V.
Old Business
a.
ALPA Boardwalk Proposal (Cal Mastin- President
of ALPA)
Motion:
Pat Klein motioned to establish a list of potential projects for the purpose
of prioritizing the projects. Paul MacNellis seconded.
Motion
Amendment: Mary Hosley proposed an amendment to the motion to include that
a list of projects be compiled until a management plan has been implemented.
At that time voting could resume based on the prioritization of the
project list.
All
in favor. None opposed. Motion with amendment was passed.
§
The Kalamazoo Gazette article that stated the boardwalk would extend around
the lake was incorrect. The boardwalk is proposed to connect the north
and south trails. It would run the
length of the west end of the lake for about 400 feet.
§
In past ALPA has supported the preservation of Asylum Lake Property for the
passive use. ALPA is proposing to use
monies from the memorial of Renay and Montford
Piercy be used for a simple, modest boardwalk across
the west end of the lake to bridge the path that currently lines the lake.
§
ALPA would like it to be wide enough for a wheel chair.
§
Proposed materials include cedar wood or composite materials made of plastic
and wood(lasts longer).
§
Estimated cost is $2500 to $3500 including material and labor.
§
ALPA would like to complete this project this summer.
§
ALPA will raise monies for a plaque with approval of the Council dedicating
the boardwalk to Renay and Montford
Piercy.
§
There was suggestion to form a committee to work on the boardwalk project.
§
ALPA has less than $1,000 for the project and would like the Council to approve
money to be requested from Kalamazoo Community Foundation.
§
There was suggestion for the Council to visit the site before adopting this
project.
§
There was comment that the visitation to the property should occur on each
member’s personal time so as not to take the place of a meeting.
§
Pictures of the property, outlining the proposed route were passed around.
§
There was question as to whether ALPA had companies in mind for the work.
ALPA would rely mostly on volunteer labor; however some professional
work would still be needed.
§
It was mentioned it is important to go ahead with the boardwalk due to the
hazardous walking conditions around the west side of the lake.
§
Pat Klein motioned to establish a list of potential projects for the purpose
of prioritizing the projects. Paul MacNellis seconded.
§
It was stated that since the Council still needs a management plan, according
to the management framework, the Council should wait to vote on the boardwalk
until a vision of the property has been established.
§
Concern was raised over the approval of $18,146.04 to be used by Landscape
Services for maintenance of Asylum Lake Property although WMU had previously
provided those services for free.
§
This point was discussed at the last meeting and it was due to the budget
cuts at WMU.
§
It was suggested that maybe legal action should be taken since the state promised
these minimal maintenance duties. However, the Council may not be happy with the
minimal amount of maintenance.
§
It was asked whether or not Landscape Services had a budget to present to
the Council per the motion. Landscape Services did not have a budget because
they had not performed any services on the property.
§
Mary Hosley motioned to halt the voting process
until the management document is finished.
§
It was suggested that once the $18,000 is spent by Landscape Services, it
should be placed on the list with the other projects.
§
Several comments were made regarding the disappointment in WMU for gong back
on promises made.
§
Cal Mastin stated his support for developing a management
plan before voting on projects. The boardwalk should be included in the larger
picture.
§
A 1999 letter from Dr. Hopkins to the President of WMU stating how the endowed
fund should be used and suggested this document should be a guide to follow
for approval of projects. This letter was given to the Council at a past meeting.
§
There was question as to the status of the projects approved by the Council
thus far. The first project has been
approved. The second one has yet to
be submitted to the KCF.
§
There was suggestion that the project list should be a fluid list with a constant
prioritization with no deadlines.
§
Mary Hosley proposed an amendment to the motion
to include; a list of projects shall be compiled until a management plan has
been implemented. At that time voting
could resume based on the prioritization of the project list.
§
The Council voted on the motion and amendment.
All in favor. None opposed.
VI. New Business
a.
§
March 2003 Archaeological Assessment for Asylum Lake Preserve was presented.
§
The results of this assessment have produced a model
of probable locations of archeological artifacts.
§
Methods included background research and a pedestrian
survey in order to determine archeological evidence of past human activities
at the Preserve.
§
The data gathered was used to divide the property into
high, medium and low archaeological sensitivity.
§
126 artifacts and features were identified on the property.
§
The prairie was not surveyed.
§
The results of this research concluded:
§ There
are potentially significant archeological resources in the project area, particularly
associated with the Colony Farms.
§
Landscape modifications of any kind should be avoided in areas of high and
medium sensitivity, as determined by the study, as these may potentially cause
adverse impact to significant archaeological resources.
§
The archeological sensitivity map presented in the final report should be
consulted when any activities are planned that
may adversly impact the landscape, especially in the medium and high sensitivity
areas.
§
Further documentary and archaeological research should be conducted at the
Preserve to identify a broader range of resources
and evaluate those that have already been identified according to National
Register criteria.
§ Professional archaeologists such as those affiliated with the WMU Department of Anthropology, can assist in making future management recommendations that take into consideration the archaeological potential of the project area.
VII. Project/Special
Committee Reports
a.
Operations Committee
§
Operations committee was not present.
§
Paul MacNellis reported the prairie burn had been
conducted successfully. Twenty-six acres of the prairie was burned. The burn was called off because of the amount
of smoke. The remaining area was mowed.
A burn may be tried on the remaining property in the future.
Purpose was to kill the invasive plants
b.
Research and Education Committee
§
No new business to report.
c.
Management Plan Committee
§
Paul MacNellis has met with Nate
Fuller and discussed management plans. Will move forward and hopefully present a document
within the next few months.
VIII. Public
Comments
None.
IX. Council/Staff
Comments
None
X. Adjournment
Next meeting is
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