Centre Regional Recreation Authority
Millbrook Marsh Nature Center Advisory Committee

MEETING SUMMARY (DRAFT)
Wed., 14 NOV 07, 4:00 PM at the COG Building

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

            Jennifer Shuey                 Alan Sam                        Jean Aron                        Holly Fritchman       MJ Kitt

            Mary Alice Graetzer          Robert Ayer                     Diane Kerly                      Mark Henry             Jackie Melander

            CRPR Staff: Molly Hetrick  

2.      COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC: None

3.       APPROVAL OF THE MEETING SUMMARY from 17 OCT 07 :

          Motion by Alan Sam, Second by Mark Henry.

4.       OPERATIONAL REPORTS:

          •        End of Season Program Report: Molly Hetrick

Molly reported the Fall Programs were successful with approximately 830 visitors to group programs and the Connections program played a big part in encouraging groups to attend programs at the center. The Historic Harvest Festival had a record attendance of 350 people and was a great success. Visitors stayed throughout the afternoon, despite cold temperatures. Molly explained that RPTM 356 students planned and prepared the event, as in past years, and a group of Cultural Interpretation students prepared the displays and demonstrations. This combination was excellent and the displays were very high quality this year. Molly also reported she is planning programs for Spring 2008. With a Program Revenue budget increase of $20K for 2008, Molly’s plan is twofold: 1) increase attendance at regularly offered programs (such as Knee High Naturalist & Family Fun Hikes) through better marketing, and 2) offer new programs to increase attendance and interest in the nature center.

          •        CRRA Meeting Highlights from 08 Nov 07: Molly Hetrick

Molly reported the Penn State University Trustees approved the lease extension for the nature center at their November meeting. Holly Fritchman asked if Penn State knew about the new building and approved of it. Molly responded that the PSU representative, Steve Marsuzewski, is aware of the building plan and Dr. Marboe provided the most current architectural drawings to Mr. Sieminski for the Trustees Meeting. Molly also reported the CRRA discussed other important agency business such as the Welch Pool and Park Forest Pool renovations at the November meeting. They did not have time at this meeting to discuss the 2008 Agency Fee Policy.

          •       Thompson Woods Subcommittee Update: Alan Sam

Alan reported visiting the site and reviewing the new park directional and rules signs. Jennifer Shuey reported a correspondence from the Smith Partnership with concerns about the signs. The ClearWater Conservancy representative is handling the situation. Alan complimented the new Thompson Woods Preserve brochures prepared by ClearWater Conservancy.

5.       BUSINESS ITEMS:

          •       Capital Campaign Update: Molly Hetrick

Molly reported the CRRA Packet to the Governor for Release of the State Capital Budget Funds is completed and is a very impressive document. This packet was also provided to local Legislators for their information.

          •        2008 Budget / Fee Policy Discussion: Molly Hetrick

Molly led this discussion by reviewing the suggested fee policy changes with the committee. Discussion focused on the “Group Use of Instructional Areas” category; Molly reported that no groups actually reserved this option or requested the Teacher Training Session during 2007, but that this category may be helpful in the future as University professors and instructors continue to use the site and are encouraged to reserve ahead of time. MJ Kitt stated that while this was a direction the State College Area School District groups were planning to go last year, it is no longer planned. The District will continue to schedule “Program & Instructional Services”. Also discussed was the Birthday Party fee, regarding a minimum fee requirement, ways to control the number of children in the groups, and being sure to cover staff and overhead costs with these fees. The recommendation was “$10 per child; minimum fee of $100, limit 25 children. Parties for over 25 children require express permission of the Recreation Supervisor and are based on staff availability”. Molly reported parents seem willing to pay the additional fee currently for more than 10 children and hopes this new fee will also be acceptable. Final discussion focused on the “Program & Instructional Services Fee” and how much of an increase is needed. Molly cautioned that any large increase may need to wait until the new building is available, to justify the change in price. Diane Kerly confirmed this with a note about flushable restrooms being available in the future also. Bob Ayer suggested the increase should be gradual and that staff should calculate all costs to the center to provide these programs, being sure the per person fee covers these costs. Diane Kerly agreed, but stated that staff knows the fee does not cover costs, but such a fee would be too high for visitors to pay. MJ Kitt confirmed that the SCASD is searching for grants for 2008 programs and calculated their costs at $5. The committee chose to recommend the $5 per participant. These fee policy recommendations were confirmed with a motion by Diane Kerly, Second by Holly Fritchman.

7.       ADJOURNMENT 

Next Meeting: Wed., 19 Dec 07, 4:00 PM at the COG Building (if called by Chair)