Notice City Commission, Garfield Township Board of Trustees, Grand Traverse Commons Planning Commission & City of Traverse City and Charter Township of Garfield Recreational Authority Joint Study Session 6:30PM Monday, January 23,2017 Large Meeting Room, Garfield Township Hall, 3848 Veterans Drive Traverse City, MI 49684 Posted and Published: 01-19-2017 The meeting informational packet is available for public inspection at the Traverse Area District Library, Law Enforcement Center, City Manager's Office, and City Clerk's Office. The City of Traverse City does not discriminate on the basis of disability in the admission or access to, or treatment or employment in, its programs or activities. Penny Hill, Assistant City Manager, 400 Boardman Avenue, Traverse City, MI 49684, 922-4440-TDD: 922-4412, has been designated to coordinate compliance with the non-discrimination requirements contained in Section 35.107 of the Department of Justice regulations. Information concerning the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act, and the rights provided thereunder, are available from the ADA Coordinator. If you are planning to attend and you have a disability requiring any special assistance at the meeting and/or if you have any concerns, please immediately notify the ADA Coordinator. At the request of City Manager Marty Colburn, City Clerk Benjamin Marentette has called this Joint Study Session. City Commission: c/o Benjamin C. Marentette, MMC, City Clerk (231) 922-4480 Email: [email protected]Web: www.traversecitymi.gov 400 Boardman Avenue Traverse City, MI 49684
Transcript
Notice City Commission, Garfield Township Board of Trustees, Grand Traverse Commons Planning
Commission & City of Traverse City and Charter Township of Garfield Recreational Authority
Joint Study Session
6:30PM Monday, January 23,2017
Large Meeting Room, Garfield Township Hall, 3848 Veterans Drive Traverse City, MI 49684
Posted and Published: 01-19-2017
The meeting informational packet is available for public inspection at the Traverse Area District Library, Law Enforcement Center, City Manager's Office, and City Clerk's Office. The City of Traverse City does not discriminate on the basis of disability in the admission or access to, or treatment or employment in, its programs or activities. Penny Hill, Assistant City Manager, 400 Boardman A venue, Traverse City, MI 49684, 922-4440-TDD: 922-4412, has been designated to coordinate compliance with the non-discrimination requirements contained in Section 35.107 of the Department of Justice regulations. Information concerning the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act, and the rights provided thereunder, are available from the ADA Coordinator. If you are planning to attend and you have a disability requiring any special assistance at the meeting and/or if you have any concerns, please immediately notify the ADA Coordinator.
At the request of City Manager Marty Colburn, City Clerk Benjamin Marentette has called this Joint Study Session.
City Commission: c/o Benjamin C. Marentette, MMC, City Clerk (231) 922-4480 Email: [email protected] Web: www.traversecitymi.gov 400 Boardman A venue Traverse City, MI 49684
City Commission Joint Study Session
2 January 23, 2017
Welcome to the Joint Study Session!
Any interested person or group may address the boards on any agenda item when recognized by the presiding officer or upon request of any commissioner. Also, any interested person or group may address the boards on any matter of City concern not on the Agenda during the agenda item designated Public comment. The comment of any member of the public or any special interest group may be limited in time. Such limitation shall not be less than five minutes unless otherwise explained by the presiding officer, subject to appeal by the Commission.
Agenda
Pledge of Allegiance
Roll Call
Discussion among the Garfield Township Board of Trustees, City Commission and Recreational Authority Board:
1. Discussion points for the Recreational Authority Board's creation of a strategic plan:
• Accomplishments since the passage of the millage in 2004; • Items the Recreational Authority should consider to serve the
citizens of Garfield Township and the City; and • Longer-Term: plans that should be in place in the event the
Authority is dissolved, such as transfer of ownership of Recreational Authority properties and longer-term agreements with partners at the Historic Barns Park.
(Marty Colburn, Chuck Korn, Matt Cowall)
2. Public Comment.
(The Recreational Authority Board is welcome to remain in attendance or depart the meeting.)
City Commission Joint Study Session
3 January 23, 2017
Discussion among the Garfield Township Board of Trustees, City Commission and Grand Traverse Commons Joint Planning Commission:
3. Discussion regarding draft zoning regulations for the Grand Traverse Commons. (Marty Colburn, Chuck Korn, Russell Soyring, Roberto Larrea)
FOR THE CITY COMMISSION MEETING OF JANUARY 23, 2017
DATE:
FROM:
JANUARY 19,2017 ~
MARTY COLBURN, CITY MANAGER
SUBJECT: JANUARY 23 JOINT STUDY SESSION
Our meeting begins at 6:30p.m. at the Garfield Township Hall. While the Grand Traverse Commons Planning Commission will be seated from the beginning, the meeting begins with a discussion between the Garfield Township Board, City Commission and City of Traverse City and Charter Township of Garfield Recreational Authority Board. The Recreational Authority is welcome to depart or stay after the first portion of the meeting; and the Grand Traverse Commons Planning Commission will participate in the second portion of the meeting.
The Recreational Authority is working to create a strategic plan; and attached is a communication from Recreational Authority Executive Director Matt Cowall with background information on the efforts of the Authority. As part of the strategic planning development, the Authority is looking for feedback from both the City Commission and Garfield Township Board on the following questions:
1. How is the Authority doing in the eyes ofthe Garfield Township Board and the City Commission?
2. Is there anything the Authority can do to improve upon its current operating mandates and tasks?
3. Are there other items the Authority should consider to serve the citizens of the township and the city?
4. What plans should be in place in case the Authority is ever dissolved (such as transfer of ownership of Authority properties, long-term agreements for partners at the Historic Barns Park, etc.)?
City Commission 2 January 19, 2017 January 23 Joint Study Session
At the conclusion of this discussion, we will need to take public comment so the Authority may depart if it so desires.
