5:32pm: Ed Taggart, Pres. Brought meeting to order
Treasures Report: Beginning balance $1369.50
Deposits: $370.00
Expenditures: $114.95 for chairs
Ending Balance: $1644.53
Motion to accept treasures report was made by Bo H. and Merv 2nd the motion
Motion to accept February minutes made by Merv B., Phil 2nd
Old Business
Tables: Ed thanked John Slack for asking the Sandyville Women’s Club to donate three tables to our organization. Plan to attend meeting the 2nd Monday of the month to thank them personally. Ed announced Chairs were bought from staples for $114.95. He asked the group if the leftover money could be used to purchased heavy-duty shelving for the storage room. Phil motioned we use the money to buy the shelves, Bo seconded the motion, carried. Ed will pick up the shelves
Membership Dues: Maureen passed out membership dues handout. Asked group if they would like to make a decision on increasing membership dues and adding business and nonprofit categories. The question was asked how many current members we have-33. Phil made the suggestion keeping increase at $5, not doubled. Group suggested that executive directors should not have to pay dues. John asked if we need the money for directors and officers insurance we should increase memberships. If we do not need the money we should not raise the membership. He also suggested that we hit businesses hard, because it is a tax-deductible donation for them. A lot of other suggestions were given at this time. John made the motion to keep individual and family memberships the same and add business and nonprofit categories. Cheryl seconded the motion. Will vote next month on setting business and nonprofit rates
Awareness Day: Terri informed the group that we had an overwhelming response to the Awareness Day, 330 students. So to make it a better learning experience she added a second day May 11 in addition to the May 4th date. Passed around volunteer sign up sheet. A suggestion was made to add rules to the Awareness Day and pass out to teachers before the event.
Environmental Explorers Club and Library Grand Opening Event: Terri informed the group that the library personnel asked if the Huff Run group and the Environmental Explorers Club would like to be involved in the Family Fun Day on April 8 with is part of their grand opening week long celebration. Passed around volunteer sign up sheet for the day. The Explorers Club had a lesson on recycling from Terri Rice, the education specialist for the Tuscarawas Recycling and Litter Prevention Office. We also did recycled art. The group grew from 8 to 12 students. Merv asked about liability for the Explorers. Covered by Rural Action. Carl suggested making the explorers honorary members of the Huff Run Group. Thought that was a good idea and will think of something to do.
Carroll County Meeting: Terri informed the group that the meeting held at the Carroll County District Library on March 15 had 2 people in attendance. We may look to have another meeting in the Rose Township meeting hall.
Septic upgrade Meeting: Maureen attended the Public meeting held March 16 in the Mineral City Fire Station. She said it went very well and the people did not seem angry about the update. The group suggested waiting until closer to the time of the upgrade to give public a list of companies and prices for pumping old septic tanks.
Dump Removal: Maureen received information on a US EPA Grant for dump removal. Will wait until next year to apply, due date is very soon. The solid waste district has a grant to help out with dump removal, will start on that next week. Ed suggested Maureen give an update on the meetings she has had with County Commissioners lately. She has been working to obtain local endorsement of our Watershed Management Plan.
Directors and Officers Insurance: Carl gave Ed the best quote he has received for D&O insurance. Carl said he would no longer be a part of the process. But he did advise the board to go over the policy and shop around if possible. He also found a nonprofit group in Columbus with a minimum membership of $50.00 that may help us find a good company. Will look into it further. We asked if we should continue to be incorporated. Group responded yes, because that enables any contribution made to the group to be tax-deductible. Carl also asked why we have a board of directors if they do not make any decisions. Maureen will contact other watershed groups about insurance. Directors and officers insurance decision was tabled until next meeting.
New Business
Project Updates: Cheryl
Belden is being designed by ATC.
Harsha North is ready to go to bid.
Mineral-Zoar RD and Thomas Projects are ready to go to bid also.
Harsha North ACSI Grant was verbally accepted, yet to get official notice.
ODOT Grant: An email was received suggesting it may be a while before we know if it is accepted or not.
Two 319 grants will be funded for Acid Mine Drainage watersheds. Carl made the motion to resubmit the old 319 grant; Judy seconded the motion, carried.
Correspondence: Ed read Carl’s resignation as vice president letter. A new VP will be appointed at the next meeting.
Maureen showed Carl and the group the plaque that was made to give to Marlene. Carl was touched and gave a short speech.
Ed adjourned the meeting at 7:35