Rochester, Washington
October 26, 2007
9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Draft Minutes
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MEMBERS & ALTERNATES PRESENT |
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Bonnie Canaday, Chair, Mayor Pro-Tem, City of Centralia Chanele Holbrook-Shaw, Citizen, Thurston County Ellie McMillan, Chehalis Basin Fisheries Task Force Glen Connelly, Confederate Tribes of the Chehalis Debbie Carneveli, Department of Fish and Wildlife Commissioner Bob Beerbower, Grays Harbor County Commissioner Richard Graham, Lewis County Kahle Jennings, City of Centralia (Alternate) Lee Napier, Grays Harbor County (Alternate) |
Commissioner Bob Macleod, Thurston County Steve Craig, Department of Ecology Art Lehman, Port of Centralia Lyle Hojem, Citizen, Lewis County Ann Wick, Department of Agriculture Chuck Caldwell, Port of Grays Harbor Paula Sandirk, City of Napavine (Alternate) Terry Willis, Citizen, Grays Harbor
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OTHERS PRESENT |
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Dave Rountry, Department of EcologyRandy Lehr, Grays Harbor Community College Narendran Kodandapani, Grays Harbor College |
J Roach, Citizen, Thurston County Corinne Tobeck, Citizen, Lewis County Jessica Tate, Puget Sound Meeting Services |
Chair Canaday called the meeting to order at 9:35 a.m.
Discuss and adopt draft-meeting summaries for August 24, 2007 and September 28, 2007
The consensus of the Chehalis Basin Partnership is to adopt the meeting summaries of August 24, 2007 and September 28, 2007 as presented.
Chair Canaday commended the recording secretaries for their work with the Partnership.
Ms. Napier clarified that input is warranted for items 1, 3, and 4. Action is warranted for item 5.
Mr. Lehr provided a demonstration on how to operate the GIS Clearinghouse website. Information can be obtained for water quality, culverts, major roads, fish habitat, fish restoration, dams, and natural barriers. All of the data relates to GIS information from the Chehalis system. The intent is to obtain as much GIS information as possible throughout the basin and combine it to develop different themes, such as water quality and where potential impairment sites are located. Forthcoming information includes aerial photographs, project standardization, ensuring all layers of water included are articulating together, and implementing bits and pieces of information that may arise during the process.
Mr. Lehr reported the process has been underway for approximately one year. He commended Mr. Kodandapani on his work and efforts with the project.
Mr. Lehman suggested separating different contaminates impacting water quality. Mr. Lehr indicated water quality will be categorized with sets of points that correspond to the different contaminants.
Mr. Craig stated there is a high correlation between environmental issues and concentration of population. He suggested incorporating that data within the website. Mr. Lehr indicated data layers corresponding to land use are in progress for implementation in the near future.
Chair Canaday asked whether the website is currently active. Mr. Lehr replied the website can be accessed. The web address is www.gis.ghc.edu/.
Ms. Willis suggested adding brief descriptions for each layer to the website showing the source of information and interpretation of the information. Mr. Lehr acknowledged the request.
Mr. Roach asked whether cities will be outlined on the maps in the near future. Mr. Lehr answered yes.
Mr. Lehr said acceptable information can be incorporated within the website at any time. One challenge is prioritizing additional information for implementation. Information most relevant to those projects in progress will have high priority.
Ms. Holbrook-Shaw suggested inclusion of all CBP completed projects. Mr. Lehr indicated the completed projects are currently at the data level and will be included in the near future.
Ms. Willis offered to provide information to Mr. Lehr regarding an article she read about a gentleman who performed a three-year study about pristine rivers in western Washington. Some of the information might be useful for the website.
Ms. Carneveli suggested adding a layer to the website identifying areas infested with noxious weeds. Mr. Lehr acknowledged the request.
Chair Canaday commended Mr. Lehr and Mr. Kodandapani for their work and efforts with the project.
Mr. Lehr noted the intent is for as many groups as possible to readily utilize the information included on the website.
