1. sports
2. swimming

“We will enhance community and quality of life through people, parks and programs.”
GRAND TRAVERSE COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
MINUTES (Amended)
Thursday, June 20, 2013
Governmental Center, Second-Floor Chambers
400 Boardman Avenue
Traverse City, Michigan 49684
6 p.m. Regular Meeting
A. Call to Order
Christine Maxbauer called the meeting to order at 6 p.m. with the Pledge of Allegiance.
B. Roll Call
Commissioners Present: Christine Maxbauer, President, Rodetta Harrand, Vice President,
W. Peter Doren, Secretary, Carl Brown, Bob Carstens, Bill Dorrier, Kevin McElyea, David
Grams, Alisa Kroupa, Scott Robertson
Others Present: Harry Liebziet, Traverse City; Claire Lane, Traverse City; Joe Lane,
Traverse City; Janet Baumgartner, Traverse City; Lynn Schultz, President of YMCA Board,
Traverse City; Nancy Will, Traverse City; Dr. Dan Lathrop, Traverse City; Karin Cooney,
Traverse City; Katie Cooney, Traverse City; Mike Walton, Record-Eagle, Traverse City; Bill
Watson, SEEDS, Traverse City; Dori Gillings, Traverse City; Tisha Kartsemas, Traverse
City; Emily Nowicki, Traverse City; Lynn Schultz, Traverse City; David Fry, Traverse City;
Nikkia Parker, Manton; Charles Van Der Cliff, Traverse City; Deb Larimer, Traverse City;
Russ Larimer, Traverse City; Janet Lively, Traverse City; Joe Rain, Traverse City; Pat
Gallagher, Traverse City; Cindy Tomlinson, Traverse City; Alaina Mosier, Northport; Hayden
Elshaw, Traverse City; Terry Hurrington, Traverse City; Grand Traverse Count Sheriff
Thomas Bensley; Grand Traverse County Administrator, David Benda; Kristine Erickson,
Office Manager, Grand Traverse County Parks and Recreation Department; Jason Jones,
Director, Grand Traverse County Parks and Recreation Department.
C. First Public Comment
There was no First Public Comment.
D. Additions to Agenda
Motion by Harrand, second by Kroupa to add e-mail about the Parks and Recreation
Department’s user agreements policy from Cindy Tomlinson and move H. Director’s
Report, Item 7 under E. Special Orders of Business/Presentations. Motion carried.
E. Special Orders of Business/Presentations
County Parks and Recreation Director Jason Jones presented an account of the three
drownings that have occurred at Twin Lakes since 2010, and presented recommendations
for safety measures at Twin Lakes.
On May 24, 2010, Nicholas Lawrence-Wayne Cooper, aged 17, drowned in North Twin
Lake.
On May 27, 2010, as part of the budgeting process for 2011, Jones requested that the Twin
Lakes budget be increased by $14,476 for a lifeguard at Twin Lakes for approximately 10
hours per day, for approximately 20 weeks. The budget was not approved by the County
Board of Commissioners.
On July 13, 2011, the Michigan Municipal Risk Management Authority (MMRMA), the
County’s liability insurer, provided a safety audit of eight of the County’s parks, including
Twin Lakes. The report resulted in one recommendation for the Twin Lakes swim area,
related to the removal of a dock used when the swim area was roped off for youth camps
that rent the property. The other suggestion for all of the County parks with swimming
beaches was to add signs that read, “Warning: Unsupervised Beach, Swim at Your Own
Risk, Deep Water.” The changes were made immediately.
On July 20, 2011, Daniel Edward Doherty, aged 19, drowned in North Twin Lake.
Following the incident, the MMRMA was asked to clarify whether to designate a swim area
at Twin Lakes and received the response, “If you do not promote the beach as a swimming
area but just recognize it as a hazard that visitors will enter then signs warning of the hazard
is required.” Twin Lakes is not promoted as a swimming area, but as a regional park
predominantly used for events and picnics, a standard of care the same for Medalie Park,
Maple Bay, Power Island, the Nature Education Reserve, and Beitner Park. Due to
budgetary challenges in 2011, the caretaker’s position at Twin Lakes was reduced from 1.0
FTE to .75 FTE.
