A/GVWC Board of Directors Meeting Minutes, October 10, 2009

AGV Watershed Council

Board of Directors Meeting Minutes

Minutes of October 10, 2009

Called to Order: 10:17 am
Present: Directors John Sassin, John Roberts, Zeno Swijtink, Barbara Chasteen; Jean Redus and Diana Hines attended for part of the meeting.

Financial Report. Treasurer John Roberts reported a new member contribution of $20. The current balance was not available.   A grant of $..........from the Sonoma County Fish and Wildlife Commission was received, dedicated to production and distribution of the Atascadero-Green Valley Watershed map developed by Jean Redus and John.   $600. has been paid out of this amount for printing of the first set of maps, which will be distributed, along with education materials, to public and private school classrooms in the watershed.   The remainder was deposited to a separate account ..........

The board thanks Jean for her steadfast work in applying for and being awarded this grant, as well as her many hours of dedication to the map project.

Proposed Vineyard and Winery on Occidental Road at Highway 116. Following some discussion, Board members present found that they were in agreement that the proposed project is of concern in regard to the proposed general plan and zoning changes, the its impact on the scenic corridor, traffic increases, and especially the cumulative impact of this and other projects on the watershed with regard to water use and impact on the streams and groundwater levels.

It was moved (J Sassin) and seconded (B Chasteen) that the Board write a letter to the Board of Supervisors expressing these concerns and requesting an environmental impact statement due to the possible impact of this project on the watershed.   The letter will be written by John ROberts and sent to the Board before the hearing, currently schedule for October 20. If possible, a member should speak before the board about our concerns.

Fundraising and Awareness-Raising Letter. John Roberts presented a draft of the letter to be distributed to watershed residents. He asked Board members to comment on the draft and add any relevant activities that he might have left out. The draft has been sent to board members via email.

Fall Creek Clean-Up. Jean Redus reported on the status of the clean up day, which will be held in and near Graton on October 24, starting at 9 am.   Volunteers are needed; the extent of cleanup will depend on how many volunteers attend. John mentioned the need for debris cleanup at other locations including Martinelli Road.

Zeno proposed that the Clean Up be allied with 350.org, an organization that is encouraging events that contribute to reducing global warming.   Jean has not heard back from Oak Grove School administration on whether they want to publicly participate.   It was decided that watershed participants will display banners provided via download from 350.org, and the school may or may not be part of any resulting publicity.

The board discussed the feasibility of cleaning up the mouth of Atascadero Creek where it passes into the Russian River. The consensus was that it would be an extensive project and should be organized as a separate event, possibly with the participation of local residents.

Map Project. Jean presented a revised version of the AGV Watershed map, incorporating suggestions from the last Board meeting. Members generally agreed that it was improved, and suggested adding the names of two marshes (Pitkin and Perry).

Jean asked that board members review the map as displayed online, and return any further comments or edits to her by Saturday, October 17.

Jean will report to the Fish and Wildlife Commission at its January meeting as to the status of the map project.

Green Valley Creek Technical Advisory Meeting. Zeno informed the group of the meeting, to be held on Thursday, October 15 in Occidental. The purpose of the meeting is to present information to a limited audience of concerned watershed supporters on current research, especially the ongoing GRCD survey of the current conditon of creeks in the watershed including water flow and quality, plant and animal life, and other parameters.

Diana Hines explained the scope of the survey and the personnel and agencies involved in the survey.

Fisheries Resources Tour. John Roberts reported on a recent tour of several interesting projects in the lower Russian River Valley, including the fish hatchery at Dry Creek, a large restoration at Oddfellows, a biodynamic? winery, and Riverfront Regional Park.   He recommended that members attend any future such tours if possible, as they provide great information about often inaccessible sites and projects.

East-West Bike Route. The Board discussed the desirability of a safe, dedicated bike route for east-west travel in the West County.   Zeno volunteered to provide input to the Sonoma County Transportation planning group expressing support for developing such a route.

