Watershed Management Commission
Thursday, February 15, 2007 at 5:30 p.m.
Adair County Annex Building 300 North Franklin Street
PRESENT: Rodger Bland, Clayton Dillavou, Scott Ellis, Marty Jayne, Gary Jones, Mari Macomber, Jim Novinger and Jerry Smith
ABSENT: Kenny Coy
OTHERS PRESENT: Phillip Ayers, Mike Bradley, John Buckwalter, Rich Morrow, Jack Schuster and Brian Todd
Chairman Dillavou called the meeting to order at 5:35 p.m.
A motion approving the minutes as presented was made by Marty Jayne and seconded by Gary Jones. The motion carried with the following vote: Rodger Bland – aye, Kenny Coy - absent, Clayton Dillavou – aye, Scott Ellis – aye, Martin Jayne – aye, Gary Jones – aye, Mari Macomber – aye, Jim Novinger – aye, and Jerry Smith – aye.
No introductions were made.
There was no new business to discuss
Chairman Dillavou explained that the Plan had been updated again based upon the last meeting and asked if the group was ready to approve the Source Water Protection Plan. A question was asked as to whether or not the maps would be added to the document, along with the latest mini grant. Chairman Dillavou explained that these documents would be added to the final version of the Plan.
Chairman Dillavou asked Rich Morrow to talk to the Commission about the work that Missouri DNR has done in response to our mini grant proposal. Mr. Morrow explained that he had conducted a technical assistance visit at both Forest Lake and Hazel Creek. The purpose of the visit was to assess actions that could be taken to aid in the protection of the Watershed. A letter, along with a report from Mr. Morrow was sent to members of the Watershed Management Commission from the Northeast Regional Office of MDNR. Mr. Morrow explained some of his findings noting that this information and action plan could be used to help obtain funds. Morrow explained that the results would not affect the current mini grant application. The Commission spent a few minutes discussing the recommendations, specifically the addition of rip-rap along the southeastern banks of Forest Lake.
The Commission began its review of the Source Water Protection Plan. The Commission asked that bullet #2 be bold on page 6. It was explained that bullets #2 and #4 were added as they were part of the goals of the mini grant. The word “threats” should be replaced with “concerns” in H.
On page 15 the word “threats” was found in F and again should be replaced with “concerns”. In the same section, the Commission asked that the appropriate study be referenced. The Commission expressed that erosion should be listed as a concern for Forest Lake, citing the recent report from Missouri DNR. Since the Commission had developed the Source Water Protection Plan, it was noted that the last sentences of the second primary concern for Hazel Creek was redundant.
On page 20, in J2, the word “low” should be removed.
The Commission discussed Section 6 on page 23, noting that the Plan should include implementation strategies for Forest Lake, as it outlines strategies for Hazel Creek.
The Evaluation Methods found on page 27 were included and taken from the mini grant. Evaluation methods for both watersheds should be included.
Section I on page 28 was amended to eliminate the reference to the poster contest, as it was explained that there is one theme used throughout the contest and the Watershed Commission would not be able to develop that theme.
The spelling of the fish, Calostomidae was questioned on page 30 of the plan and determined to be incorrect and the spelling will be changed to “Catostomidae”.
The Commission reviewed the chart on page 47 noting a change to the column regarding “Ways to measure the threat”. Language stating “2006 sampling data for both Hazel Creek and Forest Lake” will need to be included.
The Commission discussed whether or not the plan was ready for adoption. A motion to accept the Plan with the corrections as noted this evening was made by Jerry Smith and seconded by Scott Ellis. The motion carried with the following vote: Rodger Bland – aye, Kenny Coy - absent, Clayton Dillavou – aye, Scott Ellis – aye, Martin Jayne – aye, Gary Jones – aye, Mari Macomber – aye, Jim Novinger – aye, and Jerry Smith – aye.
The Commission reviewed the signature page noting correct signatures for each member. Mari Macomber will prepare a new signature page for signing on or before the March meeting.
The Commission took a five minute break.
The Commission reconvened the meeting at 6:45 p.m.
Clayton Dillavou introduced Dr. Michael Kelrick and Truman State University student, Shannon Earhart to the Commission. It was explained that Miss Earhart has been working on a survey project to gather data within the Hazel Creek watershed.
The Commission received copies of a draft survey. The methodology used to gather the data was explained. Members of the Commission asked questions regarding the intent of some of the questions that were included in the survey. It was explained that the Commission was advisory in nature and had no authority beyond what the City Council had given them. The Commission spent a few minutes discussing whether or not the survey would include both watersheds. The manageability, in terms of numbers, for Hazel Creek was discussed. Several members expressed concern regarding the approach and wanted the opportunity to understand how the survey would be administered. Jerry Smith stated that using Hazel Creek first would give the chance to fine tune the survey. Jim Novinger stated his concern about sending the wrong message. Marty Jayne asked about the possibility of a mailing to Forest Lake after the Hazel Creek survey was completed. Dr. Kelrick explained the process that would be used to gather the data and the input of the data into a GIS data base.
Jim Novinger stated that if the Watershed Management Commission was going to be characterized as collaborating in the survey process that the Commission should review the survey more thoroughly. Rodger Bland expressed concern regarding possible trust issues that some of the property owners in the Hazel Creek Watershed may have regarding the purpose of the survey. Scott Ellis suggested that Rodger and Jim could review the survey. Mari Macomber suggested that a subcommittee be formed that could meet to review the survey and work with Dr. Kelrick and Shannon Earhart in a timely manner. A sub committee consisting of Jim Novinger, Rodger Bland, Mari Macomber and John Buckwalter was appointed by the Commission.
Phillips Ayers noted that one of the questions on the survey asked for the number of acres in the watershed. Mr. Ayers explained that most property owners would not know what portion, if any of their property is in the watershed.
Chairman Dillavou asked Mari Macomber to explain the process for City Council consideration of the Source Water Protection Plan. Macomber explained that the Council would be given an update at their next Study Session and would be asked to consider the adoption of the Source Water Protection Plan at its first meeting in March.
Scott Ellis informed the group about a grant that was received by Truman State University. The grant would focus on water quality for both watersheds. Ellis explained that Truman would be providing matching funds. Ellis stated that the prospects for the grant were wide open and would combine biology and chemistry.
The Commission agreed to hold its next meeting on March 15 at 5:30 p.m.
As there was no further business, the meeting adjourned at 7:25 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Mari E. Macomber
Commission Secretary