Elkhart River Restoration Association
Directors’ Meeting
November 10, 2008 – 7:00 p.m.

Location: Goshen Community Schools Administration Building, Front Meeting Room
Attendees: Dave Troup, Ray Swanson, Stuart Meade, Nancy Brown, Daragh Deegan, Tim Cataldo (no guests)

Presided by Dave Troup
1. Minutes for 9/8/08 Director’s Meeting were approved as written.
2. Treasurer's Report: Daragh verbally reported current financial statement (refer to written report for amounts and details). Current temporary deficit is result of website expenditure that is soon to be reimbursed by IDEM. Paid memberships totaled $950 to-date this year.
3. Federal Tax Filing: Dave spoke with Jon Wieand and paperwork should be completed and filed by 11/11/08 (filing deadline is 11/15/08).
4. Membership Drive: Dave reported that there were 43 newly paid memberships. A reminder letter will be sent to those who let their memberships lapse.
5. Revised Grant Budget
- Dave reported that amounts for tasks B, C & F have been revised and approved by IDEM. (Thanks to Nancy for facilitating this.)
- Money was also shifted out of monitoring, mainly moved to education. SWCD and Hoosier Riverwatch have provided assistance.
- Confirmed that Len Kring is budgeted to do upstream fish study at five (5) sites around Ligonier. Agreed that Nancy will contact Len and request proposal with scope of work before February Directors’ meeting.
6. 319 Grant Update
- Stuart reported that ERRA and ERA to have interconnected websites. Should be up and running within a week. Dave and Stuart will coordinate linking existing websites. Website consultant recommended considering updating ERRA logo in the future, possibly tweaking color to make more prominent on-screen.
- Watershed Management Plan (WMP) status: discussed in-kind for cost-share; reminder to turn in time; total in-kind is $129,500, therefore approximately 4,000 in-kind hours are needed.
- Dave expressed concern regarding progress and if WMP tasks are on-schedule. Agreed that outstanding tasks need to be identified, assigned and scheduled
7. Center for Watershed Protection (CWP) Mini-Grant: Nancy will check with Eric Kurtz regarding status.
8. Goshen 1st Friday Event on 6/5/09
- Stuart reported: "River Celebration" committee of Dave Troup, Nancy Brown, Paul Steury and Stuart met on 10/20 to plan event, and will meet again in next month. They identified possible event components: entertainment, art displays, rain barrel workshop, community bands on Courthouse green, presentations by outdoor recreation clubs.
- Discussion: Event could be venue for membership recruitment. Grant money should be available for publicity and brochures. There could be booths for sponsors, rain barrel sales, monitoring and cleanup volunteers. Possible an actual river cleanup(s).
- Nancy will check on in-kind match for food and entertainment. Consider event tee shirts. Saturday 6/6/09 would be the all-day festival.
9. Other Business
- Stuart is presenting to Kiwanis regarding: ERRA / ERA, 319 grant and Watershed Management Plan.
- Dave noted that at May 2008 Directors’ meeting, there was discussion regarding honoring Harold Weaver's contributions to ERRA and the Elkhart River. Possible sources of tribute information: ERRA minutes, particularly regarding dam restoration, and Harold or other long-term or past ERRA directors. A newspaper article would also be appropriate: Tim will identify writer of Reader of the Week feature in Goshen News and pass on to Dave.

Next meeting 2-9-08 location TBD
10. Adjournment at 8:20
- posted by David @ 6:58 PM

 
Elkhart River Restoration Association
Directors’ Meeting
September 8, 2008 – 8:00 p.m.

Location: Goshen City Annex Building, Conference Room

Attendees: Dave Troup, Ray Swanson, Milt Thomas, Stuart Meade, Nancy Brown, Daragh Deegan, Tim Cataldo (no guests)

Presided by Dave Troup

Minutes for May 12, 2008 Director’s Meeting were approved as written
Treasurer’s Report: Dave verbally reported current amounts (refer to written report for details).

Officer Election
- Recognized need to fill all vacant positions, especially treasurer.
- Stuart nominated Daragh Deegan as treasurer, Milt seconded, and motion was approved unanimously.
- Nancy motioned for reappointment of other current officers, Milt seconded, and motion was approved unanimously: David Troup – President; Milt Thomas – Vice President; Tim Cataldo – Secretary.