Chair Canaday thanked Mr. Craig for his work and efforts with the CBP. She presented Mr. Craig with a gift.
Mr. Jennings reviewed his working history with Mr. Craig dating back to 1989. He said he has greatly appreciated working with Mr. Craig for so many years, as he brought a unique perspective to the CBP. He wished Mr. Craig the best for his future.
Mr. Craig commented about his work with the CBP. The group has established a trust that will create great accomplishments. He ensured members DOE will follow through with an appropriate replacement.
Mr. Craig shared his plans for his retirement.
Chair Canaday recessed the meeting from 10:26 a.m. to 10:36 a.m. for a cake and refreshments in honor of Mr. Craig’s retirement.
Ms. Napier distributed and reviewed a handout, which included a proposed job announcement for the Watershed Coordinator position and potential salary and funding options. She described the fiscal year contract timelines for funding.
The proposal is for the Watershed Coordinator to be employed by Grays Harbor College, but with sole responsibility to the CBP. The college has a three-tiered salary grid including coordinators, facilitators, and specialists. The preferred job title through the college is a Watershed Facilitator. The position includes a salary of $40,000, benefits of $17,000, and miscellaneous expenses such as travel of $12,000 totaling an annual cost of $69,000.
Ms. Napier asked whether the college provides cost-of-living allowances (COLAs). Mr. Lehr affirmed annual COLAs are afforded to employees..
Ms. Willis recommended the selected candidate should also have experience in pursuing grant funding. Ms. Napier acknowledged the request and indicated she will add the requirement to the job description.
Commissioner Beerbower agreed experience in pursuing grants is very important because the position is grant-funded.
Ms. Napier suggested it might be warranted in the future to form some type of regional governance for potential continual funding for the position.
Ms. Wick asked about the type of support the college is providing for the position. Mr. Lehr replied that the college is providing an office, phone, and computer. The miscellaneous expense of $12,000 will also cover transportation. Ms. Wick asked whether the college anticipates collecting overhead expenses. Ms. Napier affirmed the college is not seeking overhead costs.
Ms. Napier reported after review and approval by the CBP, Mr. Lehr will present the proposal to Grays Harbor College for final approval. The college has expressed interest in the idea, but wants to review the details.
Chair Canaday asked about advertising opportunities for the position. Ms. Napier indicated the college will advertise the position.
Ms. Napier advised that the CBP will be required to enter into an agreement with Grays Harbor College if the proposal is approved by both entities. Grays Harbor’s Prosecuting Attorney is drafting the agreement.
Ms. Willis inquired about the selection process. Ms. Napier indicated the CBP Steering Technical Committee recommends a two-tiered approach integrated with the college’s hiring and interviewing process.
Chair Canaday volunteered to work on the selection process.
The Chehalis Basin Partnership agreed to move forward with the Watershed Coordinator position as proposed, and include a qualification for experience with grant writing and pursuance.
Ms. Napier distributed and reviewed a draft letter to Governor Gregoire, requesting nomination for an upcoming application to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) Targeted Watersheds Grants Program. The application will be sponsored by the Grays Harbor College on behalf of the Chehalis Basin Partnership. The request is for the CBP to finalize the letter and approve endorsement by Chair Canaday to ensure a proactive approach in the matter.
Mr. Jennings suggested including in the first line of the letter that the nomination is at the request of the Chehalis Basin Partnership. Ms. Napier acknowledged the request.
Mr. Jennings referred to the second sentence of the third paragraph and suggested revising “the second largest” to “one of the largest.” Chair Canaday requested striking “(the Columbia is the largest)” from the same sentence. Ms. Napier acknowledged the requests.
Ms. Wick suggested including paragraph headers for ease of quickly scanning the letter. Ms. Napier acknowledged the request.
Mr. Rountry reported on his efforts to obtain a letter of support for the CBP from DOE.
Mr. Lehr suggested including a packet of support letters from supportive and involved agencies as a good way to demonstrate significance to the Legislature.
Chair Canaday asked Ms. Napier to obtain letters of support from the tribes. Ms. Napier acknowledged the request.
