MINUTES Belle Isle Park Advisory Committee Meeting
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MINUTES
Belle Isle Park Advisory Committee Meeting
Thursday June 17, 2021
Location: (Teleconference)
Meeting called to order at 9:04 a.m.
PRESENT FOR BIPAC
Attending remotely:
Chair Michele Hodges; Grosse Pointe Park, Michigan
Michael Curis; Detroit, Michigan
Bud Denker; Detroit, Michigan
Brad Dick; Detroit, Michigan
Sommer Woods; Detroit, Michigan
Rev. Lonnie Peek; Detroit, Michigan
UNEXCUSED ABSENCES
Bryan Barnhill
DNR STAFF PRESENT
Ron Olson, Chief
Darren Swan
Karis Floyd
Mia Moore
Darlisa Terrell
Griselda Trevino
Shane Webster
Scott Pratt
Amanda Treadwell
Kriss Bennett
Barbara Graves
OTHERS PRESENT
Lance Couturier, MSP
Bill Schreck, MDOT
Sandra Wimbley, MDOT
Michael Montri, Grand Prix
Todd Platt, Belle Isle Boat Club, Chair of Detroit Rowing
Ayo Thomas, Belle Isle Conservancy
Aly Melnik, Belle Isle Conservancy
Sarah Earley, Belle Isle Conservancy
Henry Goetz, Friends of Detroit Rowing
Amy McMillan, Huron Clinton Metro Parks
BELLE ISLE PARK ADVISORY COMMITTEE
MINUTES – June 17, 2021
1
REVIEW AND APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Approval of Minutes for May 20, 2020:
Moved by: Bud Denker
Seconded by: Michael Curis
Grand Prix Presentation, Michael Montri
• Great weekend for the Grand Prix.
• Maintained and groomed park and Scott Fountain.
• Had great support from the community.
• Less attendees because the event was planned for a smaller crowd; there were less
grandstands.
• Apologized for drivers celebrating in the fountain.
• Will make an additional donation to the fund supporting the island.
• Grand Prixmiere was held in downtown Detroit for the first time.
Bud Denker: Will donate an additional $17k to the education dock.
Sommer Woods: Had concern about people in the fountain. We need to be mindful about how
that looks and the conversations that we have regarding it.
Rev. Lonnie Peek: Wants people to be sensitive to the perspective of people jumping in the
fountain. Also wants to congratulate the Grand Prix on the success of the event.
Brad Dick: Agreed with Sommer and Rev. Peek in regard to the tone and appearance of people
jumping in the fountain.
Scott Pratt: They did jump on the issue of the drivers in the fountain very quickly and are
holding the party accountable.
GENERAL UPDATES
Ron Olson, DNR Parks and Recreation Chief
• Out of the CARES fund, $250 million will be allocated to improve the infrastructure of
Michigan state parks and trails. The money will be spread throughout the state to address
core needs. It still needs to be approved by the senate.
Chair Hodges suggested securing support for funds to be allocated to projects on Belle Isle.
Motion to approve a document to be reviewed in support of
appropriating funds to be allocated to Belle Isle from the Cares fund.
Moved by: Bud Denker
Supported by: Michael Curis
BELLE ISLE PARK ADVISORY COMMITTEE
MINUTES – June 17, 2021
2
Park Update - Karis Floyd, Park Manager and Scott Pratt, Southern Field Operations
Chief
• Working with Scott Pratt and Michael Terrell and the Law Enforcement Division on a
closure plan for mobility on the island and traffic resolutions.
• There will be more comprehensive signage and changes in the internal island roads.
• We now have concrete numbers for the parking spaces (3,557) on the island and this will
aid in us determining the carrying capacity.
• The ultimate goal of this plan is what can we do now.
• We are looking to have people navigate to lesser-used areas of the island.
• Plan will be implemented within the next week.
• The annual report was very well received at the City Council meeting.
• The Youth Connection and Healthy Kidz will both start next week on the island. We are
looking forward to giving the youth an opportunity to envision a career within the DNR.
• Still in the midst of hiring for several positions including the Unit Supervisor; the
positions have been reposted.
• Hired 2 new seasonal rangers and they will be introduced at the next BIPAC meeting.
• Still looking to hire 3 additional janitors. The jobs have been posted and we are looking
forward to interviewing.
• Had an opportunity to do a show with the Detroit Lions and gives thanks to Conservation
Officer Keven Luther for giving insight about what we do with grants received.
