- Annual Meeting (June). Fred Kelly
will check on the expenses of using the Epping Forest clubhouse
again and try to negotiate a reduced rate and try to persuade them
to renew their membership. Scott Hymes will be responsible for
signage to the event. Tom Horton is the invited speaker, although
not yet confirmed; Ron Bowen may also make a presentation. Anne
Pearson will follow up on this.
- Membership mailing - was sent
on 1/7/2007. Bob Whitcomb stressed we need a plan for followup
to non-responders. A discussion was held as to whether this should
be by telephone or mail. Noted that funding received was for three
mailings.
- A Membership committee was established
with Bob Whitcomb as chair, Pat Lynch, Charlotte Lubbert, and Scott
Hymes. Kurt Riegel has suggested data base storage on a secure
web site, with access restricted to selected SRA officers. Board
agreed this is a good idea.
- A strategic planning meeting was
discussed, and will be held this spring. Sally Hornor suggested
the core attendees be the executive committee with others as indicated.
- Anne Pearson discussed a new project
to educate about and promote stormwater management for the new
Constellation of Activists. It will help us understand our place
in nature and how to make environmentally sound planning and zoning
rules.
- A motion was made and passed to
endorse Anne Pearson’s letter to the County Council regarding
implementing stormwater code language that refers to “replicating
the natural hydrological cycle.” Developers should be required
to maintain as nearly as possible original stormwater retention,
by using low-impact development techniques.
- Fred Kelly noted that new Maryland
Attorney General Doug Gansler wants to focus on prosecuting environmental
offenders. Senate President Mike Miller is said to be very supportive.
- Jake Jacobs noted an Annapolis Capital
article on noise monitoring, focusing especially on houses and
parties. He feels more attention should be paid to the waterways
and boats. DNR already has rules, and Jake will follow up with
more information.
- Scott Hymes reported that the Crownsville
Conservancy has taken control of the first 2 properties acquired
at a tax sale. The Conservancy has applied for a $50,000 grant
to pay for legal fees. If this is awarded, they will finally be
able to repay SRA the startup seed money we have loaned them.
- Bob Whitcomb announced a cleanup
on Jabez Branch on March 31, starting at 8:30
A.M.
- Treasurer’s report:
see attached.
Upcoming Speakers:
February 20, 2007, 7
PM
Alan Hyatt Installation
of a green roof in Annapolis
March 20, 2007 (Postponed
from February)
Jamie Benoit,
Councilman District 4. Learn more about plans for growth in Anne Arundel County, and how to protect the headwaters
of the Severn
River.
April 17, 2007, 7
PM
The Business of
Green Design, Michael Furbish, Furbish Company LLC. Be inspired by his story of shifting
his business from Conventional to Green Building and learn about building for environmental
sustainability.
June 5, 2007, 6:00
PM
Tom Horton invited,
Ron Bowen, Save Our Severn. Stormwater
Runoff, what you and SRA can do to encourage restoration of the
River, and an Action Agenda, location to be announced.
July 17, 2007
Living Shoreline at
West Severna Park Community Association, see how it was achieved
and learn how others can install one with funds from DNR, CBT, et
al.
September 18,
2007
Mayor Ellen Moyer
presents Al Gore’s slides: Global Warming and what we can each do to reduce
its impact.
October 16, 2007
The Fast Bus System Klaus
Philipsen, 1000 Friends of Maryland, how and where it works
so the car stays home.
Our transportation choices impact our river and quality of life. See
how!
November 20, 2007
“Forest Friendly Development” (Al Todd, Bay Program Forestry Division)