The meeting room was opened at 5:30 p.m. and several attendees arrived early to exchange ideas and catch up on various activities.
The meeting itself at the Village of Oak Creek Community Assn. Clubhouse was called to order at 7:10 p.m. by Vice-Chair Marsha Foutz. The two dozen people in attendance introduced themselves.
The October minutes were approved without objection. There was no financial report as the treasurer was absent.
Marsha presented a Vice-Chair’s report. She raised the possibility of obtaining monthly water quality reports as well as pertinent data from various agencies.
Chuck Dempsey, Salt River Project meteorologist, presented a graphic depiction of various perspectives on El Niño. He said odds favored a wetter than normal winter but odds also existed that the upcoming winter could be drier than normal. He expects El Niño to produce a few more storms than average along with a boost in typical watershed yields.
A lively discussion took place concerning possible community interest in studies regarding the basin’s water resources. Tom O’Halleran said Yavapai County is making an effort to bring various interest groups together to determine if and how to proceed to understand the area’s water resources. Much discussion took place about agency agendas and how to involve the public in any process which might get underway.
Ed McGavock was appointed to chair the Nominating Committee which will recommend 1998 officers. Other committee members are: Mark Peterson, Gene Holloway and Loyd Barnett. In the Chairman’s absence no other committee assignments were made.
Barnett told the group about management changes involving the Big Park Domestic Wastewater Improvement District. He gave an overview of the District’s facilities, permits and future plans.
Dan Salzler described ongoing efforts to bring together private citizens working in other watersheds with VWA leaders to discuss how to join forces and work together.
John Parsons recounted various activities of the coordinator. He commended area media for reprinting many of the items which appear in the newsletter. He described the changes which are underway with the internet Home Page. The meeting adjourned at 8:40 p.m. (By J. Parsons-11/97)