently purchased natural area [to the north].”

Superior Township has expressed a desire to have a farmer own the land, farm it and pay taxes on it, according to Freeman’s report. The current owner, Ford Road Property LLC, sees it as potential residential land. However,, a realtor has found a Superior Township-based farmer, Freeman said, who wants to farm it and is willing to sell the conservation easement. The land contains a stream that is part of the headwaters of the Rouge River. Access will be through Superior Township’s Schroeter Park, on the north side of land that WCPARC purchased in December, where there is already a parking lot. Bosserd Appraisal placed a value of $413,000 for a conservation easement on the 82 acres.

NAPP: Ford Road Property LLC – Commission Discussion

WCPARC president Bob Marans commented on the collective value of these purchases. “If you could look back a hundred years from now, this is huge,” he said. Freeman added that WCPARC would work with the township to continue to build high quality trails, and that the property would be available for seasonal pre-arranged tours; he planned to meet with Superior Township officials the next day to talk further about this.

Outcome: Commissioners unanimously approved the motion authorizing staff to prepare a purchase offer for the southern portion, approximately 82 acres of the Ford Road Property LLC at a price of $413,000 for a conservation easement, contingent on the completion of all necessary due diligence of the property and the commission’s final approval.

NAPP: Taylor Property

This 8-acre parcel on the north side of Geddes Road is immediately east of the city of Ann Arbor’s Ruthven nature area. The current owners, who could by right put residential development on the land, contacted the city, which “immediately asked us to partner with them,” Freeman reported. [.pdf of staff memo for Taylor property]

WCPARC’s Natural Areas Technical Advisory Committee (NATAC) identified the property as a high priority in a Nov. 12, 2012 memo. The Ann Arbor Township property, Freeman said, is densely overgrown with invasive species so much that walking it is difficult. Most significantly, Miller Creek runs through the property, under Geddes Road, and into the Huron River at the Gallup Park parking lot. The creek is subject to flash flooding during large rain events, in spite of work done on it by the county water resources commission and the city of Ann Arbor, Freeman said, adding that the city wants to take the lead on this. [The city's acquisition of parkland and land preservation efforts are funded through a 30-year open space and parkland preservation millage that voters approved in 2003.]

By way of background, according to the nonprofit Huron River Watershed Council, Miller Creek “is degraded due to a high amount of impervious surface in its watershed, and alterations to the stream channel. Stream monitoring data show Millers Creek to be in poor condition overall. According to the city of Ann Arbor:

Millers Creek drains only 2.4 square miles, making it one of the smallest watersheds in the Huron River system. However, the creek is also the steepest tributary to the Huron, averaging a gradient of 52 feet per mile. The creek runs along Huron Parkway from Plymouth Road to the Huron River. The stream’s steep gradient, combined with extensive impervious surface in the watershed and straightening of the stream channel over time contribute to extremely flashy flows in Millers Creek during storm events.

NAPP: Taylor Property – Commission Discussion

At the WCPARC Feb. 12 meeting, Bob Marans asked Freemen, “How would NATAC have valued this [property] if the city had not approached us to partner?” Freeman’s response: “If this were out in the country, it would not be so attractive. What is valuable here is the location – this property has daily impact on the quality of the Huron River. The stream has been highly affected by development elsewhere in the city, which makes sediment flow into the [Huron] River.”

Map showing the location of the Taylor property in Ann Arbor Township, outlined in black within the black circle.

Freeman’s recommendation was that WCPARC contribute $27,500 – about 25% of the estimated $110,000 cost – to help the city buy the property, and in return obtain a guarantee that the property would always be open to the public, and that WCPARC’s contribution be recognized with a sign.

Conan Smith, who represents one of the Ann Arbor districts on the county board of commissioners, asked whether the property could be developed residentially, given that part of it is in the floodplain. Freeman indicated that it would be possible to build on the west side of the property. He continued: “We could do what we did with Malletts Creek at the County Farm Park, slowing the water down, allowing it to overflow its banks onto the west side of the property.” [The Malletts Creek bank stabilization project was discussed most recently at WCPARC's May 8, 2012 meeting.]

Smith replied: “Isn’t that engineering rather than natural area preservation?” Freeman allowed that treating this area “as we did with Malletts Creek would require a huge investment. What we can do [on the Taylor property] is keep the creek from being subjected to the additional hard surfaces of residential development.”

Smith said he “was not sold on this as NAPP” and that although he could support the next step to approve completing all necessary due diligence, he could not yet support the purchase itself. He said his preference is that he and Evan Pratt, the county water resources commissioner, and “one other person” approach the drain board and asked that the office of the water resources commissioner partner with the city on this property, rather than WCPARC. Smith mentioned that it would fit with the Huron River Green Infrastructure Drainage District, which uses tree plantings for stormwater management project within the city of Ann Arbor. [At its Dec. 3, 2012 meeting, the Ann Arbor city council approved petitioning the county water resources commissioner to proceed with this green infrastructure project, at a cost of $300,000.]

Freeman replied to Smith: “What I struggle with is once this [property] becomes available, it has a momentum. What is proposed here is for the city to purchase this to make it part of Ruthven, and we would partner in return for getting access.”

Outcome: Commissioner Jan Anschuetz moved to authorize “the option to work with water resources,” and there was unanimous approval.

Connecting Communities

Commissioners received a separate packet consisting of a background memo on the Connecting Communities program, and copies of six applications for funding, which covered eight proposed projects. [.pdf of staff memo]

According to the staff memo, in May 2009 WCPARC authorized the Connecting Communities initiative, through which it would make up to $600,000 available annually from 2010 through 2014 – a total of $3 million – toward the cost of eligible trail projects. According to the memo, “eligible projects will be those that accomplish the Commission’s primary objective of providing valuable non-motorized connections between communities and activity centers, offering a healthy alternative for recreation, transportation, fitness, and energy conservation.”

WCPARC developed criteria for selecting projects, which include:

• ten primary considerations (e.g. highway, river, railroad and other barrier crossings);
• fourteen types of projects generally not eligible (e.g. trails solely within existing local parks);
• six review criteria that applicants must use to document a compelling need for a project (e.g. that the project directly relates to the county’s important natural features, such as a river, and notes that the Huron River corridor is WCPARC’s highest priority)
• five secondary criteria that apply to high-ranking projects (e.g. project quality and land availability or encumbrances).

The process for selecting projects to be funded involves a staff review of the applications. The projects are then presented to the projects to the Greenways Advisory Committee, which provides input that staff uses to prioritize the applications and make recommendations to WCPARC for final approval.

Connecting Communities: Summary of Applications

The applications for 2013 include:

• Ann Arbor: $300,000 (of total cost of $1 million) for 1,500 feet of trail, part of a project for the “development of pathways, storm water features to improve the quality of Allen Creek…on property which will serve as a trailhead for the proposed Allen Creek Greenway.” The site includes city property at 721 N. Main. Paths will connect Felch Street to both North Main and west Summit Street. The proposal states that the city will also apply for a match from the Michigan Dept. of Natural Resources Trust Fund (MDNRTF), and that the city will consider using the adopt-a-park program to help maintain the facility.
• Village of Dexter: $300,000 (the total cost) for the final 1,300 feet of trail connecting Dexter Huron Metropark to Dexter, as part of the countywide border-to-border trail. The trail will run from the current end of the trail to Central Street.
• Northfield Township: $230,000 (of total cost of $600,000) for 2,925 feet of trail along Barker Road in Whitmore Lake, connecting Whitmore Lake’s downtown with the Northfield Township Library and Whitmore Lake Elementary School. This is the third phase of a project that received $120,000 in 2010 and $250,000 in 2011.
• Pittsfield Township: $400,000 (of total cost of $1.8 million) for 1.8 miles of trail, phase 2 of the Lohr-Textile greenway, extending it east from the corner of Lohr and Textile, on Textile, to the Marshview Meadow Park and the Pittsfield Preserve. Other potential project funders include MDNRTF ($300,000) and MDOT/SEMCOG ($1,064,708). This project received $300,000 in 2010 and $290,000 in 2011.
• Superior Township: $300,000 for two projects: 2,700 feet of trail along the east side of Prospect Road from Clark Road to the north side of Berkshire Drive (total cost $406,000); and 2,200 feet of trail along the south side of Geddes Road from Andover Circle to the Ridge Road roundabout (total cost of $267,000).
• Ypsilanti Township: $295,000 for two projects totaling 4,032 feet (total cost of $310,000). One project (2032 feet) would run along the east side of Tuttle Hill Road from Textile Road north across South Huron River Drive and into Ford Lake Park; the other (1,000 feet) would run on the south side of Textile from just east of South Huron River Drive to the entrance of Lakeview mobile homes. The township received $100,000 in 2010 and $250,000 in 2011, and has pledged $100,000 for project engineering.

Connecting Communities: Commission Discussion

Commissioner Jan Anschuetz asked about the Ann Arbor application. “What if they don’t get the [MDNRTF] grant?” WCPARC director Bob Tetens replied: “Then they would not get our money. When we pledge, we put it on the table only until we know whether they get the other money. If they don’t, the money would roll into the next year.”

Outcome: There was no vote. WCPARC staff expects to make recommendations to the commission at the March 12, 2013 meeting.

Funds to Develop Staebler Farm

Planner Coy Vaughn presented information about the recommendation to prepare and submit an application to the Michigan Dept. of Natural Resources Trust Fund for funding to start development on part of the 98-acre Staebler farm site for active use. [.pdf of staff memo on MDNRTF application] [As background, the site is in Superior Township, east of Prospect Road and south of M-14. It is bisected by Plymouth Road and edges both Frains Lake and Murray Lake. For additional background, see Chronicle coverage: "County Parks: Options for Staebler Farm"]

From left: Bob Marans, president of the Washtenaw County parks and recreation commission, and WCPARC director Bob Tetens.

WCPARC acquired the land in 2001, Vaughn said, and has “invested considerable effort and funds to repair and preserve a loafing barn, cattle barn, horse barn, milk house, and corn crib.” Vaughn’s report suggested that completing a master site development plan and providing entrance drives to allow public access would cost $750,000. The proposal is to apply for $300,000 from MDNRTF – the maximum grant level that’s awarded.

Both Vaughn and WCPARC director Bob Tetens expressed optimism about the success of the application. “We’ve had a lot of success the last few years, and not been denied in several years,” Vaughn said. Tetens chimed in: “Not since I’ve been here.” Vaughn noted that the WCPARC applications line up well with the MDNRTF grant criteria.

The outline plan that Vaughn presented put active uses on the north side of Plymouth Road, retaining the south side (where Don Staebler still lives) for pasturage and hayfields. He reviewed previous thinking about the site: to preserve the character of the historic property with active farming that would also support the local food movement; to celebrate the agricultural heritage of the county and the evolution of agricultural practices; to provide park amenities; and to take advantage of the water resources on the site. Vaughn added that WCPARC staff have met with Superior Township staff to be sure they agree with these ideas.