Financial Audit
Dave reported conferring with Jon Brookmyer, who audited ERRA finances. Watershed Management Plan (WMP) funds had been passed through without showing up on ERRA ledger because funds received always matched expenses and immediately dispersed. Jon Brookmyer said that they need to be entered and accounted for in the ledger.
Nancy clarified how WMP cost-share funds are dispersed.
Directors agreed to accept Jon Brookmyer’s audit and recommendations.

Federal Tax Filing
ERRA received a Form 1099 from IDEM because of the $38,850 in 319 grant funds dispersed to ERRA.
If income exceeds $25,000, then a Form 990 needs to be filed by 12/15/08. Dave recommended that it be done by a CPA this first time. Stuart and Milt will check with CPA acquaintances. Dave, Stuart, Milt and Daragh will confer and decide which is best value and engage them to prepare and file for ERRA.

Goshen Mill Race: Stuart said there was nothing new to report. Daragh agreed to contact Mark Brinson (Goshen Redevelopment Director) for an update.

319 Grant Update
Nancy and Dave reviewed changes in budget with Kyle Quandt (IDEM) in July. Kyle requested clarification regarding education and demonstrations costs.
Dave will follow up with Kyle, also exploring shifting funds for volunteer recognition and septic research.
V3 is still contracted and there is still $9,600 in contract for them to do BMP engineering.

Membership Drive: Dave reported that 27 new memberships were received to date since last mailing.

CWP Mini Grant: Tim reported about grant -- $5,000 - $15,000, awarded on first-come-first serve basis until funds run out. Stuart moved to authorize ERA urban subcommittee to apply for mini-grant, Milt seconded, and unanimously approved.

Other business
Nancy will request adding “animal waste storage facility” (smaller dry storage, not liquid lagoon type) to funded cost-share measures for agricultural demonstration site possibilities and add “streambank restoration” to urban cost-share measures.

Eric Vosteen, (local history buff and former student of Gene Lightner) is researching historic survey information and wants to borrow Noble County GIS data. County will only release disk to a not-for-profit organization, so Gene asked if ERRA could help. Stuart agreed to follow up with Gene and Eric V. to determine a solution.

ERA/ERRA bookmarks prepared by Goshen College were supplied by Paul Steury. They will be available for public distribution.

Dave noted that ERRA recently celebrated its 25th birthday.

Stuart was contacted by Angie Benet (sp?) of City of Elkhart and asked ERRA to consider participating in October 4 Elkhart River clean-up. Stuart will follow up.

Encouraged to individually advocate to county officials on behalf of the interlocal stormwater (MS4) agreement and for support of the stormwater fee.

Meeting adjourned at 9:30 p.m.
NEXT MEETING: November 10, 2008, 7:00 P.M. at Goshen City Annex
Minutes by Tim Cataldo, Secretary
- posted by David @ 6:48 PM

 
Elkhart River Restoration Association

Directors’ Meeting

Date/Time: 17 September 2007 8:30 p.m. (approximate start time, immediately following adjournment of ERRA annual members’ meeting).

Location: Goshen City Annex Building, Conference Room

Attendees: David Troup, Harold Weaver, Nelson Bushong, George Buckingham, Ray Swanson, Milt Thomas, Stuart Meade, Tim Cataldo Tim Kroeker (V3 Companies, contracted administrator for Elkhart River WMP and 319 grant contract with IDEM)

Presided by David Troup

21 May 2007 meeting minutes were approved with correction of adding George Buckingham to list of attendees.

Treasurer’s report: Nelson presented report for period 7/01/07 – 9/17/07
Dave noted that insurance premium is now an expense item.

