Executive Committee Conference Call
June 12th, 2008

The Executive Committee met on June 12, 2008 at 9:00 AM by telephone conference call. Present were: Jim Beck, Chairman; John Chase, Upper Reach; Rick Anderson, Vice Chairman; Paul Gies, Middle Reach; Jeff Tiberi, MACD; and Vicki Marquis, Coordinator.

1) Photo Archive Project: Jim noted that the summer intern, Millie Davis, was already working and several events throughout the river corridor are planned for the upcoming weeks. Jim also noted that since DNRC has a nice GPS with software that Millie can use, there is no need for the Council to expend funds on one; however, they are having trouble securing a high-quality scanner to use at the open houses. Jim asked if the Committee could approve a change of use for the funds that were previously earmarked for a GPS to purchase a high quality scanner instead. Rick moved to allocate funds up to $400 for a scanner, Paul seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.
2) Office Move: The three office sites in Great Falls were presented by Vicki. She noted the amenities provided and rental costs at each building. John noted that the Columbus Center is a good facility and that the Council would be very happy with it. Vicki also noted that the Columbus Center would be her first choice. It is fairly modern and provided the greatest value. John moved to rent the Columbus Center office space; Rick seconded the motion, and it passed unanimously. John noted that he could use his truck and small trailer to help with the move.
3) Tires: After some discussion and a note that all options presented were in-line with our budget, the Committee agreed to have Vicki purchase a new set of tires for the lease vehicle.
4) Big Sky Small Acres: Sponsorship of this publication was discussed. It was noted that some questions remain. Most notably: what is the policy on guest articles, could there be articles specific to the riparian area management along the Missouri River, what is the circulation of the publication, and what feedback have they received from the target audience of small acreage landowners? It was agreed to table the discussion until Vicki can find out more information.
5) MRRIC Travel Funding: The proposed contract with the CRM group was discussed. Some verbiage questions were clarified. John moved to proceed with the contract, Paul seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.
6) New Website Expenses: Vicki explained that when the new website designer, Chris Miller, reviewed the current website and the data gap database, he suggested incorporating the database into the new website. Vicki noted that the data gap database only received less than 2,000 hits since it went online more than three years ago. By incorporating the database onto our new website, it would be more usable. Paul moved to allocate $1365 for the database to be incorporated into the new site, John seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.
7) Easels: The second proposed easel design was discussed. Vicki noted that when it was held up next to the original “Save our Planet” design, it did not stand out as well, the fonts are too small and there may be too much text. It was also noted that the photograph may not be easily recognizable and understood by the average hotel guest. Jeff offered to visit with his contact on the Montana Inn Keepers Association about potential marketing and design of the easel. It was agreed to continue working on the easel and put the issue on the agenda for decision at the June 19th meeting.
8) River Rendezvous: It was noted that a shortened agenda for the business meeting would include: budget approval, the easel design, the economic study RFP, the CRM contract, and sponsorship of the Big Sky Small Acres publication.
9) NAI Project Description: The draft RFP was discussed. Additions regarding a timeline for completion of the work and options for scaled-down versions that include fewer counties should be included. Rick offered to contact the Montana Land Reliance for information they might have. It was noted that the University of Montana may be able to do the study. Additionally, Tim Bryggman with the DNRC may be ideas or contacts for contractors. John moved to proceed with the RFP, Rick seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.
10) Montana Conservation Corps: It was noted that we need specific project ideas and/or locations to request the MCC for a project.

With no other business coming before the Committee, the meeting was adjourned at approximately 10:15 AM.

Submitted by:

_____________________
Vicki Marquis, Coordinator

Approved by unanimous vote on ____________:

_____________________
Jim Beck, Chairman