On May 31, 2013, Owen Parker Williamson, aged 17, drowned in North Twin Lake.
Conclusion: Based on the police reports from all three incidents, there are some similarities,
but none strong enough to pinpoint one cause or remedy for all three drownings. In each
instance, the victims drowned in from six to 12 feet of water. Sheriff Thomas J. Bensley of
the County Sheriff’s Department contacted Jones on Wednesday, June 12 and stated there
is not an underwater stream. Jones has discussed the drowning with the MMRMA, and the
MMRMA will investigate the most recent drowning. In each of the instances, having an
authority figure or a guard at the beach might have prevented the activity that led to the
drowning, or at least provided a trained individual to recognize and respond to a swimmer in
distress. While it does not seem apparent that having a designated swim area would have
prevented any of the incidents, it would identify hazards that future swimmers might not be
able to identify. A designated swim area would make it possible to bolster promotion of the
park as an active beach, and could increase the park’s use by families and others who might
act as additional resources in the event of another incident.
Jones stated a drowning occurred in Frankfort in 2000. Since then, there are life rings
scattered throughout the city of Frankfort and its marina. Jones contacted Wheelock and
Sons for a price for installing a life ring at Twin Lakes Park.
Jones also will meet with the Associate Superintendent of TCAPS and with Scott Robertson,
a Parks and Recreation commissioner and Director of Learning Enrichment and Athletic
Program (LEAP), to discuss instituting a high school water safety program. The students
can come to Easling Pool, where he would like the County to subsidize water safety
programs. He recommended that the Traverse City West students could come for water
safety and swim lessons to Twin Lakes, where the Parks and Recreation Department would
provide lifeguards and instructors to show that Twin Lakes is safe for swimming.
Based on what Jones read in the police reports and discussions with County Administrator
David Benda, his recommendations (pending approval by the Michigan Municipal Risk
Management Association or MMRMA) are:
1. Provide funding for a lifeguard at the beach – approximately $15,000 annually.
2. Provide funding for permanent buoys to suggest a swimming area and designated swim
park.
3. Provide funding for safety equipment at the beach area.
4. Provide funding for a swim lesson program or water safety program at Twin Lakes Park.
Maxbauer stated that to say she was distressed when she learned about the drowning is “an
understatement.” She went to Twin Lakes with her husband right after and found the lake to be
deceptive in spots. She stated she and her husband are marking the drop-offs with bricks.
Maxbauer shared with commissioners a document dated June 18, 2011 with an account by
Harry Liebziet of Traverse City of his visit to Twin Lakes and he noted there was no safety
equipment back then. Maxbauer stated that her interpretation of the police reports is different.
She clarified that the County Board of Commissioners did not disapprove of request for
lifeguards and stated that the report was not presented by county administrator.
Maxbauer stated she visited Frankfort and learned that fifth and sixth graders there are taught
how to use ring buoys. She presented some pictures of Twin Lakes, and asked that a ring buoy
be placed there the next day. She stated that, at a dead run from shore, it took her 44 seconds
to reach a drop-off in the lake. Maxbauer stated that she listened to the 911 tape, and the caller
said that maybe 50 feet from shore someone was drowning. Maxbauer said that the 911 call
taker asked if caller could reach Williamson, and he said no, because he couldn’t swim. The
911 call taker asked if there was a “floatee”.
Maxbauer stated that last night, the County Board of Commissioners voted to close Twin Lakes
until a safety plan was implemented. She read the 2011 MMRMA report that said a swim area
was designated at that time. A free-diver she knows, Chris Morey, said there are spots in the
lake where the ground gives way and you go deeper. She asked that a buoy be put in Twin
Lakes the next day, and not to wait for the MMRMA’s approval.
Maxbauer stated a concern with a full-time lifeguard, because when lifeguarding in a pool, it is
very different than guarding in open water. Maxbauer recommended not putting a lifeguard at
Twin Lakes unless the guard is open-water-certified.
Kroupa shared information about emergency telephone boxes and stated that she had
researched them. The emergency telephone in Frankfort is solar-powered, and a volunteer
checks the phone every day. Twin Lakes has its own phone on a grounded hard line, so the
cost of an emergency call box would be half of what it is at other beaches with no hard line. The
response time from the Long Lake Volunteer Fire Department would be four minutes. It would
be a maximum of $2,000 to install a phone box. Kroupa stated she wants to install one this
month.
