May 16, 2000
Present: Biermacher, Clark, Clay, James, Johnson, Kingsland Wallace
and Woodrick
Absent: Julien (with notice)
Others Present: Patricia Cornelisse, Jay Cravens, John Elliott Tony
Mourand and Steven Dalga
ARTICLE 1. Call the Meeting to Order
Chairman Wallace called the meeting to order at 7:01 p.m.
ARTICLE 2. Approval of the Agenda
Trustee Johnson made a motion to approve the agenda submitted by
staff. Member Biermacher seconded the motion. The motion passed
unanimously.
ARTICLE 3. Approval of the Minutes of February 15, 2000
Member Clark made a motion to approve the minutes of the February
15, 2000 meeting, as submitted by staff. Member James pointed out a
few errors. Member James seconded the motion with the changes he
suggested. The motion passed unanimously.
ARTICLE 4. Public Hearing on the Construction Schedule for
the Old 28th Street Streetscape Improvement Project with
Pat Cornelisse and John Elliott
Chairman Wallace asked about the status of the easement acquisition
on the Teresa Davis Trust property. John Elliott said that there may
be an old state highway easement already on this property that could
in affect preserve the trees. Chairman then asked about the status of
the grant application the township submitted late last year for the
Old 28th Street project. John said the Michigan Department
of Transportation (MDOT) would not comment on the status of the grant
awards. He felt that its status would be known by late June 2000.
Member Woodrick expressed concern about the proposed width of the
sidewalk on the south side of Old 28th Street. She felt the
proposed width of 10 feet was excessive. Trustee Johnson agreed with
Member Woodrick. John said he would look further with the State
regarding this requirement of a 10-foot width. Member Clark was
concerned that a change in the sidewalk width may affect the grant
application. He did not want to jeopardize the grant.
John Elliott began the public hearing and described the planned
improvements to Old 28th Street. He said substantial
completion of the project is set for September 1, 2000. Final
completion is set for September 15, 2000. The project has been split
into four construction phases. The phases are as follows:
Phase 1: Construction on 28th Street. This includes
the traffic turnaround and the reconfigured traffic islands.
Phase 2: Reconstruction of the north side of Old 28th
Street. This also includes the installation of the new sanitary sewer
line.
Phase 3: Reconstruction of the south side of Old 28th
Street.
Phase 4: Sidewalk construction, landscaping and street
lighting.
Manager Cravens informed the Board of Directors that property
owners and tenants would be kept apprised of the project throughout
its construction. A construction schedule and any updates would be
sent to them as soon as the information becomes available to the
township.
Member Biermacher asked for clarification about the construction of
the road. He wanted to know if it were to start on June 10th.
He also asked about when the landscaping would be installed. John said
the start on construction is scheduled for June 10th. John
then stated that landscaping is dependent on the grant award. The
preference is to have it in by September 15, 2000, but it is likely
that it will be a month later. It is possible that trees could be put
in the spring of 2001, if notification is delayed from the State.
Mr. Dalga, 6725 Old 28th Street, said he liked the plans
being presented and appreciated the opportunity to see the plans move
forward.
ARTICLE 5. Discussion with Pat Cornelisse about the
Conceptual Plans for the Riverfront Park
Manager Cravens gave a brief history of the land acquisition
process the Township undertook over the past 8 years. Pat Cornelisse
described the design process she is using in developing the park
design plans. She felt that parking and vehicular access are important
considerations. She also felt the river is an important design
consideration for any plan scheme for the park. The plans should
minimize direct contact with the water for the 300 feet of shoreline
nearest the Cascade Dam due to the water’s turbulence.
Pat presented 3 conceptual design plans. The plans are described as
follows:
Concept Diagram "A"- This concept show 53 parking spaces on the
plan. The plan has a large parking lot that parallels Thornapple River
Drive. A community building and a maintenance garage would be near the
Cascade Dam. A formal garden terrace would be out side the community
building. Various groups such as the historical society, the flowerbed
volunteers or even a senior citizens group could use the community
building. An amphitheater slope would also be incorporated into this
concept near the community building. There would be a small stage or
terrace at the bottom of the amphitheater. The plan also proposed a
canoe launch near the center of the waterfront. A picnic shelter is
also proposed near the waterfront to take advantage of view.
Concept Diagram "B"- This diagram shows a total of 37 parking
spaces. One parking area would be near the Cascade Dam and a
maintenance garage. This design proposes an "interactive water
feature" near the dam parking lot. It is initially thought that the
water feature should be educational as well as fun for the children.
Perhaps it could show the Thornapple River and how it flows throughout
the region. A amphitheater and pavilion are proposed near the water
feature. The pavilion would make some kind of architectural statement.
It would be built with materials that compliment area construction
practices. It would not be a simple roof supported by posts. Next to
the amphitheatre would be a lawn area for relaxation and picnicking
opportunities. On the northeast corner of the park would be a
community building. The would be a formalized garden, a garden terrace
and display terrace surrounding the community building. A
small-secluded garden described as a "wedding garden" would be near
the water’s edge. A carry-in boat launch would also be part of this
concept.
Concept Diagram "C"- This diagram is very similar to diagram
"B" with regard to the amphitheatre, pavilion, parking lot layout and
sloped lawn area. The differences include a series of cascade terraces
along the eastern part of the park. Each of the terraces would step
down to the river and feature a sculpture. A picnic overlook or
shelter would also be part of this terraced area. A community building
would be located near the Cascade Dam. It would include a terrace for
outdoor gatherings. A carry-in boat launch would also be part of this
concept.
Chairman Wallace expressed concern about access to the water and
the turbulence of the water near the dam. There was also general
concern about what kind of boat access this launch area would provide.
Manager Cravens stated that boat access would be limited to carry-on
watercraft such as canoes, kayaks small inflated boats etc. It is not
meant for jet-ski boats of other motorized personal watercraft. Member
Clay said he is excited about all the options. He suggested that the
new park should have the same "drive by" appeal as the Museum Gardens.
Chairman Wallace felt the new park would have particular appeal since
it would be near the pedestrian pathway system. Member Woodrick asked
how the number of parking spaces was derived. Pat said there was no
particular formula. Tony Mourand suggested that accommodations be made
for bicycles.
ARTICLE 6. Any Other Business
None Presented.
ARTICLE 7. Adjournment
On a motion by Member Clark and seconded by Member James the
meeting was adjourned at 8:15 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Ray James, Secretary
