6100 West Canal Rd., Valley View, OH 44125 www.MyRockyRiver.org

Rocky River

Watershed Council

Board of Directors Meeting

February 25, 2015 ▪ 4:00 PM

Cuyahoga County Public Library – Strongsville Branch, Meeting Room A

18700 Westwood Drive, Strongsvile

MINUTES

Present: Chairman Ed Kelly, Pat Nortz, Matt Hrubey, Alice Prahst, Mel Hauser, Jill Morton,

Jeremy Peppeard, Colleen Sliwinski, Linda Schneider, Jared Bartley

Excused: Mike Durkalec, Steve Lizewski, Stacey Yanetta

Unexcused: Asha Fox

1. Call to Order & Welcome Guests

The meeting was called to order by Chairman Kelly at 4:02 pm. The Board of Directors went

around the table and introduced themselves and their backgrounds.

2. Approve Past Meeting Minutes

Schneider motioned to approve the December 17, 2014 Board of Directors Meeting minutes

without revision. Peppeard seconded and the motion was approved unanimously.

Nortz motioned to approve the January 29, 2015 Annual Meeting minutes without revision.

Schneider seconded and the motion was approved unanimously.

3. Reports

a. Treasurer’s Report: The fund balance starting January 1, 2014, was $45,872.75. A

number of checks totaling over $27,000 were written, the majority of which was

compensating Cuyahoga Soil & Water Conservation District for Bartley’s and an intern’s

time in 2014. We received our first grant payment from the Lake Erie Commission in the

amount of $10,500. This grant is to pilot a reverse auction tree planting program in the

Rocky River Watershed. The ending fund balance as of February 25, 2015, was

$29,353.23. The itemized Treasurer’s Report has been enclosed (Attachment 1).

b. Committee Reports: The Outreach Committee had no report.

The Development Committee had a conference call on January 14, 2015, to discuss a

variety of topics. A pre-proposal has been submitted to the Cleveland Foundation for

operating funds. There was also discussion of hosting a fundraiser. Hrubey approached a

friend in Fairview Park with event planning experience that is willing to contribute her

time to plan an event. Brief reports were drafted to update the Cleveland Waterfront

Coalition and Davey Company Foundation on our activities to-date with their grant

awards.

The Membership Committee had no report. Prahst asked for another letter from Kelly to

send to members when they pay their dues. We currently have 25 paid members.

The Nominating Committee had no report. There are currently two open seats on the

Board of Directors. Mark Cunningham resigned from the Board in February of 2015 and

a second seat was never filled at the Annual Meeting in January.

The Executive Committee had a conference call on February 17, 2015. Many of the

topics discussed will be covered throughout the meeting agenda.

a. Stream Team Reports:

Brunswick Area (Plum, Healey, and Cossett Creeks): Kelly is anticipating hosting a

series of stream clean ups in the Brunswick area, at least one in each of the three main

tributaries.

Baldwin Creek: The Baldwin Creek Stream Team met the first week of February and has

a second meeting scheduled March 4 at Bob Evans in Middleburg Heights. They are

continuing to engage churches with property along Baldwin Creek to plant trees. They

are also working to engage other local partners, including Tri-C West. Dates are being

discussed for tree plantings.

Abram Creek: The Abram Creek Stream Team hosted a seminar on volunteerism on

February 5. Four individuals attended, three of which had never previously attended a

Rocky River Watershed Council event. They will be working to supplement Cleveland

Metroparks activities in Fowles Marsh. Hauser touched base with the owner of Fat Heads

Brewery to see if they were open to the idea of a partnership. The owner seemed

amicable.

Coe Creek: The Coe Creek Stream Team met February 18, 2015. They are planning to

finish their tree planting in Bain Park on Saturday, April 11 from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm, or

until the last tree is planted. In late summer, they want to host a Coe Creek walkabout to

inventory issues for a strategic plan while also providing residents living along the creek

with an educational opportunity. Hrubey submitted a Sustain Our Great Lakes (SOGL)

pre-proposal to remove a culvert in Coe Creek upstream from Big Met Golf Course. The

project scope was expanded to include invasive species management.

b. Watershed Coordinator Report: Bartley will be working with each Stream Team to

develop demonstration projects in each subwatershed for the Lake Erie Protection Fund

reverse auction tree planting program. He worked with Nortz to submit a SOGL pre-

proposal for a project to remove fish passage barriers along Baldwin Creek and reconnect

and expand floodplain. Lastly, Bartley reported the Rocky River Main Steam annual

clean up event will be Saturday, June 6.

4. Events Reviews

Feedback was shared on four events: I-X Boat Show (January 15-19, 2015), Sustainable

Cleveland 2019’s “Year of Clean Water” Kick-Off (January 23, 2015), Winter Farmer Meeting

(January 29, 2015), and the 2015 RRWC Annual Meeting (January 29, 2015). The primary items

of discussion were a positive perception of the Annual Meeting and the need for some sort of

flashy signage to use at public events.

5. Business Items

a. 2015 Meeting Details – Days, Times, Locations: The Executive Committee provided a

draft schedule of monthly meetings for the year 2015 (Attachment 2). After discussion,

the decision was made to keep the start time of Board of Directors Meeting at 4:00 pm.

Board meetings will remain the fourth Wednesday of the month, except the November

and December meetings will be the third week due to Thanksgiving and Christmas,

respectively.

b. 2015 Committee Assignments: The Executive Committee recommended combining the

Outreach and Membership Committees into one committee. After discussion, Nortz

motioned to consolidate the two committees into a single committee to be called the

Outreach Committee. Schneider seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.

Hauser suggested that, instead of a full nominating committee, the RRWC should have a

Nominating Czar that would report to the Executive Committee. This individual would

be the central point of contact for all recruitment activities. No formal motion was made,

though the idea received positive feedback from present Board members.

As a result of these actions, there are two committees remaining: Development (seeking

money and resources) and Outreach (seeking members and volunteers). At Hrubey’s

request, tentative committee assignments were drafted. He will approach absent Board

members for their preferred committee assignments.

a. 2015 Budget: Bartley provided a draft budget document to the Directors, mostly as an

informational tool to show the types of expenses RRWC has each year (Attachment 3).

He provided an overview of the line items funded this year by the 2015 NEOSRD

Watershed Operating Support Grant. There was discussion on the role of strategic

planning in the Board’s 2015 activities.

There is a section in the draft budget for expenses for each stream team. Bartley will be

working with each stream team to construct a work plan for 2015 and an associated

budget request.

We will work to have a completed draft budget for Board approval at the March Board

meeting. We will also begin the 2016 budget process in September this year so a budget

is in place by January 1, 2016.

b. 2015 Goals & Objectives (Work Plan): Bartley highlighted the Work Plan included in

the 2015 NEORSD Grant application, which will largely dictate his time. Additional

goals and objectives will be developed through discussions with each stream team. The

following meetings were set to facilitate this:

Stream team leaders will be meeting with Bartley at Lagerhead’s Smokehouse in

Medina on March 5, 3:30 pm to 5:00 pm, to discuss subwatershed goals and

objectives.

