Minutes_Catfish Creek Water Shed Management AuthorityCatfish Creek Watershed Management Authority
Minutes of April 25, 2013
CCWMA Chair, Laura Carstens called the meeting to order at 10:04 a.m.
1. ROLL CALL: Directors Present: Laura Carstens, Will Hoyer, Raki Giannakouros,
Pat Simon, Bob O'Donnell, Curt Kiessling, Wayne Demmer, and Calvin Gatch Jr. Carl
Reimer was absent. CCWMA Administrators: Eric Schmechel and Dean Mattoon
2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Minutes were approved from 12313. O'Donnell
made the motion, seconded by Kiessling.
AGENGA ITEMS
A. Swiss Valley Trail Run — CCWMA Involvement/Sponsorship
Hoyer informed the Board of a possible trail run/race at the Swiss Valley Nature Center for
the first weekend in November. Hoyer suggested the possibility of the CCWMA
sponsoring the run, which seem to have many positives in forms of public relations and
educational outreach. Mattoon talked about the marketing apparel items that are in place
for uses such as this. Kiesling asked about the timeframe — maybe the CCWMA should
organize a meeting before the race. Schmechel asked questions about volunteers and
anticipated numbers. Kiesling made a motion that the CCWMA board get involved, which
was seconded by Demmer. Hoyer will keep the group up to date as the race progresses.
B. Marketing Apparel
Schmechel handed out market apparel to board members. Discussion followed about the
best way to handle the marketing/educational outreach materials. T- shirts, hats, magnets,
and pens were all ordered to use as educational and outreach materials for the CCWMA.
Some of the items will serve as "freebies" such as t -shirts and hats — as Schmechel and
Mattoon will dictate the use of the materials based on involvement with the persons /group.
The Board also decided to sell the t -shirts and hats for a suggested donation of $10.00.
The donated money that the CCWMA raises will then be used for future events and/or
related watershed projects. Several ideas were discussed — watershed festival — summer
camp for kids — partnering with conservation groups, and other outreach efforts were
discussed. All donated money will go to the Dubuque SWCD — the money will be held in
the CCWMA account. Carstens made a motion to approve marketing efforts, which was
seconded by Giannakouros.
C. Catfish Creek Signs — Maps and Locations
Mattoon updated the Board on sign locations throughout the watershed. Mattoon also
noted he was waiting to hear back from the DOT about additional sign
locations /installations. Schmechel commented he has heard good and bad things about the
signs. There are approx. 42 signs installed and another 25 signs were ordered and will be
installed in due time at given locations. Some signs will be kept in storage for future use.
Mattoon will have a map made detailing sign locations throughout the watershed.
Watershed Management Authority Board - Meeting Minutes — April 25, 2013
D. Watershed Management Plan Update
Schmechel and Carstens updated the Board on the status of the Phase II WMP grant. A
selection committee will be interviewing consultants to work on the WMP in the next
couple of weeks.
E. Smart Plan Update
Schmechel updated the Board on the Smart Plan status and will have a couple of copies
made for the CCWMA once the plan is finalized.
F. Administrators Shared Office Space — ArcGIS App /Watershed Database
Collaboration
Schmechel and Mattoon updated the Board on their newly shared office space located
down at the new Water Resource Recovery Center, off of Julien Dubuque Dr. Mattoon
updated the Board on his watershed database for the City of Dubuque — and how
Schmechel and Mattoon will be collaborating together to work on a complete watershed
inventory and extensive database that will include the Catfish Creek watershed and several
other areas of Dubuque County.
G. Educational Workshop
Schmechel updated the Board of an upcoming land use /watershed workshop that the Iowa
Department of Ag and Land Stewardship was promoting and sponsoring.
H. Comments /Adjournment
O'Donnell asked about the Boards involvement on land use /land disturbing activities in the
watershed. Schmechel and Mattoon talked about the importance of this Board to bring
relevant watershed/land use disturbances of concern to the Board for discussion and
involvement. Hoyer made the motion to adjourn at 11:38am, which was seconded by
Kiessling.
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