Minutes_Catfish Creek Watershed Management AuthorityWatershed Management Authority Board - Meeting Minutes — July 23rd, 2013
Catfish Creek Watershed Management Authority
Minutes of July 23rd, 2013
CCWMA Chair, Laura Carstens called the meeting to order at 10:06 a.m.
1. ROLL CALL: Directors Present: Laura Carstens, Will Hoyer, Raki Giannakouros,
Pat Simon, Bob O'Connell, 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 42313. Kiessling made
the motion, seconded by Demmer.
AGENGA ITEMS
A. Update on Swiss Valley Trail Run — CCWMA Involvement/Sponsorship
Hoyer updated the Board of a trail run/race at the Swiss Valley Nature Center for the
second weekend in November. The board has agreed to sponsor the race. Hoyer will get
pens, magnets, and /or hats from Eric and Dean. Hoyer would like about 2 -3 volunteers
from the CCWMA to help "staff a CCWMA booth" and assist with race support. Hoyer
will update the board as details progress.
B. Update on Marketing Apparel
Schmechel updated the Board on marketing apparel supplies and discussion followed
regarding what items may need to be re- ordered. There is roughly $2,000 left in an
educational outreach budget that can be used to order more marketing/educational outreach
tools for the CCWMA. The Board asked both Mattoon and Schmechel to monitor supplies
of items.
C. Update on Catfish Creek Signs — Maps and Locations
Mattoon updated the Board on sign locations. The DOT said the CCWMA would not be
able to install signs in state right -of -way. There are roughly 16 signs leftover. Mattoon
said he will get a final map made for the Board once all sign locations have been installed.
Discussion followed regarding the use of signs.
D. Upcoming Conferences/Workshops
Schmechel updated the board on a couple of IDNR sponsored workshops relating to
WMA's and watershed management.
E. Grant Opportunity
Schmechel updated the board about another IDNR/NRCS grant opportunity for the
CCWMA. The main idea that was discussed was using this grant for additional modeling
for the Watershed Management Plan (WMP). Schmechel asked the board members to
submit ideas to him or Mattoon via email. All board members seem to like the idea of
applying for the grant — if it is needed at this time. Discussion followed.
F. Developments /Land Disturbing Activities
Schmechel and Mattoon updated the Board on a few new projects that are going on in the
watershed. Mattoon shared some updated RASCAL assessments as well. Mattoon shared
his knowledge regarding the new industrial development area off of Sieppel road.
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Watershed Management Authority Board - Meeting Minutes — July 23rd, 2013
Discussion followed regarding the Dubuque County landfill land — and the possibility of a
couple of Best Management Practices (BMPs) projects in that area. Wetlands and
streambank stabilization were the two BMPs that were discussed. Carstens asked the
CCMWA if it would be possible to send a letter to the City of Dubuque council members
detailing the importance of BMPs and constructed wetlands in and or City of Dubuque
property (specifically, off of Sieppel road area).
G. Presentation from Steve Zimmerman, Applied Ecological Services
Mr. Zimmerman gave a 40- minute presentation on what watershed planning is and how
Applied Ecological Services (AES) addresses the required 9 -step process EPA has
developed in watershed management planning. Steve talked about the importance of
addressing the WMP from an ecological perspective. Steve shared some maps of the
watershed that have been made and also went through how the fieldwork was gathered in
the watershed. As the WMP progresses, AES will be asking the CCWMA board and
related stakeholders for input throughout the planning process. Steve and /or Cecily will be
giving another presentation on the WMP process and update the CCWMA board at our
next meeting.
H. Comments /Adjournment
Motion was made by Kiessling, seconded by O'Connell at 12:14pm. Next meeting will be
mid - October.
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