Kroupa stated she asked Battalion Chief John Brown, one of the first responders, what, if
anything, could have saved Williamson. Brown said, “Anything, a rope, anything.” Kroupa
stated that she is president of the underwater preserve and wants to see water safety classes
for high schoolers, but that also include kindergarteners.
Kroupa recommended installation of a call box, a flotation device, and plaque talking about the
water depth, water safety, and everything the MMRMA already has suggested. She stated that
water safety education should be free of charge.
Maxbauer opened the meeting up to public comment.
Public Comment
Emily Nowicki of Traverse City stated that she was with Williamson on May 31 and the group
was not heading for the trail landing, but for the landing at the right. She stated that the police
report does not say that. She recommended marking the drop off because the drop-off is not in
clear water at Twin Lakes. She stated that keeping Twin Lakes Park open and safe is key.
Lynn Schultz, President of YMCA Board, Traverse City, stated she hopes there can be a
partnership between YMCA and Parks and Recreation to teach the kids, because YMCA will
have new pool next year.
Dr. Dan Lathrop, a County commissioner of Traverse City asked if there are buoys that can be
used to mark now.
Jones stated that when youth camps are at Twin Lakes, the Parks and Recreation Department
is required to have a lifeguard and designated swim area there. Jones stated he is
recommending permanent swim buoys.
Lathrop stated that the commission should not wait a day if the beach is kept open. Lathrop
agreed with the idea of teaching children in the open water.
SEEDS Afterschool Program Director, Bill Watson, Traverse City, stated his son was at Twin
Lakes with Williamson on May 31. He stated that his son was taught to swim at a young age,
but the youth at Twin Lakes that day were put in jeopardy because they had to go back in to
help. He stated he is an advocate for not closing Twin Lakes Park and recommended safety
measures to have the park be used more. He stated that having a lifeguard is key.
Kroupa asked how many lifeguard hours for $15,000 and Jones stated 20 weeks for 10 hours
per day. Kroupa stated that other drownings occurred later at night and asked if there could be
other times for a lifeguard to be there.
Jones stated there are options to staff at key times, depending on weather, etc.
Dave Fry, Traverse City, stated he agreed with everything to make lake safer. He
recommended having a buoy that marks depth in key spots.
Nikkia Parker, Manton, a nurse at Munson Emergency and cousin of Williamson, stated that the
lake can be a huge danger. She stated that you can take one step and drop, so she will not
take her children there to swim. She was a trauma nurse for the other two individuals who
drowned and was there when Williamson arrived at the hospital. She stated that it takes one
step in wrong direction and someone can be under water and the natural reaction is for a
laryngeal spasm, which closes off the airway, to occur. When the airway opens back up, water
can enter the lungs. She stated she believes Williamson could have been saved with a life ring.
She recommended marking the area in the lake for prevention.
Charles Van Der Cliff, Traverse City, stated the importance of signage. He recommended an “in
memory of” sign with pictures of three individuals who drowned.
Karin Cooney, Traverse City, recommended education about how fast drowning occurs and
starting education at a younger age. She stated Twin Lakes is unpredictable and recommended
a life ring.
Deb Larimer, Traverse City, said it makes sense to educate about what a drowning looks like.
Janet Lively, Traverse City, stated that her children took swim lessons, and now she does not
want them to go to the beach by themselves. She recommended swimming lessons in the high
schools.
Katie Cooney, Traverse City, requested a lifeguard.
Joe Rain, Traverse City, stated he and his brother used to go to Twin Lakes 12 years ago, and
that there was a dock, a canoe, and a boat there then. He stated there are rescue boats at the
state park in Interlochen, and recommended having one at Twin Lakes. He recommended there
be a defibrillator on shore.
Pat Gallagher, Traverse City, recommended that TCAPS consider swim instruction and that a
sign stating, “Dangerous drop-off,” which is more powerful than just “deep water,” be placed at
Twin Lakes.
Alaina Mosier, Northport stated she was with Williamson and found him at bottom of lake. She
stated it is a misconception there were nine others there and that they stood and watched. She
said she dove and dove and pulled him up unconscious. She kept him above water and could
feel herself going under as she tried to keep him up. She stated they did everything they could;
there were not resources. If there had been a buoy or life ring, she stated, they could have
saved Williamson.