For the second portion of the meeting, the Garfield Township Board, City Commission and Grand Traverse Commons Planning Commission will hear a presentation from Garfield Township Director of Planning Roberto Larrea and City Planning Director Russell Soyring regarding the draft zoning code for the Grand Traverse Commons. Attached is a communication from Mr. Larrea and Mr. Soyring.
copy: Matt Cowall, City/Garfield Township Recreational Authority Executive Director Chuck Korn, Garfield Township Supervisor Lanie McManus, Garfield Township Clerk Roberto Larrea, Garfield Township Director of Planning Russell Soyring, City Planning Director
The City of Traverse City and Charter Township of Garfield Recreational Authority
Meeting Communication
FOR THE MEETING OF JANUARY 23, 2017
DATE: TUESDAY, JANUARY 17,2017
FROM: MATT COW ALL, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
SUBJECT: JOINT STRATEGIC PLANNING MEETING WITH THE CITY COMMISSION AND TOWNSHIP BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Please find enclosed a narrative and supporting documents for our joint meeting on Monday, January 23 at 6:30 p.m. in Garfield Township Hall. In our time together we expect to cover the following discussion points:
• How the Authority is doing in the eyes of the City Commission and Garfield Township Board;
• Is there anything the Authority can do to improve upon its current operating mandates and tasks;
• Are there other items the Authority should consider to serve the citizens of the township and city; and
• What plans should be in place in case the Authority is ever dissolved (such as transfer of ownership of Authority properties, long-term agreements for partners at the Historic Barns Park, etc.).
Following the Rec Authority discussion, the meeting will shift to a joint study session with the Grand Traverse Commons Joint Planning Commission, Garfield Township Board and City Commission to discuss the draft zoning regulations for the Commons. Authority Board members are welcome to stay for the zoning discussion but will not be officially involved and could leave at this point if needed/desired.
Thank you to the City Commission, the Township Board ofTrustees, the Recreational Authority Board of Directors, and staff for this opportunity to gather and advance the strategic planning process currently underway for the Authority.
Rec Authority Background
The idea for the Authority coalesced in the early 2000s around three different (and at the time still separate) property conservation efforts: a half-acre office parcel on the West Bay shoreline in downtown Traverse City owned by Smith-Barney; more than 100 acres of woodlands and meadows owned by the Oleson family; and "the Barns," the remnants of the former farming operations of the Traverse City State Hospital, ownership of which had been transferred from the state to a local body, the Grand Traverse Commons Redevelopment Corporation.
Constituencies developed around the preservation of these areas as parklands, but the properties were costly, required at least some environmental remediation, and were not strong candidates on paper for normal land acquisition funding sources (e.g., the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund). In addition, two of the sites (the Barns and the Oleson property) actually straddle the boundary between Garfield Township and the City ofTraverse City, further complicating any potential municipal involvement.
The answer proved to be a relatively new piece of state legislation, the Recreational Authorities Act (P.A. 321 of 2000), which allows two or more municipalities to establish a joint authority to acquire, construct, operate, maintain or improve a variety of parks and recreational facilities.
Traverse City and Garfield Township formed their Authority in 2003 and gave it one year to research and conduct a millage campaign, which passed by a 3-to-1 margin in both jurisdictions in November 2004. Voters actually passed two millages, one to service bond debt for the purchase of all three properties, and a small operating millage for the Authority to manage and improve the three parks (0.1 mill in both jurisdictions, which has equated to about $150,000 a year). Each millage is for 20 years, with the last levy scheduled for December of 2023.
The Authority is governed by a seven-member volunteer board of directors appointed to three-year terms. Three city residents are appointed by the City Commission, with one being a seated City Commissioner; three township residents are appointed by the Township Board of Trustees, with one being a seated Township Trustee; and one seat is appointed by the Board of Directors of the Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy (an instrumental third partner in the genesis of the Authority), the holder of which must be a resident of either the city or the township.
The Authority does not have any employees. In its earliest days, city staff provided management oversight for the Authority. Management is now provided under contract with a local nonprofit, the Land Information Access Association (LIM). Other prominent contractors include an event facility manager for Historic Barns Park (currently Sunrise to Sunset Events LLC), and stewardship for Hickory Meadows (currently the Grand Traverse Conservation District).
Accomplishments to Date
After purchasing the three properties, remaining bond proceeds were expended on immediate needs. On West Bay, the former Smith-Barney office building was demolished and environmental remediation
1
of the parcel was completed. It is now public open space, directly to the east of today's sand volleyball courts.
The former Oleson property became Hickory Meadows, a passive recreational area that abuts the cityowned Hickory Hills ski area. The Authority completed some minor environmental remediation on the site and formed a citizen's advisory committee to help complete a management plan. The Hickory Meadows Advisory Committee continues to provide input to the Authority board on the park, which is a heavily used destination for hikers and dog walkers.
At Historic Barns Park, the two barns underwent an immediate stabilization project that included new roofing and drainage infrastructure to preserve and protect the structures. Utility mains (water, sewer, gas and electric) were run to the property, and some environmental cleanup was conducted.
Since those early days, in terms of the Authority's time, effort and expenses, Historic Barns Park has been by far the most demanding of the three properties. In 2007, a year-long public input process ("Brainstorming the Barns") resulted in a comprehensive public vision for the park that the Authority board has followed to this day. When it became apparent that the Authority on its own did not have the resources or expertise to fulfill every aspect of the public's vision, the Authority issued a call for proposals from community organizations to help fill those needs and manage areas of the park. At present, there are three nonprofit partners at the site, including the Botanic Garden at Historic Barns Park, SEEDS, and the TC Community Garden. One of the two barns, the Cathedral Barn, has been partially renovated as an event space, with the goal of using rental revenues to maintain and preserve the building itself.
