1000 Rochester Hills Dr
Rochester Hills, MI 48309
(248) 656-4600
Home Page: www.rochesterhills.org
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Chairperson Gerald Carvey, Vice Chairperson Dahlvin Peterson
Members: Peter Beightol, Tim Gauthier, Jayson Graves, Darlene Janulis, Sandra Niks, Donald Price, Terry Stephens
Council Member Susan Bowyer Ph.D.
Youth Representatives: Mallory Boyd, Ramona Johnson and Joshua Morgan
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Chairperson Carvey called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
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Peter Beightol, Gerald Carvey, Tim Gauthier, Jayson Graves, Sandra Niks and Dahlvin Peterson
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Non-voting members present: Ken Elwert, Lance DeVoe, Kurt Dawson, Ramona Johnson, Mallory Boyd
Non-voting members absent: Joshua Morgan
Others present: Patrick Endres, Julia Rodriguez
Board Members Janulis, Price and Stevens provided notice that they would be unable to attend and asked to be excused.
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Regular Meeting - September 27, 2016
Attachments:
A motion was made by Peterson, seconded by Beightol, that this matter be approved as presented. The motion carried by the following vote:
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Resolved that the Green Space Advisory Board hereby approves the minutes of the Regular Meeting of September 27, 2016 as presented/amended.
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Director Elwert reported that he attended the Six Rivers Land Conservancy Goat Scaping Open House last month. Director Elwert will discuss this issue with Niswander to see if it would be appropriate for our Green Spaces.
Director Elwert informed the group of his meeting with the representative from the Six Rivers Land Conservancy regarding the transfer of the Clinton River Rookery property. They are working on a draft agreement to give to the City of Rochester Hills. Director Elwert will have the City Attorney, John Staran, review the agreement prior to taking it to City Council for their consideration.
Director Elwert updated the Board on the official adoption of "Green Space" as the tag name for all Green Space properties. The City has made official appointments to the Naming Committee; including GSAB member Darlene Janulis. As soon as the Naming Committee holds their first meeting this issue will be addressed.
Director Elwert reported that City Council is in negotiations with the Ruby property owners and he thanked Dr. Bowyer for her active support with fellow Council members in encouraging this acquisition.
Director Elwert addressed the issue of promoting public access to Green Space properties if the Board were to decide to improve the properties by installing parking spaces, widening trails or installing signage inviting people onto the property. City Attorney, John Staran agreed that any of these improvements would require some level of compliance with ADA accessibility. Director Elwert provided Board Members with information from the U. S. Forestry Service that addresses the standards for "Rustic Trails" that could be used to help guide the Concept Plan Sub-committee in considering publicizing and developing trail access. Park Ranger DeVoe inquired if installing a parking space would also be included in these requirements. Director Elwert concurred that this would also require a level of ADA compliance and suggested that the Sub-committee take this matter under further consideration.
Park Ranger DeVoe provided Board Members with the draft plan of Niswander Environmental Stewardship Plan Strategy for 2017 (attached). The plan outlines proposed GSAB Stewardship work and budget projections for projects on the Harding, White, Clear Creek and Cloverport Green Space properties as well as a potential project at the Museum. He reviewed the proposal and requested that Board Members do the same so that it can be discussed in detail at the January meeting when Niswander representatives will be available for questions. Board Members discussed potential issues at the Cloverport property and how best to address them. Director Elwert confirmed his intent to engage both locally and at the county level in addressing the Cloverport issues. Director Elwert asked Board Members to submit specific questions for Niswander to address at the January meeting.
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GSAB Stewardship Program - 2017 proposed budget
Attachments:
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Chairperson Carvey welcomed newly appointed Board Member Julia Rodriguez to the meeting and asked everyone in attendance to introduce themselves.
Chairperson Carvey presented a proclamation to Sandra Niks thanking her for her service to the Green Space Advisory Board.
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None at this time.
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None at this time.
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GSAB Stewardship & Advocacy Sub-Committee
Vice Chairperson Peterson stated that he is waiting for recommendations from Niswander Environmental regarding the use of volunteers on stewardship projects. Park Ranger DeVoe responded that he has discussed this issue with Niswander and they will be ready to give some recommendations on the use of volunteers for specific projects at the January meeting. Director Elwert reported that Niswander is ready to give us a template to use for this purpose.
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Concept plans for individual Green Space properties.
Attachments:
Chairperson Carvey will schedule a meeting with this Sub-committee prior to the January 24, 2017 GSAB meeting. Director Elwert will email the link to the U S Forestry Service website to Board Members.
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GSAB Communication, Promotion & Education Sub-Committee
Board Member Graves reported that this Sub-committee met last month to plan for the 2017 Discovery Day Hike. The group walked the Clinton River Trail and decided to move this year's hike back to the Harding Green Space property. Board Member Graves will seek permission from the Rivercrest Professional Center to use their parking lot on the day of the Discovery Hike and will reach out to Rochester College to set up a tent on their grounds. Director Elwert will engage with staff at the college to seek their participation with the Discovery Day Hike. Board Members discussed the details of the hike and how to highlight the stewardship work that Niswander Environmental has completed at the site. Park Ranger DeVoe suggested using the before and after photos from Niswander to demonstrate the changes in the Harding property. Director Elwert gave a brief description of previous Discovery Day Hikes to the Youth Council representatives and invited them to participate in this year's activities.
Board Member Graves announced that the Discovery Day Hike will be held on Saturday, April 29, 2017 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. He and his Sub-committee members will continue to meet to plan the event, discuss marketing and publicity ideas and work on a flyer for the event. The Sub-committee would like to have a flyer to hand out when requesting donation of raffle prizes for the event. Dr. Bowyer will share the information with City Council beginning in February. Board Member Graves will reach out to the Parks Department staff for assistance with the event as well as inviting Niswander staff members to participate.
Board Member Graves inquired about signs for the Green Space properties stating that his Sub-committee would like to have input as to what the permanent signs will look like. Director Elwert reported that the Parks & Forestry Department is working on a consistent marketing plan that will include what all signs look like. The GSAB will have input into this plan.
Board Member Graves concluded his remarks by thanking Board Member Niks for her service on this Sub-committee.
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GSAB Property Nominations & Acquisitions Sub-Committee
Board Member Gauthier reported that he sent out an updated copy of his Green Space acquisition list to the Board.
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GSAB Stewardship & Advocacy Sub-Committee
No report at this time
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Board Member Niks informed the Board that the ASTM has a new work item that is a guide for assessing the effectiveness for ecological restoration projects.
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None at this time.
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- Tuesday, January 24, 2017 at 7:00 p.m. Appoint Chair, Vice-Chair, adopt 2017 meeting schedule.
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There being no further business to discuss, Chairperson Carvey adjourned the meeting at 8:02 p.m.
Meeting minutes prepared by Maureen Nakonek.
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Gerald Carvey, Chairperson