The first phase of development, Vaughn said, would be a trail, fishing pier, pavilion, parking, interpretive signs, and further improvement of structures on the site.

Funds to Develop Staebler Farm: Commission Discussion

Commissioner Rolland Sizemore Jr. asked whether the site would have to be rezoned. No, replied Vaughn, but the township might require a site plan. Commissioner Jan Anschuetz asked whether the grant would be for the first phase, and the answer was affirmative. Tetens clarified that the application is due April 1, and there has to be a public hearing, which will occur at the March 12 WCPARC meeting.

Outcome: Commissioners unanimously voted to authorize staff to prepare and submit a grant application, and to hold a public hearing at the March 12 commission meeting.

Fees for WCPARC Facilities

Director Bob Tetens introduced the topic by saying: “We have to raise fees, but we don’t want to raise very much.” Coy Vaughn, WCPARC planner, added that with all the improvements and additions to Independence Lake and Rolling Hills parks, which will have facilities they did not have previously, staff compared costs at similar facilities in the area to make the fee proposal. [.pdf of staff memo on proposed fee schedule]

For Rolling Hills, which has had no price increase since 2003, the proposal calls for raising all fees by $1 (but only 50 cents on weekdays after 5 p.m.). The proposal also includes increasing rent for the Great Room from $100 to $125, and eliminating the hourly rental option.

Independence Lake Blue Heron Bay – the new spray-and-play zone – will have a separate entrance fee per day of $4 for county residents and $5 for non-residents. Weekdays after 5 p.m., the fee would be discounted by $1. Children age and under can enter at no charge.

At the Meri Lou Murray Recreation Center, the annual fees for county residents would be increased as follows:

• Adult (16-61): from $220 to $230, renewal at $220.
• Youth, senior, disabled: from $165 to $180, renewal at $170.
• Over 80: from $50 to $60.
• Family (up to 6, no more than two over 18): from $480 to $495, renewal at $485.
• Non-resident fees will be 50% more than resident fees in all categories.
• Daily fees for adults will go from $7 to $8, and those for youth, seniors and disabled from $5 to $6, with non-resident daily fees $1 higher.
• Independent personal trainer and private swim instructor fees will go up 10%.

The staff report stated that “among the facilities similar to MLM, only the Livonia Rec Center charges less for adult passes, $206.” The report noted that the Livonia facility is heavily subsidized by the city’s general fund. “With an average adult fee of $266 among the public rec centers,” the report continued, “and an average of $538 among the local private gyms, we can justify an increase….”

The report contained charts of fees for publicly owned facilities in Canton, Dearborn, Livonia, Saline, and Troy, averaging $266. Locally, fees for Ann Arbor’s YMCA, Anytime Fitness, Arbor Fit, Liberty Athletic, One-on-One, Planet Fitness, and Washtenaw Community College averaged $538.

Commission discussion was limited to brief comments, agreeing that people are still getting a bargain at MLMRC.

Outcome: Commissioners unanimously approved the new fee structure at all locations.

Financial Reports

Because WCPARC’s January 2013 meeting had been canceled, commissioners reviewed financial reports for two months.

Financial Reports: Claims in January 2013

Total claims for January reached $3,912,657 – including $2,265,456 for capital improvements at park facilities. WCPARC director Bob Tetens gave a report to commissioners with highlights, including road and trail construction at Rolling Hills and Independence Lake parks; and bridge replacement at Sharon Mills. [.pdf of January 2013 claims report]

In addition, WCPARC paid $121,000 to the city of Ann Arbor for stormwater fees that had been paid by county facilities on behalf of WCPARC; the city will, in turn, repay the county. In addition, WCPARC paid $373,591 toward partnerships, the second largest monthly expense, including a total of $340,000 to Chelsea, Northfield Township, and Saline.

The natural areas preservation program’s expenses in January were $1,003,799. This included closing on the first Ford Road purchase, approved by WCPARC in December 2012; constructing an overlook in Trinkle Marsh; $83,000 for a boardwalk and parking lot at the Spike Preserve; a $64,000 contribution to a conservation easement on the Hornback property in Salem Township; $40,000 to Mannik and Smith for a phase I environmental assessment on the Trolz property west of Manchester; and improvements at the Nagle and Squires preserves.

Bob Marans asked whether, now that all reports are in electronic form, the printed report could include more details, rather than getting them in an oral report. Tetens agreed to do that.

Outcome: Commissioners unanimously approved the claims for January.

Financial Reports: Claims in February 2013

The claims report for February 2013 totaled only $94,588 for parks facilities and functions, plus $119,215 for NAPP – a total for the month of $213,802. The NAPP expense included acquiring a conservation easement in the Drake Preserve. There was no commission discussion. [.pdf of February 2013 claims report]

Outcome: Unanimous approval of the claims for February.

Financial Reports: Year-end 2012

Tetens supplemented the written report with comments on the financials at the end of WCPARC’s fiscal year – Dec. 31, 2012. There were separate reports for parks facilities and functions, and the natural areas preservation program (NAPP). [.pdf of WCPARC fund balance statements]

Parks began with a fund balance of $20,412,417 on Jan. 1, 2012, and ended the year with a projected (unaudited) balance of $12,245,536. On the revenue side, property taxes exceeded budget expectations by $241,863, and fees by $376,329, putting total revenue at $10,219,773. Actual expenses totaled $17,690,375. The top two expenses were $11,091,512 for land development and $4,041,245 for personnel services.

WCPARC planner Meghan Bonfiglio and commissioner Rolland Sizemore Jr.

In addition, WCPARC had $6.7 million in an operating reserve, and $50,000 for partnerships, both functioning as expenses. Conan Smith asked Tetens whether WCPARC gets a report from county treasurer Catherine McClary on its investments. Tetens replied that he had not requested that, and was “not sure she can break it out by department.”

NAPP’s beginning fund balance was $9,374,016. Its revenue, primarily property taxes, was $3,357,670. Expenses were well under projections, primarily because land acquisitions, with a budget of $3.2 million, only used $1,638,416. The projected fund balance of $10,818,369 includes money set aside for land stewardship and management.

As background, WCPARC administers the natural areas preservation program (NAPP), which the county board established in 2000. NAPP is funded with a 10-year millage of 0.2409 mills, which voters renewed in 2010. Since 2002 – the first year that millage proceeds were received – the millage has generated about $37 million in revenues. The ordinance enables WCPARC to accumulate these funds, and expend them as properties are identified. With that funding, WCPARC has protected 2,459 acres, often in partnership with other organizations.

Recreation Reports

WCPARC staff gave several reports and updates related to the county’s recreation facilities.

Recreation Reports: Meri Lou Murray Recreation Center

Bob Tetens characterized use and revenue from the Meri Lou Murray Recreation Center on Washtenaw Avenue as he has in the past – “stable.” [.pdf of MLM Rec Center report]

In 2012, there were 5,093 memberships that brought in $737,305 in revenue. That’s down from 5,584 memberships in 2011 and $750,008 in revenue. In 2010, memberships were 5,368 and revenue was $736,580. Daily passes and revenue have also declined: 28,071 passes in 2012 ($177,501); 29,748 passes in 2011 ($187,283); and 38,174 in 2010 ($199,364).

In 2012, the center reported overall participation of 325,234 resulting in revenue of $1,218,007. That compares to a count of 339,946 people in 2011 ($1,244,205 in revenue); and 333,865 in 2010 ($1,245,167 in revenue). So the center saw a 4.3% decline in participation and a 2.1% decline in revenue from 2011 to 2012.

The January 2013 report showed participation by 33,151 people and revenue of $157,372, compared to 34,901 ($142,232) in January 2012 and 35,430 ($147,811) in 2011.

Conan Smith asked about the decline in daily passes, especially in light of the concurrent decrease in memberships. Bob Marans asked whether any surveys are taken in the building, to gauge usage.

Tetens said he did not think the decline was due to competition from the Ann Arbor YMCA or the Washtenaw Community College facility, because they are “a different market from Meri Lou Murray.” He pointed to warmer weather in 2012 as affecting use of MLMRC.

Recreation Reports: Pierce Lake Golf Course

Tetens called the report on the Pierce Lake Golf Course “very very good,” with 2012 showing the greatest use and highest revenues ever for the course. In 2012, 19,278 golfers paid $399,242 in green fees, compared to 15,836 ($346,049) in 2011 and 18,477 ($338,905) in 2010. [.pdf of Pierce Lake report]

Retail operations took in $110,589 in 2012, compared to $89,523 in 2011 and $92,325 in 2010. Total revenue in 2012 was $614,620, up from $526,501 in 2011 and $532,415 in 2010. Tetens attributed the increase to the investments in food and beverage, including a stone patio and liquor license obtained in the summer of 2010. He expressed hope that business would increase in the future because the pavilion’s size is now twice what it was.

Recreation Reports: Independence Lake Park

Both attendance and revenue at Independence Lake Park continue to increase: 17,743 ($137,217) in 2012; 17,019 ($132,602) in 2011; and 16,886 ($132,419) in 2010. [.pdf of Independence Lake Park report]

The percent of annual users who are non-residents of the county was 6.2% in 2012; 5.1% in 2011, and 4.5% in 2010. The percent of non-resident daily users is higher, though it has shown a decrease in recent years: 28.8% in 2012, 32.1% in 2011, and 31.6% in 2010.

Annual revenue peaked in 2012 at $211,578. That compares to $209,960 in 2011, and $201,731 in 2010. Tetens called attention to the increase in day camp attendance: 928 in 2012, up from 600 in 2011 and 495 in 2010.

Recreation Reports: Rolling Hills Park and Water Park

The park section of Rolling Hills Park saw 34,788 attendees and $268,288 in revenue in 2012, about the same as 2011, with attendance of 34,844 ($267,130). [.pdf of Rolling Hills report]

In 2010, attendance was 33,780 ($259,990). County non-residents accounted for 5.41% of the annual users, but 46.99% of the daily users. In 2011, non-residents were 3.95% of annual attendance and 46.55% daily; and in 2010, 3.89% annual and 46.29% daily.

The water park section of Rolling Hills, which requires an additional entrance fee, had 114,522 users who paid a total of $780,122 to enter. In 2011 there were 115,012 uses ($780,995), and 113,635 ($761,453) in 2010.

Overall revenue at Rolling Hills was $1,322,131 in 2012; $1,310,515 in 2011; and $1,249,894 in 2010.

Outcome: All recreation reports were received for filing.

Project and Activities Updates

WCPARC meetings typically include a range of updates on parks and recreation projects that are underway, as well as activities within the system.

