Expansion of Pinconning Park to be Considered by Bay County Commissioners
More Space Said Needed for Development of Campsites and More Natural Areas
June 13, 2010
By: Dave Rogers
Michael Gray, assistant Bay County Executive
More room for campsites is needed at Pinconning County Park, says Michael Gray, assistant county executive for recreation and administrative services.
"Demand exceeds current campsites as evidenced by frequent weekly turn aways and full occupancy of the campgrounds," Mr. Gray wrote.
Mr. Gray has asked Commissioner Michael Duranczyk, chair of the Human Services committee, to propose to the board making a Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund application for acquisition of an 80 acres parcel of farmland adjacent to the park.
The issue will be considered at Tuesday's committee meeting that will be followed by a special board meeting to act on that matter and several other items of county business.
If approved, county officials will seek a partial land donation from the landowner, and the 25 percent match funds from the Don Pero Wildlife Fund and community sources.
If the landowners are not interested, no funds will be expended and the project will not proceed, explained Mr. Gray.
On Tuesday, commissioners also will consider co-sponsorship of the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life July 24-25 at the Bay County Fairgrounds. Other sponsors are the Bay County Health Department and Bay Regional Medical Center.
Another item on the agenda for the board meeting, to follow meetings of the Personnel/Judicial and Human Services committees, concerns a Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) of $19,556, to be shared 50-50 between the sheriff's department and the Bay City Police Department. The funds will be used for law enforcement equipment. That grant program will be considered first by the Personnel/Judicial Committee headed by Commissioner Ernie Krygier.
Additionally, the board will consider a recommendation from the Human Services Committee for approval of an agreement with the Northeast Michigan Community Services Agency for an Aging and Disability Resource Center (ARDC).
"This is a collaborative effort between the Administration of Aging and the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services whose goal is to streamline access to long term care for consumers of all ages," said Kristinia Rubis, Region VII Representative, Division on Aging.
ARDC is a coordinated system of information and access for all persons seeking long term care support needs, she said at an earlier meeting. An East Central Michigan ARDC has been developed for the 10 county region to serve two Centers for Independent Living Facilities.
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