Not including operating expenses, significant investments leveraged for just Historic Barns Park and its environs are approaching $6 million since 2005, a total that is already close to matching (and will eventually exceed) the $6.65 million that was originally bonded to purchase all three parks. The original bonds were also refinanced in 2013, which will save local taxpayers about $400,000 over the rest of the repayment period.
Future Considerations
In 2016, the Authority obtained a small Planning Grant from Rotary Charities of Traverse City to strategically consider the remaining years of its original 20-year mandate and beyond. The process has given the Authority Board the opportunity to reflect on its past, take stock of its present responsibilities and needs, and seek input on its future endeavors.
The strategic planning process began internally. Individual interviews were conducted with current Authority board members and partners, then the interviews were summarized and discussed at a subsequent meeting of the Authority board. The interviews were conducted and compiled by Teresa Scollon, a consultant procured through NorthSky Nonprofit Network in Traverse City. Key findings included:
• The Authority's statutory structure and public mandate has been a strength. • The Authority needs to pay some attention to board development, particularly in areas such as
fund raising and volunteer recruitment. • The Authority needs additional data and focus on who it serves (i.e., it currently has little
specific data on park users).
2
• The public is not generally aware of the Authority, which could particularly matter if a new millage or millage renewal were to be sought.
• There is significant work remaining on Historic Barns Park that requires additional fund raising and decision-making, including work on both barns, a use plan for the second barn, and the relocation/reconstruction of the old farm roads in the park.
• There are additional possible projects for collaboration; most recent suggestions from the outside include trail maintenance and management of other parklands.
• Some pending institutional issues need to be completed, most prominently a codified succession plan for the parks - and the partners that have significant investments in them - should the Authority ever sunset.
• The RA needs to define its role (i.e., should it remain focused on current properties and projects, of which there are many; or is there any community need for it to grow and take on additional beneficial roles in the community?).
Our meeting together on Monday night is the second main step in the process. It is hoped that feedback and input from the "parent" jurisdictions on current Authority operations and future goals will help to ensure that the Authority is providing the highest and best benefit to its constituents in Traverse City and Garfield Township. We also seek to collectively determine some specific next steps toward formally codifying a succession plan for the three parks in the event the Authority ever ceases to operate. We will frame our conversation with three or four main questions and very much look forward to your participation and feedback.
After Monday's meeting, Ms. Scallon will work to reconcile and combine the information distilled from the internal interviews with the information gathered on Monday night. Those results will inform the anticipated third main step in the strategic planning process, namely the development of a community engagement plan to seek broader public input on any specific needs and directions that emerge from the internal interviews and Monday night's meeting.
Again, thank you for your time and energies on behalf of the Authority and the terrific recreational assets of our community.
3
·. ('
City of Traverse City and Charter Township of Garfield .. ·. Recreational Authority
GOVERNMENTAL CENTER -·- ·----·-· ··--·--,
400 Boardman Ave I I Tm"""' City, Miclllgm496~4 ~~~ 2004 J
I !''I!'"\/ '"'I ,... ,_ . June 23, 2004 '"--------.:::;I I "--''-tHK --------1 Mayor Linda Smyka City of Traverse City 400 Boardman Ave. Traverse City, MI 49685
Dear Linda and Lee,
Supervisor Lee Wilson Charter Township of Garfield Township 3848 Veterans Drive Traverse City, MI 49684
Please find attached the final plan that the City of Traverse City/Charter Township of Garfield Township Recreational Authority will be presenting to the citizens of the City and Township for approval in the upcoming November 2, 2004, General Election. The citizens will be voting on two millage proposals needed to support the Plan. Also included are articles from the Record-Eagle regarding the two public hearings held regarding the Plan. The particular ballot language and appropriate resolutions are being finalized by the City Attorney Pete Doren and Bond Counsel Pat McGow and once we have the final version for the Authority's consideration, they will be forwarded on to you also.
By submittal of the Plan, we are considering that the 45-day review and comment period, as required in the Articles of Incorporation, to have begun officially Monday, June 28. In order to facilitate this review, the Recreational Authority is also requesting a joint meeting of the City, Township and Authority on Monday, July 26 to review and discuss any comments there may be. Upon review of the adopted plan, you will notice that little has changed from what was presented to the governing bodies in March and provided last month. In addition, it is anticipated that members of the Friends/or Recreational Lands in Garfield Township & Traverse City will be present to provide comments.
Thank you for the opportunity to bring both the City and Township up to date on this important course of action for the citizens of the City and Garfield Township. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me.
Attachments
copy: Authority Members Richard I. Lewis, City Manager
vOebbra Curtiss, City Clerk Matthew McDonough, Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy
r I I'
'· 6 .j.f i} r
Project Description and Cost Summary as recommended and prepared by the
City of Traverse City and Charter Township of Garfield Recreational Authority
Presented May 18, 2004 Adopted June 22, 2004
Members:
Ross Biederman • Chair Jennifer Jaffe
Brian Bourdages Ralph Soffredine
Brad Barnes Tim Hughes
Michael Groleau
Item #1
Commons Property Acquisition and Barns Preservation Project
Description of Project: Purchase of property to be placed into public use; installation of water, sewer and road infrastructure; stabilization and development of "Barns" to point of non-deterioration; transfer of property to either the City of Traverse City or Charter Township of Garfield if and when the Recreational Authority ceases operation.