Infrastructure Updates - Amanda Treadwell, Urban Field Planner (see attachment)
DNR Law Enforcement Update - Sgt. Shane Webster, DNR Law Division
• There was an issue on Memorial Day with an extremely large crowd that exceeded the
capacity of a shelter.
• The Grand Prix went quite well.
Belle Isle Conservancy Updates - Aly Melnick, Belle Isle Conservancy
• The opening of the Aquarium is slated for mid-July. There has been a lot of hard work
done during the closure.
• The clean-up season for Keep Belle Isle Beautiful is in full swing. There is a clean-up
every week and the schedule is as follows: Every 1st Monday evening and every 4th
Sunday morning is the kayak club clean-up; every 2nd Friday and 3rd Saturday there is the
beach clean-up.
• The kayak club clean-up launches out of the Flynn Pavilion.
• The Belle Isle Nature Center will not open indoors, but they do have robust outdoor
programming lined up. Wednesday – Saturday including hikes through the mesic
wetlands, birding explorations, nature at night explorations and local pollinator
education. It is free of charge, but you have to pre-register to participate.
• Dossin Great Lakes Museum is having a Centennial Picnic celebration outside Saturday,
June 26 from 1 p.m. – 6 p.m. They also have a scheduled rain day slated for July 10.
They opened a new exhibition called 20 for the 20’s and it’s all about 20 different
innovations that have been developed along the Detroit River.
BELLE ISLE PARK ADVISORY COMMITTEE
MINUTES – June 17, 2021
3
• The Boat House has started their summer rowing program for all ages and experience
levels.
• Hype Athletics continues to run leagues throughout the summer.
• The Oudolf Garden is closed to the public June - July but they are hoping to do an official
ribbon cutting in August.
Michele Hodges, Belle Isle Conservancy
• Would like to encourage people to stay engaged and support the island.
• The Polish the Jewel event is scheduled for October 14, 2021..
• Through our Giving Society you can join a family of Belle Isle supporters. Please visit
the website www.belleisleconservancy.org.
• Would like to touch upon what happened at the Scott Fountain after the Grand Prix.
Would also like to help the community work through the issue and come up with
solutions that will show respect for Belle Isle, the community, and our partners.
PUBLIC COMMENTS (3 minutes each)
Sandra Novacek She is upset by the disrespect shown by the Grand Prix winners when
they celebrated in the fountain. The potential damage to this community-
owned sculpture and structure of heritage and irresponsible stewardship
illustrated via these actions by Grand Prix winners and drivers are
unacceptable and are also acts that violate a Detroit City ordinance for
which others less privileged would be punished.
Ted Tansley Concerned about the lack of safety and accessibility on the island due to
the lack of protected spaces for bicycles and the incomplete access to
sidewalks. The island needs to have a complete sidewalk system so that
people of all abilities can safely access the treasure that is Belle Isle.
The island also needs a protected bicycle network so that more people
can feel safe and secure to enjoy the wonders that the park offers.
Angela Lugo Thomas Against the Grand Prix being held on Belle Isle. Get the Grand Prix off
Belle Isle. It is not a racetrack.
Mark Graf Dismayed by his trip to Belle Isle being marred by all the trash on the
island.
Alvin Scott Representing the Detroit Volleyball Coaches Association Summer
Volleyball Program for female youth. Noticed the improvement of the
athletic fields and was hoping and requesting when the tennis courts are
improved that they are made into multi courts that can accommodate 3
or 4 different sports. Would also like to recommend a sports court be
installed and not just the concrete flooring.
Carmen Slueter Would like clarification on the waterway clean up schedule on Belle
Isle.
BELLE ISLE PARK ADVISORY COMMITTEE
MINUTES – June 17, 2021
4
Neil Chapin Has concerns and observations about the Wet Mesic Flatland restoration
project. Feels there are safety issues with the areas used for the staging.
There are abandoned buildings in the site that would be considered
dangerous. Vile stickers on the cars of workers that may be offensive to
children.
Michael Betzold Against the Grand Prix being held on Belle Isle. How is the Grand Prix
consistent with the core values of the DNR? When and how exactly did
Penske’s race get another year?
Frank DeMayo Long time community volunteer that supports the Grand Prix. Cited that
the Scott Fountain was originally a cooling pool and would like to allow
for variations in the restrictions to the Scott Fountain to continue to
promote the park.
