Allegan County Board of Commissioners

Allegan County Board of Commissioners County Services Building 3283 122 nd Avenue Allegan, MI 49010 269-673-0203 Main Office 269-686-5331 Main Fax http://www.allegancounty.org Dean Kapenga, Chairman Tom Jessup, Vice Chairman DISTRICT 1 Dean Kapenga 616-218-2599 dkapenga@ allegancounty.org DISTRICT 2 Jim Storey 616-848-9767 jstorey@ allegancounty.org DISTRICT 3 Max R. Thiele 269-673-4514 mthiele@ allegancounty.org DISTRICT 4 Mark DeYoung 616-681-9413 mdeyoung@ allegancounty.org BOARD PLANNING SESSION AGENDA Thursday, October 26, 2017, @ 9:00AM County Services Building, Board Room 3283 122 nd Avenue, Allegan MI 49010 9:00AM CALL TO ORDER: ROLL CALL: DISCUSSION ITEMS: OPENING PRAYER: Commissioner Dean Kapenga PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: PUBLIC PARTICIPATION: ADDITIONAL AGENDA ITEMS: APPROVAL OF AGENDA: 1. Headlee Amendment-Informational 2. Blue Star Trail 3. Board Planning 4. Administrative Update DISTRICT 5 Tom Jessup 269-637-3374 tjessup@ allegancounty.org DISTRICT 6 Gale Dugan 269-694-5276 gdugan@ allegancounty.org OTHER ITEMS: PUBLIC PARTICIPATION: ADJOURNMENT: Next Meeting Thursday, November 9, 2017, 9:00AM @ BOARD ROOM COUNTY SERVICES BUILDING, COUNTY SERVICES COMPLEX. DISTRICT 7 Don Black 269-792-6446 dblack@ allegancounty.org Mission Statement The Allegan County Board of Commissioners shall plan, develop, and evaluate the necessary policies and resources to ensure our county continues to progress and prosper

S T A T E O F M I C H I G A N BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE COUNTY OF ALLEGAN October 26, 2017 BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS NON-MOTORIZED BLUE STAR TRAIL OWNERSHIP WHEREAS, the Friends of the Blue Star Trail (FOTBST) are engaged in the construction of a Non-Motorized trail connecting a trail from South Haven to Holland; and WHEREAS, FOTBST is requesting Board of Commissioner s support and ownership of a portion of the Blue Star Trail. THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED as follows: 1. The Board of Commissioners (Board) supports Non- Motorized trail developments, 2. The Board hereby supports ownership of Blue Star Trail sections in Casco and Ganges Township, 3. FOTBST shall develop construction funding and maintenance plans to be brought back to the Board for consideration, 4. Maintenance shall remain the responsibility of external resources and no county funds are to be expended towards this project and to degree any costs are to be assessed to the county, the County s ownership support shall be withdrawn, 5. All resolutions in conflict herewith are repealed.

Original 2014 Request to the Allegan Board of Commissioners from the Friends of the Blue Star Trail (FOTBST) In 2014, FOTBST asked Allegan County to consider taking ownership of Phase II (not the entire trail). At the time the Phase II section, they were asking ownership for, was ~ 1.8 miles and would go from Baseline Rd, South Haven north to Beverly Shores in Casco Township FOTBST needed a government agency to take ownership of this section so they could receive CMAQ monies and apply for a Michigan Natural Resource trust Fund Grant. FOTBST guaranteed that they would raise the additional funds needed after the CMAQ /grants monies were spent to cover the development of this section of trail FOTBST needed a government agency to take ownership of this section so they could receive CMAQ monies and apply for a Michigan Natural Resource trust Fund Grant. FOTBST guaranteed that they would raise the additional funds needed after the CMAQ /grants monies were spent to cover the development of this section of trail. FOTBST also guaranteed that they would have all the funds for annual maintenance/future replacement of this section of trail. On September 25, 2014 the BOC made and approved a resolution, to approve county ownership of that portion of the non-motorized Blue Star Trail upon completion of Phase II.

