DRAFT) Minutes from Friends of Sligo Creek Board Meeting, 6/9/2014
(Bruce Sidwell, note-taker)
Action items in bold-italics.
Held at home of Kit Gage; attended by Kit, Bruce Sidwell, Michael Wilpers, Terry Anderson, Corrine
Lackner, Sarah Marcus, Mike Smith; guests, Elaine Lamirande (chair of Stormwater Cttee)
and Andrew Marcus
Item 1. Discussion of storm water activities led by Elaine. Highlight was completion of Wire Ave.
Pollinator Garden. Ceremonial opening to be held June 14. Success of this effort has inspired
other possible projects. Board authorized Elaine to spend up to $500 on these projects for
such items as a sod-cutter, signs, etc. Plus it was agreed that donations could be earmarked for specific projects. Also, Sarah will send FOSC logo to Elaine for correspondence.
Item 2. Discussion of steps to complete our new database set-up led by Michael Wilpers, Sarah
Marcus, and Andrew Marcus. Proposal by Andrew was accepted by the Board. For $2000,
he will move the set-up from the “sandbox” and get it running by about the end of September.
His work will not include actual data-entry or management. Progress will be
monitored during the summer to sharpen actual delivery date and solve unforeseen
problems.
Item 3. Discussion led by Kit about proposed limitations of pesticide use on County property.
Kit met with Councilmember Leventhal on May 28. Also attending were reps from Little Falls
Watershed Alliance and Rock Creek Conservancy. Main issue was carving out exemption for
use by Parks to control non-native invasive plants. Leventhal indicated his willingness to protect
that use.
Item 4. Discussion of FOSC finances led by Kit. (Treasurer Vanessa Andrews was not able to
attend, but sent treasurer’s report plus info about recruiting new treasurer.) There was no discussion
of status of treasury— it is healthy for the moment. Board agreed to begin recruitment
effort. A Boardmember in attendance indicated he might be willing to take the assignment.
Item 5. Discussion of need to revamp outreach led by Sarah Marcus. No action taken, but will
need to address soon.
Item 6. Quick report by Michael Wilpers on status of the 2013 bee study . The effort conducted
at the Pepco ROW successfully identified flowering plants during the growing season. Bees
trapped/ collected are expected to be identified to species in the near future. Results will likely
be posted on the website.
Item 7 & 8, Status of invasives removal and water quality.
Item 9. Out-going prez, Michael Wilpers was feted with champagne and gifts (nature-themed
ceramic tiles from Sligo Tiles— salamander, earthworms, Blue heron, and turtle). By serving 4
years and 1 month, he was in saddle longer than any of past 4 leaders.
No date or place set for next meeting.