Verde NRCD Monthly Meeting
Minutes
February 8, 2010, 9:00 a.m.,
Camp Verde Chamber of Commerce
385 Main St.,
Camp Verde, AZ 86322
1. Call to order --
Chairperson Jodi Allen called the meeting to order at 9:02 am. |
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2. Introductions
– Those attending were Supervisors Jodi
Allen, Ryna Rock, Kaki Rowland, and Beth Toraason; District Clerk Margery
Lambert; Ed Center Director Lynda Zanolli; Mark Jalving and Kresta Faaborg
from NRCS; and Doug Witte from AZ State Land Dept. |
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3. Consent Agenda -- Ryna Rock made a motion to approve the January minutes as written, Beth Toraason seconded it. Motion passed. Jodi Allen made a motion to adopt the Feb. 8 meeting agenda as amended to include the addition of her supervisor report; Ryna seconded it. Motion passed. |
4. Correspondence review/acknowledgment -- Jodi distributed
copies of incoming correspondence, including Forestry Notes, Farm Bill information,
and Doug Witte’s letter to Districts regarding upcoming election and
procedures.
5. Agency Reports--
State Land Dept.: Doug Witte discussed the election process, which needs to
begin in February. Noted that chapter 4 of the State Lands/NRCD Ops Manual
contains procedures and links to the necessary forms. One copy of each supervisor
nomination form plus his/her cooperative agreement form should be kept in
the District files and another copy forwarded to Doug. Fourth quarter funding
is safe; however, next fiscal year’s funding is still questionable.
There will be a discussion of this at the Legislative Event on Thursday (Feb.
11). Although Gov. Brewer wants to sweep the Heritage Funds, Doug has heard
that NRCD funding would be put back into the general fund. Ryna noted that
SB 1004 is currently being considered; this legislation would reauthorize
the Lottery and continue the eligibility of those agencies that have previously
been eligible (including NRCDs) for up to $10 million of future Lottery funds.
Doug reported on Game and Fish’s wildlife corridor assessment project
in Coconino County; he will forward information to the District for us to
get involved and help provide information. Kaki noted that the Nature Conservancy
has a Verde project going on and would be helpful.
NRCS: Kresta Faaborg reported that the local office should find out this week
which EQUIP applications will be funded. Local applications do include one
in the Verde District. In addition, Mike McCulley, a rancher in Williams,
has expressed interest in buying some wildlife ramps. The local NRCS office
received positive feedback from the federal office regarding civil rights
policies and procedures. Just a few rain/snow calls after the recent storms,
from Black Canyon City and Kirkland Creek. No direct NRCS involvement at this
point. In response to Jodi’s e-mail to NRCS regarding liability insurance
for volunteers: NRCS doesn’t cover this unless the volunteers are working
directly for NRCS, not the District. Kaki Rowland noted that the District
has volunteer liability release forms that have been used in past projects.
State Lands also has a liability release form, but it’s not for long-term
liability. Doug will supply the name and contact information of the Risk Management
office to Jodi so she can obtain liability waiver forms. Kresta also reported
that the NRCS is in a budget freeze, with money capped at 2010 level for now.
Not necessarily a hiring freeze, but more information is forthcoming. Mark
Jalving reported that his rain gauge at home (Camp Verde) recorded over 6
inches rain over the past 3 weeks. Between 60 and 75 inches of snow has been
measured in Flagstaff.
6. Old Items--
Friends of the Verde River Greenway (VRG)-- Jodi noted the request from Freeport-McMoRan
Copper for a liability waiver built into the project. Freeport also has asked
for proof of District’s 501c3 status. US Fish and Wildlife also wants
this. Regular NRCD doesn’t have 501c3 status as a state governmental
entity, but Ed Center does. She has arranged with IRS for documentation confirming
current 501c3 status of Ed Center. Doug reminded the board that we need to
check with the state Corporation Commission to ensure that the Ed Center’s
501c3 current annual report is on file. Jodi would also like to check into
private insurance for board liability in case this is needed. Beth made a
motion to approve Jodi looking into private insurance; Ryna seconded. All
approved.
Wildlife escape ramp— Jodi reviewed the problem with production of the
ramps due to the metal. It’s supposed to be 11-13” expanded metal;
however, Yavapai Extension office supplied metal that’s too thick to
be bent. Jodi asked Kaki about her metal-bending brake; Kaki warned that it’s
very dangerous to use and suggested that we rent one. Jodi has contacted Robert
Garcia with the USFS, and Heather Mulcaire from Mingus HS, to find a brake.
