Centre Regional Recreation Authority

Millbrook Marsh Nature Center Advisory Committee

APPROVED MEETING SUMMARY
for Wed., 21 JUN 06, 4:00 PM at the MMNC Barn

1.         CALL TO ORDER & ROLL CALL: (9 of 16 Appointed Members)

Jennifer Shuey, Chair         Mary Alice Graetzer         Don Epp              Jackie Melander                 Mark McLaughlin

Sue Younkin                      Holly Fritchman                Robert Ayer         Diane Kerly                                                    

CRPR Staff: Greg Roth, Molly Hetrick, Adam Spangler (Intern) 

2.        COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC: None 

3.         APPROVAL OF THE MEETING SUMMARY from 17 May 06:   Motion by Bob Ayer, Second by Holly Fritchman 

4.         REPORTS & UPDATES:

• Operations Update: Molly

Molly reported the summer camps are nearly full and preparations are in progress. Family Fun Hike, a new program this year, was well attended and Adam Spangler (Intern) is doing an excellent job with instruction and programming at the center. Molly also mentioned to the committee that the Spikes Ball Stadium noise is very noticeable in the marsh during the games, particularly the announcers. Jennifer Shuey is going to contact Ford Stryker to discuss options to reduce this disturbance. Molly also shared the new MMNC Rack Brochure with the group and provided extra copies for members to take to their offices and for handing out. The magnets were also available.

• Maintenance / Wetlab / PCC Update: Greg

Greg reported the PCC crew is installing new benches at the Stan Yoder Preserve and that progress is being made on the Wetlab in meetings with the architectural team from HP Architects.

• Thompson Woods Subcommittee: Greg

Greg reported that new dog clean-up stations have been installed at the preserve. There was no update on the creation of a trail map.

• Capital Campaign / Building Fund Updates

            a. Major Donor Visits: Molly

Molly reported visits are still in progress and the Business Team visited with Omega Bank to request support from the Omega Bank Foundation.

            b. Governmental Plan (COG, County, State): Rick Marboe

There is no update at this time on the letter sent to Centre County Commissioners or on the assistance of Senator Corman’s office in obtaining the release of the state funds.

5.         BUSINESS ITEMS

• Bathgate Stream Monitoring Project Request: Becky Dunlap, ClearWater Conservancy

Becky shared information with the group about the stormwater data being collected and the attachment of storm watering monitoring equipment below the culvert into the marsh during storms. Greg Roth suggested the equipment should be attached below the curved pedestrian bridge that leads across the stream from Orchard Road. Data from the information will be provided by ClearWater Conservancy for use in the wetlab and displays (such a bulletin board) at the nature center. After discussion, the project was approved. Motion by Diane Kerly, Second by Mark McLaughlin.

• 10-Year Anniversary Event Ideas for 2007: Molly

The committee discussed ideas and decided that a small sub-committee should be formed to plan for the Anniversary Celebration at the Spring Creek Day Event in September 2007. Molly will contact members of the committee to ask for volunteers to help with this special planning group.

6.         ADJOURNMENT     Next Meeting: Wed., 19 July 06, 4:00 PM at MMNC Barn