Summary
The Leelanau Township Parks and Recreation Committee met on Nov 20, 2024, with Kristi Holmstrom, Tom Mayhew, and Jon Thatcher present (Dan Toole and Court Wengreen absent). Zoom access issues were noted, and previous minutes were approved. Key items included updates on the Braman Hill Recreation Area and Northport Sportsmans' Club (NSC) agreement, park maintenance reports, and committee membership for expiring terms. The meeting adjourned at 6:07.
Public Comments
Matt Barolli introduced himself and expressed a desire for the township board, Parks and Rec Committee, and Northport Sportsmans' Club to work together in the community's best interest. He also asked whether the trees planned for planting along the Braman Hill property line were ATREP species; Kristi Holmstrom said she would find out. Gina Harder asked for updates on donations for Woolsey Airport/Mud Lake, but no further detail was recorded.
Parks and Recreation Matters
At Braman Hill Recreation Area, Tom Mayhew reported that Chad Jordan of the Leelanau Conservancy would conduct a site visit on 11/23 at 9am to discuss a feasibility study for a single-track bike trail; Kristi will have this posted by the Clerk. Jon Thatcher reported the ramps were removed so the ice skating rink could be filled, and he will ask Ian to post a sign noting the skatepark is closed. Kristi gave updates on the Northport Sportsmans' Club (NSC): the Township is responsible for any testing at the shooting range; NSC received permission for excavation work from Supervisor McMillan in July 2024, later permitted and signed 11/14/24; language requesting a 20x24 building and rustic camp facility was erroneously inserted by NSC's attorney without NSC's knowledge; and a site visit with Gosling Czubak for environmental testing advice was scheduled for Nov 26, 2024 at 2:00pm. No action was noted yet on planned tree planting along the property line.
At Peterson Park, the fence has been completed. Buster Dame Park is still awaiting details on a land swap. At Omena Beach Park, Tom Mayhew suggested painting the pit toilet, adding a skylight, and replacing nails with hooks to reduce eye-injury risk. No reports were given for Woolsey Airport/Mud Lake or Christmas Cove Beach.
Other Business
Committee members discussed upcoming expiring terms; Kristi Holmstrom recommended Julie Preneta as a candidate for an open spot and said she would request to stay on for another term. The next meeting was set for Dec 18th.
Action Items
- Kristi Holmstrom to contact Jolisa Ugalde about restoring Zoom access and request a meeting link be posted on the township website.
- Kristi to notify the Clerk to post notice of the Nov 23 Braman Hill site visit with Chad Jordan.
- Jon Thatcher to contact Ian to post a sign indicating the skatepark is closed.
- Kristi to notify the Clerk to post the Nov 26, 2:00pm site visit with Gosling Czubak regarding NSC environmental testing.
- Kristi to find out the tree species planned for planting along the Braman Hill property line and whether they are ATREP.
- Committee to continue monitoring the Buster Dame Park land swap details.