Location of Project: Grand Traverse Commons along Silver Lake Road
Acres: 54.7 acres
Jurisdiction: Garfield Township and City of Traverse City
Ownership: Grand Traverse Commons Redevelopment Corporation
Capital Cost: Property Acquisition Property and Facility Development
Total
Property and Facility Development Estimates breakdown: Water Main Sewer Main Franke Road Extension Bam Stabilization
Sub-total Less City Contribution for Franke Road Total
$ 1 650.000
$ 650,001
$ 90,000 168,000 282,000 250.000 790,000
(140.000) $ 650,000
Water, Sewer and Road estimates calculated by City Engineering and includes a 20% Engineering/Contingency. Two assumptions: road connection will be a typical 24' wide bituminous mat with 4' shoulders and alignment selected will not involve wetland mitigation; sewer main will pump north into the TBA/Commons sanitary sewer, which will require City to assume ownership of what is now a privately owned sewer. Base estimates for Barn stabilization and development cost from Rolling Centuries Historical Farm Redevelopment Costs of 10/17/02 and assumes the roof work on one of the "barns" has been completed. General Operation and Maintenance cost are not included in these figures.
··-·-------·-·------------··--
Item #2
Hickory Meadows (Property next to Hickory Hills) Acquisition Project
Description of Project: Purchase of property to be placed into passive public use; a conservation easement to be placed on the property; transfer to Charter Township of Garfield if and when Recreational Authority ceases operation.
Location of Project: West of Traverse City with access via Randolph Street and trail head acquisition from M-72; adjoins Hickory Hills owned by City of Traverse City
Jurisdiction: Garfield Township
Acres: 117 acres
Ownership: GOO Investments (Oleson), John Wilson, and William Wilson; Option Agreement with GOO Investments (majority of property) in place and held by Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy; no agreements with Wilson's
Capital Cost: Oleson Property Acquisition Wilson Properties Acquisition
Total
$2,900,000 100.000
$3,000,000
Project only covers the acquisition of the property. General Operation and Maintenance cost are not included with these figures.
Item #3
West Bay Water Front (Smith-Barney Building) Property Acquisition Project
Description of Project: Purchase of property to be used for public open space; demolition of existing building and land restoration; transfer of property to City of Traverse City with condition that land is placed into parkland status if and when Recreation Authority ceases operation.
Location of Project: Grandview Parkway on West Grand Traverse Bay
Jurisdiction: City of Traverse City
Acres: .52 acres
Ownership: Edward and Benjamin Maier; Option Agreement in place and held by Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy
Capital Cost: Property Acquisition Building/Site Demolition/Reclaim
Total
$2,600,000 102,000
$2,702,000
Demolition cost estimated by City Engineering and includes a 20% Engineering and Contingency. Estimate also includes cost to cover possible environmental issues associated with demolition; will require the hiring of consultant to undertake assessment (included in the 20%). General Operation and Maintenance cost are not included with these figures.
:.f:.;; . ,.:..,,
:: "..._ . . :: i,·
Item #4
Authority General Administrative, Operation and Maintenance and Property Development
Description of Item: General administrative, operation and maintenance, and property development of the Recreational Authority.
Provides for the general administrative, development and maintenance not included in the previous items of the Recreational Authority and properties acquired. Administrative functions could be handled by the Authority by hiring personnel or through an intergovernmental agreement with either the City of Traverse City or Garfield Township. Development and maintenance cost would include improvements and maintenance of properties.
Administrative functions would include:
• general and financial management of board functions • general legal and auditing services • property & liability insurance, board liability insurance • property maintenance and oversight (staff or contract} • development/construction oversight • utilities (when applicable}
Funds could be used to enhance the properties and to provide for further studies/analysis for the uses of the properties acquired. This could include proposals and ideas associated with adjoining recreational facilities owned by either the City or Township.
General Administrative, Operation and Maintenance Cost: $ 125,000
Summary of All Items
Item Capital Projects General Admin, Operation and Maintenance
#1 $ 650,001 $ 0
#2 3,000,000 0
#3 2,702,000 0
#4 0 125.000
Total $6,352,001 $ 125,000
The capital projects would be financed through a 20-year General Obligation Bond as provided under Section 123.1151 and 123.1153 of the Recreational Authorities Act. The proposed bond issue will not exceed $6,650,000 for 20 years. The average millage rate for the debt service is estimated to be .2727 mills. Using this average millage rate, the tax levy on property valued at $100,000, with a taxable value of $50,000, is estimated to be $13.64 per year.
The General Administration and Operation and Maintenance functions would be provided through an operational millage as provided for under Section 123.1141 of the Recreational Authorities Act. The proposed millage rate is estimated to be .1 0 mills for 20 years. Using this millage rate, the tax levy on property valued at $100,000, with a taxable value of $50,000, is estimated to be $5.00 per year.
The combine millage as indicated above would average a total rate of .3727 mills. The tax levy on property valued at $100,000, with a taxable value of $50,000, is estimated to total $18.64 per year.
AFFIDAVIT OF PUBLICATION
• . ~ ••. •••. • .•. i PU~liclle~gs. · .. ·· .. · . ·. · aft ·. · . C1ty·of Traverse Ctty and· Charter ~, Township of Garfield Recreational ~ 0 Authority Boaid of Directors ..
. ' . .
The.City .. pfTdl.y~rSe City and CharterT()wnship of Garfield Recrea~ional · Authority'\vill be holding two public hearings; and the Bpard ~com;ages your attendance. · ·. . · . , · · ·· · .. '::' .· ·. · ·
- . ' . '
The purpose.ofthe public hearings are to hear-public iilput regarding the d;mfi ·plan for the Project D~scription and Cost.Sili:mna.rY for the · Authority; copies are available from tb.e City Clerk's Office or the.City Manger;s Ofti~e locatedat 409 BoardmanAveriue and the Garfield Town!?hiP Offi9.c;;s ;at 3848 Veterans Drive. . · ·
Debbra A. fuuss/CMc . City C.lerk · . · [email protected]}i.mi.us · (23~) 922-44~0.- . ·.·. . . '
May 22, 2004 • IT . . . l
STATE OF MICHIGAN County of Grand Traverse } SS .