S T A T E 0 F M I C H I G A N BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE COUNTY OF ALLEGAN NON-MOTORIZED BLUE STAR TRAIL Moved by Commissioner Jessup, seconded by Commissioner Kapenga to approve county ownership of that portion of the Non-Motorized Blue Star Trail upon completion of Phase II. Motion carried by roll call vote: Yes - 5 votes. No - 2 votes. Absent - 0 votes. y y N y DEAN KAPENGA JIM STOREY MAX THIELE MARK DEYOUNG y y N TOM JESSUP JON CAMPBELL DON BLACK ATTEST, A TRUE COPY /---!\"-71--'--"~'-'-"'-'---''-'-'-"-"""--"--'4, c 1 e r k-reg i s t e r 25, 2014 cc:. Admin. - Finance - Human Resources

Information about Trails from Local Agencies (Laketown Township & Saugatuck Township) To better understand the costs and impacts of trails Allegan County s Park Coordinator reached out to local agencies (Laketown Township & Saugatuck Township). Fooling are the questions asked (in black) and the responses (in blue): FROM LAKETOWN TOWNSHIP - 1. Trail Systems a. How many miles? ~ 6.5 concrete (2010) ~ 4 asphalt (2000) b. Name/type/age of trails? Surface of trail? See above c. Who has ownership? Laketown Township In addition: We are trying to resurface some roads with wider paved shoulders and develop a combination of bike lanes and shared use paths throughout the township. 2. Developing Costs Initial costs of bike trail? Concrete 1.5 million Asphalt $700,000.00 a. Was it established in sections/over time? Asphalt section was done all in 2000 and concrete section was done all in 2010 b. Any issue with building paths (cost, construction, other)? n/a c. Hidden or surprised costs/issues during planning/construction? n/a d. Things you would change? 3. Annual Maintenance Costs Amount? $1000.00 per mile (more on years when heavy damage was done) a. What does this cover? Mowing Litter/debris pick up Signage Fixing washouts Fixing bridges plowing b. Where do the annual maintenance funds come from? General budget & millage (small millage is split between streets, fire, safety & trails) c. How much does this fluctuate from year to year? yes d. Who completes the maintenance (parks/street dept., contracted out, volunteers, other)? Contractual Services e. Who checks to make sure maintenance is being done properly? Contractual Services f. How often is checked? Weekly In addition: We have three significant developments under construction in Laketown and the developers have needed to remove and replace parts of the path to extend water mains. This is done at the developer s expense. 4. Future Costs

a. Have you had to replace large sections of trail? Yes i. If so what were those costs? Varied ii. Do you have plans to do so in future? Our asphalt paths will need resurfacing in the next few years. I have not priced that work yet. iii. Do you have funds for these large sections that need replaced and where will the come from? N/A b. Have you had to replace entire pathway yet? No i. If so what was the cost? ii. Do you have plans to do so in future? iii. Do you have funds to replace trail? 1. Where are the funds going to come from? 5. Trail Users a. Do you have an estimate number of users? No, but seeing increase of users on trail each year b. Are they all local residents or tourist, etc.? Local residents, tourists. Senior and school groups c. Have you seen an Economic impact? Yes. d. Issues with tail users? Horses Other Thoughts? N/A SAUGATUCK TOWNSHIP 1. Trail Systems a. How many miles? Approximately 2.37 miles of 10ft wide asphalt non-motorized trails exist in Saugatuck Township. b. Name/type/age of trails? Blue Star Trail 1.62 mile constructed in 2007 and 0.75 mile constructed in 2017. Both were built to MDOT specifications as approved. c. Surface of trail? HMA with gravel shoulders. d. Who has ownership? Saugatuck Township. 2. Developing Costs a. Initial costs of bike trail? 2007 Project was approximately $295,070 in total. It was a 80/20 CMAQ with about $59,014 of the total consisting of Saugatuck Township s local match obligation. 2017 Project should be approximately about $564,755.34. b. Was it established in sections/over time? Both were constructed at different times. Both were 100% completed upon the project start. c. Any issue with building paths (cost, construction, other)? Fake news in Local Observer newspaper misreporting facts surrounding the 2017 project. d. Hidden or surprised costs/issues during planning/construction? Added safety signage for emergency services. Added drainage for emergency services facility. e. Things you would change?