Bartley, Hrubey, and Sliwinski will be meeting March 5 at 5:00 pm at Stamper’s Bar

in Fairview Park for new member orientation and the development of a Coe Creek

work plan and budget request.

The design and layout of the Watershed Friendly Stream Maintenance Manual is in

progress thanks to Bartley’s intern. He is waiting on comments from the Army Corp of

Engineers for certain portions of the document.

a. Roles & Responsibilities Spreadsheet: The Executive Committee would like to revisit

this document, which was last discussed at the September 2014 Board meeting

(Attachment 4). Bartley asked that each Director review the document and provide

suggestions for revisions.

c. Approval of 2015 Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District Grant Agreement: Hrubey

motioned to approve the NEORSD grant agreement for the award of $35,000 to RRWC

(Attachment 5). Schneider seconded the motion and it was approved unanimously.

Hrubey motioned to approve the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Cuyahoga

Soil & Water Conservation District that outlines the relationship between the two

organizations and the details of Bartley’s employment (Attachment 6). Nortz seconded

the motion and it was approved unanimously.

d. Quarterly Meeting Presentation “What’s the Buzz?” – April 29, 2015: Schneider

reported that there is a tight time schedule for this event. Volunteers will be needed to

help set up and tear down. The event has grown substantially and we are expecting 100

attendees or more. Schneider solicited ideas for refreshments and volunteer

commitments. There was brief discussion regarding publicity and assisting Schneider in

spreading the word through local media outlets.

e. Watershed Stream Signage Project: Nortz is coordinating a project to get stream

crossing signs put up throughout the Rocky River Watershed. Since we do not have

unlimited resources for this project, it was recommended that each stream team select two

preferred locations for signs. Additional signs can be posted in subsequent years.

Schneider suggested that the Board hear a presentation at the March Board meeting from

Gary Norcia with Medina Soil & Water Conservation District. Norcia has run a similar

stream signage program in Medina County for 10 years and can provide valuable insight

to assist RRWC as it progresses with the project.

There was discussion about the appearance of the stream crossing signs. Sample designs

were obtained from Tinker’s Creek Watershed Partners, which showed a simplistic sign

with a blue background (Attachment 7). Some Board members preferred a more elaborate

design while others did not. Peppeard suggested there may be ODOT standards with

which we will have to comply.

6. Miscellaneous

Bartley wrote into the 2015 NEORSD grant funding to pay the registration fee for two RRWC

members to attend the Ohio Stormwater Conference on May 6-8, 2015 at Kalahari Resort and

Conference Center in Sandusky. Any interested members should notify Bartley as soon as

possible.

7. Adjourn

Hauser motioned to adjourn. Hrubey seconded the motion. The meeting was adjourned at 6:08

pm.

Approved by Board of Directors: April 15, 2015

matthew.hrubey

Typewritten Text

Attachment 1

ROCKY RIVER WATERSHED COUNCIL BOARD OF DIRECTORS

2015 Monthly Meeting Schedule

* All Board of Directors meetings are scheduled from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm on the dates listed

above.

January 29, 2015 Annual/Quarterly Meeting Brunswick Library, Brunswick

February 25, 2015 Board of Directors Meeting Strongsville Library, Strongsville

March 25, 2015 Board of Directors Meeting Strongsville Library, Strongsville

April 29, 2015 Quarterly Meeting Medina Library, Medina

May 27, 2015 Board of Directors Meeting Strongsville Library, Strongsville

June 24, 2015 Board of Directors Meeting Strongsville Library, Strongsville

July 22, 2015 Quarterly Meeting Mill Stream Park Pavilion, Valley City

August 26, 2015 Board of Directors Meeting Strongsville Library, Strongsville

September 23, 2015 Board of Directors Meeting Strongsville Library, Strongsville

October 28, 2015 Quarterly Meeting Columbia Branch Library, Columbia Station

November 18, 2015 Board of Directors Meeting Strongsville Library, Strongsville

December 16, 2015 Board of Directors Meeting Strongsville Library, Strongsville

Rocky River Watershed Council VERY EXTREMELY DRAFT 2015 Budget

Budget Line Item Units Price/ Unit

Budgeted

Amount Income

Surplus/

Shortfall

Income

Status Comments

NEORSD Grant

Cleveland

Waterfront

Coalition

Grant Leidos Grant

River

Network

Grant Membership Donations Other

Secured,

projected,

pending, etc.

Equipment and Supplies

Water Quality Monitoring Equipment and Supplies

PhosVer3 Reagent (100/pck) 4 $29.19 $116.76 $116.76 $0.00 Projected Cuyahoga SWCD

NitraVer3 Reagent (100/pck) 4 $37.05 $148.20 $148.20 $0.00 Projected Cuyahoga SWCD

Shipping 1 $50.00 $50.00 $50.00 $0.00 Projected Cuyahoga SWCD

Printing

Annual Report 600 $0.67 $402.00 $402.00 $0.00 Projected

Newsletter 1600 $0.67 $1,072.00 $1,072.00 $0.00 Projected

500 of each Issue dedicated to libraries

and elected officials, additional 300 for

Stream Team Poscard Mailings 4800 $0.37 $1,776.00 $1,776.00 $0.00 Projected

Fees

Quickbooks On-line 1 $361.56 $361.56 -$361.56 Projected

Web Site 1 $200.00 $200.00 -$200.00 Projected

CPA services/990 filing 1 $300.00 $300.00 $300.00 $0.00 Projected

Organizational Memberships

River Network 1 $200.00 $200.00 $200.00 $0.00

Freshwater Future 1 $100.00 $100.00 $100.00 $0.00

Insurance

Directors & Officers 1 $717.00 $717.00 $717.00 $0.00 Projected

General Liability (inc. Hired/Non-owned Auto) 1 $730.00 $730.00 $730.00 $0.00 Projected

Conferences/Training Registration (for RRWC Board)

Ohio Stormwater Conference 2 $195.00 $390.00 $390.00 $0.00

Strategic Plan Consultation/Process 1 $1,500.00 $1,500.00 $1,500.00

2/19/2015

Rocky River Watershed Council VERY EXTREMELY DRAFT 2015 Budget

Committee Work Plan Implementation

Executive Committee ?

Membership Committee ?

Envelopes (logo, box of 1000) 1 $200.00 $200.00 $200.00 $0.00 Projected

Postage 100 $0.49 $49.00 $49.00 $0.00 Projected

Outreach Committee

Event Equipment & Supplies

Light-weight Folding Table 2 $85.00 $170.00 -$170.00 Projected

Folding Chairs (4-pack) 1 $100.00 $100.00 -$100.00 Projected

Logo Table Cover 1 $200.00 $200.00 $200.00 $0.00 Projected

Food/Beverages 1 $240.00 $240.00 -$240.00 Projected

$100 for Main Stem Cleanup, $35 per

Quarterly meeting x4

Board Business Cards (250 per Trustee) 15 $20.00 $300.00 -$300.00

Board Polo Shirts 16 $30.00 $480.00 -$480.00

Development Committee ?

