Centre Regional Recreation Authority
Millbrook Marsh Nature Center Advisory Committee

MEETING SUMMARY (Approved)
Wed., 17 Sep 08, 4:00 PM at the MMNC Barn

1.         CALL TO ORDER & ROLL CALL: (13 of 16 Appointed Members)
Jennifer Shuey                   Kathy Matason              Alan Sam     Robert Ayer         Diane Kerly
Dr. Rick Marboe, Chair     Dr. Rob Brooks                   Mary Alice Graetzer          Don Epp
Steve Maruszewski            MJ Kitt                          Holly Fritchman                Mark Henry
CRPR Staff: Molly Hetrick, Jennifer Watts-Mattise

2.        COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC: None

3.         APPROVAL OF THE MEETING SUMMARY from 20 Aug 08.  Motion by Bob Ayer, Second by Don Epp

4.         OPERATIONAL REPORTS:

            •          Fall Program Report: Molly Hetrick

Molly reported Fall Programs are in progress and staff is being hired and trained for the upcoming Fall School Group programs. Fall scheduling is underway and SCASD programs will be covered by the Connections Program this year because their yearly DEP mini-grants were not awarded for this school year. Molly is also working with the PSU RPTM students who will be planning the Historic Harvest Festival this year and working on the budget preparations for 2009.

            •          CRRA Meeting Highlights from September: Kathy Matason

Kathy reported the Board discussed the increase in municipal funding for the nature center and supports this increase needed to support the operations of the center. The Board also continues to work on the Park Forest Pool construction and the Welch Pool renewal.

            •          Facility Update: Greg Roth   Greg was unable to attend this meeting.

            •          Spring Creek Day Plans: Holly Fritchman & Jennifer Shuey

Holly outlined the plans for Spring Creek Day, including 5 bands and about 30 displays. The planning committee is preparing for the event and expecting a record turn out this year.

5.         BUILDING FUND CAMPAIGN UPDATE

            •          Governmental Team Update: Rick Marboe

Rick referred to the attached letter to local Legislators, which is a follow up from Governor Luncheon when Molly, Sue Mascolo, and Dan Klees were able to speak to the Governor about the funds release for the nature center. The Governor referred the decision back to Senator Corman. Mrs. Mascolo is contacting the Senator and a meeting with him will be requested to pursue this release.

         •Request for Architectural Services Proposal from HP Architects

The recommendation of this committee was requested for action by the Authority at their 11 Sep 08 meeting, however the proposal was not received by that time. The committee would like to make their recommendation via email to keep the proposal moving. Molly spoke with Alan Popovich, who assured her the project is still on schedule and the proposal will be available soon. Also discussed was the intention to find contractors who are willing to donate services and the importance of using geo-thermal heat.

6.         BUSINESS ITEMS

            •          The 2009 Budget Update: Molly Hetrick                           

Molly updated the committee regarding operations and capital project funding for the nature center, including the upcoming COG Finance Hearing on September 30. Committee members discussed support for the budget and the changes that have occurred over the past few years. Most nature centers are not self-supporting and discussions with other municipal-operated nature centers may provide some management ideas for the MMNC budget. Members stressed the importance of the center being “not-for-profit” and that switching our focus too much to the profits from programs will impact the current high quality of these. Also to be considered is the current economic state, when groups find the program fees too high to afford, grants are not being funded, and dollars are generally tight.

7.         ADJOURNMENT           Next Meeting: Wed., 15 Oct 08 at 4 PM at MMNC Barn