None. 3. Annual Maintenance Costs a. Amount? About $2,000 per mile. b. What does this cover? Grass mowing trimming. Clearing off trail of debris, leaves and snow. c. Where do the annual maintenance funds come from? Township General Fund Parks Department 751 d. How much does this fluctuate from year to year? Estimated 3% annual increase for sub-contractor costs. e. Who completes the maintenance (parks/street dept., contracted out, volunteers, other)? Sub-contractors. f. Who checks to make sure maintenance is being done properly? Residents, Trail Users, Township Office Staff and Board Members, Township Parks Commissioners. g. How often is checked? Daily. Detailed walkthrough is with parks commissioner and/or engineer is performed about once a year or as needed. 4. Future Costs a. Have you had to replace large sections of trail? Yes 1 large section and 1 small this year. Both sections replaced by the same subcontractor at same time. i. If so what were those costs? About $9,345 total or $2.37 a square foot for both spots repaired at same time replaced asphalt including labor. See attached bid. ii. Do you have plans to do so in future? Yes. iii. Do you have funds for these large sections that need replaced? Yes. 1. Where are the funds going to come from? Public funds would come from Township General Fund, Township Capital Asset Fund and Township Parks System Fund. Private contributions are anticipated from charitable donations of business owners and trail users, fundraising events, maintenance escrows administered by non-profit groups like Friends of the Blue Star Trail in cooperation with the Allegan County Community Foundation. b. Have you had to replace entire pathway yet? No. i. If so what was the cost? ii. Do you have plans to do so in future? Yes. iii. Do you have funds to replace trail? Yes. 1. Where are the funds going to come from? Public funds would come from Township General Fund, Township Capital Asset Fund and Township Parks System Fund. Private contributions will come from charitable donations of business owners and trail users, fundraising events, maintenance escrows

administered by non-profit groups like Friends of the Blue Star Trail in cooperation with the Allegan County Community Foundation. Trail Users a. Do you have an estimate number of users? A lot. Township does not have empirical user count of just its trails per se, but both sections are almost completely visible from Blue Star Hwy, and it is obvious that both trails are popular and have more users than other Township parks. Perhaps this summer the Township will study users in more detail if there s need and/or net gain over any added costs. b. Are they all local residents or tourist, etc.? Both. Many local High School age students training for cross country due to proximity to Saugatuck High School and Middle School. Many bike renters from downtown areas of Saugatuck and/or Douglas. Adjacent residents walk dogs. Morning joggers. c. Have you seen an Economic impact? Yes. d. Issues with tail users? Bermuda Grass tends to damage asphalt edges. Tree roots find weak points and cause sectional replacements prematurely. 6. Other Thoughts? Non-motorized trails built to full MDOT specifications are a significant investment of Township Parks time and resources. But, so far.. they have been worth the investment in Saugatuck Township. The Township plans to continue to develop its trail system throughout the Blue Star Highway Corridor. Saugatuck Township also provided a lot of attachments that showed their support and cost for their trails.