Michael C. Nau being duly sworn de~ says the annexed printed copy of no1 taken from the Traverse City RECORI a newspaper printed and circulated i: State and County, and that said notic published in said newspaper on the f dates: a, ;;td,. ;)..lj d f
that he or she is the agent of the prin newspaper, and knows well the f;; herein.
; ~ SUbscribod !ft. sworn to bef(k ~ this cJ~L day of
t~& ( E. Dolores Eikey
Notary Public in and for Grand Traverse County, Ml Commission Expires September 14 21
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Traverse City Record-Eagle
http://www.record-eagle.com/2
Mayl4, Z004
RECREATION: Properties may soon be public By VANESSA M!tC_BA Y Record· Eagle ~taffwriter
Page 1 of2
TRAVERSE CITY- Three prime pieces ofland, one sitting smack-dab on the bayfront, are part of a real estate deal only voters in Garfield Township and Traverse City can close.
Township and city residents can learn more about the proposal, which seeks two 20-yeartax levies totaling .3 727 mills, at two June public hearings.
A city-township recreational authority has been working since fall on a plan to purchase three properties for public use - the former Smith-Barney office building on Grandview Parkway, the Oleson Field property near Hickory Hills and the historic barns on the Grand Traverse Commons campus.
"All of these are threatened properties, and this is a one-time-only shot to make this happen,'' said Michael Groleau, a Garfield Township representative on the recreational board.
The Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy has a purchase option for the Smith-Barney and Oleson Field properties. Both ofthose expire next spring, said Matt McDonough, a land protection specialist with the conservancy. That means the Nov. 2 ballot proposals are the best -and possibly last - chance to preserve the land for public use, he said.
The seven-member board has drafted a plan that includes two tax proposals that will go before township and city voters. The first - a 20-year, .2727 mill bond issue - would raise up to $6.65 million to pay for the three properties. A second operational millage would levy .1 0 mills for 20 years, raising upwards of$125,000 a year to pay for maintaining the land and running the authority.
Chairman Ross Biederman said the levies would pay for the demolition of the Smith-Barney building near the bayside power plant and preservation of the barns at the Grand Traverse Commons.
"We want to keep this millage as low as we possibly can, which is the reason why we aren't proposing any kind of grandiose plan for the use of this property," Biederman said.
A local group in support ofthe finance proposals has already formed. Friends for Recreational Lands in Garfield Township and Traverse City paid for a telephone survey to judge the plan's popularity. Will Abberger of Trust for Publie Land, a national nonprofit that works to protect land for public use, helped conduct the survey.
Abberger said the survey polled 600 registered voters in the city and township and found "a solid majority of voters" in both would support the bond issue to purchase the three properties. He said more information from the survey will be provided at the public hearings.
Community-funded conservation efforts are typically spurred by residents worried by more land being swallowed up by development, Abberger said.
"When they see open space properties -land along the bay, whatever - that they love and value developed, because of the rapid growth that people in your part of the eountry are experiencing, that is what motivates them," he said.
Last year, 130 communities or states held votes on land conservation measures and 100 were approved, Abberger said.
"When it comes to local issues, we are seeing protecting natural areas and parks and open space and controlling local growth and development right at the top," he said.
The public is interested in preserving the land, said Lee Wilson, Garfield Township supervisor, but it can't happen without cooperation between the township and the city.
"It's nice to see that happening," Wilson said. The first public hearing is scheduled at 7 p.m. June 1 at the Garfield Township Hall. A public
hearing for Traverse City residents will be held at 7 p.m. June 22 at the Governmental Center. The recreational board will then meet to approve the final plan and send it to the township
board and city commission for comment.
Copyright Trav~rse ~I!l·Eagle, a division of OUaway Newspapers Inc .• all rights reserved.
TC: Recreation plan favored at hearing By VANESSA '\'lcCRAY Record-Eagle staff writer
TRAVERSE CITY -One ofNicolle Girard's favorite places to walk her dog is in the fields near Hickory Hills.
"I've always been concerned that it will be made into condos,'' said the Garfield Township resident.
That's why Girard, who enjoys the outdoors and snowshoeing, wants the public to buy the 117-acre Oleson Field property, the former Smith-Barney building on Grandview Parkway and the historic barns on the Grand Traverse Commons.
Voters could grant Girard's wish by approving two 20-year tax levies that will likely appear on the Nov. 2 ballot. The Traverse City-Garfield Township recreational authority held the first of two public hearings Tuesday to discuss its plan.
The final public hearing will be held at 7 p.m. June 22 at the Governmental Center in Traverse City. The recreational board, which includes members from the city and the township, expects to approve a proposal at that meeting.
The plan calls for a 20-year .27-mill bond that would raise up to $6.65 million to buy the three properties, demolish the Smith-Barney building and repair the barns at the commons. A 20-year, .10-mill operational millage would bring in $125,000 a year to pay to maintain the property and run the authority.
Those who attended Tuesday's public hearing were mostly supportive of the plan and the tax increase to purchase the land.
"A lot of people are for acquiring as mueh property as we can," said Jack Robbins. But many want to know what the $125,000 a year will buy them. "Are we going to hire staff to be on a payroll?" he said. "We initiate many projects, and it's
easy to get them going, but we aren't seeing very good maintenance to keep them up." Between $50,000 to $60,000 of the operational millage funds will pay for "general day-to-day
stuff'' such as mowing the grass, said city manager Richard Lewis. The rest will be spent on liability insurance, bookkeeping, the general "cost of doing business" and possible improvement projects on the properties, Lewis said.
One resident voiced his concern about traffic around the Grand Traverse Commons if Franke Road is extended as called for in the plan. Others credited the recreational authority for coming up with a way to stave off unwanted development and guarantee public access to the land.
