JROC Minutes

Wednesday, November 7, 2007

James River Park Headquarters

Brian Mutchler, Presiding

• Meeting Called to Order: 6:15.
• Attendance: Tricia Pearsall, Rich and Sandy Young, Bill Swann, Nathan Burrell, Brian Mutchler, Greg Velzy, Ralph White, Margaret Maslak
• Approval ofOctober 3, 2007 Meeting Minutes: Not distributed. Delayed until next meeting.

Treasurer’s Report: Treasurer’s Report also delayed as our esteemed finance manager, Sally Wetzler, has been a bit under the weather, but is doing well! Just to let her know we are thinking about you and will see you in December!

· Recent/Current Projects & Issues:

Conservation Easement Status: Tricia had e-mailed Kathy Graziano’s office with David Hathcock giving an update: Everything still looks OK and moving in a forward direction. The draft is essentially complete with the particulars worked out with the easement holders. It is hoped that it will move forward to the “public awareness/affirmation/comment” phase by the first of the year.

Discussion followed. It was noted that the resolution to draft an easement document was passed by Council in October 2005. That was two years ago and nothing has been returned for passage.

It was decided that the December JROC Meeting would be devoted to the Conservation Easement Status and Information (since that is of primary importance to this organization). A forum or “round table” discussion will be scheduled with Dr. Charles Price, J.R. Pope, Director Richmond Recreation and Parks, John Zeugner, Director, Richmond Recreation and Parks Foundation and Joe Maroon, Director, Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation invited to attend, present what they know about the Easement and answer questions. The meeting will be held in the side room at Legends if that can be arranged. STAY TUNED!

Northshore Takeout:

Changing Room Roof Completed!!!!! Thanks Greg.

Discussion concerning extending the steps at the Takeout: It was decided to work on improving an area near an eddy upstream as a low water alternative, rather than adding concrete to the existing steps.

The Hazard at Pipeline rapid (undercut and I-beam) have been dealt with !

Projects for Spring: 1. Handrail 2. Pathway to kiosk and to overlook

Trail Work: Nathan Burrell reporting:

JRPS recently garnered the top spot as having the BEST URBAN TRAILS in the Southeast according to Blue Ridge Outdoors magazine. Kudos to Nathan (and Ralph) !

Many trail hot spots to work on, but with Nathan leading the charge of the large army of volunteers the problems are being dealt with.

Trail Hikes: Ralph and Lorne recently led a hike each… Well received.

Not much progress on finding volunteers to help lead hikes though.

• Project List

Graffiti Painting: Under control (with special thanks to the German guy ? who we would like to recognize for his dedication to dealing with this issue).

Pumphouse Fall Focus Access Ramp: A design has been drafted, but needs lots ‘o’ tweaking.

• Ralph Report: The Dominion Power project has been completed! Fencing and recycling tables at the Visitors Center and big paint job at the Pumphouse. THANKS DOMINION !!!!!

…And there was much more in Ralph’s report, but I was transfixed by it and forgot to write it all down. (GV)

• New Business:

James River Park System “review” scheduled for Wed., Nov. 14^th, 10:00

Membership Raffle

Membership:

Adjourn: