Nature Preserve Foundation Committee

NPF Board Meeting Minutes September 2, 2014 Present: Linda Beacham, Chip Borden, Sharon Locke, Craig Louer, Jen Rehg, Kurt Schulz, Mark Weinheimer Director (ex officio): Janet Burnett Recording: Jen Rehg 1. Call to Order at 6:18 PM 2. Approval of July regular and ad hoc meeting minutes a. Mark made motion to approve minutes. b. Kurt seconded the motion. c. Minutes approved. 3. Treasurer’s Report (Janet Burnett) a. Report accepted as submitted. 4. Committee Reports a. Restoration Committee (Kurt Schulz) - Highlights: i. Eagle Scout project proposal: Install galvanized metal trellises that would support native Illinois vine plants. Overall the committee was in support of the project, but would exercise control over certain aspects (size, placement, plant species). 1. Discussion of project including concerns with size, appearance, and maintenance. 2. Kurt Schulz called for vote: To approve project, contingent on improved schematics, and for which plans would be further developed in consultation with the committee. 3. Motion passed (4 in favor, 1 opposed, 2 abstentions) ii. Temporary hiatus of Eagle Scout project on herp information signs (due to scout’s schedule). iii. Committee hear of concern regarding duckweed cover on pond. Assessment using photographs and data from previous years suggest that current cover is within acceptable limits in terms of maintaining healthy pond ecosystem, excepting massive die-off. Dick Brugam evaluated situation similarly and will continue evaluating. iv. Bird pond/stream habitat project: $15,000 donated at this point; seeking $15,000 from Conoco Phillips. v. City’s Tree Beautification Committee gave $1000 to WNC for tree planting. 5. Staff Report (Janet Burnett) a. Highlights: i. News journals for the region have changed. Smaller local journals have been subsumed into a Madison County Journal (connected to Post). Janet met with journal staff. ii. 5K report 1. Chip served as MC. 2. Participation down from last year (136 registrations fall 2013), this year 102 registrations and 70 runners/walkers. 3. May need to reconsider utility of event for fundraising in future. iii. $5000 donation made toward bird pond/stream habitat project from a single family. iv. Nearly $1200 donation for outdoor benches/bike rack (same donor previously gave in support of staircase project). Scheduled for delivery Oct. 7. v. Little Free Library dedication on Oct. 5. [Sharon report] 1. Holly Hampton led dedication, appx 50 people in attendance (including Girl Scouts). The ceremony was thoughtful and moving, and included participation of children. The family and friends were very pleased with memorial. 2. Janet received $200 check to help with maintenance. b. Report accepted as presented. 6. Old Business a. The asphalt project is scheduled to go to the City Council on Oct. 21. It is possible that the entire asphalt path can be resurfaced with additional help from the City.  b. City connections i. A meeting has been scheduled to discuss future of WNC on Oct. 28. Dr. Dale Chapman (Lewis and Clark), Dr. Ed Hightower (School District 7), possibly Linda Andre (school district), Mayor Hal Patton, Bob Pfeiffer (Parks); also requested that Kurt and Sharon attend, along with Janet, on behalf of WNC. ii. Unclear if provision of a city employee to serve as director or staff still an option. iii. Discussion among board about alternative scenarios and what components of the WNC that the board thinks are integral to the preserve. 1. free/public access 2. integrity of ecosystems 3. educational component and programs 4. role of WNC in Edwardsville (historically and culturally) 7. New Business a. Prairie plant brochure has been developed; draft provided. b. Approved by consensus . Brochure (approved draft) will be printed. 8. Adjournment a. Adjourned by consensus. b. Meeting adjourned at 7:45 PM. 9. Next meeting at 6:15 PM on Nov. 3.