To: Martin L. Cousineau, Finance Committee Chairperson
From: Patrick Linihan, Parks and Recreation Director
title
RE: Approval of a request by Genesee County Parks and Recreation to apply for a Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Land and Water Conservation Fund grant, to renovate and develop the entrance and lots of Bluebell Beach
recommendation
BOARD ACTION REQUESTED:
Genesee County Parks and Recreation staff requests the approval to apply for a grant from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Land and Water Conservation Fund, to renovate and develop the entrance and lots at Bluebell Beach. Grant Amount Requested: $500,000.00.
BACKGROUND:
Bluebell Beach is a popular destination during the summer months, providing access to the beach, universally accessible splash pad, and the Iron Belle Trail. In consideration of its current condition, a renovation of the entrance, access drive, and lots would improve accessibility to the park and park features, increase safety, and enhance aesthetics to increase visibility and awareness to residents and visitors of Genesee County.
DISCUSSION:
This project includes renovation and development of the entrance, access drive and parking lot at Bluebell Beach.
Grant applications to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources require a certified resolution.
This grant will require a 50% match from millage funds.
NO USE OF GENERAL FUND.
IMPACT ON HUMAN RESOURCES:
None.
IMPACT ON BUDGET:
No impact on budget - grant application.
IMPACT ON FACILITIES:
None.
IMPACT ON TECHNOLOGY:
None.
CONFORMITY TO COUNTY PRIORITIES:
This project promotes public health to create healthier residents and promotes safe communities.
resolution
TO THE HONORABLE CHAIRPERSON AND MEMBERS OF THE GENESEE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS, GENESEE COUNTY, MICHIGAN
LADIES AND GENTLEMEN:
WHEREAS, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Land and Water Conservation Fund, is accepting grant applications; and
WHEREAS, grant funds could provide park improvements including the development of an entrance, access drive, and parking lot, improving access within Bluebell Beach; and
WHEREAS, Genesee County, as the grant recipient/applicant, would be required to commit a local match from its own resource to support any confirmed funds, with a fifty percent (50%) match requirement, totaling $500,000.00, to be funded by the Genesee County Parks and Recreation budget and local sources.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, by this Board of County Commissioners of Genesee County, Michigan, that the request by the Parks and Recreation Director to authorize submitting an application to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Land and Water Conservation Fund, for a grant, in the amount of $500,000.00, to fund park improvements and to improve recreational opportunities within Bluebell Beach, is approved (a copy of the memorandum request being on file with the official records of the February 19, 2025 meeting of the Finance Committee of this Board), and the Chairperson of this Board is authorized to sign any grant applications documents on behalf of Genesee County.