Centre Regional Recreation Authority
Millbrook Marsh Nature Center Advisory Committee

MEETING SUMMARY
Wed., 20 Aug 08, 4:00 PM at the MMNC Pavilion

1. CALL TO ORDER & ROLL CALL: (9 of 16 Appointed Members)

Jennifer Shuey               Alan Sam                   Dr. Carolyn Mahan         Holly Fritchman           Diane Kerly
Dr. Rick Marboe, Chair   Mary Alice Graetzer     Don Epp Robert Ayer 
CRPR Staff: Ron Woodhead, Molly Hetrick

2. COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC: None

3. APPROVAL OF THE MEETING SUMMARY from 18 Jun 08 (no July Meeting)

Motion by Bob Ayer, Second by Jennifer Shuey.

4. OPERATIONAL REPORTS:

• Summer Program & Camp Report: Molly Hetrick

Molly reported Summer Programs are completed and were very successful! Wetlands Camp, the previous week, was the final camp of the summer and was a great week for all involved. Overall, it was a busy summer at the center and Molly highlighted the excellent efforts of the two Summer Interns in helping the center run smoothly and leading quality programs. Having two full-time interns for the first time contributed greatly to the success of the summer and Molly plans to continue building an intern program that supports the center’s summer staffing needs.

• Wetlab Update: Molly Hetrick 

Molly reported PSU OPP provided surplus laboratory equipment to the Wetland Laboratory that will be used for educational, hands-on programs in the lab. Items included lab tables, desks, sink units, storage cabinets, stools, microscopes, and some miscellaneous equipment. Ron added that the equipment was purchased for $1.

• Conservation Easement Inspections: Carolyn Mahan

The easement reports for both Millbrook Marsh Nature Center and Thompson Woods Preserve were both provided at this meeting. No violations were listed for MMNC. Carolyn explained encroachment issues related to TWP and added the property fence has remained undamaged this summer.

• CRRA Meeting Highlights from July & August: Staff & Rick Marboe

Ron reported the CRRA requested a quotation for services from Alan Popovich following the July CRRA meeting, as recommended by this committee. See below for more details on this proposal.

5. BUILDING FUND CAMPAIGN UPDATE

• Governmental Team Update: Rick Marboe & Molly Hetrick

A letter from Rep. Benninghoff to Governor regarding the State Capital Fund request was provided in the meeting packet. Molly highlighted the CBICC Luncheon with Gov. Rendell on Tu 19 Aug 08 attended by Dan Klees, Sue Mascolo and Molly Hetrick. After the Governor’s speech, Mr. Klees directly asked the Governor to respond on the status of the nature center line item. The Governor referred to the local legislators for decision making on the release. The committee discussed the importance of contacting Senator Corman and other local legislators, plus setting up meeting times to encourage them to reach out to their caucuses for support. A letter will be sent to the local legislators outlining the Governors comments and asking for forward progress.

• Request for Architectural Services Proposal from HP Architects

The recommendation of this committee on the proposal was requested for action by the Authority at their 11 Sep 08 meeting. However, there has been a delay from HP Architects for this quotation and it was not available at this meeting. Rick suggested holding a special meeting when the proposal is ready to review and make a recommendation to CRRA for their September meeting. (At the time of the Sept CRRA Board Packet preparation the proposal was still not received from HP Architects.)

6. BUSINESS ITEMS

• The 2009 Budget Proposal: Dr. Rick Marboe

Rick outlined the budget documents for Fund 47 - Operating and Fund 39 - Capital. The 2009 request for Municipal Contributions is considerably higher than in the past and may cause some concern. Staff has made every effort to project realistic costs for 2009. In the past, yearly Fund Balances were used to keep the Municipal costs low, but this is not possible for 2009 because there is no fund balance carry over - particularly because of the ambitious Program Revenue goal set for 2008 which was not reached. With this in mind, staff is careful to keep projections realistic for 2009. Committee discussed the fact that Program Revenue covers the costs of Program Leaders and Program Supplies, however is not enough to cover Facility and COG related costs, plus the Recreation Supervisor’s salary. COG will be asked to cover these items, with the goal that Programs will continue to support their own costs. Discussion also focused on moving a percentage of the Supervisor’s salary to the campaign fund, since a portion of her tasks are related to the campaign. Members cautioned that when the campaign is over and the full salary is then place in Fund 47 again, it will cause an impact. Also discussed was if Program fees are high enough; Diane Kerly reminded the committee of previous discussions that Program Fees high enough to cover all costs to operate the center would be higher than visitors are willing to pay. Bob Ayer suggested a 50-50 split would be appropriate between the center’s support of itself and COG support. Staff will continue to prepare for the COG Budget Hearings on September 30, 2009.

7. ADJOURNMENT                             Next Meeting: Wed., 17 Sept 08 at 4 PM at MMNC Barn