Verde NRCD Monthly Meeting
Minutes
January 11, 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 9:10 am. |
 |
2. Introductions –
Those attending were Supervisors Jodi Allen, Ryna Rock and 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. |
3. Consent Agenda --
Ryna Rock made a motion to approve the December minutes as written, Kaki seconded
it. Motion passed. Jodi Allen made a motion to adopt the Jan. 11 meeting agenda
as amended to include the addition of Doug Witte; Ryna Rock seconded it.
Motion passed.
Jodi reminded group that meeting is being run according to Robert’s
Rules of Order.
4. Correspondence review/acknowledgment --
J odi distributed copies of incoming correspondence, including Verde Watershed
Association acknowledgment of NRCD dues payment to VRWP.
5. Agency Reports--
NRCS: Kresta reported that 3 applications for EQIP assistance have been received
in the Flagstaff office; 2 were deferred from 2009 due to lack of funding.
One new application. NRCS will make decision by about Jan. 20; first three
applicants will get priority but applications will continue to be accepted
throughout the year.
No applications came from the Verde area.
The WHIP program now applies only to private and tribal lands. NRCS is dialoging
with tribal representatives. A new packet regarding NRCS programs is due out
within a few months. The state NRCS office has begun allocating funds to each
office to be given to producers in the particular area covered by that office.
Also, as a result of the last Local Working Group meeting, NRCS is planning
joint workshops with Farm Service Agency (FSA) to inform producers of various
programs and eligibility requirements.
EWP funds are available but only if the President declares an emergency and
danger exists to life or structural property as a result of a storm.
Other programs include Conservation Technical Assistance (CTA), with maps,
on-site technical assistance, etc. available for free, and the Conservation
Stewardship Program (CSP), which rewards landowners for conservation measures
already in place, but only on privately-owned land.
Very limited use in this area. State Land Dept.: Doug reported that 2 of the
5 area range resource management specialists in the Land Dept. are including
a stipulation requiring use of wildlife escapement ramps with new livestock
drinkers installed by landowners.
One provided a letter to inform Verde NRCD about possible new demand and inquiring
about quantities available, price. Price is $20 each.
Jodi reported none currently in stock due to metal issues.
Doug anticipated 10-15 ramps would be requested this year. Ramps could be
covered by EQIP. In our District, there would be no charge for ramps.
About 200 FFA students are involved locally. Doug says no other state District
is providing ramps, so there’s a potential state-wide market. Kaki noted
that District is committed to providing ramps within the District first.
Doug also discussed upcoming election, to be held first Saturday in May. District
has 2 slots for appointed supervisors (2-year terms) and 3 elected positions;
Jodi’s term expires 2014; Kaki’s expires 2012; and Ryna’s
expires 2010.
New chapter has been added to operations manual that explains election protocol;
he will suggest ways that Districts can make process easier.
Recommends that election supervisory board be appointed or assembled in January
or February— to consist of 2 inspectors and 1 judge. Doug will assist
throughout the election process.
State will provide public notice templates regarding supervisor vacancies
(also in ops manual).
Nominees should attach a list of 25 cooperators with their nomination notice,
which can be difficult.
Nominees must be at least 18, a cooperator, and reside within the District
to qualify. Judge/poll operator has to verify that voters are qualified cooperators.
Kaki noted that the District is going on a cooperator sign-up “spree”
within next few months.
Jodi introduced Lynda and Margery to Doug. Doug discussed set-up of Ed Center’s
board of directors since it is a 501(c)(3) sponsored by the NRCD. Offered
different suggestions for Ed Center program emphases and provided names of
various Ed Center Districts throughout state that Lynda can contact.
State has approved Beth to serve in one of the vacant appointed positions
until May 31, 2010; Doug provided certificate for District file. The position
then needs to be re-filled in June after the election process is completed.
Throughout the 2-year appointment or 6-year elected period, ability to have
supervisors resign or be appointed is “loose” in order to assure
a quorum.
All State agencies had to come up with 15% reduction in budget; however, legislature
has also tapped 42% of Heritage funds and 18% of special plate funds. Stephanie
Smallhouse and state NRCD association are aware; Feb. 11 is statewide Legislative
Affairs event where District reps can approach their legislators. Last week
Doug submitted request for third quarterly disbursement of $1,250 for Ed Center,
$4,365 for NRCD operations. $5,000 comes for Ed Center, which requires quarterly
or monthly and yearly financial reporting to State.
