Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District

The Board of Directors meeting included a presentation advocating for an in-house Dredging Program, intended to mitigate shoreline erosion and sustain flood storage, with the Board requesting further cost analysis. Key business items involved the approval of lease transactions, short-term water supply agreements for Atwood Lake and Clendening Lake, and an adjustment to the annual maintenance assessment. Approvals were also granted for authorizing 'then and now' certificates for invoices, reviewing the use of credit cards, budget adjustments, and the renewal of general liability insurance. Human Resources activities, including the revision of the seasonal staffing plan, were approved. Several capital improvement projects progressed, including authorizations to bid and award work for paving, road improvements, and generator installations at various lakes. Easements for an electric cooperative and a fiber line were also approved, as was the addition of a full-time Project Inspector position. Concession agreements for Tappan and Seneca Lake Park beaches were approved, along with proposed daily rates for 2024. Reports detailed significant financial performance for the period ending March 31, 2023, including increased operational revenue and Utica royalty revenue updates. The Natural Resources report covered the completion of a seismic project and clean-up efforts following windstorms. The Engineering report detailed numerous projects under design or construction, including work on launch ramps, lift stations, and amenity areas. The Conservation report noted staffing updates and the implementation of a new GIS-based mapping tool for aquatic vegetation management. The Recreation report highlighted the successful operation of marina docking lotteries and ongoing preparation for the 2023 season, including merchandise planning and trail maintenance.

The Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District's Trails Master Plan is a 20-year vision and implementation framework designed to develop a comprehensive, regionally significant trail network across its recreational assets, including Atwood, Beach City, Charles Mill, Clendening, Leesville, Piedmont, Pleasant Hill, Seneca, and Tappan lakes. The plan proposes 297 miles of trails, with over 248 miles being new, emphasizing user enjoyment, sustainability, and accessibility. It is structured into three phases (2026-2029, 2030-2037, 2038-2045) with an estimated investment of $61 million. The strategic objectives include expanding access to outdoor activities, boosting economic vitality in nearby communities, and providing health and quality-of-life benefits, ultimately creating an interconnected network that fosters exploration and stewardship.

The Board of Directors reviewed the financial report for the eight-month period ending August 31, 2018, lease transactions, and budget revisions for Tappan Marina. They also discussed the 2019 budget, human resources activities, and shoreline stabilization projects. The purchase of a work boat was approved, as well as an agreement with the Atwood Area Fall Festival Committee, Inc. The board approved the 2018 annual maintenance assessment and received reports on marinas, Utica royalty revenue, and the lake drawdown schedule for 2018-2019. Updates were provided on the Park Master Plan and USACE projects status. Additionally, the payment of bills for the Chippewa Subdistrict and the Chippewa Subdistrict's 2018 annual maintenance assessment were approved.

The meeting included a report from the Muskingum Watershed Conservancy Foundation (MWCF) on their annual golf outing and the use of a Melges 15 Sailboat by the Atwood Yacht Club. Rea & Associates presented the results of the 2022 District Audit, which was reported as clean. Discussions covered concerns about vegetation removal at Atwood Lake, cleanliness issues at Tappan Marina, and the phaseout of hard awnings at Seneca Lake Marina Point. The Board recommended the creation of a safety/advisory committee and addressed concerns about an outside vendor performing RV repair work. A resolution from Guilford Township Trustees regarding a land swap was presented. Financial reports were reviewed, and lease transactions, contract negotiations, and grant applications were approved. Reports were given on Utica royalty revenue, natural resources and land management, engineering projects, conservation efforts, recreation, and marketing/communications.

The meeting included an introduction of visitors and public comment, followed by an executive session to discuss employment matters. The board recessed and reconvened the following day, after which the executive session concluded. The meeting was then adjourned.