Centre Regional Recreation Authority
Millbrook Marsh Nature Center Advisory Committee

MEETING SUMMARY
Wed., 19 Mar 08, 4:00 PM at the COG Building

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

              Jennifer Shuey                   Kathy Matason                  Dr. Rick Marboe                Mary Alice Graetzer          Don Epp

              Jackie Melander                 MJ Kitt                              Holly Fritchman                Mark McLaughlin             Diane Kerly

              Robert Ayer                       CRPR Staff: Molly Hetrick

2.        COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC: None

3.         APPROVAL OF THE MEETING SUMMARY from 20 Feb 08 Development Retreat.

                        Motion by Don Epp, Second by Kathy Matason.

4.         OPERATIONAL REPORTS:

            •          Spring / Summer Program Report: Molly Hetrick

Molly reported Spring programs will begin on 01 Apr 08 and summer programs have been submitted for the CRPR Summer Leisure Guide. Recent storms caused flooding in the marsh but resulted in little to no damage, however Spring Creek Park experienced quite extensive damage. The search has begun for seasonal staff for the nature center and internship interviews for summer have begun. Molly is accompanying other Recreation Supervisors to represent that agency at Employment and Volunteer Fairs. Molly also mentioned the CRPR Flashlight Easter Egg Hunt for Teens will be held at the nature center and Jennifer complimented the radio ads for this event as excellent.

            •          CRRA Meeting Highlights from 13 Mar 08: Kathy Matason

Kathy reported CRRA authorized the Park Forest Pool renewal for code review and for bid in Apr. A joint work session will be held in Apr for the Ad Hoc Regional Park Committee, the State College Area School Board, and the Centre Regional Recreation Authority. Also, Sue Mascolo and Rick Marboe met with Scott Conklin, who wrote a letter to the Governor requesting the release of funds to the nature center.

            •         Thompson Woods Subcommittee Update: Molly Hetrick for Greg Roth           

Greg provided the following report through Molly: Spring Creek Park sustained approximately $4,000 in damage and will need repairs. Tree removal is scheduled for Stan Yoder Preserve in the old orchard area and replanting will be an Eagle Scout Project. The hole in the fence at Thompson Woods Preserve was repaired again and a sign posted to discourage damage of public property. The PCC crew leader has resigned and the crew moved back to Curtin Village during this time. A new leader has been hired and the crew should return to MMNC within the next few weeks.

            •          Country Inn Construction (at previous Woodcrafters location)

Discussion focused on the plans that will be submitted to College Township Planning later this week. There are concerns about development right up to the boundary of the marsh and the required 100 foot buffer being enforced. Kathy Matason will represent the represent the Advisory Committee in upcoming meetings and spoke her concerns on record at recent meetings. Jennifer Shuey said ClearWater Conservancy easement stewards for the marsh will be in contact with the developers and be sure the easement is provided directly to them.

5.         BUSINESS ITEMS

            Development Retreat Follow-up:

– Program brainstorming: the committee discussed the ideas and suggested additional items can be provided to Molly on a regular basis.

– Building Plan Update: A minimized scale for the building is being considered in case the Government funds do not come through. Discussion focused on items that will not be included in a scaled-down version of the building, such as the LEED certification or other amenities. Rick asked members to consider how a smaller scale building will impact our future programs and what are essential items that must be included in the building.

– Governmental Update: Senator Corman, through a meeting with Ron Woodhead and Jim Steff, wrote a letter of support to the Governor, as did Representative Conklin. All funds for the capital projects have been used and another bill is expected to be passed in June to replenish these funds. Our continued support of the nature center to lawmakers will help with the nature center funds release. A letter writing campaign will be organized to stay in the Governor’s attention.

            – Campaign Team Update: Mr. Hamer’s resignation letter                                            (Attached)

The committee members discussed the June 2009 deadline listed in Don’s letter and urged that this timeframe should be met, as this was promised to all donors, and this progress is vital to reaching other future goals.

6.         ADJOURNMENT     Next Meeting: 16 APR 08 at 4 PM at MMNC Barn