Commissioner Mr. Beerbower suggested contacting legislators who have a vested interest in the basin, such as Senator Karen Fraser and Senator Dan Swecker.
Ms. Wick requested a template that she can forward to the Department of Agriculture. Ms. Napier acknowledged the request.
The CBP agreed to have letters of support to Mr. Lehr by the November 16, 2007 meeting.
Ms. Napier reported she will bring the finalized letter and letters of support to the November 16, 2007 meeting for the Chair’s review and signature.
Ms. Napier distributed and reviewed a draft letter of support from the CBP. The request is from Kathy Jacobson for a letter of support from the CBP. The grant deadline is November 1, 2007.
Ms. Napier provided a brief description of Chehalis Basin Education Consortium student restoration activities included in the proposal.
Ms. Holbrook-Shaw expressed support for the letter and commented on Ms. Jacobson’s talents and abilities in pursuing projects.
The Chehalis Basin Partnership agreed for Chair Canaday to sign the proposed letter of support for the Chehalis Basin Education Consortium Community Salmon Fund Proposal as presented.
Ms. Holbrook-Shaw reported the 2007 Watershed Festival was a huge success with great attendance. The location is optimal for next year’s event. The goal is for the festival to be an annual event that the region looks forward to. The festival is a great way to help promote the watershed.
Ms. Holbrook-Shaw reviewed suggestions and input from Kathy Jacobson and the festival committee.
There are many private reader boards on the way to the pavilion that can be utilized for public outreach on the festival. Additionally, moving the festival date to the last of September would be beneficial because of the weather. The intent is to schedule the Tall Ships attraction for next year, as it was a wonderful addition to the festival this year. Private tours for teachers were very successful. She indicated photographs will be shared with the committee at a future meeting. Fin, the salmon, will be scheduled for next year’s event as well as it was an attraction for all ages. Ron Schillinger drove Fin all over Grays Harbor County, which was a good way to accomplish public outreach. The festival committee believes it’s a good idea for the CBP to have a Fin to use for public outreach. Ms. Holbrook-Shaw thanked the Confederated Tribes of the Chehalis Reservation for a wonderful salmon bake.
Mr. Jennings asked that formal thank you letters be sent to each person involved. Mr. Connelly offered to provide the names of everyone involved.
Ms. Holbrook-Shaw said another idea to encourage additional participation is displaying children’s artwork. Another idea is including children activities throughout the pavilion to encourage viewing of all exhibits, and to have more interaction throughout the event. The committee would like to rent a tent again for next year because of weather.
One issue with using the pavilion involved the prohibition of vendors/exhibitors selling goods. It’s an issue that will be reviewed for next year. One way to expand the festival is including local vendors. Additional food vendors might encourage more people to stay longer.
The committee would like more engagement by CBP members next year. Additionally, it would be beneficial to include some type of educational activity to encourage people to visit all the exhibits. An event such as a Japanese Knotweed cook-off could be a great success. Earlier advertisement for the festival on the CBP website is also warranted. Radio advertisement would also be beneficial.
The fishing pond was a great success. Next year, bags of ice will be provided for people to take home their catch.
Planning the festival sooner next year is recommended as it took approximately 870 hours of planning for this year’s festival. Ms. Holbrook-Shaw suggested having the Watershed Coordinator perform a lead role in the event.
Ms. Napier described the successes for utilizing Fin for the festival. Mr. Jennings has suggested the CBP look into building a Chehalis Basin Fin for public outreach. This could be a wise investment for the small portion of remaining grant money. Grays Harbor County also has a facility for constructing Fin along with an employee who is interested in helping to build Fin. Alternatively, the CBP could recruit for the art. Many issues still remain, such as the storage and hauling of Fin.
Mr. Jennings stated the original Fin mold is available to reuse.
Chair Canaday asked about potential costs. Ms. Napier advised that it cost estimates are not yet available. Details will be developed after approval by the CBP.
Mr. Hojem offered to donate a trailer to haul Fin.