Jodi will also contact the original funders for this project to inform them
that the District will be selling the ramps as a 50/50 split with the FFA.
Weather station—Jodi will supply pictures and specifications on it to
Beth so she can list it on eBay.
NRCD checking account/monthly financial statement—Jodi distributed the
January financial statement, noting the two deposits (NRCD and Ed Center)
from the State. Doug is sure the fourth quarter funding will be at least that
same amount, possibly more.
Verde Birding and Nature Festival-- Lynda Zanolli reported she attended the
recent planning meeting and passed around the new program. Lynda and Mary
Ontiveras will be judging the student essay contest. L ynda will also be her
partner for the April 22 field trip. All materials have been distributed to
the local schools; Lynda will speak to school staff meetings the first week
of March to promote the contest. Lynda also reserved a booth with electricity,
next to the AZ Wildlife Federation booth. Has reserved a free “history
trunk” supplied by Project Wet to help with water awareness. Ryna reminded
Lynda of previous discussion about having a power point presentation available
at the booth. Lynda will discuss later in her report. Lynda will be asking
for volunteers to help with the booth in March. In the meantime she and Ryna
will visit the District’s shed to look for supplies and materials for
the booth. Ryna also requested that the winning essays be available to put
in the following month’s AWF publication.
7. New Items--
New board member intro/appointment process-- Jodi brought up a possible way
to bring new appointed supervisors on board, with introductions at a regular
meeting, followed by having them fill out cooperative agreements, board discussion/acceptance
and subsequent nomination. Doug recommended that new supervisors can be nominated
for appointment after Ryna is officially re-elected. Also will be important
to find out appointees’ special interests, skills.
Promotional packet review—Lynda distributed draft of 3-page synopsis
of NRCD mission, programs, etc. for initial review and comment. This material
will be given to potential cooperators, and will also be the basis of the
planned power point presentation. Doug suggested adding links to the AZ State
Lands website, US NRCD sites. NRCS had corrections. Lynda asked that everyone
provide their comments/corrections in writing to her.
Reauthorization of supervisor meeting attendance— Jodi wants to review
where District is being represented at outside meetings and what information
will come back from the attendance at outside meetings. Doug reminded board
that, in case of an audit, documentation is required to justify attendance.
Suggests activity report from supervisors in future minutes. Jodi asked for
a list of all outside meetings attended. Kaki stated the meetings she regularly
attends are for VRBP, WAC, WAC Technical Committee, and Central Yavapai Highlands
Water Resources Study (CYHWRS) (Bureau of Reclamation study regarding water
demands/resources/import into the Verde basin). Kaki puts particular emphasis
on agricultural/cultural water needs and rights. Doug advised that supervisors
bring copies of the meetings’ agendas and minutes to the NRCD meeting
to be included in District’s minutes. Jodi requested that Kaki give
a report on each meeting she attends as part of her supervisor report. Ryna
and Jodi emphasized the need for all supervisors to be educated on the issues
brought up in the outside meetings, and be in agreement as to the NRCD positions
being represented at outside meetings.
Per diems— Jodi distributed draft of travel/per diem policy statement
for review by supervisors and emphasized the need for the board to pre-approve
a supervisor’s attendance at outside meetings other than those regularly
attended. Doug suggested Kaki could bring an official policy statement from
NRCD to help influence other agencies. Most NRCDs are not considered “coordinating
agencies” with state and federal agencies, and it’s a complicated
process to become a coordinating agency. However, doing so could help NRCDs
educate and influence other agencies.
The AZ Association of Conservation Districts is trying to develop a protocol
for Districts to become coordinating agencies. Jodi and Margery will revise
the per diem form. Lynda noted that she submitted 2 per diem reimbursement
requests for a 1-credit website class (taken instead of the previously-approved
3-credit class) and accompanying book.
International Wildlife Film Festival— The festival is scheduled for
September or October 2010. On Feb. 3 Ryna met with Ty Gray of AZ Game and
Fish to plan two festival locations (Flagstaff and Phoenix) and a possible
third venue (Tucson). Sent letter to Harkins Theatres, no reply yet. Are working
on finding a backup location also. Films will emphasize wildlife issues relating
to AZ, with two categories: family-oriented (kids of all ages) and more adult-oriented
themes. The AZ festival will be able to use templates used at the International
Wildlife Film Festival held in Missoula, MT. Game and Fish will use their
auxiliary (Adobe Mountain Wildlife Center) to do fund-raising. Ryna will be
calling on NRCD for volunteering.
