Parks & Rec Discuss Trails, Survey & Rec Plan Thursday

IRONWOOD, MI - Friday, July 9, 2010 - A Re-Scheduled Regular Meeting of the Ironwood Parks and Recreation Committee was held on  Thursday, July 8, 2010, at 6:00 PM, in the Community Development Conference Room, on the second Floor of the Ironwood Municipal Memorial Building, Ironwood, Michigan. 

1. Call to Order -  At 6:00 PM Parks and Recreation Committee Chairman Sam Davey called the meeting to order.

2. Recording of the Roll - Annette Burchell, filling in for Jane Bowman who is on vaction, recorded the roll. Members present included: Eric Lytwyniuk, Annette Burchell, Sam Davey, Laura Thompson, Marion True. John Wyssling was excused. Steve Frank was about to be sworn in.

3. Oath of Office: Steve Frank - The first order of business for the Parks and Rec Committee was for the Committee's newest member, Steve Frank, to be sworn in. After taking the oath of office Frank treated all in attendance with granola bars.

4. Approval of the June 7, 2010 Regular Meeting Minutes  - After a few issues were clarified relating to the Minutes, the Committee voted unanimously to approve them.  

5. Approval of the Docket - Steve Frank brought up two issues -- tennis courts near the little league field and Norrie School playground. Sam Davey wanted to address guided walks during the fair. It was agreed that those issues could be discussed under "Other Business." The Committee unanimously voted to approve the Docket.

6. Citizens wishing to address the Committee on Items on the Agenda (Three-minute limit) - Kim Kolesar wanted to address the Committee on Item 9.

7. Update on Welcome Center Snowshoe and Mountain Bike Trail -  Sam Davey told the Committee that he had nothing to report regarding the Welocme Center Snowshoe and Moutain Bike Trail. He said he was waiting for a response to his e-mail. He said he will make another attempt to make contact to gather the information the Committee needed.

8. Committee Update on Survey Questions - Annette Burchell handed out copies of a sample survey that was compiled by the Survey Committee.  After discussing several issues, Davey recommended that the members take the surveys home to examine, and he asked that they make any recommendations for changes at the next regular meeting. The Committee briefly touched on the method of distribution for the surveys. Several options were mentioned, but no action was scheduled to take place at last night's meeting. Before moving on to other business, Chairman Davey asked the Committee members to each make a three item list showing their individual preferences, so the Committee can see how well they are able to guage what the community needs.

A. Discussion on Five Year Recreation Plan - Davey explained that no action on the Five Year Plan can happen until after the survey is complete.

9. Discussion on Proposed Walking Trail System for the City of Ironwood -  Sam Davey asked Kim Kolesar if she'd like to speak on the Trail System. She asked if she could speak after the discussion. Davey said that they usually speak prior to the discussion. Kolesar said in the past, people have been allowed to speak both before and after, so the Committee would be acting in a consistent manner by allowing her to speak after. Davey evidently agreed, because he proceded without any further discussion.

Davey presented the Committee a sample map of the proposed Walking (non-motorized) Trail System for the City of Ironwood. He cautioned that the map was only a starting point and that nothing is yet final. He said the trail would need to be approved by the City Commission and that the full process will take some time. Frank asked if the walking trail was part of the five year plan. Davey indicated that it was.

The Committee briefly examined the map and seemed to be quite impressed with the plan. Davey explained that Iron County wished to tie their trail system to Ironwood's system to create -- through a joint effort -- a huge non-motorized trail system.

Kim Kolesar pointed out that the map Davey presented was not the same as the one she just received from Karen Gullan. Davey pointed out that the map she obtained from Karen was a map of the Miners Memorial Heritage Park.

Kolesar asked if the two would be connected. She was told that, depending on the actions of the City Commission, that could happen.  Kolesar asked to have a copy. Davey agreed to allowe Kolesar to drop by his business to get a copy.

Marion True asked who created the map. Davey indicated that he had created it. True then asked what the next step would be. Davey told True that, if the Committee approved the map as the Trail System, it would be forwarded to the City Commission for their approval. Davey reminded the Committee that the map could change (even dramatically) depending on easements, ownerships, and other issues. He explained that the map was just a basic plan. Davey indicated that the Commission could either approve the plan or send it back to have changes made on it.

Committee members True and Lytwyniuk both expressed concerns that the proposed trail systems haven't met with the approval of other groups, including snowmobilers and ATV riders.

Steve Frank pointed out that the five year plan requires the Committee to establish walking trails, and that other surrounding communities are urging Ironwood to be included in their plans.

The Committee agreed that a larger map would be needed to fully examine the proposed trail in a more informed manner.

True asked if a map was ever made showing the main routes -- not the feeders -- used by ATVs and snowmobiles.

Kolesar said that she's attended many meetings and she asked why the motorized users haven't been invited to allow their input on the trails. She said she understands that its good to explore the walking trails, but all other users of the trails within the "Caves" area need to have their input. She said that moving forward without the input of other groups will lead to conflicts. "Trust me on that!" Kolesar warned.

She held up a copy of the City Commission's Agenda for Monday's meeting and pointed out that the Miners Memorial Park is listed on it -- without any input from other groups. She asked if the public has had the opportunity to see the resolution. Frank pointed out that it was the same resolution that was passed two years ago by the previous Commission.

Kim said, "Not exactly..." and Frank interupted saying that the group (the MMHP) is now incorporated, and certain language related to that has changed, but it is essentially the same document.

Kolesar asked why the motorized groups were never asked to attend these meetings. Laura Thompson pointed out that there were Public Hearings on the issue on all levels. Kolesar asked if the Parks and Rec Committee ever held a Public Hearing on the matter. The answer was no. Kolesar said the Parks and Rec Committee should have had a Public Hearing because they are responsible to the public -- all of the public.

Kolesar said that the groups could easily resolve the matter, if they'd only work together. True again stated that the Committee needs a map of the motorized main routes. Kolesar told True that she would provide such a map to the Committee on Friday. She said her maps have never changed and many officials in the City have seen them.

After further discussion, the Committee agreed to table the matter until a bigger map is provided.

10. Citizens wishing to address the Committee on items not on the Agenda (Three-minute limit) - No citizens expressed an interest in addressing the Committee.

11. Other Business - Steve Frank asked why the nets weren't put up on the tennis courts by the Little League field. Scott Erickson will be approached for an answer. Frank also told the Committee that he contacted Tim Kolesar regarding the play equipment at Norrie School. He asked Kolesar what would be done with the playground equipment once the Norrie School is closed. Kolesar said that it will, more than likely, be moved to the High School. Frank told the Committee that many area children use the playground equipment, and it would be a big loss to the area if the playground is lost.  Frank told the Committee that Kolesar said the school won't be closed until after December, so there is at least a year to work on the matter. The Committee agreed that the survey will help them determine how much use the school playground is getting.

Sam Davey told the Committee that the Friends of the Miners Memorial Park would like to have the Parks and Rec Committee sponsor a walk through the cemetery route during the fair. Davey agreed to do the tour. After hearing that Davey was willing to volunteer his time, they unanimously agreed to sponsor the guided walk. 

12. Adjournment - The meeting was then adjourned.