"This to me is the greatest thing that we've got going for all of us," said Herb Lemcool, Grand Traverse County commissioner. "1 am excited, and I applaud you."
Cgpyright Traverse City Record-Eagle, a division of Ottaway Newspapers Inc., all rights reserved.
Hearing to discuss two tax proposals Board expected to vote on plan Tuesday
TRAVERSE CITY - The public will have a chance to discuss two tax proposals that would allow the public purchase of three properties in Traverse City and Garfield Township.
A public hearing will be held at 7 p.m. Tuesday at the Governmental Center in Traverse City. The Traverse City-Garfield Township recreational authority has proposed a 20-year, 0.2727-
mill bond that would raise up to $6.65 million. The bond would pay for three properties - the former Smith-Barney building along Grandview Parkway, the 117-acre Oleson Field next to the Hickory Hills ski area and the historic barns at the Grand Traverse Commons.
The recreational authority also is asking for a 20-year, .1O-m ill operational millage that would bring in up to $125,000 a year to maintain the properties and pay the administrative costs of running the authority.
The authority board is expected to vote on a final plan Tuesday to be sent to the township board and city commission for review before appearing on the Nov. 2 general election ballot.
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Traverse City Reeord-Eagle ,/:-::::::_--·""", http://www.record-eagle.com/2?0'4/jun/23park:Ja'tm
Junel3,2004 ~/
Authority favors park vote By BRIAN M£GII,UVARY Record-Eagle staff writer
TRAVERSE CITY - With little public opposition, a joint recreation authority voted unanimously in favor of asking city and Garfield Township voters to buy $6.35 million in new park property.
Of the roughly 20 people who attended, just one spoke against the proposal. "It's very admirable, but I don't support it," said Christine Langschwager of Traverse City. "1
feel like I'm being taxed to death." Most praised the Traverse City-Garfield Township authority for looking to the future in its
hope to obtain three unique properties. The proposal is for a 20-year, 0.27-mill bond that would raise up to $6.65 million. The bond
would pay for three properties - $2.7 million for the former Smith-Barney building along Grandview Parkway, $3 million for the 117-acre Oleson Field next to the Hickory Hills ski area and $650,000 for the historic barns on 55 acres at the Grand Traverse Commons.
The recreational authority also is asking for a 20-year, 0.1 0-mill operational millage that would raise $125,000 a year to maintain the properties and pay the administrative costs of running the authority.
The proposal now goes to the Garfield Township Board and city commission for 45 days of comment before coming back to the authority for a final vote in August to put the proposals before the voters.
The barns property almost threw the tight timeline of the process off track when Dan Tholen, a Commons board member, objected to the use of$142,000 in recreational funds to extend Franke Road to the barns.
"It's not going to benefit recreational activities," Tholen said. The Commons valued the property at $650,000 but agreed to sell it to the authority for $1 if
the authority spent the $650,000 on restoring the barns and extending water, sewer and the road to the barns.
Michael Groleau, a member of both the authority and the Commons board, said the Commons board might reconsider the road question.
"It's a little late in the game to start talking about negotiating it all over again," city commissioner Ralph Soffredine said.
City manager Richard Lewis noted the public road ends at the intersection of Elmwood and 11th streets. Everything else is actually a private drive. Eventually the road will have to be built to guarantee access.
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!30 W. MAIN STRE!T, SUITE 3()1 GAYLORD, MICHIGAN 49735
TIL (080) 732-1152 FAX (989) 732-4843
CITY MANAGER'S
dUL 13 2004
OFFICE
Enclosed is the final copy of the Resolution Submitting Recreation Millage Proposal and Bond Proposal. It is the same as the 6/23/04 draft. I heard from Matt MeDonough who said the language was okay. I did not hear from Pat McGow so I assume he does not have a problem with the draft language.
WPD/jst Enclosure cc/enc: Matt McDonough
PatMcGow
Sincerely,
/;J.{)~ W. Peter ~ren
City of Traverse City and Charter Township of Garfield Reereational Authority
July 16, 2004
400 Boardman Avenue Traverse City, MI 49684 (231) 922-4440
Mayor Linda Smyka City of Traverse City 400 Boardman A venue Traverse City, MI 49685
Supervisor Lee Wilson Charter Township of Garfield 3848 Veterans Drive Traverse City, MI 49684
Dear Linda and Lee,
As mentioned in the June 23, 2004, letter to you from Ross Biederman, Chair, TC/GT Recreational Authority, attached is the final draft of the Resolution Submitting Recreation Millage Proposal and Bond Proposal. It is the same as the June 23 draft previously forwarded to you. This Resolution establishes two proposals to be placed on the November 2, 2004, General Election.
We look forward to meeting with you in joint session on July 26!