Hayden Elshaw, Traverse City, stated he is a lifeguard and also was with Williamson. He
looked for something to throw to Williamson and the EMTs handed him a child’s life vest. He
recommends a life ring.
Russ Larimer, Traverse City, stated he agrees with Jones about the lifeguards. He stated
Bryant Park closes its gates at 10 p.m. and a gate could be installed at Twin Lakes. He
recommended advertising the ability to have camps there more so that the park is used more.
Larimer agrees with having life rings and a land line phone, and recommends having swim
instruction.
Terry Hurrington, Traverse City, stated her son was a friend of Williamson. She stated there are
precipitous drop-offs in Long Lake, and people are not drowning there. She recommended a
study of the thermodynamics of Twin Lakes, and the development of some contour and current
maps.
Maxbauer stated that Fife Lake gives away free swim lessons to residents every summer.
Janet Baumgartner, Traverse City, recommended a map of the lake with markers where
drownings occurred, to show where the bottom is false and to show different depths. She
requested signage about the dangers of water, and names, dates, and the times of year
drownings occurred. She recommended marking the drop-off, and education to show what a
drowning looks like and how to use a life ring.
Cynthia Tomlinson, Traverse City, stated that there are other school systems in the area to be
considered in addition to TCAPS, when it comes to providing a swimming educational program.
She pointed out that Kingsley third-graders come to the Easling Pool from January through
March each year to learn to swim and it was paid for by Kingsley Schools.
Maxbauer suggested asking the Coast Guard to assist with water safety education.
Kroupa suggested having swim classes in Grand Traverse Bay.
Motion by McElyea, second by Dorrier to support the Parks and Recreation Department
Director’s four recommendations about Twin Lakes safety measures, and immediately
implement them with further clarifications on lifeguards, equipment, and marking the
drop-off, pending approval by MMRA.
Discussion
Doren stated he agrees with motion and has questions. He stated that motion says “pending
approval of MMRMA (Michigan Municipal Risk Management Association),” and asked it be
struck from the motion. He stated that the MMRMA’s recommendations should be heeded and
listened to, but that its motivation is not necessarily safety, its motivation is insurance policydriven. Regarding the recommendation for permanent buoys to suggest a swimming area,
Doren asked of the swimming area would be “suggested” or “designated”.
Jones stated it would be “a swimming-only area.”
Doren stated he agrees with the life rings, but that lifeguards also are necessary.
Jones thanked Doren for his leadership in suggesting to strike the phrase, “pending approval by
MMRMA.”
Robertson supported the four recommendations and added a fifth recommendation – a call box.
Kroupa stated that a quote for a call box could be provided the next day.
Dorrier stated that the signage should be stronger and suggested to state that there have been
three drownings.
Doren stated he wants all of the public’s and commission’s suggestions filtered through staff
first. He stated he intended to make a motion to ask the Parks and Recreation Department
Director to consider all of the suggestions made, such as for buoys marking the deep areas,
changing the signage to provide information about the drownings, and installing the emergency
telephone, and for him to implement as many as possible, then come back to the commission
with reasons why any of the suggestions cannot be implemented.
Maxbauer stated that her husband will prepare a grid showing the depths in Twin Lakes. She
also stated that the Twin Lakes caretaker showed her a shed located far from the waterfront
where lifeguards kept equipment such as safety vests and First Aid kits. She stated that if
there are going to be lifeguards at Twin Lakes, then storage near the water will be necessary.
She recommended removing one of the porta-potties and use the space for storage. She stated
she also was told that the boat leaks.
Grams stated support of all of the suggestions and that there is a need for education; classes
are not enough. Grams would like to see a part of the TCAPS curriculum devoted to education.
He asked Robertson if he was aware of any future discussion about this topic.
Robertson stated that he and Jones would meet with Associate Superintendent Jayne Mohr at
TCAPS next week to discuss possibilities.
Grams asked if there is a high demand for swim classes.
