RANCOCAS CREEK ASSOCIATION
Minutes of the Meeting
March 19, 2006

Present

Doug and Mary Jane Barber, Diane Bauer, Helen Ferguson, Ellie Gesensway, Dottie and Al Goldacker, Betty Hayes, Craig Katz, Kevin Katz, Thomas Kempton, Don Maurer and Mary Jo Rogers, Dennis McElroy, Claudia and John McNamara, Claire and Wayne Milligan, Leo Spencer and Andy Wasserman.

Opening and Remembrance

Craig Katz as President welcomed all to his home. The first RCA meeting of 2006 commenced at 10:55 a.m. A moment of silence was observed to honor the memory of our friends John Hennessey and Charlie and Edie Singer. Evelyn phoned John McNamara who relayed her appreciation for our support in the passing of John Hennessey. Flowers and a donation to the church were made.
Inquiries were made into the health of two of our other members - Barrie Borman and Harold Charlestein. John informed us that Barrie was in good spirits and had a "colossal determination" for rehabilitation. Diane and Betty added that they had visited Barrie and shared some laughter. Diane also added that Harold was recovering from his illness.

Reports

Secretary's Report was given by Claire Milligan.
Treasurer's Report was given by Diane Bauer.

The Dam

Craig asked Don to report on the dam. Don had made a request to Arch Liston, a Mount Holly Township manager for an update of the Mill Dam situation. Arch Liston had responded that the "Army Corp and NOAA are still looking for funding for the fish ladder. At this point, removal has been taken off the table." They are trying to get funding from the state and federal level for the placement of the ladder and repairs.
Don also reported on establishing a water gage to measure levels along the creek. There is no water gage information from Pemberton. Dottie and Al volunteered use of their yard as a possible point of measure.
John wanted us to recognize Don for his hard work on these issues.
Discussion of the dam brought many voiced concerns including flooding, lack of control, lack of information provided to residents and a general lack of communication. The frustration was summed up well by Doug who couldn't understand how we can find water on Saturn yet have trouble with the local water situation. Craig made a motion to have a few members meet with Kevin Tuno the Emergency Management Coordinator to alleviate some of these concerns. Mary Jane seconded. Craig, Wayne and Al volunteered.

Survey by the Fire Department

Craig has requested that a fire truck be driven along Kates Tract to determine obstacles it may encounter, namely tree branches. He suggested that other residents in different areas along the creek organize a similar endeavor. If tree branches are barring passage, it was suggested that the RCA assist in cutting them down. These surveys may also provide awareness to officials in case an ambulance needs to travel over a damaged road.

Dues and Donations

Please pay your dues and perhaps encourage others to join. Diane reported that a $50.00 donation is being given to the Friends of the Mansion and to the Rancocas Conservancy. Also, a $50.00 donation will be given to those fire departments who assess the roads along the creek.

Other

Several residents of Kates Tract were concerned with the possible development of land along Shreve Street, fearing it would change the dynamic of this road.
The Earth Fair will be discussed at a later date.
The next meeting will be held at the home of Diane Bauer on April 23. Please consider volunteering your home as the site for a future meeting.
The meeting adjourned at 12:04 p.m.

Sincerely,
Claire Milligan