Sincerely,
~' ~ c,v.....~ ~ ,!_~,-; \ P> Richard I. Lewis City Manager for the TC/GT Recreational Authority (231) 922-4440
ril/dc
g:\recreationalauthority\lettertocity-garfield
copy: City Commissioners Garfield Township Board of Commissioners TC/GT Recreational Authority Board Members W. Peter Doren, City Attorney ,4 . /} DebbraCurtiss, City Clerk ~· ~ ~(/; /r ;-.::~ Matthew McDonough, Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy
RESOLUTION SUBMIITING RECREATION MILLAGE PROPOSAL
AND BOND PROPOSAL
WHEREAS, the City of Traverse City and Charter Township of Garfield Recreational Authority is a recreational authority organized under 2000 Public Act 321 and may place a proposal for an authoritywwide millage for recreational purposes at a statewwide general election~ and
WHEREAS, 2000 Public Act 321, § 11 provides that a recreational authority may levy a tax on all taxable property within the limits of the authority for acquiring and maintaining parks, if approved by a vote of the people; and
WHEREAS, 2000 Public Act 321, §23 provides for an election on the issuance of general obligation bonds and a tax for the payment of stich bonds.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that there be placed on the ballot for action by the voters in the City of Traverse City and the Charter Township of Garfield at the general election to be held on November 2, 2004 a recreation bond proposal for the issuance ofbonds in an amount not to exceed $6,650,000 and an additional recreation millage proposal of up to 0.1 mill for a period of up to twenty (20) years levied on all taxable property within Traverse City and Garfield Township commencing as soon as possible;
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Grand Traverse and Leelanau County Clerks, City Clerk and Township Clerk are authorized to take all appropriate actions in connection with placing this matter on the ballot;
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that each proposal shall be levied only ifboth proposals are approved by the voters; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the following ballot language is hereby approved:
OPEN SPACE AND NATURAL AREA PRESERVATION BOND PROPOSAL
This proposal will allow the Recreational Authority of Traverse City and Garfield Township to purchase and improve land to preserve open space and scenic views of the Bay and protect wildlife habitat and natural areas. Properties to be purchased include the West Bay Waterfront property, the Barns at the Commons, and the property next to Hickory Hills. State law requires an annual independent audit of the Recreational Authority.
This proposal, if approved by the voters, will only be effective ifboth it and the Open Space and Natural Area Millage Proposal pass.
Shall the City of Traverse City and Charter Township of Garfield Recreational Authority formed by the City of Traverse City and the Charter Township of Garfield
borrow the sum of not to exceed Six Million Six Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars ($6,650,000) and issue its general obligation unlimited tax bonds for all or a portion of that amount, payable in not to exceed twenty years from the date of issuance, for the purpose of open space and scenic view preservation and wildlife habitat and natural areas protection by purchasing and improving land for public parks, including West Bay Waterfront property, the Barns at the Commons, and the property next to Hickory Hills
The estimated millage to be levied in 2004 is 0.27 mill ($0.27 per $1,000 of taxable value) and the estimated simple average annual millage rate required to retire the bonds is 0.27 mill ($0.27 per $1,000 oftaxable value). This is expected to result in an increase of$13.50 in the tax levied on property valued at $100,000 for a period of20 years.
YES NO
OPEN SPACE AND NATURAL AREA MILLAGE PROPOSAL
This proposal will allow the Recreational Authority of Traverse City and Garfield Township to maintain natural areas, wildlife habitat, public parks, and open space; The proposal would levy a property tax of up to 0.1 mill that would cost the owner of a home with a value of$100,000 $5.00 per year. State law requires an annual independent audit of the Recreational Authority . .
This proposal, if approved by the voters, will only be effective ifboth it and the Open Space and Natural Area Preservation Bond Proposal pass.
Shall the limitation on the amount of taxes which may be imposed on taxable property in the City of Traverse City and the Charter Township of Garfield Recreational Authority, be increased by up to 0.1 mill ($0.10 per $1,000 oftaxable value) for a period of twenty (20) years, as a new millage for the purpose of protecting natural areas, wildlife habitat, and open space by acquiring, maintaining and improving public parks?
It is estimated that 0.1 mill will raise approximately $125,000 when first levied in 2004.
YES
RESOLUTION SUBMIITING RECREATION MILLAGE PROPOSAL AND BOND PROPOSAL
NO
Page2
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City Manager immediately file a copy of this Resolution with the Clerks of Grand Traverse and Leelanau Counties, the City of Traverse City, and the Charter Township of Garfield.
I CERTIFY THAT I am the and that the foregoing is a correct copy ofthe resolution passed as therein set forth on the __ day of ___ -.J
2004 and that the same is now in full force.
Dates: -------
RESOLUTION SUBMIITING RECREATION MILLAGE PROPOSAL AND BOND PROPOSAL Page3
RESOLUTION SUBMITTING RECREATION MILLAGE PROPOSAL
AND BOND PROPOSAL
WHEREAS, the City of Traverse City and Charter Township of Garfield Recreational Authority is a recreational authority organized under 2000 Public Act 321 and may place a proposal for an authority-wide millage for recreational purposes at a state-wide general election; and
WHEREAS, 2000 Public Act 321, § 11 provides that a recreational authority may levy a tax on all taxable property within the limits of the authority for acquiring and maintaining parks, if approved by a vote of the people; and
WHEREAS, 2000 Public Act 321, §23 provides for an election on the issuance of general obligation bonds and a tax for the payment of such bonds.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that there be placed on the ballot for action by the voters in the City of Traverse City and the Chruier Township of Garfield at the general election to be held on November 2, 2004 a recreation bond proposal for the issuance ofbonds in an amount not to exceed $6,650,000 and an additional recreation millage proposal of up to 0.1 mill for a period of up to twenty (20) years levied on all taxable property within Traverse City and Garfield Township commencing as soon as possible;
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Grand Traverse and Leelanau County Clerks, City Clerk and Township Clerk are authorized to take all appropriate actions in connection with placing this matter on the ballot;
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that each proposal shall be levied only ifboth proposals are approved by the voters; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the following ballot language is hereby approved:
OPEN SPACE AND NATURAL AREA PRESERVATION BOND PROPOSAL
This proposal will allow the Recreational Authority of Traverse City and Garfield Township to purchase and improve land to preserve open space and scenic views of the Bay and protect wildlife habitat and natural areas. Properties to be purchased include the West Bay Waterfront property, the Barns at the Commons, and the property next to Hickory Hills. State law requires an annual independent audit of the Recreational Authority.
This proposal, if approved by the voters, will only be effective if both it and the Open Space and Natural Area Millage Proposal pass.