Project and Activities Updates: Development Projects

Bob Tetens reported on continuing work at Independence Lake Park, where a new water park with an administration/ticket sales and a bathhouse building are under construction, along with spray and play water features that include interactive devices – kids can use their hands to control the amount of water. Tetens highlighted the details such as images of herons, cattails, dragonflies and butterflies in the railings; the standing-seam metal roof; and the water slides, which are the main attractions. One is completely enclosed – commission member Jan Anschuetz called it the “panic attack” feature. Tetens underlined the fact that the play area is fenced off so kids can’t wander into the lake. There is “a beautiful new grill in the concession area,” he concluded.

At Rolling Hills Park, which will have a soft opening the weekend before Memorial Day, there is a new 450-space parking lot leading to a more dramatic entry with a courtyard, a new 32-foot water slide tower, and a new park headquarters building. Tetens also noted, with appreciation to the commission, the value of the new snow removal and snow grading equipment, which has been used this winter.

[See Chronicle coverage of WCPARC's July 24, 2012 meeting, when the projects at Rolling Hills and Independence Lake parks were discussed in detail.]

Project and Activities Updates: East County Recreation Center

The concept for a new recreation center just east of downtown Ypsilanti continues to move forward. It would be at the northwest corner of the 38-acre Water Street development site. [For additional background on this project, see Chronicle coverage: "Public Gives Input on East County Rec Center"]

Tetens updated WCPARC on one component: A section of the border-to-border trail that will run from Riverside Park, across Michigan Avenue, and along the west side of the proposed rec center on the east bank of the Huron River. Currently the county is negotiating with the owner of Fischer Honda for an easement across his property that would contain a bridge, and with the Michigan Dept. of Transportation for a HAWK signal. [A HAWK – High-Intensity Activated crossWalK beacon – is a signal that a pedestrian can activate to stop traffic and allow a safe crossing.]

Tetens said he is very optimistic about getting permission from MDOT, because the pedestrian counts met the warrants for establishing such a crossing. Commissioner Rolland Sizemore Jr. called attention to the need to coordinate the two efforts: “Before we give money to Honda, we have to be sure we can build the bridge and do the crossing.”

Tetens said they would use an escrow account to hold payment for the property until the bridge and the crossing were assured. Several commission members commented on the increased activity and number of residents in downtown Ypsilanti. Jan Anschuetz said “You can’t rent a loft, and Linda [French] is putting $1.2 million into her building [the Sidetrack Bar]. You can’t park in Ypsi at ten at night.”

Project and Activities Updates: Ann Arbor Skatepark

The proposed Ann Arbor skatepark, to be located on the northwest corner of Veterans Memorial Park in Ann Arbor – across Dexter Road from Aldi’s – has been approved in concept by the Ann Arbor city council, Tetens reported, and will be released for bids next month. He also said the city is asking for state money to share the cost of handling stormwater.

Ann Arbor skatepark sign at the northwest corner of Veterans Memorial Park.

Coy Vaughn showed a slide of the proposal, and commissioner Bob Marans commented that the design is very different from the original concept.

Tetens responded: “People will drive for three or four hours to use this – there is nothing like it anywhere near here.” Jan Anschuetz stated that if WCPARC hadn’t offered a matching grant, this project wouldn’t have happened. [The county put forward $400,000 in matching funds for the project.] Tetens laughed, saying “that was the year we offered matching grants on a lot of projects and never thought so many of them would come through.” Conan Smith praised Ann Arbor parks and recreation manager Colin Smith, saying he was “awesome.” [The two Smiths are not related.]

Project and Activities Updates: Flood at Meri Lou Murray Recreation Center

Bob Tetens told commissioners that “it was a quiet Friday morning [Jan. 25, 2013] when I got a call about 10 a.m. – we had to evacuate the rec center.” While Tetens narrated, Coy Vaughn showed video from a security camera that was aimed at the source of the water: a fire suppression system leak caused by extreme cold weather.

Tetens described the staff response, as excellent, saying it was so effective that the building re-opened at 5 p.m. that day. “When I walked in,” he said, “I thought we would be closed for a week or more.” He went on to describe the extent of the damage, when the water extended into the “main intersection” of the building, down the stairs, cascading into utility rooms and locker rooms, into heat outlets, light fixtures, and even the elevator. Staff streamed in from field operations and all the parks. They stopped the flow of water, removed water in the building, cleaned outlets and restored electricity, and had the elevator inspected before they could reopen.

Project and Activities Updates: Paving Jennings Road

Tetens reported on a meeting with the county road commission to plan for paving about two miles of Jennings Road. [Jennings Road provides the best route to the county's Independence Lake Park for anyone living south of North Territorial.]

He reported on an agreement in which WCPARC, Webster Township, and the road commission to split the cost three ways, with the road commission “fronting the money and the other two paying them back over three years.” The matter, he said, would come to WCPARC for final approval in a couple of months.

Commissioner Conan Smith asked whether anyone was working with the residents. Tetens replied: “That’s the township’s job. From what I hear, people want it paved, but the next thing we’ll hear is people are driving too fast once it’s paved.”

Project and Activities Updates: Stewardship Proposal

Tetens reported on the result of WCPARC’s Sept. 2013 proposal to the county board of commissioners to modify the NAPP ordinance. [See Chronicle coverage: "Change to Natural Areas Ordinance OK'd"]

The change directs specific fund allocations between acquiring and maintaining natural areas (75%) and agricultural land (25%). Funds used for natural areas are further divided: 93% for acquisition, and 7% for stewardship and maintenance.  WCPARC had suggested the 93%/7% split be changed to 75%/25%. However, as Tetens reported, the county board’s response was to instead give WCPARC discretion about how to spend the 75% of all NAPP funds that can be used for natural areas.

Tetens told WCPARC he would come back with a proposed organizational structure to implement the change. He indicated that there would be two steps: first, adding “a couple of positions.” But also, he said, “we won’t spend all the funds we have available for stewardship or management, so that by 2020 [when the NAPP millage expires] we won’t be forced into asking for re-authorization. We hope to save enough money to pay for stewardship forever, or, in the worst case, ask for a lower millage. There is only so much land we can buy”

Conan Smith, who also serves on the county board of commissioners, complimented Tetens: “Your structure is very smart, dividing this up into three parts: purchase, manage, and stewardship.”

New Members, Election of Officers

WCPARC’s Feb. 12 meeting was the first recent one for new member Conan Smith, whose presence brought the number of WCPARC members up to nine. Smith had previously served on WCPARC, prior to his stint as chair of the county board of commissioners for the past two years. When he rotated off that chairmanship at the end of 2012, he asked his colleagues on the county board to reappoint him to WCPARC. For the past two years that position on WCPARC had been held by county commissioner Dan Smith.

All members of WCPARC are appointed by the county board of commissioners. At their Dec. 5, 2012 meeting, the county board appointed former county water resources commissioner Janis Bobrin as a community member to WCPARC. Evan Pratt, who was elected water resources commissioner in November 2102, took a seat on WCPARC by virtue of that position – it’s mandated that the water resources commissioner serve on WCPARC. Leaving WCPARC at the end of 2012 were former county commissioner Barbara Bergman and public member Jimmie Maggard.

Of WCPARC’s 10 membership positions, up to three can be from the county board. At their Jan. 16, 2013 meeting, the county commissioners made appointments to all of the county’s boards and commissions, including WCPARC. Currently, commissioners Conan Smith and Rolland Sizemore Jr. serve on WCPARC.

One vacancy on WCPARC remains to be filled by the county board. A vote on that position is expected at the board’s Feb. 20 meeting, for a term ending Dec. 31, 2014.

At WCPARC’s Feb. 12 meeting, president Bob Marans announced that the time had come to elect new officers. Commissioner Rolland Sizemore Jr. responded by moving to re-elect all of the current officers: Marans (president), Patricia Scribner (vice president), and Nelson K. Meade (secretary).

Outcome: Without discussion, the motion passed unanimously. 

Meeting Calendar for 2013

WCPARC’s Jan. 8, 2013 meeting had been cancelled for lack of business. So the meeting calendar for 2013 was presented for approval on Feb. 12. The commission meets on the second Tuesday of each month. Remaining meetings are scheduled for March 12, April 9, May 14, June 11, Aug. 13, Sept. 10, Nov. 12, and Dec. 10. Bob Tetens reminded WCPARC that usually either the July or August meeting is skipped.

Outcome: Without discussion, commissioners approved the 2013 meeting calendar.

Present: Robert Marans, Patricia Scribner, Rolland Sizemore, Jr., Nelson Meade, Jan Anschuetz, Conan Smith.

Absent: Janis Bobrin, Evan Pratt, Fred Veigel. [There also is one vacancy on the commission.]

Staff present: Director Robert Tetens, deputy director Coy Vaughn, planner Meghan Bonfiglio, and consultant Tom Freeman.

Next meeting: Tuesday, March 12, 2013 at 7 p.m. in the county parks and recreation department’s office at 2230 Platt Road in Ann Arbor, in the County Farms property.

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The entrance to Scio Woods Preserve, part of the Washtenaw County parks & recreation commission’s natural areas preservation program. The 91-acre property, off of Scio Church Road, is protected in partnership with Scio Township and the Ann Arbor greenbelt program. (Photo by M. Morgan)

Since the NAPP initiative was established in 2000, nearly 2,500 acres of land have been preserved countywide. The millage-funded program is overseen by the Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation Commission (WCPARC), a body appointed by the county board that also oversees the much older parks and recreation system, which was established in 1973.

WCPARC also partners with other organizations on special initiatives, including the countywide Border to Border Trail, (B2B), the Connecting Communities program, and planning for an east county recreation center on Michigan Avenue in Ypsilanti. That center’s planning effort is also taking another step forward this month, with WCPARC staff holding an open house on Thursday, Sept. 27 to review two design options for the center. The open house will be held at Spark East (215 W. Michigan Ave. in Ypsilanti) from 3-8 p.m., with formal presentations at 4 p.m. and 8 p.m.

In the context of current proposals – the NAPP ordinance change and possible new recreation center in Ypsilanti – this report looks at the history, budget, and scope of the county parks and recreation system, as well as its master planning for the future and its partnerships with local, state and national organizations with a similar purpose.

Background and Overview

When the Washtenaw County board of commissioners voted to establish the county parks and recreation department in 1973, the parks system started with just four roadside parks that had previously been maintained by the county road commission. By 2000, the system had grown to 1,100 acres of parks, all north of I-94 and east of US-23. Now, there are more than 2,000 acres of parks and recreation facilities countywide, overseen by the Washtenaw County Parks & Recreation Commission (WCPARC).

The operation is funded with an 0.472 mill tax and this year has a budget of $23.838 $15.5 million.

WCPARC also administers a separate program, the natural areas preservation program (NAPP), which the county board established in 2000. NAPP is funded with a 10-year millage of 0.2409 mills, which voters renewed in 2010. Since 2002 – the first year that millage proceeds were received – the millage has generated about $37 million in revenues. The ordinance enables WCPARC to accumulate these funds, and expend them as properties are identified. With that funding, WCPARC has protected 2,459 acres, often in partnership with other organizations.