Subwatershed Team Work Plan Implementation

Abram Creek

Creek Cleanup Refreshments 1 $100.00 $100.00 -$100.00 Projected

Laminate Poster for Display 3 $25.00 $75.00 -$75.00 Projected

Stream Team T-shirts 100 $12.00 $1,200.00 -$1,200.00 Projected

Baldwin Creek

Creek Cleanup Refreshments 1 $100.00 $100.00 -$100.00 Projected

Laminate Poster for Display 3 $25.00 $75.00 -$75.00 Projected

Stream Team T-shirts 50 $12.00 $600.00 -$600.00 Projected

Print Subwatershed Fact Sheet 1000 $0.45 $450.00 -$450.00

West Branch

Creek Cleanup Refreshments 1 $100.00 $100.00 -$100.00 Projected

Laminate Poster for Display 3 $25.00 $75.00 -$75.00 Projected

Stream Team T-shirts 100 $12.00 $1,200.00 -$1,200.00 Projected

Print Subwatershed Fact Sheet 1000 $0.45 $450.00 -$450.00

Plum Creek (Brunswick)

Creek Cleanup Refreshments 1 $100.00 $100.00 -$100.00 Projected

Laminate Poster for Display 3 $25.00 $75.00 -$75.00 Projected

Stream Team T-shirts 100 $12.00 $1,200.00 -$1,200.00 Projected

Upper East Branch

Creek Cleanup Refreshments 1 $100.00 $100.00 -$100.00 Projected

Laminate Poster for Display 3 $25.00 $75.00 -$75.00 Projected

Stream Team T-shirts 100 $12.00 $1,200.00 -$1,200.00 Projected

Watershed Coordinator (hours) 600 $40.56 $24,336.00 $24,336.00 $0.00

Watershed Intern (hours) 289.75 $12.00 $3,477.00 $3,477.00 $0.00

TOTAL: $44,790.52 $35,000.00 $0.00 $449.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $314.96 -$9,026.56

Unencumbered Funds Remaining $0.00 $7,590.37 $551.00 $180.38

2/19/2015

Rocky River Watershed Council Board and Watershed Coordinator

Roles ResponsibiltiesDRAFT

Responsible Party

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Board Meeting Solicit Agenda Items from Board X

Compile Agenda & supporting materials X

Distribute Agenda and Support Materials (Board Packet) to

Board X

Attend and Participate in Meeting X X X X X X X

Preside over meeting X X

Record Minutes & Attendance X

Distribute Minutes to Board X

Post Minutes on Web Site X

Provide organizational finacial report X

Provide update/report to Board X X X

Set dates, times and locations at beginning of year X X

Reserve facilities for Board meetings X X

Quarterly

Meeting Set dates, times and locations at beginning of year X X

Reserve facilities for Quarterly meetings X X

Select and confirm Quarterly meeting speakers/programs X

Promote quarterly meetingonline via web site, facebook partner

sites X X

Send e-blast advertising Quarterly meeting to RRWC email list X

Develop and distribute press relaese to approriate media

outlets X X

Develop Agenda X X X

Provide refreshments X

Greet attendees at door/sign-in X

Preside over meeting X X

Attend and Participate in Meeting X X X X X X X X X X X X X

Update email list from sign-in sheet X X

Organizational

Operations Maintain records of Trustee terms X X

Develop list of potential Board Members X

Develop ballot X

Maintain record of paid members X X

Send thank you letter to new/renewing members ? X

Draft and send renewal reminder to expiring members ? X

Maintain list of Donors X X

Send thank you letter to donors X X

Develop Memership Plan X

Develop membership materials (appeal letters, etc.) X X

Develop Fundraising Plan X

Develop Outreach Plan X

Maintain Email List of Interested Parties X X

Maintain Elected Official Contact Info X X

Maintain organizational financial records X

Oversee preparation of 990 filing X X

Oversee compliance with state incorporation requirements X

Review and recommend by-law changes X

Update and maintain web site, facebook page X X

Respond to email/web/phone inquiries X X

Plan and conduct stewardship events (cleanups, tree planting,

etc.) X X

Rocky River Watershed Council Board and Watershed Coordinator

Roles ResponsibiltiesDRAFT

Category Task Wat

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Develop subwatershed restoration plans X X

Seek funding for restoration projects X X X

Oversee implementation of restoration projects X

Plan and conduct educational events (presentations,

workshops, etc.) X X X

Attend/exhibit at communtiy events X X X

Develop newsletter X X

Distribute newsletter X X X

Provide promotional templates (press releases, fliers, etc.) for

stewardship and education events X

Develop General Fundraising Materials (Case Statement, etc.) X

Identify potential sponsors/donors X X

Develop Annual Committee Workplan (including budget) X X X X X

Develop Annual Stream Team Workplan (including budget) X X

Develop Annual Organizational Workplan (from Committee &

Stream Team Workplans) X X

Approve Annual Work Plan X

Develop Annual Operating Budget X X

Approve Annual Operating Budget X

Evaluate workplan progress X

Review and amend budget as necessary X X X

Write Annual NEORSD Operating Support Grant X X X

NEORSD Grant reporting X

Develop Subwatershed Fact sheets X X

Develop project-specific fact sheets X X

Participate in at least one Committee or Stream Team X

-1-

WATERSHED PARTNER SERVICES AGREEMENT

BY AND BETWEEN

NORTHEAST OHIO REGIONAL SEWER DISTRICT

AND

ROCKY RIVER WATERSHED COUNCIL, INC.

THIS AGREEMENT is made as of this 15th day of January, 2015, between the

Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District (the “District”), a regional sewer district

organized and existing as a political subdivision of the State of Ohio under Chapter 6119

of the Ohio Revised Code, pursuant to the authority of Resolution No. 6-15, adopted by

the District’s Board of Trustees on January 15, 2015 (attached hereto as Exhibit “A”),

and Rocky River Watershed Council, Inc. (the “Watershed Partner”), c/o Cuyahoga Soil

& Water Conservation District, 6100 West Canal Road, Valley View, Ohio 44125, a

501(c)(3) non-profit organization in the State of Ohio.

RECITALS:

WHEREAS, the District recognizes that watershed organizations serve an

important role in furthering the District’s mission of addressing water quality concerns

within the District’s service area through community engagement and education,

research, monitoring, planning, and performance of projects related to innovative

stormwater management practices to reduce pollution and minimize the introduction of

stormwater into sanitary or combined sewers; and

-2-

WHEREAS, the District issued a Request for Proposals (“RFP”) to watershed

organizations within the District’s service area in order to enter into service agreements

with those organizations that demonstrate a strong commitment and ability to perform

the services necessary to educate the public and perform projects relative to the use of

pollution prevention techniques and best practices to control runoff and minimize the

introduction of stormwater into sanitary or combined sewers; and

WHEREAS, the District has determined that, pursuant to the RFP response

submitted to the District, the Watershed Partner has the necessary commitment,

capacity and capability to perform services for the benefit of the District’s above-stated

mission; and

WHEREAS, the Watershed Partner is recognized by the local governments in the

District’s service area as the representative watershed organization for the Rocky River

Watershed; and

WHEREAS, the District desires to support the operating expenses of the

Watershed Partner through compensation to enhance the performance of the

Watershed Partner’s services to the District in furtherance of the District’s stated

mission.

NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing, the payments and the

mutual promises contained in this Agreement, the parties agree as follows:

-3-

ARTICLE I. WATERSHED PARTNER’S OBLIGATIONS

The Watershed Partner agrees to:

1. Provide the services set forth in the 12-month Work Plan outlined in the Watershed Partner’s RFP response, attached hereto as Exhibit B. The Watershed Partner agrees that all compensation provided to the Watershed Partner from the District shall be utilized for activities and/or expenses related to the District’s mission and goals set forth in the District’s RFP attached hereto as Exhibit C. The District shall not compensate the Watershed Partner for any food and/or beverage purchases without the express prior written approval of the Agreement Administrator, Linda Mayer (or her successor), after prior written request of the Watershed Partner.

2. Recognize the District’s participation under this Agreement in presentations,

publications, annual reports, websites, and other documents as appropriate.

3. Notify and receive approval from the District’s Agreement Administrator for any purchases under this Agreement in excess of $1,000.00.

4. Accept ownership of and responsibility for any purchases of equipment and

supplies for which District funds were utilized.

5. Make all good faith efforts to apply for and pursue grant applications for the support of the Watershed Partner’s ongoing operations and performance of projects as detailed in the 12-month Work Plan.

6. Complete and submit semi-annual reports in accordance with the following

schedule:

1) A mid-term report shall be due July 13, 2015 for work completed January 15, 2015 through June 30, 2015;

2) The final report shall be due December 31, 2015 for work completed July 1, 2015 through December 18, 2015.

Failure to submit such reports within the time frames stated above may result in revocation of further compensation by the District.

7. The Watershed Partner shall prepare the semi-annual reports using the templates provided by the District. The Watershed Partner shall provide the

-4-

District with documentation of the use of the compensation provided by the District as outlined in the District’s RFP attached hereto as Exhibit C, including copies of timecards and payroll reports, utility and property rental statements, equipment and supply invoices, itemized receipts, and any other documentation required by the District.

8. Meet with District staff as requested to review the Watershed Partner’s use of

compensation provided by the District and the status of services and projects performed under this Agreement.

9. Provide to the District or its agents all available data and information requested

by the District for the Watershed Partner’s watershed.

ARTICLE II. DISTRICT’S OBLIGATIONS

The District agrees to:

1. Compensate the Watershed Partner in the amount of $35,000.00 for the performance of services set forth in the Watershed Partner’s 12-month Work Plan outlined in the Watershed Partner’s RFP response attached hereto as Exhibit B that are related to the District’s mission and goals of promulgating pollution prevention techniques and best practices to control runoff and minimize the introduction of stormwater into sanitary or combined sewers throughout the Watershed Partner’s watershed.

2. Acknowledge the Watershed Partner in presentations and/or publications related to the Watershed Partner’s watershed. ARTICLE III. TERM OF AGREEMENT

1. The term of this Agreement shall begin as of the date first above written, and shall expire after one (1) year.

ARTICLE IV. MISCELLANEOUS

1. Failure of the Watershed Partner to meet any of the requirements contained in this Agreement may result in termination of this Agreement and reimbursement of disbursed funds by the Watershed Partner to the District.

2. The District’s participation under this Agreement shall not be construed as

-5-

District support for or sanctioning of the Watershed Partner’s operational activities. The Watershed Partner shall not use the District’s name or logo in connection with activities outside the scope of the District’s participation in this Agreement without prior express written approval of the District.

3. Disclaimer of Joint Venture. This Agreement is not intended to create a joint venture, partnership or agency relationship between the Watershed Partner or the District, and such joint venture, partnership, or agency relationship is specifically hereby disclaimed.

4. Counterpart Signatures. This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original, but which counterparts when taken together shall constitute one Agreement.

5. Authority to Execute. Each person executing this Agreement represents and warrants that he is duly authorized to execute this Agreement by the party on whose behalf he is so executing.

6. Binding on Successors. This Agreement is binding upon, and inures to the benefit of, the parties and their respective permitted successors and assigns.

7. Modification of Agreement. This Agreement may only be modified by written instrument executed by each party.

8. Merger Clause. This Agreement, along with any exhibits and amendments hereto, encompasses the entire agreement of the parties, and supersedes all previous understandings and agreements between the parties, whether oral or written.

ARTICLE IV. EXHIBITS Exhibit A – District Resolution No. Exhibit B – Watershed Partner RFP Response with 12-Month Work Plan Exhibit C – District’s RFP

-6-

The parties have executed this Agreement on the day and year first above written.

NORTHEAST OHIO REGIONAL SEWER DISTRICT BY:____________________________________ Julius Ciaccia Chief Executive Officer AND

BY:_____________________________________ Darnell Brown, President

Board of Trustees

ROCKY RIVER WATERSHED COUNCIL, INC. BY:_____________________________________ TITLE: _______________________________ This Instrument Prepared By: Katarina K. Waag, Esq. and Joshua E. Levin, Esq. Assistant General Counsels Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District

ROCKY RIVER WATERSHED COUNCIL

PROPOSAL

2015 NEORSD WATERSHED OPERATING SUPPORT GRANT

SUBMITTED: OCTOBER 10, 2014

AMOUNT REQUESTED: $35,000

WWW.MYROCKYRIVER.ORG

Please direct any questions to:

Jared Bartley

Rocky River Watershed Coordinator

216-524-6580 x14

jbartley@cuyahogaswcd.org

______________________________________________________________________________

ORGANIZATIONAL PROFILE

Summary

The Rocky River Watershed Council (RRWC) is a 501c3 nonprofit organization as recognized

by the Internal Revenue Service. The mission of the RRWC is to protect, restore, and perpetuate

a healthy watershed through public education, watershed planning, communication, and

cooperation among stakeholders.

The RRWC is a membership organization governed by a 14-member Board of Trustees and a

Council Chair that meet monthly to conduct the organization’s business. The Council Chair also

serves as the Chair of the Board. The 2014 Board roster is attached.

2

While the RRWC has no staff, it works closely with the Cuyahoga Soil & Water Conservation

District’s Rocky River Watershed Coordinator to facilitate the implementation of the Rocky

River Watershed Action Plan. The Watershed Coordinator provides project management,

organizational assistance and technical support to the RRWC.

Budget

The most recent IRS Form 990 is attached.

History

2001 – The Northeast Ohio Areawide Coordinating Agency (NOACA) received a Section 319

planning grant from the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (OEPA) to develop a watershed

action plan and form the Rocky River Watershed Council (RRWC).

2002 – RRWC was formed.

2003 – RRWC elected board members to the Council.

2003 – RRWC conducted its first watershed cleanup.

2003- RRWC held its first Watershed Festival.

2006 – OEPA and ODNR endorsed RRWC’s Watershed Action Plan.

2006 –Medina Soil and Water Conservation District received an Ohio-Lake Erie Commission

grant for the Balanced Growth Initiative. RRWC was a partner on the application for this grant.