Carol Rhodes Went to enjoy the park and noticed that parts of the park were closed off
and there was no notice such as signs to indicate that the area would be
closed. Also tried to access the Oudolf Garden and was stopped by 2
security guards. Lack of signage is a problem. Also, when they are
digging up the Iron Belle trail are they checking for Native American
artifacts?
Steven Proud volunteer of the Detroit Grand Prix. Felt that there were ample
people out at the Grand Prix directing traffic and they helped people to
the best of their ability.
Patrick Livingston Would like to request that the Grand Prix be relocated to a more suitable
site.
Mr. Taylor Relocated back to Michigan from California and volunteered this year
for the Grand Prix and enjoyed the experience.
End of public comment
COMMITTEE MEMBER ITEMS
Rev. Lonnie Peek There was a tremendous lifting up of the people during Grand Prix. It
was very well organized, people had fun and we were glad that it
happened.
Summer Woods Just to be clear, the Scott Fountain is no longer an area used for a
cooling space. The reality is that race and history matter and there is a
bigger conversation that needs to be had. We cannot make concessions
for certain people and groups. We cannot skate around these issues. It
is not what it used to be, it is what it is. It is a state park, and it has to
appeal to all needs. We must continue to have these conversations about
equity and accessibility in this city.
BELLE ISLE PARK ADVISORY COMMITTEE
MINUTES – June 17, 2021
5
Michael Curis Totally supports and agrees with Summer Woods.
Scott Pratt We also urge people not to interact with the fountain because from a
safety standpoint it is not chemically treated like a pool. And with the
electrical fixtures and slime that gathers which makes it slippery, we just
want compliance and to keep the public safe.
Meeting concluded: 11:05 a.m.
NEXT REGULAR MEETING:
July 22, 2021
BELLE ISLE PARK ADVISORY COMMITTEE
MINUTES – June 17, 2021
6
Belle Isle Park Infrastructure Update
June 17, 2021 Detroit, MI
1
DNR Capital Projects: Total $15,911,784
Engineering Projects (8) $4,296,396 & Construction Projects (9) $11,615,388
DNR Roof Projects Underway (5)
• Athletic Shelter, Sawmill, Casino,
Shelter #2 & Shelter #8 & Handball
Courts
DNR Trail Projects (2)
• Ralph Wilson Trail &
Ralph Wilson Gateway
• Trail improvements in the wet-
Road Removal for the Ralph Wilson Trail on Lakeside Drive, June 2021
mesic flatwoods
Belle Isle Park Infrastructure Update, June 2021
2
Agency Coordination Projects (5)
• MDOT – Bridge Work in
2022
• DWSD & GSD – Complete
Sept. ($500,000)
• DTE – Complete Sept.
• ATT – Planning Phase
• Verizon – Cell Towers
Complete July
DTE Boring for new electric service Waterline Break in Belle Isle Nature Center Parking Lot
Belle Isle Park Infrastructure Update, June 2021
3
Lake Okonoka Shelters
• Project Complete
• Woodside and the west Shelter
will open when staff prepares
shelters for rentals
• Lake Okonoka Restoration
Contractor has finished grading
to complete in wet meadow
New Play Equipment at Lake Okonoka
Belle Isle Park Infrastructure Update, June 2021
4Shelters 19 & 20
• Phase 100 study and site
inspection complete
• New Shelters, ADA Bathroom
improvements, ADA parking
and access improvements
• Area will be adjacent to new
ADA Kayak Launch, North
Fishing area and Ralph Wilson
Trail.
Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund Improvements for shelters
Belle Isle Park Infrastructure Update, June 2021
5Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory Phase 2
Site Inspection/Meeting June 4th
• Reviewed glazing mock-ups of
conservatory
• Structural inspection
completed on upper trusses
and cupola
Belle Isle Park Infrastructure Update, June 2021
6Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory Phase 2
Scope of Work - Work in Palm House Only
• Removal and replacement of purlins and tension rods
• Abatement of upper trusses and painting to match members painted
in Phase 1
• Replacement of deteriorated steel members
• Glass replacement above the gutter line (the entire dome) in the
Palm House including removal, cleaning and reuse of major and
minor bar caps around the entire dome
• Upper cupola structural repairs
• Upper cupola ventilation and controls replacement
• New lower maintenance catwalk above lower tension ring along with
maintenance ladder
• New upper maintenance walk at the upper cupola along with new
access ladder from exterior, concrete pad, and landing at upper
cupola
Belle Isle Park Infrastructure Update, June 2021
7Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory Phase 2
Scope of Work - Work in Palm House Only
Belle Isle Park Infrastructure Update, June 2021
8Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory
Heating Replacement and Ventilation and Controls
– Work in entire Conservatory
• Removal and replacement of all fin tube, unit heaters, and associated
piping
• Glass replacement for Tropical House, Cactus House, Show Room, and
lower portion of the Palm Dome for ventilation windows only.