Jones stated yes, there is a high demand, and there are not enough instructors. One challenge
is that Easling Pool is the only place that can train people in the area to swim. There is not
enough support from the Red Cross to meet the demand. Jones said he set a meeting with
Brandon Munoz, head of Red Cross Aquatics to ask him what it will take to have two Water
Safety Instructor trainers and two Lifeguard Instructor trainers on staff to teach people how to
teach people (train-the-trainer) to swim. There only are four or five in state, and two are needed
in the community.
Grams stated it is important to have the emergency phone, flotation device, and education.
Maxbauer that in 2009, she met with the then-director of the Community Foundation, Jean
Snow. Maxbauer still has the plan the director wrote to form a fund agreement to form a nonprofit for water safety programs. Maxbauer stated that everybody in Grand Traverse County
pays for Easling Pool, yet not everyone can use it. She asked the former County Administrator
if the pool could be used free, and he allowed it once, during spring break. She stated she
suggests this every year, and it is turned down. She suggested that the pool be open to public
once each year for children’s swimming skills to be assessed, and asked the Parks and
Recreation Commission to approve this request, next time she asks.
Harrand stated the commission feels the public’s pain and that responsibility and education go
together.
McElyea stated he intended with original motion to include emergency phone boxes and
definitive signage. He stated he also hoped to immediately implement safety changes the next
morning. He recommended that, if all are in agreement, then County Facilities Management
could go immediately the next morning to rope off swim area at Twin Lakes.
Jones responded that the Parks and Recreation Department would coordinate it.
Robertson stated that it appeared all were in agreement, and asked the commission to provide
Jones with any additional resources necessary to implement the safety changes after he has a
chance to assess and implement all suggestions.
Maxbauer stated she still is concerned about having a lifeguard at Twin Lakes who is not open
water-certified.
Carstens stated that it is better to have someone there who is trained than having no lifeguard
at all.
Robertson agreed with Carstens.
Doren asked if the commission was going to decide to close lake until safety measures can be
implemented.
Maxbauer stated she does not want to close the lake unless a life ring is placed out there right
away.
Jones clarified that Doren was referring to the County Board of Commissioners’ 4-to-3 vote of
the night before to recommend that Parks and Recreation Commission temporarily close the
beach at Twin Lakes until a plan is in place.
Robertson asked what a realistic time frame would be for making changes.
Jones stated that the swim lines would go in the next day in preparation for a camp coming in
next week.
Kroupa stated it would be a problem to close Twin Lakes Park for other future, scheduled
camps.
Jones stated that the Parks and Recreation Department already has staff trained as open water
lifeguards in preparation for the camps. Jones stated he will check on sending those guards to
Twin Lakes as early as the next day. He stated life rings also can be placed there the next day.
Doren asked if information about depth buoys/markers were going to be pursued.
Jones confirmed that the Parks and Recreation Department would explore the options and
wanted to ensure that the correct entity oversee buoy placement.
Motion by McElyea, second by Dorrier, to support director’s four recommendations
about Twin Lakes safety measures and immediately implement them with further
clarifications on lifeguards, equipment, and marking the drop-off, pending approval by
MMRMA.
Motion by McElyea, second by Robertson, to amend the previous motion to delete the
phrase, “pending approval by MMRMA,” and to include an emergency telephone box, the
implementation of safety measures beginning the next day, a goal to have open watercertified lifeguards at Twin Lakes, and to provide any resources the Director of the Parks
and Recreation Department needs to implement changes. Motion carried.
Maxbauer called recess at 7:30 p.m.
Maxbauer called meeting back to order at 7:46 p.m.
F. Action on Consent Calendar
Receive and File
1. 2013 Budget Report as of 06/10/13
2. Parks Commission meeting per diem
3. BDT Business Plans
4. Rules Committee
Referrals: None
There were no referrals.
Approvals:
1. Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes of May 16, 2013
G. Items Removed From Consent Calendar
There were no items removed from the consent calendar.
Motion by Kroupa, second by Robertson to approve the Consent Calendar with one
amendment to the May 16, 2013 meeting minutes: Maxbauer recommended one
change to J. New Business, Item 3. County Budgeting Process of the minutes to state
that she attended the NACO Conference in Washington, D.C., rather than Oakland
County. Motion carried.