A fundamental difference between NAPP and parks & recreation is that parks & recreation’s efforts focus on very active uses, while NAPP’s focus is, by the terms of its ordinance, intended for “passive recreation.” Passive recreation includes trail walking, bird watching and other activities, but not active uses like fishing or hunting. Both programs are administered by the same staff and managed by the department’s director, Bob Tetens. The WCPARC website contains an interactive map showing all its facilities.

WCPARC Administration & Governance

The state statute enabling creation of WCPARC calls for the county board of commissioners, an elected body, to appoint 10 members who serve staggered three-year terms. The enabling legislation – 1965 Act of the Michigan Legislature – reads in part as follows:

§ 46.351. Sec. 1.

(1) The county board of commissioners of a county, by resolution adopted by a 2/3 vote of all its members, may create a county parks and recreation commission, which shall be under the general control of the board of commissioners.

…

(4) The county parks and recreation commission is an agency of the county. The county board of commissioners may make rules and regulations with respect to the county parks and recreation commission as the board of commissioners considers advisable. The members of the county parks and recreation commission are not full-time officers. The county board of commissioners shall fix the compensation of the members.

WCPARC members must include the chair or another member of the county road commission (Fred Veigel); the county water resources commissioner or an employee designated by the commissioner (Janis Bobrin); and eight others, which must include between one and three county commissioners – Barbara Levin Bergman (District 8), Rolland Sizemore, Jr. (District 5), and Dan Smith (District 2). Other current WCPARC commissioners are: Robert Marans (president), Patricia Scribner (vice president), Nelson K. Meade (secretary), Janice Anscheutz, and Jimmie Maggard.

The commission oversees work of the staff, led by the WCPARC director. The department has had only four directors in its 38-year history: Robert Gamble (1974-1980); Roger Shedlock (1980-1985); Fred Barkely (1985-2001); and Bob Tetens, the current director who was appointed in 2001.

When Tetens, a graduate of Eastern Michigan University, came to work for WCPARC in 2001, he brought years of experience in other parts of Washtenaw County government. He started working for the county in 1978 as a planner, and later served as a research associate, senior planner, and in the office of the county administrator. Tetens then served as executive director of the Urban Area Transportation Study, now known as the Washtenaw Area Transportation Study, an entity responsible for transportation planning in the area. Tetens cites his experience with transportation and countywide planning for his commitment to the importance of non-motorized transportation.

As WCPARC’s leader, Tetens oversees a staff of about 35 full-time employees. These include deputy director Coy Vaughn – whose experience includes several years with the Ann Arbor planning department – and park planners, administrative staff, two naturalists, a horticulturist, a greens superintendent, and other employees in six locations. As part of those 35 employees, each of the largest parks or recreation facilities – Meri Lou Murray, Pierce Lake, Independence Lake, and Rolling Hills – has a superintendent, building maintenance, and operations staff.

WCPARC also hires nearly 400 seasonal workers, including lifeguards, park rangers and managers, groundskeepers, concession workers, maintenance workers, gardeners, and interpretive naturalists. These people work in both the parks and recreation facilities, as well as for the natural areas preservation program.

National Areas Preservation Program (NAPP)

The county board of commissioners established the Washtenaw County natural areas preservation program (NAPP) in 2000 with its natural areas ordinance 128. The ordinance sets out NAPP’s purpose:

SECTION 1:  Declaration of Purpose

The Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners declares that Washtenaw County is a desirable place to live, work and visit in large part because of the existence of natural areas within the County.  Natural areas have aesthetic as well as practical benefits for County citizens. In addition, the purchase of natural areas can be used to protect fragile lands and environmentally threatened lands. The purchase of natural areas within the County will further these public benefits. Passive recreation would be appropriate use of this land.

The ordinance also authorizes the parks and recreation commission to purchase and hold real estate in the name of the county, and lays out procedures and standards for the purchase and protection of lands. The process begins when landowners nominate their property to the program, either as natural areas or as agricultural lands. Potential natural areas are reviewed by the Natural Areas Technical Advisory Committee (NATAC), which makes recommendations to WCPARC.

The county board of commissioners appoints NATAC’s seven members, on WCPARC’s recommendation, to two-year terms. The ordinance requires them to be county residents who have a “demonstrable level of expertise” in each of several professions: fisheries biology, botany/forestry, wildlife management, land use planning, environmental education, professional real estate, and land trust management.

Sign signifying a partnership between Scio Township land preservation efforts and the county natural areas preservation program.

The ordinance outlines the standard for determining “natural areas” worth acquiring: “land, including that used for agricultural purposes, which provides the function of conserving natural resources, including the promotion of the conservation of soils, wetlands and waterways, habitat, and special plants, animals, and plant communities.” The ordinance also identifies types of “passive recreation” that considered appropriate use of this land: “walking, jogging, bird watching, nature studies, quiet picnicking and other quiet inactive pastimes.”

Agricultural lands that are proposed for NAPP are handled in a different way. Such properties are reviewed by the Agricultural Lands Preservation Advisory Committee (ALPAC), as well as by WCPARC and the local unit of government where the land is located. WCPARC performs standard due diligence, such as environmental assessments, property line surveys, and anything specific to the property, often hiring third parties to do that work.

ALPAC was established by the Washtenaw County board’s purchase of development rights (PDR) ordinance to assist WCPARC in determining whether it should purchase the development rights on a particular parcel, as well as how much the county should pay for those rights. PDR is a common mechanism for protecting farmland, letting landowners keep their property for farming but preventing – via a conservation easement – its development. In May of 2010, the county board approved an ordinance revision that incorporated farmland into the county’s natural areas preservation program and clarified the use of PDR for that purpose.

ALPAC consists of seven county residents: three in the agricultural business, and one each from the professions of planning, real estate, and environment or conservation groups, plus an ex-officio member of the county board of commissioners.

The county also contracts with the Legacy Land Conservancy, an Ann Arbor-based nonprofit, to assist with both natural areas and farmland preservation efforts.

Natural Areas Preservation Program: Budget

Voters first approved NAPP funding in 2000 and renewed it in 2010, each time for 10 ten years. The current millage – at 0.2409 mills – will expire in 2020 and generates about $3 million annually. The total generated since the millage was originally approved through 2012 is about $36,989,093, according to WCPARC director Bob Tetens.

The NAPP ordinance directs specific fund allocations between acquiring and maintaining natural areas (75%) and agricultural land (25%). Funds used for natural areas are further divided: 93% for acquisition, and 7% for stewardship and maintenance.

For the first half of 2012, NAPP expenses totaled $1,124,591. Of that, $1,076,534 was for natural areas, and $48,057 for agricultural lands. The natural areas expenses are split between acquisition ($983,400) and management/stewardship ($93,134).

Natural Areas Preservation Program: Budget – Ordinance Change

A proposal to modify the allocation of funding for natural areas is being brought to the county board of commissioners as an ordinance change. It’s on the agenda for the board’s Sept. 5 meeting of the ways & means committee, where an initial vote is expected. A final vote would likely take place at the board’s Sept. 19 meeting.

The change would remove the restriction that only 7% of millage funds could be used for management or stewardship. WCPARC had been briefed on the proposal at its May 8, 2012 meeting. At that time, the proposal would have raised the limit from 7% to 25%. Now, however, proposed ordinance amendment would eliminate all percentage restrictions on set-asides for management and stewardship.

The proposal would amend Section 8 of the NAPP ordinance (deleted text indicated in strike-through):

SECTION 8: Natural Areas Acquisition Fund

Available funding for the purchase of natural areas land shall be deposited in a special fund in the office of the Washtenaw County Treasurer (“Acquisition Fund”). Money in such Acquisition Fund may be temporarily deposited in such institutions or invested in such obligations as may be lawful for the investment of County money.

The revenues from the deposit and/or investment of the Acquisition Fund along with the revenues from the sale of any natural areas property purchased pursuant to this Ordinance shall be applied and used solely for the purchase, stewardship and administration of natural areas land (75%) and agricultural development rights (25%) under this Ordinance, however, that no more than 7% of increased millage funds used to purchase land under this Ordinance may be used annually to administer a land preservation program or maintain lands purchased under this Ordinance.

According to a staff memo that’s part of the county board’s Sept. 5 meeting packet, the goal would be to use $600,000 per year for management and stewardship. Of that, $240,000 would be used for ongoing stewardship activities, and $360,000 would remain to be invested in a dedicated reserve for long-term land stewardship. By 2020, when the current millage expires, that annual investment is expected to have built a dedicated reserve of $6 million.

Though no percentages are identified in the proposed amendment, $600,000 would work out to about 25% of annual millage revenues.

Natural Areas Preservation Program: Preserves

Since NAPP was formed, the county has created 22 nature preserves from over 2,300 acres of land that it has protected through the program. Like Ann Arbor’s greenbelt program, the preserves are located in the county’s rural areas, and are often protected in partnership with entities like the Ann Arbor greenbelt, the Southeast Michigan Land Conservancy (SMLC), The Nature Conservancy, or land preservation programs set up by individual townships.

Unlike the greenbelt program, which doesn’t purchase land outright, most of the NAPP preserves are owned by the county and open to the public. Some examples of those preserves include:

• LeFurge Woods Preserve: This preserve, at 2384 North Prospect Road in Superior Township, is open to the public for wildlife viewing every day between sunrise and sunset. Parking is on the road, or in a small lot. The preserve is owned by the Southeast Michigan Land Conservancy (SMLC); NAPP funds were used to purchase a conservation easement. Trails lead visitors over meadows, wetlands, agricultural land, and woods.
• Raymond F. Goodrich Preserve: On Dixboro Road just south of M-14 in Ann Arbor Township, this 29-acre preserve is adjacent to the 101-acre University of Michigan Horner-McLaughlin Woods, creating an area of old-growth oak-hickory forest, native shrubs, several small wetlands, and a large swamp that separates much of the woodland from the M-14 freeway. The preserve access point is located on the west side of Dixboro Road, approximately 0.2 miles south of M-14 and 150 feet north of Overbrook Drive.
• Leonard Preserve: This is the largest preserve in the WCPARC system, located on the northwest edge of the village of Manchester. It protects nearly one mile of River Raisin shoreline. WCPARC partnered with The Nature Conservancy, which purchased the historic farm house and surrounding 40 acres of land. WCPARC acquired the remaining 205 acres. The preserve has over four miles of hiking trails, and a 10-acre prairie remnant where grasses can grow over five feet tall by autumn. The preserve entrance is at the end of Union Street, off Main Street/Austin Road in the Village of Manchester (west of the Manchester downtown area).
• Scio Woods Preserve: An example of the collaboration of several entities – the Ann Arbor greenbelt program, Scio Township land preservation commission, and WCPARC – this 91-acre preserve just west of Ann Arbor has steep slopes and a mix of mature woodland, wetlands, ponds, and a seasonal stream. The preserve entrance is on the north side of Scio Church Road, between Zeeb and Wagner roads, part in Lodi Township and part in Scio Township.
• Devine Preserve: This natural area on Liberty Road was the first property purchased through NAPP in 2003. Most of the 137 acres are wetland, and two loop trails wind through the woods. Large burr oak and hop hornbeam trees are here. The preserve entrance and parking area is on the right (north) side of Liberty Road, approximately 0.5 miles west of Zeeb Road and about 2.4 miles east of Parker Road.
• Fox Science Preserve: This 69-acre site is a former gravel pit, dug to provide sand and gravel to build I-94. It’s now home to glacial boulders and evidence of prehistoric vegetation, used for more than 35 years as an outdoor classroom. According to WCPARC’s 2010-2014 master plan, “the gravel here resembles that which must have occurred upon retreat of the glaciers 12,000 years ago.” This preserve is the result of a collaborative effort between the city of Ann Arbor greenbelt program, Scio Township, and NAPP. The entrance to the preserve is on the east side of Peters Road, approximately 0.3 miles north of Miller Road.
• Recent acquisitions: To date in 2012, WCPARC has added three natural areas, including 20 acres of the Malikah Muhammad property in Scio Township, adjacent to the Devine Preserve; and 33 acres of J.A. Bloch property adjacent to Northfield Woods. [For details of these acquisitions, see Chronicle coverage of WCPARC's May 8, 2012 meeting.]. Also protected this year was the 100-acre Pellerito property in Superior Township, on which WCPARC holds a conservation easement on land owned by the Southern Michigan Land Conservancy.

