August 2006 Minutes

LUCKIAMUTE WATERSHED COUNCIL MINUTES – AUG. 10, 2006

Location: Monmouth Volunteer Hall

INTRODUCTIONS – Dave Vesely, vice chair

Dave Vesely called the meeting to order, David Anderson, chair, was absent. Minutes from July  were reviewed. Add: Randy Gould’s last meeting was July. VOTE: Minutes were approved, unanimously.

GUESTS – Welcome to Tammee Stump, Monmouth landowner, and Karen Strohmeyer, coordinator of the Cascade Pacific RC&D. Karen described the council as a 15-member board from six counties, including our own coordinator, Michael Cairns. The council directs natural resource conservation and development projects (ie; sustainable agriculture, invasive weeds, farmer-chef connection, birding trails, etc.), provides services to watershed councils, acts as a fiscal manager and actively seeks partnerships in larger scale projects that encourage best practices on the land. Questions followed.

BUSINESS

  Strategic Planning – Shawn Irvine describes the exercise that will begin at the November meeting, which aims at prioritizing future restoration and conservation actions. Using the process developed at a Master Watershed Stewards class, we will set ground rules for prioritization at the September meeting .

  LWC Website content – (Dave Sherman) Discussion about what should or shouldn’t be on the website – education, promotion, advocacy, image-builder. Gail volunteers to create a link to the minutes and the link put on the LWC website.

  Vice Chair selection – ACTION: Jim nominates Ann, Kirk Seconds. Discussion includes what would happen if Ann isn’t here. According to our rules, the chair would have to designate a temporary chair. Dave Anderson is chair until the end of the year. VOTE: Unanimous in favor of Ann, vice chair.

  Coordinator’s Report – Michael Cairns. See attachment.

Splitting the Umbrella -- Update on splitting the Umbrella groups that includes Rickreall, Glenn-Gibson and Luckiamute watershed councils for the purpose of OWEB funding. A letter has been sent to OWEB. They are expected to respond in September. If approved, LWC may apply for OWEB solo funding in November.

Outreach staff proposal – See attachment. Michael brings a funding proposal to the council for approval. If all pieces of the proposal are funded, we could support a part-time outreach coordinator for a year, to generate projects that fit our priorities. Dave asks who would apply for grants. Michael says he will. Cairns directed to consider contractor vs. employee options. ACTION: Gail moves and Shawn seconds a motion to authorize Michael to seek funding for an outreach coordinator. VOTE: Unanimous in favor.

Cascade RC&D membership – ACTION: Jo moves, Ann seconds a motion to continue participation in the RC&D. VOTE: Unanimous in favor.

Renewal of contract for minutes – Gail will continue to be recorder of the minutes. ACTION: Unanimous consent

Recognition of past service – Discussion about how to honor Gould. Ann suggests buying Arlie Holt’s book to give to him as a gift. Michael says he will handle this.

Umbrella Council Business – Charles Redon

Tour of Baskett Slough – Umbrella councils will tour the slough Sept. 16 or Sept. 30.

Other reports – Polk County Fair is this week. Outdoor School, Sept. 27-29, Oct. 23-27, needs volunteers. Jim Clawson announces that four directorships are up for vote on the Polk SWCD Board. Aug. 29 is the deadline.

Chair’s report – Dave Vesely – Asks Michael to see if he can find the watershed logo. Western rattlesnakes found in our watershed (first sighting since 1940s).

Treasurer – Michael Cairns gives budget report. Michael is trying to reach Kenn Carter, treasurer, to develop a budget.

Education/Outreach Committee report

  Winery event -- Gail seeks approval on plans for the annual awards gathering from 1 to 4 p.m. Sept. 23 at Airlie Winery. Gathering will be part of a fundraiser for the Ritner Creek Bridge and includes a band and hot dog sale. Volunteers and retiring council members will be honored.

  Watershed Signs – Jo Yeager is investigating 10 entrance sites to the watershed where signs can be placed. A letter to ODOT will be revised. Jo has a $120 anonymous donation, but 10 signs at $6 per square foot will need additional funding – approximately $200. ODOT will place the signs for free. ACTION: Consensus agreement directing Michael to go ahead with sign purchase.

ADJOURN – Next meeting is 7 p.m. Sept. 14. Committees meet at 6 p.m., Rick’s Place.

 

Absent

Present

Position

Board member 

Term ends

X

 

Agriculture

Garth Mulkey

2006

 

 

Agriculture

vacant 

2005

 

X

At Large

Gail Oberst

2007

 X

 

City

Kenn Carter*

2007

 

X

City

Shawn Irvine

2007

 

 

Commerce

vacant

2006

 

 

Domestic H2O Supply

vacant

2007

 X

 

Education

Karen Haberman

2006

 

X

Environment

Dave Vesely

2006

 X

 

Environment

Wade Edris

2007

 

 

Federal agency

vacant

2006

 

 

Industrial timber

vacant

2007

 

 

Industry

vacant

2005

 

 

Recreation

vacant

2005

 

X

Small farm & forest

Ann Stewart*

2006

 

X

Small farm & forest

Kirk Lewis

2009

X

 

SWCD - Benton

Cliff Hall

2009

 

X

SWCD - Polk

Jim Clawson*

2009

 X

 

Watershed Resident

Ron Nestlerode

2007

 

X

Watershed Resident

Jo Yeager

2006

X

 

Wildlife

David Anderson*

2007

 

Other staff, guests:

Affiliation

E-mail

Karen Strohmeyer

Cascade Pacific RCD

 

Michael Cairns

Watershed Coordinator

michael.cairns@yahoo.com

Judi Lewis

Resident

kwlewis2948@aol.com

Tammee Stump

Monmouth landowner

tammees@truittbros.com

Charles Redon

Umbrella Council

rickreallwc@hotmail.com

             

* Board officers