Regular Meeting
September 8, 2008

The regular meeting of the Webster County Conservation Board was called to order at the Kennedy Park Reception Center on Monday, September 8, 2008 at 7:00 p.m.

Board members present were:
      Kirk Seltz, Jerry Beck, Jim Eslick, Brad Luke

Staff present:
      Matt Cosgrove

Guests present:
     None

Jerry Beck made a motion to approve the minutes of the August Board Meeting. Brad Luke seconded the motion.  Motion unanimously carried.

The director presented an invitation to the Miller Marsh Dedication Ceremony and Open House scheduled for September 19th. The board discussed the progress of the project and the schedule of events for the day. The Open House will include: an overview of the project, tour of the site, acknowledgement of partners, and a lunch. The director informed the board that the contractor would finish the tile work in a few days and the closure of the ag. drainage well will start in the next week or two.

The board discussed the items to be included in the 50th Anniversary Insert that will run in the Messenger on October 1, 2008.  Topics included: past/current board members, conservation time-line, past and present pictures, current management areas, the design of the environmental education facility, a thank you for 50th event sponsors, and information regarding the Friends of Webster County Conservation. The board also discussed activities for the 50th Anniversary Celebration scheduled for October 4th. The theme of the event will be “Past, Present, and Future of County Conservation in Webster County”.

The director gave the board a brief update on the design of the Environmental Education Facility for Webster County. The Planning Committee has developed a mission statement and sustainable building elements to be included in the building. The group has also toured several locations at Brushy Creek State Recreation Area that could be possible locations for the facility. Brad Luke raised concerns regarding the preferred location because it may interfere with public hunting. Other locations along Highway 20 were also discussed. The board will hold a special meeting in late-September to review the plans that are being designed by Chris Behrens with Allers Architects. The concept will be included in the 50th Anniversary Insert in the Messenger.

Additional Business

The director informed the board regarding an accident that occurred on the campground hill on August 16, 2008. An eleven year old girl was riding a bike down the campground when she lost control and sustained injuries. The girl was flown to another hospital with head injuries.

Kirk Seltz made a motion to approve the bills as presented.  Jerry Beck seconded the motion.  The motion unanimously carried.

Jerry Beck made a motion to adjourn. Brad Luke seconded the motion.  The motion unanimously carried.

Submitted by,
Matt Cosgrove, Director,Webster County Conservation