Amendment of by-laws: Dave recommended consideration of the following revisions:
Change business address from “301 Carter Road” (Harold Weaver’s address) to “current President’s home address,” so that an amendment is not required for each change of president.
General review of by-laws, with committee of three directors focusing on process for election of
officers.
i. George commented that any change in the by-laws will require an amendment of the articles of incorporation, which requires a vote by members for approval.
ii. Dave S., George B. and Tim C. agreed to serve on the review committee and meet at least two times.
Dave will distribute copies of the Watershed Management Plan (WMP) update Dave recapped recent communications involving ERRA, ERA, V3, and IDEM.
IDEM threatened to withhold any additional funding until WMP tasks are satisfactorily on schedule.
Required documentation, particularly quarterly reports, were not submitted to IDEM by deadlines.
George referred to a distributed copy of an e-mail to Dave from Sky Schelle (IDEM Watershed Manager overseeing the Elkhart River WMP and 319 grant contract), in which Sky said that the deadline for the final draft of the WMP is due by 22 December 2007, for IDEM’s review and approval by 21 February 2008. Tim Kroeker stated that there was a misunderstanding between himself and IDEM regarding the schedule, as there were initially different drafts of the proposal/contract and he subsequently referenced a different proposed schedule than did IDEM.

Tim K. referenced previously distributed copies of WMP bar chart project schedule and list of itemized tasks with start and finish dates, noting the following:
i. The proposed Best Management Practices (BMPs) are above and beyond those mandated for the plan.
ii. V3 will be conducting sample/data collection at five sites on the river.
iii. There have been two site meetings at the Elkhart Environmental Center, located on the Elkhart River in city of Elkhart, and a site has been selected for an urban demonstration site. Goals of the WMP are to have a field day at the urban demo site and another field day at a yet to be selected agricultural site.
iv. To meet WMP “outreach” goals, a public meeting will be scheduled in the first quarter of 2008 to present the final draft of the WMP to the public.

Per George’s recommendation, Tim K. agreed to submit a revised schedule to Sky Schelle for Sky’s comment and approval.

Dave will clarify with Tim K. the quarterly report and draft WMP due dates.

Tim K. agreed to attend the 19 November 2007 ERRA directors’ meeting and to report regarding WMP progress and status.

There was no other business. Adjournment was moved, seconded and approved at approx. 9:45 p.m.

NEXT MEETING: 19 November 2007 7:00 P.M. at Goshen City Annex Building

Minutes by Tim Cataldo
- posted by David @ 6:56 PM

 
Elkhart River Restoration Association

Directors’ Meeting

Date/Time: 21 May 2007 7:00 p.m.
Location: Goshen City Annex Building, Conference Room

Attendees: David Troup, Harold Weaver, Nelson Bushong, Ray Swanson, Milt Thomas, Stuart Meade, Tim Cataldo Visitor: Rick Kauffman, Goshen

Presided by David Troup

19 February 2007 meeting minutes were approved with two minor spelling corrections.

Treasurer’s report: Nelson presented report for period 7/01/06 –5/21/07
Nelson noted costs for recent brochure mailings: $404.57 for postage, $438.55 for printing of brochures

Membership drive: Dave reported that after mailings went out, there were some renewals and a few new members; current membership total is at 59.

Adopt-A-River update (Milt)
Current work force is the Goshen High School National Honor Society (15 – 20 students). Will probably schedule a clean-up event some time in June.
Other possible volunteer sources: Bethany Christian School, Goshen Community Bank (Chris Wolf), a 4H fishing club.
As previously, will focus on pond region, from Co. Rd. 40 Bridge to dam, using one or two pontoon boats and canoes. Approx. 10 canoes are available from the Goshen Parks Dept. Trash collection piles will be picked up & hauled away by group that cleans mill race – they get dump trucks from Street Dept.
Dave asked about liability and age limitations.

Watershed Plan update (Stuart)
5/10/07 public meeting at Schrock Pavilion; 20+ attendees; focus was call for subcommittee volunteers
Nancy outlined history of ERRA/ERA and briefly described the subcommittees and their purpose. Stuart listed the subcommittees and their chairpersons: Media/Marketing/Website (Stuart Meade), Education/Outreach (Paul Steury), Volunteer & Professional Water Quality Monitoring (Nancy Brown), Demonstration Sites – Urban (Eric Kurtz), Demo Sites – Agricultural (Kris Sweitzer), Recreation/Snag Removal (Gene Lightner & Mike Shellman), Funding/Grant Writing (Nancy Brown), State/Federal Legislative (Steve Warner), Volunteer Coordination (Eldon Seidner), University Research (Paul Steury), Local Advocacy (Tim Cataldo)
Stuart distributed list of 37 targeted RiverWatch testing sites, which are located to collect data for the 37 subwatersheds that comprise the Elkhart River watershed. Goal is to eventually have enough volunteers to cover all 37 sites with wet & dry period sampling spring & fall (4 tests total per year).

