Anne Arundel
Waterway Restoration Alliance

Meeting Notes 2006-04-25

The meeting began at 7 PM with introduction of attendees. The meeting minutes of the previous meeting of February 28, 2006 were distributed to attendees for their review, information and comments along with an agenda for the meeting and a contact sheet. The meeting was chaired by its President/Chairman, Bob Whitcomb.

The chairman began the meeting with reminding members that their 2006 membership fee was due at this time and urged everyone to make payment since these fees were to be used to cover the costs of incorporation and the establishment of AAWRA as a 501(c)(4) organization with the Internal Revenue Service.

He then asked the directors for reports on the numerous meetings that have taken place over the past few months with State and County representatives concerning the budget.

The Treasurer, Jay Phillips, was asked to make a report on the status of funds and 2006 fees. He reiterated the fact that the 2006 membership fee is due at this time and there was numerous members that have not yet paid their membership fee for 2006. He indicated that he had forms with him for members needing a form and that the form was on the AAWRA website for those who required a form after today. There had been no new members since the last meeting. A more concentrated effort to recruit new members was suggested by the Chairman and for members to contact their neighboring communities concerning a membership with AAWRA.

The Chairman announced the resignation of Director Heminger who had been in the Secretary role for AAWRA and can no longer perform these tasks. He asked for nomination for this position from members. The nomination of Lisa Moore was offered for this position. Lisa Moore has been an active and committed AAWRA member since joining this year and represents Carrs Creek/Deale Beach community. No other nominations were put forth for consideration. A motion to second Lisa Moore's nomination was put forth and a vote was requested. With all members voting yea and no nay votes, Lisa Moore was elected as the Secretary of AAWRA.

On the Legislative front, the group discussed AAWRA presentation to the State Delegates in a March meeting and testimony put forth at that meeting concerning the need to replenish the Waterway Improvement Funds and need for restoration funding in Anne Arundel County. At the conclusion of the Delegate meeting, Delegates Clagett and Leopold left the meeting with AAWRA members for further discussion concerning this effort.

Members also met with County Council Chairman Ed Reilly in March to discuss the Waterway Improvement Funds, the boat count issue and to review the list of projects on the County's list. Councilman Reilly was supportive of the AAWRA efforts.

The issue of hearings concerning the County DPW budget was discussed by the group and whether AAWRA members should attend hearings for informational purposes or support to make sure dredging funds remain in the budget. A Q project list has not been made available but will be available May 1, 2006. These meetings usually occur during the week day and some members expressed availability to attend should it be determined AAWRA representation is needed.

It was noted that Delegates Cadden and Leopold came together with language on the House bill on the consolidated budget bill that would have DNR prepare a repayment schedule for the $27 million dollars taken from the Waterway Improvement Fund in previous years. The note requests a repayment schedule to be developed by DNR by August 6, 2006. The Budget Bill passed the House with this language, but we do not know if it was included in the budget passed the Senate.

Members discussed the meeting with Anne Arundel Department of Public Works attended by AAWRA members which represented a quarterly meeting to review priority list for the County. For the Fiscal Year 2007 (beginning July 1, 2006) the County has the following projects scheduled:

Town Point Site for dredging$800K
Parish Creek$525K State Funds
Pools Gut$353K
Parkers Creek$262K
Locust Cove$100K - creek had some SAV issues that have been resolved.
Planning Funds250K
On the list for FY 2008 at this time are Parrish, Rockhold, Whitehall, and Broadwater Creeks. It appears that Anne Arundel County will receive $2,556,000 which represents 32% of project funds. Additionally, the County will allocate funds for a new boat ramp that will provide public access in a Park off the Magothy River.

Discussion concerning our next meeting scheduled for May 23rd and the speaker, Pat Lynch, to share efforts with Whitehall project.

Contact was made with Senator DeGrange's office concerning his attendance but he has a conflict with our next scheduled meeting date. Additional follow-up with his office concerning his attendance at another meeting will be pursued.

The group discussed the upcoming elections and participation in public forums about AAWRA issues for the candidates as well as the River Keepers and other groups planned meetings with potential representatives. It was agreed that AAWRA members are to be working this month in developing questions that could be put forth to potential candidates in writing or at public venues regarding their position on waterway improvement and restoration priority or support.

Meeting was concluded at 8:20 PM.