What is recommended for Maintenance (at a minimum) In 2014, Allegan County s Parks Coordinator did extensive research on the benefits, needed maintenance and costs of non-motorized multi-use trails. The main reason the research was done to determine if the Friends of the Blue Star trail (FOTBST) is able to completely fund the development of the trail, then how much money do they need upfront to make sure there will be available for annual and future maintenance? Quick summary of that research, which the Parks Coordinator still finds true today: Pros (Benefits) of trail: o Connects established trails (Kal-haven Trail & Van Buren trail (south side of trail) and Laketown Township trail (north side of trail). o Connects communities o Provides safe recreation (biking and hiking, etc) opportunities for locals and tourists o Provides/promotes health & wellness activities o Increase air quality and reduces carbon emissions o Increases tourism (economic benefits) o Selling point for people moving into area. People tend to buy homes near parks and trails (increasing tax revenues) Cons of trail: o Future financial liabilities Maintenance costs/funding Maintenance is broke down in to two categories, basic maintenance and advanced maintenance: Basic Maintenance Activities/Associated Costs: o Removal of debris & litter o Mowing o Signage o Weed control o Staff time Advanced Maintenance Activities/Associated Costs: o Crack sealing o Cut & patching o Overlay o Contractor cost Approximate timeline of when maintenance activities will have to occur: During Years 1-3: During Years 2-15: During Years 15-20: Basic maintenance Light advanced maintenance (crack sealing/ cut and patch as needed) & continued basic maintenance Extensive advanced maintenance (crack sealing/cut and patch/overlay & continued basic maintenance

Annual Maintenance Costs (based on the research): Year 1: Year 2: Year 3: Year 4: Year 5+: $1800/mile $1800/mile $2800/mile $2800/mile $3800/mile Based on the previous research and after reaching back out to our local agencies (Laketown Township & Saugatuck Township) that currently have similar trails that were developed and maintained similar to the section(s) that the FOTBST are asking the County to take ownership of, the Parks Coordinator believes that the annual maintenance cost from her original research are still accurate. Recommendation from Parks Coordinator on minimum funding recommended for the County to agree to take ownership: In order for the County to take ownership of the proposed section(s) the Board of Commissioners should require that the FOTBST have a minimum of 10 years of funding for maintenance for each mile ($32,000/mile) in the bank at the time the county takes ownership. This would cover the items list in the section of this repost under basic and advanced maintenance. Please note that if the County is the applicant for Michigan Natural Resource Trust Fund Grant, which is what the FOTBST trail are really asking us to do, for this project then we are saying we take ownership (and responsibility) at the time the grant is awarded. The County will then be responsible to ensure that the project is completed, based on the scope of work in that grant application.

Current BST Trail Request (2017) Due to changes in the phases of the trail development, the original resolution was no longer valid. The Friends of the Blue Star Trail are seeking consideration for the ownership of any portion of the trail south of M-89 and north of Baseline Road in either Casco or Ganges Townships. With the County approval of future ownership, the FOBST would be able to seek state grants for design and construction. The Allegan County Parks Master Plan support the development of Non-Motorized trail development. The Friends of the Blue Star Trail is seeking approval for trail ownership once construction funding and a maintenance plan is in place, with County responsibility for maintenance to the extent external funding exists; Maintenance will be the responsibility of the county as owner, as such for the county to take ownership of the proposed section(s) the Board of Commissioners should require that the FOTBST have a minimum of 10 years of funding for maintenance for each mile ($32,000/mile) in the bank at the time the county takes ownership. This would cover the items listed under basic and advanced maintenance. Please note that if the County is the applicant for Michigan Natural Resource Trust Fund Grant, which is what the FOTBST trail may ask us to do, for this project then we are saying we take ownership (and responsibility) at the time the grant is awarded. The County will then be responsible to ensure that the project is completed and maintained, based on the scope of work in that grant application. Attached below: Map showing areas of potential ownership (south of M-89 and north of baseline) FOBST 5 year plan Copy of the agreement with the Allegan Foundation

