Meeting Notes Little Spokane River Management Plan Meeting 9:00 am – 12:00 pm Riverside Fire Station Meeting Room 3818 E Deer Park Milan Chattaroy, WA 99003 Chair: Shallan Dawson, Spokane County Conservation District (SCCD) Present: Chris DeChenne Jeanne Dammarell Russ Fletcher, POCD Dale Gill Bill Gilmour, Spokane County Stan Grant Lindell Haggin Bart Haggin Ruth Rasmussen Rico Reed Mary Sterling Darrell Johnson Ann Zaren Jilla Harmon, SCCD Meeting was called to order at 9:05 am, followed by self-introductions. A meeting agenda with copies of the March 1, 2005 meeting minutes had been distributed previously. Darrel Johnson motioned to approve the minutes with amendments. Motion was seconded by Bart Haggin. Motion Carried. Public Comment Bart Haggin reported that there was an article about the toxics in blue/green algae in today’s, April 5th, Spokesman Review on page three. Rico Reed announced that there would be a World Water Watch Forum meeting on Monday, April 11th at 7pm at the Unitarian Church. Jeanne Dammarell stated that the Health Department has asked the Spokane County Commissioners, to be given permission to go on private land to kill mosquito larva prior to the mosquito season by applying larvicide to stop the spread of the West Nile Virus. The group thought it would be appropriate for landowners to be notified before application. They wanted to send a letter from this group asking the county commissioners to require notification of application, and side effects of the chemical they will be using. The letter could also ask for proof that the species of mosquito that carries West Nile Virus be present before application. There was a lengthy discussion by the committee regarding the pros and cons of this action. Russ stated concern that his board might not approve of a letter, and would need to review it with them before he could vote to send the letter. Mary suggested that it was important for this group to be able to make decisions and recommendations so that action can be taken in a timely manner. If approval needs to be confirmed on decisions, the committee loses its effectiveness. Motion was made by Jeanne Dammarell and seconded by Dale Gill to prepare a letter from the LSR Committee and a letter from individual Committee members. Dale Gill will draft a letter and email it to Shallan so that she can email it out for the Committee’s comments and approval and then send out the letter. April 5, 2005
Old Business
Outreach events for this summer
The committee reviewed the Outreach schedule:
- Backyard Bird Fair, June 4th and 5th at Firwood Nursery near Deer Park - Booth
- Cusic Fair in Pond Oreille County on August 18, 19, 20, and 21 - Booth
- Newport Rodeo will be June 24, 25, and 26 - Float
It was suggested that the Backyard Bird Fair should have a drawing for 1 or 2 baskets of plants. Shallan will work on these and Lindell will check into some upland species for the gift basket. Rico has some used pots that he will donate. Russ will let Shallan know what surplus trees/shrubs the POD has left over after their tree seedling sale that is this next week.
Shallan distributed copies of the educational materials that the SCCD Water Resources department has been compiling for the different watersheds in Spokane County. The brochures that pertain to the areas will be available for distribution where the LSR Committee will have a booth set up or on the float at the Newport Rodeo.
Issues for Audit Sheets
The group continued identifying issues for the audit sheets. De-Icer was tabled as the group felt they did not have enough information to discuss this issue. Issues discussed included enforcement Little Spokane River Natural Area and all recreational areas and parks, Urban Storm Drains that do not flow to treatment plants, and Little Spokane River Natural Area and all recreational areas and parks. For issues discussed on Audit Sheets, please see audit sheets
Homework
The group will review the next audit sheets.
Next Meeting
The next meeting will be May 3, 2005 at the Riverside Fire Station, starting at 9:00 am.
The meeting was adjourned at 12:00 p.m. lunch was provided for those wishing to stay and work on the Float Committee.