|
|
|
Colorado Association of Stormwater and Floodplain Managers
Board Meeting Minutes
Held at Silvertree Hotel,
Snowmass
September 23, 2010
Meeting Attendees
Officers:
Chair – David Mallory, UDFCD
Vice Chair – Dave Bennetts, UDFCD
Outgoing Treasurer and Scholarship – Shea Thomas, UDFCD
Outgoing Secretary and New Metro Rep. - Robert Krehbiel, Matrix Design Group
New Secretary – Brian Varrella, City of Fort Collins
Outgoing Metro Regional Rep. – Deb Ohlinger, Olsson Associates
New Northwest Regional Rep. - Betsy Suerth, Garfield County
Committee Chairs:
John Pflaum, Project Awards
Ken Cecil, Outreach
Holly Piza, Stormwater Quality
Kallie Bauer, Floodplain & CFM Coordinator
Kevin Houck, Immediate past Chair
Chris Carlson, Training
Stuart Gardner, Website & Facilities
The following is a summary of the interactions, comments and items discussed. While this summary is not intended to represent a complete or comprehensive account of the meeting, it is intended to reflect the salient points raised and issues for further consideration. Should the attendees believe that anything might be misrepresented or misleading, please bring this to the attention of Brian Varrella, CASFM Secretary.
1) 501(C)3 Tax Exempt Status
The intent is for CASFM to file as a non-profit agency to save money on taxes, especially for the conference. Attempts to work with the District’s attorney have not prompted action, and CASFM needs to find a new attorney to pull this together.
2) Liability and Director & Officers Insurance
Dave Bennetts is leading the effort to obtain insurance for the organization. The cost is approximately $1800/year for the minimum insurance. Dave anticipates the need to complete paperwork once a year for the conference. Insurance coverage is required by ASFPM to bid for hosting the flood symposium. A motion was made to purchase the insurance and pay for it with money from the Training Budget. Motion was approved.
3) ASFPM Flood Forum
This is an opportunity to host a one day event in March for approximately 100 invited people. The purpose of the forum is to discuss where floodplain policy should be directed on a national level. The assumed budget for the forum is $10,000, with half to be paid by ASFPM and the other half by CASFM. The budget covers travel for speakers and food. The Natural Hazards Center is offering their facility at no charge. CASFM’s bid to ASFPM to host the forum will include letters of support from FEMA Region 8, Natural Hazards Center, and the CWCB. It is assumed that 6 chapters may be bidding to host the forum.
4) 2011 APWA National Congress in Denver
The APWA conference will be help September 18-21, 2011 and is expected to include approximately 6000-7000 attendees. CASFM and UDFCD may conduct a water summit. An abstract is needed by October 1. A draft agenda is also needed. UDFCD will take the lead to organize this effort.
5) Support for CWCB Floodplain Regulations
The CWCB Board hearing is scheduled to adopt the new floodplain regulations. Key components of the new regulations are 1’ of freeboard, 0.5 foot rise floodway, and protection of critical facilities. UDFCD is supporting the new floodplain regulations. The CWCB is requesting a letter of support from CASFM on chapter letterhead by the end of October. CASFM should have a meeting to discuss the pros and cons and how the regulations would impact communities. CASFM could advertise to entire membership for an opportunity to comment. The meeting could be held in the UDFCD Board Room. A motion was made for David Mallory to draft a letter and provide it to the Floodplain Committee for discussion. Motion was approved.
6) Watershed Conference
The conference is scheduled for Wednesday afternoon, October 5 in Vail. David Mallory is being asked to sit on the Stream Restoration panel as a regulator.
7) ASFPM All-Chapter Conference Call
All chapter organizations of ASFPM are invited to participate in the discussion. In addition, ASFPM produces a newsletter every other month.
8) Elections
No Southwest candidates were nominated during the elections. The CASFM Board needs to find someone from that region to fill that position or designate a member at-large.
9) Ballot Initiative 60, 61 and 101
CASFM is generally against these initiatives. However, the Articles of Incorporation recommend caution when supporting a political position. Since these initiatives could impact public safety, it should be acceptable to note that the organization is not in favor of these propositions. A general statement of opposition could be posted to the CASFM website. The Articles of Incorporation read in part that “No substantial part of the activities of the Corporation shall be engaged in carrying on propaganda, or otherwise attempting to influence legislation. The Corporation's involvement in carrying on propaganda, or in otherwise attempting to influence legislation shall not in any event exceed the sliding scale limitation test under Code Section 501 (h) of the Internal Revenue Code as it now exists, or as it may hereafter be amended.”