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HomeMy WebLinkAboutEAC January Min 1-12-26Minutes of the Ecological Advocacy Committee (EAC) Meeting on January 12th, 2026 Committee Members Present: Andy Schnabel (Chair prior) Clay Kusbach (Chair new) Charlene Rountree (Vice-Chair) Andrew Tucker Brian Will John Hamilton Lori Checkley Others Present: Garry Harrington – VPA, Director of Rum Village Nature Center Brent Thompson – VPA, City Forester Macey Hanna – VPA, Director of Recreation Michael Schmidt – Attorney, City of South Bend Barbara Dale – Office of Sustainability, City of South Bend Maddie Busch – Horticulturist, VPA I.  Call to Order – Meeting at Rum Village Nature Center at 8:35am. II. Approval of Minutes Brian W. moved to approve the minutes of December 1st, 2025.  Andrew T. seconded. The motion passed unanimously. III. Old Business Election of New Officers Andy S. brought up the annual nomination of new officers, specifically for the Chair and Secretary/Vice-Chair positions.  The committee reviewed the responsibilities of both positions. Both Clay K. and Charlene R. were nominated for the Chair position.  Clay accepted the nomination, and Charlene declined.  Charlene motioned for the nomination of Chair.  Brian W. seconded.  The vote for Clay K. to be the new Chair for 2026 for the committee was unanimous.  Charlene R. nominated for the Vice-Chair/Secretary position, and accepted the nomination.  Clay K. motioned for the nomination, and Andrew T. seconded.  The vote for Charlene R. to remain as Secretary/Vice-Chair of the committee was unanimous.  All Officers for 2026 established! Review of Unresolved Issues from 2025 Garry H. and Andy S. reviewed all outstanding projects from 2025 to continue into 2026.   Free signage options from Indiana DNR to be reviewed.  Clay K. and Garry H. will coordinate on what available options there are. 35th St. Wetland proposal to be followed up by Macey H by next meeting. USDA Grant Update  Barbara D. informed that her department is making both role and development priority changes for 2026.  However, the half-moon tree nursery development continues. IV. New Business Horticulturalist’s Projects Maddie B. informed that invasive removal continues to be a high priority in 2026.  They will update on progress in Frederickson Park by February’s meeting. Looking Ahead: Priorities for 2026 Clay K. recommended continuing interest in educational booth supplies for amplifying the educational outreach efforts.   Brian W. updated on how he has applied to the Science Alive Education event on tree plantings on behalf of the committee for 2026. Clay K. further commented that the committee should focus on 3 events for the year to make an impact on.  One in each of the warmer seasons of spring, summer, and Fall.   Garry provided a list of sensitive park properties for the committee to review and become more familiar with while staying informed on for the 2026 focus from each member. Subcommittee updates and changes should be discussed at the February meeting as well. V. VPA and City Updates None VI. Miscellaneous None VII. Privilege of the Floor None Noted. Action Items Garry H., John M., and Clay K. to coordinate on free signage options with Indiana DNR. Macey H. to look into Andrew T.’s proposal for 35th St. Wetland. Macey H. to look into a budget for educational booth supplies. Each committee member should select a park property from the list provided by Garry H. to focus on themselves for informational and familiarity reasons for 2026.  Andy S. to look into the further developments of the River Park Plan. Subcommittee changes and formation will be performed at the February meeting.  The next meeting will be on Monday, February 23rd, 2026; 8:30 am at Rum Village. The meeting was adjourned at 9:46 am.