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Lake Wichita Revitalization Committee Minutes - 07/14/2015MINUTES LAKE WICHITA RE'V'ITALIZATION COMMITTEE July 14, 2015 MEMBERS PRESENT: Stephen Garner, Chair Clayton Lane, Vice Chair Penny Miller, Secretary Sam Bownds Michael Chapman Jake VanDonge Kathy Forehand - Chaddick Larry Scott Ford Swanson Tom Lang, Ex- Officio Jack Murphy, Director Parks and Recreation Kinley Hegglund, City Attorney Davis Powell, City Engineer Jeff Hill, Engineer E Members E Staff John Paul Stoddard, Presenter 0 Guests Sherry Cannedy, River Bend Nature Center Board of Directors Mike Crawford, River Bend Nature Center Board of Directors Pete Gill, Lakeside City Homeowner's Association Jay Cantrell, River Bend Nature Center Board of Directors John Hirschi, River Bend Nature Center Board of Directors Tina Henderson, Fundraising Committee ABSENT: Daniel Fitzwater, Brian Hooker I. Call to Order and Introductions Stephen Garner called the meeting to order_ He introduced new members, Jake VanDonge and Ford Swanson. II. Approval of Minutes Clayton Lane moved that the minutes of the March 10 meeting be approved. Larry Scott seconded. The motion passed. Larry Scott moved that the minutes of the April 14 meeting be approved. Clayton Lane seconded. The motion passed. Larry Scott moved that the minutes of the May 14 meeting be approved. Clayton Lane seconded. The motion passed. There was not a quorum to conduct business in June. LAKE WICHITA COMMITTEE July 14, 2015 Page 1 Ill. Presentation John Paul Stoddard presented a proposal to add a nature center to the plans for Lake Wichita, focused on exotic species, versus the native flora and fauna which are the focus of River Bend Nature Center. Mr. Stoddard indicated the center was intended to focus on small species such as reptiles, amphibians and insects, not be a metropolitan zoo. He discussed the conceptual design of the Wichita Falls Zoological Society Reptile, Amphibian, Invertebrate, Insect (RAIN) Center. Specifically, Mr. Stoddard was interested in land for such a center. Tom Lang responded that the committee has no land to allocate to any project. Steve Garner asked for questions and comments from the guests present. • John Hirschi opposed the exhibit of exotics, feeling it would encourage the exotic pet trade. • Jay Cantrell said that the overhead of River Bend Nature Center was $30,000 - $40,000 monthly and felt this project would be a strain on local financial resources. Jack Murphy stated that the Park Board periodically has discussed the idea of a zoologicallbotanical park, but there has not been much support for this type of recreational facility from the city. He also felt that such a center was not a good fit for the Lake Wichita project. However, he suggested that Mr. Stoddard may want to consider taking a tourism approach. Mr. Murphy suggested he may want to start with establishing a 501(c)(3) and recruiting a board of directors. IV. Other Discussion Davis Powell reported that they are finalizing a statement of work for Corolla to clarify roles for the city staff, the committee and the consultants. After the statement of work is final, negotiation will begin on the fees. After that the contract will be sent to City Council for approval. Clayton Lane brought a sampling of the marketing materials. The committee discussed the purpose of the materials and pricing. The primary purpose of the materials is raising awareness of the project, not fundraising. Clayton Lane will send an email with prices for those items the committee feels need to be paid for. Steve Garner stated that it is important to show payback, so donated monies can be returned to the project. Jack Murphy and Clayton Lane are to discuss a permanent metal sign at Lake Wichita Park. Steve Garner asked Davis Powell about distributing the water drained from Lake Wichita when the project moves forward as the public is concerned the water not be wasted. Tom Lang discussed the partnership with Ducks Unlimited. Penny Miller moved that the committee form a partnership with Ducks Unlimited for the Lake Wichita project. Kathy Forehand- Chaddick seconded. The motion passed. Tom Lang sent an email to numerous agencies about watershed restoration. The committee will be working on a package to support this portion of the project. LAKE WICHITA COMMITTEE July 14, 2015 Page 2 A local architecture firm has offered to assist with artist renderings for the project. Tom Lang has requested fish habitat structures from Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. This could be up to $5000. He also discussed the possibility of incorporating the Share Lunker program. Steve Garner and Tom Lang made a presentation to the Runner`s Club. The club made a $2000 donation and a commitment that the Dam Run proceeds in May will go to the Lake Wichita project. The committee discussed recognizing donors of $1000 or more on the website Kathy Forehand- Chaddick has added new members to the fundraising team: Robin Moreno, Robin Howlett and Tina Henderson. Ms. Henderson will be keeping the financial recordkeeping in order for the project. Dr. Martinez, Midwestern State University has promised the economic impact report by the end of the summer. The Big Boy Toy Show is coming up. Volunteers should contact Tom Lang to be scheduled. V. Adjournment .m. c--'2�15- Date LAKE WICHITA COMMITTEE July 14, 2015 Page 3