JROC Minutes

Wednesday, May 2, 2007

James River Park Headquarters

Chris Hull, Presiding

• Meeting Called to Order:
• Attendance: Tricia Pearsall, Nathan Burrell, Ralph White, John Bryan, Chris Hull, Greg Velzy, Ralph Hambrick, Lorne Field, Steve Ellison, Brian Mutchler, Bill Swann, Bob Burch, Mike McCormick
• Approval of April 2007 Meeting Minutes: Approved with note…they are too bland

• Treasurer’s Report: Sally Wetzler – from our Vegas affiliate - $4000 – 4500 available.

· Recent/Current Projects & Issues:

Conservation Easement Status: Status quo

Northshore Takeout:

Rocks: Dropped in parking lot. Pete cut slope down. We need to dump rocks

Handrail Request: Request for so older folks can get down to river

Karen Abse Plaque: Decided to put on 2 x 10 and mount.

Kiosks: Nathan moved it with a VCU volunteer. It needs a lot of love, new wood and EVERYTHING…but it’s there!

Trail Work: Nathan

Northbank Reroute: Open and Beautiful!

Lost Trail–East end of Belle Isle: Continuing work

Buttermilk: Small repairs

Forest Hills Park Trails Report: Progress! There is a meeting on May 11. Has support of Bikers and Forest Hills Civic Association, so trial recognition and maintenance looking more positive for the James River Adventure Games. In fact, this may mean that Nathan is made Greater Richmond Trail Manager for all the parks---a human power promotion! Go Nathan!

Trail Hikes: Lorne: John Johnson has volunteers actively training.

Outdoor Gear and Swap Meet: Whereas the foot traffic was not as great, sales and proceeds to JROC seem to have been OK. Sally will have figured next month. Go back to Farmer’s Market next year.

City Council Tour: Went well, Had 3 members of Council: Graziano, Tyler and Jewell present. Superlatives all around. Make and annual event.

· Project List:

Graffiti: Latino gang graffiti reported on Belle Isle. Notified police and bike patrol.

FYI - Bike Patrol: Now 8-3, but considering afternoon and night patrol. There’s a new bike shop in the Bottom, which is helping Police Bike Patrol. Run by Nate Ayers.

Cinco de Mayo Volunteers: Needed on Brown’s Island to sell beer. 4 hour shifts with proceeds going to JROC 30/person, per shift. See Steve Ellison.

Groovin’ in the Garden: Volunteers needed for June 7 to serve beer at Lewis Ginter with donations going to JROC.

James River Cleanup - June 9: Registration begins at 8:15. Cleanup until 1:00. Always need boaters.

· Ralph Report:

Burke – Young Recognition Dedication: Good crowd on hand last Sunday for unveiling of places on granite blocks to recognize these leaders in preserving the parklands.

Land on both sides of Riverside Drive near the Pony Pasture may be donated. to the JRP.

It was suggested that the land be put in a conservation easement prior to donation.

FJRP Pumphouse Party: June 2 following River Fest, a family events along Riverside Drive

James River Park Day: Last Sat in June followed by Slave Trail Torchlight Procession.

The River Where America Began, Bob Deanes: Good book. Read

.

• New Business:

Project Plans for May:

Kiosk: Rebuild 4 sides. Quick May project.

Trailwork: 14^th Street Takeout, Sat. May 12^th 10:00am:

Rocks

Handrail

Changing Room: PRIVACY CHALLENGED! Warping. Greg has roof materials. Will bring. Abse Plaque placement.

Z Dam – Kayak Sign: Will happen.

Adventure Games: June 16-17: Fireworks, Skaters-BMX Bikes, Adventure Experiences, Big Economic Promotion of Park System.

Next Month’s Project: Fence around the Trash Pile at Park Headquarters.

Next Meeting: Legends!!

Adjourn: 7:45pm