Verde NRCD Monthly Meeting -Minutes
April 12, 2010, 9:00 a.m.,
Camp Verde Chamber of Commerce
385 Main St.,
Camp Verde, AZ 86322

Minutes of the Verde NRCD Meeting for April 12, 2010

1. Call to order -- Chairperson Jodi Allen called the meeting to order at 9:00 am.

2. Introductions – Those attending were Supervisors Jodi Allen, Ryna Rock, Kaki Rowland and Beth Toraason; District Clerk Margery Lambert; Ed Center Director Lynda Zanolli; and Bob Arambula and Kresta Faaborg from NRCS.

3. Consent Agenda -- Ryna Rock made a motion to approve the March minutes as written, Beth Toraason seconded it. Three votes to approve; one abstain by Kaki Rowland. Ryna made a motion to adopt the April 12 meeting agenda as written, Beth seconded it. All approved.

4. Correspondence review/acknowledgment -- Jodi Allen distributed copies of incoming correspondence, including AZ Wildlife News and Range magazines.

5. Agency Reports--
NRCS: A. Kresta Faaborg distributed copies of the Local Work Group (LWG) recommendations packet and explained contents, including Priority Resource Concerns ranking worksheets with notes of resource concerns NRCS has addressed in the District, questions used for ranking for EQIP and WHIP programs, and examples of additional questions that can be used. She is willing to present information at the LWG meeting, as is Bob Arambula. Advised that District has to provide public notice of meeting at least 2 weeks in advance and suggested invitees include USFS, producers, BLM, State, AZ Game & Fish, Park Service, and USFW. B. She will be attending the Yavapai Cattle Growers’ Association meeting on April 17, and distributed copies of the presentation that she will be giving about NRCS programs and District contacts. C. Also reported that M Diamond Ranch was approved for an EQIP contract. D. NRCS has received two inquiries about the “organic EQIP” program and explained the requirements to qualify for it. Growers must be certified as organic or working toward certification and have a letter from USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service division in order to qualify. Cost to become certified is $25,000. Problem is that there is no one in AZ to write organic plans and inspect for organic certification compliance. E. Reported that March’s NRCS-District workshop went well, with significant agreement between NRCS and Districts. Will distribute a summarization of ideas generated when it is available. F. Provided name and contact information about Sedona resident and grower interested in becoming involved with the District.

6. Old Items
Friends of the Verde River Greenway (VRG)-- Jodi reported that VRG will not begin weed eradication this fall due to several factors: group not prepared yet, plus need to consider buffer zone issue relating to use of herbicide. Also, USFW has only funded the project for 2 years yet requires a 10-year contract from landowners that says they won’t undermine work that has been done. VRG still hopes to begin the project in 2011.

Promotional brochure printing—After comparison and discussion of local vs. Internet printing costs, Jodi made a motion that the District use an Internet-based printer, Beth seconded. All approved. Total cost for printing and shipping 1000 brochures will be approximately $250. Both staff will proceed and brochures should be ready in time for the birding festival.

Wildlife escape ramp—Jodi has attempted to contact Doug Tolleson at Yavapai County Extension office about ordering the lighter-weight metal, but has not received a reply. Lynda spoke with Justin at MUHS; he says there are no students interested in constructing the ramps at this time and that Doug dropped off more metal recently. No interest expressed in the boot scraper project. Board agreed that the project needs to stay on track. Lynda will follow up with Justin. Kaki recommended protecting the metal so it doesn't’t rust.

Weather station—Jodi spoke with Dee Hines regarding the equipment remaining at the USFS office and indicated it would be removed. She has contacted Richard Becker to have him remove the equipment and put into the shed.

International Wildlife Film Festival—Ryna reported that Harkins Theatres has agreed to host the film festival, but in Flagstaff location only. No date set yet. Discussion about using small theaters; possible in future but not for the initial run.

NRCD checking account/monthly financial statement—Jodi distributed the statement for March. No discussion.

Verde Birding and Nature Festival-- Lynda reported she sent e-mails to all the area schools that she is available to visit and promote the festival and contests. Is reading all the submitted essays with Mary Ontiveras today and Weds. Passed around sign-up sheet for volunteers to set up and staff the booth starting Weds. April 21. She will not be available to staff the booth at all on Thursday because she will be leading two field trips. She has also has put music to the Power point presentation; presentation is ready to play on computers but not playable in a DVD player due to technical issues. She will get help to resolve issues. Ryna noted she will have a tv available at the AWF booth next door and can play the DVD there. Lynda also showed handout that accompanies the DVD; after discussion, Board agreed to having her upload the handout onto the web site, along with the brochure. She has also printed out 50 cooperator agreements to have available at the booth. Other items will include Backyard Conservation pamphlet, Tread Lightly brochure (hiking), Project WET history trunk, “A drop in the bucket” hands-on activity, activity books from the shed, Earth Day posters, and all the poster contest submittals. Bob Arambula offered to donate several adaptor devices for 2-liter bottles to convert them to bird feeders.

Rubber boats—Lynda e-mailed four local colleges/programs with Jodi’s contact info but Jodi has not received any replies. Jodi noted that Bob Rothrock would like all three boats, but she still wants to donate them to an organization and is concerned about the extent of the repairs required. After discussion, Beth made a motion that the District give Bob one boat, Ryna seconded. All approved. Lynda will contact Bob and ask him to provide feedback about the boat and repairs to it.