2006 – Cuyahoga Soil and Water Conservation District received a grant from ODNR for a

Watershed Coordinator. RRWC was a partner on the application for this grant and receives

services from the Watershed Coordinator.

2006 – RRWC underwent its first strategic planning process.

2007 – RRWC filed for incorporation with the State of Ohio.

2008 – RRWC granted 501c3 nonprofit status by the Internal Revenue Service (determination

letter attached).

2009 – Upper West Branch Rocky River Balanced Growth Plan endorsed by the state of Ohio.

2010 – RRWC incorporates updates to the RRWAP for the Abram Creek, Baldwin Creek,

Healey Creek and Upper West Branch subwatersheds. Updates are approved by Ohio EPA and

ODNR.

2011 – Cuyahoga SWCD receives 3-year ODNR Watershed Coordinator Grant, expiring at the

end of 2013.

2012 – RRWC partners with Cuyahoga SWCD, City of Berea and Cleveland Metroparks to

remove three obsolete low-head dams on Baldwin Creek in Berea.

2013 – RRWC partners with Cuyahoga SWCD and City of Brunswick to restore Healey Creek in

Venus Park in Brunswick.

2014 – RRWC formally launches Abram Creek, Baldwin Creek and Plum/Healey Creeks Stream

Teams to increase local engagement in priority subwatersheds.

3

Watershed Planning Status

There have been multiple studies and plans developed to guide the protection and restoration of

the Rocky River Watershed. Total Maximum Daily Loads for the Rocky River Basin was

published in October 2001, following OEPA monitoring in 1992 and 1997. While only

establishing a numeric TMDL for nutrients in Plum Creek, the report provides a framework for

restoring many impaired subwatersheds. The Rocky River Watershed Action Plan (RRWAP)

was fully endorsed by OEPA and ODNR in 2006, with updates approved in 2010. The 2010

updates include the results of a Storm Water Retrofit Opportunities Inventory in the Abram

Creek and Baldwin Creek subwatersheds. Additional updates to the RRWAP for Plum Creek

(Brunswick) and the Upper East Branch were completed in 2013. Finally, the Rocky River

Upper West Branch Watershed Balanced Growth Plan was endorsed by the Ohio Lake Erie

Commission in 2009. The RRWC continues to actively identify and prioritize projects in

priority subwatersheds.

NEED FOR ASSISTANCE In 2006, the Cuyahoga Soil and Water Conservation District was awarded a Watershed

Coordinator grant through the ODNR-Division of Soil and Water Conservation. The role of the

watershed coordinator under this grant was to implement the recommendations of the RRWAP

and to support the efforts of watershed stakeholders, especially the RRWC. A second ODNR

grant supporting the Rocky River Watershed Coordinator position was awarded in 2011, and ran

through the end of 2013. At this time additional funding is not available through the ODNR

Watershed Coordinator program. RRWC is seeking funding to maintain support of the Rocky

River Watershed Coordinator position. This salary funding will help to support projects being

developed and managed by the Watershed Coordinator. The following budget includes a list of

the supported projects and the estimated number of hours to be spent on each. A full description

of these projects is included in the 12-month Plan of Work. Past Operating Support grants have

had a direct impact on the ability of the RRWC to develop successful projects and grant

applications.

A Memorandum of Understanding (attached) guiding the relationship between the RRWC and

Cuyahoga SWCD has been developed and agreed to by both parties, and will be signed upon

award of the grant.

If the requested funding from the NEORSD grant is not awarded to RRWC, the RRWC’s

ongoing efforts to fulfill its mission will be inhibited. Funding is therefore requested for

operating expenses such as printing, insurance, accounting, and fees that will help RRWC

expand and improve its programs by building the organization’s capacity and effectively

educating and engaging watershed stakeholders. These items are listed in the following budget.

A description of each line item follows the budget.

4

PROPOSED BUDGET Printing

Annual Report 600 $0.67

$402.00

Newsletter 1600 $0.67

$1,072.00

Stream Team Post Card Mailings 4800 $0.37 $1,776.00

Printing Subtotal: $3,250.00

Fees

CPA services/990 filing 1 $300.00

$300.00

Organizational Memberships

River Network 1 year $200.00

$200.00

Freshwater Future 1 year $100.00

$100.00

Directors & Officers Insurance 1 $717.00

$717.00

General Liability Insurance (Including

Hired/Non-owned Auto) 1 $730.00

$730.00

Ohio Stormwater Conference Registration 2 $195.00

$390.00

Strategic Plan Consultant/Process 1 $1,500.00 $1,500.00

Fees Subtotal: $3,937.00

Watershed Coordinator

Salary/Benefits/Overhead Hours Rate Total

Organizational/Administrative Support 120 $40.56

$4,867.20

Riparian Restoration Initiative 120 $40.56

$4,867.20

Improving Greenspace Management 80 $40.56

$3,244.80

Water Quality Monitoring Program 60 $40.56

$2,433.60

Plum/Healey Creek Subwatershed Projects 100 $40.56

$4,056.00

Baldwin Creek Subwatershed Projects 120 $40.56

$4,867.20

Watershed Coordinator Salary Subtotal: 600 $40.56 $24,336.00

Watershed Intern Salary/Benefits/Overhead Hours Rate Total

Organizational/Administrative Support 41.75 $12.00 $501.00

Water Quality Monitoring Program 120 $12.00

$1,440.00

Riparian Reforestation Initiative 80 $12.00

$960.00

Improving Greenspace Management 48 $12.00 $576.00

Watershed Intern Salary Subtotal: 289.75 $12.00 $3,477.00

TOTAL: $35,000.00

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Printing

Annual Report – The RRWC Annual Report is an important avenue for celebrating the successes

and documenting the activities of the RRWC and its partners within the watershed, as well as a

tool for recruiting members, partners and funding, and for reporting the organizational and

financial status of the RRWC to members, partners, and other stakeholders.

Newsletter – The RRWC Newsletter, “The Flow,” is an important outreach tool. While an

electronic copy is sent to the RRWC email list, printed copies are distributed to elected officials

and at libraries and events in the watershed.

Stream Team Post Card Mailings – Direct mailing of post cards to streamside residents and other

target areas has led to increased attendance and awareness of Stream Team activities in 2014.

RRWC plans to continue to utilize this outreach mechanism in 2015. The stated cost covers

printing and mailing.

Fees

CPA Services/990 Filing – As a 501c3 not-for-profit organization, the RRWC is required to file

a Form 990 to the IRS each year. This fee covers the efforts of a CPA in preparing the Form

990, as well as reviewing accounting procedures.

Organizational Memberships – Memberships in River Network and Freshwater Future will build

the capacity of the RRWC, especially its Board, by connecting with the larger community of

watershed organizations and leaders throughout the region and the nation, and provide otherwise

unavailable learning opportunities.

Insurance: Directors and Officers, General Liability and Non-owned/Hired Automobile

Coverage – This insurance protects the Board and the organization in the event of legal action,

and not having it would severely limit the RRWC’s ability to recruit new Board Members.