[List of all preserves with descriptive summary, organized geographically]

Parks and Recreation

While the natural areas preservation program is relatively new, the larger operation overseen by WCPARC – created nearly 40 years ago – is the county parks system, with a variety of recreation facilities.

The wave pool at Rolling Hills Water Park in Ypsilanti Township. A $4.4 million renovation is planned for the water park. (Photo by M. Leary)

Two millages totaling 0.472 mills support the parks and recreation function of WCPARC: one for operations, and one for development.

The operational millage, at 0.2353 mills, was renewed for 10 additional years in 2004. It extends the millage that was first approved in 1976, and renewed in 1984, 1994 and 2004. Bob Tetens, parks and recreation director, explained that to ensure operational continuity, millage is renewed two years in advance of its expiration date. The current operational millage expires in 2016, and Tetens expects to seek renewal in 2014.

The development millage – which funds capital improvements and expansion – was first approved in 1988, and renewed in 1998 and in 2008. It is also a 10-year millage, currently at 0.2367 mills. It is scheduled for renewal in 2018.

In 2012, revenues from the combined operational and development millages are expected to generate $6.309 million. WCPARC budgets for three types of expenses: predictable recurring expenses (personnel, supplies, internal service charges, and capital outlays); an operating reserve (in case property tax revenues unexpectedly drop); and partnership commitments, such as those that have created the Border-to-Border Trail and Connecting Communities paths. The following chart summarizes the 2012 budget [Editor's note: This chart is a revised version of the chart that was originally published, to provide a clearer summary of the expenses and fund balance items.]:

WCPARC 2012 budget.

Expenses can fluctuate dramatically, based on renovation or expansion projects that are in the works. This year, for example, Independence Lake Park is undergoing several enhancements that will be finished by its 2013 opening on Memorial Day, including a new pavilion, and a new enhanced spray zone. And a major renovation is also underway at the Rolling Hills Water Park, at a cost of $4.4 million. [See Chronicle coverage of WCPARC's July 2012 meeting, when these projects were discussed in detail.]

Parks and Recreation: Major Facilities

WCPARC operates five major facilities that require staff and where visits and usage can be measured: (1) the Meri Lou Murray Recreation Center, located at Platt Road and Washtenaw Avenue, on the east side of Ann Arbor; (2) Independence Lake Park, on Jennings Road a bit north of North Territorial and east of US-23; (3) Parker Mill Park, at 4650 Geddes Road in Ann Arbor Township; (4) Pierce Lake Golf Course, an 18-hole golf course at 1175 South Main Street in Chelsea; and (5) Rolling Hills Park at 7660 Stony Creek Road, which includes a water park with a separate admission fee. [.pdf with descriptions of these recreational facilities]

The first of these facilities – Independence Lake Park – opened in 1985. That year, 80,653 visitors came to the park. As additional facilities were opened in the following years through the late 1990s, parks usage increased. Between 1985 and 2011, the five facilities have logged a total of 13,789,383 visits. Of those, the Meri Lou Murray Recreation Center gets by far the greatest usage, with 6,798,885 visits logged since opening in 1991.

In addition, WCPARC owns several other parks throughout the county, including ones that are located in or near Ann Arbor:

• The County Farm Park: Located on 127 acres at the corner of Platt and Washtenaw, from 1837 until 1917 this area held a poor house and insane asylum. In 1917, those structures were replaced by a brick hospital called the Washtenaw Infirmary, which operated until 1967. In 1973, the land was transferred to the new WCPARC, and in 1991 the Meri Lou Murray Recreation Center opened where the infirmary had stood years before. Other facilities include a playground, two pavilions, a perennial garden and community garden, and walking and jogging trails. The Britton Woods Nature Area is also located within the park, named after the last farmer to own the land. It reflects the Ann Arbor area landscape in presettlement times. In the last year, the area of the park through which Malletts Creek flows has been cleared of invasive plants, sculpted to enable the creek to flow, and replanted with native plants. [See May 2012 Chronicle coverage of that restoration project.]
• Swift Run Dog Park: This 13-acre park, built in partnership with the city of Ann Arbor, is bounded on the north by Ellsworth Road and on the east by Platt Road. Parking is located off of Platt on the west side of the road. It is open daily from dawn to dusk. There, dog owners may legally allow their dogs to run off-leash. There is an annual fee, and dogs must wear a permit tag, which requires the owner to accept responsibility in writing. This unsupervised park has large and small dog run areas, a portable toilet, and dog waste disposal stations.
• Staebler Farm: The farm is located on 98 acres off of Plymouth Road, just east of Prospect Road in Superior Township. With farm and residential buildings, frontage on four water bodies, a flowing perennial stream, and many acres of pasture and hayfields, it is easy to see from M-14, which runs along its north edge. WCPARC staff are currently working on a master plan to develop this park, which is not yet open to the public. [See Chronicle coverage: "County Parks: Options Staebler Farm"]
• Park Northfield: Located on Pontiac Trail, one-half mile west of Dixboro Road in Northfield Township and approximately eight miles from Ann Arbor. This park is relatively isolated and natural, although on a busy road. Just 12 acres, it holds a hardwood forest, marsh, and rolling open field, with a picnic area and shelter, play equipment, toilets, and an information playfield area.
• Sharon Mills Park: On the banks of the River Raisin at 5701 Sharon Hollow Road in Sharon Township, 1/4 mile south of Pleasant Lake Road, this park was originally a sawmill, built in 1834. In 1928 it became a Ford Village Industries plan and manufactured parts for Ford vehicles until 1946. Until WCPARC acquired it in 1999, it played many roles: private residence, antiques business, and a winery. The park has 170 acres and provides interpretive signage, fishing, picnicking, and canoeing. The park can be reserved for private events such as weddings, which are catered by a private firm.

Special Initiatives

In addition to WCPARC’s primary focus on parks, recreational facilities and natural areas preservation, administrators have developed collaborations related to several special initiatives. Over the years, WCPARC has partnered with dozens of organizations, government entities, nonprofits and private businesses. [.pdf of partnership list]

Current efforts include the Border-to-Border Trail, the Connecting Communities initiative, and the Eastside Recreation Center project. The first two are long-standing; the latter has emerged in the last year, with the intent of helping the city of Ypsilanti activate the long-dormant Water Street redevelopment project on Michigan Avenue.

Special Initiatives: Border-to-Border Trail

This is a multi-agency, collaborative project to build a 35-mile trail for non-motorized travel from Livingston County to Wayne County, traversing open spaces along the Huron River, Washtenaw County’s most distinctive natural feature. The concept, according to county parks and recreation director Bob Tetens, is driven by demand from local residents. Based on surveys that WCPARC has done over the years, he said, “people want non-motorized trails even more than they want open space.” Both efforts have received approval ratings in the 80% range when taxes to pay for it are not considered, he said, and in the 60% range “when you say you will pay for it with taxes.”

Border to Border Trail sign near the Hudson Mills Metropark.

According to the WCPARC master plan, 70% of the county’s residents live in river-linked communities. The B2B trail is intended to support alternative transportation and “enhance the livability of the county’s main urbanized areas,” according to the plan. The trail is being developed in 13 segments, from Segment A in the northwest (on the Livingston County border) to Segment M in the southeast (on the Wayne County border).

Each segment provides opportunities for collaboration and joint funding. For example, the 2-mile “segment C” in Hudson Mills Metropark that was finished in 2010 involved the Huron Clinton Metroparks Authority, WCPARC, the village of Dexter, the Community Foundation for Southeastern Michigan, and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.

Special Initiatives: Connecting Communities

WCPARC’s master plan states that “development of a county-wide non-motorized trail network is a larger task than any single community of organization can assume,” so in 2009 WCPARC established the Connecting Communities initiative to pursue that goal. The approach is to provide funds to supplement funding by partner organizations, but only for construction, not for planning or design. Projects must accomplish WCPARC’s “primary goal of providing valuable, non-motorized connections between communities and activity centers,” according to the master plan, yielding an alternative for recreation, transportation, fitness, and energy conservation.

By 2010, WCPARC had spent or allocated about $5 million for 40 miles of trails and paved shoulders, and every year since then more has been added.

Examples of those projects include a collaboration with the city of Ann Arbor and the Washtenaw County road commission to pave three miles of the shoulder along Huron River Drive; and with the road commission and Superior Township to create a 1.5-mile non-motorized path on Geddes Road. Both projects were done in 2010.

To fund this initiative, WCPARC has committed 20% of its development budget – up to $600,000 a year – for each of the five years from 2010-2014. That gives WCPARC the potential to contribute up to $3 million to the Connecting Communities initiative during that five-year period.

Special Initiatives: Eastside Recreation Center

The Eastside Recreation Center is a proposal to build a multi-purpose recreation center in Ypsilanti, similar to the Meri Lou Murray Recreation Center in Ann Arbor. It would be located on the south side of Michigan Avenue along the east side of the Huron River, just over the river from downtown Ypsilanti. This 38-acre city-owned area, referred to as the Water Street Redevelopment Project is currently for sale.

