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Centre Regional Recreation Authority
Millbrook Marsh Nature Center Advisory Committee
MEETING SUMMARY
Wed., 15 Nov 06, 4:00 PM at the COG Building
1. CALL TO ORDER & ROLL CALL: ( 8 of 16 Appointed Members)
Kathy Matason Alan Sam Jean Aron Dr. Rick Marboe
Don Epp Diane Kerly Sue Younkin Holly Fritchman
CRPR Staff: Ron Woodhead, Greg Roth, Molly Hetrick Friends: Bryce Boyer, Bill Hilshey (CWC)
2. COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC: None
3. APPROVAL OF THE MEETING SUMMARY from 20 Sep 06 ( No October meeting.) Motion by Kathy Matason, Second by Don Epp.
4. REPORTS & UPDATES:
• Operational Update: Molly
Molly reported the programs were completed at the nature center during November and group programs
were provided for SCASD and BEASD. The final numbers of the season will be tallied and included in the
comprehensive End-of-Season report, available in December. The Historic Harvest Festival was held on
5 Nov06 and over 300 people attended the 3-hour event. We were very pleased with the completion
of the program season; we now begin the wrap-ups for 2006 and preparation of programs and activities for
2007.
• Parking Lot Project & Work by Glenn O. Hawbaker Inc.: Greg
Greg Roth reported that the base layer of paving is down on the two highway access driveways and
GOH Inc. will return in the spring to complete the paving. Erosion controls are in place in this area. This
part of the project had an estimated value of $15,000 but was contributed at no charge by the firm. A
framed Certificate of Appreciation was presented to Dan Hawbaker.
• Thompson Woods Subcommittee: Bill Hilshey (CWC) & Greg Roth (CRPR)
The subcommittee met to address four situations at the Thompson Woods Preserve, which included a cut
in the fence, encroachment with paths, biking on restricted paths, and the dumping of yard waste into the
preserve and parking areas. A letter from the Smith Partnership regarding these issues was discussed earlier
and a reply was sent by Ron Woodhead. CRPR crews marked the trails within the preserve for easier access
through the preserve by hikers and other visitors. CT and CRPR will continue to address the other issues.
• Capital Campaign Update: Rick Marboe
Rick Marboe reported the campaign visits to the five Centre Region Municipalities are completed, with a
$30K request to each, and College Township has pledged $80K over the next three years. The Campaign
Public Phase will be highlighted in the upcoming CRPR Winter/Spring Leisure Guide and the Steering
Committee is considering other marketing options for this phase of the campaign. (The campaign fund
stands at $600,000 toward the $1.25 million goal.)
5. BUSINESS ITEMS
• Placement of Conservation Easement Signs: Bill Hilshey, ClearWater Conservancy
Bill presented a paper version of the proposed CWC signs and asked that the group consider the design, the
proposed size of 12"x18", and the appropriate locations to place the signs around the marsh. The Committee
is interested in the signs be placed as perimeter signs and not along the boardwalk. Discussion also focused
on incorporating all perimeter, administrative, and easement signs into bulletin board style kiosks (similar
to the one at the boardwalk trailhead) to unify the appearance of signs through the marsh and eliminate a
cluttered look with too many signs. The committee was comfortable with the sign design and size but will
address the sign locations and content at the January meeting, when a map can be displayed for clarity.
• Discuss a recommendation to CRRA on the proposed 2007 Fee Policy: Molly
Molly presented the fee policy and highlighted each of the sections, including a brief overview of the
proposed changes made in each. Discussion focused on the increase of the Group Program Fee from $4
to $5. Sue Younkin expressed concern on behalf of the SCASD to afford this 20% increase - based on
the available funds and grants. Several members commented on the importance of raising the fees now
with regard to the additional increases that may be needed in the future to continue operational support.
Rick also reminded the group of COG’s questions and requirements that we be as self-supporting as
possible and the programs must be valued at a level that can support this. Discussion also focused on the
use of the site by groups who, by using the teaching areas (pavilion, sun shelters, viewing decks, bird
blind), prevent these areas being used by other groups also. Additions will be made to the Fee Policy to
introduce a fee for groups and to further require visiting groups schedule prior to their trip with CRPR
staff. With the discussed changes to the policy, a motion was made by Rick Marboe, Second by Kathy
Matason.
• Slab Cabin Run Stream Improvement Devices Update: Greg & Molly
An update on the devices will be provided by Terry Rightnour, Waters Edge Technology, at the January
2007 meeting. Greg reported the devices are completed but additional grading and seeding is scheduled
for Spring 2007.
• Recommendation to CRRA at their December meeting to re-appoint the following
members to the Advisory Committee for two-year terms which will expire on 31 Dec 08:
K. Matason F. Stryker R. Brooks J. Melander R. Marboe
J. Shuey S. Younkin M. Graetzer H. Fritchman D. Kerly
Members present confirmed their interest in being re-appointed. Molly will confirm interest with those
not present. Motion by Don Epp, Second by Alan Sam.
• Discuss 2007 Meeting Schedule
The group agreed to continue to meet on the third Wednesday of each month at 4 pm, at the nature
center during warm weather months and at the COG Building during cold months.
6. ADJOURNMENT Next Meeting: Wed., 20 DEC 06, 4:00 PM at COG (only if called by Chair)
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