Discussed availability of test kits: kits will be available initially for checking out from the SWCD office. Eventually have some kits housed at various locations throughout watershed to make them more locally available to volunteers and more readily available on weekends and times that SWCD office is closed.

Stuart passed around a copy of a couple concept drafts of the ERA logo.

Dave reported that the first invoice was received from V3 ($1,925.00, for quarter through 3/31/07). IDEM will direct deposit in ERRA bank account, which Dave will monitor and then notify Nelson to draft & transmit check to V3.

IDEM approved the watershed plan required QAPP today.

George asked about responsibility for monitoring schedule and ensuring that V3 is maintaining progress per the IDEM-approved schedule. V3 had the schedule included in their proposal. Agreed that schedule status will be reported at each director’s meeting starting with the next meeting.

Directors’ Liability Insurance update (Dave)
Dave presented comparison worksheet of quotes from 1st Source & Salem Insurance (see on back of printed agenda).
George moved, Milt seconded to accept & authorize the Salem proposal, which was approved unanimously.

INOVA Federal Credit Union membership proposal (Dave)
INOVA has locations in Elkhart, with corporate office on the Elkhart River in downtown Elkhart (on Elkhart Ave., just across river from Police & Fire Stations).
Concept is that ERRA can become a sponsoring group, through which a member of ERRA can join INOVA FCU. They gave Dave an example of a conservation group in Michigan that gained approx. 500 members by participating in the program.
Discussion: concern about ERRA members receiving unsolicited mailings or other contact from INOVA.
Milt moved, Stuart seconded that ERRA accept the offer from INOVA, providing them ERRA brochures to distribute, but not provide them with current member list, which was unanimously approved.

There was no other business. Adjournment was moved, seconded and approved at approx. 8:10 p.m.

NEXT MEETING: 17 September 2007 7:00 P.M. at Goshen City Annex Building

Minutes by Tim Cataldo
- posted by David @ 6:56 PM

 

Date/Time: 21 May 2007 7:00 p.m.
Location: Goshen City Annex Building, Conference Room
Attendees: David Troup, Harold Weaver, Nelson Bushong, Ray Swanson, Milt Thomas, Stuart Meade, Tim Cataldo

Visitor: Rick Kauffman, Goshen

Presided by David Troup

19 February 2007 meeting minutes were approved with two minor spelling corrections.
Treasurer’s report: Nelson presented report for period 7/01/06 –5/21/07
Nelson noted costs for recent brochure mailings: $404.57 for postage, $438.55 for printing of brochures

Membership drive: Dave reported that after mailings went out, there were some renewals and a few new members; current membership total is at 59.

Adopt-A-River update (Milt)
Current work force is the Goshen High School National Honor Society (15 – 20 students). Will probably schedule a clean-up event some time in June.
Other possible volunteer sources: Bethany Christian School, Goshen Community Bank (Chris Wolf), a 4H fishing club.
As previously, will focus on pond region, from Co. Rd. 40 Bridge to dam, using one or two pontoon boats and canoes. Approx. 10 canoes are available from the Goshen Parks Dept. Trash collection piles will be picked up & hauled away by group that cleans mill race – they get dump trucks from Street Dept.

Dave asked about liability and age limitations.