6. Old Items
Friends of the Verde River Greenway (VRG)-- Jodi Allen reported that on Jan.
23, Coconino N.F., VRG are conducting invasive species removal on the Verde
River at 8:00 a.m. at Beasely Flats. It’s the last restoration project
this year and all are invited. Kaki inquired about the chemicals used, concerned
about Rotinin (sp?). VRG is not using Rotinin. No new status regarding the
9-year invasive species removal project that will involve a coalition of NRCD,
VWA, and other local agencies.
Jodi reviewed the project and noted that they will be signing property owners
along the river as cooperators to allow property access, and offering a packet
containing NRCD cooperator sign-up forms. Doug noted that one does not actually
have to be a landowner to be a cooperator, but have some management authority.
Project starting with a $25,000 grant, in addition to using volunteers. Doug
said volunteers need to fill out a form for risk management; Jodi noted VRG
will be in charge of that. Ryna noted the NRCD’s letter to the Walton
Foundation requesting a grant application for assistance with the VRG project
and reminded the group of the packet she and Beth volunteered to put together,
showing contents for review. She will e-mail the supervisors and staff the
packet contents for further review.
Wildlife escape ramp—Kaki reported that Andy Groseta would like 25 ramps
so long as “no strings attached.” He will have his own 4-H group
install them.
Weather station—Kaki learned that 4 donations were made toward the purchase
of the weather station: NOAA, Salt River Project, and two others for which
records were not found. Doesn’t know status, but thinks all the paperwork
is in the District’s storage shed. Doug says that if the District wrote
the grant, obtained the money, and purchased the weather station, then we
can sell it. Beth volunteered to sell it on eBay.
NRCD checking account/monthly financial statement—Jodi distributed four-months
of financial statements and explained contents. She instructed the Clerk to
discard the previously-created statements for September and October 2009 and
replace with the new ones.
Verde River Basin Partnership contribution—Jodi reported she sent a
$100 contribution to them but needed to redo the check, making it out to the
Verde Watershed Association (they are overseeing the VRBP).
Verde Birding and Nature
Festival-- Lynda reported she contacted Mary Ontiveros and will attend
the organizing meeting to be held Jan. 20. This year’s essay contest
theme is “How can I influence future positive changes in the Verde Valley
environment?” Lynda wants to visit area schools to promote the essay
contest at teachers’ faculty meetings and wants Board approval. Kaki
made a motion to approve Lynda’s visits to schools, Beth seconded. All
approved. No Festival discussion about money yet; however, Jodi has a letter
asking if NRCD is going to sponsor the event, rent a booth, donate how much,
etc. Lynda asked if NRCD participated in the KidZone; supervisors didn’t
recall if this was done in previous years. Jodi reminded Lynda that she could
do it this year if she wanted to. Kaki noted the Ed Center job description
still needs to be created by the Board. Doug said the first discussion is
how we wish to structure the Ed Center’s Board of Directors as a 501
(c)(3). Lynda suggests the job description be discussed at a separate work
session, to be noted as a new agenda item for next month.
Website training—Lynda found an “open entry/closed exit”
class offered by Yavapai College and read the course description. Cost is
$174.00. Must start between Jan. 20 and March 16, then have 8 weeks to complete.
Lynda would like to take the class; Margery wished to consider it first. Kaki
made a motion to pay $174 for Lynda to take the class, reporting about the
class and creating an Ed Center website; Ryna seconded it. All approved. Lynda
will put the training to use on behalf of the District also (not just the
Ed Center) if Margery does not attend the class.
7. New Items
Treasurer—Jodi reported that she has become familiar with the Treasurer’s
job and is willing to continue this position. Kaki wondered if Chairman can
also be Treasurer; Doug indicated it needn’t be an issue for the time
being. After the election, it can be revisited. Jodi called for a vote to
designate her the Treasurer; Beth made a motion to approve Jodi as Treasurer,
Kaki seconded. All approved. Jodi asked for per diems to be added to February
agenda. Kaki reminded group that per diems are submitted/disbursed quarterly
and are for out-of-town expenses.
