Executive Committee Conference Call
February 8th, 2008

The Executive Committee met on February 8, 2008 by telephone conference call to develop the Council’s funding request for Fiscal years 2009-2010 and 2010-2011. Present were: Jim Beck, Chairman; John Chase, Upper Reach; Curt McCann, past Chairman; Paul Gies, Middle Reach; Ron Garwood, Reservoir Reach; Sarah Carlson, MACD; and Vicki Marquis, Coordinator.

Jim explained the need for a long-term budget for our pass-through funding from the DNRC. Part of DNRC’s routine budgeting process is to submit a request for funding that will be incorporated in the Governor’s budget and go before the next Legislature. John noted that our currently funding level of $114,000 represents a substantial increase over the previous $80,000, so the Council probably shouldn’t request another large increase.

Administrative Fee: Would remain at 5% of total funding.

Contract Labor: Would be the balance of funding remaining after all other expenses are taken out.

Education and Outreach: The committee discussed increasing this account to cover additional costs associated with newsletter printing and postage; increased professional fees for website maintenance; and a $5,000 sponsorship of one Land Use Planning and/or Grazing Management workshop each year. The request for Education and Outreach funding was increased to $11,500.

Operating/Equipment/Supplies: Reduced from $13,000 to $11,000 after initial equipment purchases made during the current and previous fiscal years.

Travel: The committee discussed increasing this fund by 10% to cover increasing fuel costs. Additionally, $6,000 was added to cover anticipated MRRIC travel needs. The request for Travel funding was increased to $25,000.

Payroll: Vicki left the conference call while the committee discussed payroll issues. The Committee decided to request $48,200 plus costs associated with taxes, worker’s compensation, and benefits for Fiscal Year 2009-2010 and $49,700 plus associated costs for Fiscal Year 2010-2011. This represents roughly a 3% increase rounded up.
Rick moved to approve the budget request proposed above for Fiscal Years 2009-2010 and 2010-2011, John seconded the motion, and it passed unanimously.

Council Member Travel to No Adverse Impact Workshop: It was noted that both Rick Anderson and John Chase planned to attend the NAI workshop to be held in Fairmont. Paul moved to pay both Rick and John’s travel expenses associated with the workshop, Curt seconded the motion, and it passed unanimously.

Cooperative Weed Management with BLM: Vicki explained that Chad Krause, hydrologist with the BLM had asked if the Council would consider cooperating with grant applications targeting salt cedar and Russian Olive infestations in riparian areas through the Monument. The initial effort would not require specific expenditures at this point other than Vicki’s time researching and working with Chad to find an appropriate grant program. Paul moved to cooperate with the BLM on the project, John seconded the motion. Rick noted that the Council should ensure that the project does not result in Russian Olive becoming a named noxious weed. With no other discussion, the motion passed unanimously.

With no other business coming before the Executive Committee, the conference call was adjourned.

Submitted by:

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Vicki Marquis, Coordinator

Approved by unanimous vote on ____________:

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Jim Beck, Chairman