Centre Regional Recreation Authority
Millbrook Marsh Nature Center Advisory Committee
MEETING SUMMARY (APPROVED)
from Wed., 18 JAN 06, 4:00 PM at the COG Building - Forum Room

1. CALL TO ORDER & ROLL CALL: (14 of 16 Appointed Members)
Jennifer Shuey, Chair        Kathy Matason    Mary Alice Graetzer          Diane Kerly         Sue Younkin       Don Epp
Dr. Rick Marboe                Dr. Rob Brooks   Mark McLaughlin             Mark Henry         Alan Sam             Jackie Melander
Ford Stryker                       Holly Fritchman   
CRPR Staff:      Ron Woodhead, Molly Hetrick, Greg Roth                  Friends: Jean Aron

2. COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC: None

3. 2006 REORGANIZATION

- Status: Don Epp will be officially confirmed by CR Planning Commission as their representative in February. Jean Aron has been nominated by the ClearWater Conservancy for appointment by the CRRA at their February meeting.

- Welcome new & reappointed committee volunteers! An updated roster will be distributed at the next meeting (when all appointments are finalized).

- Election of Chair and Vice-Chair for 2006  Jennifer Shuey was unanimously re-elected as Committee Chair with a motion by Alan Sam and second by Diane Kerly. Rick Marboe was unanimously elected as Committee Vice-Chair with a motion by Mark Henry and a second by Diane Kerly.

- Establish 2006 Meeting Schedule: During 2006, meetings will be held on the third Wednesday of each month at 4:00 PM.

- Confirm membership of subcommittees for 2006: Motion by K. Matason, Second by J. Melander
Thompson Woods Subcommittee (includes Stan Yoder Preserve) members are Jennifer Shuey (CWC), Greg Roth (CRPR), Alan Sam (SCBoro), and Janet Fowler-Dargitz (College Twp). This year, at the request of Kathy Matason, Todd Litzinger of the College Township P&R Committee was also added. It is noted that Ms. Dargitz and Mr. Litzinger are not members of the Advisory Committee, and that this subcommittee is non-voting and makes recommendations to the Advisory Committee for action.
Finance & Facility Subcommittee members are Jennifer Shuey, Diane Kerly, Don Hamer, Rob Mothersbaugh, Rob Brooks, Rick Marboe, Alan Popovich, and CRPR staff. It is noted that Don Hamer is not a member of the Advisory Committee.

4. APPROVAL OF THE MEETING SUMMARY from 16 NOV 05: Motion by Rob Brooks, Second by Diane Kerly

5. REPORTS & UPDATES:

- Program Update: Molly Hetrick reported on upcoming programs including preparation for Spring school groups, hiring of seasonal staff, preparing for summer activities and the use of volunteers in spring. She is also working on finalizing the EPA grant report, participating in Campaign visits, and updating group programs as needed.

- Facility / Wetlab / PCC Grant Update: Greg Roth reported the wetlab floor has been poured, the main beam replaced, and the beam support replaced and reduced to 4 in number. Powerwashing has been completed and the PCC is now working on repointing and resealing walls. Alan Popovich has been asked for a proposal to prepare plans and estimates for Code issues, electrical upgrades, egress changes, and a recommendation on windows for that area.

- Thompson Woods Subcommittee: Alan Sam reported that the subcommittee did not meet in December. Upcoming topics will include the development of directional signs and information panels near the parking lot area.

- Sweetland Engineering / Mt. Nittany Medical Center Update: Jennifer Shuey  At this time, Mt Nittany Medical Center is pursuing other options for the stormwater instead of a discharge into MMNC.

- Proposed W. R. Hickey Inc. Warehouse Expansion: Rob Brooks reported on meeting with the Hickey Family and Bill Hilshey of ClearWater Conservancy. The Hickey family is very cooperative in considering the fen and marsh areas when planning and their consultant is reconfiguring some of the plans to reflect this. They are also interested in placing an easement on the 100 foot buffer that surrounds the fen.

- 2005 CRPR Highlights & 2006 COG General Forum Action Items: Molly Hetrick highlighted these documents (which were mailed out prior to the meeting). 

- 2005 MMNC End-of-Season Program Report: Molly Hetrick reviewed the end-of-season report and reviewed the (very good) numbers in the report.

- 2005 Goal Evaluation & Proposed 2006 Goals: Molly reviewed the proposed goals with the committee. Discussion focused on the need for the parking lot project. Greg Roth will be meeting with Jeff Sturniolo of Hawbaker Inc to make final plans for the project and negotiate the trade of excess topsoil for the construction. Other questions focused on the Explorers Series programs and Holly Fritchman suggested that members within the group may be able to lend their expertise to these programs. Other discussion focused on ways to improve program participation and awareness of programs within the community.

6. BUSINESS ITEMS

- Capital Campaign/Building Fund Update:
            a. Major Donor Visits: Molly Hetrick reported on major donor visits made by she and Don Hamer. Jennifer Shuey is also scheduling visits with major donors which she and Molly will attend.
            b. Capital Campaign Status Report: Molly Hetrick shared the status report with the committee. Rick Marboe will be contacting Senator Corman for a meeting about the Capital Budget Line item funds for Millbrook Marsh. Also, visits will be planned to the local municipalities in search of local governmental support for this project (following a presentation to the COG General Forum scheduled for July).

- 2006 Fee Policy (implemented by CRRA): Molly Hetrick reviewed the approved fee policy to the group. The Friends Group goal of 100 members was also discussed and the group brainstormed ideas of ways to promote this group and encourage membership. Ideas included using a CNET spot, making flyers more available to the public, and sending information home with school children.

7. ADJOURNMENT            Next Meeting: Wed., 15 Feb 06, 4:00 PM at the COG Bldg. Forum Room