Conference/Training Registration (RRWC Board) – Attending the Ohio Stormwater Conference

will educate Board Members on various watershed issues, thereby building the board’s capacity.

Strategic Planning – Revisit and further develop strategic planning efforts with the goal being to

make RRWC more self-sustaining and efficient in order to broaden its benefits for the watershed.

Salary Support

The RRWC requests funding in the amount of $24,336.00 to support the Watershed Coordinator

position. This will cover 600 hours of the Watershed Coordinator’s time at $40.56 per hour.

This hourly rate includes salary, benefits and overhead.

Additionally, the RRWC requests $3,477.00 (289.75 hours at $12.00/hr) to hire an intern to

assist the watershed coordinator and the RRWC with the implementation of the 12-month Plan of

Work. The intern will be housed at Cuyahoga SWCD and supervised by the Watershed

Coordinator.

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Descriptions of the specific projects are provided in the 12-month Plan of Work.

PAST IMPLEMENTATION PROJECTS (LAST 5 YEARS) Throughout its relatively short history, the RRWC has partnered with various organizations on

many projects throughout the watershed. Upon receipt of its 501c3 designation from the IRS in

November of 2008, the RRWC increased its capacity to receive funding through grants.

Baldwin Creek Dam Removal Project: Completed in 2013 and funded through the Ohio EPA

SWIF Grant and WRRSP programs, this $500,000 project successfully removed three dams and

improved aquatic habitat along the lower 0.5 miles of Baldwin Creek in Berea. NEORSD was

the WRRSP sponsor. Additional partners included Cleveland Metroparks and the City of Berea.

Partnerships were also developed with consultants and academia, including stream scientists

from the Ohio State University who were on the NTH Consultants design team.

Healey Creek Restoration in Venus Park: Funded as part of the 2012 Ohio EPA WRRSP

program (NEORSD is the sponsor), this $390,800 project restored nearly 1000 feet of severely

entrenched stream in the City of Brunswick’s Venus Park, while creating much-needed

floodplain storage and substantially reducing sediment loading in Healey Creek. Major

construction was completed in 2013. An additional partner was the City of Brunswick.

Stopping Sediment at its Source in the Rocky River Watershed: This $400,000 Great Lakes

Commission-funded project began in 2011 and is funded through September 2015. The overall

project goal is to reduce sediment loading to the Rocky River by 16,000 tons through financial

incentives for agricultural practices such as cover crops in the Plum Creek (Olmsted) and Mallet

Creek subwatersheds, and through streambank erosion control in the Baldwin Creek

subwatershed. To date, sediment loading has been reduced by over 5000 tons. In 2014, a BEHI

evaluation was performed on over 60,000 lineal feet of streambank in Baldwin Creek, the results

of which will inform further prioritization of problem areas.

Support has also been provided to schools, communities and residents in the watershed for the

installation of rain gardens, rain barrels and other on-site demonstration practices, including rain

gardens installed at Olmsted Township Hall, North Olmsted Middle School Berea-Midpark High

School and the Cuyahoga County Fairgrounds.

RRWC is currently partnering with Cuyahoga SWCD and other watershed partners on a variety

of projects throughout the watershed, many of which are listed in the 12-month Plan of Work.

Past funding allocated to the Rocky River Watershed Council through the NEORSD Watershed

Operating Support grant has supported the development of many of these projects. Some

recently funded, currently underway projects include:

Rocky River Residential Riparian Reforestation Project, funded through LEPF, which

incentivizes riparian reforestation activities for residents in the Abram, Baldwin and Plum

Creek subwatersheds – the development of this project and its grant application were

deliverables form the previous Operating Support Grant.

Hinckley Stables Stream Restoration, funded through OEPA SWIF, which will arrest and

stabilize a headcut in an ephemeral channel upstream of a high quality coldwater

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tributary of the Rocky River in Cleveland Metroparks Hinckley Reservation - the

development of this project and its grant application were deliverables form the previous

Operating Support Grant.

12-MONTH PLAN OF WORK The following projects will be developed, with the intent of applying for funding, under this

grant. NEORSD funds would cover project and grant development:

Organizational/Administrative Support to the RRWC

The Watershed Coordinator will provide Administrative/Organizational Support to the Council,

including: attending and participating in meetings of the Council, its Board of Trustees and its

committees; managing Council web site, Facebook page, and correspondence as necessary;

assisting in the development of membership, development and fundraising programs; assisting

the Council in the development of grants; serving as a representative of the Council, as

requested; and assisting the Council in the development of its annual plan of work.

Furthermore, a major focus area for 2015 will be the continued development of subwatershed

“Stream Teams” - local committees that will increase and enhance watershed involvement and

activities at a local level. The Watershed Coordinator will continue to work with existing Stream

Teams in the Abram Creek, Baldwin Creek, and Plum/Healey Creek subwatersheds, while

supporting the development of new Stream Teams in Coe Creek, Upper West Branch, and the

Upper East Branch.

Deliverables: With the Watershed Coordinator’s Support, the RRWC will:

Establish new stream teams.

Develop at least 1funding requests to foundations for programmatic/operating support.

Develop annual work plan for RRWC and for at least 3 subwatershed Stream Teams.

Identify problem areas/potential future projects in new Stream Team subwatersheds.

Project Development and Implementation

Project Development Activities will largely take place in the subwatersheds with established or

newly/soon to be-formed Stream Teams: Abram Creek, Baldwin Creek, Coe Creek, Plum/Healey

Creek, Upper East Branch, and the Upper West Branch.

Riparian Restoration Initiative (across all Stream Team subwatersheds) The state-endorsed Rocky River Watershed Action Plan states that “maintenance of functioning

riparian corridors along the streams of the Rocky River is the single most important action that

can be taken to maintain water quality in the stream and to minimize problems from future

development.” The Rocky River Watershed Council seeks to address this concern through a

targeted program in the Stream Team subwatersheds. Previous efforts resulted in a Lake Erie

Protection Fund grant to conduct a pilot “reverse auction” delivery mechanism for incentivizing

riparian restoration. Once the pilot concludes in Spring 2015, the RRWC plans to seek a larger

amount of funding in order to implement the program on a larger scale.

Deliverables:

Develop maps indicating “disturbed riparian buffer” locations in each of the newly

formed Stream Team subwatersheds (this was completed under a previous Operating

Support Grant in the existing Stream Team subwatersheds).

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Establish one riparian restoration demonstration site at a public and/or high visibility

location in each newly formed Stream Team subwatershed.

Submit at least one application for funding for a larger scale incentive-based

urban/suburban riparian reforestation project.

NEORSD Goals Addressed: Restore streams, wetlands and other degraded landscapes to address

flooding, erosion and water quality problems.

Potential funding sources: Lake Erie Protection Fund, USEPA 5-Star/Urban Waters, Ohio Water

Development Authority R & D grant, OEPA 319, private foundations

Anticipated Project Partners: Cuyahoga SWCD (technical expert), Medina SWCD (technical

expert), subwatershed communities, Cleveland Metroparks Watershed Volunteer Program

Improving Greenspace Management (across all Stream Team subwatersheds)

One of the recommendations that came out of the Protection and Restoration Plans for Plum

Creek and the Upper East Branch was a need to better manage greenspace on public and semi-

public properties such as parks, golf courses and Homeowners Association-managed common

areas. These areas are often managed completely as turf, even in riparian areas and adjacent to

storm sewer inlets. This program aims to promote creek-friendly greenspace management

practices among public and semi-public land managers.