Election process— Margery reported that Doug Witte is sending out ballots this week. Once received, she will mail them to everyone requesting one and then the ballots are due to the p.o. box at the end of the month. Due to her travel schedule, final ballot count and tally can occur after she returns (Monday, May 3). She will then proceed with final paperwork at that time.

Per Diem statement, expense forms—Lynda distributed copies of the updated per diem expense forms based on the revised policy statement. Margery noted that mileage allowance may change based on IRS policy but will check with Doug Witte about State’s mileage allowance. For now, mileage is set at $0.55/mile. Jodi reminded everyone of need to fill out per diem form and, in the case of outside meetings, attach agenda or other notes of the meetings, in order to be reimbursed. Lynda also created a separate expense sheet to be submitted with general purchase receipts; she’ll make a version each for Ed Center and for NRCD. Jodi also asked that, for the sake of bookkeeping accuracy, everyone submit per diem or expense forms even if planning to donate the money back to the District.

7. New Items
Local Work Group—Jodi and Margery will listen to the net meeting at 1:00 for information about how to conduct the LWG meeting. Ryna will be able to listen to part of it, and Beth possibly will also. Kresta said the web site for the net meeting is mynetmeeting.com. Kresta suggested the LWG meeting be scheduled for a minimum of 1.5 hours on a weekday, but some go 4 hours. She also reminded us that the meeting must be held by June 30. After discussion, Board decided to schedule the LWG meeting on May 10 from 8:30-10:00 at a to-be-determined location, then hold the regular monthly meeting afterwards. Jodi and Margery will coordinate on location, invitation, public notice, mailing list and other details later this week.

Wild and Scenic designation for Verde River—Lynda distributed copies of a recent article about a push for W&S designation for Upper Verde. Kaki noted that the effort is a way to add a layer of protection to the river. After discussion, Board agreed to support the effort but not get actively involved. Board can revisit the idea of involvement when it renews its 2-year and 10-year plans.

Fundraising and newsletter ideas—Margery discussed ideas for a newsletter and plans to move forward with one. Kaki emphasized benefits of newsletters as cooperator “deliverables.” Margery also discussed her research into fundraising projects done by other Districts, such as a native plant sale. She reported on initial positive discussion with Verde River Growers about them participating in a tree sale. Others’ ideas included selling seedlings or sign-ups for plants at other events, and selling seeds. Margery suggests everyone think about possible District-owned projects to be included in the next round of planning. Kresta suggested contacting major corporations such as Walmart for community grants for projects once planning complete.

Supervisor Report (Ryna)— A. Ryna reported on the March NRCS-District workshop and provided handouts for the file; workshop was very well attended, especially by tribal District representatives. Main focus: “We’re all in this together.” B. Also reported on AWF activities and legislation concerning hunting as constitutional right, G&F Commission candidate selection, and free licenses to Scouts. C. G&F Expo: official attendance was 32,000. NRCD (Lynda) joined AWF and AZ Wildlife Education Foundation at their booth; lots of literature distributed. Also distributed State Parks-provided brochure promoting Dead Horse State Park. D. Still no meeting with Rep. Anne Kirkpatrick. However, AWF and several other groups have made contact with Kirkpatrick’s office and are working on setting up a TeleTown Hall meeting regarding conservation issues. No meeting date set yet, but it has to be more than 90 days before the election. AWF will provide focus questions mid-week. E. AWF-paid radio ad campaign with Tom O’Halleran began, promoting renewable energy legislation that could help make AZ the “Solar State.” F. Verde Headwaters work project scheduled for Saturday, April 17. Written report provided for the file.

Supervisor Report (Kaki)—Kaki keeping up with negotiations between SRP and Steve Pierce regarding importation of Big Chino water into Prescott. Concerned that SRP will become aggressive in the Verde Valley re water rights.
Supervisor Report (Beth)— Flagstaff session very educational. Kresta recommended comparing the language of ARS Title 37 presented at workshop with the official language on the State’s web site. Kresta also noted work being done on new Farm Bill, and input is invited. Also strongly recommended making connections with other districts and raising funds so NRCD isn’t so reliant on state funding.

District Clerk report— Margery summarized the past month’s activities as focused on the election.

Ed Center Director report—A. Lynda noted the number of hours to be spent at the Birding festival will cause the monthly total to far exceed the regular 15 and wondered about compensation. After discussion, Board agreed that staff’s regular work hours should remain steady for the month and that festival work hours should be compensated above and beyond that. Jodi made a motion that up to 20 hours be paid to both Lynda and Margery for their time spent at the festival booth, Beth seconded. All approved. Any time over 20 hours at the festival will be put toward comp time. B. Lynda also inventoried contents of the shed; gave stored posters to Ryna. Historical materials need to be addressed, dealt with; especially concerned because the shed roof leaks. Jodi will obtain estimates to have the roof repaired and report back to the Board. C. Lynda also reported on her experience at the G&F Expo; estimated 300-500 visits to the booth each day. D. Quarterly report for State is ready for submittal. Written report submitted for the file.

Meeting adjourned at 11:22 am.
Next meeting May 10th, 2010 following the Local Work Group meeting.
Minutes approved:

_______________________ _____________________
Jodi Allen, Chair Date
Persons with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation by calling Jodi Allen at 928-567-3107 or 928-554-0463. Requests should be made as early as possible to allow time to arrange the accommodation.