$6,899.67 was their starting balance, after insurance, and other expenses, the closing balance for August was $5,160.56. They will be having to hire an auditor again this year, fore they are under the county commission, and by law, they audit every year. They have been auditing every two years, but the auditor will be active for two years.
FEMA has completed the railroad tie count for the rail rides. About 13 thousand ties will be ordered, two thousand of those ties are for leeway. Engineering went over budget, but president, Mitch DeBoard, stated the woman he spoke with said it will not be an issue to request another $200 thousand.
$2.2 million is estimated to placing ties, replacing 22 culverts (maybe 28), and slope fixes. Estimated completion is next fall.
The big chemical spill from back in 2014 has millions left over from the settlement. 28% will be administered to watershed organizations, and the Buffalo Creek Watershed is one of them. That 28% will be split between 6 different watershed organizations.
28 miles of the ERTS trail is complete, but there are issues with ATVs on the trail. DNR will be patrolling now, if not already.
A donation of $1,000 was ordered to the BDA to have small playground equipment out next to the new basketball court for smaller children. Her only request was a plaque made in honor of her parents. The board accepted this donation.
With not many volunteers willing to be apart of the board, they hoped to amend the bylaws to allow under 12 members so they are not breaking violations. Unfortunately, state law requires 12.
What has not been spoken about, is their search into BDA members being paid while working with FEMA after they sent in their information to the ethics committee. Maybe they are still waiting for word with the slow down of COVID.
Next meeting will be held October 12, at 6:30pm.
JM