Meeting was held at Tozzi’s Restaurant in Magnolia to have dinner and meet the new Executive Director of Rural Action, Michelle Decker.
-Introductions of everyone in attendance were made for the benefit of new attendees.
-Taggart called the meeting to order at 5:55 pm.
-Taggart read Judy Rufener’s official resignation letter from the Treasurer’s seat.
-Wise gave the Treasurer’s Report in Judy Rufener’s absence.
January 15, 2008 balance $5887.42
Receipts:
Individual Memberships (2) $10.00
Individual Donation (1) $20.00
Non-profit Membership (1) $25.00
Expenses:
Mileage $41.58
ODNR Conference $90.20
Crossroads 2008 Membership $50.00
Reservations for Crossroads Annual Meeting (3) $60.00
Weisenbach Specialty (donor gifts-coasters) $451.84
February 19, 2008 balance $5290.38
Halter motioned to accept the report as read. Neisel seconded the motion. The vote passed unanimously.
-Taggart asked for the minutes from the January meeting to be approved in Jeremy Broadwater’s absence. Halter motioned to accept the minutes. Everett seconded the motion. The vote passed unanimously.
Old Business
Donor Gifts-Coasters: Wise passed around the new donor gifts that the group decided to buy last month. These coasters are made from recycled tires and have the Huff Run logo on them in full color. Every donor will receive two coasters.
Belden Tree Marking Day: Leasure-Earnhardt reminded the group that for those who would like to volunteer for the tree marking day can meet at the Huff Run office this Thursday (21st) at 10 am. She explained the reason for this effort, and the importance of taking precautions to help protect the endangered Indiana Bat. These trees need to be removed before the April 15th deadline within the Belden project limits. Huff Run is working in conjunction with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife on this project.
319 Restrictions- Letter to take Action: Wise passed out a letter to everyone who was in attendance, written by Mike Steinmaus, to sign and send to their Ohio senator and congressman. The details behind this letter and the Ohio EPA 319 grant program was discussed at January’s meeting. This letter, as Wise described, explains the concern of the citizens about the 319 grant restrictions and how it is punishing non-profits who are doing a good job. Michelle Decker also expressed her concern of these restrictions and encouraged group members to send the letter to their senator and congressman.
River Rally Scholarships: Wise explained to the group that we have extra money available through a US EPA grant to send six people for one day to the rally (Saturday or Sunday). River Rally is in Huron, Ohio this year, May 2nd –May 5th. Group members have expressed interest to go this year since it is so close. Wise passed out a packet including registration information and told the group that the spots for this will be on a first come fist serve basis. Once they fill out the registration they can drop it by our office and we will complete the process online and pay for the workshops and meals for the day they would like to attend.
New Business
Project Update: Wise expressed that there was no news on the projects; she changed the information about the Belden project because it is still in the process of being bid on. Wise also explained how the Mineral-Zoar project was very close to being bid on and the plans for HR-42/ Fern Hill are almost done.
State Route 800 Clean Up/ Clean Sweep: Wise asked the group if they wanted to make the annual Township Clean Sweep and the state route 800 clean up, our adopt-a-highway responsibility, on the same day in April. After some discussion, the group decided that they wanted to do these volunteer opportunities on two separate days. The day for the state route 800 clean up will be decided at the March meeting.
Stewardship Week: Leasure-Earnhardt announced that Huff Run is going to help promote the annual Soil and Water Stewardship Week as a continuation of the church stewardship campaign started last summer. This week long celebration is hosted by the National Association of Conservation Districts, and will be April 27th to May 4th this year. The theme is ‘Water is Life’ and Leasure-Earnhardt will be contacting local churches to see if they would like to participate. Huff Run will provide them with free bulletins for their services and also a church leader’s guide. Displays will be made for the window at the Huff Run office and also the Mineral City Nicole Donant Library, where bookmarks will also be available to the community.
Crossroads Project of the Year Award: Leasure-Earnhardt talked about the award Huff Run received at Crossroads RC&D’s annual meeting on February 8th. Wise and Leasure-Earnhardt represented Huff Run at the meeting and we received the project of the year award. Crossroads had received a state-wide award from one of the Huff Run projects they helped with, and therefore wanted to thank and recognize Huff Run as well. This was a great honor and Wise accepted the award for Huff Run.
Crossroads Sign-On Letter: Wise passed out letters for the group to look over, sign, and send if they wanted to help support Crossroads on the federal level. In the proposed national budget for the upcoming year all funding for RC&D’s were cut nationwide. Therefore this would greatly affect Crossroads RC&D who has helped Huff Run since its start. The letters were addressed to both U.S. senators and congressmen.
Correspondence: Wise shared information from Rivers Unlimited that had been discussed at a previous meeting requesting HRWRP to become members of Rivers Unlimited (out of Cincinnati, OH). Wise described their work with scenic rivers, dams and bridge crossings, mentioning also that Rivers Unlimited does not work much in this area. Those in attendance agreed that Huff Run did not need to become a member.
-Taggart opened the floor for Michelle Decker to say a few words about Rural Action and her vision; a small question and answer session took place.
-Ed Taggart adjourned the meeting at 7:37 pm.
Respectfully submitted by Amber Leasure-Earnhardt, VISTA