1000 Rochester Hills Dr
Rochester Hills, MI 48309
(248) 656-4600
Home Page: www.rochesterhills.org
|
|
|
Chairperson Dahlvin Peterson, Vice Chairperson Darlene Janulis
Members: Peter Beightol, Gerald Carvey, Tim Gauthier, Jayson Graves, Donald Price, Julia Rodriguez, Terry Stephens
Council Member Susan Bowyer Ph.D.
Youth Representatives: Mallory Boyd, Ramona Johnson and Joshua Morgan
|
|
|
|
Chairperson Peterson called the Green Space Advisory Board meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
|
Peter Beightol, Gerald Carvey, Jayson Graves, Darlene Janulis, Dahlvin Peterson, Julia Rodriguez and Terry Stephens
|
|
|
|
|
Non-Voting Members Present: Kurt Dawson, Ken Elwert, Lance DeVoe, Ramona Johnson
Non-Voting Members Absent: Susan M. Bowyer Ph.D., Mallory Boyd, Joshua Morgan
Others Present: Megan Stencel
Committee Members Tim Gauthier, Donald Price, Susan Bowyer Ph.D., and Mallory Boyd provided previous notice that they would be unable to attend and asked to be excused.
|
|
Approval of Minutes - Regular Meeting - April 25, 2017
Attachments:
A motion was made by Beightol, seconded by Carvey, that this matter be Approved as Presented. The motion carried by the following vote:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Resolved that the Green Space Advisory Board hereby approves the Minutes of the Regular Meeting of April 25, 2017 as presented.
|
Director Elwert introduced Megan Stencel, new staff member. He mentioned that she was at the meeting to get to know the members and would be completing the agenda and minutes going forward. He asked everyone to introduce themselves and talk about how long they have been a part of the Green Space Advisory Board.
He gave a Lifetime update regarding the erosion and drainage issues. They have past their 30 day notice but have spent approximately $6000 on plans from a design company to reconstruct and make changes. They are regularly checking the low flow area and basins, should be draining regularly. They have a new maintenance person, the committee is giving them a little extra time because they are making an effort to make changes.
Elwert mentioned the Heron Rookery and would like to focus on that for the June meeting. He asked when they would like to present to council. They tentatively decided to present at the July 17th meeting. Members Janulis and Gauthier have volunteered to present. Discussion ensued.
DeVoe gave an update on Niswander. They revisited all the areas they cleared before winter at the Harding property, planted serviceberries, dogwood, and red bud trees. Rototilled upper prairie, sprayed crabgrass, planted milkweed, 25 types of grasses, black eyed Susan, coneflower. The pathways have been seeded and plugged. The mid prairie has been planted and treated with liquid fence to deter deer.
Member Graves inquired about legacy costs from Niswander. Director Elwert said it is on his list for the budget process.
|
None
|
None
|
|
Discovery Walk Update
Member Graves gave an update on the Discovery Walk, which was held on April 29, 2017. The weather was overcast and between 45-50 degrees. Groups that helped with set up included the Parks Department, the Green Space
Advisory Board, and Rochester Hills Government Youth Council. Mayor Barnett and his dog attended. Two people from Niswander were there and talked with the public about the differences that have been made. Approximately 50 public attended. He spoke about the raffle. There were 7 prizes, 30 people entered.
Graves said he would like to focus on more marketing for the event next year.
Chairperson Peterson mentioned that the people there were happy and it was a positive impact. They did not get the crowd they wanted but the people that did show up were thankful to the Green Space Advisory Board for what they have accomplished.
Member Graves acknowledged the sponsors, which includes Premier Pet Supply, Emagine Theater, Wild Birds Unlimited, and Dunham's. He also acknowledged Member Price and Dr. Bowyer who also donated items for the raffle.
Discussion ensued regarding when they should hold the Discovery Walk next year. They tentatively decided on May 5th, 2018, in the hopes that holding it a week later would result in better weather and more blooms.
|
|
Director Elwert brought up the topic of removing woody debris in the river. The city spends about $10,000 per year. He wondered what the committee thinks about funding $10,000-20,000 per year to assist with that. He asked the committee if it an appropriate Green Space project? He will be speaking to lawyer to see if we are even able to use the funds for this. He is looking for a general feeling from the group.
Discussion ensued. General consensus is that it is possible to clear debris where it is effecting erosion of green space property but group wants more information before making a final decision, but leaning toward no.
|
Discussion of Grace Ave Property
Attachments:
Director Elwert presented a Property Owner Nomination Form for a property located at 604 Grace Ave, 12 acres. MIS will score the property then we can walk the property depending on how it scores. Discussion ensued. He will bring more information to the June meeting.
Resolved, that the Green Space Advisory Board would not pursue the purchase of the Grace Ave. property.
|
Member Beightol brought up viewing our green space from the river. He is in contact with a canoe outfitter that could set up a group paddle. Everyone thought it was a great idea. He will get more information about pricing and create a proposal.
|
Chairperson Peterson announced that the next Green Space Advisory Board meeting would be held on June 27, 2017 at 6:00 p.m.
|
There being no further business to discuss, Chairperson Peterson adjourned the meeting at 6:59 p.m.
Minutes prepared by Megan Stencel.
Minutes were approved as presented at the June 27, 2017 Regular Green Space Advisory Board Meeting.
______________________________
Dahlvin Peterson, Chairperson