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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes EAC MTG SeptMinutes of the Ecological Advocacy Committee (EAC) Meeting on September 15th, 2025 Committee Members Present: Andy Schnabel (Chair) Charlene Rountree (Vice-Chair) Andrew Tucker Brian Will John Hamilton Lori Checkley Others Present: Barbara Dale – Project Manager, Office of Sustainability Brent Thompson – VPA, City Forester Macey Hanna – VPA, Director of Recreation Michael Schmidt – Attorney, City of South Bend Mary Wojcik – VPA, Horticulturist I.  Call to Order – Meeting at Rum Village Nature Center at 8:39am. II. Approval of Minutes Andrew T. moved to approve the minutes of August 4th, 2025.  Brian W. seconded. The motion passed unanimously. III. Old Business Committee Reports Aquatic Resources Assessment Subcommittee Charlene Rountree reported that the Data Sheet for field research data collection has been drafted and made available for review and use in the Field Research folder of the EAC G-Drive.   35th St. Wetlands Subcommittee Andrew Tucker informed us of the upcoming clean-up, which is also the last one for the year, happening on Oct. 25th. He also informed everyone that he will be speaking about this project at the next Wild Ones meeting on Oct. 6th.. This subcommittee will continue to investigate budget allocations for this property.  Andrew T. wishes to arrange with Garry Harrington to schedule a meeting with John Martinez or Director Gathers to review this. Park Specific Management Plan Subcommittee A report sent by EAC member Ronda Spaulding prior to the meeting noted that a survey for tree of heaven was completed around the entire park edge, and Mary Wojcik treated those trees.  There is a plan to move to the interior of the park to continue eliminating tree of heaven.  The next Weed Warriors event will be on Friday, October 24th.   Education Subcommittee Brian Will is coordinating with Andrew T. on the Oct. 6th Wild Ones event.  He is also looking into planning future spring 2026 events, too. Geese Signage Andy Schnabel provided signage examples for both waterfowl and pollinator habitat education.   After some discussion, Andrew T. moved to approve all suggested modifications to signage for submission to VPA.  Andy S. seconded.  The signage submission passed unanimously.  John Martinez will be informed.  Letter to Office of Sustainability Andy Schnabel brought up the 70% decrease in budget to this office as a concern resulting from Indiana’s newest legislation.  Concerns on positions being reduced or eliminated commenced.   Andy S. suggested the committee write a formal letter of concern to the South Bend Common Council regarding these recent developments.   Michael S. recommended motioning for a vote on letter drafting and choosing a speaker. Charlene R. motioned, John H. seconded, Andrew T. was recommended to draft the letter, and Andy S. was recommended to speak on behalf of the committee to the council.    These arrangements passed unanimously.  IV. New Business Horticultural Updates – Mary Wojcik continues to work on invasive plant removal.  Fall plantings continue according to schedule in no-mow areas at multiple properties.  USDA Tree Grant Update – Barbara Dale reported that the large tree nursery construction has begun and should be complete by the end of Fall.  First trees should begin being grown by the end of the year.  The Office of Sustainability are considering working together with South Bend re-entry center members to help with project efforts.  V. VPA and City Updates Barbara Dale brought up urban heat island mapping for urban tree canopy projects, and positive attention being gained.  Brent Thompson and Michael Schmidt  reported that revisions to the tree ordinance approved by EAC are almost complete.  VI. Miscellaneous Macey H. informed us that the Kennedy Park Project is also progressing with planting.  She seeks EAC advice on the native planting list they use. VII. Privilege of the Floor None noted. Action Items Garry H. to coordinate with Andrew T. on scheduling a meeting to discuss 35th St. Wetland budget allocations. Andrew T. to draft a formal letter of concern regarding budget reduction to the Office of Sustainability for the South Bend Common Council.  Committee to advise on Kennedy Park Project native planting list. Andy Schnabel will send waterfowl control and habitat restoration signs to John Martinez for consideration by VPA. The next meeting will be on Monday, October 27th, 2025; 8:30 am at Rum Village. The meeting was adjourned at 9:45am.