WCPARC formed a partnership with the University of Michigan’s Taubman College of Architecture and Urban Planning in April of 2012, and since then a team of TCAUP faculty and students have been developing a site plan for a building and an extension of the B2B trail that would cross the Huron River and Michigan Avenue and run on the east side of the river. WCPARC staff is working with the city of Ypsilanti to create a plan acceptable to the Michigan Department of Transportation, which has concerns about pedestrian safety and interference with the existing bridge that carries US-12 traffic over the river. [For additional background, see Chronicle coverage: "More Planning for Rec Center in Ypsilanti" and "County Parks Commission OKs $6M in Projects."]

The planners have sought public input, and will present their proposals at an open meeting at Spark East (215 W. Michigan Ave. in Ypsilanti) on Thursday, Sept. 27. That day, WCPARC staff will host an open house from 3-8 p.m., with formal presentations at 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. Scale models of two options will be available at the Spark East office starting on Monday, Sept. 24, and the public can view them during Spark East’s normal operating hours, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Next meeting: The Washtenaw County parks and recreation commission meets the second Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. in the county parks and recreation department’s office at 2230 Platt Road in Ann Arbor, in the County Farms property. The next meeting will be on Sept. 11, 2012.

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The creation of the task force comes in the context of the city’s application to the Federal Emergency Management Agency for funds to demolish two former maintenance yard buildings on the city-owned 721 N. Main parcel. The application has been approved by FEMA, but is pending the update of the city’s All-Hazard plan, which had expired and is being updated. FEMA is willing to help fund the demolition, because the two buildings are located in the floodway. The city council’s eventual acceptance of the FEMA grant will require a deed restriction on development in the floodway portion of the parcel.

At the most recent meeting of the Ann Arbor Downtown Development Authority, on May 2, 2012, mayor John Hieftje expressed his view that the 721 N. Main property should become a city park as part of an Allen Creek greenway. At that meeting, he spoke of a possible grant from the state’s Natural Resources Trust Fund and matching funds from Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation to support the construction of such a park, with connections to the Border-to-Border Trail, which runs along the Huron River, on the opposite side of Main Street from the 721 N. Main property.

The memo accompanying the resolution includes the MichCon property – between the Amtrak station and the Huron River – as part of the task force’s scope: “This task force’s efforts should create/complete/enhance pedestrian and bike connection from downtown to Bandemer and Huron River Drive, increased public access to the river-side amenities of existing park in the North Main-Huron River corridor, ease traffic congestion at Main and Depot at certain times of a day and recommend use for MichCon property at Broadway.” [For discussion of MichCon's planned environmental cleanup work on the site, see previous Chronicle coverage of the March 20, 2012 meeting of the city's park advisory commission.]

The task force is supposed to conduct a series of public workshops, and consult with independent professionals and city staff. By July 31, 2013, the task force is supposed to provide a report. The task force is also supposed to provide a recommendation on the use of the 721 N. Main parcel by Dec. 31, 2012. That earlier deadline is there to facilitate the city’s application to the state for the Natural Resources Trust Fund, which has a deadline of April 2013.

The city’s 2007 Non-Motorized Plan shows a long-term vision for pedestrian and cycling amenities on the west side of the Huron River, including an underpass for the railroad tracks that would essentially extend a shared-use path from Fifth Avenue at Depot Street under the tracks across Riverside Park the MichCon property, where it could eventually connect with the Border-to-Border trail. [.pdf of map from 2007 Non-Motorized Plan] Responding to an emailed query, transportation program manager Eli Cooper wrote to The Chronicle that the Non-Motorized Plan is currently being reviewed for its regular update.

The specific members of the North Main Huron River task force have not been named, but the makeup of the group set forth in the resolution is as follows: one member of the park advisory commission, one member of the planning commission, one resident representing the Water Hill neighborhood, one resident representing the North Central neighborhood, one resident from the Old Fourth Ward, one resident representing the Broadway/Pontiac neighborhood, two business and property owners from the affected area, and one member of the Huron River Watershed Council.

This brief was filed from the city council’s chambers on the second floor of city hall, located at 301 E. Huron. A more detailed report will follow: [link]

Creatures in West Park will not be able to participate in the November millage vote, even though they apparently can get their ducks in a row. A parks millage that's up for renewal helped pay for some of the recent renovations to the park, including the boardwalk, bandshell plaza and entry stairs. (Photos by the writer.)

The park maintenance and capital improvements millage, a six-year tax, brings in about $5 million annually and accounts for about 45% of the parks budget – including the entire funding for the natural areas preservation (NAP) program. Voters will likely be asked to renew it at 1.1 mills from 2013-2018, assuming the city council votes to put the millage on the Nov. 6 ballot at that rate. PAC chair Julie Grand – who has served on a working group to strategize about the renewal – said concerns about the economic climate are a major reason why an increase isn’t being recommended.

During the millage discussion, city councilmember Mike Anglin said he supports the millage but has concerns about Fuller Park, noting that talks regarding Fuller Road Station aren’t over. Parks manager Colin Smith pointed out that no millage funds have been or would be spent on Fuller Road Station. Grand cautioned against connecting the millage renewal to Fuller Road Station, saying it’s important to inform the public clearly about what the renewal means.

To provide that information, the city plans to hold four public forums in April, and a public hearing on the millage will be scheduled for PAC’s April 17 meeting. The city also plans to launch a website in early April with more information about the millage.

Also at the March 20 meeting, commissioners got a mid-year update about the open space and parkland preservation millage, which funds the greenbelt program and park acquisitions. Fuller Road Station was a backdrop to this discussion too, when commissioner Gwen Nystuen asked about protections that are afforded land acquired through this millage.

Land acquisition also came up in two other contexts during the meeting. The future of property owned by MichCon – located north of Broadway Street, between the Huron River and the railroad tracks – was part of the discussion during an update on environmental cleanup at the site. A DTE Energy representative indicated that senior management sees the potential for redevelopment there, but no plans are finalized. It’s expected that DTE Energy, which owns the property through its MichCon subsidiary, will eventually sell the site.

And speaking during public commentary, Ann Arbor resident Larry Baird advocated for the city to acquire land to fill gaps in the Border-to-Border Trail, which roughly follows the Huron River. Specifically, he characterized a connection between Bandemer Park and Barton Nature Area as the top priority, and urged the city to focus more on this project than on high-speed rail.

In the agenda’s one action item, commissioners recommended awarding a $79,980 contract to Michigan Recreational Construction Inc. to handle renovations at Placid Way Park. The resolution also recommends an additional 10% contingency of $7,998 for a total project cost of $87,978. The 1.32-acre neighborhood park is located on the city’s north side near the larger Dhu Varren Woods Nature Area and Foxfire South Park. The project would be funded from the park maintenance and capital improvements millage.

Park Maintenance & Capital Improvements Millage

Commissioners were briefed on plans to put a renewal of the city’s park maintenance and capital improvements millage on the November ballot. The presentation was given by parks and recreation manager Colin Smith and Matt Warba, the city’s supervisor of field operations, and mirrored a similar one given to city councilmembers at their March 12 working session. The 1.1 mill renewal would run for six years, from 2013-2018.

Warba began by describing the history of what were originally two millages: one for capital improvements dating back to 1983, and a second one for maintenance. They were each levied at around 0.5 mill apiece for a total of 0.914 mills, until changes were made in 2006.

By way of additional background, here’s a timeline of the more recent millage history:

• 2006-Oct-03: The Ann Arbor city council passed a resolution setting administrative policy on the planned use of parks maintenance and capital improvements millage monies. The policy stipulates a range of 60-80% for maintenance, with the remainder for capital improvements. It also stipulates that general fund support for parks will decrease only in concert with the rest of the general fund budget. In addition, an annual 3% increase in funding for natural area preservation (NAP) programs was stipulated.
• 2006-Nov-07: Ann Arbor voters approved a single, combined parks maintenance and capital improvements millage with 56% support. It replaced two separate millages, which were previously levied at around 0.5 mill apiece for a total of 0.914 mills. The single millage that replaced the two separate taxes – one for maintenance and one for capital improvements – was approved by voters at a rate of 1.1 mill for six years.
• 2010-May-17: The city council revised the 2006 administrative policy to eliminate NAP’s automatic 3% increase, and reset NAP funding to levels proportionate with other programs.
• 2011-May-16: The city council revised the 2006 administrative policy to allow non-millage funds to count as general fund support for the parks for purposes of the policy that requires general fund support.

The millage raises about $5 million annually, and is one of two primary sources for the $11.75 million parks system budget, with the other main source coming from the city’s general fund. The millage pays for capital projects and park planning, forestry, NAP and operational maintenance. The general fund covers core services, Smith said, including mowing, snow removal, utilities and daily operations of general fund recreational facilities.

A breakdown of the FY2012 Ann Arbor parks and recreation budget. (Links to larger image.)

From the general fund, about $3.59 million supports parks administration and general fund recreational facilities (as distinguished from so-called enterprise funds for facilities that are intended to become self-supporting, like the golf courses and farmers market). Another $2.3 million funds general park operations, and about $500,000 is transfered from the general fund to support golf operations.

From the millage, $2 million supports millage-related park operations, $1.6 million is earmarked for capital projects, $981,389 is allocated to forestry, and $698,569 goes to NAP.

Smith and Warba walked through an example of how the millage is being used to fund a specific project – improvements at Buhr Park and Cobblestone Farm. [A detailed report on that project was part of the commission's Feb. 28, 2012 meeting.]

The millage casts a wide net, Smith said, and is incredibly important to the care and well-being of the city’s parks.

Warba reported that city staff started meeting in January to evaluate how the existing millage is working and to strategize about how best to communicate its uses. In addition, a working group of park commissioners – including PAC chair Julie Grand and city councilmember Christopher Taylor, an ex-officio PAC member – met to talk about levels of funding and whether current funds are sufficient for the park system’s needs.

The staff consensus is that a straight renewal makes the most sense, Warba said. It provides consistency and a sufficient level of funding. Every recreational facility has received some kind of upgrade within the past five years, even if it’s been behind-the-scenes infrastructure, he said.

The existing millage generates an average of $5 million annually, Smith said, totaling about $25 million over the past five years. The current fund balance is about $4 million, with roughly $2 million of that earmarked for renovations to the ballfields that were recently approved. That leaves about $2 million to cover emergency repairs throughout the system’s 157 parks, which Smith said he felt was adequate. An example of a project that might be covered is the restoration of Plymouth Park, following last year’s collapse of the railroad embankment.

The millage renewal would be on the ballot for 1.1 mills, Smith said – a little more than what’s currently levied because of the Headlee rollback. The renewal would be for another six years. If voters were asked to approve a higher tax or for a longer period, it would be considered a new tax, he noted. The working group had felt it was important to be a renewal, given the current economy.

A mill is equal to $1 for each $1,000 of taxable value for a property. For a hypothetical house worth $200,000, with a state equalized value and a taxable value of $100,000, each mill of tax on that property would generate $100 in revenue.

Smith described the next steps as developing informational material for voters, and holding a series of four public forums in April. PAC will also schedule a public hearing on the millage at its April 17 meeting, and the commission would vote on a formal recommendation in May. That recommendation would then be sent to the city council for a vote, likely at an August meeting, to put the millage on the November ballot.

