Ed Taggart called the meeting to order at 5:31pm.
Ed Taggart read the treasurer’s report in the absence of Judy Rufener.
Beginning balance of $2756.82
Receipts – 8/23 $424.70
8/28 $10.00
9/12 $10.00
Stark Parks Check #598 $50.00
$3251.52
Expenses – Atwood $150.00 (Deposit for 10 year banquet)
Michelle $15.95 (10 year celebration)
Maureen $99.58 (10 year celebration)
Trevor Klar $207.50 (5K Tshirts)
Ending balance $2778.49
Carl Harsha made a motion to accept the report. Merv Burton seconded. Accepted.
Ed Taggart asked if members had read last month’s minutes. Jim Toms made a motion to accept them. Bo Hysong seconded. Accepted.
Old Business
Fun Day/ 5K follow up: Michelle Shively shared that 32 runners participated in the 5K and HRWRP made $320 from the race. Popcorn sales totaled $25.50. Eleven new memberships resulted from the Fun Day and about fifty kids made tshirts tie-dyed in acid mine drainage. She felt like even more came through the Huff Run tent and participated in other crafts and activities. She shared that there are a few Huff Run 5K tshirts left and members can purchase them for $5.00. Michelle then asked if there were any suggestions or comments concerning the Fun Day. Mike Steinmaus suggested that the Huff Run displays be made more visible by arranging the tent differently. Bo Hysong suggested that more variety in food choices. Merv Burton complimented the ball team on keeping the food coming all day and the prices reasonable. Carl Harsha pointed out that it was an excellent joint effort between the city and HRWRP and that we should thank Mineral City for inviting us to be a part of the Party in the Park festivities. The group estimated that there was probably a crowd of about 1000 people throughout the day.
10 Year Banquet: Maureen Wise told the group that unfortunately none of the days selected for the banquet at the previous month’s meeting were available when she called Atwood Lodge. The banquet is now scheduled for October 25 at 6 pm. Maureen gave a little more information about the evening and what is planned: dinner, power point presentation, speakers and awards. Several people will be asked to prepare a short talk for the program and then the floor will be opened up to anyone who would like to share their Huff Run experience. Maureen gave the group several options for meat prices. The dinner will be a wok stir fry with choice of meat and vegetables served over rice. The group decided to have a choice of chicken, beef and shrimp at a cost of $15.70 per person. Carl motioned for this and John Slack seconded. There was a lot of concern over the planned dinner stations as far as time and logistics. Maureen will look into getting a third chef and seeing what else Atwood can do to speed up the dinner progression. Another suggestion was that each meat choice could have its own station. The group then discussed the awards to be given out during the banquet. Carl suggested that we also ask someone from OSM and the EPA to speak, as a way to show our gratitude for the support they have given Huff Run.
ODOT project: Maureen shared with the group that the proposal with ODOT for the Brass Rd. Trine mitigation project was rejected because ODOT was able to find conservation easements much closer to the vicinity of their actual project and did not need to spend any more money on mitigation. However, there may be another chance to apply for funds as another ODOT project is coming up in the Tusc.Watershed. The Thomas project, which may be taken out of the 319 grant due to financial reasons, may be an ideal project for this type of proposal because the design is done and the project is ready to go. However, Maureen reminded the group that it took nearly ten months to hear back from ODOT and wondered if the project should be submitted to OSM instead. There was a short discussion about funding and how it is getting increasingly harder to find it. The group suggested that Maureen go ahead and submit a proposal for the ODOT funds and then continue to seek alternate funding from OSM or other sources.
New Business
Project Update: Maureen supplied the project update, as Cheryl Socotch and Jim Gue were both in Denver. Maureen reiterated the uncertainty over the Thomas project and stated that Mineral Zoar is slated to go to bid soon, although that has been the status for several months now. Carl Harsha gave an update on Harsha North which is currently under construction. Carl said that the project is 95% done and will finish on time. He mentioned that the Columbus Dispatch was out to do a special piece on the project and state funding that will be published after the election.
Asset Based Development: Carol Kuhre addressed the group about asset based development. Carol has been hired by Ohio EPA and ODNR as a fundraising and membership base consultant for watersheds in SE Ohio. Carol gave the group more background information concerning her grassroots approach to building support for our cause. She said that instead of focusing on what a community needs, it is better to focus on what is already there, the assets. She said that this is a very American thing, to look within our community and figure out how to fix our own problems, instead of outsiders coming in to fix us. She stressed that she would be a guide, helping us to reach the goals we set ourselves. This is a way of securing a stable funding base to ensure that the work we are doing now continues into the future, with or without state and federal funding. She then asked the group if they would be interested in working with her. Bo Hysong made the motion to at least go through the training with her and see what she has to say. Jeremy seconded. The group seemed energized by Carol’s proposal.
Further D&O advice: Following up on prior discussions about Directors and Officers Insurance, Maureen shared information she received from Susan Schwartz of the River Network. Ms. Schwartz supported putting the indemnifying statement in to protect the board, not the group. She said it is better for the group to go under than the members. She does not think we need D&O insurance and suggested we ask ODNR if it is possible for us to be attached as a rider to whatever coverage they have. After much discussion, Carl motioned to add the indemnification clause to the bylaws because it couldn’t hurt anything. John seconded. The clause reads as such: “HRWRP shall indemnify its officers, directors, and volunteers to the fullest extent allowed by law.”
This revised bylaws will be brought back to the next meeting where members will sign a petition to change them. The changed bylaws will then be distributed to all the members and voted on at the November meeting.
Boy Scouts Fest: Maureen shared that Huff Run has been asked by the Boy Scouts to participate in their Fall Festival on October 21st. Neither Maureen nor Michelle is available on that date, but the group decided that they would man a table, if some sort of display could be prepared. Maureen and Michelle will create the display and recruit volunteers for the day.
Citizen Fall Tour: Maureen asked the group if they would be interested in having a Citizens’ Tour of the watershed this fall. The tour would be held on a Saturday unlike past tours which have been on a weekday and have targeted state agency folks. November 4th was the final date chosen. The group then discussed weather limitations and transportation needs. It was decided that the group would caravan to the sites, no bus was needed, and that the tour would be cancelled in the case of inclement weather.
New Shelving: Ed shared that the office storage room needs more shelving. Many supplies are currently being stored on the floor. A committee was formed and will work on getting materials and installing the shelves. Ed and Jeremy Broadwater will head up the committee.
For correspondence, Ed Taggart shared the September Office of Surface Mining newsletter with the group.
Ed Taggart adjourned the meeting at 7:25pm.
Respectfully submitted by Michelle Shively.