Indian Creek Watershed Management Authority--Formation Committee
Meeting Summary
9:30 am – 11:00 am, February 24, 2012
Marion City Hall
Attending the meeting: Marion – Dan Whitlow; Linn County – Bill Micheel; Cedar Rapids – Mike Kuntz & David Scanlan; Hiawatha – Mark Powers; Robins – Matt Johnson; Alburnett – Chester Schantz; Linn County SWCD – John Bruene, Jon Gallagher & Bruce Frana; ECICOG – Jennifer Fencl; DNR – Mary Beth Stevenson
Project Administration Update: Marion and ECICOG have a signed service agreement for the project. The first claim has been submitted. The IEDA has decided to entertain contract extensions until June 30, 2012 to complete the project. Marion will need to formally request that extension. Jennifer requested that committee members submit a summary of their in-kind time devoted to the WMA project to date.
Jennifer represented the Indian Creek WMA group on a conference call organized by the DNR & IEDA with all 6 WMA pilot projects to discuss progress. The groups are in various stages of forming.
The group discussed when and how to communicate our efforts with the policy makers for each political subdivision. The group agreed that the communication with policy makers should begin soon and continue throughout the WMA formation process. Jennifer offered to give presentations to councils/boards and to forward the presentation slides used at the Jan. 26th Visioning Workshop. The group agreed to help facilitate scheduling presentations in their respective jurisdictions.
Opportunities: The group discussed the Iowa Watershed Project Request for Information (RFI) from the Iowa Flood Center. The group agreed to coordinate on a response to the RFI. The City of Marion suggested that they be the applicant, pending council approval.
The Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation is planning a workshop designed to train planning, EMS and other city/county staff about watershed management issues. Will continue to follow developments and pass information on.
The second Interagency Team Visioning Workshop is scheduled from 1:00 to 4:30 pm Thursday, March 29 at Marion City Hall.
The group discussed the EPA Green Infrastructure Program Request for Letters of Interest. No specific determination was made about responding.
WMA Framework Issues: The group reviewed example agreement documents from Minnesota watershed groups and discussed various aspects of developing a WMA agreement. The group provided input on topics such as the group’s purpose, the representation of members and interest groups, financing and administration. These ideas will be incorporated into a draft 28E agreement for review and discussion at the next meeting.
Next meeting: Set the next meeting for 11:30 am to 1:00 pm Thursday, March 29th at Marion City Hall. Plan to discuss a draft 28E Agreement document.
Meeting Summary
9:30 am – 11:00 am, February 24, 2012
Marion City Hall
Attending the meeting: Marion – Dan Whitlow; Linn County – Bill Micheel; Cedar Rapids – Mike Kuntz & David Scanlan; Hiawatha – Mark Powers; Robins – Matt Johnson; Alburnett – Chester Schantz; Linn County SWCD – John Bruene, Jon Gallagher & Bruce Frana; ECICOG – Jennifer Fencl; DNR – Mary Beth Stevenson
Project Administration Update: Marion and ECICOG have a signed service agreement for the project. The first claim has been submitted. The IEDA has decided to entertain contract extensions until June 30, 2012 to complete the project. Marion will need to formally request that extension. Jennifer requested that committee members submit a summary of their in-kind time devoted to the WMA project to date.
Jennifer represented the Indian Creek WMA group on a conference call organized by the DNR & IEDA with all 6 WMA pilot projects to discuss progress. The groups are in various stages of forming.
The group discussed when and how to communicate our efforts with the policy makers for each political subdivision. The group agreed that the communication with policy makers should begin soon and continue throughout the WMA formation process. Jennifer offered to give presentations to councils/boards and to forward the presentation slides used at the Jan. 26th Visioning Workshop. The group agreed to help facilitate scheduling presentations in their respective jurisdictions.
Opportunities: The group discussed the Iowa Watershed Project Request for Information (RFI) from the Iowa Flood Center. The group agreed to coordinate on a response to the RFI. The City of Marion suggested that they be the applicant, pending council approval.
The Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation is planning a workshop designed to train planning, EMS and other city/county staff about watershed management issues. Will continue to follow developments and pass information on.
The second Interagency Team Visioning Workshop is scheduled from 1:00 to 4:30 pm Thursday, March 29 at Marion City Hall.
The group discussed the EPA Green Infrastructure Program Request for Letters of Interest. No specific determination was made about responding.
WMA Framework Issues: The group reviewed example agreement documents from Minnesota watershed groups and discussed various aspects of developing a WMA agreement. The group provided input on topics such as the group’s purpose, the representation of members and interest groups, financing and administration. These ideas will be incorporated into a draft 28E agreement for review and discussion at the next meeting.
Next meeting: Set the next meeting for 11:30 am to 1:00 pm Thursday, March 29th at Marion City Hall. Plan to discuss a draft 28E Agreement document.