H. Director’s Report
1. 2012-2015 Strategic Plan Update
A. Develop program plans for adults, youth, day camp, and special events
The Parks and Recreation department has secured Woods Consulting from Normal,
Illinois and Muskegon, Michigan to develop a tool funded by Rotary Charities to
determine what types of programs our community would like. Woods is the same
consulting group that developed the needs assessment leading to the formation of
the Parks and Recreation Network.
B. Assess feasibility of a Joint Parks and Recreation Authority and potential millage
LIAA is preparing a statement of work to explore the feasibility of stronger
collaboration. Once completed, a copy will be provided to the Parks and Recreation
Commission.
C. Develop business plans for Power Island and Twin Lakes
The Business Development Team for Business Planning will meet again to continue
to develop a business plan for Power Island.
D. Provide leadership to the Parks and Recreation Network
As the convening agency since its inception, the Parks and Recreation Department
has been providing leadership to the PRN.
E. Assess the need for and feasibility of developing an additional recreation center
Jones is working with a Business Development Team on this project. A status report
of the team’s work is forthcoming.
F. Establish a single source website
The Grand Traverse Regional Parks and Recreation Network has established the
single source website, www.gtrec.org.
2. Parks and Recreation Network Update (Verbal)
The PRN is taking the month of July off and will establish new goals when it reconvenes
in August. Next goal is to explore whether a parks and recreation authority is feasible
and other goals will be set. Jones stated the “Experience 231” application is live in the
iTunes store, and in Google Play. The app comes out of a partnership among the Grand
Traverse Regional Land Conservancy, Grand Traverse Conservation District, Leelanau
Land Conservancy, TART Trails, Garfield Township, and Grand Traverse County Parks
and Recreation to identify outdoor recreational experiences in the community. It has
been out for two weeks. Jones asked commission to promote and spread the word
about the app.
Grams stated he downloaded the app and shared with others, which was seamless,
except for returning to the home page after linking to a local map.
3. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan MI Big Green Gym Community Challenge
Until June 22, 2013, Team Grand Traverse is competing against Team Kalamazoo and
Team Marquette to get our community more physically active and to win a $10,000 grant
for a community wellness project. The competition closes at 11:59 p.m. on Saturday,
June 22. At the time of the commission meeting, Team Grand Traverse in lead by 500
miles, after having been behind in the morning. Jones asked the commission for its help
logging as many miles as possible. Grand Traverse has the largest team, with almost
half of the 500 total participants in the entire three-community program.
4. SORP/IUFRO Conference
The four-day Society of Outdoor Recreation Professionals conference in Traverse City
ran from May 20 through May 23 hosted at least over 215 delegated from over 20
countries. Parks and Recreation Department’s partner organizations hosted three field
trips – canoeing the Boardman River (GTCD), TART Trail Tour (TART), and a
viticulture/tree canopy/eco-tour on Old Mission Peninsula (GTRLC). During the
conference, attendees drew comparisons between Traverse City and the cities of
Portland, Oregon, Seattle, Washington, and Traverse City often was referred to as the
Boulder (Colorado) of the Midwest. During the “State of Outdoor Recreation” session,
our community was referred to as an example of the future of recreation. Jones and
Treenan Sturman of the Grand Traverse Conservation District gave a last-minute
presentation related to the collaborations on the Experience 231 app, “Technology 2.0,”
during the conference with 50 attendees and all five subsequent sessions referred back
to their session. During the “State of Outdoor Recreation” presentation, the SORP
president said the future of outdoor recreation is an example set by Traverse City and
outlying areas, based on the collaborations in the five-county region. Jones stated this is
partially because of the Parks and Recreation Commission’s strategic plan, the
partnerships we have, and all to do with the community the Parks and Recreation
Commission is leading. Jones commended the commission and our partners, and said it
was an honor.
5. 2014 Budget
Jones reported on expenditures for 2014 budget, and provided an explanation of some
of the changes from the approved 2013 budget to what he is proposing for 2014. There
is a net decrease of $170,000 $170.*
There is a $42,500 increase for Civic Center expenditures.
The strategic plan states that the County will offer a day camp. If this is not approved,
that amount will be decreased.