Open meeting law discussion-- Jodi asked if anyone had questions following
our attendance at the workshop on Jan. 6.
Lynda brought up the issue of broadcast e-mails (“send all” and
“reply all”) regarding District business. This constitutes a quorum
and must be agendized. Doug says any discussion that doesn’t involve
influencing a future decision or vote is ok. Margery asked about e-mails discussing
internal conflicts. Doug advised that most e-mails will be irrelevant; for
those that involve conflict, make a hard copy of each e-mail and file under
“general correspondence.”
If any supervisor has any questions, concerns, etc. they can contact him directly.
Supervisor’s Report format—Ryna suggests supervisors report on
meetings attended that involve or affect NRCD. If meeting took place within
24 hours of NRCD meeting, it can be discussed under a “current events”
line item. Otherwise, supervisors need to submit brief description/line item
for each meeting to be included in agenda. Margery clarified that each supervisor
should submit a list of items to be included in their report. Doug recommended
submitting a written report or minutes, especially for any meeting attendance
requiring travel money reimbursement, for travel/per diem auditing purposes.
Any decisions made that concern the NRCD should also be noted. Kaki said she
generally includes a meeting agenda for attachment to her report; Doug said
that’s good too. Jodi directed that “Reauthorizing meeting attendance”
be added to the next agenda.
Supervisor Report— Ryna distributed new AZ Wildlife
News magazines to group. AZ Wildlife Federation has requested a teleconference
with Rep. Anne Kirkpatrick; this is the 11th month of her not responding to
group’s request to discuss natural resource issue. She isn’t voting
in a way that serves natural resource issues. Ryna submitted the letter requesting
teleconference for group’s information. AZ Game & Fish’s Outdoor
Expo is coming up at the end of March; NRCD can be represented at it if Board
approves. Lynda offered to create a Powerpoint presentation for the NRCD to
have running at the Expo. She will coordinate with Ryna for contents of Powerpoint.
AZWF will partner with NRCD for the Birding Festival, and AZ Wildlife Education
Foundation will probably partner also. Kaki noted that NRCD has historically
donated a birding book to the Festival and wants to be sure Board stays on
top of purchases, etc. Ryna also reported that the AZWF will be producing
an International Wildlife Film Festival; this topic will be added to February’s
agenda.
District Clerk report— Margery reported on her
continuing review and organizational efforts of files. Confirmed that Ryna’s
recommendation for distribution and disposal of outside organizations’
e-mails to NRCD is agreed upon by other supervisors. Reviewed e-mail correspondence
with Doug Witte regarding guidelines for archiving agendas, minutes and other
correspondence. One year’s worth of agendas/minutes should be on website;
previous years’ agendas/minutes can be filed as hard copies. Per NRCS
suggestion, Margery will add standard disability/discrimination language to
each agenda, and per Jodi’s request, will correct the phone number listed
on agenda. Also noted that the District’s annual Plan of Work is due
June 20; supervisors instructed her as to how to go about updating the Plan
of Work.
Ed Center Director report-- Lynda already reported on
the Verde River Birding Festival and website training items. Other items included
deletion of 432 older e-mails in the Ed Center’s Yahoo account and changing
of the account’s password. She also produced stationery for the Ed Center
and showed a sample. She searched for grants that would be appropriate for
the Ed Center. Doug suggested numerous agencies she can also contact for possible
grant funding. Lynda shared a notice of the upcoming AZ Legislative event
(Feb. 11) that came to the Ed Center via e-mail. The Board agreed at least
one supervisor should attend the event. Jodi made a motion to pre-approve
NRCD payment of the $45 registration fee for Kaki to attend the event, and
possibly Beth also; Ryna seconded. All approved. Lynda also reported on her
contact with Kerry Schwart at Project Wet. Received permission for NRCD to
use their equipment and supplies for any of its activities. Lynda has begun
Project Wet’s training program and has two more classes to complete
the training program, and can be paid by Project Wet to train under the auspices
of NRCD. She will contact Linda Dee, Ed Center Director for the East Maricopa
Resource Management District.
New agenda items— Lynda requested the Board convene a special
work session to create the Ed Center Director’s job description.
Meeting adjourned at 11:09 am.
Next meeting February 8th, 2010 at 9:00 am.
Minutes approved:
____________________________________________
Jodi Allen, Chair
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.