Watershed Plan update (Stuart)

5/10/07 public meeting at Schrock Pavilion; 20+ attendees; focus was call for subcommittee volunteers
Nancy outlined history of ERRA/ERA and briefly described the subcommittees and their purpose. Stuart listed the subcommittees and their chairpersons: Media/Marketing/Website (Stuart Meade), Education/Outreach (Paul Steury), Volunteer & Professional Water Quality Monitoring (Nancy Brown), Demonstration Sites – Urban (Eric Kurtz), Demo Sites – Agricultural (Kris Sweitzer), Recreation/Snag Removal (Gene Lightner & Mike Shellman), Funding/Grant Writing (Nancy Brown), State/Federal Legislative (Steve Warner), Volunteer Coordination (Eldon Seidner), University Research (Paul Steury), Local Advocacy (Tim Cataldo)
Stuart distributed list of 37 targeted RiverWatch testing sites, which are located to collect data for the 37 subwatersheds that comprise the Elkhart River watershed. Goal is to eventually have enough volunteers to cover all 37 sites with wet & dry period sampling spring & fall (4 tests total per year).
Discussed availability of test kits: kits will be available initially for checking out from the SWCD office. Eventually have some kits housed at various locations throughout watershed to make them more locally available to volunteers and more readily available on weekends and times that SWCD office is closed.
Stuart passed around a copy of a couple concept drafts of the ERA logo.
Dave reported that the first invoice was received from V3 ($1,925.00, for quarter through 3/31/07). IDEM will direct deposit in ERRA bank account, which Dave will monitor and then notify Nelson to draft & transmit check to V3.
IDEM approved the watershed plan required QAPP today.
George asked about responsibility for monitoring schedule and ensuring that V3 is maintaining progress per the IDEM-approved schedule. V3 had the schedule included in their proposal. Agreed that schedule status will be reported at each director’s meeting starting with the next meeting.

Directors’ Liability Insurance update (Dave)
Dave presented comparison worksheet of quotes from 1st Source & Salem Insurance (see on back of printed agenda).
George moved, Milt seconded to accept & authorize the Salem proposal, which was approved unanimously.

INOVA Federal Credit Union membership proposal (Dave)
INOVA has locations in Elkhart, with corporate office on the Elkhart River in downtown Elkhart (on Elkhart Ave., just across river from Police & Fire Stations).
Concept is that ERRA can become a sponsoring group, through which a member of ERRA can join INOVA FCU. They gave Dave an example of a conservation group in Michigan that gained approx. 500 members by participating in the program.
Discussion: concern about ERRA members receiving unsolicited mailings or other contact from INOVA.
Milt moved, Stuart seconded that ERRA accept the offer from INOVA, providing them ERRA brochures to distribute, but not provide them with current member list, which was unanimously approved.

There was no other business.
Adjournment was moved, seconded and approved at approx. 8:10 p.m.

NEXT MEETING: 17 September 2007 7:00 P.M. at Goshen City Annex Building
Minutes by Tim Cataldo
- posted by David @ 6:31 PM

 

- posted by David @ 6:15 PM

 

Date/Time: 20 November 2006 7:00 p.m.
Location: Goshen City Annex Building, Conference Room

Attendees: Jon Howard, Harold Weaver, George Buckingham, David Troup, Leo Seltenright, Nelson Bushong, Ray Swanson

Presided by David Troup

Dave asked if any corrections to the 9/19/06 meeting minutes: it was noted that Ray Swanson attended the meeting and that Gene Stutsman’s name was misspelled. With these corrections, minutes were accepted as written.

Treasurer’s Report: Nelson presented the treasurer’s report for 01 July 2006 through 20 November 2006 (balance sheet is attached).

Adopt-A-River Update: Dave reported that there was a spring river clean-up, but not a fall event. It is uncertain if the lack of a fall event has an effect on the group’s status with the State.

Director Election Results
Nelson reported that 84 ballots were mailed and 66 returned.
It was noted that George Buckingham should have been on the ballot: Jon Howard moved that George be appointed, Harold Weaver seconded, and motion was approved unanimously by voice vote.

Director Liability Insurance
Dave reported that he requested quotes from 1st Source. He received a quote from 1st Source, but is yet to receive from Salem.
1st Source premiums are as follows: Limits of Liability Premium Amount
$ 500,000 $ 595
$ 1,000,000 $ 744
$ 2,000,000 $ 1,244
$ 3,000,000 $ 1,744

George recommended a minimum liability limit of $1,000,000.
Jon recommended also having a general liability policy; George agreed. Dave will ask 1st Source & Salem to quote for $1,000,000 and $2,000,000 policies.

