March, 2004

Attending: Chuck Lane (Chair), Tom Bedell, Gary Blanchard, Larry Merriam, Janine Salwasser, Sandra Coveny (Coordinator)

Philomath Public Library, 7:00 - 9:00 pm

The Committee discussed the strategy to move the Council from a planning to action mode. Tara Nierenberg is leading the development of an integrated plan that will facilitate identification of highest priority projects. She plans to present the strategy to the Steering Committee at its meeting on April 27.

Coveny presented an update on the grant situation. So far we have received three grants totaling about $180,000. The largest is for culvert replacements by Benton County on Blakesley and Woods Creeks. More grant applications are under consideration. Project administration costs have been written into many of the grant applications. For a while Coveny can do this task, but at some point we may have to hire someone for this purpose.
Currently, we are getting help from the Benton Soil & Water Conservation District and the Greenbelt Land Trust for contract administration.

Coveny reported the planning for the Tyee fund-raiser scheduled for June 19, 2004 is proceeding well. There will be a silent auction. Sponsors are being obtained. Gary Snyder will be the speaker. Ticket prices are being established. A kid's booth is planned. There will also be two tours.

Lane presented an update of our efforts to enter a partnership with the City of Philomath to develop and carry out a plan of study for Marys River. The City sent us a letter declining our offer as presently written, but indicating they would approve it if we include six objectives recommended by the City.
After considerable discussion it was agreed that Lane should prepare a draft response stating our willingness to include the six recommended objectives in the plan of study.
Also, we would offer to meet with the City Council to further explain the proposal. The draft will be circulated to Steering Committee members for review and comment. Before preparing the draft, Lane will discuss the situation at the April Watershed Council
meeting.