The meeting was called to order at 7:35 PM with Commissioner Dooley presiding.

ROLL CALL: Blair (Present), Dooley (Present), Iszler (Present) Policicchio (Present), Schwarzlose (Absent), Staab (Present), Wingfield (Present), Bharadwaj (Absent), Kerbrat (Present).

It was moved by Commissioner Policicchio and seconded by Commissioner Iszler to approve the agenda as written.

Paul Huyck from the Farmington Hills Art Commission spoke about mutual interest in cultural arts and would like to explore ways in which we could partner. Mr. Huyck also commented that he has participated in our adult tennis league and is pleased that it is open to non-residents. Commissioner Blair thanked Mr. Huyck for coming and is interested in a collaborative effort.

It was moved by Commissioner Policicchio and seconded by Commissioner Iszler to approve the April 9, 2009 minutes.

A. Walkable Novi – Commissioner Iszler
Commissioner Iszler stated the last meeting was April 23, 2009 and a guest from Trailways and Greenway Alliance spoke about the various plans of other communities and reviewed maps. They also reviewed our trail and greenway policies. Commissioner Iszler and Mark Spencer attended a SEMCOG conference. It was noted there is a need for non-motorized transportation in Novi and Commissioner Blair stated he would like to see this be more of a focus for the Commission. Director Auler informed the Commission that funding for the non-motorized transportation plan was included in the FY 09/10 City Budget. The next Walkable Novi Committee meeting will be in July.

B. Novi Park Foundation – Commissioners Dooley & Staab
Commissioner Staab stated that the Golf Outing will be at the Links of Novi on August 6^th. The flyers and brochures have been printed and they are actively seeking more sponsors.

Director Auler welcomed Student Commissioner Katelyn Kerbrat

A. Update on Capital Investment Projects – Auler

1. Completion of Power Park Softball Complex Improvements
Director Auler stated that the Ella Mae Power Park Grand Re-opening will be on Monday, June 15^th at 6:15p.m. He encouraged Commission members to attend.

2. Development of Fuerst Park
Director Auler stated that the grading of pathways and the preliminary installation of fieldstone walls and the amphitheater has begun.
Commissioner Blair stated improvements such as Power Park and Fuerst Park are significant quality of life improvements.

B. Land Use study for City-Owned property at South Lake Drive and Old Novi Road
(Landings Property) – Cowan
Superintendent Cowan referred to a memo in the packet regarding the public input process.
Commissioner Blair asked how the Commission could provide input and if there would be a final report.
Superintendent Cowan replied that Commissioners would be invited to the two public input sessions and could also provide input via the web survey. A final report and presentation will be presented at City Council and shared with the Commission. In addition, a one page executive summary will be provided for all who participated. Superintendent Cowan stated that this is a land use study so the main purpose is to gather input and provide information in the report on the possible uses. The report will not provide any suggestion or final determination of what the land will actually be used for, just information for Council to use in the future planning process.

C. Novi Community School District Facility reservation application fee – Auler
Director Auler stated that the Board of Education is implementing a new application fee of $15 per facility use form that is submitted. Our department is still able to request multiple dates on each application form. It is estimated that we submitted approximately 34 applications in the 2008-2009 school year. If we submit the same number of requests in the 2009-2010 school year it will cost an additional $510. Also custodial fee charge changes could add approximately $504 more. The total impact of these changes is estimated to be at least $1,000.

D. Potential partnership opportunity with other communities to acquire an inflatable movie screen – Cowan
Superintendent Cowan stated that there are still five communities in total who wish to participate. Plymouth is no longer participating but the City of Wixom is. The funding has been approved. Currently the group is working on drafting an inter-local government agreement for the screen. Once reviewed and approved by all organizations and City Council, we will move forward with the purchase. The screen purchase will assist us in providing more opportunities for movie viewing and use throughout the year for other programs and events.

A. Overview of the 2009-2013 Community Recreation Plan (Draft) – Auler

The 2009-2013 Community Recreation Plan will enable the Parks & Recreation Department to be eligible for State/Federal Grants and is a guide for capital investments. The plan is available for public viewing and comment.

In July, there will be a public hearing conducted at the Commission Meeting, City Council consideration and adoption of the plan, and then submission of the plan to the State for approval.

Director Auler thanked Superintendent Cowan for all of her work on this plan.

CITIZEN COMMENTS:

Justin Fischer introduced himself and stated he was running for City Council. He suggested that possibly the Novi Park Foundation talk about sponsoring the movie screen and possibly paying that cost at their next board meeting.

The meeting was adjourned by Vice Chairperson Dooley at 8:50 PM.

DATE APPROVED: July 9, 2009

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Reagan Schwarzlose, Chairperson

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Jay Dooley, Vice Chairperson