Meeting Notes: 1/14/14

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RNA Meeting 1/14/14

CALL TO ORDER

Greg Basralian

Allen Briggs

Nicole Caldwell

Fran Farren

Katie Hunter

Rick Lopez

Kevin Nelson

Kathy Nelson

Laurie Petersen

Treasurer's Report: $630

Open/Public Comments

Fran Farren Reporting:

A survey came in from the Township ofAlexandria regarding our opinions on quality of life and more. RNA should answer and attach letter to survey for consideration by town. What is our #1 industry? Tourism because of the St. Lawrence River and Indian River Lakes System. The RNA needs to offer representation. What is the biggest threat to the lakes around here? Pollution (at large) and milfoil.

Addendum notes to survey (group will draft and mail to town):

• Pavilion lights: require expanding lighting district by two lights if we want town to be responsible. For us it is $1,000 per light to maintain.
• Public dockage/boat launch: inadequate boat launch at Butterfield Lake. Requires a dock and/or cribs with gravel for ease of boat launching.
• Baseball field—requires draining, markers and landscaping, then dugout
• Pavilion—constant issue with destruction of fencing. Hearts for Youth owns playground. RNA put pavilion up but maintenance falls on Hearts for Youth
• Apartments and rentals: okay to have some but not too much, more parking (hamlet-wide parking?) needed
• Pedestrian trails: more maintenance and more trails needed!
• What types of businesses do we want to attract?
• Opinions on zoning: some is too strict, some is not strict enough.
• Public transportation: ride shares? Bulletin boards? Small-scale bus system between Bay, Redwood, Watertown? Carpool program?

Discussion of giving $100 to church bi-annually for use of space (unanimous)

Kevin chairing effort for community-wide Thanksgiving celebration. Survey FB group to determine date and attendance. Thanksgiving Day? Or weekend before? Firehall? Tavern? Get donations of food to prepare.

Can drive: Pick up provided? Tavern is willing to accept bagged cans. If cans are marked we can receive separate checks from Theresa redemption.

Shirts: Nicole will send around designs and order shirts before next meeting.

Kathy will file for e-statements from Watertown Savings Bank. Asked about PO Box. Used to have one; since lapsed. Group decides no need to renew if we can get electronic banking statements, as most donations/memberships determined in-person.

Kathy said Food Sense Program is going very well, RNA is listed as a partner. Group has expanded to include families in Philadelphia, etc. Would like to set up a bank account through RNA. Would not mix with RNA funds. Unanimously approved. Suggestion by Nicole that Better Farm might attend pick-up days to sell fresh produce. Kathy in favor.

Redwood Composting: Katie proposing “Better Buckets” compost program. People can sign up, bucket dropped off, weekly pickups to compost at community greenhouse to create dirt.

For next meeting: brainstorm spring fundraiser. Greg offering up space at Tavern for said event. Wine/beer pairing? Chili or fish-fry cookoff? Iron chef? Think of March or April event.