Jones is requesting travel and conventions and conferences increases, because he has
been selected by his peers to run for President of the Michigan Recreation and Parks
Association (MRPA) in 2014, against Amy McMillan from Genesee County. Jones
stated that it is an honor to be recognized by his peers. Jones is requesting an increase
to attend meetings in Lansing. He also stated that, as potential president-elect of the
MRPA and because it occurs only every 14 years, he would like to attend the 2014
World Leisure Conference in Alabama. He would like to honor the MRPA and the parks
and recreation profession by representing the state of Michigan at the conference.
Jones stated he is requesting an increase for the Easling Pool for materials for resale
and materials for classes.
Jones stated that the Parks and Recreation has a contract with the masters’ swim coach
and that is to be paid out of “contracts” rather than wages in 2014.
Jones stated that there will be more advertising, which is linked to the commission’s
strategic plan, in 2014. A half-off pool certificate will be offered again in January 2014.
Jones stated that employee training will increase by $500 for Red Cross lifeguard and
water safety training, and for in-service training not covered by Red Cross.
Jones stated that for Twin Lakes in 2013, there was a clerical error causing the
caretaker to go down to .75 FTE. Then, in 2013, the commission approved for the FTE
to return to 1.0 for 2014. Jones is asking for almost $12,000 more to make up for this.
The caretaker resides at Twin Lakes Park and is the one who will check the safety
equipment every day, maintains and ensures standard of care at park, and calls police
when there is an incident. Jones presented additional net increases at Twin Lakes, all
related to that caretaker’s position.
Jones stated that the “Other Supplies” line item for Twin Lakes may be adjusted to
accommodate the decision about increasing safety at the park. Twin Lakes advertising
might also increase as the standard of care is changed.
Kroupa asked if the $15,000 for lifeguards would be added to the Twin Lakes portion of
the budget.
Jones stated that the $15,000 would be added under Twin Lakes Park.
Jones stated he would bring additional information back to the commission, as he is
informed. Revenues will be discussed when more information about general fund
subsidy is available. If the general fund decreases, then fees might need to be
increased.
6. Maple Bay Park and Natural Area Improvement Grant
As part of the Parks and Recreation Department’s Michigan Natural Resources Trust
Fund (MNRTF) application for Maple Bay, Jones was asked to make a presentation to
the MNRTF Board on Wednesday, June 19 in Mackinaw City. Jones said that he
received very few questions, but was told by colleagues that the fewer the questions
asked, the better. Although funding is not guaranteed, he stated that to be one of ten
communities chosen to present was an honor. Jones stated that the Maple Bay project
is an opportunity to responsibly transform Maple Bay from a local recreational resource
to a regional asset. The Parks and Recreation Commission has shown leadership within
its strategic plan on this project and has a plan in place for marketing and showcasing
the diversity of natural resources that this Parks and Recreation Commission oversees.
7. May 31 Twin Lakes Incident
Item moved up on agenda under E. Special Orders of Business/Presentations.
I.
Old Business
1. Complaint Form from TBAYS (Maxbauer)
Jones stated that the Prosecuting Attorney’s office stated that if Parks and Recreation
will require user groups to have surveys, then an example must be offered. An example
of the 2010 County Baseball Program’s survey is included in the packet.
2. User Agreement Policy (Maxbauer)
Maxbauer asked that Grand Traverse County Parks and Recreation Policy 2011-03 –
User Agreements be looked at one more time by the Parks and Recreation Commission.
She stated that the current policy does not work for her. She voted for it and said she
wanted the Director to keep her informed about it. Maxbauer stated that if she had not
attended a TBAYS meeting, she would not have known TBAYS entered into an
agreement with another soccer organization.
Doren asked if Maxbauer had specific changes to recommend to the policy.
Maxbauer stated she would like to review contracts before they go out. For example,
the TBAYS contract says if the property is leased to another organization, then the Parks
and Recreation Commission is to review that contract. The commission has not
received the contract. The policy gives the Parks and Recreation Director the authority
to review the contact, and Maxbauer does not agree with it.
Maxbauer stated she will bring examples to the July meeting.
Jones introduced the memo from Cindy Tomlinson of Traverse City and her concern
related to the Parks and Recreation Department user agreements requirement to
provide proof that someone renting a County Parks facility, specifically Gilbert Lodge at
Twin Lakes, of a homeowners life insurance policy for at least $1,000, or to name the
County as an additional insured to transfer risk.
