Centre Regional Recreation Authority
Millbrook Marsh Nature Center Advisory Committee

Wed., 18 APR 07, 4:00 PM at the COG Building
The meeting location was changed from the MMNC Barn due to the cold temps. 

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

              Jennifer Shuey       Alan Sam    Jean Aron   Dr. Rick Marboe      Mary Alice Graetzer

              Don Epp      Holly Fritchman         Diane Kerly         Mark McLaughlin

              CRPR Staff: Ron Woodhead, Molly Hetrick          Friends: Bryce Boyer

2.        COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC: None

3.         APPROVAL OF THE MEETING SUMMARY from 21 FEB 07 (The group did not meet in March). Motion by Diane Kerly, Second by Jean Aron.

4.         SPECIAL PRESENTATION- PSU Center for Sustainability (CFS) - Development Plans:
Ms. Autumn Evans     &;(Presentation attached)
Ms. Evans presented the Advisory Committee members with a PowerPoint presentation to overview the proposed Master Plan for the Centre for Sustainability. She outlined the current efforts of local groups such as the PSU Arboretum, the Centre Furnace Mansion, Shavers Creek Environmental Center, and Millbrook Marsh Nature Center with explanation of how these groups might partner. The Center for Sustainability plans include a Renewal Energy Residence, Instructional & Community Gardens, Ecological Systems Lab, Hands-on Workshop Area, Audubon Trail & Gardens, and Environmental Learning. The timeframe for this project includes the next two years for planning and a 10 year overall plan. Ms. Evans explained ideas for ways that the Centre Furnace Mansion and Millbrook Marsh Nature Center could be part of a connected plan to provide environmental, historical, and sustainable education opportunities in cooperation with each other. Discussion focused on the funding for the CFS, which will come through OPP and the College of Engineering and the current program offerings of the highlighted partner groups which CFS hopes to join with.

It was noted how the scope of the presentation and reference to other, established community initiatives was vastly improved over the initial presentation to CRPR staff on 23 Mar 07. Ms. Evans noted that their grant application would be delayed until the next application period, along with their request for a letter of support to accompany that application. Mr. Woodhead noted that the presentation was structured such that it was impossible to not support - but the sustainability of all the established operations will remain a concern (including the nature center, Historical Society, Shaver’s Creek, Arboretum, and the new Center For Sustainability).

5.         OPERATIONAL REPORTS (Postponed until May meeting)

6.         SPECIAL PLANNING SESSION: Task Outline for Building Design and Construction
Dr. Rick Marboe                                    (Task Outline attached)
Rick Marboe presented the task outline to the committee members and overviewed the steps, including developing a scope of work, accepting an architect, developing a funding strategy, and obtaining approvals. Rick led the group in a review of the current floor plans for the Spring Creek Education Building to verify the priorities of the committee before developing the scope of work for the architect. Discussion focused on ways to build in modular phases if necessary and accepting donated services from the community for this project.

7. ADJOURNMENT                    Next Meeting: Wed., 16 May 07, 4:00 PM at the MMNC Barn