LUCKIAMUTE WATERSHED COUNCIL

JUNE 8, 2006

VOLUNTEER HALL, MONMOUTH, OR

 

 

ATTENDANCE:

 

Council                                                Staff                                         Guests

Ann Stewart, acting chair                   Charles Redon                           Judi Lewis

Kenn Carter                                                                                           Robin Olsen

Kirk Lewis

Ron Nestlerode

Jo Yeager

Wade Edris

Jim Clawson

 

 

INTRODUCTIONS:

The meeting was called to order at 7:07 by acting Chair Ann Stewart, in the absence of the Chair and Vice Chair.  Robin Olsen introduced himself and asked the Council discuss concerns about the proposed Lukiamute Landing Park. The minutes for April and May discussed as e-mailed. The April minutes were unanimously approved, while the May minutes approval was tabled until the next meeting to allow for review by members who were in attendance at that meeting. Jo Yeager suggested we draft the minutes soon after the meeting, e-mail to the Council for comments, then have available for the next Council meeting.  A policy on the minutes process should be added to the Council Operation Guidelines.  We added the discussion of the Luckiamute Landing Park to the agenda.  Volunteer hours are to be submitted to the Coordinator.

 

 

BUSINESS:

 

Birder’s Big Day  

Wade Edris reported that Birders Big Day was an unmitigated success.  There was some disappointment in the actual turn-out by birders, however, several rare birds were identified (including Vespers sparrow and Purple Martins) and those who did attend gave positive feedback and all are looking forward to making it an annual event and watching it grow!  Ron and Jo reported no birders came to their appointed stations for info/directions, and Jo indicated that she didn't receive the packet of map info anyway.  The LWC had refreshments at several locations during the Birder’s Big Day that were not used.  Jo also indicated that another group of birders completed a survey at location(s) within the watershed just a few days prior to our event, and they would be forwarding their list to the LWC to add to the Big Day List.  Thanks to Dave Vesely and all the others who helped out with Birders Big Day!     

 

Treasure’s Report   

The Council accepted the resignation of Ron Gould as Treasurer and member of the Council with the recognition of how much he had contributed to the development of the LWC.  The need to fill the Treasure position and the need and frequency for specific financial reporting was discussed.   Of particular concern was the untimeliness of reports provided by the Polk SWCD the past couple of months.  We have been receiving reports from the Salem-Keizer Urban Watershed Councils’ Assn.  Kenn Carter graciously cast his name into the hat as a candidate for the Treasure position.  If any other members would be interested in serving in this role, nominations are in order and interested/willing members should contact the Chair or Coordinator. 

The election of the Treasurer for the current term will be placed on the July meeting agenda. will include an action item for electing a new Treasure.  A reminder that all 4 Board Officers (Chair, Vice Chair, Secretary, and Treasure) also sit on the Steering Committee which is tasked with oversight of the Coordinator. 

 

 

 

Administration Committee 

Jim Clawson reminded us that the LWC has limited liability self-insurance coverage through an agreement between OWEB and the state’s Risk Management Division.  He suggested we find out just what we have in the way of this coverage and what conditions we might face for the need of additional coverage.  We can then move to find out the sources and costs of additional coverage if we need it.  We should invite s speaker to give us a simple explanation of the existing coverage so we know where we stand.  Jim and Michael are contacting OWEB and Oregon Network of Watershed Councils for additional information.

 

Education and Outreach

Jo Yeager brought up the possible use of LWC signs in key locations and maybe with projects.  She will look into this as she needs a project for her “Watershed Stewardshp Certification”.  Charles Redon brought up the opportunity to join with the other three Watershed Councils in a booth for the Polk County Fair as we have done in the past couple of years.  There was general agreement to proceed, but more information was needed and that we would use the e-mail voting process to settle the activity.

 

Coordinator’s Report

Not all attending read the report e-mailed out.  The action item on the agenda regarding posting a sign at Arlie Holts property was discussed.  We discussed different aspects of signs in general as well as the specific situation and request on the agenda.  A motion was made to not authorize expenditure of LWC funds for a sign at the Holt property (based on existing information and understanding of the request).  The motion passed (to not approve the sign) with one dissenting vote.    Kurt Lewis reported that the Golden Valley Farms biosolid project was now on hold.

 

Umbrella Council

Charles Redon reported that that an National Fish and Wildlife Foundation grant was awarded to eight  mid-Willamette Watershed Councils.  They will be drafting a proposal which will have a unifying theme for all projects.  The next “Heron” newsletter is underway with the idea of showcasing a successful project in each of the Council areas.  There is also consideration of a Summer Watershed Tour.

 

LWC MEMBER/PUBLIC REPORTS

 

Robin Olsen expressed concerns about the State's development plans for Luckiamute Landing area. We had some discussion about the concerns of neighbors and others in the vicinity (hunting, shooting, vandalism, trespass, etc.), the planning process, and the role and opportunity for LWC involvement.  It was felt it was not the role of the LWC to take a stand on issues, but to provide a forum for discussing concerns and participate in restoration projects.  We could also suggest the state do a better job with the planning process and to put the dates of future State meetings on our web site.

 

Ann Stewart reported that the seminar at the Kings Valley Charter School was well attended (about 25 people were there), and the presenters gave an excellent account of the project that Benton County has undertaken and answered many questions from attendees about the ESA listings, rules, legal challenges, politics, land-owner involvement options, objectives and more.  She has  contact info (name, address, email, phone) for 5 folks who provided it on list.   Ann was also approached about a concern of a confined animal operation situation in that area.  It was agreed that the LWC should forward this concern to the Benton SWCD and ODA as they have the responsibility for compliance of the CAFO/AFO program.

 

Adjourn at 9 p.m.

Next meeting: Thursday, July 13, 2006, 7:00 p.m., Monmouth Volunteer Hall; Committees meet at 6:00 p.m. at Rick’s Place, Monmouth.

 

Minutes submitted by Jim Clawson, Council Secretary