Minutes and Agenda AWA Board Meeting Minutes
July 20, 2005
The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. at the Washington Township Office Waynesboro, PA by the president, Dr. Steve Rettig.
In the absence of the secretary the minutes were read by Dr Rettig and were approved as read.
The treasurer, Bruce Francis gave his report. The Growing Greener account balance is $666.77. The other account, which includes the Legacy Grant funds, membership dues, etc. has a balance of $16,799.36.
Members were also urged to turn in their in-kind hours to Bruce. At the present time there have been a total of 1535.45 hours donated for a total value of $26,102.65. Rebecca Wertime stated that the current hourly rate for volunteers is $17.90. This is a national rate.
The stream monitoring was discussed. Additional monitors would be welcome. Dickenson College has a new program for environmental studies and there will be a number of students available for a variety of research projects. They are requesting suggestions for possible projects.
There will be two new riparian projects this fall but the details have not been worked out as yet. It was announced that Maggie Cisar will be serving as the Executive Secretary for the Antietam Watershed Association. She will be responsible for preparing the reports necessary for the Legacy Grant as well as various other duties. The Phase I Report will be submitted in September. The Antietam Watershed Association has been asked to assist in maintaining some of the previously planted riparian buffers. Several volunteers have come forward to help with this and there are plans to purchase a (one or more??) gas powered weedeater(s) to help with this project.
Dr. Rettig was contacted by Ray Rachuba one of the developers for the Diller Farm. He was interested in suggestions for names for the development and was considering “Antietam Commons” or “Antietam Cove”. They were also interested in suggestions or themes for naming streets, etc. and were asking for input.
Robin Biser initiated a discussion of proposed changes to the original development plan for Fort Ritchie. As presented this may include additional housing without upgrading of water and sewage plans above the original proposal. If so, this could affect the Antietam watershed. After some discussion Dr. Rettig advised her to contact the Chesapeake Bay Foundation for assistance.
Dr. Rettig described tentative plans for a farmers meeting in January supported by the Bay Foundation and The PA Extension Service to encourage the installation of additional riparian buffers. The Antietam Watershed Association may also assist in sponsoring a speaker from the Pennsylvania Environmental Council for the annual dinner held by “Community that Cares”.