Minutes of September 2009 meeting of senior democrats of Northwest Arkansas

Northwest Arkansas Senior Democrats
September 15, 2009 Meeting Minutes

Note: Corrections to the August 2009 minutes "Members of the Gridiron cast were introduced by Kathryn Shryl: Kim Morton, Rusty Turner, and Emily Katz." Correct spelling is "Katherine Shurlds, Kim Martin, ...Emily Kaitz."

The meeting was held at the Western Sizzlin' restaurant in Springdale, Arkansas.

President, Nancy Goliff, thanked Bonnie Cook for all her help with the media.

Bonnie introduced the guests: Jan Judy, Uvalde Lindsey, Mark Henry representing Courtney Henry, Julia Haak (?) and associates Kelly and Zach., Mike Hathorn, Beth Storey Bryant-judge candidate, Steve Zega-judicial candidate, Fred Leding, Bill Ramsey, Don Marr-Fayetteville mayor's office and a representative from the Springdale mayor's office.

Amy Wilson introduced Theresa Marks, Director of the AR State Environmental office. She was appointed by Governor Beebe and previously worked in the Arkansas Attorney General’s office. She was appointed in 2007. The mission of the agency is to restore the natural environment for the well being of all Arkansans. The regulatory agency handles appeals. It occupies the first green building in North Little Rock. It also covers areas of air, land and water issues. It covers areas of field work, office management and community out reach. Its authority pertains to laws passed at state and federal level, most federal programs delegated from U.S. environmental protection agency and regulations approved by state pollution control and ecology commission. It also permits race tracks. In regard to public hearings, there is a 30 day notice period. It is governed by the Clean Water Act of 1972. The agency handles water issues in regard to domestic water supply, fisheries, primary control recreation, and extraordinary resource waters. In regard to question about gravel removal, it is prohibited unless it is done on your own property or you have an issues waiver from a county judge. The agency must compose an Impaired Water Body List, i.e. Illinois River impaired for sediment. Water quality criteria-one size does not fit all-must stay in compliance with 303(d) Impaired Water List and TMDL-restoration plan. Phosphorous levels effects are algae blooms, low oxygen which results in fish kills. Oklahoma's regulation impact Arkansas. Area growth contributes to phosphorous levels. A cross borders study to be in future involve-ing Arkansas and Oklahoma. The meeting was opened to questions and answers.

Nancy reminded those that had local school board elections to be sure to vote today.

John Brummett will be the speaker in October.

The meeting was adjourned at 1:00 p.m.

Myra Moran, Secretary