Elkhart River Watershed Management 319 Grant Contract - Update
Dave reported that contract is currently under review by IDEM – expected to be complete by mid-January.

Watershed Coordinator RFP – Approval
Request for Proposal (RFP) for watershed management plan (WMP) coordinator was prepared, with language was borrowed from an RFP from another watershed. RFP will be sent to known potential candidates. Public advertising is uncertain.
George moved to accept RFP and Leo seconded. Discussion followed:
George noted RFP is going out before monies financing the position are secured. Dave said that the RFP makes acceptance of proposal contingent on obtaining grant.
George recommended researching other WMP coordinator contracts for model. Tim agreed to check with Friends of the St. Joe River regarding their coordinator’s contract.
Dave described process of proposal evaluation and selection: Proposals will be evaluated by members of ERA steering committee for scope of services, separate from cost; may assign one evaluator to focus on reviewing costs and identifying qualifications. After evaluation, will select a “short list” of two or three candidates. ERRA directors are encouraged to attend oral presentations by finalists on January 22, 2007 (time & place to be determined).
George recommended approval of RFP with following amendment: certificate of insurance naming ERRA as additionally insured shall be provided as condition of contract. George will research County documents for typical language, as well as types and limits of coverage.
Voted unanimously to approve RFP with amendment regarding insurance and the following language correction: in first sentence on Page 1, replace “received” with “applied for”.

Authorization to Advertise for Watershed Coordinator - Budget
Dave received quotes for advertising in the Elkhart Truth ($136.64 per week) and South Bend Tribune ($487.64 per week).
Jon moved to allocate up to $700 for advertising; Harold seconded; approved unanimously by voice vote.

Membership Drive - Budget
Dave reported that current database contains 500+ riparian property owners.
Dave distributed drafts of ERA brochure.
Dave will determine costs for printing and mass mailing and report at the February meeting.

Noble County grant request - Decision
Gene Lightner presented grant request for equipment for clearing snags at last meeting.
George conferred with Greg Hartzler (fellow attorney) regarding not-for-profit entity granting money to an individual and determined it would be considered a private benefit.
Jon expressed concern regarding state permitting requirements. Dave said that DNR engineer presented at ERA meeting and using only hand tools does not require a permit.
Harold expressed concern regarding liability. Recognized that could borrow release form used for local clean-up.
Agreed to deny grant request because of not-for-profit status and private benefit conflict.

Other Business
Dave reported that the State requested River Watch quarterly report by December 01, 2006. Ray said that he is communication with State by e-mail.
Dave reported that Linda Wilson resigned as a director and requested suggestions for filling the open position.
Ray reported other points of interest:\
Workshop demonstrating E-coli testing was held at Bonneville Mill County Park
Public meeting was held at Goshen College regarding development on millrace. Ray expressed concern regarding potential effect on pond if millrace flow is increased.
Harold related a conversation with Mayor Kaufman, in which the mayor offered possible assistance from City Environmentalist.

Adjournment: George moved for adjournment, Leo seconded, and unanimously approved by voice vote.

Next meeting: February 19, 2007 at Goshen City Annex Building, Conference Room
- posted by David @ 6:23 PM

 
ELKHART RIVER RESTORATION ASSOCAITION, INC.
Directors Meeting

Sept. 18, 2006 9:00 pm – Goshen City Annex

Directors Present: Linda Wilson, George Buckingham, Gene Stutsman, Nelson Bushong, Harold Weaver, Stuart Meade, David Troup

Item#1:
David Troup called the meeting to order.
David passed out Feb & May minutes which were then approved.

Item#2:
A receipt totaling $253 for Paul Steury’s trip to Pennsylvania was submitted to Nelson Bushong for reimbursement. $150 of costs had been approved prior to Paul’s trip.
The board then approved the full $253 for reimbursement after some discussion.

Item#3:
Grant contract Authorization
David explained that signing the contact now would mean that it would sit with IDEM
And not become active until the money arrived from EPA.
There was about 35 minutes of discussion regarding the contract, it’s wording and the groups responsibilities. Much of the discussion also focused on the Elkhart River Alliance steering committee and its function.

