MINUTES Belle Isle Park Advisory Committee Meeting

BELLE ISLE PARK ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES – June 17, 2021

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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


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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


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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.


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• 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.

http://www.belleisleconservancy.org/


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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.


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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 Infrastructure Update

June 17, 2021 Detroit, MI 1

Belle Isle Park Infrastructure Update, June 2021

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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-mesic flatwoodsRoad Removal for the Ralph Wilson Trail on Lakeside Drive, June 2021

DNR Capital Projects: Total $15,911,784Engineering Projects (8) $4,296,396 & Construction Projects (9) $11,615,388

Presenter

Presentation Notes

Partner Projects MDOT DWSD Verizon DTE ATT


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• MDOT – Bridge Work in 2022

• DWSD & GSD – Complete Sept. ($500,000)

• DTE – Complete Sept.• ATT – Planning Phase• Verizon – Cell Towers

Complete July

Agency Coordination Projects (5)

DTE Boring for new electric service Waterline Break in Belle Isle Nature Center Parking Lot


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• Project Complete

• Woodside and the west Shelter will open when staff prepares shelters for rentals

• Lake Okonoka RestorationContractor has finished grading to complete in wet meadow

Lake Okonoka Shelters

New Play Equipment at Lake Okonoka

Presenter

Presentation Notes


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• 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.

Shelters 19 & 20

Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund Improvements for shelters

Presenter

Presentation Notes


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• Reviewed glazing mock-ups of conservatory

• Structural inspection completed on upper trusses and cupola

Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory Phase 2Site Inspection/Meeting June 4th

Presenter

Presentation Notes

GLASS The glazing mock-up was reviewed by the project team. The intention of the new glass is to match the existing while providing light transmission that is beneficial for the plant live and managing cost. The new glazing is required by code to be laminated glass since it is overhead. The first two glass types have been installed for 20 months. The third glass type was installed today: Clear/20% inner layer/Clear – This glass was installed 06/04/21 and was new to the entire group. The glass reduces the light transmitted by 20%, so the light transmittance is less than the etched glass. This glass is clearer than the etched pattern and the Conservatory structure and plants would be able to be seen from the outside of the building. I.Montgomery Smith recommended that NUV be specified for the new glazing – this allows for UV A and B to come through the glass which is good for plant health and growth. GHFAA noted that this would add additional cost to the glazing, roughly 25% more as previously discussed in 2019. II.The glass is Dlubak manufacturer that uses a Dupont inner layer that was developed for the New York Botanical Gardens. C.New glazing putty will be installed as part of the project. STRUCTURAL INSPECTIONS 2.The investigation at the major bar cap findings were discussed with the project team: A.When the bar caps were removed to install the glazing mock-up, the bar caps were examined and found to be in good condition. Reuse of the bar caps requires cleaning. The original bar caps also have the L&B stamping on them and are about 16 gauge. Back in October 2019, the group discussed having all new major bar caps installed, but after this mock-up and review, GHFAA and Montgomery Smith recommended reusing the original bar caps. I.DTMB asked what cleaning the bar caps would entail. Montgomery Smith said that the bar caps would be cleaned onsite with aluminum jelly to remove the aluminum oxide and mold. Montgomery Smith noted that all new stainless-steel fasteners would be installed for all bar caps. The existing fasteners are aluminum and fail easily. The project team agreed to reuse all bar caps. B.There is a rafter that separates the major bar caps from the steel truss. Approximately 2/3rds of the steel truss is visible once the glass is removed. Minimal rust was observed, and this surface requires cleaning and painting. The group agreed that the outer surface of the truss column should be exposed, cleaned and painted as part of the scope of the Phase 2 project. 3.Grating samples for the lower and upper maintenance walk were reviewed with the project team. The group agreed that the slender (1” high, 1”x4” rectangular opening) grating was the preferred grating for both catwalks and appears very similar to the existing upper cupola maintenance walk. 4.DNR asked that RSE provide a structural synopsis to explain the critical nature of the structural modifications that are included in the Phase 2 project. RSE to issue a narrative to GHFAA. 5. The group discussed the restoration of the conservatory and noted that the original 1904 structure had ornamentation that was removed in the 1950’s renovation. The 1950’s renovation is also a significant design and there are merits to both eras. The work planned in Phase 2 of the conservatory will not negatively impact restoration to either time period.


