New River Watershed Roundtable, Inc.
540-643-2590
email: newriverwatershedroundtable@yahoo.com
Board Meeting
Minutes
Ron Powers called the meeting to order. The following were in attendance:
Myron Amick Cynthia Hancock Dave Rundgren
Jason Artrip Mike Harvey Llyn Sharp
Adrienne Averett Darla Jennings Junior Shockley
Ben Borda Charles Maus Mike Smith
Dave Carroll Della Osbourne Clarke Wallcraft
Mary Ann Davis Tim
Ott
Christy Gabbard Ron Powers Craig Whittaker
Roger Goughnour Rick Roth
Kelly Miller had her baby on
Llyn Sharp reported that the web calendar is now available. The web address is: http://calendars.yahoo.com/newriverwatershedroundtable. Upcoming events can be sent to: newriverwatershedroundtable@yahoo.com.
Llyn will be attending a Virginia Watershed Alliance (VAWA)
statewide roundtables videoconference on
Roger Goughnour agreed to represent the New River Watershed
Roundtable at the Virginia Soil and Water Conservation Districts meeting in
Darla Jennings reported that the NRWR is now incorporated in
the state of
Ben Borda, New River Navigator, New River Community Partners and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (ACE), gave a presentation on the possible ways that he can assist the Roundtable. He serves as a federal liaison to facilitate community access to funding. He gave several examples of how the ACE has provided assistance to watershed groups:
·
Aquatic Ecosystem at
· Flood Control Restoration
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· New River Gorge National Park Service is updating their management plan.
Rick Roth made a motion to approve the
Mike Harvey made a motion for the New River Watershed Roundtable Executive Committee to proceed with obtaining the 501(c)3 status, seconded by Rick Roth the motion passed.
Kent Welsh, CPA, gave an update on the 501(c)3 status. The
Roundtable could have 501(c)3 status by Thanksgiving
2005, but $500.00 filing fee is needed to the IRS. Charitable contributions can be given on and
after the filing date.
Rick Roth made a motion for the Board to approve the Articles of Incorporation, seconded by Dave Rundgren motion passed.
Cynthia Hancock reported that she has the information on insurance available.
Tim Ott and Llyn Sharp gave an update on the Watershed Coordinator position. Llyn will fill this position on a part-time basis. Her salary will be paid from 319 Grant funds, through the Department of Conservation & Recreation (DCR.) The position will be subject to renewal on an annual basis. Llyn will be a point of contact for the Roundtable. Her role is to facilitate projects for on-the-ground nonpoint source pollution reduction. She has a student intern to assist her. Llyn has attended several meetings on behalf of the Roundtable:
Virginia Citizens for Water
Quality
Stroubles Creek TMDL IP Steering Committee and Focus Groups
Radford Heritage/New River Museum meetings
AEP Claytor Dam relicensing stakeholders meetings
Virginia Watersheds Alliance (VAWA) statewide roundtables meetings/conf calls
Virginia Tech Stormwater Advisory Group
New River Blueway Planning meetings
Virginia Outdoors Plan public input meetings
There was group discussion regarding some of these meetings.
Tim Ott and Llyn Sharp provided information on the Water
Quality Improvement Fund (WQIF.) The
amount of money available for the southern rivers is $1.2 million ($750,000.00
for specific projects.) The deadline is
· Stormwater management plans and ordinances
· Permanent protection of riparian buffers
· Nutrient management planning
· Implementation of urban areas (golf courses)
· Septic system pump out and replacement, alternative wastewater systems
Tim also mentioned that DCR may have $2000.00 to $3000.00 to go into operating funds for each Roundtable.
It was suggested that the Roundtable encourage and partner with other groups at the present time. After receiving 501(c)3 status, the Roundtable can begin to apply for grant money.
Rick Roth gave an update on the State of the River Watershed Report. This would pull together agency technical information as an educational report for the public and decision makers. The projected cost for this project is $100,000.00. The Board discussed funding possibilities and deadlines, including the Virginia Environmental Endowment and EPA.
Clarke Wallcraft, representing the Peppers Ferry Wastewater Treatment Plant, spoke about the onsite stormwater retrofit project and the streambank restoration project. Dave Rundgren made a motion for the Roundtable to give a letter of support, seconded by Craig Whittaker motion passed. Dave Rundgren made a motion that Llyn Sharp will work on interpretive design with Clarke Wallcraft on educational aspects, and Llyn will work with the Executive Committee on finances, seconded by Craig Whittaker motion passed.
Jason Artrip, Zoning Administrator for the Town of
Charles Maus presented information and handouts on storm drain curb markers. After discussion, Ron Powers asked for a motion for an exploration of community interest to be pursued by the executive committee. By a show of hands, the motion passed.
Charles Maus also spoke about the Low Impact Development demonstration project and workshops for karst areas. Charles made a motion that the New River Watershed Roundtable endorse this project; that Llyn Sharp contact Jesse Richardson, Project Investigator; and that Llyn Sharp contact Tim Ott regarding possible WQIF funding for codes and ordinances assessments. Dave Rundgren seconded the motion motion passed.
Dave Rundgren, spoke about the New River Blueway project. At this time, the New River Planning District Commission is looking for interest in this project. Llyn Sharp agreed to work with Abigail Convery at the NRPDC.
Mike Smith indicated the need for cleaning up the river for tourism tires, golf balls, erosion control netting which presents a major wildlife hazard, etc. Mike and Adrienne Averett agreed to serve on a committee to plan a New River Cleanup in the Fall 2006.
Llyn Sharp spoke about the Stroubles Creek joint proposals
with Virginia Tech and the Town of
Llyn Sharp shared information about the sale of Hogans
Reservoir Dam and the surrounding property in Pulaski. The dam is in need of repair but the Town of
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Ben Borda will invite an EPA representative to attend the
Cynthia Hancock will give a presentation on SWCDs (Cost share projects, TMDLs and WQIA) at the next meeting. The Skyline district has over $370K in funding for agriculture BMPs.
It was suggested that the Technical Advisory Committee attend an upcoming Board meeting.
Meeting adjourned.