HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 1-13-25Minutes of the Ecological Advocacy Committee (EAC) Meeting on January 13th, 2025
Committee Members Present:
Andy Schnabel (Chair)
Charlene Rountree (Vice-Chair)
Andrew Tucker
Lori Checkley
Brian Will
Kevin Price
John Hamilton
Clay Kusbach
Others Present:
Jordan Gathers – VPA, Director
Garry Harrington — VPA, Rum Village Park Property Manager
Brent Thompson – VPA, City Forester
Barbara Dale – Project Manager, Office of Sustainability
I. Call to Order – Meeting at Rum Village Nature Center at 8:34 am.
II. Approval of Minutes
Brian Will moved to approve the minutes of the December 2nd, 2024. Lori Checkley seconded. The motion passed unanimously.
III. Old Business
Introductions: New and Existing EAC Members
Welcomed back almost all 2024 committee members. Welcomed our new member, Clay Kusbach to the committee, too! Introductions and connections were made.
USDA Grant Update
Barbara D. let the committee know that the Office of Sustainability has been working on many projects in preparation for planting. Tree nurseries are being set-up, the team is working
with the Troyer group to have final nursery designs done by February. An updated tree list for planting priorities was compiled. Likewise, workforce development is still being formalized
for the execution of this massive project.
Environmental Research Coalition Update
Barbara D. described further efforts to communicate with the public on research projects ongoing with the research coalition. Speakers for 2025 are still being arranged. April 12th
is a major event day that EAC committee members are invited to attend.
IV. New Business
Director Gather’s visit
VPA Director Jordan Gathers was very happy to stop in and visit the EAC committee at the first 2025 committee meeting for the year. He expressed that he looks forward to collaborating
on all 56 park properties, and commended the EAC for continued good work.
EAC Priority List for 2025
In preparation for February’s meeting, a new list of 2025 subcommittee priorities will be compiled to focus on for the year. A tentative list is as follows:
Aquatic Resources Assessment Subcommittee
This subcommittee could take more action this year by performing more field research and incorporating 35th St. Wetland as a demonstration project, too.
Park Specific Management Plan Subcommittee
As the NRMP calls for, plans for the approximately 17 sensitive park properties should be compiled one year at a time.
Education Subcommittee
This subcommittee can reinvigorate with Ronda S.’s Rum Village Weed Wrangle’s taking place regularly for volunteers.
WCP Directive vote
Charlene R. shared how this directive will be edited to be formally available for committee vote for approval in February. South Bend city attorney accompanying Director Gathers recommended
adding a “privilege of the floor” verbiage to agenda’s to allow for topics not listed to be discussed and potentially voted on.
Big Tree Contest of St. Joseph County
Garry H. shared how 25 years ago, Rum Village as a park property participated in the tree measuring contest across the nation. The biggest trees measured were of the species Red Oak,
Blue Ash, and Sugar Maple. Garry gave the whole committee an insightful list of some impressive tree measurements, and approximate ages ranging beyond 200 years old. Truly, something
to marvel at and be proud of!
V. VPA and City Updates
Brent T. and Rebecca M. had no updates.
Garry H. shared on how the $65,000 dedicated to improvements at Rum Village are still being arranged for the nature center to be updated.
Director Gathers also informed that the $3.8 million funding for Walker field and the Rum Village connectivity project will be occurring. It is considered a priority for VPA based on
citizen requests.
Garry H. continued by mentioning Ronda S.’s Weed Wrangle team found a large patch of invasive bittersweet in the past month. This was a huge removal of invasive plants. More wins for
Rum Village!
VI. Miscellaneous
Brian W. suggested a litter pick-up again for 2025 at 35th St. Wetland in April. Tentative date: Saturday April 5th from 9am to 11am.
Action Items
April 12, 2025 – Environmental Research Coalition event.
Subcommittees will be more formalized with 2025 goals in February’s meeting.
WCP directive updated for a February meeting vote.
“Privilege of the Floor” verbiage to be added to EAC agendas to ensure topic discussion and voting goes smoothly by legislative policy.
Reminder – Rum Village Weed Wrangle led by Ronda S. the last Friday of every month from 10am to noon. Come pull some weeds 😊
April 5th, 2025 – Tentative date for 35th
Next meeting will be Monday, February 24th, 2025; 8:30 am at Rum Village
Meeting was adjourned at 9:23 am