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Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory Phase 2Scope 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

Presenter

Presentation Notes



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Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory Phase 2Scope of Work - Work in Palm House Only

Presenter

Presentation Notes



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Anna 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

Presenter

Presentation Notes



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Transportation 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 Projectfor consultant selection

• Core Project Team: DTMB, DNR, MDOT & BIC


• 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

Wet-Mesic Flatwoods Habitat Restoration

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Presenter

Presentation Notes

Silt Fence installation at approximately 6,620 linear feet (Oakway). Drainage swales in northern portion of site are roughed in. .Straw waddles utilized in multiple locations as necessary. .Staging area near Nature Center complete with stone. .Topsoil stockpiled in staging area. Silt Fence repairs completed at staging area Approximately 100-150 ft of Tanglewood berm (from Central Avenue) has been cleared – update on status? .Wildwood Trail has been cleared of vegetation, but awaiting tree removal and treatment of stumps – update on status? .Shaping/sloping of drainage sways has begun – update on status? .Cleared downed trees from ditch in section of flatwoods along Woodside Drive that discharges into the Nashua Canal in the vicinity of the stop-log structure. Silt Fence repairs completed in staging area. Central Avenue closed to allow for removal of material from Tanglewood berm. .Cofferdam installation will begin June 19. -Erosion Controls on 4/19/21 -Install begin on 4/20/21 .Tanglewood berm has been cleared until just before bald eagle’s nest .Ditch near Tanglewood berm has been rough graded xvi.Stone-filled ditch along south side of Central complete Culverts under Central installed xvi Working on stone-filled ditches along north side of Central – in progress Plan to install water control structure upon receipt week of 4/19/21


Wet-Mesic Flatwoods6/8/2021 – Biological Inspection performed by NCS

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• 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.


Wet-Mesic Flatwoods6/8/2021 – Biological Inspection performed by NCS

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Presenter

Presentation Notes

Silt Fence installation at approximately 6,620 linear feet (Oakway). Drainage swales in northern portion of site are roughed in. .Straw waddles utilized in multiple locations as necessary. .Staging area near Nature Center complete with stone. .Topsoil stockpiled in staging area. Silt Fence repairs completed at staging area Approximately 100-150 ft of Tanglewood berm (from Central Avenue) has been cleared – update on status? .Wildwood Trail has been cleared of vegetation, but awaiting tree removal and treatment of stumps – update on status? .Shaping/sloping of drainage sways has begun – update on status? .Cleared downed trees from ditch in section of flatwoods along Woodside Drive that discharges into the Nashua Canal in the vicinity of the stop-log structure. Silt Fence repairs completed in staging area. Central Avenue closed to allow for removal of material from Tanglewood berm. .Cofferdam installation will begin June 19. -Erosion Controls on 4/19/21 -Install begin on 4/20/21 .Tanglewood berm has been cleared until just before bald eagle’s nest .Ditch near Tanglewood berm has been rough graded xvi.Stone-filled ditch along south side of Central complete Culverts under Central installed xvi Working on stone-filled ditches along north side of Central – in progress Plan to install water control structure upon receipt week of 4/19/21


• Contractor will complete roofing this week.

• DNR PRD coordinating funding for phase 2 with DNR Forestry Division

Sawmill Roof Replacement

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Sawmill Roof & Structural Repairs

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Iron Belle Trailhead & Trail Development


Concrete road uncovered under asphalt road.

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)

• Traffic Control on Lakeside Drive.

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Iron Belle Trailhead & Trail Development


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Iron Belle Trailhead & Trail DevelopmentSchedule


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3 Outstanding Bulletins –

• Shoreline Armoring @ Detroit Yacht Club Canal

• Trailhead Revisions (removingrestroom) & adding bollards at vehicle drives.

• Subbase improvements for 950’ of trail and additional scope due to concrete road subbase


Athletic Shelter Roof Replacement

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• 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


Athletic Shelter Roof Replacement

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Additional soffit removed for further structural inspection of rafters. Bulletin will be prepared by structural engineer for stabilization as required.


Athletic Shelter Roof and Veranda Repairs

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James Scott Fountain

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Project Coordination

• The Hayward Circulating Pump -bad bearings and needs to be replaced


Athletic FieldsHandball Courts

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• WCI will submit pricing for revised bulletin issued from project engineer for roof removal/revised structural support.


Athletic FieldsHandball Courts

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Documents

MINUTES Belle Isle Park Advisory Committee Meeting