Park Maintenance & Operations Millage: Commission Discussion

Tim Berla referred the public commentary by Larry Baird, who had urged the city to move faster on completing the Border-to-Border Trail. [See below for a summary of Baird's commentary.] Several years ago, the commission had talked about how to make a pedestrian/bicycle crossing over the railroad tracks, Berla noted. Is that something that the millage could pay for? Berla wondered about the status of filling in gaps in the trail.

Colin Smith, the city's parks and recreation manager.

Smith noted that anytime PAC or the city council wants to highlight or expedite a particular project, they can direct staff to take action. Passing a resolution would be one way to do that, he said. PAC’s land acquisition committee has identified areas that are a priority to acquire, he noted, and they are working with Ginny Trocchio – who manages the city’s greenbelt and park acquisition programs – to move those efforts forward. Now is a good time to have more conversations about the land along the railroad, Smith said.

Berla said he completely understands why a millage renewal is more politically advantageous than an increase. But he noted that now is the time to think about whether more money is needed for parks. If the city decided it wanted to do more, what would the process be? he asked.

Smith replied that it’s a fine balance between acquiring land and maintaining it. The city currently has more than 50 miles of trail that are heavily used and that need renovation and care, for example. Julie Grand cautioned that the city needs to be aware of the political and economic climate. In May, the Ann Arbor Public Schools will be asking voters to approve a technology millage. There will likely be other “asks,” she said. Grand pointed out that if the parks millage isn’t renewed, the system couldn’t operate.

Tim Doyle asked if other millages will be on the November ballot. No other city millages are anticipated, Smith said. That’s good, Doyle said, because it avoids confusion and backlash. Smith noted that in 2006, this millage was on the ballot along with the city’s street repair millage. [The street repair millage of 2 mills was most recently renewed by voters in November 2011. A separate 0.125 mills for sidewalk repairs was also approved.]

Sam Offen wondered if there were other major parks projects in the next five years that hadn’t yet been discussed. Smith pointed to several possibilities. Upcoming renovations at Gallup Park canoe livery are being funded by a state grant, but the millage could be used to enhance that work, he said. Paths to the raptor enclosures are being upgraded at the Leslie Science & Nature Center, he noted, but broader improvements there – part of a master plan for the facility – also could be undertaken. The Veterans Ice Arena is in dire need of a new roof, which Smith said he realized is not exciting, but it’s necessary. Renovations to the ballfields are another longer-term project, he said. Work at the city’s three main ballfields is already approved, but the second-tier fields also need attention, he said.

Park Maintenance & Capital Improvements Millage: Fuller Road Station

Mike Anglin, one of two city councilmembers who also serve on PAC as non-voting commissioners, said he was concerned about Fuller Park. The discussion about Fuller Road Station isn’t over, he said, even though the city’s partner “disappeared.” [Anglin was referring to the University of Michigan, which in February 2012 pulled out of plans to build a large parking structure, bus depot and possible train station at the Fuller Road site, near UM's medical campus. See Chronicle coverage: "UM, Ann Arbor Halt Fuller Road Project"]

Ann Arbor city councilmember Mike Anglin (Ward 5) also serves as an ex-officio member of the city's park advisory commission.

The city has already put about $3 million into the project, Anglin contended, and the original plan called for parks to handle the site’s maintenance, he said. Now the project is being re-discussed, he said, adding that it has bearing on the parks system.

Grand warned that the millage renewal is separate from the Fuller Road Station issue. The issues aren’t connected, she said, and it’s important to educate the public about what the renewal means.

Anglin replied that he support parks and he’s 100% behind the millage renewal. Voters will definitely pass the millage renewal, he predicted. Anglin said all he wanted to do was to alert people to the fact that the Fuller Road Station discussion is ongoing.

Smith said it’s important to note that no parks millage funds have been spent on Fuller Road Station. In response to a query from Berla, Smith said that no millage funds would be used to build a train station. The city’s charter describes how the millage proceeds can be spent, he said, and ”suffice it to say that a train station would not fall under that.”

The relevant section of the city charter reads as follows:

Funds for Park Maintenance and Capital Improvements

SECTION 8. 19 In addition to any other amount which the City is authorized to raise by general tax upon the real and personal property by this Charter or any other provision of law, the City shall, in 2007 through 2012, annually levy a tax of 1.10 mills on all taxable real and personal property situated within the City for the purpose financing park maintenance activities in the following categories: forestry and horticulture, natural area preservation, park operations, park equipment repairs, park security, and recreation facilities; and for the purpose of financing park capital improvement projects for active parks, forestry and horticulture, historic preservation, neighborhood parks and urban plazas, pathways, trails, boardwalks, greenways, the Huron River watershed, recreation facilities and park equipment acquisitions. (Section 8.19 added by election of April 4, 1983; amended by elections of April 3, 1989, November 8, 1994, November 7, 2000 and November 7, 2006).

Doyle wondered if the parks staff would have any responsibility for maintenance of a train station, if it were located on park property. Smith replied that the millage can be used to maintain park property, ”and that does not include a train station, plain and simple.” If the parks staff were used to do maintenance at a train station, those hours would not be billed to the parks budget, he said.

Park Maintenance & Capital Improvements Millage: Next Steps

The city staff plans to hold four public forums in April to discuss the millage:

• Monday, April 9, from 6:30-7:30 p.m. at the Ann Arbor Senior Center, 1320 Baldwin Ave.
• Wednesday, April 11, from 6:30-7:30 p.m. at Cobblestone Farm Center, 2781 Packard Road.
• Monday, April 23, from 6:30-7:30 p.m. at Leslie Science & Nature Center’s Nature House, 1831 Traver Road.
• Thursday, April 26, from 6:30-7:30 p.m. at the Ann Arbor District Library Traverwood Branch, 3333 Traverwood Drive.

Sam Offen pointed out that none of the forums are scheduled at locations on the west side of town. Smith said it was difficult finding suitable spots. Offen suggested that Slauson Middle School might be a possible location.

David Barrett observed that the public needs to realize that some great things have happened and that more is in the works. There’s a tangible relationship between the millage and these parks, he said, joking that a snappy phrase is needed to describe it.

Smith laughed, but added that the staff’s role is to provide information, not to advocate. If there’s a citizens group that wants to promote the millage renewal, he said he could give them information, but advocating is outside of the staff’s purview.

The city plans to launch a website in early April with more information about the millage.

MichCon Remediation Update

Representatives from DTE were on hand to update commissioners on the remediation of the MichCon property that’s located north of Broadway Street, between the Huron River and the railroad tracks that run past the Amtrak station. MichCon is a subsidiary of DTE Energy – DTE also owns property on the opposite side of the river, south of Broadway, where it plans to build a new electricity substation.

Shayne Wiesemann, a senior environmental engineer with DTE Energy, gave the presentation. He had given a similar report to city council at a March 12, 2012 working session. An extensive report on that presentation is included in The Chronicle’s coverage of a recent master plan committee meeting: “Planning Group Revisits Huron River Report.”

MichCon Remediation Update: Commission Discussion

Sam Offen asked what the company’s intent is for the property after the cleanup. Wiesemann replied that there’s a tremendous opportunity for redevelopment at the site, and that the company has recently started meeting with stakeholders in the community. However, no plans have been finalized, he said. The company’s senior leaders have a vision that the property can be used as an economic catalyst for the community, Wisesmann added, and that it can be a place for people to come and enjoy the river. In the short term, DTE will retain ownership, he said.

Gwen Nystuen said her understanding was that the Border-to-Border Trail route had been intended to include both sides of the river, including the MichCon side. Colin Smith, the city’s parks and recreation manager, said the original desire was to use the MichCon side for the trail. But now that the Argo Cascades project is nearly complete, the trail on that side serves the purpose.

In the foreground is Paul Ganz, manager of regional relations for DTE Energy. Seated next to him is Larry Baird, an Ann Arbor resident who spoke during public commentary about the Border-to-Border Trail.

Tim Berla asked what uses would be safe after the MichCon’s property is remediated. Will there be any ongoing safety issues?

Wiesemann said the company realizes that the section of land by the river will be widely used for recreation, and their plans are to clean it to a residential unrestricted standard. As for the area that’s on higher ground closer to Broadway, there will probably be more work to do there, Wiesemann said, and the company will do whatever remediation is required after a final use for that land is determined. They don’t want to do too much or too little, he said, so they’ll wait until plans for its use are finalized.

Berla asked about tests that had been conducted on the property. Wiesemann said the results of testing are posted on the MDEQ website. [The Michigan Dept. of Environmental Quality keeps a list of contaminated sites in the state, including those in Ann Arbor, with a list of the contaminants at those sites. The contaminants at the MichCon Broadway site include heavy metals (lead, nickel, zinc, etc.) and phthalates.]

Berla also wondered about some blue tarps he’d seen on the site. Is there a homeless encampment on the property? Yes, Wiesemann said, there have been some issues with the homeless for a while. The company has worked with the Ann Arbor police department, he said, but “unfortunately, they keep coming back.” Breaches in the fence are being repaired and the encampment will be removed before remediation work begins, he said.

Responding to another query from Berla, Wiesemann reported that the permit to build the whitewater feature in the stretch of the Huron River adjacent to the MichCon site will likely be submitted to the state in early April. He anticipates it will be built in September, after the MichCon remediation work is done. The intent is to use the same designer and contractor who worked on the Argo Cascades project.

Julie Grand asked about the environmental impact of the foam that will be used for odor suppression. Wiesemann assured her that the foam is completely biodegradable and non-toxic, and that there will be no impact on wildlife. He said it basically creates a barrier over the soil so that odors can’t be emitted.

David Barrett asked what landfill would be used to dump the contaminated soil. Wiesemann said it would be taken to a licensed facility in Northville [the Arbor Hills landfill, operated by Veolia ES Arbor Hills Landfill Inc.].

Smith concluded the presentation by saying that he appreciated the time that DTE had taken to work with city staff, and that it was great to see this remediation project come to fruition.

Open Space & Parkland Preservation Millage Update

Ginny Trocchio, a staff member of  The Conservation Fund who manages Ann Arbor’s greenbelt and parkland acquisition programs under contract with the city, presented a mid-year financial report to PAC for the period of July 1, 2011 through Jan. 31, 2012 – the first seven months of the current fiscal year. [.pdf file of financial report]

Ginny Trocchio, who manages the greenbelt and park land acquisition programs, and Jeff Straw, deputy parks & recreation manager.

Ann Arbor voters passed a 30-year 0.5 mill tax in 2003 for land acquisition. It’s called the open space and parkland preservation millage, and appears on the summer tax bill as the line item CITY PARK ACQ. Though not stipulated in the legal terms of the millage, the city’s policy has been to allocate one-third of the millage for parks land acquisition and two-thirds for the city’s greenbelt program. The parks portion of the millage is overseen by PAC, while the greenbelt advisory commission handles the portion for land preservation outside of the city limits.

