Watershed Management Commission
Thursday, April 27, 2006 at 5:30 p.m.
TCRC 315 South Franklin Street
PRESENT: Scott Ellis, Marty Jayne, Mari Macomber, Jim Novinger and Jerry Smith.
ABSENT: Roger Bland, Kenny Coy, Clayton Dillavou, and Gary Jones.
OTHERS PRESENT: Stewart Blessing, Mike Bradley, Robert Broz, John Buckwalter, Jack Schuster and KIRX reporter.
Vice-Chairman Ellis called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m.
The minutes were changed as follows: Bryan Todd was added as present under Other Present. The word sub- was added in front of committee in paragraphs five, six and seven to clarify the work as the sub-committee’s and not confuse it was the Watershed Management Commission. A motion to approve the minutes as amended was made by Marty Jayne and seconded by Jim Novinger, the motion carried with the following vote: Roger Bland – absent, Kenny Coy - absent, Clayton Dillavou – absent, Scott Ellis – aye, Martin Jayne – aye, Gary Jones – absent, Mari Macomber – aye, Jim Novinger – aye, and Jerry Smith – aye.
Introductions were made.
The next item of business concerned the review and discussion of Watershed Management Plan Goals and Priorities. Vice-Chairman Ellis gave the Commission an update on testing. A handout was distributed showing a table of the various categories which should be considered for testing. There were six categories identified: microorganisms; nutrients; organic chemical contaminates; heavy metals; decreased water clarity-transparency; and sediment. Vice-Chairman Ellis stated that he and Chairman Dillavou met with various Truman science faculty including the microbiologists and three analytical chemistry faculty, and Michael Kelrick an ecologist with knowledge in geographical information systems (GIS) and familiar with EPA protocol, all of whom are faculty at Truman State University. The group discussed the testing requirements needed for the first identified group (microorganisms) and thought that some of the testing could be done in conjunction with the microbiology classes at very little expense. It was noted that the City tests for the presence of coliform around the city. The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) was testing at the swimming beach. No one present, knew if this testing was being continued by DNR.
The second testing element was the nutrient testing. Vice-Chairman Ellis noted that a sophomore course was offered at Truman that may allow this testing as part of the lab. A program called Lakes Missouri had completed some testing over the last two years. Jack Schuster was asked to get the results of this testing.
The next two testing elements were combined, organic chemical contaminates and heavy metals. Vice Chairman Ellis stated that the chemists could do all but then Atrazine testing. He explained there as an analytical class offered for juniors and seniors that could be looked at. The Commission discussed that the Atrazine may not be an issue. Jim Novinger noted that the west side of the City drained into Forest Lake.
Elements five and six, decreased water clarity-transparency and sediment were discussed. The City is doing water clarity testing. It was explained that volunteers do a Secchi test, which basically is a disk attached to a rope that is dropped into the water. It was noted that this test could be performed at each site when taking other samples.
Jim Novinger noted that it would be important to follow EPA protocols for testing.
Mari Macomber was asked to give the Commission a summary of the City Council meeting of April 26 and the contents of a press release issued by the City on the Watershed Management Commission. Macomber noted that each Commission member had a summary of the presentation that Chairman Dillavou gave to the City Council. Macomber explained that the City Council had invited the chairpersons of its City boards and commissions. The Watershed Management Commission was represented by Clayton Dillavou. Mr. Dillavou gave the City Council a summary of the activities of the Commission, and had a general discussion with the Council concerning the work left to be done. Mr. Dillavou had explained to the Council that a Water Source Protection Plan would need to be completed before the Watershed Management Plan was completed. Macomber explained that the Council had issued a press release previously that stated their support for the quality drinking water and their support of the Water Shed Management Commission.
Bob Broz provided four handouts to the Commission: Guidelines for Developing a Source Water Protection Plan; Developing a Watershed Management Plan; Watershed Management Planning Worksheet; and a power point presentation on Source Water Protection and Watershed Management Plans. Mr. Broz explained that having a source water protection plan is voluntary, but having one sends a message that a community is taking a proactive approach to water quality. Mr. Broz explained that the data collection for a Water Source Protection Plan needed to be updated every 4 to 5 years. A Watershed Management Plan should also be updated every 4 to 5 years, but provides a more holistic approach by including local citizens in the process. He noted that the Plan the City had still needed a signature page, map, a list of contributors and an ordinance to show mitigation.
Marty Jayne asked if City staff had all the information needed to complete the plan. Jack Schuster noted that the document started out as a Watershed Management Plan as the goal, but the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is now asking for a Source Water Protection Plan. Staff may have to sit down with DNR to discuss expectations.
The Commission set the next meeting date for Thursday, June 1 at 5:30 p.m. at the TCRC.
As there was no further meeting business, the meeting adjourned at 7:10 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Mari E. Macomber
Commission Secretary