Executive Committee Conference Call
April 1st, 2008

The Executive Committee met on April 1, 2008 at 9:00 AM by telephone conference call. Present were: Jim Beck, Chairman; John Chase, Upper Reach; Curt McCann, past Chairman; Rick Anderson, Vice Chairman; Paul Gies, Middle Reach; Ron Garwood, Reservoir Reach; and Vicki Marquis, Coordinator.

1) Website Proposal: Vicki explained that 3 bids were requested and only one was received from Chris Miller with Trailhead Interactive. The base project cost estimate is $3575, which could be funded with $1503.18 left over in the OTO grant and $2075 from Education and Outreach. Jim noted that one thing he did not see in the bid that should be included is a counter to track how many visitors the website has. John asked how useful the website would be and several members noted that websites are the main venue for publicity and references. Vicki noted that she has visited with a number of agency representatives and others, including other stakeholder involved in the MRRIC process, who have researched the Council using our website. Rick asked if we could counter offer to include some of the maintenance agreement. Paul moved to pursue the base project and a 1-year maintenance agreement, Rick seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.

2) River Festival: Several potential dates were discussed. It was agreed that May 8th and 9th were the first choice and June 2nd is the second choice. A half-day float trip was preferred. Regarding entertainment, it was noted that most folks in the area have already heard all of the historical Lewis & Clark and steamboat type presentations. Providing information on the CREP and the Farm Bill programs would attract the right audience. An evening public meeting should be hosted, with dinner provided. Gayla’s proposal to do event planning for the Council was discussed. Paul moved that the Council contract with Gayla for no more than 80 hours of contract labor for event planning associated with the River Festival. John seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.

3) Next Council Meeting: The Committee discussed holding a short, 1-hour Council business meeting prior to the evening public meeting at the River Festival. It was noted that while topics such as the MoRAST Section 216 study request, the Judith Bsin Rural Water Project, and the Lower Marias River Assessment were appropriate topics that the Council should pursue at some time, there likely wouldn’t be time for an additional presentation. Two necessary agenda items are the budget for the upcoming year and the No Adverse Impact workshop.

4) Draft Budget: The budget notes and considerations were discussed. It was noted that a change in rent expense may occur as Vicki is looking into moving the office into Great Falls. No changes or additions were made to the draft budget.

5) BLM Monument Video: Vicki noted that the contractor will be in the area the last two weeks of July for interviews and filming.

6) Other Business: Update on historical photo archive project – the 1-hour conference call automatically ended prior to this discussion item; therefore, the call involuntary adjourned at exactly 10:00 AM.

Submitted by:

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Vicki Marquis, Coordinator

Approved by unanimous vote on ____________:

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Jim Beck, Chairman