Three Oaks Township
January 13, 2005


Members Present:  J.C. German, Coco Heim,  Jim Spencer, Chuck Sittig, Dennis Weisenritter

Others Present:  Dave Dudeck, Kevin Kanger, Cary Brown, Mark Bardusk, Tim Scott, Stacy Rogers, 
Cary McLaughlin, Shawn McLaughlin, Dave Nadic, Chuck Eckenstahler, Planning Consultant

Supervisor Sittig, Chair of the Parks and Recreation Planning Committee, called the meeting to 
order and opened the public hearing at 7:32 p.m. with the introduction of the members in 
attendance. 

A presentation by Chuck Eckenstahler was made of the draft plan, five-year action plan and cost 
estimate.

Kevin Kanger discussed the river clean-up and angler access plan that he was pursuing a grant 
from the MDNR Fishery Division.  Discussion centered on the inclusion of a designated parking 
area to serve this site as noted in the Five-Year Action program.

Tim Scott of the St.  Joseph River Valley Fly Fishers, a 220-member club, offered personnel 
and financial assistance of his organization to increase the fishery capacity of the Galien 
River within the boundary of the property owned by the Township.

Mark Barkdusk of the club distributed example photos of work the club completed on the Dowagiac 
Creek as an example of the work that the volunteers of the club could provide the Township.

Dave Dudeck addressed the need for restroom facilities at Vickers Field in Watkins Park.  
Other present including the McLaughlin's, Stacy Rogers and Dave Nadic voiced similar concerns 
about the immediate need.

The Committee concluded that as soon as the Township Board adopted the Plan, they would seek 
a joint meeting with the Village Park Board to discuss the matter and potential to apply for 
a joint grant for funding improvements to Watkins Park.

Chair Sittig closed the public hearing at 8:35 pm.

I was motioned by J.C. German, supported by Coco Heim, to "recommend the Five-Year Parks and 
Recreation Plan be approved by the Township Board and submitted to the Michigan Department of 
Natural Resources for approval"

Eckenstahler noted that he requested the Three Oaks Village Council consider adoption of a 
resolution of support for the Plan.  The Council has this scheduled for consideration at 
their February 9, 2005 meeting.

Being no further business, Supervisor Sttig adjourned the meeting at 8:45 p.m.


Respectfully submitted,

Charles Sittig, Supervisor