Supervisor Report - Ryna— Ryna reported that on Jan. 26 she and Sara
Luna, a representative of AZ Conservation Partnership, met with Sedona’s
mayor and Keep Sedona Beautiful president regarding natural resource issues
and Sedona’s efforts to get scenic (NSA) designation worked on by Ann
Kirkpatrick. Also noted that AWF has been asking Kirkpatrick for a face-to-face
meeting for a full year. Kirkpatrick has been “non-responsive”
to environmental groups’ calls for meetings. AWF considering working
to get more grants to hold more public forums on natural resource issues;
perhaps Kirkpatrick will attend like she did in 2008. On Jan. 16 Ryna, as
part of the conservation committee of Game and Fish Commission, discussed
a possible project removing fencing on Game and Fish property at the Verde
River headwaters. Will keep board informed on possible involvement opportunity.
Participated in publicizing the Environmental Day rally at the capitol. Working
on proposed legislation that would change the state constitution to include
the “constitutional right to hunt and fish.” AWF is against the
legislation. Other AWF activities included in separate supervisor report,
including Hunting Heritage Work Group, BOW event, feral horse and burro policy
resolution, radio campaign focused on climate change and renewable energy
development.
Supervisor Report – Jodi—Jodi reported that Camp Verde’s
city offices are closed on Fridays, so it’s time to find a new place
to post the meeting notice. She can’t get to offices on Thursdays. Suggestions
include the post office. Ryna moved that we move the agenda posting to the
Camp Verde post office and notify Secretary of State of the location change,
Beth seconded. All approved. Jodi also reported that the 3 rubber boats owned
by the District are unusable due to broken seams (glue failure) and they’d
be expensive to repair or dispose of. Perhaps the District could donate the
boats to a school. Lynda volunteered to contact schools to see if a club or
class wants the boats and will report back.
District Clerk report— Margery reported that she completed the compilation
and organization of all the FY 09-10 agendas and minutes for distribution
to Carolyn Mucci at State Lands; one set is also in the office files and another
set in a “portable office” binder notebook that can be brought
to meetings. Also created mini-office of filing and mailing supplies, stationery,
etc. Jodi noted that she has some stationery. Lynda will get that electronically
copied. Continued to pare away at the e-mails, sorting out those that have
legal or procedural importance, and forwarded mail possibly pertinent to Ed
Center to Lynda. Updated board on website training, expressing concern for
the time required for a 3-credit class; instead, will meet with Lynda and
Joe Spangler, the District’s webmaster, to discuss website and learn
some basic skills in uploading items. Calendar year 2010 agendas and minutes
to date have been uploaded; Doug will create a link on State Lands to the
website. Asked how far back per diems must be kept; Doug suggested at least
3 years.
Ed Center Director report-- Lynda distributed Ed Center monthly report. Already
reported on the Verde River Birding Festival and website training items. Created
updated cooperator form and will make it available on the website in Word
and Adobe formats. After review, some changes will be made, i.e. phone number,
civil rights language. Will add language to the website about “Why is
it important to become a cooperator?” based on the language of the 3-page
promotional packet/power point slides. Supervisors and NRCS staff will review
and send Lynda comments/changes. Requested and received free NOHVCC educational
video and asked if District wants to continue displaying OHV program materials
at Birding Festival and other events. Board wants materials displayed at Birding
Festival, but not given a lot of prominence due to some previous misconceptions
about NRCD’s position on off-highway vehicle use. Demo’d the power
point slide presentation she created, and requested that changes, additions,
and comments be submitted in writing. Kresta suggested emphasizing the benefits
of being a cooperator and scaling back program-specific information, and highlighting
District activities before NRCS. Has e-mailed board about new dates for highway
clean-up program; now will be 4th Saturday of each month. Informed board of
“Leave No Trace” awareness workshop on April 10 in Prescott. Kaki
moved that Lynda be approved to attend the workshop, Ryna seconded. All approved.
Showed board the new business cards and arranged to create customized cards
for board members and staff.
New agenda items— Promotional packet review and film festival update
(to be listed under old items), updates on Friends of the Verde River Greenway
collaboration, weather station sale, and report on Kaki and Beth’s attendance
at the AZNRCD Winter Legislative Event.
Meeting adjourned at 11:35 am.
Next meeting March 8th, 2010 at 9:00 am.
Minutes approved:
_______________________ _____________________
Jodi Allen, NRCD 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.