The meeting was called to order at 7:03 by Jim Schneider.

Jim Schneider reviewed the slate of candidates for Board members for 2010, which was distributed prior to the meeting. The members voted to accept the candidates as presented. The Board members who will take office on January 1, 2010 are:

Roger Goings gave an update on the meetings and progress that has been made on dredging over the summer months. He pointed out again that the water study being conducted ties into the public concern on sediment. The water company had previously done some sampling of sediment build and have quantified this build up on a yearly average to be a representative area one foot deep over 64 acres. Another way to look at this is a football field 48’ deep. A question was asked about why the water company was not more concerned about the sediment with reduced water supply. Roger pointed out that the loss of 64 acre/feet over a year represents about 2 hours of water consumption for Indianapolis Water.

Roger showed pictures of the reservoir from 1956, 1962 and 1972 which highlighted the sediment build up over those years.

Two areas have been targeted as first opportunity for dredging: south of Rt. 19 bridge in Cicero and west of Little Chicago Rd. Roger and Jim Schneider have had a number of meetings with both concerned groups. Plans and strategies are being discussed. Everyone involved understands there is no quick fix to this and it is a very expensive process, but we need to start now. Dredging effects all property owners on the reservoir, not only those with shallow water. All of our property values are impacted by the low water levels caused by the sediment build up. As the value of those homes goes down, so do the rest of the homes. The lower property values also have a negative impact on our property taxes which support our communities.

Roger and Jim have held meeting and reviewed the sites with both the Corps of Engineers and IDEM to gain knowledge on the subject and review the permitting process. Matt Clarke has rejoined Roger and Jim on this project.

Jim Schneider and Sam Zajac presented our current financial status. We currently have $4100 in our bank account. $1235 has been identified as matching grant fees. $100 has been identified to be applied to Save the Island. We have spent approximately $2,300 this year which is up from last year. The primary increase from prior year expenses was for General Liability Insurance and Directors and Officers Insurance, the total which was slightly under $1,000.

 Questions and discussions from the audience.

There are basically 2 components which we plan to address. We plan to have a public outreach element to our Cicero Creek Watershed Management plan. We hope to gain additional grant funding for this. We are working with the local municipalities on the water study to make sure we use and share resources.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:00pm.

If everyone on this email distribution list donated just $10, we would have sufficient funds to cover our expenses for 2009. You can make a donation on our web site using PayPal or make checks payable to Morse Waterways Association. Send your check to Morse Waterways Association c/o Jim Schneider 2460 Cape Henry Ct. Cicero, IN 46034. All donations are "Tax Deductible".