Return to Watershed Home Page 2006 March Meeting Notes Attending: Bev Huntsberger, John Zoraster, Mark Goldschmidt,(concept architect on behalf of Altadena Heritage) Jeff Chapman (Arroyo Seco Foundation) Rick Carron (AFS), Nancy Steele (AFS) Toby MacElroy (landscape Architect) Sue Dadd, Anne Dove, National Parks (visitor), Michele Zack chair. Meeting came to order 5:45. Introductions, followed by chair's report, to which everyone pitched in. This included news of last week's MWD reception (attended by John Z, Mark G, Rick C, Nancy S. and Michele Z) for winners of "City Makeover" grant. Ours was best, also smallest, no contest. Rick said MWD board member told him how stiff competition was this year. Michele reported on IRWMP (Integrated Regional Water Management Project) process, which will quantify benefits of various water management projects on a regional basis. She's been attending workshops in Glendale on this, which is on fast track. Northeast Trees study, by Jason Pelletier, identified 2 top priority Altadena projects: putting bio-swales along Woodbury median, and improving habitat along Millard and other local Canyons draining into Arroyo Seco. AFC has also submitted grant proposal in partnership with PEF/PUSD for watershed literacy program in school and community, so has ASF. We will hear May 15 about grants. Michele applied for Haynes Foundation Grant to write a watershed/water management history of Sierra Madre, to be included in her Sierra Madre history. Jeff reported Tim Brick in Mexico City at worldwide water conference representing MWD, will speak on Mega City challenges. Theme of meeting is securing clean water for the poor worldwide, will address privitization of water. Mark reported on Rubio Canyon Water Company's annual meeting. All lawsuits receding, all pick up points along canyon functioning. Questions arose over what exactly this means. No flows currently, are they pumping it all from further up?? They expressed positive interest in partnering on our Pocket Park ‹ boulders and transport. Need to send them letter, to define specifically what support will consist of. Rick reported that we are the fortunate recipients of a generous donation from Altadena residents Jim and Scarlett Osterling for purchasing some larger sized oaks than originally anticipated, so the park will start to show some maturity even sooner than we had hoped. Toby reported on progress of pocket park drawings, shared these. Discussion on irrigation. After critique, we decided to accept Toby and Rick's recommendations to use little pop up squirters that do not mist off into the atmosphere as some members feared. We agreed the goal is to get plants established, and to discontinue irrigation after a few years. We will demonstrate drought tolerant plant palette, rather than totally politically correct irrigation. Home gardens can use drip emitters, but public spaces require more sturdy system. Toby will re-contact Rainbird to establish their level of support. Jeff pointed out ASF had been left off title block (very embarrasing) this will be corrected in final drawings. Motion made by Michele, seconded by Zoraster, to approve plans and move forward to county process. Approved by everyone. Adjourn 7 p.m. or so.