To get money upfront for land acquisition, the city took out a $20 million bond in fiscal year 2006. That bond is being being paid back with revenue from the millage. Debt service on that bond so far in FY 2012 year has amounted to $837,088. [Two debt service payments are made during the fiscal year, totaling about $1.2 million.]

Net revenues from the millage were $2.244 million as of Jan. 31, Trocchio reported, with expenses of $1.768 million. In addition to debt service, the expenses include $813,000 in greenbelt projects and about $82,000 for parkland acquisition.

About $10.5 million remains in the fund balance, but some of that will be spent on deals that have already been approved but haven’t yet closed, Trocchio said. Of that fund balance, $4.5 million is designated for parks, while about $6 million is set aside for the greenbelt program.

In addition, there’s $445,000 in an endowment set up to cover legal costs related to enforcing the conservation easements held by the city.

Trocchio also reported that administrative costs of $35,594 so far in fiscal 2012 equate to 2% of total revenues. Administrative costs over the life of the millage are limited by ordinance to be no greater than 6% of revenues.

Open Space & Parkland Preservation Millage Update: Commission Discussion

Gwen Nystuen asked Trocchio whether the parkland acquired by the city with millage funds included permanent deed restrictions designating it for park use. Trocchio replied that for land acquired in the city, the city holds the title for the property.

Nystuen pointed out that city-owned property – including parkland – is zoned as “public land.” So unless there are deed restrictions, the city council could decide to change the use of the land to something else besides a park. [This has been an issue cited with the proposed Fuller Road Station, which would be located in Fuller Park.] Nystuen wondered whether buying property with the millage provided any additional protection.

Colin Smith, the city’s parks and recreation manager, said the properties acquired by the millage are listed in the city’s Park and Recreation Open Space (PROS) plan. The fact that the properties are purchased with millage proceeds provides an extra layer of protection beyond that, he said. If sold, that decision would need to be reviewed by PAC, the planning commission and city council, as well as requiring approval from voters, he said. Nystuen said that’s true if the land is sold, but the same process isn’t followed if the use of the land changes, she noted. It does seem like there’s merit to purchasing property through the millage, she observed, to help ensure that it remains parkland.

Sam Offen questioned a $7,928 payment made to Norfolk Southern Railroad out of millage funds. Trocchio explained that it’s a long-term lease payment for a section of land in Bandemer Park. Offen wondered whether the railroad still owned the property, or whether it had been sold to the Michigan Dept. of Transportation. Smith replied that the staff would look into the status of that sale. [Negotiations are ongoing for the state to buy about 135 miles of track from Norfolk Southern, including the section running through Ann Arbor.]

Nystuen wondered how the lease was paid for prior to the millage. Smith wasn’t sure, but noted that the millage had paid for it since fiscal 2007. In response to another question from Nystuen, Trocchio said that the millage ordinance allows for the purchase of land or land rights, and a lease falls under that latter category. Smith characterized it as a essential parcel for the Border-to-Border Trail.

Placid Way Park Renovations

On the March 20 agenda was a resolution recommending that the city council award a $79,980 contract to Michigan Recreational Construction Inc. to handle renovations at Placid Way Park. The resolution also recommends an additional 10% contingency of $7,998 for a total project cost of $87,978.

The 1.32-acre neighborhood park is located on the city’s north side near the larger Dhu Varren Woods Nature Area and Foxfire South Park. An entrance to the park with a small parking lot is located off of Placid Way, across from Tuebingen Parkway. [.pdf map of Placid Way Park.]

According to a staff memo, Michigan Recreational Construction, a Howell-based company, submitted the lowest of six bids. The work includes replacing the existing play structure and picnic table, and adding benches and landscaping. Funding is available from proceeds of the FY 2012 park maintenance and capital improvements millage.

Parks and recreation manager Colin Smith told commissioners it was a fairly straighforward project.

Placid Way Park Renovations: Commission Discussion

There was minimal discussion on this item. David Barrett asked whether the city had worked with this company in the past. Colin Smith wasn’t sure, but assumed that parks planner Amy Kuras had experience with the company. Julie Grand asked Smith to clarify the park’s location. Smith described it as northeast of Leslie Park Golf Course, and southeast of Olson Park.

Outcome: Commissioners unanimously recommended awarding the Placid Way Park contract to Michigan Recreational Construction. The recommendation will be forwarded to the city council for consideration.

Communications & Commentary

Every meeting includes opportunities for public commentary and communications from commissioners and staff. One person spoke during time allocated for public commentary at the March 20 meeting.

Comm/Comm: Public Commentary – Border-to-Border Trail

Larry Baird spoke during two opportunities for public commentary, focusing his remarks on the Border-to-Border Trail. [The trail is a countywide shared-use path that roughly follows the Huron River.] He said he’s enjoyed the park system for over 20 years, but he’s concerned about the priority given to a high-speed rail initiative and the lack of discussion related to the trail system through the city.

He brought a copy of “Riverwalks Ann Arbor” by Brenda Bentley, saying it’s one of his favorite books, and he urged commissioners to get a copy or borrow his. After he read it, he attempted to walk the entire trail within the city, and came to appreciate the complexity of the trail and the challenges to complete the “missing links.” Those gaps in the trail system have been on the drawing board far too long, he said.

Book cover of "Riverwalks" by Brenda Bentley.

Now that the Michigan Dept. of Transportation is negotiating to buy the stretch of railroad that runs through Ann Arbor, Baird encouraged commissioners to take a pro-active approach, perhaps by forming a task force to ensure that MDOT doesn’t slow down the process of completing a river trail even more.

Baird read an excerpt from the city’s Park and Recreation Open Space (PROS) plan: “Since the 1962 Plan, there has been a concerted effort to complete the pattern of recreational open space along the Huron River from Barton Pond to Geddes Pond … Although Ann Arbor lacks a completed system of connected natural areas, City residents take pride in the preservation of substantial open space along the Huron River…”

For at least 50 years this project has been discussed, Baird noted. He challenged commissioners to find the will and determination to complete it.

Baird picked up the topic again at the end of the meeting, handing out a map from the PROS plan that showed proposed trail connections. [.pdf of PROS trail maps for the Huron River greenway] Two of five proposed connections – at Depot Street (next to the MichCon site) and Maiden Lane – are close to other alternatives, so he hoped that priority would be given to the three other connectors. Of those other three connectors, two are connections to Nichols Arboretum and while nice, they wouldn’t extend the trail, he said.

There’s really only one connection that Baird said he would deem the “holy grail” – connecting the northwest corner of Bandemer Park to Barton Nature Area. That would add almost two miles of trails and open up connections to nearly 300 acres of forests and natural areas, he said.

The current plan calls for a “grade separated” crossing at the railroad tracks near Bandemer Park, but Baird said city officials seem uncertain about how MDOT’s track upgrades for high-speed rail would affect potential crossings. Baird reported that Eli Cooper, the city’s transportation program manager, had told him that similar upgrades elsewhere have resulted in the closing of many crossings for safety reasons.

Baird concluded by proposing an action plan for completing the Border-to-Border Trail connections:

1. Create a task force to study the impact of high-speed rail on the parks system, and to create an action plan for negotiating with MDOT to get a portion of grant funds for high-speed rail to be used for trail easements.
2. Prioritize the trail’s missing links, with the Bandemer-to-Barton link at the top of the list.
3. Set a deadline for completing the missing links.
4. Ensure that an adequate portion of the greenbelt millage is spent within the city, preferably for trail easements.
5. Advise the city to focus on the broader impacts of high-speed rail on the parks system, rather than just focus on Fuller Road Station.
6. Consider allocating a portion of the existing greenbelt millage, or a separate millage, to fund completion of the trail.

Baird said he hoped commissioners would give consideration to his suggestions.

Comm/Comm: Public Commentary – West Park

During the opportunity for communications from commissioners, Tim Berla asked about the situation at West Park. He noted that there were still construction fences up around the section where swirl concentrators had failed, gravel along one of the walkways, and poles in the pond. He said it would be great to have a bench along the boardwalk that overlooked the pond.

Lids for underground swirl concentrators at West Park.

Colin Smith replied that he’d recently been to West Park too, and wondered about the poles, which had been used to help keep birds away from aquatic plants as they take root – though he noted that a few ducks “have been less than deterred.” Smith said the city council will soon be asked to vote on change orders to fund the final repairs at West Park, so the project is wrapping up. The dispute between the city and its contractors over who’ll pay for work related to the failed swirl concentrators is close to being resolved, he said.

[Swirl concentrators had been installed for stormwater management as part of a major renovation of West Park in 2010. Most recently, PAC received a detailed update on the project at its Jan. 24, 2012 meeting from Nick Hutchinson, a civil engineer and one of the project managers in the city’s public services unit. Hutchinson had told the commission that in May and June of 2012, the manufacturer of the swirl concentrators will make repairs on the units. Following that, the city will hire a contractor to complete additional work that was recommended by Orchard Hiltz & McCliment (OHM), which the city had engaged in 2010 to look into the problems at West Park. City staff hope to have that work completed by July of 2012.]

Comm/Comm: Public Commentary – Manager’s Report

Colin Smith began his report by noting that the city’s two golf courses had opened early because of warm weather – last year the courses hadn’t opened until April. On the flip side, the Buhr Park Ice Arena was closed earlier than expected for the same reason. As schedules allowed, hockey leagues that played at Buhr were relocated to Veterans Park Ice Arena.

Argo Cascades – the name for the new Huron River bypass near Argo Pond – is closed so that a new pedestrian bridge can be installed. That work is underway. Final modifications to the bypass will be done in mid-April, Smith said, including installation of a rubber guide in one of the dropped pools where the water flow is more “energetic” than the staff would like.

Earlier in the meeting, Tim Berla had suggested the possibility of installing benches along the Cascades. Julie Grand noted that she had visited the Cascades as part of a task force on public art. The feeling had been to leave the area as natural as possible, and to see how people use the large rocks along the bypass before installing manmade structures.

Turning to a different project, Smith reported that construction will begin soon in the Buhr Park and Cobblestone Farm renovations that PAC had recommended for approval at their Feb. 28 meeting. The major ballfield renovations approved earlier this year will begin in August. It will be a very busy season, Smith said.

Present: David Barrett, Tim Berla, Tim Doyle, Julie Grand, Karen Levin, Gwen Nystuen, Sam Offen, councilmember Mike Anglin (ex-officio). Also Colin Smith, city parks manager.

Absent: Doug Chapman, John Lawter, Christopher Taylor.

Next meeting: PAC’s meeting on Tuesday, April 17, 2012 begins at 4 p.m. in the city hall second-floor council chambers, 301 E. Huron St., Ann Arbor. [confirm date]

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