Centre Regional Recreation Authority
Millbrook Marsh Nature Center Advisory Committee

MEETING SUMMARY
Wed., 16 JAN 08, 4:00 PM at the COG Building

1. CALL TO ORDER & ROLL CALL: (11 of 16 Appointed Members)

Jennifer Shuey, Kathy Matason, Alan Sam, Robert Ayer, Diane Kerly, MJ Kitt, Dr. Rick Marboe, Mary Alice Graetzer, Don Epp, Holly Fritchman, Jackie Melander 

CRPR Staff: Ron Woodhead, Greg Roth, Molly Hetrick 

Friends: Bryce Boyer

2. COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC: None

3. APPROVAL OF THE MEETING SUMMARY from 14 Nov 07: Motion by Bob Ayer, Second by Alan Sam.

4. 2008 REORGANIZATION

• New & reappointed committee volunteers were welcomed!  Mark McLaughlin, Mark Henry, Don Epp, Alan Sam, Robert Ayer, Dr. Carolyn Mahan

• 2008 Meeting Schedule Approved: 3rd Wednesday of each month, 4 PM. Motion by Diane Kerly, Second by Don Epp.

• Election of Officers for 2008 (Action)

Elected 2008 Chair: Rick Marboe

Elected 2008 Vice-Chair: Jennifer Shuey

Jennifer was nominated for the Chair position, as was Rick Marboe. Bob Ayer made a motion to close nominations, second by Diane Kerly. Jennifer withdrew from Chair and was nominated by Jackie Melander for Vice-Chair. Final motion by Diane Kerly, Second by Jackie Melander. 

An updated roster for 2008 will be distributed at the February meeting

• Confirm membership of Subcommittees for 2008

Thompson Woods Subcommittee (includes Stan Yoder Preserve): Todd Litzinger, Janet Dargitz, Carolyn Mahan, Bill Hilshey, Greg Roth, Alan Sam

Finance & Facility Subcommittee: Don Hamer, Jennifer Shuey, Dr. Rob Brooks, Diane Kerly, Rick Marboe, Holly Fritchman. Steve Maruszewski was added to this committee.

Program Subcommittee: Dr. Marboe suggested re-forming this group, which use to be active in the early years of MMNC development. Members will be asked at the February retreat to join. Molly informally gathers other naturalists and Advisory Committee members involved in education for planning meetings now, so this will formalize the group. It is hoped that the representative from Shaver’s Creek, SCASD, and Centre Furnace Mansion will participate.

5. REPORTS & UPDATES:

• End-of-Season Program Report Summary 2007: Molly

Molly presented this report to the committee, highlighting the increased program visitors from 2006. Discussion focused on the 2007 Revenue Summary numbers, which did not including the Fund Balance amount carried over from 2006, making the numbers slightly different than those reflected in the 2007 Agency Budget.

• Capital Campaign Update/Status Report: Rick Marboe

Current campaign pledges as of this meeting totaled $1,011,855. Rick asked how many pledges have not been paid as pledged. Molly will provide that information at the February Steering Committee meeting. Diane Kerly asked that this information also be provided to Chair Don Hamer so he can begin making contact with those who are not current. Discussion focused on the Governor’s office and the lack of reply to our correspondence. Currently, the Governor has been handed a packet personally by Jim Klotz and the CRRA submitted a complete packet of information plus support documents. These have not been acknowledged. Next, Jim Steff is preparing a letter from COG to submit to the Governor and Molly will make calls. Mr. Woodhead will proceed with contacting Rep. Benninghoff for his support, as well as Senator Corman’s office. A meeting is planned soon with PSU OPP to discuss the LEED certification for the new building. Discussion focused on the importance of having the Governor’s decision and making final choices on the building plans as soon as possible. Alan will be asked to create a 3-D version of the building to show more details than the original drawings. The project is already several months past the planned timeline but all decisions are waiting on the response from the Governor.

6. BUSINESS ITEMS

• Reply to Ferguson Township Budget Questions: Rick

Rick will provide a letter on behalf of the Committee with a reply plus background details.

• Discuss the 2008 Priorities for the Advisory Committee

1) Make Final Decisions about Building Design & proceed

2) Prepare Operational Plan for 2008 and the future

3) Begin Program Sub-committee to support staff in creating a long-term program base

4) Prepare Nature Center Development Retreat in February to answer strategic questions and form group connections

7. ADJOURNMENT

Next Meeting: “Nature Center Development Retreat” Wed, 20 Feb 08, 3-5 PM, at Centre Furnace Mansion