Shall the City of Traverse City and Charter Township of Garfield Recreational Authority formed by the City ofTraverse City and the Charter Township of Garfield
borrow the sum of not to exceed Six Million Six Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars ($6,650,000) and issue its general obligation unlimited tax bonds for all or a portion of that amount, payable in not to exceed twenty years from the date of issuanee, for the purpose of open space and scenic view preservation and wildlife habitat and natural areas protection by purchasing and improving land for public parks, including West Bay Waterfront property, the Barns at the Commons, and the property next to Hickory Hills?
The estimated millage to be levied in 2004 is 0.27 mill {$0.27 per $1,000 oftaxable value) and the estimated simple average annual millage rate required to retire the bonds is 0.27 mill ($0.27 per$1,000 oftaxable value). This is expected to result in an increase of$13.50 in the tax levied on property valued at $100,000 for a period of20 years.
YES NO
OPEN SPACE AND NATURAL AREA MILLAGE PROPOSAL
This proposal will allow the Recreational Authority of Traverse City and Garfield Township to maintain natural areas, wildlife habitat, public parks, and open space. The proposal would levy a property tax of up to 0.1 mill that would cost the owner of a home with a value of $100,000 $5.00 per year. State law requires an annual independent audit of the Recreational Authority.
This proposal, if approved by the voters, will only be f!:ffective if both it and the Open Space and Natwal Area Preservation Bond Proposal pass.
Shall the limitation on the amount of taxes which may be imposed on taxable property in the City of Traverse City and the Charter Township of Garfield Reereational Authority, be increased by up to 0.1 mill ($0.10 per $1,000 oftaxable value) for a period of twenty (20) years, as a new millage for the purpose of protecting natural areas, wildlife habitat, and open space by acquiring, maintaining and improving public parks?
It is estimated that 0.1 mill will raise approximately $125,000 when first levied in 2004.
YES
RESOLUTION SUBMITTING RECREATION MILLAGE PROPOSAL AND BOND PROPOSAL
NO
Page2
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City Manager immediately file a copy of this Resolution with the Clerks of Grand Traverse and Leelanau Counties, the City ofTraversc City, and the Charter Township of Garfield.
I CERTIFY THAT I am the Deputy City Clerk of Traverse City and the Acting Recording Secretary for the City ofTraverse City and Charter Township of Garfield Recreational Authority and that the foregoing is a correct copy of the resolution passed as therein set forth on the 12th day of August, 2004 and that the same is now in full force.
Dated: August 12,2004
RESOLUTION SUBMITTING RECREATION MILLAGE PROPOSAL AND BOND PROPOSAL Page 3
Historic Barns Park- Examples of Significant Property Investments as of January 2017
Year Project Amount Funding Source Description
2005, Barns Stabilization Projects $ 650,000 Recreational Authority construction bond Emergency stabilization projects to preserve both
2010 fund (one-time millage) barns, including reroofing and some
environmental cleanup.
2008 Grand Traverse Commons $ 310,000 Recreational Authority construction bond Extension of water, sewer and gas mains and
Public Utilities Extension fund (one-time millage) electric service to the park.
Project
2011 South Campus Entrance $ 1,320,000 Federal transportation grants, MOOT, City Construction of a new road and park entrance,
of Traverse City, TC-TALUS/Grand Vision, including adjoining non-motorized pathways.
Garfield Township, Recreational Authority,
Munson Health Care, and TART Trails
2012 Trail and Visitor Center $ 300,000 Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund Construction of a 10'-wide, ADA-accessible paved
grant via Garfield Township trail across the length of the park; construction
assistance on the park's visitors center; and
improvement of a picnic area with a wildlife
viewing platform. 2012 MDEQ Brownfield Cleanup $ 200,000 Michigan Department of Environmental Environmental cleanup including lead paint
Quality (MDEQ) via Grand Traverse County removal, asbestos removal and demolition
Brownfield Redevelopment Authority projects.
2013 EPA Brownfield Cleanup $ 200,000 U.S. EPA grant Completed the last of the environ mental cleanup
work.
2013 Phase I Capital Campaign $ 1,600,000 Individual giving and charitable grants Joint cooperative capital campaign between the
Rec Authority and the Botanic Garden to complete
Phase I improvements to the park, including the
opening of the Botanic Garden Visitor Center and
the upper level of the Cathedral Barn to public
use.
2016 Ongoing fundraising and $ 1,200,000 Individual giving and charitable grants Ongoing fund raising and charitable investments
charitable investments by the Authority, the Botanic Garden and other
partners in the park.
Total $ 5,780,000
Memorandum The City of Traverse City Planning Department
TO: MARTY COLBURN, CITY MANAGER
FROM: RUSS SOYRING, PLANNING DIRECTOR ~ h:::1 GRAND TRAVERSE COMMONS DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS (D~AFT CODE) SUBJECT:
DATE: JANUARY 18, 2017
On October 5, 2016 the Grand Traverse Commons Joint Planning Commission (GTCPC) recommended to the City Commission and Garfield Township Board that a new set of development regulations for Grand Traverse Commons be adopted. The GTCPC has been working on this draft code for seven years. If adopted, it would replace the Grand Traverse Commons District Plan and the Planned Redevelopment District Chapters in both the City and Township Zoning Ordinances.
Rob Larrea, Planning Director of Garfield Township and I will present an overview of the draft code which limits development to certain areas of the campus with certain building types, much like the Grand Traverse Commons District Plan does. Development capacities for the property owners have essentially been kept the same and in some cases expanded slightly.
It was the goal of the GTCPC to have a more workable development code for the Commons where development and redevelopment in keeping with the visions and goals of the Grand Traverse Commons Master Plan will have a shorter, less complicated review process.
At least two public hearings were held and in the last three years, revisions have been made based on public input, especially from the property owners within the Grand Traverse Commons. During the last public hearing held on October 6, 2016 several supportive comments were made by the public. No objections were heard.
A full copy of the draft is at the printers and will be distributed as soon as they are received.