Blue Star Trail - Five Year Planning Guide (FY2018 to FY2022) Drafted By: LAD Date: 6/2/17 Application Submission 5/1/17 5/1/18 1/30/2019 5/1/2020 5/1/2021 Priority 1 ADJACENT PROJECT 2 3 4 5 Proposed Project Construction Year FY 2019 (Oct 1/2018-Sept 30 2019) FY 2019/20 FY 2020 (Oct 1/2019-Sept 30 2020) FY 2021 (Oct 1/2020-Sept 30 2021) FY 2022 (Oct 1/2021-Sept 30 2022) FY 2023 (Oct 1/2022-Sept 30 2023) Act 51 Agency Saugatuck Twp. City of Douglas Saugatuck Twp. Project/Route Name Blue Star Trail - Saugatuck Township South Phase I Blue Star Trail - City of Douglas Wiley Rd South Blue Star Trail - Saugatuck Township North Connection Saugatuck Twp; Cities of Saugatuck & Douglas Blue Star Trail - Cities of Saugatuck & Douglas Saugatuck Twp. Blue Star Trail - Saugatuck Township South Phase II Allegan County Point of Beginning Fallen Leaf Trail South limit of City of Douglas Corner Blue Star Hwy and North Street Corner of Blue Star Hwy and Main St M-89 and Blue Star Hwy Corner of 122nd and Blue Star Hwy Point of Ending 129 th Douglas City Limits Wiley Rd. Cemetery Road and Holland St. Corner of Blue Star Hwy and Old Allegan Rd Fallen Leaf Trail M-89 and Blue Star Hwy Type of Project Facilities for Pedestrians & Bicyclists Facilities for Pedestrians & Bicyclists Facilities for Pedestrians & Bicyclists Facilities for Pedestrians & Bicyclists Facilities for Pedestrians & Bicyclists Facilities for Pedestrians & Bicyclists Length 1.2 Miles 0.56 Mile 0.33 Mile.75 Mile 1.26 Mile 1.05 Miles Blue Star Trail Project Description Non-motorized Trail, 10' wide with HMA surface Non-motorized Trail, 10' wide with HMA surface Non-motorized Trail, 10' wide with HMA surface, boardwalk and creek crossing Non-motorized Trail, 10' wide with HMA and concrete surface Non-motorized Trail, 10' wide with HMA surface Non-motorized Trail, 10' wide with HMA surface Total Project Cost $800,000 $365,000 $500,000 $450,000.00 $600,000 $500,000 MDOT Grant Request $400,000 $0 $250,000 $225,000 $300,000 $250,000 Other Grant Program Request MNRTF General Fund MDNR MNRTF MNRTF MNRTF Match Amount $175,000 $0 $250,000 $225,000 $300,000 $250,000 Match Source Friends Group $100,000 MDOT $125,000 (PROJECTED) MNRTF $175,000 NA Friends Group $100,000 MNRTF $150,000 Douglas $30,000 Saugatuck $30,000 Friends Group $40,000 MNRTF $125,000 Friends Group $100,000 MNRTF $200,000 Friends Group $100,000 MNRTF $150,000 Other Grant Dependencies? Yes - MNRTF NA Yes - MNRTF Yes - MNRTF Yes - MNRTF Yes - MNRTF ROW/Property Owner Allegan County Road Commission City of Douglas Allegan County Road Commission/ Saugatuck Twp Allegan County Road Commission/City of Douglas/City of Saugatuck Allegan County Road Commission Applicant site control? Yes - CRC ROW Yes - City ROW Yes - CRC ROW & Township Property Yes - CRC ROW & Cities Yes - CRC ROW ACRC Maintenance Agency Saugatuck Twp. City of Douglas Saugatuck Twp. Saugatuck Twp./City of Douglas/Friends of the Blue Star Trail Saugatuck Twp. Large required structures? No No Yes Boardwalk and 25' Bridge No Yes - Boardwalk No Key Stakeholders Saugatuck Twp., Allegan CRC City of Douglas Saugatuck Twp., Allegan CRC Date of Stakeholder Meeting Saugatuck Twp., Allegan CRC, City of Douglas, City of Saugatuck Saugatuck Twp., Allegan CRC ACRC Allegan County Ganges Twp., Allegan CRC 2/7/2017 NA 2/15/2018 12/15/2018 2/15/2020 2/15/2021