The meeting was adjourned at 12 noon.

AGV Watershed Council	Board of Directors Meeting Minutes
Minutes of October 10, 2009


Called to Order: 10:17 am Present: Directors John Sassin, John Roberts, Zeno Swijtink, Barbara Chasteen; Jean Redus and Diana Hines attended for part of the meeting. Financial Report. Treasurer John Roberts reported a new member contribution of $20. The current balance was not available. A grant of $..........from the Sonoma County Fish and Wildlife Commission was received, dedicated to production and distribution of the Atascadero-Green Valley Watershed map developed by Jean Redus and John. $600. has been paid out of this amount for printing of the first set of maps, which will be distributed, along with education materials, to public and private school classrooms in the watershed. The remainder was deposited to a separate account .......... The board thanks Jean for her steadfast work in applying for and being awarded this grant, as well as her many hours of dedication to the map project. Proposed Vineyard and Winery on Occidental Road at Highway 116. Following some discussion, Board members present found that they were in agreement that the proposed project is of concern in regard to the proposed general plan and zoning changes, the its impact on the scenic corridor, traffic increases, and especially the cumulative impact of this and other projects on the watershed with regard to water use and impact on the streams and groundwater levels. It was moved (J Sassin) and seconded (B Chasteen) that the Board write a letter to the Board of Supervisors expressing these concerns and requesting an environmental impact statement due to the possible impact of this project on the watershed. The letter will be written by John ROberts and sent to the Board before the hearing, currently schedule for October 20. If possible, a member should speak before the board about our concerns. Fundraising and Awareness-Raising Letter. John Roberts presented a draft of the letter to be distributed to watershed residents. He asked Board members to comment on the draft and add any relevant activities that he might have left out. The draft has been sent to board members via email. Fall Creek Clean-Up. Jean Redus reported on the status of the clean up day, which will be held in and near Graton on October 24, starting at 9 am. Volunteers are needed; the extent of cleanup will depend on how many volunteers attend. John mentioned the need for debris cleanup at other locations including Martinelli Road. Zeno proposed that the Clean Up be allied with 350.org, an organization that is encouraging events that contribute to reducing global warming. Jean has not heard back from Oak Grove School administration on whether they want to publicly participate. It was decided that watershed participants will display banners provided via download from 350.org, and the school may or may not be part of any resulting publicity. The board discussed the feasibility of cleaning up the mouth of Atascadero Creek where it passes into the Russian River. The consensus was that it would be an extensive project and should be organized as a separate event, possibly with the participation of local residents. Map Project. Jean presented a revised version of the AGV Watershed map, incorporating suggestions from the last Board meeting. Members generally agreed that it was improved, and suggested adding the names of two marshes (Pitkin and Perry). Jean asked that board members review the map as displayed online, and return any further comments or edits to her by Saturday, October 17. Jean will report to the Fish and Wildlife Commission at its January meeting as to the status of the map project. Green Valley Creek Technical Advisory Meeting. Zeno informed the group of the meeting, to be held on Thursday, October 15 in Occidental. The purpose of the meeting is to present information to a limited audience of concerned watershed supporters on current research, especially the ongoing GRCD survey of the current conditon of creeks in the watershed including water flow and quality, plant and animal life, and other parameters. Diana Hines explained the scope of the survey and the personnel and agencies involved in the survey. Fisheries Resources Tour. John Roberts reported on a recent tour of several interesting projects in the lower Russian River Valley, including the fish hatchery at Dry Creek, a large restoration at Oddfellows, a biodynamic? winery, and Riverfront Regional Park. He recommended that members attend any future such tours if possible, as they provide great information about often inaccessible sites and projects. East-West Bike Route. The Board discussed the desirability of a safe, dedicated bike route for east-west travel in the West County. Zeno volunteered to provide input to the Sonoma County Transportation planning group expressing support for developing such a route. The meeting was adjourned at 12 noon.