Public Comment
Cynthia Tomlinson, Traverse City, stated that her cousin last year showed her the 2012
agreement that was signed for her family to rent Gilbert Lodge and, at that time, there
was no hold harmless clause.
Jones stated that the MMRMA requested that the Parks and Recreation Department, in
its agreements, request proof of insurance. This a way for county to transfer risk from
the County as a whole. Part of the reason the user agreement policy was developed
was in response to claim that not everyone was treated the same. Jones stated that the
County does not know what every person is doing at the parks or the condition in which
they arrive at or leave from the parks. There is a “no alcohol in park” policy at Twin
Lakes Park and the County does not want to be responsible for alcohol being brought in.
Jones stated he did not feel comfortable going against the recommendation of the
MMRMA and referred the matter to the commission.
Kroupa asked if the County has liability insurance to pay if there was an incident and a
renter did not have homeowners insurance.
Jones stated that under the current policy, the first $100,000 would be transferred to the
customer covered by homeowner’s insurance, not the County. He explained that part of
the reason for the policy is to ensure that user groups are using discretion when using
our facilities. For the stewardship agreements, such as with American Legion Baseball,
the Breakers, and roller derbies at the arena, the insurance proof for user groups goes
up to $1 million, because those activities have greater risk for loss of life and
catastrophic injury. Typically if there’s a settlement related to a death, it is $1 million.
Dorrier said he is not comfortable changing the policy.
Motion by Dorrier to waive the requirement for the purposes of the Tomlinson family
reunion.
Tomlinson stated that exceptions should not have to be made; the policy should apply to
everyone. She stated her family would hold the reunion at the Greilickville Pavilion and
there was no hold harmless agreement to sign.
Dorrier stated he was sorry to lose Tomlinson’s business.
Maxbauer asked whether the Business Planning for Twin Lakes and Power Island
Business Development Team could look at this.
Jones stated that it does not fall under that Business Development Team’s mission to
develop business plans for Twin Lakes and Power Island.
Dorrier stated that the user agreement policy should be looked at as a department-wide
policy, then it will flow down to each park.
Robertson stated a concern about exceptions made on an individual basis, and the
consequences.
Jones stated that if it would help the commission, he could ask for an opinion from the
County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office.
Dorrier suggested to first conduct some research and ask others, such as Greilickville,
who do not charge and why they do not charge.
Grams stated that the City of Traverse City decides what to charge based on a group’s
impact.
Jones stated he would investigate the standards of care and best practices related to
user agreements in other communities.
Kroupa stated that the County is losing customers who do not want to risk their
homeowners insurance and renters who do not want to buy a policy. She learned that
Garfield Township does not require a copy of homeowners’ insurance because the
township has enough to insure the parks and does not want to deter users. She stated
the pavilion in Greilickville costs $50 to rent. She asked if a waiver, such as the one
used to camp on Power Island, would work.
Jones stated no, based on MMRMA’s recommendation.
Maxbauer recommended taking a look at new information at next meeting.
J. New Business
1. Proposed Park Rule Change
Doren noted that he was absent from Rules Committee Meeting held Monday, June 10,
2013, at 1 p.m., because he arrived several minutes late and found the meeting had
already concluded.
Maxbauer stated that the meeting ended at 1:05 p.m.
Doren stated he will vote against the proposed change because it is too broad and
makes it a misdemeanor to paint. He suggest that the prosecuting attorney narrow the
language down.
Jones stated that the reason for the proposed rule change is that a user group
inappropriately used county materials to dress a baseball field. He stated that the
incident was not outlined in park rules, and only is covered now in the agreement with
that user group. The breadth of the proposed language is to prohibit altering the parks
with paint, chemicals, substances, or other materials without permission of Parks and
Recreation Department.
Motion by Doren, second by Grams to refer the proposed rule back to County
Prosecutor’s office to modify language. Motion passed.
K. Second Public Comment
L. Notices and Commissioner Comments
M. Adjournment
Motion to adjourn at 8:54 p.m.
* Minutes amended on page 10 as a result of a request for clarification during the July 18, 2013
Parks and Recreation Commission meeting regarding a $170,000 decrease in expenditures.
Following clarification, that amount has changed to $170.