Commissioner Beerbower indicated Fin is a great way to involve children with the watershed, as they are a significant componant for future sustainability.
Ms. Holbrook-Shaw agreed and indicated a Chehalis Fin could be a dependable program for teachers to integrate into their curriculum.
Ms. Napier encouraged CBP members to visit the “Save Our Wild Salmon” website to see Fin travel and raise awareness about wild salmon.
Ms. Napier reported the STC is discussing better ways to interact with legislators this year. Last year, the CBP was not successful with inclusion on a committee meeting agenda. This year a recognize send-off type of interaction with each county is suggested.
Grays Harbor and Thurston Counties are the two that have some type of send off. Lewis County’s legislators are invited to Thurston County’s send-off. Mason County is included in the Grays Harbor send-off. By doing these two send-offs, the entire Chehalis Basin could be covered.
Thurston County has a breakfast with a roundtable discussion. Mark Swartout submitted a CBP request for five or ten minutes on the agenda to raise awareness. The request was accepted. A message to share will need to be developed.
Grays Harbor County typically has a Coastal Legislative send-off during the first week of January. This is a time where a lunch with the legislators occurs with questions and input. Several Grays Harbor County Commissioners volunteered to pose questions during a lunch, if Ms. Napier provides the questions.
There are also events such as hearings where the CBP might want to testify along with one-on-one interaction.
The STC discussed potential messages to convey. STC’s next meeting will also include a continuing discussion on the issue. Some items that have been discussed include inviting legislators to the Watershed Festival. Another idea is coordinating a CBP legislative breakfast. However, this led to pursuing the previously mentioned pre-established dates, due to schedule constraints.
Another idea is establishing a connection with DOE by jointly meeting with legislators. This will show that the CBP is working with DOE in leveraging more attention and resources toward watershed planning.
The next issue is the messages that should be shared regarding priority projects and past successes. Some ideas discussed included developing outreach material, such as a newsletter to highlight some of the CBP successes such as the GIS Clearinghouse website.
Ms. Tobeck suggested providing a tour of the watershed tour to legislators to provide an opportunity to view accomplishments, work in progress, and continuing problems. Ms. Napier acknowledged the request.
Commissioner Macleod reported Puget Sound Partnership will have high visibility during next year’s legislative session. The CBP should continue emphasizing the economic value of the Chehalis Basin.
Ms. Napier indicated another STC suggestion included nurturing a watershed planning champion. Senator Karen Fraser does not represent the Chehalis Basin but she’s a strong champion of watershed issues.
Mr. Jennings suggested announcing the date of the 2008 Watershed Festival to promote attendance by legislators.
Ms. Napier discussed projects that the STC has identified for potential supplemental funding, such as hydraulic continuity. During next month’s meeting, Thurston County Hydrogeologist Nadine Romero will provide a Hydrology 101 presentation, in preparation for the USGS presentation about the scope of work related to hydraulic continuity.
Chair Canaday stated one of the highest priorities for the CBP should be educational outreach to children in ways such as Fin, to ensure future sustainability.
Ms. Holbrook-Shaw stated another part of outreach is establishing funding for the 2008 Watershed Festival. Mr. Jennings stated that is a great reason to reevaluate the idea of becoming a non-profit organization, as people can donate funds to non-profit organizations.
Ms. Canaday suggested the CBP presentation include the GIS Clearinghouse webpage presentation.
Ms. Napier encouraged attendance at the November 1, 2007 STC meeting, which will include facilitated discussion about the CBP governance.
CLOSING COMMENTS
Mr. Rountry distributed and reviewed a handout requesting suggestions of important water quality issues in the Chehalis Basin that warrant study with DOE involvement. Ideas will support DOE work-planning for water quality assessments and other important water quality study needs. He requested all suggestions be submitted by November 15, 2007.
Ms. Napier suggested Mr. Rountry also contact Mr. Lehr regarding the issue.
Adjournment
There being no further business, Chair Canaday adjourned the meeting at 12:25 p.m.
Prepared by Jessica Tate, Recording Secretary
Puget Sound Meeting Services