Executive Committee

Conference Call Minutes

October 28th, 2009

The Executive Committee met on October 28th, 2009 beginning at 8:33 AM by telephone conference call. Present were: Rick Anderson, Vice Chairman; John Chase, Upper Reach; Jeff Tiberi, MACD Dana Darlington, Chairman, Paul Gies, Middle Reach, Jim Beck, Immediate Past Chair , and Buzz Mattelin, Lower Reach, Vicki Marquis, MRCDC Coordinator and Carie Hess, Secretary.

Approval of September 11th, 2009 Minutes: John moved to accept the Executive Committee minutes as presented, Jeff seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.

Fiscal Sponsorship Update & Discussion of Finances: Vicki reported that the money had been received by Petroleum County CD and that the bills were paid and approved by the PCCD on October 26th, 2009. Vicki mentioned that the Cascade CD was giving her a health insurance stipend every month. The PCCD does not offer that and it was discussed as to whether this stipend should be added to Vicki’s wages or removed. Buzz asked if it was already budgeted into the council’s budget and Vicki answered yes. After some discussion John moved to add the stipend amount into Vicki’s wages and Jim seconded the motion and it passed unanimously. Vicki also brought up that the council should approve the monthly bills prior to the PCCD board approving them. John stated that this is a necessity and the council should have this oversight of the budget. It was discussed that the council could have a conference call or email response on the Thursday before the PCCD board meeting. It was asked if Carie would send those to the executive committee members via email for all members but John and his would be a hard copy. The committee members agreed with this idea and the November bills shall be looked for approval Wednesday Nov. 25, 2009. John stated that at the end of the fiscal year Cascade County had to advance the council money to cover costs. It was something that should be thought about. The termination pay account was set up with $4,380.00 which is one month’s salary. It was talked about being able to use this money if needed to fall back on. Buzz asked how the council was with the budget and it was stated that the council is a quarter through the year and that they have spent almost $24,000.00 and that the quarterly budgeted amount was $28,000.00, so the council looks like it is on track. Carie stated that she had gotten the QuickBooks running on Monday and was in the process of getting all of the accounting completed and would send reports to the committee members.

State Water Plan: Jim Beck reported that they had met with Paul Azedous sometime ago. There were questions that needed to be answered and that Jim and or Vicki should meet with Paul again to get those answered.

It was thought that Jim and Vicki should meet with Paul and Ann Schwend before convention to get these questions answered. Jim stated that he would send Vicki a new calendar and they should get 3 dates for possible meeting and he would talk to Paul. Vicki asked if anyone else would like to be at this meeting and John said he would if it was possible. They hope to have more information at convention.

Next Meeting Date and Agenda Items: The Committee agreed to meet at convention to discuss the State Water Plan, the Meadowlark Country Club bank stabilization project, a potential trip to Washington DC, Corps of Engineer’s Annual Operating Plan, standard updates for CREP, MRRIC, and CMR and any legislative ideas. Vicki mentioned meeting with the Yellowstone River Conservation District Council at the convention and after some discussion it was decided to meet with them informally Tuesday evening and Vicki would get in touch with Nichole McClain. The next full Council meeting will be November 17th at the MACD Convention in Lewistown.

Other Business: Dana asked if anything more could be done about the joint resolution for the CMR. Jeff and Vicki had both tried to contact Barron and that thus far he had not responded. Jeff mentioned that he was going to try to get the Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to attend the convention. He also brought up that they have a national MOU with the Service and are drafting a regional or local one. Vicki mentioned that the Montana Association of Counties (MACO) had passed a similar resolution at their State Convention in September. Dana brought up that they could try to meet with Barron at convention and give him a copy of the MOU and the emails that had been sent. Vicki will email Barron and then follow up with a phone call next week.

It had been discussed previously that a full council conference call before convention should be made to discuss agenda items. It was thought that with the current agenda the council could keep to the allotted 3 hour time. Vicki mentioned that November 2nd is the Granger Ranch tour with Bruce Nelson with the FSA and that Rob Hazelwood has offered his home in Helena as a place to stay. Those going were Dana Darlington, Jeff Lazlo, Rob Hazelwood, Rick Anderson and possibly Paul Gies. Buzz brought up that MRRIC was working on a list of what people value and that if you don’t see what you value please get a hold of him or Larry Mires. This list will be used in the recovery of the river over the next 30-40 years.

John mentioned that Cascade county plans to introduce a resolution on fuel reduction projects on forest land and asked for the council’s support. Jeff stated that he was looking forward to seeing everyone at convention and that Chad Pregracke is set to speak at Thursday’s lunch about his Mississippi River clean up.

With no additional business being brought before the Committee, the call adjourned at 9:30 AM.

Approved by unanimous vote on Nov. 30th, 2009

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Dana Darlington, Chairman

Submitted by:

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Carie Hess, Secretary