Deliverables: Presentation and promotional materials geared toward Homeowners Associations,

Park Departments, Golf Courses, churches. Meetings with Public/semi-public land managers in

the target subwatersheds.

NEORSD Goals Addressed: Assist interested planning commissions, councils, trustees, and

other components of local governments to understand and consider implementation of best land

use and land management practices. Preserve and protect open space. Restore streams, wetlands

and other degraded landscapes to address flooding, erosion and water quality problems.

Anticipated Project Partners: Cuyahoga SWCD (technical expert), Medina SWCD (technical

expert), Cleveland Metroparks (technical expert), Medina County Park District, communities.

Potential Funding Sources: While this project is not expected to lead directly to applications for

grant funding, if sufficient interest is generated among the targeted stakeholders, applications for

the implementation of pilot/demonstration projects may be submitted to Lake Erie Protection

Fund, Ohio Water Development Authority, or Ohio Environmental Education Fund.

Water Quality Monitoring Program

The RRWC will continue monitoring water quality in the Abram Creek, Baldwin Creek, Busby

Ditch, Coe Creek, Plum Creek (Brunswick), Plum Creek (Olmsted) and Upper East Branch

subwatersheds, as well as the Main Stem of the Rocky River. Focusing on QHEI, water

chemistry and macroinvertebrates, the objective is to collect baseline data and to track

improvements in watershed health. Data will be utilized to target future restoration and

protection measures, and will be made available through the interactive watershed map at

MyRockyRiver.org.

Deliverables: Monitoring plans for each target subwatershed. Water quality data published on

web site.

NEORSD Goals Addressed: Restore streams, wetlands and other degraded landscapes to address

flooding, erosion and water quality problems.

Potential Funding Sources: N/A

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Anticipated Project Partners: Cuyahoga SWCD (technical expert), Baldwin-Wallace University

(Dept. of Biology) (technical expert), Cleveland Metroparks (technical expert), City of

Brunswick, Hinckley Township, Olmsted Falls, Olmsted Township, Columbia Township, North

Royalton, Medina SWCD, Sierra Club Water Sentinels.

Plum/Healey Creek Subwatershed Projects

Lower Gary Ditch Restoration: Project will restore 1300 lf of stream channel on City property in

Brunswick. A concept plan for this project was developed as part of the Protection and

Restoration Plan for the Plum Creek subwatershed.

Upper Gary Ditch Floodplain Restoration: Project aims to improve floodplain access, flood

storage and habitat on City-owned property in a residential neighborhood in Brunswick.

Identified as an area in need of stream channel enhancement on the Protection and Restoration

Plan for the Plum Creek subwatershed.

Deliverables:

At least one grant application submitted for each project.

Submit each applicable project to the Ohio EPA Surface Water Enhancement,

Restoration and Protection Clearinghouse (for consideration as mitigation or

Supplemental Environmental Projects).

NEORSD Goals Addressed: Restore streams, wetlands and other degraded landscapes to address

flooding, erosion and water quality problems. Implement low-impact development practices and

other innovative watershed management practices to mitigate the water quality and quantity

impacts of existing and new development.

Potential Funding Sources: OEPA 319, SWIF, WRRSP, Great Lakes Basin Fish Habitat

Partnership and mitigation.

Anticipated Project Partners: Cuyahoga SWCD (technical expert), Ohio EPA (potential funder),

Medina SWCD (technical expert),City of Brunswick.

Baldwin Creek Subwatershed Projects Baldwin Creek Fish Passage Barrier Removal: While performing a Bank Erosion Hazard Index

(BEHI) evaluation of the entirety of Baldwin Creek, several fish passage barriers were

discovered. These barriers range from drop structures and portions of former dam structures to

perched culverts and perched tributaries. This project will catalogue and prioritize these barriers,

and develop a strategy for their removal, culminating in applications for funding to eradicate one

or more of these barriers.

Floodplain Restoration at Sprague Rd./Abbey Rd.: Project will restore floodplain access to

Baldwin Creek on three vacant, city-owned parcels in North Royalton, while reducing erosion

risk on the opposite bank. RRWC will develop a concept plan and seek funding.

Baldwin Creek Headwaters Stormwater Retrofit Projects: Glamer Park, the Stormes Dr. basin

and Pleasnt Valley Elementary, all located in the Baldwin Creek Headwaters in Parma, were

identified as priority retrofit opportunities in the Retrofit Opportunities Inventory conducted by

Cuyahoga SWCD in 2010. In collaboration with the City of Parma, RRWC will develop

preliminary concept plans for at least 2 of these sites, and apply for grant funding to implement a

retrofit project for at least one of these sites.

Deliverables:

Map, list and prioritization of remaining Baldwin Creek Fish Passage Barriers.

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Concept plan for Sprague/Abbey floodplain restoration.

At least 2 preliminary retrofit concept plans.

Submit at least one retrofit grant application.

Develop funding plan for Sprague/Abbey floodplain restoration in order to leverage

existing grant funds.

Submit at least 1 grant application for fish passage barrier removal.

NEORSD Goals Addressed: Restore streams, wetlands and other degraded landscapes to address

flooding, erosion and water quality problems. Implement low-impact development practices and

other innovative watershed management practices to mitigate the water quality and quantity

impacts of existing and new development.

Potential funding sources: Ohio EPA 319, SWIF and WRRSP grant programs, Great Lakes

Basin Fish Habitat Partnership, Ohio EPA mitigation clearinghouse.

Anticipated Project Partners: Cuyahoga SWCD (technical expert), Ohio EPA (funder), Parma.

SUSTAINABLE CLEVELAND 2019 - YEAR OF CLEAN WATER 2015 is designated as the Year of Clean Water (YOW) for the City of Cleveland’s Sustainable

Cleveland 2019 initiative. As part of this initiative, RRWC is collaborating with other Lake Erie

Central Basin (LECB) watershed organizations to develop a unified message to promote

sustainable water use through restoration, conservation, and protection of this critical natural

resource. In September 2014 several LECB watershed organizations met to discuss activities for

implementation in 2015. Specific projects include producing a series of reusable banners and

maps highlighting LECB watersheds for public display at 2015 events like the Burning River

Fest and 2015 Ohio Stormwater Conference and a set of matching YOW brochures for

distribution. In addition, July 2015 is designated as the spotlight month for LECB watersheds

under the YOW Passport Program. The LECB watersheds will be featured in local media and the

public can have YOW passports “stamped” at watershed events throughout the month of July,

including the Burning River Fest. Residents who participate in the Passport Program will be

educated throughout the year on sustainable water use and watershed stewardship and are

eligible for a raffle prize drawing at the end of the program. The YOW initiative is being

integrated into a Gund Foundation-funded collaborative process for LECB watershed

organizations to determine how they can work together most effectively. Participating

organizations, including RRWC, have mapped their collective resources and expertise and are

committed to continuing to network and identifying additional collaboration opportunities. With

access made available through the Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District, several organizations

are beginning to use eCivis, a web-based grants management system which may be a useful tool

for joint project planning and implementation.

