Broad River Watershed Association Board Meeting

June 10, 2009

Present at Meeting: Sam Linhart, Jean Smith, Michael Moody, Victor Johnson, Pat Kelly, Mary Freeman, Paul Webb, Robbie Griffith, Jeff Pentz

Approval of May minutes was postponed until the July board meeting.

Victor presented the May financial report. Pat Kelly moved to approve the May financial statement. It was seconded and approved unanimously.

Jean reported she is still working on a draft of the letter to send to the Stephens County property owners and should be ready by the July meeting.

Jean and Sam were asked to talk about stream monitoring at a Montessori school summer camp at the Botanical Gardens. Jean and Sam had a great time showing the kids how to look for macro invertebrates. The kids had a ball getting in the creek and identifying the creatures that they found seining and turning over rocks.

Robbie reported that the rain and forecast caused the Shoal Lily float to be cancelled. Robbie went ahead because he was afraid some would not get the email. There were several who showed up, so they floated quickly down to the shoals. Paul Webb and his friend were at the shoals fishing. The float was considered a success because the heavy rain held off until after everyone reached the take out at the campground.
Robbie monitored the Ruff Rd. tract. The county had repaired the road after it was washed out by one of the heavy rains this spring. Some of the signs had been removed and Robbie will try to replace them soon.
The Wyoming professor that owns 50 acres in Banks County had shown interest in a conservation easement. Robbie sent him all of the information but has not heard back from him yet.
Robbie has not had a chance to get signs for Purvis Woods. He has had a verbal commitment from the person who had the last hunting lease on Purvis Woods to lease it again. Robbie will try to finalize the lease soon.

Sam said he would like to have the Newland grant money remain available for future stream monitoring projects. Monitoring downstream of the waste treatment plants in the watershed will probably begin in the fall.

Jeff has figured out how to get YouTube imbedded in our website. He had also asked Eric about uploading pdf files, using PayPal, having the BRWA info more prominent on each page and changing the contrast and color of the font. Eric has changed the contrast and font but has not responded about the other requests. Jeff has taken some great pictures of the Shoal Lily Float, a beaver eating on the Broad River, and trillium in the watershed that he will post on the website

Mary said that Melissa is ready to work on the newsletter. She asked Jeff to send her some pictures for the newsletter. Sam asked Pat to send a summary for the ecoli monitoring.

Victor presented the budget for 2010. Internet access at the office, liability insurance for board members, Delorme subscription to download maps to the GPS, books especially for land trusts, money to pay Eric to complete website, Microsoft Office Suite for laptop, and purchasing equipment were discussed. Paul Webb moved to approve the 2010 budget at $16,124 with $1000 for website added and $3200 for equipment deleted. The motion was seconded and approved unanimously.

Mary brought up the annual meeting. Victor said that the building at Watson Mill Park has been reserved. Mary said Pat Carithers arranged the caterer last year and she will ask her if she wants to do it again. Pat Kelly said that Claire Hudson had volunteered at the last annual meeting to do the catering for the next meeting. Jean will email her to ask if she is still interested. Victor knows the Water Coalition regional representative and will invite him to attend the meeting.
Mary suggested Joe Cook of Paddle Georgia or a member of the Georgia Water Coalition for the speaker. She will see who is available to speak to us at the meeting.

There was discussion about changing the number of board members and years they can serve before having to step down. Mary suggested that board members review the by-laws and make a decision at the July meeting.

Sam read the recognition by GA River Network of Mary Freeman. Mary was awarded the first Georgia River Hero Award for her outstanding work in protecting Georgia rivers. Suggestions were made to post it on the website and in the newspaper.

Victor moved to adjourn the meeting. It was seconded and passed unanimously.