Replacement includes the removal, cleaning and reuse of major and
minor bar caps
• New boilers, gas connection, electrical work, and piping as required for
new heating
• New ventilation with electrical gear motors and new controls for entire
Conservatory
• Modifications to small Boiler Room in basement of Aquarium including
modified arch doorway and new sealant around glazing
Belle Isle Park Infrastructure Update, June 2021
9Transportation and Circulation Master Plan
Project Budget: $850,000
Funding Partners
• Work order processed by
DTMB
• Next step for partners to
review RFP
• DTMB will advertise Project
for consultant selection
• Core Project Team: DTMB,
DNR, MDOT & BIC
Belle Isle Park Infrastructure Update, June 2021
10Wet-Mesic
Flatwoods Habitat
Restoration
• DNR Stewardship/EA Engineering
and Anglin reviewing project issues
• DNR Coordinating seeding specs &
infrastructure improvements with
MDOT for their upcoming road
bridge work over Sylvan Canal
• Contractor’s Misc. report on
eaglets
Belle Isle Park Infrastructure Update, June 2021
11Wet-Mesic Flatwoods
6/8/2021 – Biological Inspection
performed by NCS
• NCS completed ecological
observations of entire site.
• Observations included flora,
fauna, and SESC.
• Non-native invasive species, flora
species of interest, tree canopy
characteristics, and soil and
hydrologic characteristics related
to erosion/sedimentation.
• Fauna activity: insect pests, deer
activity, and reptile activity.
Belle Isle Park Infrastructure Update, June 2021
12Wet-Mesic Flatwoods
6/8/2021 – Biological Inspection
performed by NCS
Belle Isle Park Infrastructure Update, June 2021
13Sawmill
Roof Replacement
• Contractor will complete roofing
this week.
• DNR PRD coordinating funding for
phase 2 with DNR Forestry
Division
Belle Isle Park Infrastructure Update, June 2021
14Sawmill
Roof & Structural
Repairs
Belle Isle Park Infrastructure Update, June 2021
15Iron Belle Trailhead &
Trail Development
Construction Status –
• Curbs have been removed completely
from trailhead to water intake drive
• Asphalt has been milled and
removed, per plans. North drive to
trailhead, south drive to golf course,
and water intake driveways have
access maintained
• Wearing course will be complete
from water intake to Beach House
(with exception of Yacht Club) Concrete road uncovered under asphalt road.
• Traffic Control on Lakeside Drive.
Belle Isle Park Infrastructure Update, June 2021
16Iron Belle Trailhead &
Trail Development
Belle Isle Park Infrastructure Update, June 2021
17Iron Belle Trailhead &
Trail Development
Schedule
3 Outstanding Bulletins –
• Shoreline Armoring @ Detroit
Yacht Club Canal
• Trailhead Revisions (removing
restroom) & adding bollards at
vehicle drives.
• Subbase improvements for 950’
of trail and additional scope
due to concrete road subbase
Belle Isle Park Infrastructure Update, June 2021
18Athletic Shelter
Roof Replacement
• Extent of damage on the
decorative veranda steel was
uncovered for additional
inspection
• Additional structural repair
required for roof integrity as
well
Roof trusses discovered to have been reinforced in past
Belle Isle Park Infrastructure Update, June 2021
19Athletic Shelter
Roof Replacement
Additional soffit removed for further structural inspection of rafters. Bulletin will be prepared by structural engineer for stabilization as required.
Belle Isle Park Infrastructure Update, June 2021
20Athletic Shelter
Roof and Veranda Repairs
Belle Isle Park Infrastructure Update, June 2021
21James Scott Fountain
Project Coordination
• The Hayward Circulating Pump -bad
bearings and needs to be replaced
Belle Isle Park Infrastructure Update, June 2021
22Athletic Fields
Handball Courts
• WCI will submit pricing for
revised bulletin issued from
project engineer for roof
removal/revised structural
support.
Belle Isle Park Infrastructure Update, June 2021
23Athletic Fields
Handball Courts
Belle Isle Park Infrastructure Update, June 2021
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