City of Pontiac Parks and Recreation Master Plan

A public hearing was called to order on Friday, January 27, 2012 at 9:03 a.m. by Pontiac Emergency
Manager Louis H. Schimmel in the City Council Chambers of Pontiac City Hall for the purpose of
receiving public comment on the proposed parks and recreation master plan for the City of Pontiac.
Two comments were received by email:
1. An email dated December 21, 2011 from the Friends of the Clinton River Trail requesting
maintenance and extension of the Clinton River Trail (see attached).
2. An email dated December 21, 2011 from Oakland County (see attached).
The following comments were made by those in attendance:
1. Fred Phillips of Clarkston representing the Clinton River Trail Friends stated that he is a 100%
supporter of the plan. The plan needs to stress safe places to walk, run, and bike. The trail is
only half‐completed in Pontiac. He thanked the City, especially John Balint. He stated that the
Friends group has limited capital, but is willing to help apply for grants.
2. Joseph Sinclair stated that Pontiac should seek a partnership with the schools or another City or
the private sector for a long‐term recreation partnership. The City should reach out to the
Robertson Brothers because the pool is still good.
3. Richard Agley of 873 Menomonie stated the plan is viable; it seems the trail will attract people
to the City and bring people into the City for the day. The trail needs to be contiguous.
4. Claudia Fuller of 23 Boston and a member of the Friends stated that the north spur of the CN
railroad is the most scenic property along the trail and to add this as another option; preliminary
engineering should be started for this expansion.
There being no further comments, Mr. Schimmel closed the public hearing at 9:30 a.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Joseph M. Sobota, M.P.A.
Director, Department of Community Development/Assistant to the Emergency Manager