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Planning director updates trail, parks and materials-management work; commissioners report local developments
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Summary
Planning Director Kiersten Stark briefed the commission on trail Phase 3 punch-list work, a Wade-Trim engineering contract for Phases 4–5, a DNR grant reimbursement for Whiting Park Boat Launch, Parks & Recreation Plan consultant interviews, and ongoing materials-management surveys; commissioners also reported on housing meetings, workforce housing units and local college involvement.
Kiersten Stark, Planning Director, provided multiple departmental updates at the Aug. 7 meeting.
Stark said she attended webinars on renewable energy planning and community engagement for housing. She reported Phase 3 of the Boyne City to Charlevoix Trail had a July 28 walk-through with the contractor, project engineers, MDOT, the Road Commission and county staff; a punch list was created and the contractor is completing identified items. A proposed engineering services contract with Wade-Trim for trail Phases 4 and 5 is in legal review.
For the Whiting Park Boat Launch, Stark said grant reimbursement requests were submitted to the DNR Waterways Program and the county expects to receive the funds within about a month. Two planning firms submitted proposals to update the County Parks & Recreation Plan; a Selection Committee made up of Planning Commission members, the Parks Committee and county staff has interviewed firms and will recommend a firm to the Board of Commissioners.
On materials management, Stark said the FY 2025 work program was approved earlier in the summer and the committee is conducting surveys of residents, businesses and local officials on solid waste disposal, recycling and composting practices.
Commissioners then shared local updates: David Wheeler is arranging logistics for a likely September meeting and tour in South Arm Township/East Jordan; Matt Cunningham reported recent Great Lakes elevation readings; Mike Ritter noted an upcoming renewable energy webinar and a Charlevoix Public Schools request to rent classroom space at the Shirley Roloff Center for an aviation class; Sherm Chamberlain and Pam Grassmick reported local housing activity and workforce housing units coming online, as well as island community environmental and transportation items.
Stark requested moving the September meeting date to accommodate a tour; Commissioners proposed Sept. 10 or Sept. 11, and Wheeler will confirm hall availability.