JROC Minutes

Wednesday, October 3, 2007

James River Park Headquarters – Pot Luck Supper! Yum!

Chris Hull, Presiding

• Meeting Called to Order: 6:25pm with introduction of all in attendance.
• Attendance: Sally Wetzler, Ann Compton, Tricia Pearsall, Susanne Smith, Rich and Sandy Young, Barry Dixon, Jenny Wiley, Martha James, Randy James, Scott Wagner, Margaret Maslak, Dave Gunn, Nathan Burrell, Brian Mutchler, Chris Hull, Greg Velzy, Ralph White Lorne Field
• Approval of September 5, 2007 Meeting Minutes: Approved
• Treasurer’s Report: Sally Wetzler – $17,930 in the bank, $8392 committed, $9538 available for projects.

*Update on Dominion’s Volunteer Project: October 16^th – Tuesday. 30 volunteers to date: 1. Build fencing and sorting tables in trash area west of Park Hdqts. 2. Paint floor at Pumphouse.

· Recent/Current Projects & Issues:

Conservation Easement Status: Easement still underway. What’s happening? It was suggested that we write to Kathy Graziano, Charles Price and/or John Pope (Parks and Recreation Director). (I did e-mail Kathy Graziano…no reply as yet)

Northshore Takeout: Four projects needed: 1. Handrail, 2. Changing room roof, 3. Adding concrete to base of ramp, 4. Pathway to kiosk to overlook

Trail Work: Nathan Burrell reporting:

Trails in great shape. Only 30 issues on both north, south trails. Starting this weekend, meeting Saturday mornings at Reedy Creek at 9:00am to work on Buttermilk.

Trail usage: More family hikers and older folks using trails.

Need more communication regarding courtesy on trails on Belle Isle. Perhaps through bike shops, etc.

Trail Hikes: Lorne Field: August – November booking increases!

Devil’s Kitchen Cleanup: 15 people showed up on Saturday with 2 rafts + Mike. 30 Bags of trash and 4 truckloads!

Sign for Z Dam: Have a draft. Chris working with Team Wav

New Park System Maps: Look great but no JROC credit…oh well.

Pipeline Undercut Filled: No longer a potential hazard.

• Project List

Graffiti Painting: Under control

Pumphouse Fall Focus: Lorne Field is working every Saturday in October: two shifts, morning and afternoon. This + help of Dominion Virginia Power workers who also donated $2500 in supplies. This will be JROC volunteer project focus.

Ralph gave the Pumphouse “Restored Ruin” vision:

*They hope to be opened to visitors on weekends next Spring.

*Need to have JROC focus on construction of wheelchair ramp which will cost ~$10,000.

*Sunday Oct. 28^th, Pumphouse will be opened for interior tours + classical music!

*Hope to put in small dock at western end to run bateaux up and down canal.

• Ralph Report:

Sturgeon Report: Mike Ostrander reported seeing 30 breeches at Osborne Landing early morning last week. Ralph confirmed see ing some later in the week.

Expanding James River Park: Oct. 11- Diversity Park – Bridging Boundaries. November- The Floodwall - Southside to be included in the Park.

McNeer Property across from the Pony Pasture entrance is under development to be included in the Park. Greg Velzy suggested that it include conservation easement before being given to Park.

New Interpretive Signs: Manchester Dam (on Floodwall), Beginning of CSO, Z-Dam Boating, Lee Bridge Sign, Quarry opposite meadow just downstream from Z-Dam.

Pipeline cleanup: Brought praise from Riverfront Tower Condo residents.

• New Business:

October Projects: See above

Membership: Susanne Smith: 65 paid, down from 81 last year.

Adjourn: 7:30pm