Harold Weaver made a motion to authorize David Troup (President) to sign the contract.
Gene Stutzman seconded the motion. The motion passed on a unanimous voice vote.

George Buckingham suggested the board look into Officer and Director Liability Insurance. David said that he would look into getting quotes from 1st Source and Salem Insurance.

Item#4:
Gene Lightner’s Noble County Request
The group discussed Gene’s request for chainsaws, hand winches, etc.
There was some liability concerns regarding purchasing (and owning) this equipment that would be used to clear log jams. George Buckingham suggested that perhaps the money could be given to Gene for the purpose of purchasing the requested equipment himself.
George was going to research and see the ERRA (being a not for profit) could legally give money to an individual.

The issue was then tabled because of liability concerns.

Item#5:
Other business.
Stuart Meade mentioned the proposed bridge over the Elkhart River at CR 140 and asked if the ERRA should facilitate a public meeting for both the City of Goshen and Elkhart County could voice their opposing views of the proposed bridge. Stuart suggested hosting a public discussion and question and answer session regarding the proposed bridge and its impact on the river would be a benefit to the community and would be good exposure for ERRA.

The proposal was tabled for now.

Item#6
The next meeting is November 20th the Monday before Thanksgiving.


Submitted by Stuart Meade
- posted by David @ 10:10 PM

 
ELKHART RIVER RESTORATION ASSOCIATION, INC.
Annual membership meeting

Sept. 18, 2006 7:00 pm – Goshen City Annex

Directors Present: Linda Wilson, George Buckingham, Gene Stutsman, Nelson Bushong, Harold Weaver, Stuart Meade, David Troup, Milt Thomas

David Troup called the meeting to order. Minutes from the September 19, 2005 Annual Meeting were reviewed and approved.

Nelson Bushong gave the treasurer’s report.

Item #3:
Membership report: David Troup reported that membership is 84

Item #4:
Stuart gave an update on the Watershed Management plan which included the next steps:
-Sign contract with IDEM
-Hire a coordinator once the money becomes available but first decide on the Coordinator’s responsibilities and create a contract with them that reflects those responsibilities.
- Develop Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP) for the monitoring activities.
- The QAPP must be submitted and approved by IDEM at least one month prior to initiating monitoring.

Item#5:
Milt reported on the Adopt-A-River cleanup from May 24. The Goshen High School National Honor Society participated in the cleanup and used eight canoes that were supplied by the City of Goshen.
Ray Swanson towed about half of the canoes and participants up stream to CR 40 bridge.
A photographer from the Goshen news was present and took many pictures but only one appeared in the newspaper with a caption.
The next cleanup is being planned for sometime in October. Milt said that he is waiting to hear back from the National Honor Society regarding their availability before a date is set.

Item#6
Paul Steury attended an EPA watershed conference in Pennsylvania and gave a power point presentation report back to the group.
Paul said that conference aspects:
1) Suggestions of how to better your watershed
2) Case studies of success stories.
Paul’s PP presentation included the following:
Problems with runoff and invasive species
Benefits of Buffer strips
Negative effects of sediments (increase in thermal pollution, makes it hard for predators to find prey, etc.)
Aerial pictures detailing the Elkhart River adding lots of suspended sediment to the St. Joseph River.
Pervious pavement – Bricks for paving, porous asphalt and recycled concrete
Water quality swales to help filter parking lot runoff
CSO (Combined sewer overflow) summary
Constructed wetland applications for CSOs
Raingardens, etc.

Item#7
Noble County River Cleanup - Gene Lightner
Gene gave background information on the North and South Branch of the Elkhart River(s) in Noble County.
Gave brief history of the efforts of Noble County to designate the Elkhart River as a regulated drain.
Gene then reported on his and other’s efforts (as part of the Elkhart River Alliance) to remove log jams on the river to allow them to maintain their navigability and drainage properties while also protecting the river’s habitat and natural state.
IDEM recently gave a presentation to the Elkhart River Alliance on how to legally remove log jams on the river.
Gene submitted a request to ERRA for $4,000.00 to purchase chainsaws, a hand winch, and other equipment to assist in the clearing of these log jams.

Next meeting November 20, 2006

Submitted by Stuart Meade
- posted by David @ 10:08 PM