ADDITIONAL TECHNICAL EXPERTS In addition to the technical experts referenced in the project descriptions, representatives of

multiple ‘expert’ agencies serve as a resource to the Rocky River Watershed Council. The

Cuyahoga SWCD Rocky River Watershed Coordinator was directly involved in the development

of this plan of work. Cleveland Metroparks, Medina County Park District and Medina County

SWCD staff serve on the RRWC Board of Trustees. Furthermore, many of the projects are

derived directly from the Rocky River Watershed Action Plan, which was endorsed by Ohio

EPA and ODNR in 2006.

1 RRWC-CSWCD MOU

MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING

Between the Rocky River Watershed Council

and the

Cuyahoga Soil and Water Conservation District

This Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) is made and entered into by and between the Rocky River

Watershed Council, hereinafter referred to as the Council and the Cuyahoga Soil and Water Conservation

District, hereinafter referred to as the District.

Background and Purpose

In 2001, the Northeast Ohio Areawide Coordinating Agency (NOACA) was awarded a planning grant

through the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (OEPA) to develop a watershed action plan for the

Rocky River Watershed. The Council was formed in 2002 to assist in the development of this plan. In

addition to providing input on the plan, in its first few years the Council’s activities focused exclusively

on education, outreach and stakeholder involvement. Upon endorsement of the Rocky River Watershed

Action Plan by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources-Division of Soil and Water Conservation

(ODNR-DSWC) and OEPA in 2006, the Council and its partners began looking in earnest at

implementation of the plan’s recommendations. Also in 2006, the District, with the support of the

Council and other watershed stakeholders, was awarded a 3-year Watershed Coordinator grant through

ODNR-DSWC. The role of the watershed coordinator under this grant is to implement the

recommendations of the Rocky River Watershed Action Plan and to support the efforts of watershed

stakeholders, especially the Council.

With the term of the ODNR watershed coordinator grant expiring in January of 2010, the Council applied

for operating support through the Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District’s (NEORSD) Watershed

Operating Support Grant in order to provide continued financial support for the watershed coordinator

position. NEORSD funding was initially awarded in August 2009 for the 2009-2010 grant cycle. The

Council subsequently applied for and was awarded additional operating funds through NEORSD in 2010-

2014 grant cycles, again with the goal of continuing support for the watershed coordinator position.

The purpose of this MOU is to formalize the relationship between the Council and the District, and to

define the roles and responsibilities of each party and of the Watershed Coordinator.

Watershed Coordinator Tasks

On the behalf of the Council, the Watershed Coordinator will spend 600 hours to develop and seek

funding for the projects identified in the grant agreement between the Council and NEORSD. These tasks

include:

The Watershed Coordinator will provide Administrative/Organizational Support to the

Council, including: attending and participating in meetings of the Council, its Board of

Trustees and its committees; managing Council web site, Facebook page, and

correspondence as necessary; assisting in the development of membership, development

and fundraising programs; assisting the Council in the development of grants; serving as

a representative of the Council, as requested; and assisting the Council in the

development of its annual plan of work.

2 RRWC-CSWCD MOU

Furthermore, a major focus area for 2015 will be the continued development of

subwatershed “Stream Teams” - local committees that will increase and enhance

watershed involvement and activities at a local level. Priority subwatersheds for Stream

Team development are Abram Creek, Baldwin Creek, Plum Creek, Coe Creek, Upper

West Branch and the Upper East Branch.

Baldwin Creek Dam 4 Removal,

Riparian Restoration Initiative,

Seek funding for projects in the Baldwin Creek and Plum Creek subwatersheds,

Improving Greenspace Management on Public and Semi-public Lands,

Water Quality Monitoring Program, and

Supervise the Watershed Intern.

Watershed Intern Tasks

On the behalf of the Council, the Watershed Intern will spend 289.75 hours to carry out the tasks

identified in the grant agreement between the Council and NEORSD. These tasks include:

Water Quality Monitoring Program and

Riparian Reforestation Initiative.

Responsibilities of the Council

The Council agrees to:

disburse funding from the 2015 Watershed Support Grant for the District’s Rocky River

Watershed Coordinator position in the amount of $24,336.00 (600 hours @ $40.56 per hour for

salary, benefits and overhead),

disburse funding from the 2015 Watershed Support Grant for the Rocky River Watershed Intern

position in the amount of $3,477.00 (289.75 hours @ $12.00 per hour for wages),

fulfill the administrative requirements of the NEORSD Watershed Support grant,

continue to seek operational support and funding for the watershed Coordinator position, and

support the Watershed Coordinator’s efforts to implement the Rocky River Watershed Action

Plan.

Responsibilities of the District

The District agrees to:

employ and house the watershed coordinator, including providing office space and supplies,

computer, internet access and phone service,

employ and house the watershed intern, including providing office space and supplies, computer,

internet access and phone service,

provide documentation of progress made toward completion of agreed-upon tasks and hours spent

on each task and in support of the Council, and

fulfill the administrative requirements of the NEORSD watershed support grant.

3 RRWC-CSWCD MOU

Agreed Procedures

That the District is a conservation technical and education service agency and therefore is not granted

regulatory authority in the Ohio Revised Code.

That the Council is a 501c3 Nonprofit Organization, as recognized by the Internal Revenue Service.

That all parties will review quality of service and address concerns as they arise.

That credit will be given jointly to the Council and the District for all activities completed as part of

this MOU.

That the District, as employer, will supervise, manage and evaluate the Watershed Coordinator. The

Council reserves the right to evaluate work performed on behalf of the Council.

The Council recognizes the District’s obligation to make its reports and other written materials

available to the public on request in accordance with the Ohio Public Records Act.

All services of the District are offered on a non-discriminatory basis without regard to race, age,

marital status, handicap or political persuasion.

This agreement may be amended or terminated at any time by mutual consent of both parties, and the

agreement may be terminated by either party giving (30) days notice in writing to the other.

In witness thereof, the Memorandum executed and agreed to on the day, month and year written:

Rocky River Watershed Council Cuyahoga Soil and Water Conservation District

By: Ed Kelly By: Ruth Skuly

Chair Chair

Date: Date:

Leaving Tinker’s Creek Watershed sign dimensions: 24”w x 18”h (rounded) Font Size (Arial): Leaving : 3.19 inches Tinker’s Creek Watershed: 3.61 inches Material: 0.080" rustproof aluminum (standard road grade)

Entering Tinker’s Creek Watershed sign dimensions: 24”w x 18”h (rounded) Font Size (Arial): Leaving : 3.19 inches Tinker’s Creek Watershed: 3.61 inches Material: 0.080" rustproof aluminum (standard road grade)

Tinker’s Creek sign dimensions: 24”w x 12”h (rounded) Font Size (Arial): 4.17 inches Material: 0.080" rustproof aluminum (standard road grade)