Centre Regional Recreation Authority
Millbrook Marsh Nature Center Advisory Committee

MEETING SUMMARY
Wed., 17 Oct 07, 4:00 PM  at the MMNC Barn

1.       CALL TO ORDER & ROLL CALL: (10 of 16 Appointed Members)

          Jennifer Shuey                   Alan Sam                 Jean Aron      Holly Fritchman        MJ Kitt

          Dr. Rick Marboe                  Mary Alice Graetzer  Diane Kerly    Mark McLaughlin       Don Epp

          CRPR Staff: Greg Roth, Molly Hetrick                   Jim Steff, COG Executive Director

          Ex Officio: Alan Popovich, Jeff Bowman (ELA Group), Frank Peno (PBCI Engineering)

2.      COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC: None

3.       APPROVAL OF THE MEETING SUMMARY from 19 Sept 07. Motion by Diane Kerly, Second by Holly Fritchman.

4.       OPERATIONAL REPORTS:

          •        Fall Program Report: Molly Hetrick

Molly reported Fall Programs are in progress. The Connections Grant program brought in much needed program reservations to the schedule, which was lighter than usual. Two of the three Fall Program Leaders are returning staff members, which is extremely valuable for training and continuity in programs. Molly also recently presented about the nature center’s standards based programs at a conference and shared her pleasure at discovering that many other centers are not as advanced in programming as MMNC is. Historic Harvest Festival will be held November 4^th and Molly is working with a group of PSU RPTM students to plan and prepare this event.

          •        Bike & Dog Policy: Greg Roth & Molly Hetrick

Molly reported signs are currently placed along the boardwalk and on bulletin boards but additional signs may be needed to control dogs within the nature center. Greg suggested talking with the Dog Ordinance Enforcement Officer to spend more time in the marsh. Diane Kerly suggested the policy may need some information about dogs not being allowed in the stream or certain areas of the streams. Greg Roth suggested this wording be added to the current policy : “Pets are required to stay on trails and on the boardwalk at all times”.

          •        CRRA Meeting Highlights from 11 Oct 07: Molly Hetrick

Kathy Matason was not able to attend this meeting. Molly reported the CRRA approved requesting a lease extension for the nature center from PSU. The PSU Board of Trustees will vote on this issue at their November Meeting.

          •       Thompson Woods Subcommittee Update: Greg Roth

Greg reported some problems due to the new bike signs in the preserve, which stipulate which trails can be used for bikes. Visitors to the park have been confused about which paths can be used and asked that current no-bike paths be opened to bikes. Jennifer reported that Bill Hilshey and Carolyn Mahan have a meeting planned with the Smith Partnership to continue working on issues.

5.       BUSINESS ITEMS:

          •       Capital Campaign Update: Rick Marboe

                    a) CRRA Letter to the Governor regarding State Capital Budget (2004 HB #1634)

CRRA approved a letter to the Governor requesting the release of the Capital Funds. CRPR staff are working to prepare the package to be submitted.

                    b) County grant forms submitted (for $200K state Growing Greener grant)Forms required by the state to obtain the grant funding (through the County) have been completed by the Director and presented to the County Planning Office.

          •        Letter of Support - PSU Center for Sustainability PA DCNR Grant App: Molly Hetrick

Molly reported the letter, written with specifications from the Advisory Committee, was provided for the Centre for Sustainability. A copy of this letter is attached.

          •        Update from HP Architects: Alan Popovich

Alan provided updated drawings and, for the first time, a conceptual drawing to show the look and elevation of the building. He asked the group to consider the material to be used for the outside of the building, including metal, brick, wood, or cedar. The group agreed that the siding should compliment the barn and the landscape. Mr. Jeff Bowman presented a checklist of Land Development and Permitting issues, highlighting his findings for each. The major point of discussion was related to the proposed tap fee through UAJA for the sewage connections at $31,291 (a one time fee) and the discounted yearly rate of one EDU per year. Members discussed asking UAJA for a discount on this tap fee, however Mr. Steff suggested that might not be possible. More importantly the committee would like to ask UAJA to calculate the usage of the site more accurately. It is currently calculated at 152 people per day at 10 gallons each, which the group feels is too high. Mr. Frank Peno reviewed the Mechanical / Electrical Systems, including the three zones of operation for the heating and cooling system. Also discussed were security features, including outdoor motion lights, alarm button for the police, keypad entry at the doorways, outdoor motion lights at night, and auto locking doors. Alan cautioned about the cost associated with these additions. One important feature will be the auto locking doors on the bathrooms, to secure them in the evening without a staff person being there to lock the doors.

          •        Proposed Hotel at Millbrook Way in College Twp: Jennifer Shuey

Jennifer mentioned the proposed hotel plans for the Woodcrafters Building in College Township, a construction site that borders the nature center and may have some impact. ClearWater has received an email from Mr. Niebel, whose property also borders the nature center, with concerns about the impact of this construction. Other concerns include the lighting of the proposed building and the trees that may be removed along the border. Kathy Matason, in a prior conversation with Molly Hetrick, said that she is keeping an eye on the situation and will speak for the nature center’s interests when necessary.

7.       ADJOURNMENT              Next Meeting: Wed., 14 Nov 07, 4:00 PM at the COG Building